My Brave Pony: Starfleet Magic Season XII

Chapters

Intro: Hot/Cold War
Episode 2: Fire and Ice Wars: Part 2
Episode 15: Future's on the Rocks: Part 1
Episode 1: Fire and Ice Wars: Part 1
Episode 3: From Out of the Past
Episode 4: Warm Welcome, Cold Rejection
Episode 5: Tour De La Paces
Episode 6: Hearts of Ice
Episode 7: Work on You
Episode 8: Heated Hearts
Episode 9: Doc-Torn Up.
Episode 10: Hot/Cold Feet
Episode 11: Promotional Protest: Part 1
Episode 12: Promotional Protest: Part 2
Episode 13: A Fiery Fashion
Episode 14: A Chili Gut feeling
Episode 16: Future's on the Rocks: Part 2
Episode 17: Flaming Love
Episode 18: Mountain out of a Whole Chill
Episode 19: Freezer Burn Brain
Episode 20: Part 1: Tough Training
Episode 21: Part 2: Hot & Cold Rushes
Episode 22: Part 3: Raging Races
Episode 23: Part 4: Flaming/Flurry Fury
Episode 24: Part 5: A Hero's a Zero
Episode 25: Part 6: Hot Timing
Final Episode: Final Part: A Warm Coming Together

Intro: Hot/Cold War

INTRO

There are many planets within the galaxies of the Dimensional Universe; many of which have yet to be discovered, and they all have their own specialties, differences, and some even have their own unique races of creatures.

Some are kind and innocent, while others are not!

One race of happy aliens was just going about their peaceful lives-- working, laughing, playing, and not bothering anyone at all…

…When suddenly, a large, flaming meteor-- the size of a small house-- was spotted high in the sky and heading straight for them!

“LOOK OUT!!”

The massive rock crashed hard into the ground, causing a big explosion, horribly obliterating everything in its path-- village and people alike.

They were not the only ones.

Another planet was suddenly bombarded by a shower of icicle like meteors causing destruction and devastation everywhere.

Two more were hit by fire meteors and strong ice rocks that didn’t even burn up upon entering the planets’ atmospheres-- as if they weren’t ordinary pieces of rock or ice.

All these planets were hit by surprise. All these bombardments just showed up suddenly from the depths of space!

These projectiles were all coming from the same place…!

In a far and unexplored sector of the galaxy, there was a lone star system consisting of only two planets orbiting the star.

One was a reddish and very warm planet: The Planet Moltic. With red skies, and hot temperatures, not deadly. Hot Springs and villages like any other with houses, dugouts, and even small cities with a populace of orange skinned humanoid beings with round ears that had small, serrated edges to resemble flames.

The second was an icy blue world: The Planet Iceinia. With cold mountain terrains with lots of ice and snow. Villages and towns as well. Their populace consisted of icy blue skinned humanoid beings with pointed ears.

The two planets were at war with one another-- constantly launching and firing projectiles at one another.

A large flaming meteor was heading straight at Icenia, but it was intercepted by an equal sized ice rock launched. The two rocks collided with each other causing them to head on out into space in different and random directions.

On planet Moltic; in the royal palace. The ruler of the planet gazed through a telescope and was raving mad.

He was King Flareous: A large, muscular Molticean, with large biceps, and wearing thick red and silver armor. He carried a large sword with a bright hot tip, and he wore a strong Viking-like crown made of iron with large horns on the sides.

“Lucky shot, King Blizzord!”

Then he turned to shout at his royal army of Flame Guards. “Arm another meteor to be fired! We’ll show that frozen freak who’s the greatest!”

The guards all complied and rushed about to fulfil their king’s orders-- digging up large flaming stones from the ground, melting them all into one massive rock, loaded in their monstrous cannon.

While in a royal palace on Icenia, King Blizzord was laughing wickedly. He, like Flaerous, was also large and muscular. He also had an icy-like mustache, and short crystal-like beard. He wore an armored vest with large iron bands on his wrists, and a long white robe skirt that stopped at his knees. In his hands he carried a large silver trident with ice-spike shaped points.

“You missed me again, Flareous!” he bellowed. “Now it’s my turn! I’ll make you pay for what you did to me!”

Then he shouted to his army of ice-guards. “Launch the ice-missiles!”

The mighty rockets were launched, but their tail debris of chucks of rock and ice rained back down on the planet-- crashing into the mountains, causing avalanches, and some pieces even struck near or in the nearby villages, frightening the poor residents into taking cover or fleeing for their lives.

Their king did not care a bit, he was far too focused on his task at hand, but not just attacking his neighboring planet…

“SMARK…!” he bellowed.

A short, and dumpy little alien with white skin, great big, floppy ears, waddled into the chamber. “Coming, your freeziness!” He very nearly tripped over his floppy feet, stopping before the king.

“Well?!” Blizzord growled. “What have you to report? Where is my daughter? She’s been missing for nearly a month.”

Smark looked almost afraid to tell him. “I’m… well, sire, the thing is…”

“Out with it!” snapped Blizzord.

“…Your daughter is rather sly, and we’ve been unable to find her.”

Blizzord looked as if he would blow snow through his large ears. “I bet I know where she is… and after I specifically forbade her!”

“I’ve already sent a squad of soldiers to find and retrieve her, my lord. They should return with her soon.”

“For your sake, they had better!”

At the very same time, Flareous was ordering his Flame Guards, “Get out there, and find my son!”

The foot soldiers complied and dashed out.

“KELTAR!!” Flareous shouted.

A tall, thin alien with red skin, tall ears like a donkey, and a flat, nooseless face came in. “You called, sire?”

The king looked ready to explode. “I thought I told you to keep a sharp eye on my son the prince.”

Keltar bowed nervously. “Forgive me, but your son is as rebellious as ever. I turned my head for one second and--”

“I’m not interested in excuses!” shouted Flareous. “You had better hope we find him.”

Keltar shuddered nervously. “Sire, I have also received word. Ice Soldiers have been spotted.”

Flareous flared up angrily. “Take no prisoners! Destroy every single one of them!”

Far away from the devastated ground and all the battle action, a lone figure wearing burlap cloaks and robes silently made his way across the lands of Moltic.

Finally, he reached his destination-- a small rock mountain surrounded by gas geysers.

He skillfully hopped his way up the rocky slope to a flat area halfway up the mountain where the rock formations made a tiny cave niche.

He checked around to see that he was alone and reached for a small sack in his robe. He pulled out a simple clear orb, with what seemed like a vortex inside of it.

He then threw the orb on the ground; it burst open and unleashed a small vortex portal to appear, while the orb closed and lay on the ground empty.

Almost instantly, someone else--a female-- wearing a burlap robe like he was, stepped through the portal, carrying a second clear orb, and having unleashed a second portal where she came from.

She turned back and aimed her orb inside the vortex, shooting a magical beam from the orb itself, resealing the vortex from the other side back within her orb.

The male then resealed his vortex in the orb he had.

The two beings placed the orbs back in sacks on he then faced each other and removed their hoods.

The male was a handsome orange skinned Molticean, with short blonde hair, and a red band around his forehead with a fire emblem.

Prince Pyron.

The female Iceinian, with long sparkling silver hair and a very pretty face. Around her forehead was a beaded tiara with an Ice Emblem on it.

Princess Glaceia.

They gazed at each other with loving smiles, and they came together in a deep embrace, locking their lips together.

When they separated, Pyron expressed great concern. “Glaceia, you should not have come here. It’s too dangerous, and--” he was interrupted by his love holding his hands together in hers. “I had to see you again, my love.

This war between our worlds has gone on long enough. Both our fathers must be stopped!”

Pyron agreed, but he, like his love, had no idea how.

Pyron shook his head and sighed. “If only The Great Warrior would come. He could stop all this.”

Glaceia agreed, and embraced her love, resting her head against his chest. “Oh, Pyron!” she sobbed. “When will this all end? I can’t bear all the suffering, all the pain any longer!”

Her love only embraced her wishing he could answer.

Suddenly, he felt that they were no longer alone.

The couple turned round and saw a swarm of Flame Guards.

They were a massive army of foot soldiers. They had fiery orange skins, and wore rock armor-- helmets, torso pieces, and even gauntlets and boots, and they all carried hot orange bladed swords.

“So, here you are!” one of them bellowed.

Glaceia held on tightly to Pyron.

“Take the prince back to the palace.” ordered the head guard. “The princess shall come as our prisoner. I’m certain King Flareous can use her as a bargaining chip to bring down Iceinia!”

“You stand down!” demanded Pyron. “As crowned prince of Moltic, I order you to leave us in peace.”

“Insolent boy!” bellowed the guard. “We only take orders from the King. He will be furious when he learns of your disobedience!”

The guards moved in closer towards the helpless couple… when suddenly…!

The guards were bombarded and pelted by shards of ice as a horde of Ice-Soldiers came rushing up the mountain trail.

They wore silver, crystal-like armor over their icy blue skin, and carried crystal-like spears made of incredible strong ice that couldn’t be broken as easily as regular ice.

“Surrender the princess to us!” demanded the head guard.

A fierce battle engaged with the two forces fighting against each other, much to the slight relief of the couple. While they hated to see more fighting, this was their chance.

“Come, Glaceia!” cried Pyron, and he began to run with his love further up the trail.

The Flame Head guard saw them. “They’re getting away!”

Both forces stopped their brawl and gave chase.

…Unaware that Blizzord had launched another large ice-meteor from Iceinia!

At the same time, Flareous, who had seen the meteor, ordered another interception-- shooting at that meteor with one of his own.

The two meteors collided with each other, banging off course, and heading straight to the area where the couple had fled!

Higher and higher up the mountain the lovers fled with the two armies catching up from below, until the couple were trapped on the peak with no place left to run.

“Surrender!” shouted the Flame Guards.

“Surrender!” shouted the Ice-Guards.

The couple still refused to give in, or even let go of each other.

Suddenly, one of the guards looked up and screamed, “LOOK OUT!!” The two rouge meteors were heading straight for the mountain. As small as they were, at the speed they were falling…!

CRASH!! One meteor smashed hard against the mountainside, causing a massive tremor which sent all the guards tumbling down the mountainside to their dooms.

Glaceia screamed, but Pyron held onto her tightly.

The second meteor crashed seconds later. against the mountain base, causing the geyser field to erupt so massively that it blasted the entire mountain up, up, up, like a rocket!

The couple held onto each other hard as they went higher, and higher, and right out of the planet’s atmosphere-- exposed to Dimension Space without proper protection.

“GLACEIA…!!”

“PYRON…!!”

The two managed to keep holding each other just a bright flash made them vanish-- warping them deep into Space to who knew where.

…And in the midst of the chaos, Pyron’s vortex orb had fallen loose, and was smashed open unleashing a vortex in orbit at half points between the two planets, while containment its orb was lost-- completely smashed to bits by more debris, making it impossible to seal the hole up

MY BRAVE PONY
STARFLEET MAGIC: SEASON XII

Episode 2: Fire and Ice Wars: Part 2

Previously on Starfleet Magic…

While repelling a meteor from striking United Equestria, our heroes discovered two alien strangers just appearing on the Moon. At the same time, King Flareous and King Blizzord sent their forces to investigate the disappearance of their respective child, which led to an all-out attack on Starfleet with forces unlike any they have seen before and leaving them in quite a backed-up space.

EPISODE TWO

Lava Gator growled, “So, who’d like to go first?”

The ponies kept their stance. Buddy nodded to Rhymey and Artie to get out their weapons.

“VINE WHIP”

“SUPER STAFF”

“WARD SWORD”

“You think I’m scared of those?” Gator huffed.

“You will be!” protested Buddy. “Let’s go, guys!”

The team agreed and rushed forth.

Gator’s eyes gave a glow and he shouted, “LAVA GUSH” opening his huge jaws, spewing hot lava out like a stream, forcing the fighters to back away.

“Carumba! We nearly ran straight into that!” cried Dyno.

“Let’s try attacking from afar.” suggested Myte.

The brothers joined hands, “BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS!” sending their missiles straight at the monsters.

“Not so close!” Gator shouted, “HOT TAIL-WHIP!” He whirled round, slamming his flaming tail right into the middles, destroying them harmlessly.

“No way!” cried Artie.

“That’s not fair!” wailed Pinkie.

Gator only chuckled, “No need to get hot-headed… that’s my job.”

He began to stomp forth, making the ground tremor softly. “LAVA GUSH!” He spewed out more lava, making the fighters dodge again, but the fiery liquid burned up a lone tree in the road.

The sight of the poor tree being roasted to cinders really enraged Buddy. “Oh, that is it!!” he shouted.

“LEAF SWARM!” He unleashed his razor leaves towards the fiery gator.

Keltar, who was hiding behind a short rock wall, chuckled, “Grass against Fire? It’ll never work.” but he was in for a surprise when Buddy unleashed magical light beams from his horn, encasing his leaves in magical aura, strengthening them.

The leaves collided into Gator, making sparks and explosions fly, and the monster groaned and wailed.

Buddy smirked. “I’ve always wanted to try that trick.”

The monster only looked furious as the flowing lava on his rock-skin ignited.

He leapt up high forcing the fighters to scatter about as he crashed down hard making the ground shake.”

“Get him!” shouted Artie, and everyone rushed in to attack.

“Bring it on!” Gator growled, and he easily batted everyone off with his short, but strong, flaming claws.

Sparks and explosions flew all over as the fighters were hit.

Pinkie, Fluttershy and Buddy were down.

“What a hothead!” groaned Pinkie.

The others were still up, but not fairing as well.

“HOT TAIL-WHIP!” Gator swung his tail to trip the guys off their feet, but they all leapt up off the ground dodging it.

Artie then shoved his staff hard into the ground like a blocker. The tail hit the staff with a huge Bonk.

Gator then whirled around again to slash at Artie, only for his claws to clash against Rhymey’s sword.

“Oh, no
I don’t think so.” he chirped.

The two men then gave their weapons huge swings, striking the monster hard across the chest and face, making big explosions and sending him high up into the air, and the twins gave him a double-kick sending him crashing, rolling along the ground.

“Oh, no!” groaned Keltar, and he looked back at the fighters. “These creatures just keep astounding me.”

Gator got up and he was furious; so, made that his body flamed a bright shade of yellow. “Prepare yourselves for a deep roasting!” he growled.

“Oh, no,
He’s going to blow!” whimpered Fluttershy.

Gator opened his huge jaws as lava boiled up from inside. “LAVA GUSH!” but before he could spew it out…

“Not this time!” Buddy hollered, and he magically enhanced his whip, just like his leaves so it wouldn’t burn, and lassoed the monster’s mouth shut causing the lava to overflow in his mouth, causing his rock skin to erupt and blow.

“Excuse you!” joked Pinkie.

Smoke was flowing through the Gator’s nostrils, teeth, and cracks in his, now, dimmed out rock skin.

“This is our chance.” cried Artie.

“Hold it,” said Buddy as he scanned the creature again. “It’s just an alien enhanced with magic.”

This meant they didn’t need to destroy the creature, but arrest and capture it.

“That’s not going to happen!” growled Gator, revealing he was still strong enough to fight back.

“We’ll see about that.” bellowed Pinkie. “Ready Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy nodded, and the two ladies soared forth, and flew round, and around the monster in circles.

“Hey! Stop it! I’m getting dizzy!”

“They got him distracted!” cried Buddy. “Now’s our chance.”

The other men agreed. “I say you got for it, Bud.” said Artie.

“Knock him down into the mud.” rhymed Rhymey.

The Twins nodded, and Buddy stood ready with his whip, setting it to between “Heal” and “Capture.” and then he powered up his finisher.

“WHIPLASH STRIKE!” He leapt up high, “This is for that tree you burned!” and struck the monster hard.

The Gator wailed and shouted as he felt the magic draining out of him, and he fell over and exploded.

Keltar saw the whole thing with wide eyes and an open mouth.

The explosion cleared and left on the ground was the monster badge which shattered, and there was also a prison sphere with the Flame Guard, back to normal, imprisoned inside.

“I must inform King Flaerous of this.” and he vanished through an invisiport without being spotted.

Meanwhile, the ponies and Spike were buried under a hill of snow and ice.

“Lightning! Lightning!!” Krysta called out.

Ice Hoof laughed as he glared at the tiny fairy, “If you’re that worried about you can join them, you can join them.”

He stomped his hoof ready for another brawl… when suddenly…!

The snow mounds burst away revealing all the fighters were still standing, shrouded in their glowing auras.

“What?! You’re still standing!” the monster bellowed.

Krysta smiled with glee.

Outraged, the monster charged forth, “ICE MANE BARRAGE!” firing more of his ice pellets, but Spike and Rarity unleashed their flames and countered the attack.

The monster growled and prepared to charge forth again, only for Celesto to cast a spell and freeze him on the spot so he couldn’t move.

“That spell won’t last too long.” his majesty said, and then he looked at Lightning, “…You have the honor.”

Lightning nodded thankfully.

“CAPTURE BLASTER!” He held up his mighty gun at the beast declaring, “You’re under arrest for the unprovoked invasion of the Planet United Equestria and attempted genocide!”

The helpless monster could only growl.

“FIRE!” Lightning blasted him hard.

KAPOW!! The monster exploded, and all that was left was the guard, imprisoned in a sphere, and his monster badge which shattered.

“Yee-Haw! Out to pasture for you!” cheered Aplejack.

“Awesome!” added Applejack.

Spike and Rarity embraced, and Lightning went over to pick up the sphere as Krysta hovered by his side.

He didn’t seem too thrilled. “I think we’re in big trouble.”

Krysta had to agree with him.

“Lightning!” Buddy called as he and the rest of the unit came soaring in, and Buddy quickly showed everyone the imprisoned Flame-Guard.

Pinkie then noticed the imprisoned Ice-Guard Lightning held. “You caught one too?”

Lightning, upon realizing the creatures-- One of Fire, and One of Ice-- and compared it to those two aliens in the palace.

Before he could say anything, “Brother-in-law…!” Princess Luna said as she appeared.

“What is it?” asked Grand Ruler.

“You had best come to the palace at once-- all of you. There is something you must see.”

Leaving the royal knights to inspect and tend to any damage in the fields, the team teleported to the throne room, where Celestia was having tea with the, now, conscious aliens.

At first some of the team gasped in shock, assuming the worst, but Celestia bolted from her seat insisting. “No! It’s alright. They’re friendly.”

“Friendly?!” exclaimed Rainbow. “You got to be kidding?”

The two aliens stood and softly approached everyone. The male spoke first. “Let me present us…” and he bowed gracefully. “I am Prince Pyron of the planet Moltic, and this is my love.”

The lady curtsied graciously, “I am Glaceia, Princess of the Planet Iceinia. We mean you no harm.”

Celestia then said, “They had just awakened during the battle, and they have quite the story to tell you all. I suggest you all listen.”

The team stood puzzled, but if Celestia trusted them, they were obviously telling the truth. They were willing to listen.

“You two are lovers?” asked Artie.

The couple held hands and gazed deep into each other’s eyes and nodded lovingly.

“It is, true.” replied Pyron. “We wished to elope and to marry so that we would live in peace, but our fathers would never allow it.”

“Your fathers?” asked Grand Ruler.

“…King Flareous, and King Blizzord.” replied Glaceia.

In a series of flashback stills, the couple recounted how their respective planets had been at war with each other for several years.

So many battles!
So many explosions!
So much hate and destruction!

“The meteors!” gasped Lightning.

“The result of our fathers’ carless misfire.” replied Pyron. “We had no idea the damage was so severe.”

Glaceia looked tearful as she envisioned all the many other planets that had suffered. “Many of our own denizens have suffered badly at the hands of our fathers, but now to hear that more have…!”

Pyron comforted her, but he too felt just as hurt.

Rhymey then asked,

“Why would fathers want all this war?
Why cause all this suffering and more?”

Fluttershy added,

“Can’t your mothers say a few things,
How do they feel about your two kings?”

Pyron looked up and admitted, “Our mothers are what began this war in the first place.”

The couple continued to explain…

Many years ago, the people of their planets already never saw Eye-to-Eye, being different elements of course, and yet they never fought each other.

Yet, their planets were not without crimes, or bad guys, or those who would do them harm.

But these forces were all taken care of… at the hands of a Great and Powerful Warrior.

“We had never met him before,” admitted Galceia “But the legends were passed down for generations over both our planets.”

In another series of still flashbacks, Pyron explained about the warrior, but only with dark silhouettes of the great fighter.

He was depicted as Tall, strong, buff, he carried a large axe-staff that could slice with the blade and use a little magic to attack and defend.

“He was neither Molticean nor Iceinian. No one knew just where he had come from-- he never ever revealed his name.

He just appeared one day, slaying the evil forces of our two worlds, and protecting us from those who do us any harm.

He became such a legend, that both our worlds praised the hero, even erecting statues in his honor.”

“Our mothers knew this warrior. They claimed to have had close friendships with him when he saved their lives from the brink of death in their youths.”

“This warrior sounds like quite the noble-one.” said Rarity.

“But what’s this got to do with your fathers?” asked Spike.

The aliens continued stating that, sometime, after their respective mothers married Flareous and Blizzord and became Queens of their respective planets, the hero just vanished. He was never seen or heard from again, not even when there was any danger about.

Pyron clenched his fists, “This left our planets, once again, vulnerable to thieves and unscrupulous doings, but by then our fathers’ armies had further increased, under the guidance of their new advisors… Smark and Keltar.

As our fathers’ forces grew, they become more obsessed with power and wanting more-- trying to outshine each other in greatness and might.”

Glaceia shivered, “And then… came that horrible day…”

The team gasped when she said to their horrors…

“My mother was found dead, on the lands of Planet Moltic.”

Pyron shut his eyes tightly, “And at the very same time, my mother was also found dead on Iceinia.”

“Ay-Ay-Ay!” cried Dyno. “That’s beyond sickening.”

“And let me guess…” added Myte “Your fathers blamed each other for their deaths.”

“Remarkable intuition.” replied Pyron. “With our fathers enraged, the flames of war were lit, and our two races have been ceaselessly battling ever since.”

Everyone was starting to feel as if they had heard enough already.

“But wait…” Krysta asked. “If all that’s true, then… what’s the deal with you two. How did you-- well, you know?”

The others all wanted to know this as well, and the couple were obliged to explain.

Pyron explained, “As the prince of my people, I was trained to be the next king, not exactly by my father as he was far too busy with his own business and the war to care much.

I was trained in battle by the palace guards and tasked to help to lead our armies to victory.

I was chosen to lead a unit to Iceinia and make Blizzord and his army suffer immensely.”

“Attack!!”

His men charged forth battling swarms of Ice-Gaurds and laying waste to the frozen lands.

“Don’t let a single one get away!”

“The Ice-Guards proved to be a greater adversary than we thought. They fought back as mercilessly as we did, and in the midst of the chaos…

I was caught in a powerful explosion, which had sent me flying around the lands away from my troops, and I had passed out.

When I had awoken, I was in extreme pain from the injuries I had suffered, and I was not alone…!

An Iceinian Girl had found me, and she was treating my wounds.

“Don’t move. You’ve suffered quite a few blows. You need time to rest.”

Rarity put it all together and looked at Galceia. “It was you, was it not?”

Glaceia confirmed.

“I was never trained for battle. As Princess of my people, I was sequestered to a sheltered life--always staying within the palace, hardly having many friends, or being able to go places or do much.

With my father always distracted, it was easy for me to sneak out of the palace regardless of the dangers in the outside world.

When I happened upon this injured and unconscious Molticean deep in an ice forest, I don’t know why, but something told me to help him.”

“Why would you--an Iceinian-- help me-- a Molticean? Why not just destroy me?”

“Perhaps I just couldn’t stand to see a creature suffering, even if he was our enemy. Don’t ask me why I feel this way.”

For a few days, the Ice Princess tended to the Fire Prince. Their attitudes towards each other remained the same.

“I still say you should have destroyed me. You know that I can destroy you any time I wish.”

“They why do you not?”

As tempting as it was, and just as easy to slay an unarmed Iceinia, Pyron couldn’t bring himself to do it, and merely excused himself “I am still too weak.”

Glaceia didn’t buy it, but she was forced to flee when Flame Guards finally began to catch up in search of their prince.

“Wait!” cried Pyron, but he didn’t even know why he was calling her.

The guards found him and took him back to Moltic for further nursing.

When he mentioned to his father, Flareous, about the Iceinian that saved him, his father only laughed. “An Iceinian would never heal one of us, they are they enemy! You should have destroyed her when you had the chance.”

“She saved my life!” protested Pyron.

“Which means hardly a thing. An Iceinian is only good… when dead! Remember that while you spend time in your room recovering from your failed mission.”

“But father…!”

“NOT ANOTHER WORD!! I have an attack to plan.”

Meanwhile, Glaceia had been caught by King Blizzord’s men, and her father was furious.

“You deliberately went against my orders and left the palace. I am very ashamed of you, Galceia! Don’t you realize you could have been destroyed out there? It’s a war zone!”

“I had to, Father, and you know very well why. I’m tired of being cooped up like a prisoner in my own home.”

“How dare you! I’ve always given you shelter and provisions, and this is how you repay your father?! Be thankful that your mother is not here to see you now.

Take her to her room and keep her there until further notice!”

Some fathers seeming to care more about war and destruction than the understanding of their own children.

As time went by…

Pyron remained in his room while his wounds continued to heal, he couldn’t stop thinking of that Iceinian Princess, no matter how hard he tried. Even after his wounds had healed completely, he would always remember how she tended to him.

He tried training to get back into shape for further battles ahead, but she was still on his mind, and it dulled his skills.

Knowing his father would not take the time to speak to him about it, he decided, “I must see her again. Perhaps doing so will get her off my mind.”

He got his chance when Flareous decided it was time for him to get back into battle, and he was sent back to Iceinia with an army of Flame Guards.

This time, during a battle, while he was able to send his men into action, part of him didn’t seem to like it, and he himself could not bring himself to join the fight and attack any of the Ice-Guards.

When his chance had come, he managed to slip away unnoticed by all, and he returned to the very ice forest, the very place where he was treated.

As fate would have it, there she was.

Glaceia had once again defied her father’s wishes and snuck out of the palace for a taste of freedom. Good thing her father’s preoccupations kept him easily distracted, as well as the chaos of the war making it hard for her to be watched or seen.

“It’s you.” she said in surprise.

“I…” he could barely find words to say. “I… wanted to see you again. I wanted to… thank you… for helping me.”

She felt flattered and blushed.

They just stood where they were in complete silence.

After a while, they sat down and began to talk things over. It felt rather strange being so near each other. They began to feel something they had never felt before… Warmth. After all, what did you expect when combining hot and cold together.

“Are you hurt?” asked Pyron.

“No… it’s just… sitting here near you, I feel so strange.”

“I… I feel strange too.”

As they continued to talk, the subject of their mothers came up, and were they ever surprised to learn…

“My father did not kill your mother.” insisted Glaceia. “But I was told your father’s forces killed my mother.”

“My father may have said horrible things of your people, but he would never have stooped so low… not then anyway.”

The more they talked, the more they began to realize-- as if for the first time-- why would their mothers even go to the opposing planet anyway?

Glaceia and Pyron finally came to grips with this situation…

“This whole war is pointless.” said Pyron.

“We have to stop this! We must stop the fighting.”

“But how? We can’t prove any of this. All we have are assumptions.”

Glaceia didn’t know why, already feeling how stupid it would be, but she insisted upon bringing Pyron back to the palace to meet with her father and, hopefully, talk things over.

Blizzord really blew his top.

“It’s bad enough you defied my orders again, Glaceia, but now I find that you are involved with the son of my mortal enemy?!!”

It was plain to see that Blizzord had no interest in listening to anything they had to say, not even when Pyron declared. “I don’t wish to fight anymore.”

“Do you take me a for a fool?!” laughed Blizzord. “I see it all now. You brainwash my daughter, sneak into the castle, all in a clever attempt to bring us down.”

“No, father! That’s not it!” cried Glaceia, but her stubborn father refused to hear another word, and he ordered Pyron to be thrown in a dungeon. “We’ll see if we can use him to coax Flareous into surrendering.”

As for Galceia, Blizzord ordered her strictly to remain in the palace, under heavy guard at all times. “If she escapes again, you guards will be executed!”

At this point, Glaceia had lost all respect for him. “You’re a monster!” she bellowed. “I wish YOU had died instead of mother!”

Blizzord never felt so emotionally offended by his own daughter. He couldn’t even bring himself to say a thing to her.

Days passed, and Pyron felt he was really done for as he just sat in that prison cell, but then a miracle happened.

Even with her father’s guards keeping a close watch on her, thanks to their incompetence as well as the war, Glaciea still managed to get the best of them.

Though she had never fought before, Glaceia was extremely artistic-- due to years of neglect from her father and being alone, she taught herself how to carve out of ice.

Using a secretly made ice club, she managed to knock the guard outside her bedroom door unconscious, allowing her to take the key to her room. She then dragged him inside and donned his armor, hiding the guard out of sight.

With her disguise, she easily managed to make her way to the dungeon, where she freed Pyron.

“Glaceia?”

“Shh! Come with me, and hurry!”

Soon, she had led Pyron out of the castle, through secret entrance ways, and gave him what he needed to return to Moltic.

“I don’t know what to say. This is the second time you’ve saved me.”

Glaceia never felt so warm inside, and neither did he.

“Don’t worry about me. I have no desire to return to my father. I will go into the wild where he will not find me. I will survive, I have studied the lands in my books, I know how to go.”

Pyron really could see the heart of a fighter inside her.

“Goodbye.” she said while pecking him on the cheek on impulse, and then she disappeared into the wild.

Pyron was really overcome by what just happened, and so was she after she had left.

Alas, when Pyron had returned to Flareous and tried to appeal to him, his father proved just as bad and as stubborn as Blizzord.

“You allowed yourself to be captured by the Princess of our enemy, and nearly brought forth a consideration of surrender to our clan!

I am ashamed of you, my son!”

“Father, will you not listen to reason. This war has gone on too long!”

“Silence!” bellowed Flareous. “You are not only a disgrace as a warrior, but you have shamed your father long enough.

You are confined to the castle, and never again shall you return to Iceinia to make a fool of yourself or see that rotten daughter of Blizzord!”

Fed up with his father’s thirst for bloodshed and stubbornness, Pyron balked at him. “I have not shamed you father; it is YOU who has shamed me!”

“How dare you speak like that to me!”

“I dare because I’m right!!”

Flareous then ordered his guards to take him away, but Pyron, showing further defiance, attacked the guards and knocked them down, much to his father’s horror.

“Stop this now!” bellowed Flareous, and in a furious impulsive rage, he slashed his own son with his sword, wounding his arm.

“Father… how could you!” he growled.

Flareous immediately felt remorseful in realization of what he had done, but before he could even try to explain, Pyron had taken off despite the pain he was in. “My son!”

Pyron fled the castle, and Flareous ordered the guards to find him, but they never did. Pyron, being a trained warrior, also knew how to make it in the wild, and even used his robes to make a sling for his sore arm.

Weeks passed, and Pyron’s wounds began to heal softly, but were still visible. He never stopped being infuriated with his father or his own people, but he also couldn’t stop thinking of Glaceia.

How he missed her, remembering how she twice saved his life, and she felt the same way he did towards her own father and people.

“Glaceia, I wonder what you are doing now.” he wondered to himself, and the more he thought of her, the more he was beginning to realize “Is this love I am feeling?”

At the same time, Glaciea had taken refuge in the mountains of Iceinia, away from the fires of the war, and she realized how much she was in love too, in the form of a song.

(0:42)

[Pyron]

How has it come to this, I do not understand
We’re two beings of different that serve different command

[Glaceia]

Why am I still thinking of him, when we’re worlds apart
I can’t fight this anymore, it’s etched into my heart

[Both]

I just know, the answer is love
And I know… that love has come my way.

[Pyron]

I should feel anger and hate, and erase her from my mind,
And yet my heart says differently, to put that all behind.

[Glaceia]

Healed him once, and healed him twice, I really don’t know why,
All I know is that he’s the one who’s in my eye.

[Both]

I just know, the answer is love
And I know… that love has come my way.
I just know, the answer is love
And I know… that love has come my way.

In a long instrumental part…

The two longed to see each other, and both happened to have the same idea.

While everyone was busy with the war and all that, they each remembered about the Great Hero, short after his disappearance, he had two vortex orbs, which were buried beneath the great statues erected in his honor and kept in shrines far away from the battle zones.

They each managed to secure the orbs, but the trouble was these ports could only work if both were set up at perfect points to provide both an entry and exit point.

In the most astonishing twists of fate, they both just couldn’t resist trying at the same time, and activated their portals together, creating perfect points between the planets, and to each other.

Glaceia came through the portal, and both she and Pyron couldn’t believe each other’s eyes.

They ran to each other embracing, and finally admitting their feelings for one another.

I just know, the answer is love
And I know… that love has come my way.
I just know, I just know, I just know, I just know the answer is love
And I know… that love has come my way.

Love has come my way (x7)

They continued to meet and rendezvous in secret, constantly using the vortex orbs, falling more and more in love, and eventually planning a future together… which, of course, was incredibly difficult because of the war, not to mention their worry for all the rest of their people suffering from the chaos.

The rest of the story was easy to follow.

The friends all had mixed expressions of horror, and tearful eyes.

“That’s… the most beautiful, saddest story… I’ve ever heard!” sobbed Pinkie, and she blew her nose.

Lightning was just astounded! “And to think, you both fell deep into space, and of all the places in the universe to be warped to, you came here, to us!” He almost lost his breath in anxiety.

Pyron and Glaceia felt equally as astounded and fortunate. Now there was hope for them yet.

Pyron then addressed everyone. “By now, our fathers know of our presence here, and they will not rest until we have been brought home.”

Glaceia examined the two imprisoned guards. “They have already tried now, and they will come again, and again with all the invisiports around.”

Which brought them right to their big point.

Pyron gazed deeply at Grand Ruler, “We have already been told of your Starfleet, your majesty. We have seen what you are capable of, and we know that you are good beings.”

Glaceia then held her hands together but tried not to sound like begging, “Will you help us? Help us bring our fathers down, and end this terrible war, and not just for our sakes, but for the sake of the entire galaxy.”

The fighters were already more than willing to consent. His majesty didn’t even have to look at the determined expressions they had.

He then stepped over to Celestia, and they both gazed at each other with the same looks of agreement.

Grand Ruler then said, “Prince Pyron, Princess Glaceia… we are at your service.”

The couple was ever so grateful and bowed.

Pinkie couldn’t control herself any longer and came between the two. “Aww, we have new friends today. Time for a biiiiiig hug.” and she nearly squeezed the air right out of them.

“Oops. Sorry…”

Everyone had a good laugh, but then Lightning suddenly realized, “Starla! She doesn’t know anything about this.”

“Oh, yes she does.” chuckled Celestia. She held up a magical crystal ball which showed Starla on the other end.

“Hi…” she called to everyone.

Celestia explained, “When she was reported not to have shown up in battle, I knew I had to give her this information too. She heard everything that was said.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t join the battles,” said Starla. “It took me a while to get the baby to sleep, and by the time she did I couldn’t even get my droid ready. Some Supreme General I am.”

Celestia assured her, “You are fine soldier, but you are also a mother. I understand this all too well.”

“Yes, Starla, we understand,” said Grand Ruler, “We know you’ll try your best to help us and that you have a lot to consider now… we all do.”

Everyone agreed, and Lightning spoke deeply to himself, “Watch out Flareous… Blizzord… we’re coming for you!”

(Promo)

In our next episode: Lightning is for the shock of his life when a stray pony brought to United Equestria turns out to be a survivor of his home planet, but things quickly start to shake up when this visitor hopes to take Lightning away from Starfleet altogether.

How will all this affect Lightning, his family, and his friends?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “From Out of The Past”)

Episode 15: Future's on the Rocks: Part 1

EPISODE FIFTEEN

The war between Moltic and Iceinia began many, many years ago, when both Pyron and Glaceia were still very young and hadn’t met yet.

“FIRE!!” shouted King Flareous, and his men launched more flaming meteors against Iceinia, while at the same time, King Blizzord unleashed his own ice-missiles. “LAUNCH!!”

There were massive crashes, huge explosions, and loads of chaos and devastation that followed. Many civilians, villagers, and wildlife of the respective planets suffered horribly as their homes were blasted to bits, and their loved ones perished in the holocausts.

They were not the only ones…

The more meteors and shots were fired and missed, the more these projectiles flew out into Space, where, over time, they caused the same devastation and dangers to other worlds as well.

Starfleet and other forces attempted to deflect these objects and save the populace as best they could…

…Just as they were today!

A flaming meteor and a stray ice-missile were heading for United Equestria… again!

The entire Starfleet Intercept Squads were armed and ready-- the same as always.

Lightning reported to their majesties. “Everyone is in position and awaiting the order.”

Grand Ruler Celesto gave the go ahead, and Lightning called out to the squads, “FIRE!!”

POW!! The unicorns and alicorns combined all their magic into massive beams that shot out into Space, colliding with the large objects and blowing them to bits, or knocking them off course, straight into the sun where they vaporized to nothing.

These attacks were happening so often, that neither Starfleet nor civilians cheered upon the successful diversion this time.

Even Lightning was not too thrilled, when an officer reported to him. “Another successful diversion, Commander.” Lightning could only nod and remark, “That may be, but frankly it’s not this attack that bothers me… it’s the next ones.”

“This is outrageous!” growled Grand Ruler.

“You’re right.” agreed Celestia “All these attacks. All this senselessness! When will it all end?” Of course, she knew the answer as well as anyone else did.

“This will continue until Flareous and Blizzord are stopped for good.” said Luna. “Until that happens, we can only continue as we are.”

“I agree.” said Grand Ruler, but then his tension was showing at the very thoughts of the enemies. “I just wish I could see them both face-to-face!”

At that very moment, Flareous was raging like a blazing inferno.

“This is outrageous!” he bellowed. “All this time, and that pathetic Blizzord still trifles with me, and Starfleet as well!”

“Yes, sire… it is rather troubling.” said Keltar, but this only earned him a furious glare from his king. “I did not tell you to speak!!” he thundered. “There has to be a way to bring down Blizzord and make Starfleet pay for holding my son away from me!”

Blizzord was fuming the same way to Smark. “There must be a way! I must get Glaceia back and bring down Flareous and Starfleet at the same time.”

He cast an angry look at Smark. “Well! Any bright ideas?! I’m waiting!!”

Smark nervously shook his head and stammered, “Uh… I got nothing!”

Blizzord growled and looked ready for the kill, but merely ordered him away. “And don’t you come back until you have a plan!”

Both Smark and Keltar thought at the exact same moment towards both kings. “Just you wait! I have a plan… that will lead to your undoing!”

The next morning, United Equestria, things were normal as usual. Despite another near fatality from an attack from Outer Space, life continued-- Adults went to work, children went to school, the streets were all bustling with business, and Starfleet kept up their patrols.

Pyron and Glaceia went to their own specific jobs…

Pyron was helping to gather wood and stone for construction companies. With his amazing skill with his flame-sword, and his great strength, the workers were pleased to have his assistance.

“Great work, Pyron.”

“You’re an awesome guy.”

“I don’t know what we’d do with out you.” the pony paused “…Well… I do know, but still…”

Pyron shook hands with all of them and accepted they’re thanks to him, and as he walked along his way to help others, many other citizens would stop and wave hello to him, or thank him previous services…

…And while Pyron appreciated it all, he suddenly began to feel a sense of sadness lingering inside of him.

He wasn’t alone-- Glaceia was looking a bit blue herself, and more than just the color of her skin. She just sat on a bench in the park by herself, with her head hanging low.

She seemed to be staring blindly into nothingness, but really, she could see all the happy couples walking by, and very young children-- that were too young to go to school-- in the playground with their families.

Everyone seemed so happy. So full of light, love, and joy, which brought constant mixtures of happiness, and woe inside her.

Who should come along then, but Pinkie Pie and Rarity, taking their respective infant children on a lovely stroll.

“Hey there, Glaceia.” chirped Pinkie.

“Good morning, darling.” added Rarity, and she cooed to little Twilight. “Say “Hello” dear.” But the two mothers noticed Glaceia hadn’t even acknowledged them and continued to sit as she was.

Pinkie waved her hand before her face, but Glaceia still didn’t respond, until Pinkie called loudly to her. “HEY GLACEIA!!” making her leap off the bench in fright.

Rarity jumped in fright as well, while the babies laughed and giggled.

Glaceia got a hold of herself and panted heavily trying to catch her breath as she stood. “Oh… Forgive me, I was far, far, away.”

Rarity caught her breath and straightened herself out, “Think nothing of it.”

“Mmm… I don’t know.” said Pinkie. “You looked like you were the queen of Frown Town, and you know how I feel about frowning-- I HATE IT!!” Her voice echoed all over the park and everyone stopped to look in her way, making her feel embarrassed.

This time, Twilight and Biscuit looked scared, but Rarity comforted them both so they wouldn’t cry.

Glaceia came forth with her woes. “You have all been so wonderful to me and to Pyron for all this time.”

The ladies were confused.

“But that’s hardly any reason to feel glum.” Insisted Rarity, but suddenly it struck her, “Ohhh…”

Glaceia nodded. “Eventually, I must return to my home planet and leave all this behind. I know.”

Pinkie’s smile faded away as she finally realized that as well.

“I know I will have to leave…” Glaceia continued, “But it does not make it any easier for me, knowing I will be saying goodbye to such wonderful friends you have been.”

Now the tears were starting to come to Pinkie’s eyes, and Glaceia and Rarity.

“Please, excuse me…!” Glaceia sobbed softly, and she wandered off to be alone with her mounting sorrows.

“Oh, my… the poor dear.” sobbed Rarity.

Pinkie couldn’t stand it a bit, while the babies only looked at each other with confusion.

When the ladies returned to town, they headed straight for New Sugar cube Corners to talk things over more, and they found Buddy and Artie sitting at a table and looking just as grim.

“Hey, girls…” Buddy called. “Why the long faces?”

When the girls had told the men of Glaceia’s woes, “I get that,” said Artie. “Pyron was visiting my gallery just the other day, and he told me similar things.”

A flashback to that day revealed an unveiling of one of Glaceia’s newest art creations-- complete with refreshments and soft drinks.

Artie noticed that Pyron was keeping a bit to himself rather than chatting and comingling with the other guests.

“Don’t you want to join us?” Artie asked.

“I would love to…” replied Pyron. “However, the longer I stay, and the more I fit in so well with you all… it will only make it that much harder for me to leave when the time comes.

You have been such wonderful friends and great allies to me and Glaceia. You saved our lives, and with your help, our fathers will pay for their crimes.

…How can we possibly leave it all someday?”

Back in the present, Artie told Buddy all this that very morning, and the two men felt glum for the two aliens.

The ladies now felt even worse, and they all sat at the table wondering what to do.

Elsewhere, there had been more woes occurring… over the past several weeks…!

As there were Starfleet outposts and forces on several planets to ensure protection of populace and good beings in the galaxy, there were also observatories to keep lookout at the skies for any sighting of anything unusual, in hopes of sighting potential threats and dangers and having a better chance to intercept before any trouble happened.

One observatory operator saw something unusual in the night sky-- what seemed like a very distant object moving way out in Space, and it was no comet.

“What is that?” he wondered as he took down all the notes he could.

Another observatory on yet another planet saw the object as well but couldn’t make out what it was. “Whatever it is, it’s traveling at an alarming rate.”

This object continued along its way, and other worlds were about to feel a bit of nasty wraths!

The alarms sounded at another observatory, and the operators scanned and concluded a small meteor shower heading straight their way.

“Sound the alarms!”

“Prepare defenses!”

“Ready interceptors!”

The forces did their very best to deflect the oncoming flaming rocks, while others evacuated towns and villages and put up defenses.

“Where did these come from?”

“It looks like they were forced here.”

“But from where, and by what?”

All these mysteries were to be answered very soon, yet another planet, far, far away began to suffer, not from a rain of meteors from intensive heat as if something were reflecting the light from the sun of system like a burning glass over a bug colony.

The observatory of said planet discovered the reason-- a very large object they had been tracking for days passing by the system, with an unusual surface reflecting the sun’s light.

“My stars! It’s enormous!” cried the operator!

The heat was intense and caused much discomfort to the populace, but thankfully, there were no major casualties.

“We’ve got to track that object! Find out where it’s going and then some.” said the operator.

One of his crewmates already had a fully calculated readout, and the operator nearly jumped to the ceiling upon reading it. “We must warn United Equestria!!”

Each of the four ponies spent that day not on patrol thinking of Pyron and Glaceia, even while doing their chores or normal work.

Buddy was picking flowers from his garden…

Artie sat at a blank canvas wondering what to paint…

Rarity was at her sewing table-- hardly paying attention to what she was doing, resulting in disastrous mistakes…

And Pinkie was just gorging on cupcakes, one after another with a low expression on her face.

“Um… honey…?” asked Apple Spice, but seeing his wife give not even a flicker and just continue to pop more cakes down her throat. “…Uh… never mind.” and he left her.

Just then, at that very moment, each of the ponies happened to have the same idea by the little things right before them…!

Pinkie-- with all the fallen sprinkles spread on the table…

Rarity-- with the bits and scraps of fabrics she accidently ruined…

Artie-- just by looking down at the many colors on his painting pallet…

And Buddy-- by the many different flowers he was staring at.

“THAT’S IT!!” they all exclaimed at once, and they all hurried off to see one another, only to run, smack, into each other on the road and all fall, but they were too excited and pleased to groan, and they all went off on a ramble sharing and expressing their idea.

They decided to make a little memory box for the alien couple, and all their friends could place something in it as a remembrance.

Over a song, the friends did their things…

Artie carved the box out of wood, smoothed it down, and painted marvelous mural landscapes all over the lid and the sides, and even the insides, while the others went around and gathered bits and trinkets to put inside it without letting Pyron or Glaceia know… though Pinkie almost let it slip…

The song started out bittersweet…

[Pinkie]

Poor friends in dumps…
Got a case of the low-down lumps
Don’t wanna leave your friends behind

[Rarity]

It saddens us real deep…
We can’t bear to see you weep
But we have something from our hearts and minds

Then the music turned into a cool pop tune…

[Artie]

Gotta paint up this box just so it looks just right.

[Buddy]

I’ll throw in a flower, it’s fake, but light.

[Both]

This gift will memorialize every moment and sight.
Because it’s a gift for our friends.

[Rarity]

Please give a little something,
it’s a small price to pay
Just a little something to remember this day

[Pinkie]

Hey, Pyron, Glaceia…

[Rarity]

Shh! Don’t give it away!

[Both]

We’re making a gift for our friends.

[Boys]

A gift for our friends.

[Girls]

A gift for our friends.

[Pinkie]

Aaaaa-yeah-EeeEee-yeaaaah!

[All]

A gift for our friends.

While all this was happening, their majesties were enjoying some quiet teatime in one of the palace solariums. When they were interrupted by Captain Shaina delivering a Top-Secret and Urgent envelope of papers and marked with a red circle and skull mark meaning “Extreme Danger!”

Grand Ruler took one read of the documents and reports, and his eyes bulged!

“What is it?” asked Celestia.

Her husband let her see the readouts, and she gasped hard!

Later, Rarity made it to Lightning and Starla’s place, and they each contributed to the memory box. Lightning put in a Starfleet badge, and Starla added a miniature telescope. Shining Light added a cute, but crude picture he drew of himself.

“Aw, that’s so sweet.” cooed Rarity.

“I did it all by myself.” chirped Shining.

“You did…” cooed Starla “I’m sure your friends will love it.”

Lightning inspected the contents of the box, and he was rather astounded by all the many bits and trinkets that were given, even a small handmade pendant, obviously Rarity’s donation.

“Don’t you think this a bit much?” he asked.

“Certainly not.” insisted Rarity. “What could be finer than a glamorous, precious piece to reflect the memories of those who have served with you, cared for you and…” she stopped as she started to tear-up. “Oh, my goodness…”

“Well, I think is all marvelous.” said Krysta. “When are you going to give it to Pyron and Glaceia?”

“Not just yet.” replied Rarity. “Pinkie Pie is planning a most-wonderful party where the presentation shall be made.” Then she realized, “Oh! I must get home and choose something to wear. Ta-Ta!”

And she ran off leaving the box in Lightning’s hands. “Rarity, wait…!” he called, but Rarity was already too far off, as well as too excited to hear.

Starla chuckled.

“Oh, well.” said Lightning. “We’ll just hang onto it.”

Starla agreed.

Then, there was trouble as the air-raid warning siren sounded, making little Twinkle cry in fear.

“Daddy!” cried Shining as he raced to his father, trembling.

“Easy, easy.” Lightning said trying to comfort his boy while Starla held and comforted their daughter.

Grand Ruler’s Voice then was overheard. “Emergency! Commander Lightning Dawn and your entire unit… report to New Canterlot Palace immediately! All civilians are to retreat indoors and remain so until further notice.”

The civilians all dropped whatever it was they were doing and made a break for their homes and shelters.

“Let’s go!” said Lightning said as he picked his son up in his arms. Starla stood next to him holding the baby, and Krysta teleported everyone to the palace.

She then returned to round up the rest of the unit and their kids if necessary. Pyron and Glaceia were summoned too.

Once the unit arrived, Starla noticed, “Lightning, you brought the Memory Box.”

“Oh, no!” groaned Lightning. “We were in such a hurry I never had a chance to put it down.”

“We can’t let Pyron and Glaceia see it yet.”

Lightning agreed, and since they didn’t dare take it to the briefing room in case of running into the couple, as he and Starla dropped their kids off at the palace daycare, Lightning asked the Daycare Manager if she would look after the box, to which she agreed, and placed it on her desk to keep an eye on it.

No sooner said than done, did the parents hug and peck their kids. “You behave yourselves now.” said Starla.

“Yes, Mommy.” said Shining Light “And don’t worry about Twinkle. I’ll look after her.”

Lightning smiled proudly, “That’s my boy.”

“…Our boy.” corrected Starla.

In the briefing room, the entire unit was immediately shown magical images of a truly, frightening sight-- an incredibly massive rock flying through space, forcing bits of debris to other planets, and reflecting sunlight onto nearby planets as it passed.

“That’s one humungous piece of rock!” cried Spike.

Their majesties stopped the magical images, and Grand Ruler addressed everyone. “These images were taken weeks ago by long-ranged telescopic stations at other Starfleet outposts. All tracking calculations have been confirmed.”

He didn’t have to go on, everyone else got the idea.

“It’s heading straight for us?” cried Rainbow. “Well, that’s no problem. We’ll just blast it off into the sun like we always do.”

Everyone else wasn’t nearly as optimistic as she was. “Look at that big thing!” wailed Applejack. “I don’t think blasting it’s going to work this time.”

“You are quite right.” said Celestia. “While we have been able to deflect objects heading for us many times before, this one is far too big. According to the calculations…” she paused “…It’s about half the size of the moon.”

Everyone’s eyes bulged wide, and their mouths hung open. This meant the object was far too big and heavy to simply knock off course with normal deflection.

“Well, then… just move the sun.” suggested Rainbow, but Celestia shook her head again. “That also is not optional-- not this time.”

“She’s not kidding.” Dyno said as he and Myte went over the readouts.

“This is no ordinary rock.” said Myte “According to this from deep-core scans, its interior is composed of unstable gasses and cosmic radiation.”

Lightning cringed softly, “Meaning we can’t let it fall into the sun, or it’s unstable chemicals may cause a powerful chain-reaction.”

“Just so…” replied Grand Ruler. “Such forces could damage our sun, and we’d be in worse trouble than before.”

“You don’t say!
And it’s headed our way?!” cried Fluttershy.

“That would seem obviously so,
But where did it come from; I’d like to know.” said Rhymey.

Pyron and Glaceia both had sickening feelings. “…Form our fathers!” Pyron said, and he pointed at the frozen image of the object, “I’d recognize this stone anywhere. It’s from Moltic-- one of my fathers failed attacks against Iceinia.”

Glaceia noted the streaks along the object being Iceinian ice-rock as well. “Yes, my father is responsible for this as well.”

Starla managed to solve all this, “Many of the misfires headed out into space at a fantastic speed. In time, they would have collided with smaller objects, such as meteors, comets, and whole asteroid fields, and thus… tons and tons of small rock form together into one giant planetoid.”

“That was our assessment as well.” said Grand Ruler.

Lightning kept gazing at the object, concerned with its size and velocity. “How long do we have?”

His majesty explained, “Already, this object can be seen in the night skies with the naked eye. We estimate that in less than one week, things will start to go from bad to worse.”

He conjured up more calculated images. “As the objects get closer towards us, just as you had seen, it will start to reflect light from the sun directly onto us. We’d all die from excessive heart suffocation before the object hits us, and when that happens… well…”

The images showed the object striking the planet, and due to its massive size, it would wipe out all life on United Equestria. Even the planet itself would likely explode!

“We’ve got to stop it!! WE’VE GOT TO STOP IT!!” shrieked Pinkie.

Everyone was shaken up by her sudden outburst. “I assure you; we have a plan formulated.” said Celestia. She looked over at her husband, and he narrowed his eyes, “…However, this plan involves a great risk.”

A long moment of silence followed as everyone’s nerves began to rise.

Before long, everyone was gathered in the laboratory where Professor Brain was going over the final inspections of his latest device-- a super implosion bomb. It was about the size of a small box.

The Professor was very pleased. “Ahh, yes. Satisfactory. Most Satisfactory.”

Pyron and Glaceia had never seen such a device before.

“What does this do?” asked Glaceia.

“What does it do?!” Brain asked, feeling a bit insulted. “My dear, this device, when activated, will save our world. That is what.”

He then activated the computer to show images of his theory. “Starfleet have always anticipated that such objects would threaten our world and other worlds.

However, since said object cannot be deflected, our best chance would be to plant this device at the core of the object, and then, upon activation, the device will create a massive demolecularizing field to cause the object to collapse into nothing. Thus, sparing us from a horrible fate.”

Artie explained to the couple, “Basically, it’ll cause the rock to collapse inward and vaporize harmlessly.”

Pyron was incredibly impressed. “Simply incredible,” but then he realized the risks, and addressed Lightning, “You mean to say…”

Lightning nodded, “We’re going to have to send a team to that rock to plant the device at the core and then detonate it.”

Shivers crept up everyone’s backs now fully realizing the incredible dangers involved.

Grand Ruler stepped forward. “I will be going on this mission, in command, and while ordinarily a mission of risk such as this would be on a volunteer basis, I have already selected the team to join me.

Lightning, you of course will be my co-commander.”

Lightning bowed graciously, “I am at your side, sire.”

The team was then selected-- Dyno and Myte, Buddy, Applejack, Spike, and Pyron.

“All of you have been chosen for a special reason,” said his majesty “Apart from your great strength, and your skills in geology, you have incredible ability to withstand and work in the intense heat within the core of that rock.”

The rest of the team understood well and took it in some stride, but Rainbow couldn’t help but ask, “And just what are the rest of us supposed to do?”

Celestia explained, “We’ll be organizing immediate evacuation-- to get everyone to safety in case the mission should fail.”

Glaceia and Pyron felt sickening turns in their stomachs, as did some of the spouses.

“I know it seems frightening,” said Celestia “But we always must prepare for the worst as well as the best, and no matter how much faith we have in ourselves and each other.”

Lightning gazed at Starla. His wife had a faithful expression on her face, but he knew she was as concerned as he was.

Rarity was quivering softly as she gazed at Spike, and he gazed at her.

Easily it was Glaceia and Pyron who were the most concerned.

He approached her and assured her. “I know how you feel about this, but I am needed.”

Glaceia bravely tried to fight off her tears, “I understand, but if anything were to happen to you, I… I just don’t think I could go on.”

Everyone’s hearts were feeling heavy.

Pinkie sniffled and looked as if she was going to bawl.

Lightning approached them. “Glaceia, you know we must do this.” Then he looked at all his friends. “We all know we must do this, because if we don’t, everyone could die-- Everyone! We need you to be brave.”

Glaceia said nothing but gave a soft nod indicating her understanding.

Now, there was much planning to do, for that giant rock was coming in with its sights on the planet!

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode: It’s blastoff as some of our heroes take off to tackle the dangers and adventures of the oncoming planetoid, which are soon met with incredible, yet unwelcoming surprises. Meanwhile, the evacuations are met by more trouble as monsters come forth to delay things.

Can our heroes save their planet from both threats?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Future’s on the Rocks: Part 2”)

Episode 1: Fire and Ice Wars: Part 1

EPISODE ONE

Shining Light, Son of Commander Lightning Dawn and Supreme General Starla Shine was nearly three years old. He could walk, talk, even feed himself and dress himself, and pick up his toys, but he was still just a little colt.

He was being babysat by Pinkie Pie while his parents were at the hospital.

They had been away for three days, but Pinkie took great care of the little fella. It also did good for him to play with her son, Biscuit Pie, who was about one and a half years old and just learning to talk and walk.

The two children were playing a clapping game on the floor and making cute poems as they played…

“I am your friend, you are mine,
I’m so happy, I could shine.”

The two children laughed and giggled, which Pinkie found adorable. She cooed as she smothered the boys, “Aww, You two are just so cute. Yes, you are… Yes, you are!” and she pecked their little heads making shining blush.

Just then, there was a rattling at the front door.

Shining Light jumped joy. “Mommy’s home! Daddy’s home!”

Lightning came in through the door with a suitcase, “Hello.” he playfully called.

“Daddy! Daddy!” cried Shining.

“Ah, there’s my big boy.” Lightning said as he took his son from Pinkie and hugged him warmly.

As Starla came in, Lightning motioned for everyone to keep their voices down.

“Hi, Mommy.” Shining said softly.

“Hi, sweetie.” Starla said and she pecked her son sweetly on his head. “Look who Mommy brought home.” She held up a little blanket wrapped around a new baby alicorn mare. “This is your little sister, Twinkle Star.”

Everyone’s eyes fell over the little sweetheart. She had a white coat, a purple mane like her mother, and big brown eyes like her father.

She also had an anti-magic manacle sealed on her horn to prevent her using magic, and an alti-lift patch on her wings to prevent her from flying.

“Baby?” peeped Biscuit.

“That’s right, honey. That’s their new baby.” cooed Pinkie. She was trying her hardest not to burst out and get all hyper, especially while carrying her son, but she was weakening, and shaking, which Biscuit felt was fun as he jiggled in her arms.

She finally put him down. “Sorry, honey. Mommy has to do this.” and she zipped off, coming back with a tiny cupcake, with a pacifier-shaped candle at the top.

She drew in a deep breath as if to start going crazy, much to everyone else worry, but she left out softly, “Happy Welcome Home Day… wittle Twinkle Winkle.”

The baby just blinked her beady little eyes softly, but Lightning and Starla sighed in relief.

“Aw, she’s so beautiful.” cooed Pinkie.

“She really is.” sighed Starla.

“What do you think, son?” Lightning said as he lifted Shining up. “Do you like your little sister?”

Shining looked at the baby and she looked up at him. Her little lips then curled into a soft smile, and it made him smile too.

“I’m a big brother!” he cheered softly.

“Yes, you are…” cooed Starla, and she pecked him again, and then her daughter.

Lightning just looked back and forth at his wife and children, and he shed a small tear.

“…You okay?” asked Pinkie.

Lightning nodded, “That was a tear of family joy.” With his one free arm he brought Starla and the baby closer. “My family!”

This made Pinkie feel like crying too, and she scooped up her own son in her arms. “I love you, Biscuit. Yes, I do.” and she pecked him multiple times.

Her son gave his mother a little peck on her cheek, which made the tears flow from her eyes. “Love, Mommy.” he chirped.

The moment of bliss was interrupted by the sound of the world air-raid siren going off outside, which made Twinkle and Biscuit cry by the frightening noise, and Shining Light cover his ears.

“Not again!” groaned Lightning.

“That’s the third time this month that’s happened.” complained Starla.

The air-raid siren was a warning that a large object-- possibly a meteor or an asteroid-- was heading towards the planet, and Starfleet squads were prepared to intercept it.

There were two objects this time… one was a flaming meteor, and the other was a large piece of ice that turned into a comet the closer it got to the sun.

Many citizens of United Equestria could see the objects coming with the naked eye, even in broad daylight.

Hardly anyone showed any fear, some even had bored expressions.

Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia ordered the intercept squads out.

A large fleet of Space alicorns and unicorns stood together in the New Canterlot fields. Combining their magic all together…

POW!! They fired a massive stream of magic up, up into the sky, out into space, colliding into the burning meteor, nudging it just enough to bang it off its course, sending it smashing into the second meteor, and both rocks were sent straight into the sun where they vaporized harmlessly.

Normally, this would cause an eruption of cheer and rejoice, but due to the common occurrences, the people just sighed and went back to their daily routines.

Starla and Pinkie calmed the babies down, and Lightning patted his son on the head, “You can take your fingers out of your ears now.”

Shining hugged his father, still a little afraid. “It’s okay. It’s all over now.” Lightning whispered to him.

Pinkie was still grumpy with all. “This is nuts! Where are all these chunks of rock coming from?”

“I’d like to know that too,” said Lightning. “Reports have been coming in that these rocks have been showing up out of almost nowhere and striking other planets, not just ours.”

Starla remembered hearing about these reports weeks before she went to the hospital. “There’s no chance of tracing their places of origin?”

Lightning shook his head, “We don’t have any leads so far. The Observatories have been tracking the objects by the trails they leave as they move through space, but the trails only go so far and only seemed to stop dead in the middle of space.”

This meant there was no way to tell exactly where the objects came from or how far they traveled. As far as Starfleet knew, they were just bits of flaming/ice rocks bumping around through space.

“So, a search is useless?” asked Pinkie.

“Afraid so.” replied Starla. “Frankly, it’s not our planet I’m concerned about. We can intercept them easily, but what of the planets that can’t?”

A long moment of silence followed as everyone had looks of worry and horror on their faces.

“Daddy?” chirped Shining Light. “Are we going to get smashed?” He sounded very scared and worried.

His father hugged him warmly and assured him, “Don’t you worry, sweetheart. We won’t let it happen, will we, Mommy?”

Starla nodded proudly, although she wouldn’t be doing too much as she on maternity leave, but she would have her remote droid-double to do any battling for her.

Meanwhile, up on the Moon, there was Lunar Base one-- the research facility built out of the battered hulk of a old crashed enemy spacecraft.

Many ponies or other creatures of Starfleet and Science worked and stayed at this massive base to conduct private research, or to observe the stars and the galaxy from a greater viewpoint rather than on the planet itself.

Right now, their main project was tracking those meteors and trying to find any clues as to where they came from and if any more were on the way.

Lightning’s friends often visit the base upon orders to help with research or delivery food, water, and other supplies.

Today, Spike, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were tasked and ordered to make that delivery with Krysta’s help-- bringing crates of food and drinks to keep the storage bunkers stocked up.

The Moon’s low gravity made it easy to ship the large boxes.

Rainbow was grumbling softly. “All that combat training. All those exercise drills, space flights, combat practices… just so I can deliver a few intergalactic groceries.”

Rarity felt just as annoyed by all this as she patted dust off her uniform. “I have a Fashion Shoot to prepare for, and here I am scraping up Moon Dust.”

Spike was growing annoyed. “Will you two quit complaining already. It was kind enough of their majesties to let us put Twilight Sparkle Scales in the palace Daycare until we got back.”

“We’re almost done anyway.” said Applejack. “So, quit your whining and get to work.”

“Besides, you all got a trip to the Moon out of it.” added Krysta. “How often do you get to come up here anyway?”

Rainbow was not convinced. She was longing for more action and excitement rather than menial tasks. “When is something exciting going to happen around here?” she complained.

“Come on, Rainbow. Don’t go wishing for trouble.” said Spike. “We’ve already got our hands tied with all this meteor stuff. What else could happen?”

The second he said that there were large flashes of light striking over the lunar hills.

The alarms went off in the base and the creatures began rushing to their stations.

A team of scouts left the building heading out over the hills to investigate.

“What’s happened?” asked Krysta.

One of the soldiers replied, “We’re detecting readings of life.”

Rainbow’s eyes and sense of exactment lit up brightly.

“Rainbow!” snapped Krysta “You have your orders. This isn’t your assignment!!” but Rainbow had already dashed over the hills.

“Ugh!” groaned Applejack, and she flew off after her.

“Hey! Wait up!” Krysta hollered as she followed.

“Oh, dear!” groaned Rarity.

“Come on, honey.” said Spike.

When the gang and the squad arrived on the scene, they could not believe their eyes; two unconscious aliens in burlap clothing lay flat on the ground.

Spike, as a General, ordered, “Get these two into medical-care, and prepare them for transport to the planet.”

“Yes, Sirl!” the troops replied.

Very soon, the two aliens were placed on special stretchers and brought back to the Lunar Base.

Suddenly, there was another series of bright flashes in the sky.

“What now?” cried Applejack.

Everyone looked and saw tiny shooting objects, like shooting stars falling into the atmosphere of United Equestrian, and they vanished into nothing.

“Whatever was that?” wondered Rarity.

“Probably just bits and pieces of the meteor that was just intercepted.” suggested Rainbow.

Krysta was not convinced. “When was the last time you heard of meteors giving off flash storms with no warning?”

Right now, they had bigger things to do, like get the aliens back to base.

Meanwhile, Flareous was fuming at Keltar.

“All my Flame Guards were wiped out?!” he bellowed. “My son was seen with Princess Glaceia, and they were blasted out into Space?!”

“Yes, sire.” replied Keltar “The scouts informed us of their observations. Prince Pyron has vanished.”

Flareous flared up, ready to incinerate his lackey in a fit.

“…Sire please!” shouted Kalter “There may be hope yet to find them!”

Flareous calmed down. “You had better make this good. I have enough to worry about without Blizzord hearing of all this!”

Keltar motioned up to the big vortex which could be seen with the naked eye. “That is warp vortex. It serves as an instant gateway between this portal and wherever a second one is placed.”

“I’m well aware of this!” snapped Flareous, and then suddenly he realized and chuckled wickedly, “Of course… it just may work.”

While at the same time, Blizzord was speaking with Smark.

“What is that vortex, my king?” Smark asked.

“Don’t you know anything?” the ice king balked. “That vortex was used by The Great Warrior, who defended our two worlds from disaster, long before this war began.

He used them to instantaneously transport himself from one area to another to confuse his enemies and get the better jump on them.

When the warrior disappeared, two of his portal orbs were left behind. One was kept on Motlic, and the other was kept here on Iceinia.”

He began to understand now. “Glaceia! She must’ve taken the vortex orb from its resting place, and used it to rendezvous with Flareous foolish son, Pyron!”

Blizzord was looking angry enough to melt his icy skin, which frightened Smark to the point of backing away from him.

Suddenly, there was a bright flash in the sky.

The vortex was going crazy, and it just exploded into tiny little fragments that rained down all over Icenia and Moltic, vanishing into seemingly nothing.

“What has happened?” wondered Blizzord.

“I don’t know.” peeped Smark.

Flareous had seen the light shower as well. “What happened to the vortex?”

“I am uncertain,” replied Keltar. “Perhaps an investigation is in order?”

“Yes, you do that.”

“Me, sire?”

“Yes! Is that a problem?”

“N-N-No Sire, it’s just perhaps I shouldn’t go alone, and I did want to demonstrate my new form of Flame Guard to you.”

“What new form?”

Keltar demonstrated by revealing a handful of dried-up rocks with hot streaks across them. He threw the rocks to the ground, and in small flares appeared Flame Guards, only they were artificial beings only made to fight, had little to no fear, and never questioned orders.

“I had been working on it for months,” explained Keltar, “I thought perhaps we would use them in the war so as not to waste our best soldiers.”

Flareous looked at all the guards, and he snickered, “Interesting. You just may have pleased me, Keltar.”

Keltar bowed, and then he said, “I also have one other thing to show you.” and he motioned for a real Flame-Guard to approach.

Flareous grew impatient, and-- not interested in more delays-- bellowed “JUST GET OUT THERE AND INVESTIGATE!”

“Let’s go!” Keltar cried to his guards, and they all rushed out together. The real Flame-Guard followed them too.

Meanwhile, Smark was trekking through the icy terrains of Iceinia. He was sent to investigate the strange occurrence as well.

“Why do I always have to do the hard stuff?” he grumbled. “It’s dangerous out here.”

The feeling of facing an angry King Blizzard to be worse, he continued to the point where one of the flashes was seen.

“This is where it was.” he said to himself, but he couldn’t see anything at all.

“Hello…” he called up expecting something to happen.

“Hey! Will something happen already?!”

Still, nothing happened.

His tantrums alerted a lone Ice-Soldier patrolling the lands-- a real one.

“What are you shouting for?” he asked. “I almost thought you were a Moltician.

Smark felt insulted but explained himself and his mission.

“Come with me…” said the guard and he led the dumpy little fella to an empty area. “I noticed one of the flashes seemed to settle here, and then it just vanished.”

Smark and the guard both investigated the area together.

“There’s nothing here!” growled Smark. “Thanks for waiting my time, when I could have--” but as he ranted, he raised his arm up high, and suddenly, both he and the guard were caught in some force that made them both vanish in rays of light, and they were gone.

Meanwhile, Pinkie had gone home with Biscuit, while Lightning and Starla were putting little Twinkle down for her nap.

The proud parents looked down at their sleeping angel, only for Lightning to be distracted by Shining Light softly poking his leg and wanting to get up and see.

Daddy picked up his son and let him look.

“She’s cute.” Shining whispered.

“Isn’t she…?” cooed Lightning.

Starla smiled lovingly at both her children, but then she whispered into her husband’s ear. “What do you think those lights were?”

He whispered back, “I’ve already received word that the research is underway. Hopefully we’ll know soon enough.”

Suddenly, without warning, Krysta appeared in their home crying out, “Lightning! Lightning!”

Lightning and Starla both gasped in fright, and poor little Twinkle woke up crying loudly.

“Ooh! Sorry, I forgot about the baby.”

Starla comforted the baby attempting to calm her.

Lightning put his son down. “What is it, Krysta?”

“You need to come to the palace, it’s big-time urgent.”

When it came to Starfleet, duty always had to come first unless there was a good reason not to, and being a father with a new baby was not one of them. As Commander, Lightning had his obligation, while Starla would stay behind as she was on maternity leave and needed to tend to the baby.

She understood this and nodded at him, “You better go. I can handle things here.”

“And I’ll stay and help, Mommy.” offered Shining Light.

Lightning patted his son on the head, “That’s my boy.” and he hugged him, and then pecked Starla goodbye before he warped away with Krysta.

Once at the palace he was greeted by Grand Ruler Celesto, Queen Celestia, and Princess Luna.

“Glad you made it, Lightning.” said his majesty.

Lightning bowed respectfully and then he asked, “What’s going on?”

“Come and see for yourself.” replied Celestia.

Lightning was led to Sickbay where he was greeted by his other friends, but what he saw next nearly left him speechless.

“Galloping Galaxies!” he exclaimed softly when he saw the two aliens in their tubes and hooked up to life-support.

The two had been analyzed while on the Lunar Base, their vital signs were normal, while their body temperatures were understandable that of higher/lower than normal beings as they were of Fire and Ice, but not so high or low to cause any concern.

“They don’t look like any known creatures I’ve seen.”

“This was our trouble as well.” said Grand Ruler. “If all our preliminary data holds, they were definitely transwarped through Space and crashed on the Moon.”

Lightning nodded, “Which means we don’t have the slightest idea who they are, what they are, where they come from, or much else.”

“So, we’ve pretty much discovered a new species.” said Spike.

Rarity shuddered at the aliens’ unsightly burlap cloaks. “Whatever would possess them to wear these ratty things?”

“How wicked is this?” chuckled Rainbow. She was still gloating over being among the first to actually see the aliens and come into contact with them. “I can just see it now…”

And she imagined herself being on the cover of all important magazines or being praised for this discovery and having statues in her honor.

Luna cleared her throat snapping her back into reality.

Rainbow felt embarrassed, “Sorry.”

Celestia then said, “The only way we’ll know more of them is when they wake up.”

“But even then, it is uncertain if whether they are friends or foes.” cautioned Luna.

“Agreed,” said Grand Ruler. “Until further notice, they are to remain under close guard and be examined for any details.”

The Sickbay staff agreed and continued to do their work.

As Lightning continued to look back and forth between the two aliens, and noting their elements of Fire and Ice, he began to ponder, “Maybe these two know something about all these molten and ice meteors we’ve been tracking.”

Everyone else had the same idea as he did, although Rainbow kept more of her ego imagination-- dreaming that she’d get credit for unlocking the mystery of this as well.

Suddenly, the Red Alert sounded.

“Quick, to Main Ops!” ordered Grand Ruler.

He quickly teleported himself and the group to the Control Center.

Captain Shaina was there being briefed already.

“Your majesties!” she cried “Just moments ago we detected strong, unusual teleportation energies occurring around New Ponyville, followed by unidentified life readings.”

Lightning’s insides immediately crawled with worry, “Starla!”

Everyone was just going about, minding their own business, working, playing, or just hanging out, when suddenly these strange creatures just appeared in bright flashes.

The alarms were instantly sounded, and the ponies began to run for the nearest shelter, while Starfleet sentries.

“Interesting!” mused Keltar. “I wonder what this place is?”

“Freeze!” shouted a voice.

Buddy Rose landed in the middle of the road, already in his super-armor, and he wasn’t alone.

Joining him were, Rhymey and Fluttershy, Artie, Pinkie Pie, and the Spanish Twins Dyno and Myte.

“Ah, you must be the welcoming party.” teased Keltar.

Buddy, taking charge of the group demanded, “We are Starfleet of Planet United Equestria. State your name, your place of origin, and your purpose for being here.”

Keltar looked confused, “Starfleet? United Equestria?”

“You’ve head of us.” said Artie.

“No. I just want to remember that when I report back to his majesty.”

“Majesty?” everyone felt.

Rhymey then spoke severely to the stranger.

“We ask you again, where are you from?
How did you get here, and why have you come?”

Fluttershy then added,

“This is your last chance,
Answer now, or we’ll advance!”

Keltar was really becoming intrigued by these creatures and their stance of aggression. He just had to find out how serious they were.

“Get them!” he shouted to his Flame Guards.

The soldiers, holding their swords high, rushed forth.

“Guess it’s the hard way.” said Dyno.

“Andale!” shouted Myte.

The team all rushed forth, combating the now, hostile aliens.

“Ha!” Buddy shouted as he gave one a huge kick in the chest. The guard fell over backwards and crumpled away like the molten rock he was made from. “They’re artificial!”

This was good for the others to know.

Another guard swung and slashed his blade at Artie, but Artie dodged every swing, and then blocked the guard’s arm with his own. He could feel the heat coming from the creature’s hot body. “Whoa! You seriously need to… chill!” Artie shouted as he kick-tripped the creature down.

Pinkie was surrounded by three more guards. “Can’t we start over and be friends?” she asked innocently, but the alien soldiers stepped forth with their swords ready.

“Didn’t think so.”

The aliens struck for her, but she leapt up high, splitting her legs in midair like a gymnast, and then spun rapidly, kicking the aliens in their faces.

While the ponies all continued to make quick work of the Flame-Guards, Keltar stood where he was feeling more and more amused by the minute at their fighting skills.

“They’re beating all my guards like they are nothing. I must test them further, and I have just the thing.”

He reached into his robe a pulled out a larger fiery-glowing rock badge with a carving of an alligator on it-- the very other thing he had intended to show Flareous.

He then motioned for someone to come forward-- the real Flame Guard whom had followed him, but was asked to keep out of sight.

“I am ready.” The guard said.

Keltar nodded and stuck the badge on the guard’s forehead.

At once, the guard growled and wailed, and finally there was a big explosion, just as the ponies finished off the last of the artificial guards.

“What was that?” cried Dyno.

“Look!” said Myte.

The smoke from the explosion had cleared, revealing a large, hulking creature. It was twice the size of the ponies. It had a huge alligator face with teeth and everything, and its entire body was coated in red hot rocks… and it laughed wickedly. “Now this is what I call power!”

“Check it out!” exclaimed Buddy as he scanned the creature with his visor. The creature was unknown, but apart from realizing it was a mutated living-being, its temperature was super-high, and its strength levels were strong, almost as if it were made from a kind of molten rock.

“How do you like my Lava-Gator.” hissed Keltar. “I’ve been meaning to test these badges out, but they can only be used on real Flame-Guards, rather than those hollow fakies.”

The ponies didn’t like this one bit.

While all that happened, right before the battle ever started, Lightning realized, “I’ve got to go back and help the others.” but just as he and Krysta were about to teleport away, the alarms went off again.

“Another teleportation reading!” cried Shaina. “Unidentified beings have just appeared within New Canterlot Village.”

Lightning growled.

Grand Ruler clenched his fist. “Celestia, Luna, you two stay here and help monitor. The rest of us will investigate.”

His wife and sister-in-law agreed, and Celestia pecked him for luck, “Not that you need it.”

Lightning and the girls decided to transform.

“Starfleet Magic!”

“Harmony Hour! Friendship Power!”

“Dragon Power!”

Smark and the Ice-Guard that was caught with him suddenly appeared in the middle of town, instantly scaring the civilians, and the alarms were sounded.

“Hey!!” Smark growled as he pulled his floppy ears shut. The civilians screaming as they ran away for shelter made it worse.

“What is this place?” wondered the Ice-Guard.

“Halt!” shouted a voice, and that’s when a horde of royal knights stood together.

The lone Ice-Guard looked ready to take on the swarm of ponies, but Smark had a feeling, “I think you’re going to need some backup.” and he threw on the ground a load of icy-like crystals, which transformed into artificial Ice-Guards evening the odds.

The two forces looked ready to brawl when…

“Stop!” shouted Grand Ruler as he and the others landed on the scene before the guards.

Shaina scolded the sentries, “You all know fully-well we’re supposed to wait and see if they mean us harm.”

The guards stood down at their Captain’s orders.

Grand Ruler and Lightning’s team softly approached the aliens.

Smark looked at his majesty and asked, “I take it you’re the boss here?”

His majesty nodded, “I am Grand Ruler Celesto: Commander-in-Chief of Starfleet and Co-Ruler of the Planet United Equestria.”

“United-Equestria?” asked Smark “Doesn’t ring a bell, but I do like this “Starfleet” thing.”

Lightning stepped forth. “Who are you, and how is it you came to this planet without our noticing?”

Smark’s features hardened. “Hey! You can’t talk to me like that, why, I’ll… I’ll…!”

“Stop this!” insisted Grand Ruler “We don’t wish to hurt you, but if you mean us harm, we will defend ourselves.”

Smark was starting to like this assertiveness. “I may have been sent to find the Princess and her so-called lover, but I think I’ve found more.”

“Princess and her lover?” said Rarity. “What’s he talking about?”

Spike wondered, “Do you think he means those two aliens we found?”

Smark overheard them. “So, they are here. That’s all the sweeter.” He then cleared his throat and declared “I demand you hand over the Prince and Princess immediately… please.”

Grand Ruler and Lightning put two and two together. These strangers had some connection with the two aliens in the Sickbay, but even still…

“We will not hand them over to you until we know more about you.” insisted Lightning.

Smark’s features hardened. “Look, I don’t have all day here. Just hand them over and come with me to see King Blizzord. I’m sure he could use fighters like you in his army against Planet Moltic.”

These names still made no sense to the team, but Grand Ruler said clearly, “We state again… we shall not comply with you until we know more about all this.”

Smark lost his patience. “Guess we’re doing this the hard way.” He then pulled out an icy badge with the marking of a horse on it and tossed it to the real Ice-Guard. “Put it on your forehead.”

The Ice-soldiers rushed forth, and Grand Ruler-- now classifying the aliens as hostile-- cast them all in with a barrier dome.

The Ice-Soldiers slammed against the walls furiously pounding at it.

“Yeah! That should hold them.” cheered Rainbow.

“You think so?” teased Smark, and he and the other aliens jumped off the ground, vanishing into thin air.

“What?!” exclaimed Grand Ruler.

“How did they do that?” wondered Lightning, but his visor suddenly showed that the very air was loaded with tiny fragments of teleportation energies.

“I can’t be…!” said Krysta, but she knew it was. “…Invisiports!”

Everyone looked her way, “Invisi-- wha…?” asked Applejack.

Krysta, being an expert on teleportation arts, explained, “It’s a form of invisible portals that can instantly transport beings from one place to another-- like an interdimensional tunnel.”

Suddenly, the aliens reappeared.

“We’re back!” chuckled Smark.

He brought more artificial Ice-Guards, but that was all.

Right next to him appeared a large and fearsome horse-like creature. He had sparkling, icy skin, a crystalized mane, and he snuffed strong icy winds through his nostrils.

“Ice-Hoof, at your service.” he hissed.

Smark snickered, while the fighters all stood ready to intercept.

“It’s go-time!” hollered Lightning.

Grand Ruler agreed, and he instructed the knights. “You take on the foot soldiers, we’ll handle the beast.”

“Yes, sire.” replied Shaina. She raised her lance up and shouted to her knights, “Charge!”

The knights complied and rushed into action against the alien soldiers, leaving his majesty and the others to stare down the monster.

Ice-Hoof stomped his hoof and snuffed threateningly, and then he came rushing through at incredible speed, forcing the fighters to leap out of the way.

As the horse sped by, he stirred up a trail of icy winds which everyone felt.

Ice-Hoof then reared up and stomped down hard, shouting, “ICE MANE BARRAGE” unleashing loads of sharp ice pellets from his mane that exploded as they hit the ground, hardly hitting the fighters.

“Talk about Freezer Burn!” cried Rainbow.

The monsters charged again, but Spike stood ready!

“DRAGON FLAME-WHEEL!” curling himself up in his flames, he rolled out and slammed hard into the charging horse, resulting in an explosion that sent them both flying up and crashing down hard.

“Spike!” Rarity cried as she ran to her husband’s side.

Spike was fine, but he was outraged. “For a guy of ice, he can sure take heat.”

Lightning clenched his fists, but now that the monster was wide open, he rushed right for him, roaring and aiming a strong punch, but the monster dodged-- sprinted right ahead of him, and prepared to buck kick him hard, but Lightning managed to quickly spin round and put his arms out front to intercept the kick, which sent him backwards on his feet a few yards.

“You think you’re so tough?” bellowed Ice-Hoof, only for a lasso to lash around his neck.

“We don’t think; we know!” bellowed Applejack.

Ice-Hoof jerked about trying to break free, and Applejack could barely hold her ground, but Rarity came over and lassoed the creature’s body in a light stream from her horn.

“Get him!” she called her friends.

POW!! Grand Ruler kicked the beast hard in the side.

BAM!! Rainbow gave a soaring punch to the creature’s big face.

“Take this!” Lightning shouted as he fired multiple pulses of Uniforce, and Krysta added by firing many beams from her wand, and Spike gave a huge fiery breath to boot.

Sparks and explosions flew about, and the monster tumbled over with a loud thud, shaking the ground.

“Whoa!” cried Smark. “This is getting too dangerous for me.” And he quickly went through a warp.

The creature growled and bolted back up on his hooves. “That was uncool, so now try this!” he bellowed. “FREEZE FISSURE!” He stomped his hoof sending a blue shockwave through the ground, splitting the ground open into big pits spouting harmful snow and ice.

KAPOW!! The force of the eruptions blew the fighters off their feet hard as tons of snow fell on them.

“Lightning!” cried Krysta.

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode: Our heroes continue to struggle against their new foes, and upon a successful defeat, they begin to learn more of the situation going on from their two new allies.

How did all this begin, and what is the story behind the two aliens?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Fire and Ice Wars: Part 2”)

(End Credit)

Episode 3: From Out of the Past

EPISODE THREE

Lightning was five years old and running through the lands of chaos and destruction of his home planet, Harmonius.

Explosions, fires, and devastation were everywhere, and the sight of all the corpses of his people freaked him out so much.

Then the sound of wicked laughter made him turn round, and he saw her—Serpentari, the great evil responsible for the destruction of his planet.

“Hello lunch!” she hissed while licking her fangs.

Poor Lightning, defenseless and powerless, could only scream in horror, only to be safely pulled away by his mother who ended up taking the hit for him.

“Mama!!” he cried.

“Run… Lightning… Save yourself!” she called to him.

The poor little colt dashed over to his dying mother, as the planet began to quiver and crumble.

Serpentari saw this as her chance to flee, and she left through a space warp portal.

The portal began to close, and the mother knew the only way to save her son. “Remember… my dear… your mother will… always love you!” she said through tears, and shoved him through the portal, sending him to a nearby planet.

That’s when Lightning saw Harmonious explode, destroying everything he ever had or knew.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOO….!!!”

…Then he awoke-- bolting upright in bed in a frightful gasp.

“Lightning?” Starla said in a sleepy, groggy voice.

Lightning caught hold of himself, “I’m okay.”

His wife felt sad for him. She knew he had another nightmare, and she couldn’t blame him. It was one of those things that would never go away.

Twinkle’s baby cry was heard from outside in the hallway. Starla was about to get up, but Lightning insisted on doing it himself. “You’ve been up and down plenty.”

His wife smiled thankfully and went straight back to sleep.

Lightning got out of bed and headed for the nursery to tend to his daughter. It was just a diaper emergency.

After he changed her, he sat with her in the rocking chair and rocked her peacefully. As he did, and looked down at her sweet little face, he couldn’t help but think back to his past on Harmonius.

“I’ve sure come a long way, and I’ve changed a lot.”

He was still thinking about it the next morning at breakfast. Starla was feeding Twinkle a bottle of baby formula, while Shining Light, as a big boy, ate his cereal all by himself.

As Lightning gazed at his family, he felt warm inside.

His wife looked up at him and asked, “Something on your mind?”

“Hmm… No, not really. Why?”

Starla giggled, “Because you just poured milk on your pancakes, and syrup in your cocoa.”

Lightning saw and he felt embarrassed.

“Silly Daddy.” chuckled Shining Light, and the family had a good laugh, and all this only made Lightning feel even warmer, even after he left for work.

Way out in space, a lone small spacecraft rocketed through the cosmos. It was white with medical symbols on it, almost like an ambulance.

Inside the cockpit, the lone driver wore a strong spacesuit with an opaque helmet hiding her face.

Suddenly, without warning… WHAMM!! Her ship was struck by a stray ice meteor she hadn’t seen coming, causing her engines to stall, and she herself to fall unconscious upon slamming her head into the steering.

Her ship was going out of control, but fortunately, it was passing by a nearby, which had Starfleet Forces living there and protecting the populace, and they spotted the damaged craft.

“We got a crasher!”

“Let’s go get it!”

A group of ponies, donning their spacesuits to protect them, flew out and caught the damaged craft, and slowly began to guide them down to the planet.

The craft was horribly damaged beyond repair, but the unconscious driver would survive.

“Let’s get her helmet off.”

Upon doing so, the troops were surprised. It was a space alicorn just like they were. She had a soft pale-yellow coat, a cherry red mane, but no armor, ID-Number, and stranger still, according to magic scans, although she was an alicorn, she had no magic in her at all.

“We’ve found a stray.”

“We better report this to United Equestria.”

That day, Lightning was leaving Ponyville Town Hall after having meetings with officials to discuss written and field tests for other cadets and officers who sought promotion.

“Thanks for your help, Mayor Mare.”

“It’s my pleasure, sir. Some of these cadets are most deserving of a promotion.”

Lightning agreed, “I can think of one of them in particular.”

He referred to Swift Star, who had been a fine Lieutenant for the past year and a half. Always working well at his assigned watches and posts and helping to maintain the peace, as well as offering his assistance in battle once in a while.

“Oh, here he comes now.” said Swift.

“Oh, Commander, thank goodness I ran into. I could use your help at the front door.”

“What is it?”

Swift led Lightning to the front door where two ponies-- one mare, and one stallion-- holding signs of mean-spirited slanders towards Starfleet.

Lightning rolled his eyes and could already tell what the trouble was.

“We got rights!” snapped the stallion. “Me, my gal here, and all our friends outside. We don’t like your laws, your rules, and we just plain don’t like you Starfleeters in the first place.”

“Is that so?” replied Lightning.

Swift then said, “As you can probably tell, they want to bring their whole community in here and protest, and I already explained to them they may not, especially given their intentions. Security is already holding them back.”

“You got no right to kick us out.” insisted the mare. “This is a public place, and you guys are bullying and pushing us again like you always were.”

Lightning, unmoved by her whining told her and her friend straight, “As I’m sure the Lieutenant has just explained to you, you may have the right to protest and demonstrate, but, as I’m sure you probably intend to do, -- interfere with people’s businesses, blocking hallways, bathrooms, elevators.

That is breaking the law, it is not permitted, and if you attempt to do so, you will face charges for it.”

The bad ponies were disgusted. “Just more examples of Starfleet bullying. Why we ever let you punks into our world is beyond me.”

Mayor Mare herself threw in her own two cents. “I wouldn’t sell it short. Laws like these existed in Equestria long before Starfleet came. If you have a problem or you wish to demonstrate and protest, you will do so within the law and not disturb the peace, or as the Commander has said, you will be punished for it.”

Realizing their defeat, the two protesters picked up their signs and prepared to leave.

“Nothing but jerks and brainwashing bullies.” sneered the mare.

“More like doing our jobs and trying to protect you.” protested Swift.

“From what?” mocked the stallion.

“…Yourselves.”

The ponies stuck their tongues out in insult and then left.

Swift sighed, “Always with haters. Why do they do this?” There was no real answer to this. “I’m sorry I got you two in this.”

“Don’t be,” replied Mayor. “I don’t want my Town Hall to be overrun with these hooligans and delinquents who think they’re above the law.”

Lightning agreed, “And you were having a problem with them, and so you called for backup as is the code. You did the right thing.”

Swift smiled proudly. Then he checked his watch, “My shift’s over. I better get to the library and study for the tests.”

Lightning could see it in Swift’s eyes. “He really wants to be promoted, but he’s trying too hard. That could slow him up.”

Mayor Mare agreed.

Lightning left the building and saw those nasty protestors banding together, waving their slanderous signs, and hooting and chanting that Starfleet was no good.

Fortunately, no one seemed to care or notice and brushed them off as “Fools.”

“Quit hassling Starfleet.”

“They’re good guys.”

“Maybe you all ought to have better respect.”

This angered the protesters, still believing that the majority was brainwashed or just acting this way to avoid trouble.

Lightning didn’t bother with them as long as they weren’t breaking the law severely.

“It just never ends.” he grumbled.

Still, he was pleased that the majority of the populace was for Starfleet, respected them.

Some ponies even waved to him and greeted him in the streets.

“Good afternoon, Commander.”

“How goes it, Commander.”

…to which Lightning waved politely.

This made Lightning think back to his childhood on Harmonius again, and how things weren’t always like this.

No major cities, everyone just lived in stone houses and temples.

There was no magic. There were no major vehicles, or things of major exactment, but at least everyone was blissful and friendly.

“I really have come a long way.” he said to himself. “I wonder what the people of Harmonius would think if they saw me now?”

There was no sense in him thinking of the past, seeing as his planet was long gone and everyone on it long gone too.

Suddenly, Krysta appeared. “Lightning.”

“What’s up?”

“You better come to the palace immediately. There is something you will not believe!”

When Lightning got to New Canterlot Palace, he was brought straight to the sickbay where a rescued pony lay in a hospital bed.

Lightning nearly fainted at the very sight of her. “Blitzy…? Blitzy Heart?”

The pony gazed at him strangely. “Who are you?”

Tears were flowing down Lightning’s cheeks. “It’s me… Lightning Dawn.”

The mare’s eyes lit up “…Lightning?”

He nodded at her, and she burst into tears, “WOW!!” and they both embraced in a warm hug crying into each other’s soldiers.

“I can’t believe this!” sobbed Lightning. “I just don’t…”

“…You’re alive!” cried Blitz. “Lightning, I… I don’t believe it.”

The hospital staff couldn’t understand it. It was like seeing two lovers reunited, but it was a beautiful sight to behold.

“So, you do know her.” said Krysta.

Lightning nodded, “Krysta, this is Blitzy Heart. I knew her on Harmonious. She was my very best friend.”

Many flashbacks were shown…

Lightning was very little, and he was playing with Blitzy all the time-- in playgrounds, climbing trees, and going on picnics with the families.

Lightning even gave her a flower he had picked once.

“Wow.” said Krysta.

Blitz looked around. “Where am I? What planet is this?”

“This is the planet United Equestria,” said a voice. Everyone turned and saw Grand Ruler and Celestia coming in.

Blitz couldn’t believe her eyes. “Your… Your majesty?”

He nodded at her. “Glad to see you’ve come out of it.”

Blitz found herself stuttering in confusion, “But… this can’t be. I can’t be… I’m with Starfleet?”

Everyone noted a sense of displeasure in her voice, and Blitz finally noticed Lightning’s uniform-- all his ribbons and fancy medals, and even his sash showing he was “Supreme Allied Commander.”

She was so overwhelmed that she just fainted hard onto her bed.

“Blitz?” cried Lightning.

“She’s alright…” the doctor assured him, and then he motioned for Lightning to back away so he could treat her.

Lightning moved away from the bed, but almost found it hard to keep on his own feet. He felt dizzy, astounded, and really mixed up.

“All this time… I thought I was the sole survivor of Harmonius-- the last of my kind, and now just out of the blue…!”

He was starting to lose his breath a little. “Take it easy.” said Celesita. “I’m sure this is all overwhelming for you.”

Grand Ruler agreed, “In the meantime, we’ll do all we can for her, but I’m afraid her ship was damaged beyond repair.

We were able to salvage all her belongings though.”

Laying on a table were all kinds of medical equipment, both regular and space-type.

Blitz even had a special identification.

“She’s a space doctor.” said Krysta.

“I’ve read about them,” added Lightning. “They are intergalactic medical experts, usually of fortune. They wander ceaselessly through the cosmos helping to answer calls for help with all sorts of cures and techniques, provided that their fee is well-met.

They’re always on the move because of their services being needed anywhere are any time.”

The gang reviewed the ship’s log, which was kept in a simple journal, as well as a star-map.

“Galloping Galaxies! She’s been around…!”

Grand Ruler agreed, “She’s even been to some places in Unexplored Space. This is fantastic information.”

“She really has been,” Celestia said as she looked through the lists of aliens and other creatures Blitz had helped. “I think it’s more fortunate that we found her. We could use a pony like her in our communities.”

Lightning and Krysta didn’t feel so optimistic about that, especially not Lightning.

He was asked to remain at the palace, but Lightning asked if his family could come over so Blitz could meet them too.

Their majesties agreed, and Krysta teleported everyone over.

The family was put up in a special room with a crib so Twinkle Star could have her nap. Shining Light was napping too, giving Starla a bit of a break.

Lightning had told her everything.

“I can’t believe this…” she said. “I can’t begin to imagine how shocked you must’ve been.”

“In all honesty, I think that was the easy part.” said Lightning. “I haven’t seen her in ever so long, and I thought I’d never see her or any Harmonian pony again.

She’s obviously made something of herself, and that’s amazing.”

He paused long,

“But…?” Starla said for him.

“Well, you remember the history of my ancestors:

Groups of ponies were instructed by Grand Ruler Celesto to venture forth into space in hopes of discovering new planets for races like ours to live it-- the help with over-population, to help those who lost their planets, or to live away from large amounts of danger.

My ancestors discovered the planet that would one day become Harmonius. Wanting to keep away not just from Starfleet, but all forms of war entirely. They wished to live only in peace and harmony.

Blitzy and I never knew of Starfleet, our ancestors never told their children, preferring to keep the world exactly as it was. Free of danger, pure, quiet, and clean…

…And that was what led to its ultimate downfall and destruction!”

He envisioned the planet blowing up before his eyes again, and his younger self screaming in horror at the sight.

“NOOOOOOOOO…!!”

He caught hold of himself, squeezing his cape in his fists tightly.

Starla could see where he was coming from now. “You think she’ll be indifferent Starfleet, and you for it.”

Her husband nodded. “The ways of the Harmonian Pony are never battle and warfare, but she obviously grew up differently than I did. She didn’t become a fighter; she chose to save lives in a different way, and that’s still impressive.”

He hung his head low, “But I really want to reconnect with her. I mean, it’s so wonderful that she’s alive and seeing her again.”

He summoned his courage to go and meet with Blitz, telling Starla to stay with the children for a moment.

Blitz was put up in a room down the hall from his own after she had recovered from her fainting. Her injuries were minor.

Still, even in a big, lavish room in a grand palace like this, she didn’t know what to think. She was already given the bad news regarding her ship, but that wasn’t what bothered her most.

There was a knock at her door.

“Come in…”

Lightning entered, “Hey.”

She felt her insides turn. “…Hi.” She said in an awkward tone.

Lightning stepped in, but he didn’t seem to want to leave the door. He was trying to think carefully of what to say to start things up.

“Sorry about your ship.”

“It’s okay.”

Lightning could still feel the coldness deep inside her coming for him, but he managed to approach her anyway.

“Is something wrong?”

Blitz shut her eyes tightly, and then admitted, “I just can’t believe… You’ve been alive all this time, but… how… how can you be part of Starfleet-- much less the commander.”

“Well, it’s a very long story…”

Blitz didn’t know if she really wanted to hear it or not, and just came straight to the point. “Have you really forgotten who you were, where you came from, and how you were raised?”

Lightning began to feel his patience wearing, but he stayed strong. “I never forgot about Harmonius. I think about it all the time, and I'll always be haunted of the day it blew up, how I lost everything I knew-- my family, my life, my home…”

Blitz couldn’t believe him, “But why align yourself with Starfleet? Why get involved in battles, and danger, and all the things that Harmonian Ponies never stood for?

What kind of life is that to lead?”

Rather than answer her about that, he merely asked her “Do you really hate Starfleet? Do you think it’s really all that bad?”

Blitzty didn’t even hesitate, “Yes… I do. I hate everything about it. I can’t see how any creature would want to join such a force when all it causes is suffering, misery, destruction, and even deaths.”

She paused and looked out the window and explained her story.

“My mom and dad were wonderful on Harmonius. They were both medicine ponies, and I wanted to be just like them, even at a young age.”

She even had flashbacks of the time she, Lightning and other little playmates of theirs loved playing Doctor, or Hospital, and other things.

“When the planet was attacked, my parents were killed right before my eyes. I never saw anything so horrible.

Worse, I backed into an open space warp which flung me out into space. I slipped off the pathway and was teleported to an unknown planet.

I was found and adopted by an elderly couple of aliens who happened to be Space Doctors always on the move.

They trained me in the ways of intergalactic medicine and helped me find a new life for myself-- to help others and heal them from their ailments.

We toured the cosmos, living off our earnings. We answered many calls for help, and sadly, many of those calls came from Starfleet outposts that had wounded soldiers that suffered in battle.

I saw all those horrible images of all the fighting, suffering and destruction, and I hated every sight of it-- all that senseless fighting, and needlessly putting themselves in harm’s way.

True, it gave us more patients to treat and more money to make, and every good doctor can’t refuse someone in need.

Then, when my folks passed away, and I inherited everything from them, I set out to carry on the work I did, which also included tending to more Starfleet calls. It seemed those were my best and only jobs, and while I was obligated to help and I needed the money, I still couldn’t stand it.

Starfleet is just so… so… I couldn’t even find the words. They were all over the galaxy, even on worlds where I wouldn’t expect to find them. It’s like they were taking over-- invading other worlds and forcing their ways on the beings of the planets.”

She had a good long pause. “Thankfully, all the Starfleet posts respected my wishes and never referred me to The Grand Ruler. Space Doctors have their own rights and freedom, and they aren’t obligated to stay.

I couldn’t bear it if I had been found and brought me to Unicornicopia-- Starfleet’s Central Base where the danger was by the milestones.

I was free to go wherever I wanted.”

Lightning found this story to be both interesting and upsetting.

He had to ask, “You don’t want to stay here in United Equestria?”

Blitz answered right away. “I want to leave here as soon as I can,” then she turned and grabbed his hand “…And you’re coming with me.”

Lightning was flabbergasted. “What?!”

“You’re a Harmonian pony; you don’t belong here with Starfleet. Let me remind you of what you used to be.”

Lightning couldn’t believe what he was hearing!

“Just a moment!” called a voice from the door.

The two turned round and saw Starla standing there with her hands on her hips.

“Starla?” said Lightning. “Were you listening outside the door?”

“No, but the windows were open, I could hear you. I didn’t mean to snoop, but I was worried things wouldn’t go well, and it’s lucky I did.”

“Excuse me, but who are you?” asked Blitz.

Lightning walked over to Starla. “Blitzy Heart, this is Starla Shine; Supreme General and second-in-command to me.

…My wife.”

“Huh?” cried Blitz, and the couple held up their hands exposing their wedding rings.

“You’re married?” Blitz asked in total disbelief.

“Yes, for five years now.” replied Lightning “And what’s more, we have two children.”

Blitzy stood frozen and stiff with shock. This was just too much for her to take. First Lightning aligned himself in the life of a fighter, and became the lead officer, and now he was married to a fighter and fathered children too?!

“I think maybe we should go now.” said Starla.

Her husband agreed. It was clear to him now that Blitz was in a bad state of mind.

The couple walked down the hall, leaving Blitz to contemplate alone in her room.

“The nerve of her!” Starla grumbled “She really wants you to leave all this-- your life, your friends, your family?”

Lightning sighed, “I was afraid something like this would happen. She’s really changed.” He paused and then refigured, “…Or maybe she never had. She still has the heart of a Harmonian pony. She really doesn’t like battles or fighting of any kind.

She just doesn’t understand Starfleet the way we do or knows the things we know about why it even exists.”

“I think she means to cause us trouble.” said Starla.

“Well, I don’t think we have to worry too much about that. I don’t want to leave. I’m proud of my life here, and I’m especially proud of you, and our family. I could never desert all that.”

His wife smiled, “And I’m proud of you too.” she wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.

…Unbeknownst to them, Blitzy was peeking through her door and saw them.

Seeing the couple in their embrace really made her angry with Lightning. She was completely convinced, “She’s got him brainwashed; this entire Starfleet world does.”

She began to envision Lightning when he was a colt, and a normal Harmonian Pony; playing freely, having fun, and just enjoying the blissful peace, which all faded into him as she saw him now-- a snarling, spiteful, pushy fighting machine blowing things up, and hurting others for glory.

Anyone would tell her she was overly exaggerating, but she remained convinced.

“He’s no Harmonian Pony. He’s… I don’t know what he is, but I can’t let this happen to him. I’ve got to convince him that he doesn’t belong here, then I can get him out of here and make him what he used to be.

But how?”

Suddenly, as she looked out her window, she could see a ruckus going on in the village.

One pony who was a supporter of Starfleet was being harassed and pushed around by another pony who was against the force, and they would have gotten into a heated physical brawl had one of the royal knights-- a female Space Alicorn-- on patrol not broken them up.

“That’s enough!” the knight bellowed, and using her mighty strength, she kept the two away from one another.

“Hey! Lay off!” yelled the protestor. “This is none of your business.”

“Well, I’m making it my business.” the knight insisted. “It’s my job to maintain the peace.

Now, one at a time, who started the fight?”

“He started it!” balked the protester.

“I did not!” protested the supporter.

“I said “one at a time!” snapped the knight.

Another pony from the crowd came over to her. “Excuse me, ma’am.” she said politely, “I saw what happened and I can tell you exactly what went on.”

She explained how the supporter was minding his own business, when the angry protestor came along grumbling aloud and slandering Starfleet. “He was saying rude things, “Starfleet are jerks.” and “Everyone else is stupid for supporting them.”

The protester had a guilty expression, which said he did all that.

“Go on,” said the knight.

The mare went on saying about the supporter. “He was just sitting on the bench waiting for the bus-coach to come, and he heard the rude things and all he said was. “I don’t think so. I Starfleet are okay.”

“Really, that’s all I said.” confirmed the supporter. Then he glared angrily at the protester, “Then he starts going all postal on me and said “You’re a retard!” and he came right over calling me more names, and when I told him to leave me alone, he jumped on me. I didn’t want to fight and I didn’t raise my fists or anything.

I was just trying to defend myself.”

The knight glared at the protestor. “Well, it looks to me like someone doesn’t know how to control their temper.”

She let the two ponies down.

“Can I go now?” asked the support.

“Yes, sir, you can go.”

Then she spoke severely to the protestor, “You can go too, but know this; I’m letting you off with a simple warning: the next time you pull a stunt like this, you’ll spend the next 6 months in jail.”

The protestor was furious! “I am so sick of you Space Ponies pushing us all around like this. I’m just a simple-minded guy who voices his opinion on all this jazz and lies told to us by overlords like you.”

The knight said nothing. She just kept staring at him blankly, and then she watched him address the crowd of ponies who witnessed the whole thing.

“I’m splitting this scene, and I’m having nothing to do with these pushy bullies! Now who’s coming with me.”

He was pretty much whining and begging for support of his protest to the force, but sadly for him, all he got was a bunch of angry stares from the people.

“You’re all fools!” he shouted, and then stomped away leaving everyone else to go about their business.

While Blitzy heard him shouting-- he was loud enough-- she hadn’t heard the entire conversation and already got even more wrong ideas of how to make Lightning leave the force.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Pyron and Glaciea begin to fit in well with the community and start to learn the joys of peace and non-aggression. Meanwhile, Flareous and Blizzord, demand the returning of their children and request Starfleet fight for their respective forces, unleashing more chaos should they refuse.

Will Pyron and Glaceia be forced to surrender? What will our heroes do about the wicked kings?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Warm Welcome, Cold Rejection”)

Episode 4: Warm Welcome, Cold Rejection

EPISODE FOUR

Grand Ruler Celesto, Queen Celestia, and Princess Luna made official announcements in welcoming Pyron and Glaceia into the community.

Grand Ruler announced, “They come to us as escapers of war from the Planets Moltic and Iceinia, both of which have made enemies of us, but rest assured that these two are peaceful and mean us no harm.”

Celestia then declared, “As they have no place to go, and will no doubt be of great asset in our upcoming battles, it is proper that we bid them welcome, and it is expected for them to be treated with respect and dignity, while they, also, are expected to treat our race with the same courtesy.”

Luna then concluded, “As such we must, once again, instill the laws of war. There is no telling when and how our enemies will strike. Our planet has been littered with many invisible warps that can allow them to appear and strike at any moment. We shall do our best to learn about these ports and if we can dispel them, but no one, absolutely no one is to go near them.

If you know where one is, report it immediately. Do not attempt to transport through it.”

The populace was extremely worried by this, but the majority was more than welcoming of Pyron and Glaceia-- as was hinted by their thunderous applause.

Pyron and Glaceia, were given a special suite in the royal palace, courtesy of their majesties. They were also given new outfits, like casual Starfleet uniforms-- spandex suit, and armored vests. They could not transform, but it was better than wearing those burlap robes.

“We are truly grateful to your hospitality.” said Pyron.

“We don’t know how we can ever repay you for all this alone.” added Glaceia.

Their majesties had already thought of a way, and that’s where Lightning came in.

He led them both through New Ponyville. “Okay, you two… if you’re going to be living with us, you may as well pull some weight. So, we’re assigning you two as community workers, just like I used to be.

I’ll show you to your first jobs.”

Meanwhile, the war was still waging on between Moltic and Iceinia; the soldiers continued to open fire upon the opposing planets, resulting in more meteors and chunks of misfire to head on out into space.

Keltar was showing Flareous magical images of his great discovery on United Equestria.

Flareous watched the battles of the Flame-Guards and the Lava-Gator, which Keltar had created using a magical monster badge.

Flareous seemed impressed by the actions and resourcefulness of Starfleet. “That’s enough.” he said, and Keltar cast out the images.

“So, my son has taken refuge on this planet which we can access through the invisiports?”

“Yes, your majesty.” replied Keltar. “I’m positive that your son and Princess Glaceia are on that planet.”

Flareous grinned wickedly. “This Starfleet… They seem to be quite skilled in the art of combat. Imagine what it would be like if they worked for me. Blizzord wouldn’t stand a chance, and I will conquer Iceinia and win my revenge with ease.”

The thought of having so much power and a massive army of fighters at his command, Flareous burst out laughing maniacally before catching hold of himself.

“I must convince them to work for me, as well as to give Pyron back. We must hurry before Blizzord finds out.”

Keltar nearly hesitated to say, “…I’m afraid he already knows, my king.”

“What?!” shouted Flareous.

At that very moment, Smark had told Blizzord the same things about United Equestria and Starfleet.

“So Flareous knows about this as well.” huffed Blizzord. “Well, we’ll show him won’t we.”

“Yeah, we’ll show them!” agreed Smark, but then he felt confused. “Um… how are we going to do that?”

Blizzord palmed his head and groaned. “It’s simple… We’ll go to United Equestria first. We’ll demand they turn Glaceia over to me and convince Starfleet to fight for our side before Flareous does.”

He glared down threateningly, “…Do you understand that now?”

Smark whimpered and stammer, “Sure… Sure I understand.”

Blizzord growled softly.

“But sire, what if they refuse?”

Blizzord turned to face him as if to shout, but he spoke calmly. “Then we’ll just have to persuade them… by any means necessary.”

Pyron and Glaceia were brought to Ponyvile, and their first assignment as helpers.

Pyron was to assist Buddy Rose and Lightning in replanting all the trees, plants and soil that were burned up in the last battle.

“Glad you could make it.” said Buddy. “You ready to get started?”

“I believe so.” said Pyron.

Soon they were busy pulling up weeds and removing all scorched and damaged soil and grass patches.

Pyron found this relaxing, and rather thrilling-- building up instead of destroying like he used to do.

“I’ve never felt like this before. All my life I was trained for combat and to take over my father’s command.”

“That’s all you ever did?” Buddy asked in shock. “You never had any hobbies? You never did other activities or jobs. You just trained?”

Pyron nodded. “As a Prince, my father always had the servants do all the menial tasks. Everyone from cooking, to cleaning, to preparing things.”

Buddy and Lightning looked at one another feeling that Pyron had a worse upbringing than they thought.

“I wonder how Glaceia’s doing.” said Lightning.

Glaceia was at New Sugar Cube Corners, assigned to helping Pinkie Pie and the Cakes with the baking.

As artistic as she was, she had never cooked before, at least not regular foods. She had never seen things like Flour, sugar, or even chocolate and vanilla.

She was struggling to open a flour bag, resulting in her getting puffed in the face by a big flour cloud, making her cough, as well as abig mess.

“I’m ever so sorry.”

Carrot Cake came over with a broom, “That’s alright, your highness. You’ll get the hang of it.”

“Of course, she will.” chirped Pinkie, “After all, I’m here to help her, and that’s what friends do best.”

Glaceia blushed, but soon, under Pinkie’s guidance they were baking all kinds of goodies in no time.

“Because of my planet’s environment, we never had such things. Most of our meals were made from the snow and ice, and always served cold.”

“Oh, you, poor, dear.” said Cup Cake. “Well, now that you’re here, I’m sure you’ll learn and see many new things.”

The front bell chimed. “Whoops. Customer calling.” and she left the kitchen with her husband just as Apple Spice came in. “Just got Biscuit down for his nap.”

He grabbed his apron and walked over to Pinkie. “Hi, honey.” and softly pecked his wife.

“Aww, sweetheart, not in front of company?” Pinkie cooed.

“How are you coming on, Princess?” Spice asked as he prepared to cook.

Glaceia gazed down at a tray of cupcakes she had made. “To be perfectly honest, I’m feeling strange. I always lived so sheltered, and I never really got the chance to do things for others… until I met Pyron and tended to him.”

Spice felt sorry for her. “That doesn’t mean you can’t start now.” he said. “You’ll find that making other people happy can bring on great joy to you as well as to them.”

“No joke,” agreed Pinkie “That’s why I love to spread happiness and joy to everyone around, and the best place to start is with a smile.”

“Uh, oh… I know where this is going.” said Spice, and right as he was, his wife broke out singing her signature Smile Song as she served all the customers in the café.

All the patrons in the café began to sing and dance with her as the song got deeper and more cheerful.

There wasn’t a corner of the shop you could look at without seeing someone smile.

“Come on and Smile!”

Glaceia had never seen such love and happiness among all the customers. She couldn’t help but smile at herself.

Pyron was also smiling when the big tree was planted into the ground and the job was finished.

“Good job.” Buddy said while offering his hand to the fire prince. Pyron shook his hand graciously. “I usually only shook hands when my soldiers did a fine job attacking the enemy.”

Lightning placed his hand over his shoulder, “You’re in a new world now. Violence isn’t always the answer. It only is when you have no other alternative-- when you’ve done everything you can to resolve the situation without fighting.

But sometimes those you are fighting won’t listen and can’t be reasoned with.”

Pyron thought back to his father and how he wouldn’t be reasoned with, nor King Blizzord.

Suddenly, the alarms went off.

“What’s that?”

The people began to run for shelter, and Lightning explained, “The Red Alarm… There’s trouble.”

Pyron was not permitted to enter the danger zones, as were orders, nor was Glaceia.

“You better stay here.” Pinkie said as she tossed off her apron and dashed out of the shop.

“What’s happening?” Glaceia asked.

“It’s okay. There’s nothing to fear.” said Spice “…I hope.”

The barriers were soon activated, and while many civilians had made it inside safely, those still outside were being escorted by sentries to places far away from the danger.

“You better go with them.” Buddy said to Pyron.

At first, Pyron was a bit hesitant, but then he agreed and was off.

“Let’s go!” said Lightning, and he and Buddy flew towards where the danger was, and they were soon joined by Pinkie, and Starla, or rather her remote droid.

“Didn’t think you were going to keep me out of things this time, did you?” she teased.

Lightning smirked at his wife through the droid’s eyes, and she smirked at him back from at home on the sofa.

Shining Lightning sat next to Twinkle trying to keep her safe. “Don’t worry. Mommy and Daddy are going to make the bad guys go away.”

Twinkle just sucked on her little fingers without a care in the world.

Starla was proud of her son trying to comfort his little sister, but now she had to focus.

A swarm of artificial Flame-Guards were marching through town, having arrived through an invisiport.

“Let’s take them!” said Lightning, but just as he and the others were about to go wild, another invisiport opened and a swarm of artificial Ice-Guards came marching out.

They took one look at the Flame-Guards and didn’t like the sight of them, nor did the Flame-Gaurds take kind to their presence.

They looked as if they were about to brawl with each other, when two more ports open, and in a fiery explosion and an icy whirlwind, their respective masters both appeared.

Pyron and Glaceia both gawked in shock. “Father!!” They both felt this was really going to get bad!

The two kings took one look at each other, “YOU!!” they both bellowed. They growled fiercely and looked ready to attack when someone shouted, “Stop!”

In magical glows, All, three of their majesties appeared as holographic images.

“Your majesties!” cried Pinkie.

The two kings looked onward.

Grand Ruler glared at them. “Are you King Flareous and King Blizzord that we have been told of?”

“I am!” both kings replied, and then growled at each other, but they resisted the urge to battle.

“Why have you come here?” Celestia demanded to know.

“As if it weren’t obvious enough.” said Flareous. “I have been told that my son, Prince Pyron, is here on this planet, and I demand that you turn him over to me at once.”

Blizzord then spoke, “If Pyron is here, then so is my daughter, Glaceia. Where is she? What have you done with her? Answer me at once!”

Their majesties were already starting to detest their unvented guests.

“Your children are safe.” said Princess Luna, “But we have also learned of the war between your two worlds, and we urge you to cease immediately.”

The two kings chuckled.

“Stop the war? Not a chance.” hissed Flareous.

“For once, we appear to agree on something.” added Flareous, and then he pointed straight at him. “This overheated monster needs to pay for what he did to me!”

“No! It is you who will pay, you Frozen Freak!”

They looked ready to brawl again when Lightning demanded, “Both of you, stop, now! All this fighting is pointless. You’re not only causing suffering amongst your own people, but your misfires are harming other races throughout the galaxy.”

“The commander speaks the truth.” said Grand Ruler, and his own image warped into images of meteors of misfire causing harm to other planets, hoping the kings would realize the severity of their actions…

But they both just brushed it off.

“Oh, well, it isn’t like we can stop the meteors anyway.” said Flareous.

Everyone else gasped at his heartlessness.

Blizzord showed the same remorselessness. “This is war; things happen, even if it is by accident.”

Starla felt all choked up. “You mean you’re willing to let other races suffer just to satisfy your own thirsts for victory?!”

It was plain now for everyone to see that the kings were nothing but heartless warmongers--exactly as their respective children had said they were.

“Aside from wanting my son,” said Flareous “I’ve also come with a proposition for you, Starfleet.”

“What a coincidence… so have I.” added Blizzord.

“What sort of proposition?” asked Celestia.

“Join forces with me.” said Flareous. “And together we will crush the Iceinians, and end this war all the faster.”

The fighters and the royals all felt disgusted.

“He’s joking, right?” whispered Buddy.

“Forget him!” sneered Blizzord. “Best you join up with me instead. Together, we’ll be unstoppable, and crush the Molticeans and any other force that dares to interfere.”

Flareous heated up in anger.

“The answer is “No!” said Lightning. “Your offers are not only absurd, but it goes against everything we stand for.”

Starla agreed and added, “Starleet only fights defensively and to save other worlds, not for conquest and glory.”

“I wouldn’t refuse if I were you.” said Flareous. “I’m offering you a chance at great power and dominance. Just give me my son and join up with me.”

“No!” bellowed Blizzord. “Join up with me… that is after you hand over my daughter.”

Their majesties glared furiously at the two kings. “Gentlemen, I submit to you this,” said Grand Ruler “We are not going to give you back your children, and we will not join forces with either of you.”

Celestia then added, “We again demand that you cease all hostilities and warfare with each other at once, otherwise we will be forced to take drastic actions against both of you.”

The two kings let out furious roars at being rejected.

“You dare reject King Flareous?!”

“How dare you refuse me!” bellowed Blizzord. “If you won’t hand Glaceia over to me nor join my forces, I’ll just have to force your hand!”

“My thoughts exactly!” growled Flareous.

Lightning could see this was going to get ugly. “Let’s go!” he called to his friends.

“Starfleet Magic!” He and Buddy transformed. Then Pinkie did the same, “Harmony Hour! Friendship Power!”

“Good luck!” Luna said to the fighters, and she and the other images vanished.

“ATTACK!!” the two kings shouted, and their army of guards rushed forth.

“Take them!” said Lightning.

The team rushed forth. Lightning jump kicked a Flame-Guard, right in the chest, and sent him crashing into two others, knocking them down, and giving him a clear opening towards Flareous.

The flame king raised his huge sword, blocking Lightning’s fist.

Starla’s droid kicked and punched down all the Ice-Guards that came at it, and then she eyed Blizzord. “You’re mine…!” and she lunged right for him, but Blizzord held up his trident, and zapped her head, encasing it in solid ice.

“Oh, no!” Starla cried as her control visor went blank. “Activate laser-eyes!”

Her droid eyes glowed a bright red, and the heat melted the ice, and the beams shot straight at Blizzord, who defended himself by whirling his trident like a propeller while laughing at her. “I haven’t lost my touch.”

Starla was furious.

Buddy backflipped and proceeded to punch and kick all the guards coming his way, but more surrounded him, charging up their swords and spears.

“Not this time!” he shouted “I just replanted around here. I don’t want it messed up again!”

He leapt a few inches off the ground and then spun in super-fast circles while firing magical blasts from his horn, hitting all the guards hard and they all shattered into the bits of rock and ice they were made of.

“Take that!” Pinkie yelled as she punched an Ice-Guard.

“And that!” as she kicked a Flame-Guard.

“AND THESE!!” she wailed on the other guards with a fury of fast and swift punches, knocking them all down.

She and Buddy shot each other a thumb up, but the fight was far from done.

From inside the Bakeshop, Glaceia had never seen such battling before.

Pyron saw the same thing from afar and remembered what Lightning had told him. “…They only fight if they must.”

Lightning punched and kicked hard, but Flareous managed to block and dodge his every attack and slashed him hard with his sword making sparks fly.

“Make it easier on yourself and join me!” Flareous demanded.

“Never!” shouted Lightning.

Flareous raised his sword high-- its blade enveloped with flames-- but then Lightning noticed on his forehead “A monster badge?”

Starla struggled against Blizzord, and she noticed the same thing. “He has one too.”

The two kings bashed the two fighters off and sent them skidding along the ground. Pinkie and Buddy helped them up.

The two kings snickered wickedly. “You didn’t think our kings would foolish enough to send their real selves, did you?” hissed Flareous.

Blizzord pointed up at his badge, “These badges were left behind by the Great Hero. The people of Motlic and Iceinia kept an equal amount of the collection in honor of him.

The hero slayed many fierce opponents, and sealed their essence within these relics which allowed him to combine their powers and strengths with his own upon wearing them.”

“So, you two are just ordinary guards.” balked Pinkie.

The two imposters nodded. “Our kings are quite busy; it’s a big war and all.” said Fake Flareous.

It was obvious now that the real Flareous and Blizzord used these badges to give two of their guards’ portions of their strength and power.

“You may look like your kings, but that doesn’t mean you can outmatch us.” said Buddy.

“We beg to differ!” snarled Fake Blizzord.

Both he and Fake Flareous held up their weapons and unleashed powerful icy and flaming waves.

Lightning defended the team with a Uniforce wall, causing the blasts to explode upon contact, and knock everyone back hard.

“I’ve had just about enough of these two fakers.” said Starla.

“Let’s send them both where they belong-- Jail!” suggested Buddy.

“I couldn’t agree more.” said Lightning.

Pinkie nodded while cracking her knuckles and her neck.

The two imposters rushed forth.

The fighters rushed in, attacking with all they had.

The fake kings still put up a valiant effort and managed to strike all the fighters a few times.

“Like we said…” growled Fake Flareous.

“We’re just like our kings…” added Fake Blizzord.

Lightning thrusted upward calling his fists into the ice trident, in a huge struggle. “And we told you; it’s not good enough!!”

His eyes, horn, and hands glowed brightly with the strength of the Uniforce, and with a mighty shove he sent his opponent back hard, smashing him right into the other faker.

“Hey! You clumsy Iceberg!” shouted.

“Who are you calling “Iceberg”, Ember-Head!”

The two foolish monsters began to brawl with each other, which completely distracted them from their opponents.

“I think now’s as good a time as ever.” said Starla.

“Right.” Lightning agreed, and he held up his Capture Blaster, while Starla’s droid, though it could not use Starla’s actual weapons or magic, was equipped with a magical-powered, technological Capture-Function.

Lightning and the droid both charged up, Lightning’s gun fired, and the droid fired beams from its hands.

The two monsters were struck hard, and both yelled “THIS IS YOUR FAULT!” as they fell over and exploded-- the magic died out-- and the two reappeared as a normal Ice or Flame-Guard, trapped in spheres while the monster badges shattered.

Buddy and Pinkie slapped each other several high-fives.

While Pyron and Glaceia, who had seen everything from where they stood, were astounded.

When the two monsters failed to return to Moltic and Iceinia, and without either Pyron, Glaceia, or an army of Starfleet fighters to join their forces, the two kings could only assume the worst.

“They dare to refuse me?!” bellowed Flareous. “I’ll show them! I’ll show them and Blizzord!”

He didn’t know that Keltar was hiding around the corner and heard him, and he muttered softly under his breath, “You’re only fooling yourself.”

Blizzord felt the same and was just as mad. “It seems I now have a common enemy with my own enemy.

I’ll get Glaceia back and destroy Starfleet and Flareous if it takes every bit of power I have.”

He laughed wickedly.

“That’s right, sire, you will.” cheered Smark, but he secretly thought “…Or so you think you will, you big sucker.”

Meanwhile, with the danger gone, and the civilians let out, Pyron and Glaceia met up with the team at the café.

The real Starla came along bringing the kids with her after setting her droid back on its charging station at home.

The imprisoned guards were already magically transferred to New Cantelot to be processed before being sent off to prison.

“You could have destroyed those guards any time, and yet you didn’t.” said Pyron.

“They wouldn’t have thought twice about destroying you.” added Glaciea.

“It’s like we’ve been telling you;” said Lightning “We only do what we have to do, and only if it’s totally necessary.”

Starla nodded, “And right now, we have a lot to think about. I don’t think your fathers are going to give up so easily.”

The couple agreed.

“Those two goons only had samples of their powers.” said Buddy. “The real Flareous and Blizzord must be way tougher than that, and they’re bound to send more goons after us.”

Glaceia and Pyron felt ashamed, not just of their fathers, but of themselves.

“We’ve put you all through enough trouble already.” said Glaceia.”

“Perhaps it would be best if we left United Equestria.” suggested Pyron.

Lightning immediately disallowed such a thing.

“But our fathers will keep attack you until they find us.” said Glaceia.

Lightning assured them, “They’ll attack us even if you leave. They’ve probably already declared us their new enemy.”

Starla agreed and added, “It’s more than that. Your fathers are causing much trouble and suffering all over the galaxy with this stupid war of theirs.

Not only are you safer with us, but we can continue to help each other, and we will bring both your fathers down. We’ll do all we can.”

The couple were indeed grateful and thankful to their wonderful new allies and friends. There was so much they could learn, so much they could discover, and find new ways to live instead of under the cape of war.

“In the meantime,” Pinkie said as she came out with a beautifully decorated cake with sparkling sticks on it. “…How about a little celebration?”

And she blew a party horn and threw confetti about, everyone shared a good laugh.

(Promo)

In our next episode: After Blitzy fails in her attempt to get Lightning out of Starfleet, Lightning assigns Swift Star to take her on a tour of the kingdom, hoping to convince her that Starfleet is not all that bad, but Swift is already struggling with his studies and his job, and things get worse as he seems to develop a crush on Blitzy herself.

How will this tour affect both Blitzy and Swift?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Tour De La Paces”)

Episode 5: Tour De La Paces

EPISODE FIVE

Swift Star was so nervous as he sat in the test hall with the many other cadets and officers ready to take the written promotions exam.

“I can do this! I can do this!” he kept muttering to himself, then suddenly a huge stack of papers was dropped with a loud thud right in front of him.

“What the--?!”

“What’s wrong? Not giving up already, are you?” teased the examiner.

The rest of the test takers all snickered at him with evil-glowing eyes as they plowed right through the test without much effort.

Swift was just about to take the first page off the top, when a whistle blew. “Sorry. Test is over.” sneered the examiner.

“But I haven’t even started!” cried Swift.

“But I haven’t even started!” mocked the examiner. “You should’ve studied harder and worked faster. Now it’s time for the field test.”

In a big spin around, Swift found himself at the starting point of the most dangerous obstacle course he had ever seen. It was loaded with so many hazards and traps-- flame-jets, crushers, beams shooting from the walls, pits opening in the floor and many more things.

“This is too advanced!” he protested.

Again, the examiner taunted him, “Can’t you do it? Do you want to be promoted, or just be a low-level wannabe your whole life?”

The other officers who had already passed the test hooted at him. “Low-Level! Low-Level! Low-Level!”

Swift was determined not to let them get away with this, and yet he took one step into the trial, and the whole thing crumpled, and he fell with it, deep, deep into nothing with everyone laughing at him.

…That’s when he fell with a thud on the floor, out of his bed, surrounded by open books and papers.

He was relieved that it was just a dream, but he didn’t feel as well knowing the tests were just a few weeks away.

“I’m doomed!” he grumbled into the mattress.

Meanwhile, Blitzy Heart awoke in her suite at the palace in New Canterlot. It had been a few days since her arrival, and all that time she mostly kept to herself.

She would hardly leave her room and resorted to calling room service. She hadn’t made any attempts to make plans to leave United Equestria, yet, until she was certain she could take Lightning away with her.

…Her first attempt had failed.

She had sent a letter of recommendation to their majesties asking-- demanding-- that they make Lightning resign from Starfleet, but she received a letter almost at once saying that her request was denied.

Blitz finally got a chance to have a short audience with their majesties in the throne room, where they both further denied her.

“I’m sorry, the answer is “No.” said Grand Ruler. “We will not decommission Commander Lightning Dawn, nor will we ask him to resign.”

“But why?” wailed Blitz. “You’re both his superiors. You both can do it.”

Celestia shook her head. “Lightning is one of the finest and most valuable assets to Starfleet. Unless he does something that forces us to act, there is nothing we can nor will do.

It is not up to you, or to us whether Lightning wishes to remain in Starfleet or resign. Only he can decide that for himself.”

Blitzy looked furious, and Grand Ruler spoke softly but deeply to her, “We understand how you are feeling-- Lightning told us everything.”

“He did?”

“Yes. We can understand your indifference to our world and our ways, but you must realize that we are also struggling through dangerous times.”

“Exactly my point.” protested Blitzy. “Lightning is a Harmonian Pony. All this fighting and warfare-- it’s all wrong for him.”

Their majesties could see there was no getting through to her, and they had other things to tend to.

“Are you sure it’s wrong for him, or not just yourself?” asked Celestia.

Grand Ruler agreed with his wife, and then told Blitzy. “We are trying to be kind and patient with you, but I should warn you, do not allow your personal emotions and issues to interfere with our business, and if you intend to cause trouble, we will be forced to take action.

This meeting is over. We have much to do.

Good day.”

Then their majesties left, and Blitz had no choice but to head back to her room.

“Why can’t the see?” she grumbled to herself. “This whole setup is wrong. They had no right to make Lightning a part of it all.

How can I get Lightning to see all this?”

Just then, there was a knock at her door. “Come in.”

Lightning came in, “Um… hi, Blitz.”

She was surprised to see him after thinking of him for so long.

“I have a special treat for you today.”

She blinked once, “What kind of treat?”

“Follow me.” he simply said, leading her out of her room and down the halls.

Swift was waiting outside, near the foot of the palace drawbridge. He was pacing about feeling a bit irritable.

He recounted earlier when Lightning had come over to his house.

“I notice you’ve been cramming a lot for the promotional exam.”

“Yes, sir, I have. I was just getting ready to begin on the rules of arresting.”

Lightning held up his hand cutting him off, “I also notice you’ve been losing a little sleep. All this anxiety combined with work is not good for you.

You need to take some time to relax and to clear your mind. So, I’m putting you on a special assignment today.”

“But sir…” Swift tried to protest, but Lightning wouldn’t have any of it.

“You’re going on this assignment and taking a break from your studies. That’s an order.”

Swift could not refuse or object.

He still felt irritable and grumpy. “I get pulled away from my studies to take some pony on a tour of the kingdom; just lovely.”

Just then Lightning came along, “Glad you made it swift.”

Swift then took one look at Blitzy, and all sudden, he felt warm, and fuzzy inside. This was the most beautiful pony he had ever seen, especially when she flicked her mane back and gave her wings and small fluff.

Lightning introduced them. “Lieutenant Swift Star, Dr. Blitzy Heart.”

Swift slowly extended his hand, “Uh… how do you do.”

“Pleasure.” Blitzy said in a low tone, but she accepted his hand anyway to be polite, which made Swift feel his temperature go up. He barely managed to regain control himself.

“I have a lot to do today.” explained Lightning, and he looked at Blitz, “I’m hoping this tour can make you a bit more understand that this world isn’t all that bad.”

Blitz remained uncertain.

Lightning then said to Swift, “Try to patient with her, and try not to push her.”

“Yes, Sir.” Swift complied.

Lightning headed back to the palace leaving the two on their own.

Swift gulped softly. “Um… should we go then?”

“I guess so, but I don’t know why I’m bothering.”

Swift cleared his throat. “Well, you can’t stay cooped up in the palace all the time, and this tour may do you some good.”

Before long they were soaring over the planet on a magic flying open coach with railings and a hood that took them all around.

They soared over the New Crystal Empire, where they saw Cadance and Shining Armor and Flurry Heart, and many others were watching a magic show, with Abra Kadabra and Trixie performing.

Everyone seemed so happy and cheerful.

Then it was off to New Cloudsdale, where Rainbow Dash and Wonderbolts were performing an airshow of their own. All the flight patterns they made were quite astounding, and Rainbow’s Sonic Rainbow was the toast of the show.

“Wow!” said Blitz. “That was… sort of neat… I guess.”

The more she saw, the more astounded she became. “Everyone seems so… so…”

“…Normal? Happy? At peace?” asked Swift. “You didn’t think that just because this was the main base of Starfleet that there would only be harshness, military bases, and round the clock routines, did you?”

Blitz remembered in all her travels, “I’ve been to many planets; some that had many towns, villages, and some even had their own armed forces, but the peace still stood with some, like modern societies.”

Swift began to feel maybe they were starting to get somewhere.

Blitz was even impressed by the sights of New Las Pegasus, New Vanhoover, and even New Filydelphiea-- all the massive metropolis, businesses, and creatures just going about and living ordinary lives.

Then there were not so cool places, like the New Badlands, where the dragons were being just as nasty and as mean as ever, and the volcanos erupted, filling the craters with lava.

Blitz thought the dragon rude, ugly, and nasty. “I wouldn’t want to hang around creatures like that all the time, and I had to treat some.”

“You treated dragons?” asked Swift.

“I’ve treated all kinds of patients.”

“Well, you know… we do have dragons in Starfleet. Some dragons aren’t like others; they’re kind, noble, and they fight for the same cause we do.”

That word, “Fighting” really made something slam inside of her.

“Please don’t use that word, I just… I…”

“…I’m sorry.” Swift said. He felt stupid with himself. He remembered Lightning telling him about Blitz and her… rather unique attitude towards the force and fighting altogether.

Swift decided to take her someplace a bit friendlier; New Ponyville.

It was a nice sight, probably one of the nicest on the tour yet.

Tree Hugger was teaching her Yoga class with many kids and teens in the open fields.

Fluttershy and Rhymey were tending to the animals near the woods, with little Button Fly nestled in his stroller.

Applejack was pulling her wagon through town selling fresh-baked apple pies.

Rarity and Spike were out with little Twilight and met up with Starla who was out with her kids too.

Blitz couldn’t help but crack a small smile. “It reminds me of… Home; on Harmonius.”

She clenched her fists remembering how horrible it was that day when the planet was destroyed.

“I’m sorry,” said Swift. “I know all about the story of your planet. Commander Lightning told me. I’m sorry for you both.”

“It’s okay.” said Blitz. “I can’t change the past.”

Swift couldn’t stop gazing at her and how pretty she looked in the glow of the midday sun.

“Wow! She’s really pretty.” he thought. “Hey, what am I thinking? I’ve got to get a hold of myself.”

He clutched his head trying to rid himself of these strong feelings.

“Are you alright?” asked Blitz.

“Oh, I’m fine. Just a little tired, I’ve been studying a bit hard lately; promotion exams and all.”

Blitz didn’t like the sound of that, because of the relations to Starfleet, but she did finally note the slight bags under his eyes.

“Come here a minute.” she felt his forehead with her hand, and then his wrist for his pulse.

His heart raced with feelings from his crush, but she felt it and assumed, “You’re overly stressed out.” She let go of him and sighed, “Just another thing bad about the whole Starfleet thing.”

Swift’s features hardened, but he spoke calmly. “I can’t change your mind, but I do wish you’d stop badmouthing the force.”

She looked at him sternly, but kept her own voice level, “I don’t see why I should. This planet may be nice, and all those creatures down there may be living a good life, but I can’t feel that happy for them-- knowing that they’re always caught in the middle of some danger, or needless fighting that’s about to commence.

Why would anyone want live here like this, let alone be part of the force in the first place?”

Swift could see by now she was still obsessed with Lightning and getting him to leave.

“Tell me something…” he put a lot of thought into what he was about to say. “…Why did you become a Space Doctor?”

“I owed it to my Foster Folks. They saved my life, and they trained me. I felt it was the right thing to do.”

“Is that all?”

“What?”

“How about “saving lives.” Isn’t that the number on part of your job?”

Blitzy didn’t have to answer, but she did anyway, “Of course it is. It’s what makes the job worthwhile.”

“Well, maybe those of us in Starfleet are the same. A bunch of bad guys just pop up out of nowhere and, without warning, they attack us with the intent of destroying or conquering us.

Why did they come? Why are they doing this? What did we do to deserve it?

We don’t know, and frankly it doesn’t matter to them. Evil is as Evil comes.” He paused long and hard worrying about what he was about to say next, but it had to be said. “…Just like on Harmonius.”

Blitz gasped softly, as if her honor had been insulted.

“Your people lived in total peace, harmony, and all the things many of us strive for as well, but the big mistake you made was giving up any ways to defend yourself.

You had no magic, weapons, armies, or any connections with anyone or anything that could save you or jump into actions to help you, and as soon as your planet was attacked, that was it. It was destroyed as easily as stepping on an insect while you walk.

You didn’t ask for it to happen, you didn’t want it to happen, but that doesn’t stop it from happening anyway.

Starfleet’s made quite a name for itself, all the races we managed to save, all those we’ve helped to protect.

We struggle and strive to wipe out the bad guys, and it doesn’t seem to do much good, because there’s always more and more of them, and it takes all we have to stop them from spreading their wickedness too far.

And that is exactly what Commander Lightning is like. He lost Harmonius just like you, and he’s seen what Evil can do.

He was rescued by the very forces you opposed to, and he felt he owed them much. They helped him get back on his feet, find a purpose in life and made him the pony he is today. Nobody forced him, really, he decided on his own accord.

…And all you can think about is how Lightning has betrayed you and betrayed your entire race of ponies that died long ago.

You don’t even show gratefulness that the very force he commands saved your life too when you crashed.

But I hope you can at least consider this. You may be against Starfleet and all for what you think it stands for, but there is much more to it and to have than to not have it.”

Blitzy had a look of extreme shock on her face, but not out of realization, but pure insult. She was never so offended in her life.

Swift suddenly realized he had gone too far himself, even if he was right that was no excuse for being overly harsh.

She quickly leapt over the side and flew away.

“Doctor Heart!” Swift called. “Come back here this instant! That’s an order!” but Blitz was already too far gone, and Swift was ready to kick himself about.

“Nice going, Lieutenant. Now what am I going to do?”

He knew Lightning would be furious when he found out about this, but the most important thing was to stop Blitz and get her back.

Since Swift could neither fly, nor use magic, he had another trick up his sleeve, and switched the tour coach from auto-drive to manual, and he began the chase using the onboard computer scans.

He also activated the alert on the panel, sending an alert to other Starfleet officials than an tourist had escaped and was roaming loose.

Officers and sentries were alerted and began a search.

Blitz had already taken refuge behind an alley down below, but she knew it wouldn’t be long before she would be caught.

“Great, now I’m a runaway.” she grumbled to herself, but she was still very upset about things Swift had said-- practically insulting Harmonian ponies and their ways of peace.

“What a jerk!” she growled, and she angrily kicked a garbage can over.

Suddenly, she heard fighting coming from out in the open.

A group of Starfleet Protestors were arguing with a group of supporters, and they were really starting to disturb the peace with their voices.

“Get out of here, Protestors!”

“Why don’t Starfleet go, then there can be peace around here again!”

“You’re crazy!”

“Anyone who supports Starfleet is brainwashed and retarded.”

“Don’t make me come over there!”

“Oh, yeah, tough guy?” The nasty protester angrily kicked a small pebble on the ground that accidently flew straight up straight down the supporter’s throat.

The support gasped and choked for dear life, turning blue in the face.

“What have you done!” a mare shouted.

The protestor and his posse all gasped in horror, but this didn’t help the choker.

“Help! Someone, help!” the mare called.

Blitz couldn’t ignore this, and she rushed out of the alley and onto the scene. “Get back!” she said to everyone, and she quickly lifted the choker up in her arms. Then she began to squeeze pressure on his gut in a rhythmic pattern, helping him to cough up the pebble.

He gasped heavily for air, and so Blitz lay him down on the ground, with the other ponies huddled around her.

“I said stay back!” she balked.

The ponies did as they were told and watched her perform CPR, saving the pony and getting him breathing again.

“Thank you.” he said with a bright smile.

Blitz felt strange inside, saving this Starfleet Supporter, while the rest of the supporters were relieved and thankful.

The protesters were a bit relief, but they didn’t show it well.

“Well… um… guess we’ll be going.” said the one who kicked the pebble. He and his posse turned to run for it, only to run straight into Starla, Spike, and Rarity, and they looked very cross.

“We saw what happened.” said Starla. “You kicked that pebble into his mouth.”

“Hey, it was an accident.” whined the protester. “I didn’t mean to kick it in his mouth. I didn’t even aim for it.”

“Which changes nothing!” balked Rarity. “You deliberately kicked that stone, and that counts as assault.”

“And for that, we’re placing you under arrest.” added Spike.

The other protestors stood in front of their friend to protect him.

Just when things looked to get heated up, the supporter, back on his feet, insisted, “I’m not pressing charges. Don’t arrest him.”

The protesters were shocked, especially the kicker.

“Why bother?” said the supporter. “They never learn no matter how hard we try to convince them that their ways are wrong, and you arrest him you’ll only make the rest of them angrier.”

Starla could not believe her ears.

“But you very nearly choked to death because of him.” said Rarity.

“Are you sure you don’t want to charge him?” asked Spike.

“I’m sure.” said the protester.

Even Blitz was astounded by this act of mercy.

Starla sighed. “Alright, but the next time something like this happens, I don’t care if it’s accident or not, you get a week’s community service, and/or a month in jail. Understood?”

“Sure, no problem.” grumbled the protestor.

He and hie posse picked up their signs to leave, but he balked at the officers. “One day, you Starfleeters are going to push us decent folks too far.”

“If that’s what you call “Decent” I wonder what you call “horrid.” Spike whispered to Rarity.

His wife snuffed in agreement.

As the supports left to go on their way, the choker again thanked Blitz for saving him, and then he left.

“Blitzy?” said Starla, finally noticing her.

Blitz looked at her, but with rather stern features.

“So, this is Lightning’s friend?” asked Rarity. She approached her and held out her hand trying to be polite, “It’s pleasure.” but Blitz wouldn’t reciprocate.

Rarity cleared her throat, “I see…” she remembered what she had been told about Blitzy’s attitude.

The trio also heard of her jumping from her tour.

“There you are!” bellowed another voice. Swift leapt down from above where his craft remained on free float.

He was very angry, but then he saw the others and quickly saluted, “Generals.”

The trio nodded at him. Then Swift said to Blitz, “I think it’s time we got you back to New Canterlot.”

Blitz didn’t want to, but seeing as she had no other place to go, was forced to comply.

“Wait.” said Starla. “I don’t understand you, Blitz. We’re all trying to do our best, be your friend, and treat you well. Don’t you think it’s time you stopped with this cold attitude?”

Rarity and Spike felt the same way, but Blitz shook her head, “I just can’t.”

“You mean you “Can’t” or you “Won’t?” remarked Swift.

“What does it matter? I don’t think I can ever trust any of you.”

“What about that guy you just saved?” asked Spike. “He was a Starfleet Supporter, and you’re supposed to be against everything that is Stafleet.”

“I am, but I also have an obligation as a doctor. Besides, he only ended up in that condition because of Starfleet. Just more points that shows how bad it is, the whole thing!”

The officers would have protested, but they knew Blitz was just too stubborn to be reasoned with.

She flew up to the coach, and Swift could only sigh miserably.

He cast a look at the others, and they all had the same feelings and expressions as he did.

He leapt up high onto the platform, which nearly shocked Blitz at how high he could leap.

Soon, they arrived back in New Canterlot, at the palace where Lightning was there waiting, with his arms folded and tapping his foot.

“Oh, boy.” sighed Swift.

Blitz was sent immediately back to her suite and ordered by the staff not to leave until further notice. Guards on the battlements kept watch of her windows in case she tried to take off again.

“What was I thinking?” she thought to herself. “Now everyone’s even madder than ever at me. Probably just as well, it makes it easier for me at least.”

There was a knock at her door.

“Come in…”

It was Lightning, and he looked disappointed at her. “Swift Star told me what he said to you. I’m sorry that you got offended, but that’s no excuse for what you did either.”

Blitz hung her head low in shame.

Lightning’s features then softened, “But my wife told me that you helped someone today, and I suppose that’s something.”

A moment of silence passed.

“Look, Blitz… you need to stop it with all this self-righteousness.”

Blitz looked at him sternly and said, “But you can keep going with all this? The way you keep supporting all this fighting, and anger, and misconduct.”

Lightning wanted to try and explain to her again, but he knew it would be in vain.

“I’m just going to have to lay it on the line for you. I’ve had a little discussion with their majesties, and…” he paused deeply, feeling great pain at what he was about to say “…They’re giving you an ultimatum.

Blitz felt her heart skip a beat, “Excuse me?!”

“…It’s their decision, not mine. We can’t keep putting you up in the palace for free like this, especially after the bad move you pulled today.

You can either get a job, earn your keep, become a full-fledged resident of United Equestria.

Or… you can make plans right now to leave and continue your life as a space doctor.”

Blitz shook her head in disbelief, “And you’re actually going along with this? You’re going to make me choose?”

“It’s not my decision. Their majesties issued this, and they outrank me. I’m sorry.”

Blitz stood where she was, totally frozen with shock, anger, and a feeling of sheer betrayal.

Lightning felt the pain eating away at his own soul for having to tell her all this, and what he said next, “You have three days to decide.”

He got up to leave, and Blitz already told him. “You already know my decision; I want to leave, but I want you to come with me.”

“For the last time: That is out of the question. My place is here, and even if I wasn’t part of Starfleet, I still wouldn’t just up and leave my family.”

“Then bring them along. I’m at least willing to offer you that! You don’t have to leave your family, but can’t you see that being in Starfleet is no good for you, or your kids.”

Lightning really decided to leave before he really lost his temper, and he headed for the door.

“So, I was right about you all along. You really are a traitor to Harmonius!”

Lightning stopped dead in his tracks wide-eyed and struck.

“I bet you agree with all those things that Lieutenant of yours said-- that Harmonius was foolish for its peaceful ways and deserved its fate!

What would your parents think of you now?”

Enough of this! He couldn’t bear another word! He just left the room, not even looking her way, closing the door ever so quietly.

Blitz couldn’t hold it in. She threw herself onto her bed crying into her pillow.

As for Lightning, he walked down the halls of the palace. His stomach was upset, his head ached, and his mouth felt dry.

Swift saw him and rushed up to speak with him. “How did it go, Sir?”

Too upset to get into anything, Lightning merely said, “That will be all… Lieutenant.” And he walked off to be by himself to cool off like a sensible officer.

Swift felt his knees growing weak with worry. He was still ashamed of himself for having told Blitz off that day, and his heart was all mixed up again as he pictured her with her mane fluttering in the wind and her coat shining in the sunlight.

“She’s so beautiful, and yet she’s really disturbed.” he thought. “Well… one thing’s certain, I think I just blew my chances at promotion.

You really did yourself proud today, Lieutenant.”

He slumped sadly away, still worrying about his own future.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Blizzord decides to take it upon himself to recruit Starfleet by sending a creature that turns hearts cold, turning friends and loved ones and even our heroes against one another.

Can our heroes overcome this cold wave that threatens their friendship and their futures?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Hearts of Ice”)

Author's Note

-This has officially become a running gag for Swift Star: He always falls in love with, or ends up as the affectionate target of kooks, weirdos, and villains.

Also, Blitzy is taking this way too far, acting all presumptions, self-righteous, and putting words in peoples mouths.

World Peace is not a bad thing, but leaving yourselves totally defenseless and with no way to save yourselves (Like the Harmonians did) IS very bad.

Episode 6: Hearts of Ice

EPISODE SIX

Professor Brain and his team of scientists were doing all they could-- working with Krysta and some of her fairies to try and dispel the invisiports.

“Prepare to fire.” said Professor Brain, and he and all his colleagues put dark goggled over their eyes, while Krysta and her fairies merely shut their eyes rightly while aiming their wants carefully.

“Ready when are, Professor.” called Krysta.

The professor sat in the seat of a special device, like a large ray-gun, which the fairings were aiming at, and the other scientists-maintained watch over systems and magic gauges.

The machine was charged up and ready to intensify the fairies’ powers.

“Ready… and… Go!”

The fairies fired their magic from their wands into the tip of the ray gun.

The machine began to vibrate, but the professor sat good and strong in the seat, and he fired the magical ray at the air before them-- where an invisiport was detected.

POW!! The blast actually made contact like hitting a strong wall, but, sadly, the port was completely unaffected and remained intact.

Everyone sighed, and the professor got out his notebook to write, “Fourth Test: Unsatisfactory. Most Unsatisfactory!”

The scientists all sighed miserably.

“Your majesty,” one of the fairies to Krysta, “Perhaps if we cannot dispel the portals, perhaps we can contain them?”

Krysta shook her head, “We’ve already tried; the ports are too strong, they can’t be contained, at least by simple means. Whatever Pyron and Glaceia had that contained them before is long gone.”

The professor agreed, reconfirming his calculations on the computer. “I’m afraid that we are in quite the predicament. The only hope that exists now would simply be to… er… em.. wait… for the ports to simply vanish on their own timing, which, I fear, may not be for some time yet.”

Krysta then stared off into space, “Meanwhile, we’ve got two mad kings out there, and who knows what they’re up to next.”

The war waged on between the two kings, and all the misfired meteors and missiles either crashed off course endangering the innocent villagers of either of the two planets, or simply to head on out into space, likely to cause more trouble for other races in due time.

Meanwhile, some creatures had other things on their minds.

Blizzord was more frustrated than ever that his forces were not getting anywhere. Many of his real Ice-Guards were injured, and those who weren’t were only able to drive off the enemy forces rather than destroy them.

“You call yourselves “My Loyal Army?” Ha! Not even fit to swat a snowball!”

He angrily raised his trident, and carelessly summoned a freezing wind to blow the guards away, ignoring their injuries and showing just how cold and cruel he was.

It was hardly even they that he was mad at.

“Blast that Starfleet!” he bellowed. “If they had joined up with me this war would have been won by now, but their loyalties lie elsewhere!”

Smark nervously approached the fuming king. “Um, sire… if I may. Since they don’t feel the same way towards battles and warfare as you do, maybe they can be persuaded by other means to join you.”

“What are you getting at?”

Smark then signaled for someone to come forth. “King Blizzord, meet the Ice-Witch.”

A tall humanoid sorceress stepped in; created by a guard and a monster badge.

She had dark grey skin, a pretty but wicked human-like face. She wore an icy-blue tunic and small skirt, with a large ice carving of a flame as a hat. In her hand she carried and simple, short ice-scepter with a large ice carving of a flame at the tip.

She bowed to him, which made Blizzord raise an eyebrow. “And just what are you capable of doing?” he asked.

Witch snickered and stroked her weapon. “One blast from my Ice-Rod will freeze the heart of its target, causing them to turn cold, cruel, and quick-to-violent.”

Blizzord’s lips curled into a wicked grin. “Interesting.”

“It is, Sire.” agreed Smark. “With this kind of power, you can turn Starfleet in whole legions who would come round to your way of handling things.”

Blizzord was convinced and he chuckled, “Proceed at once.”

One morning, at Artie’s Art Gallery, Artie was adding the finishing touches to his latest painting.

With a big, loving smile, he couldn’t help but comment on his own work, “Beautiful.”

Sunset Shimmer came in with baby Sun Stream, who was just over a year old in a stroller.

“Hi, honey.” she called him.

“Hello dear,” he said not even bothering to look at his wife or his daughter.

Sunset’s features hardened, but she looked at his painting. It was a beautiful picture of lovely shimmering white flowers in a vase sitting on a white tablecloth at a fancy restraint with low lights for a romantic scene.

“That looks lovely.” she said.

“Thank you.” replied Artie, still hardly paying her any notice.

“You know, I finished a painting of my own today.” Sunset said, holding up a small canvas of a her own, right in front of her husband’s face.

“Oh!” said Artie. “Uh… very nice…”

It was a simple picture of a calendar with the day’s exact date circled in bright red. “Um, what’s all this for?” he asked.

“Oh, I don’t know…” Sunset said, and her voice began to sound annoyed, “I just made this due today being so special, because something incredible happened!”

Artie continued to act dumbfounded, and then said. “Oh, I get it…” he said, getting up and moving behind his easel revealing the very flowers in the vase he had just painted.

He took the flowers and handed them to her.

“I got the urge to paint these flowers and give them to you…” he paused “Because it’s our wedding anniversary, and I painted them at our favorite restaurant where I’m taking you tonight.”

All at once, sunset went from stern to blushing and soft as she took the flowers, “You remembered after all.”

Artie smirked and softly touched his wife’s muzzle, “Got’cha, didn’t I. You thought I really forgot.”

Sunset felt silly, but then she pulled him in to a deep and passionate kiss… much to the disgust of their infant daughter.

“Plech!”

Meanwhile, Glaciea was in the gallery, greatly admiring all the artworks from all over the world.

She was personally invited to the gallery by Artie herself. As an artist herself, he thought it would do her nice to see other works of art.

What really inspired her was a replica carving of the Crystal Heart, with pictures of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor carved into it on either side of the heart.

The piece was entitled “Eternal Crystal Love.”

She couldn’t help but smile lovingly at it.

“I see you’ve taken a shine to that, Princess.” Artie said.

Glaceia nodded, “It seems a remarkable piece of craftsmanship.”

“Well, get a look at it. It’s only here temporarily. It’s here on a world tour from the New Crystal Empire, with kind permission of Princess Cadance. She carved it herself, on her wedding day, as a symbol of love for her husband.

Art is a great passion, and great way to unleash your emotions.”

“Yes, I, too, have felt such pleasures in my years of crafting.” said Glaceia. “It soothed me during times of misery, and yet, I feel entirely empty inside. Every bit of art I ever made was for my own eyes, and never was truly seen or appreciated by others.”

Artie’s heart felt heavier than the sculpture. “No one ever saw your artworks?!” His sadness then hardened, “Oh! I can’t have that!”

He took her by the arm, pulling her away, much to her surprise.

Before long she was sitting down in Artie’s private studio.

“I’d like to see some of your Iceinian artwork; sculptures, paintings, drawings-- whatever it was you did, and I’ll put it on display in the gallery.

I think the community could benefit from all this. We could understand more of your planet and its culture.”

Glaceia felt very flattered and blushed. “I don’t know what to say?”

Artie passed her a brush and gave her a canvas, “Say it through your art.”

He left her to go tend to his guests, and Glaceia just stood there, thinking deeply of what to paint, and it didn’t take her long to begin.

Meanwhile, Sunset went shopping for a new dress to wear that night and she brought Sun with her.

She left the boutique with her spending time in a bag with heavenly thoughts in her mind.

“Oh, Sun…” she said to her daughter. “You’re too young to understand what Mommy’s feelings, aren’t you.”

“Mama.” the baby cooed.

Sunset could only smile…

…But as she turned round the corner, she gasped at the sight of what was there.

“Hello there…” hissed Ice-Witch, and before Sunset could even scream, “Now freeze!” and she zapped Sunset and her baby with her ice rod.

Mother and child shivered, but then their expressions turned cold and heartless!

Sunset pulled her newly bought dress out of her shopping bag and furiously threw it onto the ground and stormed off, leaving Sun to scream angrily and smashed her rattle against the stroller.

Witch laughed. “My first two victims. Now let’s have more!”

Glaciea was doing well on her painting. Her years of experience gave her a sense of swiftness, and yet she seemed so-well relaxed and at peace.

She thought back to what Artie had told her about Art being relaxing and soothing, and she could agree with it more now.

Suddenly, the red alert was heard from outside, and it nearly startled her into slipping stroke.

Artie rushed out from way back in the room. “Stay here. I’m going!”

He rushed out of the room and into the gallery, where he was shocked at what he saw…!

All the patrons in his gallery were acting like savage, fighting brutes.

They were yelling at each other, pushing, and even attempting to shake the painting off the walls, but the emergency safe system activated, sealing all the paintings off behind solid casings to keep them safe.

“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!” Artie shouted, trying to make the crowd cease, but they all turned his way, glaring at him furiously.

“You want to fight?!”

“Bring it, you loser!”

“Back off, he’s mine!”

Artie could see things were bad, and he quickly cast a small barrier wall in the middle of the hall stopping the crowd from coming any further and giving him the chance to flee.

“Glaciea!” he called.

She peeked her head out the door. “What is happening?”

“Come on, I’ve got to get you out of here!”

He pulled her by the arm, and they headed for the back exit, only to stop and look through the glass to see outside…

There was just as much fighting arguing and drama occurring the in the streets as civilians and even royal guards were arguing and trying to get into fights with one another… including one familiar face.

“Sunset?!”

His wife was picking up garbage cans and just throwing them at nothing, and anyone who came her way she gave a huge shove.

Why he could even Sun Stream from her stroller throwing and miserable fit, as were other little children in the streets.

Luckily, with the sound of the alarms, help was on the way. A Starfleet squad of Space Alicorns came soaring over the town and fired multiple spells on the citizens’ feet, rendering them immobile and unable to do anything. Ponies that could do magical also had time-lock spells-- tiny barriers-- sealed round their horns.

“Good, that’ll hold them.” said Artie.

Knowing it was too dangerous to leave Glaceia in the gallery alone, Artie instructed her “You better stay here. I’ll signal the guards to watch out for you.”

Glaceia agreed. “You must be careful out there. I have a feeling that all this behavior is not normal for your people.”

Artie felt the same way. “I better transform…!

Starfleet Magic!”

Once transformed he headed out and fired a beam signal from his horn into the air.

Three of the Space Alicorns answered and landed by him, and he immediately instructed them to protect Glaceia, which they complied with at once.

He then called up the rest of the squad. “Spread out! Stop anyone who’s acting violently.”

The squad saluted and headed off.

Artie softly made his way past the spread-out gaggle of raging citizens, all of whom snarled at him and looked ready for a fight.

Artie ignored them and made his way to his wife.

“Sunset.”

“What are you looking at?!” she yelled at him. “Come here and let me pound the life out of you!”

“Sunset, what are you doing? Why are you acting like this?”

His only response was more snarling, growling and watching his wife struggle to jiggle loose.

Finally, Artie used his visor, and the scanners revealed unnatural energy waves emitting from her body. The same readings were found on the other civilians and the guards.

“They’re under a spell!”

“Right you are, soldier!” called a voice.

Artie turned quickly and saw Ice-Witch standing there, laughing at him, then she tried to zap him with her with ice rod, but he quickly leapt out of the way.

“So that’s how you did this to these creatures!”

Witch snickered, “And the same I’ll do to you. One zap, and you’ll be as coldhearted and without a care as they are.”

Artie immediately could tell, “That Ice Rod-- if I can just destroy it, it may break the spell.”

Then he noticed his major problem! With all the civilians scattered around, stuck where they were, it didn’t leave him much room to fight without risking their safety.

“I’ve got to lead her away.” and he flew off into the air.

“Ha!” scoffed Witch “Thinks he can escape, does he? Well, he’ll soon find his chances are all about to be iced on the spot!”

She laughed wickedly.

Artie had flown to a vacant area a few blocks away. All the people in the area were safe inside shelters and homes with the barriers up.

“There, this is better.” he felt, until he was ambushed by a squad of Ice-Guards. “Oh, just perfect!”

They threw their spears mercilessly at him, forcing him to backflip out of the way several times, and then he rushed in with his fist out… slamming the faces of several guards.

Several more rushed at him. “Take this, ice-heads!

PAINT BOMBS!” His explosive blobs blew the guards into ice pellets.

But while his back was turned, he was zapped in the heart by an ice ray, and he fell to his knees as he felt the cold piercing through his armor. “What’s happening?!”

Witch appeared laughing at her accomplishment. “Chilling, isn’t it? Now you will only feel cold, cruel, lustful needs to fight. King Blizzord will be pleased to have you in his army.”

Artie was shivering, but he managed to get up onto his feet, not looking quite so cold-hearted, yet.

“What’s this?” snarled Witch. “You should be thriving and raging by now.”

Artie continued to shiver, and Witch decided to blast him again, only to be blasted at from behind, sending her rolling along the ground.

She looked round and saw Lightning with Starla’s droid and Krysta.

“I think it’s you who needs to take a chill.” sneered Lightning.

Witch bolted upright, “I think not!”

He rod’s tip glowed brightly, “ICE LIGHTNING!”

Raising her rod up high, she summoned forth strong freezing bolts. The trio dodged the bolts, but the strikes created large spikes of ice in the ground.

“Sure! She just has to do that too!” grumbled Krysta.

Witch snickered. “If you thought that was cool… pardon the pun… wait until you see me in action with this thing.”

“I’ll get her, you two go and help Artie.” suggested Starla. “I’ll be okay. She can’t brainwash a droid.”

Lightning and Krysta agreed and rushed off.

“Let’s go!” Starla bellowed. She and Witch began to brawl!

Witch proved that she was quite skilled in combat by wielding her ice rod like a sword, but Starla’s droid’s solid body was able to parry off each attack with its arms alone.

Starla pounded on the controls, making her droid punch Witch hard in the face and sent her skidding along the ground.

At first, she seemed down, but then she pulled a fast one, raising her rod and blasting the droid, making sparks and explosions fly, but it remained standing.

“Artie!” cried Lightning. “Are you okay?”

Artie, still shivering, suddenly grabbed Lightning by the arms. “Lightning! Help!!” he cried. “She zapped me! My suit’s resisting it, but I don’t think I can hold it off!”

Before Lightning knew it, Artie kicked him hard in the chest knocking him back a few paces.

“Artie!” Lightning shouted.

Try as he would, Artie fired a magical blast from his horn, forcing Lightning and Krysta to dodge.

“He can’t control himself!” cried Krysta.

Lightning didn’t want to have to fight his good friend, but he couldn’t let him run loose.

“SUPER STAFF” Artie held out his weapon, against his will.

“Oh, boy!”

Artie leapt forth swinging and twirling his weapon round like crazy, forcing Lightning to block and dodge every attack.

“Artie! Stop! Please!!” cried Krysta, but Artie couldn’t, and he tripped Lightning up off his feet.

Then he proceeded to strike him hard as he fell, but Lightning pulled a fast one and kicked him hard in the gut sending him soaring far off and slamming into a lamppost.

Lightning hated himself for doing that, but he had to do it. “Sorry, Artie… I really am, but you would’ve done the same thing.”

Krysta felt her stomach doing sickening turns. She hated it when friends had to fight friends, even if it was for good reasons.

“I could use some help over here!” Starla called, and then WHAMM!! Witch belted the droid clear into its head knocking it far off and skidding along the ground.

“Ooh…! What a blow!” Starla groaned on the sofa. The droid had certainly taken a pounding, but she managed to get it to stand upright.

“You’ve got a lot of spunk for an artificial being.” sneered Witch, “But I think I’ve wasted enough time. I’ve got an army to deliver to Planet Iceinia. King Blizzord will surely reward and praise me.”

“The only place you’re going is straight to jail.” said Lightning as he landed near his wife’s droid, and Krysta hovering above them both.

“You think I’m scared of you three? Think again!” said Which. “ICE LIGHTING”

The trio split off again, and Lightning fired a Uniforce pulse at Which, making her throw her Ice Rod away.

It crashed onto the ground a few feet from Starla’s droid. “It’s mine!” she called, but as she was about to grab it, Artie rushed in, ramming into her hard and sent her crashing away.

Lightning and Krysta both gasped.

Witch reclaimed her weapon. “Looks like your friend here has decided to get with the winning team, and now you’re all about to join him.”

The friends whimpered softly, but just as Witch was about to try and zap them, Artie swung his staff hard and bashed Witch hard in the back, making her drop her Ice Rod again.

“What are you doing?!” she bellowed, but all Artie did was growl and snarl at her with a look of fury on his face.

“You’re supposed to fight them, not me!” shouted Witch, but Arite only lunged for her forcing her to leap away. “What’s going on?!”

“I think I get it.” said Lightning. “You made him so cold-hearted he just wants to fight, but that doesn’t mean he knows who to fight. He sees you as just another target as any other.”

Witch growled, and Artie leapt up to come crashing down at her. Witch rolled out of the way causing him to strike the ground hard.

Then he turned to look towards the droid and decided to go after it instead.

“Oh, no!” cried Starla.

“AAAAAAARGH!!” Artie rushed straight for her, but then Lightning got an idea. “Starla, keep fighting him.”

Heeding her husband’s words, Starla fought back against Artie, holding him down.

“What are you thinking?” asked Krysta.

“Trust me.”

Witch had reclaimed her Ice Rod once again.

“Get ready, Krysta!” Lightning called, and he held up two fingers, which told her what he wanted her to do.

“You are all mine!” bellowed Witch, and she fired many ice blasts at Lightning, but he soared in, swerving and dodging every shot, until he collided into Witch-- his arm against her rod, in a big struggle.

Starla battled Artie with all her droid had, but the droid. “Any time now, Lightning!” she hollered.

Artie began to power up his finisher, with his staff set on “Destroy!”

“SUPER STAFF SPIN!”

Whirling his glowing, burning staff, he moved in for the kill!

Lightning then punched Witch hard sending her fall back hard, and the rod went soaring up into the air again.

“NOW, KRYSTA!!” Lightning shouted, and Krysta quickly soared in and cast her double portals-- one right in front of Artie, and he charged straight into it.

He popped out through the second portal, right here the ice rod was tumbling. He struck it hard with his attack, blowing it to pieces!

“NOOOOOOOOO!!” wailed Witch, and with the destruction of her weapon, the spell was broken!

The ice within Artie’s heart melted away instantly, as did with all the civilians and the guards by the gallery.

“Artie, are you okay?” Starla called.

Artie nodded, “I feel much better.” Then his features hardened as he glared at the monster, “But you sure won’t be!”

Witch could only growl in rage, but Artie had more than enough power for another strike, and he set his staff between “Heal” and “Capture.”

“Let’s try this again!

SUPER STAFF SPIN!”

He powered up his staff again and struck the Witch hard.

The creature wailed and screamed as she fell onto her side and exploded-- reverting into a male Ice-Guard, shrunk and trapped in a sphere, and the monster badge broken.

The friends all jumped for joy, until Artie realized, “Sunset!” and he dashed off.

“Artie, wait up!” called Lightning, and he dashed after him leaving Starla and Krysta to take the prisoner in the sphere.

Back on Iceinia, Blizzord could tell the mission had failed again when Ice Witch failed to return.

“I don’t believe this!” he thundered. “I was supposed to have an entire army at my disposure now.”

Then the alarms sounded for an incoming meteor heading straight for the palace-- a very tiny one, no-bigger than a softball.

There was no time to intercept it, and it wasn’t needed seeing as it crashed through the chamber windows without doing much damage.

The rock split wide-open, for it was a capsule, containing a piece of orange parchment from Moltic.

“What’s this?” wondered Blizzord as he picked up the note and read it.

“Nice try, Blizzord-- Not!

--Flareous!”

Not bothering to question how in the world Flareous heard of all this, Blizzord crumpled the note in his fist, freezing it in ice, and threw it furiously against the wall.

“I’ll get you yet for this, Flareous! You too, Starfleet!!”

Smark was hiding somewhere by himself with a small glowing crystal orb. “Good job sending him that message.” he said into the orb. No one seemed to answer him back, or at least they were speaking so softly so as not to be overheard.

“You should’ve seen the look on that Ice Berg’s face, he was so mad.” chuckled Smark.

There was a pause again, and Smark then answered, “You just do things from your end, and I do mine. Everything will work out just as we want it to.”

The orb went out, and Smark could snicker while twiddling his little fingers.

That night, there was a big gathering at Artie’s gallery.

Artie was dressed in his formal wear as he still had plans that evening with his wife.

“Attention! Attention!” he called, and all the patrons hushed.

“I am pleased to announce the newest addition to our gallery, but I would like to allow the artist herself to explain it more.

Ladies and Gentlemen; Princess Glaceia of Iceinia.”

The crowd applauded as Glaceia stepped forth. She was so nervous and yet so excited at the same time. She couldn’t stop smiling so thankfully, and she nearly forgot to address everyone.

“Thank you, very much. I am honored to have this moment, but I first wish to express my thankfulness that the danger that occurred this day has passed and that you are all back to normal selves.

I can only further express my apologies for all this, and the future danger that my father intends for you all.”

The crowd felt rather uneasy and nervous. Some of which were affected by the ice that day felt horrible for the way they behaved while cursed, but they knew Glaceia was not really to blame and respected her sincerity.”

Glaceia then continued. “Aside from this, I am honored to be unveiling to you tonight.

All my life, I have worked well at my craft as it was all I ever had to maintain my sanity, but never once had I the opportunity to present it to any public, nor did I garner any appreciation as I hope to be given tonight.”

The crowds felt sorry for her.

“And now, by kind consent of General Artie Bristles…”

Artie bowed.

“…I present my very first piece to this gallery. This panting I have entitled, “Frozen Night.” She pulled the burlap cover off the canvas exposing the beautiful picture which made the crowd go “Awe!”

It was a beautiful landscape of Planet Iceinia-- snowy fields, mountains in the distance, all under a stary night sky, and Galceia painted the stars so well-- made so shining-- they seemed to shimmer like real stars in a real night sky.

Glaceia received a standing ovation for this unveiling. The people weren’t just being polite, they really loved the art. Even Artie applauded the magical glistening of the stars on the picture.

Glaceia was almost moved to tears by all this praise. It was beginning to look as if she had found a permanent hobby for herself.

“They like my work.” she sobbed softly to herself. “This is so wonderful.”

Pyron, who was in the crowd, approached her, kissed her hand tenderly and gave her a flower to show his own praise towards her.

She hugged him warmly.

Lightning and the real Starla were there with their kids in the crowds along with Krysta. Starla wiped a tear from her eye.

“Why are you crying, Mommy?” asked Shining Light.

“Oh, I’m not crying, honey. I’m just happy.”

Lightning chuckled, and then along came Artie and Sunset. Sunset was wearing the new dress she had bought-- the very one she had wrecked.

“You had it fixed.” said Lightning.

Sunset nodded, “I brought it straight back to Rarity, and told her what happened. I was so ashamed and upset with myself, but she had it all prepped up and ready for me in no time.”

Then she turned to her husband and pecked him sweetly on his cheek. “I was such a creep today. I’m so sorry I did all that stuff.”

Artie assured her, “It wasn’t your fault. You weren’t in control. I fell under the same spell when I attacked the others, and I hate myself for it, but it’s all over now, and everything fine.”

The others agreed.

Artie chuckled, “Still… Art… it’s always a great form of creativity, a wonderful hobby, and way to express yourself. I wish others could appreciate it more.”

“That would be wonderful.” said Krysta. “Then maybe there would be far less enemies for us to face and less danger.”

With all this in mind, Artie tenderly held out his arm to his wife. “Ready to go?”

Sunset blushed and they began to head off for their anniversary date.

“Wait! What about your guests here?” asked Lightning.

“You can look after them.” Artie called slyly.

“And while you’re at it, can you watch Sun Stream too.” added Sunset.

Lightning and Starla stood wide-eyed, realizing it was going to be a bit of a night for them to handle all this.

“The Art of slyness.” grumbled Lightning.

“Perhaps that’s one I can do without.” added Starla.

Krysta held in a laugh.

(Promo)

In our next episode: The Cutiemark Crusaders begin working at Rhymey’s Café where they meet Blitzy who is acting stubborn as ever towards Lightning and all of Starfleet, which leads them to bring up a whole bunch of stories from the past regarding different kinds of evil and how it was dealt with.

Can the Crusaders convince Blitzy that she may be wrong?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Work on You”)

Episode 7: Work on You

EPISODE SEVEN

Daphne Dill was working in a construction zone, as part of her Starfleet Training. Here she would build up muscle, strength, and increase her endurance and speed, and… at Buddy Rose’s suggestion…

“…It’ll help you work off a paycheck, as well pull some weight. You’re sixteen years old now, and you ought to get a part-time job to start paying your ways like a responsible pony.

Starfleet may be fine, and the pay is good, but you should do more and make extra money for yourself.”

The catch was that she wasn’t allowed to use any magic or power-tools.

She would dig using only shovels, picks, or hand-held drill-heads.

She would lift heavy loads in her arms alone.

She would level off roads, but pushing grating shovels in front of her, and dragging a large steel leveling drum behind her.

The other workers were astounded by how proficient she was. She was doing almost double the work at double the speed that they ever could with all their magic and tools.

By the end of the workday, she was feeling tuckered out. Her muscles were very tough and strong, and she collected her pay, but only minimum wage as were the rules since she was a minor.

On her way home, she ran into her friends, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, just getting out of High School for the day.

“Hey girls.”

“Hey, yourself.” said Applebloom. She couldn’t help but stare at DD’s strong looking arms. “And I thought doing farmwork built muscles.”

“It’s more than that,” said DD. “Bud says that, pretty soon, I’ll be able to take my first real Patrol. If I pass at that, I’ll be much closer to graduating and be a full-fledged cadet.”

The girls all jumped for joy.

“We’ve got big news also.” said Sweetie. “We’re starting our new part-time jobs today.”

“Part-time jobs? All three of you?”

Scootaloo nodded, “We got needs, and money doesn’t just grow on trees.”

“Well, that and Rarity talked me into it.” added Sweetie, and she recalled from memory her sister telling her.

“You’re getting to be big now, Sweetie. You’re not a little filly anymore. Have you put any thoughts into your future, how you will make you dreams happen, or support yourself in the long run?”

“She was right,” agreed Applebloom. “Being Crusaders is fun and all, but it doesn’t pay much, and I can’t just make money from farming neither.”

DD then asked, “Where are you working anyway?”

Soon, all four of the girls were at Rhymey’s Café, “Rhyme Time.” Where Rhymey was taking down the “Now Hiring” sign.

“Here?” asked DD.

“Why not?” said Sweetie. “How hard can it be? We serve the drinks, the food, we clean the tables and the dishes. What would be easier.”

Rhymey chuckled and said,

“Oh, ho, trust me when I say,
A few hours here will feel like a day.

The work isn’t all that easy going,
Especially for today’s poetry showing.

Now come inside, let’s get ready,
It’s your first day, make it steady.”

He gave the three girls aprons to wear and their very own nametags.

The girls felt really grown up now wearing these.

“You look cool.” said DD.

The girls smiled.

“Just the same, Rhymey…” said Applebloom. “Thanks for giving us this job.”

Rhymey smiled and said,

“Well, you’ve gotten big, all of you,
And I need more helpers, yes, I do.

So, let’s get started, you three.
And pay for you, there will be.”

“Yes, sir!” the trio said to their new boss, and they were off to work while singing a song through a montage.

Taking orders, pouring drinks, and trying to get other drinks correct. Giving out muffins and pastries.

Workforce!
Workforce!
Workforce!
Workforce!

[Sweetie]

Take your order and another or two,

[Applebloom]

Coming up but there’s more to do.

[Scootaloo]

Just when we think we’re done another comes right through.

[All]

I think I just dug myself into a pot of stew!

You can bet they made a few mistakes along the way. Like giving one pony an empty coffee mug.

Pouring coffee on the cream instead of the other way around.

Giving orders to the wrong customers.

Spilling a bit of overfilled drinks.

…And the dishes! Oh, the dishes! There are just so many of them to take to the kitchen and wash. Sweetie Belle very nearly dropped a whole bunch but used her magic to steady everything, but it didn’t matter, because there were always more dishes by the pileups.

[Sweetie]

Scrubbing all this scum’s enough to make my heart blow.
Will dishes ever stop piling, I just don’t know.

[Applebloom]

You’d like a coffee and a muffin, and you would like some tea.
Two orders, table, or was it two, or was it three?

[Scootloo]

Pinch of sugar, hold the cream, cinnamon sticks.
These orders are confusing like a box of magic tricks!

[Sweetie]

Watch that dish! Don’t let it drop!

[Applebloom]

Wrong order. Another flop!

[Scootloo]

Fill it up right to the top!

[All]

DOES IT EVER STOP?!

Their first day on the job was really wearing them down, and it had only been thirty minutes, meaning the workday was far from over.

Rhymey sighed at the mistakes the girls had made, but it was expected as they were only new, as it said on their nametags, and he had respect for people who made simple mistakes.

He was pleased to see the girls still doing their best to keep at work.

Workforce!
Workforce!
Workforce!
Workforce!

The girls were growing exhausted already due to their unfamiliarity with such excessive workloads.

[Sweetie]

Was that the last dish?

[Applebloom]

Did I fulfil your wish?

[Scootaloo]

Pour the coffee, make it splish

[All]

MY BRAIN IS GONNA SQUISH!!

Workforce!
Workforce!
Workforce!
Workforce!

The song faded out…

A few hours later. The girls’ shifts were over. All three of them were sitting slumped down on the couch near the stage, looking frazzled.

“I don’t think my fingers will ever be the same!” Sweetie complained as she looked at her dishpan hands.

“You were wearing rubber gloves!” protested Scootaloo.

Applebloom took off her shoes to air her aching feet. “I thought this would be easy.”

Rhymey then came up to them with paychecks.

“Well done girls, here is your pay.
And I hope you’ll do more another day.”

The girls were thrilled to have their pay, even if it was small, but they couldn’t help but groan and faint, remembering to work at the café a few days each week after school.

They still had homework to do, baths to take… Applebloom even had planet of chores to help get the farm ready for the night.

“Poor things,” chuckled DD. “They’ll get used to it.”

Rhymey couldn’t help but chuckle too.

After a few times of working, the girls got the better hang of things. They even got to serve Pyron and Glaceia who stopped over for a hot drink.

They made fewer mistakes and managed to organize their time and balance work and school.

One afternoon some of the friends came over to the café.

Fluttershy brought over Button Fly wanting to see how well he was with the girls, which she could see was going very well-- the girls were working so efficiently.

“You’ve really treated them well.
That much I can tell.”

Her husband blushed.

Button Fly could only clap funnily and go…

“Goo… Coo…
Blue… Hey, you.”

He was learning his rhymes.

Next came Applejack, Buddy and Tree Hugger, with DD and little Seedling.

“How come you’re all here?” asked Sweetie.

DD chuckled, “Tree Hugger’s performing in the poetry reading tonight, and I thought I’d come check on my friends.”

Applejack wiped a tear from her eye. “Just you look you, Applebloom. My little sis, working a job.”

Applebloom acted tough. “Cut it out sis, or you’ll make me cry too.”

Everyone laughed.

“I’m proud to see all you girls working like this.” said Buddy “You’ve all come a long way since you were kids, and even then, you did a lot, all four of you.”

The girls knew exactly what he referred to, but there was no time to talk it over. The girls had work to do before the show, and Tree Hugger had to get ready.

“Good luck, honey.” Buddy said, and he pecked his wife, and she replied “I don’t need luck. I’ve got the bliss.”

Later, as it was just about time for the show to begin, another customer entered the café, Blitzy Heart, and she didn’t look too thrilled.

She was here having a break from her stay in New Canterlot.

Fluttershy noticed her instantly.

“Isn’t that Lightning’s friend,
The one that hates Starfleet to no end?”

Rhymey nodded,

“That is her, I can see,
But why she’s here is a mystery.

Regardless, she is a customer,
It is proper that we come to serve her.”

Soon, Blitz sat at a table, alone, away from the stage and the noise. She had a cup of tea and a muffin which Applebloom had served her.

The majority of the patrons were all gathered by the stage, and Rhymey gave his traditional welcome to Open Stage Night.

“And now I’d like to share my dream
The stage is open-- start the theme.
The guests are here and just like me…
They wish to share with their poetry.”

The patrons all applauded, and Tree Hugger was bathed in spotlight, kneeling on stage in a meditative pose, and she began to her poem through deep, yet soft and blissful music.

“Bliss… it’s the light of the air, the zone which we know.
Life… creates it, gives us all that it has to show.
Love… the sonic waves that I hear, in the colorful scene,
Giving… all to me the keys to life and what it will mean.”

As she continued, DD was waiting for her friends to come off shift so they could all go and watch the show together.

Scootaloo and Sweetie had already taken off their uniforms and were waiting for Applebloom, who was dealing with her last order, checking up on Blitz.

“May I take your dishes, ma’am?” she asked politely.

Blitz just nodded grimly, and Applebloom took the dishes and left them on the counter for the next shift to take. Then she was officially off work.

She and the girls then noticed that Blitz seemed very miserable.

“Is everything okay?” Applebloom asked.

Blitz politely tried to brush her off. “I’m afraid you wouldn’t understand.”

Applebloom didn’t buy it. “You have only two days left to make up your mind if you stay or leave, and you still don’t want to leave without Lightning Dawn because you still think Starfleet is bad for him.”

Blitz was astounded. “How in the world did you…?”

The rest of the girls approached her. “We know all about you.” said Sweetie, and one-by-one the girls introduced themselves and revealed that many of them were related to Starfleet officers, and that DD was a cadent in-training.

“I don’t believe this!” Blitz groaned, trying not to shout during the poetry show. “Does Starfleet truly have to infect everything, including young minds?”

The girls were confused, but they remembered what their families had told them about Blitz being completely resentful towards the force.

“Pardon my asking, but what do you mean by “Infect?” asked DD. “You don’t seriously believe that Starfleet is responsible for all that goes on here.”

“What am I supposed to believe?” replied Blitz. “I’ve seen what Starfleet gets into-- all that fighting and destruction and chaos. I’ve treated many of their soldiers on my travels.”

She paused and held her head in frustration. “Why do they always attract all this evil, all this trouble, and why do they bring all this suffering amongst the innocent?”

The girls had heard enough.

“They don’t!” they all said together.

“Starfleet doesn’t cause all the evil to just come to them.” said Swetie Belle. “…At least they don’t create in a sense.”

“Evil is its own thing. It comes and goes as it pleases.” remarked Scootaloo. “Starfleet didn’t create all this evil, it’s more the other way around.”

Blitz remained unconvinced. “Then why is it most places I go, Starfleet is there?”

DD said, “It’s because the planet they’re on is facing some crisis that the populace just can’t stand up to, and they need help.”

Applebloom agreed, “I still remember all the evils and nasties that happened on Equestria long before Starfleet came along.”

Blitz was suddenly intrigued.

The girls recounted all the evil bad guys like Nightmare Moon, Discord, The Changelings, King Sombra…

And in a series of flashbacks, they reminisced all the time those creeps were up to no good.

“They were all a nasty bunch.” said Applebloom. “Always out to cause trouble and chaos unimaginable.”

“If it wasn’t for Twilight Sparkle and her friends,” said Sweetie “We would have all been doomed long ago.”

More flashbacks of Twilight and friends with the elements of harmony, or Crystal Magic, pushing the evil ones back and restoring peace to Equestria.

“So, you see…?” said Scootaloo. “Evil exists in some shape or form, and it can always strike when you least expect it.”

Blitz was astounded to hear that-- a world like Equestria, that dealt in friendship, love, and harmony-- almost like Harmonius-- had such creeps and bad beings.

“But you didn’t need Starfleet to help you then, did you?” she pointed out. “If you were able to beat such villains on your own, why would you ever need Starfleet.”

“Like we said before,” said DD, “Sometimes you may end up coming across enemies that are far more than you can handle, and if you can’t… it could cost you dearly.”

The other three girls couldn’t have agreed with her more. They all remembered that terrible day when it happened…

Super Nightmare Moon! She was back and stronger than ever, and she brought along Titan’s minions by her side.

Twilight’s forces-- the entire Equestrian Empire-- were totally helpless to even scratch the villains. They were just too strong, and unlike anything ever seen before.

Equestria was enslaved with an iron fist and the populace forced into slavery.

“I still have nightmares of that.” said Scootaloo. “Being chained up and caged like an animal. Being forced to wait on and serve our masters day and night, and watching them beat, whip, and push the adults round the clock, and making them work tirelessly!

It was the worse times Equestria had ever known.”

Sweetie and Applebloom cringed softly, remembering all the pain they had suffered.

“If Starfleet hadn’t come, we wouldn’t have been here telling this story today.” said Sweetie.

Scootaloo shut her eyes tightly remembering, “The planet began to crumple after all the evil was beaten, but with Starfleet forces combined with our own Equestrian forces, the two worlds were combined, revived, and we’ve all lived together ever since.”

Blitz had heard of Unicornicopia being destroyed from the Starfleet fighters she tended to on other planets, but she never thought it was that dreadful. Even the Space Ponies were nearly wiped out.

“Many of us are very proud of Starfleet.” explained DD. “I am especially. That’s why I’m training to join them. So, I can continue to help others and stave off evil forces.

And I can tell you, there have been an awful load of them over the years I’ve seen.”

She and the girls continued going on of the many other evils United Equestria had to face over the years, and some of which were old Equestrian villains.

Like The Changelings and Sombra.

“They were back,” said Applebloom. “They were far meaner, and nastier than ever, and much harder to beat without Starfleet’s help.”

“That’s why Princess Twilight and friends joined the force.” said Sweetie. “Nobody forced them to, they wanted to join to help the cause.”

The girls then looked sad.

Scootaloo said, “We even remember the terrible day when Twilight Sparkle was struck down!”

The flashbacks occurred of the evil assassin, Raven, battling Twilight and Lightning, and Twilight was struck down and left to die in Lightning’s arms.

“Twilight! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

Blitz was heart-struck. “Just like that? She died before his eyes?”

The girls nodded.

“He really took it hard.” said DD. “He lost his will for a while, but those are the risks of joining the force. Anyone is likely to perish at any time, and with all the enemies that kept coming our way, those odds never tip.”

She recounted more enemies…

The Dark King of the Future.

The Insecto Armada

Seinna the Treasure Hunter

Stammadon

The Devils

The Nightmares themselves…!

“Evil just comes and goes.” DD continued to explain. “It’s not Starfleet who created them, but rather the other way around. Without Starfleet to fight them, who will? It’s a dangerous job, but it has to be done.”

She looked out the window and saw how it was starting to get dark out. “Every Starfleet fighter, or even civilian worries that if the sunset they see now may be their last.”

“That’s my point!” Blitz said, almost raising her voice. “I get it now. Starfleet needs to do what it does, but why get civilians involved? Why place them all in danger?”

The girls shook their heads.

“Because their ain’t really no safe place to be.” replied Applebloom.

Sweetie agreed, “Like we said: Evil is everywhere. If you try to run from it, that doesn’t mean you’ll escape it.”

“And if it catches up with you, and you’re all alone, you may as well say your prayers.” added Scootaloo.

DD nodded, “At least by being so close to Starfleet, we know that action will be taken immediately. Not just to stop the bad guys, but to protect the innocent and reduce casualties, but the civilians must play their part too.

They have to follow the rules and regulations and know never to disobey orders when danger is afoot.”

Blitz began to think back to when Swift Star had insulted her about Planet Harmonius and how it was defenseless.

“Your people lived in total peace, harmony, and all the things many of us strive for as well, but the big mistake you made was giving up any ways to defend yourself.

She then had flashbacks of the day Harmonius was attacked, and everyone killed!

“You okay, Doc?” asked Applebloom.

Blitz rubbed her eyes, still finding it hard to accept all this.

“And you girls… are you really okay with all of this?”

“Well, it depends.” said Applebloom. “We don’t like all the danger and chaos that comes.”

“But we know Starfleet does their best to protect us all.” added Sweetie Belle.

“We know this all too well,” said Scootaloo. “We Crusaders actually helped them many times in the past.”

“Excuse me?!” Blitz asked, hardly able to believe her ears, “You girls actually helped Starfleet, and you’re not even part of the force?”

The girls nodded, and recounted the many times they helped save the world.

“An evil black Dragon Knight captured our friends and family.” said DD. “So, we followed her into the danger, even though we were warned not to.”

“Things were super scary and tense, I tell you.” added Applebloom, “But it was a good thing we got involved, because we were able to destroy the Knight’s power source, which freed our friends, and helped them to bring her down once and for all.”

“And that’s when the most magical thing happened to us…” said Scootaloo. “We actually earned our cutie marks, which symbolized our bravery, our skills in helping others, but most of all, our friendship.”

DD couldn’t get a cutie mark because she was a Space Pony, but she did the next best thing, and got a tattoo on her flank similar to a cutie mark, to prove her loyalty to her friends.

“There was another time we helped someone…” said DD. “A poor and disheveled pony who resented help was being targeted and harassed by an insane mayor.

This pony was so horrid that she planned worldwide genocide because she hated Starfleet.”

The other crusaders remembered that horrible mayor, and how she and her men captured them all and the poor pony she was targeting.

“It took us some time,” said Sweetie, “But we were able to prove our sincerity and help him find the strength to help us, and together, we were able to aid Starfleet to put an end to the mayor’s twisted plot.”

Scootaloo clenched her fists. “But the greatest and most fearsome of our adventures lay ahead of us, as well as our former schoolteacher, Mykan Stevens.”

Naturally, they referred to the time they and Mykan became the “Super Cyber Data Squad!”

“Time to Digitize!” Mykan would shout as he became the cybernetic hero “Surfer!”

“LET’S KICK SOME MEGA-BUTT!!” The girls would shout as they transported into the cockpits of their Cybernetic Data Beasts.

Teaming up to battle the evil program, “Megadox” to stop his viruses from terrorizing electronic systems and causing disasters and havoc all over the world.

“The final battle really took it out of us.” said Applebloom. “We had very nearly lost all we had, but in the end, we teamed up together and we blasted that Megadox into lost data.”

“With the job done, we had to give it all up.” said Scootaloo. “But it still remains one of the most heroic times we ever had.”

Blitz was positively astounded and amazed. She could hardly find words to say.

“And do you… still long for more adventure, excitement, and things like this?” she had to ask.

“Golly, No.” replied Applebloom. “It’s not cool to wish for trouble and danger like that.”

Sweetie agreed, “All this danger and chaos is never fun.”

Scootaloo considered, “Well… maybe sometimes it feels like it is, but we don’t like it. It’s scary stuff, but we’re always pleased to help, and that’s only if it’s needed, if we can, and if there’s no other way.

Just our cutie marks say, we’re here to help those who need it.”

DD stepped forth, “The whole point of this is, Starfleet and those associated with them do their best to fight off any and all evil that comes along, and even when that evil is stopped, it doesn’t seem to do any good because there are more and more bad guys that always seem to spark, and the cycle starts again.

But one thing is certain-- at least I feel that and so do my friends…

Starfleet is a fine force, and while you may not like it, and you’re free too, living amongst them, or counting on them is fat better than having nothing to do with them at all.”

Blitzy’s eyes were open wide for the first time in a long time. “I always used to think that Starfleet were war-hungry conquerors that only cared about fighting and destroying.

But they’re really fighting to help others, not just themselves.”

The girls smiled at each other, figuring they had done well today. While they had seemed to convince her that Starfleet wasn’t as bad as she thought it was, she still insisted, “But Lightning still should not be part of it. He’s a Harmonian, and regardless of the things he’s done, I still believe he should quit now.”

With that, she left some money on the table and left the café.

The girls could only sigh and shake their heads.

“Well, at least we made a small breakthrough.” said Applebloom.

The others nodded, and they took the money to the cashier, and went off to join the poetry show with everyone else.

While in the far corner away from the table, someone sat in the dark and overheard everthing.

Lightning got up, and left some money, and while he was disappointed that Blitz was still determined to win him away, at least she was softening up.

“There’s hope for her yet.”

(Promo)

In our next episode: Pyron and Glaceia have a heated argument which leads to a spell of silence for them both and causing stress for our heroes. Things worsen when a Flaming monster is sent and curses the planet to heat things up.

Can our heroes resolve the conflict amongst their friends and the heating danger?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Heated Hearts”)

Episode 8: Heated Hearts

EPISODE EIGHT

Pyron and Glaceia walked past each other in the halls of the palace, but one look at each other and they turned away with sour expressions on their faces. They wouldn’t say a word to each other and just walked along to do their duties.

Lightning saw them and he sighed…

*Breaks Fourth Wall*

“You’re probably wondering “What’s up with those two?”

Well, it all started a week ago.”

*Normal Resume*

One evening, Pyron and Glaceia were standing out on a terrace of the palace, just gazing up at the stars and the moon.

“Oh, Pyron, what a lovely night.” Glaceia said as she relaxed in Pyron’s arms. “It’s so beautiful and peaceful.”

Pyron held her close and agreed with her, but he felt uneasy. “I wish nights could be like this back home on Moltic and Iceinia.”

Now Glaceia felt uneasy too, wondering what Flareous and Blizzord were up to that moment, and what horrible plans they had for the planet next.

“Glaceia, I have been doing a lot of thinking.”

“What about?”

Pyron hesitated and finally admitted, “Ever since I first met you, my ways of the warrior have faded, because I believe in bringing forth peace to both our worlds.

…And yet, Starfleet has been so wonderful to us while staving off attacks from our fathers, but I still feel ashamed for subjecting them all to this.”

“What are you saying?”

Pyron cringed at what he was about to admit. “I don’t think I can face it any longer. I think it’s time I got back into action and picked up my sword again.”

Glaceia gasped. “No! You can’t! You mustn’t!”

Pyron expected she would act this way.

“Pyron, you swore that you would never raise your sword in anger again.”

“I realize this, but what I wish to do now is for other means; to protect this world and others from our fathers and their wrath, and to repay Starfleet for all they have done.”

Glaceia still disapproved. “We already have repaid them by the work we do for them, and we have already learned so much in the ways of peace and ways to reform our worlds.”

“Yes, we have… but the peace to our worlds may never happen so long as our fathers are at war. If I were to Starfleet, that peace may be obtained all the faster.”

“Have you thought of how long it has been since you even battled? Perhaps you are out of practice, and you have never faced the monsters our fathers send.”

“But Glaceia…” Pyron said, but before he could protest more, Princess Luna hovered down from up high, clearing her throat to capture both their attention. “Would you-two mind keeping your voices down? You are beginning to disturb the sleepers in the palace.”

The couple felt embarrassed and promised to try and tone it down.

“Pyron, please understand.” said Glaceia. “I really don’t want you to enter the battlefield again, and I put my foot down to it.”

She raised her foot and stomped it down softly.

Pyron was beginning to feel angry, but he didn’t show it, not in front of her, and due to his being unresponsive, Glaceia assumed he complied and bid him “Good night.” as she went off to her room.

Though they were lovers, it was proper that they each had a separate room.

Pyron just couldn’t get to sleep. Glaceia talking to him like that was shocking enough, but what really bothered him was that he was unable to shake up his urge to get back into action.

He even got up and took his sword in hand and practiced a few moves in the wide-open space of his room, but he soon found Glaceia was right about him being out of practice.

She couldn’t seem to get his techniques down, and he ended up slipping and falling down several times.

“I need to train up.” he said to himself.

He recalled what Glaceia had told him, but his urge to battle was too strong, even over his love for her.

“Maybe it’s because of my love for her that I’m willing to do this.” he wondered. “She must understand, I only wish to fight to defend, not to be the warrior I used to be.”

He recalled the times of how brutal and vile he was during the war. He would attack and brutalize every Iceinian that dared oppose him.

Now he had a better reason to fight than ever, and he made up his mind.

“Tomorrow, I better start getting back in the game.”

The next day, he spoke to their majesties.

“You wish to train?” asked Grand Ruler.

“I do.” Pyron explained why.

“We see,” said Celestia. “Does Glaceia know of this?”

Pyron hesitated to answer, which told their majesties enough. Celestia whispered to her husband, “Princess Luna told me of their argument last night.”

Grand Ruler got the picture, however, “I have skepticism regarding this request. However, seeing as you have some battle experience, and we could use an extra hand in the war we face, if you wish to proceed, there is nothing we can do to stop you.”

Pyron intended to proceed, and he requested, “Please, I beg of you, don’t let Glaceia know of this.”

Their majesties sighed softly, knowing what dangers it was to keep secrets like this.

“Very, well,” agreed Celestia, “But don’t you think Glaceia should know regardless?”

“I do feel that, but I also don’t feel that now is the right time. I am hoping to convince her that my reasons are sound despite her wishes.”

Grand Ruler felt mor uneasy than ever, and while he agreed to keep the secret, he whispered to Celestia, “I think there’s going to be trouble from this.”

His wife agreed.

Nevertheless, Pyron began training in secret.

He was taken to the open fields, far away from the palace so Glaceia would not find him, and merely lied to the fact that Pyron was busy at work he was assigned to.

The guards would volunteer to have spars with Pyron, to help him get his game back on.

Their majesties requested that Spike and Rhymey-- expert swordsmen-- come over to help further Pyron’s training.

Lightning oversaw the sessions like a referee.

“Attack… Ho!” he shouted.

Pyron was getting stronger, and better, almost feeling like his old warrior self again, although rhymey and Spike proved to be tough themselves.

“DRAGON FLAME WHEEL!” Spike came rolling in for a strong attack, and Pyron blocked him with his sword, and pushed him off, but then left himself wide open for Rhymey to come in with his sword.

“I must… train… harder!” Pyron growled as he swung his sword, parrying Rhymey’s and trying to get at him, but Rhymey’s master swordsmanship held up.

Spike then came in with his own sword, and Pyron ended up having a two-on-one battle.

Yet all his training was paying off. He managed to find his focus, and he didn’t slip as much anymore.

The three blades all clashed together in a massive struggle, and in a massive force, the three men knocked each other back hard.

“That will do,
I think we’re through.” said Rhymey.

“You’re telling me.” panted Spike, and he powered down his armor.

Pyron held his sword up high and clenched his other fist tightly. “I haven’t felt like this in a long time.

Thank you, gentlemen. I believe I am truly ready to battle again.”

Spike chuckled, “Easy there, now. No need to jump into it right away.”

Rhymey agreed,

“You only just got your skills back,
You may know how to defend and attack,
But the battles ahead are rough you bet,
We don’t know if you are quite ready yet.”

Pyron agreed, “You may be right. I may have defeated hordes of soldiers before, but these monsters and new resources are far different.”

“We’ll have to ask their majesties if whether or not you can join us.” said Lightning, “But…”

Pyron waited for his answer, “But what?”

“Don’t you think you should really tell Glaceia all this?”

“No! No, I couldn’t. It’s not the right time to do so.”

The men all sighed, fearing what was bound to happen.

“If there’s one thing I know about secrets,” said Spike. “It’s that they have ways of coming out.”

Lightning and Rhymey agreed.

On their way back to the palace, they were all approaching the main gate at the drawbridge. Other than the two guards at their posts, who else was there, but Glaceia, and she looked extremely peeved.

“Glaceia?” said Pyron, “I… I didn’t know you were here.”

“Uh, oh…” Spike murmured. The others felt cold too.

Glaciea approached Pyron and looked him, “I suppose you were out working?”

“Um… yes, I was.”

“And you had to bring your sword with you too I suppose?”

Pyron stammered and stuttered trying to find his words, “I… uh… just kept it with me in case of… well… just so…”

“…So, you could train to battle behind my back!” Glaceia practically yelled. “I saw you! I know what you’ve been up to!”

For a warm being, Pyron’s blood went cold.

Glaciea explained how she had been helping the palace staff gather laundry from suites when she passed by a window and saw a big explosion from far off. She assumed it was trouble, but when she used a telescope on the battlements to view far away… she saw everything!

Knowing he was busted, rather than try to act ashamed, Pyron’s features hardened. “Glaceia, I have told you why I wish to do this. It’s very important to me.”

“And I suppose I am not!” thundered Glaceia.

Back and forth they traded yelling and protests. The trio kept looking back and forth like watching a Tennis match, until Lightning finally intervened. “Stop it, both of you!

Pyron, we warned you she would find out…

And Glaceia, it’s his decision to fight in the war to help us, and we could use it.”

Overly infuriated, Glaceia stomped off in a huff.

Pyron did the same and went off in a different direction.

“Well, that went well.” said Spike. Lightning and Rhymey gave him a disdainful look.

For the next few days, Pyron and Glaceia had little or nothing to do with one another. They wouldn’t talk to or even go near the other, and if they happened to walk into one another in the halls, they wouldn’t look each other’s way.

Glaceia had a soft cry into her pillow on the first day.

The scene changed back to Lightning in the hall.

*Breaks Fourth Wall*

“And that’s why those two are acting this way. I really hope they snap out of it soon.”

*Normal Resume*

Meanwhile, Flareous ordered more attacks against Iceinia.

“FIRE!!”

More meteors were launched towards the opposing planet, but there was more trouble already occurring on his own world as Ice-Guards came through the invisiports.

“Armies… To arms!” Flareous ordered as his own Flame-Guards ran in to counter the oncoming forces, while at the same time head through the ports to attack Iceinia directly.

“This isn’t getting anywhere?!” he growled. “I need more power to stop Blizzord.”

Suddenly, he had an idea. “KELTAR!” he bellowed.

His lacky appeared in almost no time. “You called, your majesty?”

“I need a monster, one that can really bring the heat on those Freeze Freaks on Iceinia.”

Keltar tries to protest. “With all due respect, sire, we must save what resources we have to deal with Starfleet.

Perhaps if we sent a monster to United Equestria--” he stopped there when Flareous began to flare up with rage. “I didn’t ask for your opinion; I gave you an order!

Make me a monster and send it to Iceinia! NOW!!!”

Keltar shuddered in fear, “Y-Y-Yes, your majesty!” and he dashed off to get a monster badge while grumbling, “Overblown hothead! He wants a monster; I’ll give him just the monster he wants.”

He found just the badge he wanted and called for a guard to use it on.

Flareous was growing impatient. “Where is my monster?!” he shouted.

He suddenly got his answer when a wall was smashed down by a powerful explosion, a very large, flaming monster came stomping in.

Its body was a fiery orange like the Molticeans, only his body was huge, muscular, and seemed to be blazing with flares.

Flareous recognized this creature. “It can’t be! Not you?!”

The monster roared at him. “Flareous! It be some time since you fight Magmus!”

“I remember you!” bellowed Flareous. “You were an out-of-control villager who mastered such fire power that you turned to pillaging the villages and trying to overthrow the crown!

The Great Hero conquered you, and I thought I heard the end of you until now!”

Magmus snickered, “Only now… Flareous… WILL END…!!”

He flared up and shouted, “MAGMA TRAIL!” unleashing a fiery, bubbling trail of lava straight at the king, forcing him to dodge and draw his sword.

“Magmus not scared of you!” laughed the monster.

Flareous could not believe this. Apparently, it meant that the monster badges not only contained the powers and essences of the creatures defeated, but also their thoughts and subconscious.

This monster, while still a guard, had thoughts of the actual monster’s desire for trouble and vengeance against all of Moltic.

Magmus picked up a large piece of debris from the wall, causing it to flare and glow which he threw at Flareous, which he destroyed with one swing of his flame sword.

Flame Guards, alerted by the noise, came out to defend their king, but that brutal monster punched them all away with his huge fists, knocking them all out and injuring them severely.

Flareous wanted a monster, but not like this! He had to get him out of the palace and to the nearest invisiport… and he had a plan.

He dashed out onto the observation terrace with the monster rushing after him.

“You no escape!” Magmus bellowed.

The two confronted each other on the terrace and they began to brawl.

Flareous swung his sword about, and Magnus parried his every strike with his flaming fists alone. His muscles and the heat made him strong enough to take it and more.

“You gone soft!” taunted Magmus, “Me squash you like ember flame!”

He charged straight for Flareous, but the king pulled a fast one, and using his great strength, he ducked down and kicked him hard in the back, sending the monster far off the terrace, down, down below where he vanished through an invisiport.

Flareous sighed in relief.

“Well done, sire.” commented Keltar. “Wherever he has gone, it is their trouble now.”

Flareous glared at him. “Let that be a blessing on YOUR sake! How could you sick that monster loose?!”

Keltar tried to make his excuses, but he was lucky when Flareous said, “Never mind, I shall deal with you later!” and he went off to continue his onslaught on Iceinia.

Pyron continued to train, but he was starting to slow up again as all he could think of or see was Glaceia’s face.

He couldn’t figure if he was angrier at her, or angry with himself.

It caused him to have a few slip-ups during training, and he couldn’t fight very well.

“Enough!” said Lightning, and he ordered the spar to end.

Rhymey and Spike complied and powered down their suits.

“No! I can’t! I must keep going!” shouted Pyron, and he charged forth for another strike, forcing Lightning to rush in and hold him by the arms. “I said “That is all!”

Pyron finally complied, and he dropped his sword to the ground while cringing in woe. “How could this happen?” he said miserably. “How can Glaceia just not understand?”

Lightning assured him, “Give her time, she’ll come around.”

Glaciea was out in town with Starla, Fluttershy and Rarity, after they left the children at the Royal Palace Daycare.

The ladies sat at an outdoor café having tea and biscuits.

“I tried to appeal to their majesties to stop him, but they brushed me off. They said only Pyron can make the decision.”

She felt like pounding the table in frustration.

“Now, now!” said Rarity. “That isn’t very ladylike. No pounding.”

Glaceia sighed. “How can he do this to me? I thought I understood him. I really thought we had something special.”

“You still do…” said Starla “Don’t think that just because of this one little falling out means you’re both finished.”

Glaceia had to agree, “But I don’t understand. Why would he want to fight again?”

Fluttershy guessed,

“Though you hoped he’d grown out of it,
He still has a strong fighting spirit.

He wants to get back into the game,
But the way he does is not the same.

Instead of creating hate and war,
He wants to defend us all and more.

You shouldn’t his fighting sport,
You should be proud and give him support.”

Glaceia didn’t know what to think about all that. “How can I support the very things I protest?” she asked, “And how can Pyron put me second to it. Maybe he doesn’t love me as much as I thought.”

“Darling, you’re speaking nonsense!” protested Rarity. “I understand well how you must feel, I always dreamed and searched of the perfect male companion to live by my side.

Mind you, I had rather long and strict itinerary.”

“The point is,” Starla cut is. “When you accepted Pyron, you had to make a compromise-- you must accept everything that comes with him, including things that you may disagree with. There’s never any way around it.”

The other wives agreed. Though no one watched them all the time, this implied they sometimes had arguments with their own respective husbands.

“That’s what makes it good and true love,” Starla continued, “Being able to accept certain things and take them as they come.”

All the wives looked down at their wedding rings and remembered their vows, all declaring at the same time.

“For better or worse,
Through bad times and good
Let our love shine through,
As a good wife should.”

The diamonds or the gold of the rings gave off a strong shimmer.

Glaceia said nothing, but she was astounded by the wives’ devotion.

Suddenly, the alarms sounded, followed by the sounds of screams and dozens of ponies and others running for shelter.

Starla said to Glaceia. “Get inside the café, now!”

Glaciea agreed, but as she got up and ran towards the door.

“Look Out!!” Rarity screamed as she saw a large burning wave heading straight for her.

Glaceia looked and screamed, but Starla quickly rushed over and pulled her away.

The ladies all looked back, and saw the monsters growling and then laughing at them.

“You dodge Magmus? That no fun!”

The barriers had already engaged, leaving Glaceia trapped outside.

“Sentries!” called Starla. Two guards show up, and she instructed them to take Glaceia someplace safe.

The guards complied and lead Glaceia away while Starla stood with her friends.

“Starla, you’re on maternity leave.” Rarity pointed out.

“This is an emergency. I can fight. I’ve been edging to get back into the action.”

“Well, if you’re sure,
Let’s toast this monster!” said Fluttershy.

“Starfleet Magic!”

“Harmony Hour! Friendship Power!”

Once the ladies were transformed, they stared the monster down.

“Magmus not scared! Magmus get fired up!” and he did. His big body flared up with fire all around him.

“Whoa!” Starla cried as she scanned the monster with her visor. “His power is increasing rapidly, so is his external temperature!”

The monster snickered wickedly, and he began to stomp forth. His body was so hot and flaring that his feet left burning marks.

“He’s burning everything in sight,
But I’m ready to fight.” said Fluttershy.

“Wait!” said Starla “Let me try something.”

She stepped forth, “STAR SHOWER” she had unleashed her magic stars. The monster didn’t even bother to put up any defenses or dodge-- he didn’t have to. His flames were so hot the stars disintegrated on contact.

“Didn’t work!” Starla grumbled.

“Ha, Ha, Ha!” laughed Magmus, “Now me give shot!

FIRE BELCH!” Magmus shouted, and he let out a huge burp sending a massive wave of flames at the trio, which they dodged by leaping high up into the air.

“How rude!” growled Rarity, “Perhaps this will teach you…!” and she took a great deep breath and unleashed her dragon fire at him.

The fire struck the monster, but he just laughed and absorbed the flames, increasing his own.

“Rarity! You only made him stronger!” shouted Starla.

“Oops!” peeped Rarity.

“How are we supposed to beat him?
All our attacks just overheat him.” wailed Fluttershy.

Starla then noticed, “It’s worse than that! Look!”

The fires were starting to spread. The barriers would protect the homes and buildings, but the plant-life and flammable objects would lead to worse things.

Fluttershy quickly rushed to the nearest lamppost and sounded the Fire Alarm, alerting the sentries to man their stations.

One of the guards who was escorting Glaceia to safety had to go back and help, leaving his partner to protect her alone.

“Keep going!” the guard said. “We have to get you further away.”

Glaceia didn’t know how much longer she could keep running for.

Suddenly, she and the guard ran straight into more trouble; a whole swarm of flame guards and Keltar was there too.

“Going somewhere?” he hissed. “I think you are. You’re coming with me, to Moltic, as my prisoner!”

The guard stood in front of Glaceia and got his lance ready to take on the swarm himself. Many of the other sentries were either still helping other civilians get far away from the danger, or helping stop the fire spreading.

“You can’t be serious.” teased Keltar, and he called to the guards, “Attack!”

The Flame Guards rushed forth. The guard did his very best, but he was overpowered by the swarm. They knocked his lance away and thrashed at him hard making sparks and explosions fly.

Glaceia was frightened to the point of tears. Then she screamed as two guards apprehended her.

“Let me go! Let me go!!” She fussed and struggled to the point where the guards were ready to clobber her.

“No! Don’t!” yelled Keltar. “King Flareous would want his enemy’s daughter alive. You will help us force the Iceinians into complete surrender.”

Glaceia shuddered at such a thought while Keltar snickered.

Suddenly, “Hold it right there!” someone shouted.

Spike and Rhymey landed on the spot with their swords at the ready.

“Let her go!” demanded Spike.

“Take them!” shouted Keltar.

The guards rushed forth.

Rhymey and Spike nodded at one another, and they rushed to attack.

“Take this!” Spike shouted, and with a swing of his sword he slashed the weapons out of his enemies’ hands.

“My turn,
To bring the burn!” said Rhymey. “THRASH SLASH” He powered up his sword and with a single, massive slash, he struck all the guards hard, blowing them in the rocks they were made of.

“Let’s get out of here while we can!” said Keltar.

Just as he and his guards were ready to take Glaceia away to an invisiport, someone else intervened-- Pyron just leapt down from the sky with his sword clutched in his hand.

“Pyron!” cried Glaceia.

Their eyes met, and Pyron yelled at the villains, “Let her go, or face my wrath!”

“Your highness, really?” chuckled Keltar. “If you wish to accompany us back to your father, by all means--”

“I said “release her!”

The guards did so, but they rushed up to attack him.

“Pyron!” cried Galceia, but then she and Keltar watched as Pyron fought back, parrying the guards’ swords with his own, and he proceeded to slash at the guards, blowing them into stones, much to Keltar’s shock.

Then he found his prince pointing his sword straight at him.

“Um…” Keltar chuckled nervously. “I was… just leaving… bye!” and he ran off.

“Come back here!” Pyron yelled, as he chased after him, only for Keltar to escape through an invisiport.

Pyron stopped where he was, and yet he shouted at where the port was, “Tell my father never to lay a hand on my love again! NEVER!!”

The was the very first time Glaceia had seen him in action, and he did seem rather gallant, like a true warrior prince instead of a warmonger, and the fact that he had just saved her from a horrible fate played even stronger.

He looked at her with his strong eyes, which seemed to glisten in the sunlight, re-igniting the strong feelings in her heart.

More guards then tried to rush him, but he swiftly turned and hacked them into fire pellets.

Meanwhile, Pegasi had brough in loads of rainclouds to shower upon the flames allowing ground forces to put them out with magic and firefighting tools.

As for the monster, the three frontline ladies lead him away from the village and into the open fields.

Despite the rains the Pegasi brought, it didn’t affect Magmus at all. His flames were so hot that the water evaporated before it could reach him.

“Magmus not scared of little rain shower.” he mocked. “Magmus get fired up!”

“Oh, yeah. Then so will we!” said Starla. “Ready ladies, it’s time to turn our own powers up.”

Fluttershy and Rarity agreed, knowing what to do.

“SUPER-MODE, ACTIVATE!”

Their suits were all glowing and sparkly. “There, now we’re stronger and protected from more of the heat!” said Starla.

“Big deal!” growled Magmus. “FIRE BELCH!” he unleashed another burning wave, but the ladies just stomped their ways right through it, taking all the hits with ease.

“I state again… How Rude!” Rarity gagged. “Fire may not faze you, but this may!” and she fired a huge light-beam from her horn which damaged him good.

“That hurt!” he bellowed.

“Perfect!” said Starla. “The light is not fire, so he can’t absorb it, and it’s not flammable either.

Ladies, let’s get busy!”

The others agreed, and ley all jumped in

Magmus punched and kicked at them like crazy, but they dodged his every blow, and with her Super-Mode protecting her, they punched and kicked him hard in the face without suffering much damage from the flames.

“Now Magmus really mad!” the monster growled, and he flared up so hard, he was nearly turning pale yellow-- close enough to be white-- and scorching all the grass around him.

“MAGMA TRAIL!” he unleashed such a force of magma that it burned a crater right where he stood, forcing the ladies to fly up high into the sky.

“Where they go?!” Magmus growled.

“Up here!” Starla shouted, and she and the others came soaring in from above.

“STARLIGHT ARROW” Starla fired a few shots from her bow making sparks and explosions fly all around the monster, blinding him.

Rarity soared in and gave him a huge slash with her claws, and Fluttershy gave him a huge booting to the belly, sending him up high and crashing down hard.

“I think I’ve had enough of this brawl.
Let’s finish him once and for all.” Fluttershy said.

Starla agreed, “This one’s mine. It’s been a while, but here goes…!”

She powered up her finisher and aimed her bow squarely at her target. “GALACTIC PROJECTILE!”

POW!! The massive shot fired and struck Magmus hard.

“Me Magmus! Me can’t lose…!!” but the monster already exploded-- changed back into a guard, imprisoned in a sphere, and the monster badge broke.

The ladies cheered for joy and came together for a big group hug.

“That felt hot.” Starla joked, having enjoyed her first real battle in a while.

“Starla!” Lightning called as he finally came in on the scene. “Sorry, I couldn’t make it. I had to help with the fire teams. Are you okay?”

His wife smiled and nodded at him.

Lightning was pleased with his wife and friends.

Meanwhile, Flareous received word from Keltar…

“So, Magmus was defeated, and my guard imprisoned?”

“I should assume so, your majesty.” replied Keltar.

Flareous snuffed, “Good riddance. Even that monster was too much, even for me. Now I can concentrate on what’s important.”

He went off to continue the war, leaving Keltar to silently fume at him in thought, “you thought this was bad? Just you wait… “Your Majesty!”

The Damages were all taken care of, and the rain clouds were wiped away. All was as it was in New Canterlot, including something else…

Pyron was training solo in the fields with his sword.

Earlier, he was brought before their majesties.

“You did noble thing today, and we appreciate the assistance.” said Grand Ruler “But you must not take things too lightly. This war is far from over and there will be greater battles ahead.

However, since you are prepared to take the risks, and your help can be beneficial, I am hereby willing to assign you to aid and assist in battle, but only if necessary. So, don’t go barging into every bit of battle that happens.”

Pyron was more than accepting of this new role, and his determination to bring down his father and Blizzord was flaming brighter than ever.

He leapt up high, and came slamming down with his sword, sending flaming waves through the ground, and obliterating his practice targets.

Panting softly, he felt he had done enough, for the evening was starting to settle in, and he sheathed his sword. “Another day.”

As he turned round to leave, he was surprised to see Glaceia. She had been watching him train all afternoon, with interest rather than shame.

“I didn’t know you were there.” he said.

His love approached him softly. “I want to apologize, Pyron. I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I have talked with our friends.

I have been very pushy lately. I understand now. You only wish to help others now and help end this war with our fathers.

Pyron agreed.

“But I should have told you this before.” she paused “…I was afraid that if you went off into battle, that something would happen, and I’d lose you.”

“I know exactly how you feel. I often fear losing you too, and I very nearly would have today had I not helped.

You are the most important being of all to me, Glaceia. I don’t think I could bear it if I lost you, and I’m sure that others feel the same about their loved ones.”

This brought on the pain of losing their mothers.

“I’m sorry that I worried you,” said Pyron. “If you want me to quit battling, I can.”

Glaceia shook her head. “…You have my support, and my prayers. Just please, try not to leave me.”

“Glaceia…”

The couple embraced under the darkening skies, and their lips came together.

Though it wasn’t nice to look, the three couples stood from afar watching the reconciled couple embrace.

The husbands held their respective wives close just enjoying the blissful peace.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Blitzy begins to work at the hospital when more casualties cause emergencies. Meanwhile, Swift Star is still struggling with his problems and his growing feelings for her, and things get harder when he himself is hospitalized under her care.

How will Blitzy’s new job affect her thinking, and what will become of Swift?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Doc-Torn Up”)

Author's Note

It is such a contradicting road of twistedness

-Some people, like parents, or concerned ones don't want you to be a hero and do your job because they fear they would lose you. (That's understandable)

-But if the hero does not do their job, then everyone could be wiped out, including themselves, so it won't matter anyway.

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few

Episode 9: Doc-Torn Up.

EPISODE NINE

Poor Swift Star hadn’t felt the same since he took Blitzy on the tour and acted rather short with her, and yet he couldn’t get the image of her out of his head.

“She’s so pretty, and yet she’s so hot-tempered!” he said to himself as he imagined her standing in different poses admits a golden, stary background, with her mane waving and her eyes sparkling.

Then he could hear her grouching at him while making hurtful and inaccurate statements…

“All you Starfleeters know is war and chaos.”

“You cause more problems than you fix!”

“I hate Starfleet, and anyone involved with it.”

He pounded angrily and let out a great big, “ARGH…!!”

“Shhhhhhhh…!!” many ponies in the library called him, making him realize where he was, and felt most embarrassed.

“Sorry.”

He had been cramming hard again for the promotion exams, which were now only days away, and his brain was twisting and turning with test anxiety, as well as his thoughts about Blitz.

Suddenly, the alarm went off. The civilians all remained where they were while he rushed outside to see Ice and Flame Guards terrorizing in the streets.

Lightning, Krysta, Rainbow, and the Twins swooped in from above, and Lightning saw Swift and urged him to come over and help.

“Let’s take them!” Lightning called.

“RIGHT!” the others shouted.

“Yeah!” agreed Swift, and he tapped his energizer, “Power On!”

Once he was transformed, the fight was on.

Lightning punched and kicked the weapons out of the guards’ hands with such grace and swiftness, and he even pulled off a brand-new trick.

“Try this bit of Uniforce!” he called, as his hand glowed brightly and the Uniforce extended from his arm in a super long, solid beam-- like a sword. A few simple waves, and the beam struck all the guards at different distances around him, blowing them to smithereens.

“Wow!” Swift exclaimed softly, almost forgetting to concentrate as more guards came at him.

“Ha!” he kicked a guard hard in the chest, knocking him into two others.

Two others then grabbed him, but he flipped them both over onto their backs.

The guards ganged up on Krysta, but she didn’t feel the least bit afraid. The guards came in and swung their swords and spears at her, but she zipped and sprinted about.

“Am I too small or too quick for you?” she teased.

The guards angrily threw their weapons up at her, but she just conjured her double portal to send the weapons right back at their owners. “They never learn.”

Dyno and Myte punched and kicked down more of the guards. Then they found themselves surrounded on each side.

“Shall we?” asked Dyno.

“Andale!” hollered Myte.

They waited as the Flame Guards charged from one end, and the Ice Guards came in from the other end, and at the last minute, performing beautiful Spanish Pirouettes, the guards missed and accidently struck the opposing guards.

“Chumps!” the twins chuckled.

Rainbow rushed in from here, there, up, and down, kicking and punching each guard in her path.

“One…

Two…

…And here comes THREE!!

Whoo! I get a thrill out of this!”

One person who wasn’t getting a thrill was Swift. He did well at the start, but now, as he faced a bunch of guards coming at him.

“Come on you creeps!” he balked while standing ready, but because of his restlessness and test anxiety, he was getting worn out easily, and worse he began to hallucinate about Blitzy again.

This allowed the guards to apprehend and beat him senselessly.

“Swift!” Lightning shouted. He rushed over quickly pulling the guards away and tossing them aside for the others to blow into bits, but Swift was injured in the beating he took-- clutching his arm in agony, and his forehead had a huge gash.

“Come on! Let’s get you to the hospital.”

“Right, here goes.” said Krysta, and she teleported everyone off.

More ice and flame meteors were causing trouble all over the cosmos thanks to Flareous and Blizzord.

Some planets had Starfleet outposts on them to watch over the populace, and the soldiers did their very best to deflect the threatening objects, but the soldiers would weaken themselves severely by blowing out too much power in the deflection.

Even still, small fragments of objects still struck the surface, and while the damage was not as severe, there were still some casualties and injured soldiers and civilians.

Medical staff, both Starfleet and the populace, were all tied up dealing with all this at once and required assistance-- more doctors, nurses, specialists, and medical supplies to treat the warriors and other patients.

United Equestia sent some of their own medical specialists to other planets to assist the outposts in their emergencies, this left some of the hospitals and sickbays a little short on staff, but not too seriously.

This did, however, leave opportunities open for newly graduated medical students, and even others like Blitzy Heart.

She finally relented and agreed to take up a job at New Ponyville General Hospital, so she could pay her rent in the Royal Palace.

Dr. Penny Sillion, upon viewing her credentials, was more than pleased to have her admitted to the staff.

“I’ve often admired you Space Doctors. I often thought of becoming one myself.”

Blitz smiled, “Just the same, Dr. Sillion, thank you for giving me this chance.”

“It’s my pleasure, and please… call me “Penny.”

Another new member of the staff ran into them in the halls.

“Whoa… What up fellow lady docs.” said Tree Hugger. Because she was a licensed physician and the hospital needed more hands, she was pleased to volunteer her services.

“Love the coat. White is, like, the radiance of the healing waves. You feel it caress your inner vibes.”

Penny and Blitz stared at her wide-eyed and perplexed at her hippie act.

Nevertheless, Blitz happily got to work. She gave checkups to some ponies. She helped treat those who were sick; like Pinkie Pie having a bad stomachache.

“Ooohhhh!” she groaned. “Note to self: Chili and Cupcakes don’t go well together.”

Apple Spice sighed and informed her again. “That’s why you don’t put chili IN the cupcakes. I tried to warn you.”

Blitz helped others who had broken or sprained bones. Why she even was asked to assist Penny in a stomach surgery, since her regular assistant was out.

Then, there were Starfleet officers coming in to have their physicals for the promotion exams-- a lot of them.

Still Blitz didn’t seem to mind too much. She was still just beginning to soften up to Starfleet, knowing it was important.

One of her patients was a Space Alicorn mare, with a soft orange coat, a reddish mane, and she looked as if she had been crying.

“You seem physically healthy.” said Blitz. “Is something wrong?”

The mare did her best to hide her sadness. “Nothing’s the matter. Everything’s okay.”

It wasn’t Blitz’s job to pry into someone’s life if they didn’t want to talk about it.

“Well, your physical is nearly done. Just go down the hall for your radiology exam and exercise tests.”

“Thank you.” The mare replied as she left the exam room, but Blitz could see tears coming from the corner of her eye as she went.

“What’s with her?” she wondered.

Suddenly, there was an announcement over the intercom.

“Dr. Heart wanted in Exam Room 5B.

Dr. Heart wanted in Exam Room 5B.”

She picked up her clipboard and made her way down the hall, and she was ever surprised to find the patient she was looking after was Swift Star.

“You?”

Swift couldn’t believe his eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“She works here now.” said Lightning “We’ve known for a while.”

Blitz was surprised to see Lightning and friends there too, but now was not the time for further questioning.

Blitz examined Swift and diagnoses, “You suffered a small concussion, and you have a hairline fracture in your arm. You’ll need stiches, and your arm to be in a cast and sling for a week or two.”

Swift felt like leaning back hard on the exam table in outrage. “Perfect! Absolutely great!”

Krysta pitifully shook her head. “These things happen.”

“Sorry, Meng.” said Dyno.

“We really are.” added Myte.

Lightning hung his head low. He already suspected it was his test anxiety and restlessness that caused him to be injured-- but he didn’t know of the rest of it.

Rainbow was the only one who gave Swift any confidence. “You’re going to be just fine. I’ve busted myself up many times, and I always bounced back.”

Later, he and his friends were having drinks and snacks in the cafeteria while Blitz got to work binding up Swift’s arm.

“Hold perfectly still.” she told him.

As she worked putting the shell and the plaster in place, Swift, again, became lost at how pretty she looked.

“Why are you doing this for me? I thought you hated Starfleet.”

Blitz gave him a stern look, but remembering how horribly she treated him before, she couldn’t blame him.

“It’s my job.” she simply said, “Besides, I’ve had a little bit of an eye-opener. I see Starfleet isn’t all that much that I thought it was.”

“Really?”

“But I still think that Lightning shouldn’t be part of all this.”

Those words automatically made Swift roll his eyes. She still hadn’t learned enough.

“When are you going to get it through your head; you can’t just make Lightning leave all this.”

Blitzy looked up at him angrily, but decided not to say a thing to him, fearing it would cost her the job.

The cast was all finished anyway, and she fit the sling around his arm. “You stay in this room until tomorrow. We need to make sure your concussion doesn’t worsen.

No Training, No Battling, No Lifting heavy things for two weeks, and no Field Exams either.”

Swift sighed, “There goes my promotion for sure. Thanks anyway.” He almost smiled at her, but now there wasn’t much left for him to do but just lay in bed as he was instructed.

His head still ached a bit, but he didn’t know if it was from the stiches, the blow to his head, or his stress, especially as he watched Blitz clean up the mess she had made during the procedure.

“I’ll check up on you again. Get some rest.” she told him.

Swift slumped miserably in his bed.

“By the way…” Blitzy said. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For being so hard on you before.” She almost smiled at him, which made Swift’s heart race.

Then she was gone, and he was alone with his thoughts, which still plagued him.

“She doesn’t think Starfleet is bad anymore, yet she still wants Lightning to leave it all. What is up with her?

How can she be so pretty and still so blind to things? And now she’s the one looking after me too!”

He pictured her again in that golden scenery, and she winked at him and called his name. “Swift…

Swift…”

Then the fantasy faded into reality, as it was Lightning who was calling to him. “Swift, are you okay?”

He suddenly snapped awake. “Whoa…” he groaned realizing where he was, and then he held his head. “Ohh…! My head!”

“Easy, meng. You need to relax.” said Dyno.

“I’ve never seen someone so stressed out over a test before.” added Myte. “Dyno and I were nervous, but not to the point where we couldn’t concentrate in battle.”

Lightning shook his head pitifully, “Well, you won’t be taking the field test when it happens. I’ve already postponed yours until you heal. In the meantime, you can get plenty of rest, and relax like I’ve been telling you to!”

“Yes sir.” agreed Swift. “I just feel so stupid right now. I just can’t think straight.”

“It shows…” Rainbow teased under her breath, earning her an angry glare from Krysta.

“Swift,” Lightning said “I know the pressure seems hard, but you can’t let it get to you. You know as well as I do that a good Starfleet fighter needs to have a strong and level head.”

Swift nodded, but he thought to himself, “It’s not just the test that’s on my mind is the problem.”

Suddenly, there was a voice at the door. “Excuse me…”

Everyone turned and saw a Unicorn Stallion. He had a dark blue coat, with a brown colored mane, and his cutiemark was that of a scoop with bricks.

He had a face with an expression saying he was looking for trouble.

“Can we help you?” asked Lightning.

“You can, Commander.” he said. “The name’s Brick Wallen. I came here looking for my fiancé, Sun Setter. She’s having her physical for those promotion exams.”

“Yes, I know her. She’s a cadet fresh from the academy, ready to become a full-fledged member of the force.” said Lightning.

“I don’t think so.” sneered Brick. “I want you to kick her off the force right here and now.”

Lightning was stunned!

“What?” snapped Krysta.

“Kick her off the force?” exclaimed the twins.

Swift didn’t like the sound of that either.

“You heard me.” Insisted Brick “I want her off the force before she becomes to attached to it, and you can kick her off.”

“No, I can’t, and I won’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t just expel a cadet with great potential without a good reason.”

“Oh, really? Well, I’ve got a good enough reason for her to get off the force.”

Before he could explain…

“Brick?” called a voice. It was Sun Setter coming down the halls after completing the last of her physical exams.

“There you are!” growled Brick. “Come on, we’re getting out of here.” And he reached to grab her by the arm and pull her off with him.

“Now, wait just a minute!” snapped Lightning.

Sun saluted to him, “Sir… I didn’t know you were here.” Then she turned and saluted to Rainbow and the Twins, “…Generals.”

Sun then looked back at Brick. “This is my Fiancé, Brick Wallen.”

“Yeah, we got that.” said Rainbow.

“And don’t you forget it.” sneered Brick. “I’ve told her a-hundred times, I’m going to wear the pants in the family, and there plenty of other jobs she can have besides this.”

The friends got the whole picture now.

“You don’t like Starfleet, do you?” asked Dyno.

“I didn’t say that!” snapped Brick.

“You didn’t have to; it shows.” said Myte.

Brick seemed to be getting angrier. “Whether I do or not, I just want Sun out of this nonsense.”

Sun glared at him furiously, “I told you, I am not going to quit the force, not after all the hard work, time, and money that’s been put into my training.”

Brick looked back at Lightning and the Generals, but they all just glared at him with strict expressions telling him they were not willing to help him.

“Here’s the bottom-line!” he said to Sun. “You can either be my wife or part of Starfleet, but not both! You take that test or take the exit with me!”

Everyone felt struck that he would make her choose such a thing. Sun did not answer verbally. Instead, she removed her engagement ring and gave it back to him.

“Fine!” growled Brick, and he stormed off.

Sun’s eyes filled with tears.

Lightning put his hand on her shoulder. “Are you going to be alright?”

“I’ll try, Commander.”

“Guy’s a jerk. He doesn’t deserve you.” said Krysta, but her words didn’t help Sun at all.

Lightning looked back at Swift as if to tell him, “We should go.” and Swift agreed as he watched the officers leave with the tearful cadet.

No sooner had the left, did Blitz come from around the corner of the hall doing her rounds, and she overheard everything.

She couldn’t believe how rude and loudmouthed Brick was to Sun.

“I take it you saw all that?” Swift asked from his bed.

Blitz only just realized she was standing right outside his door.

“This happens a lot.” Swift admitted. “Some ponies either just don’t like Starfleet, and/or they just don’t want their family or friends to be involved.”

Blitz slowly walked into the room astounded to hear this.

“I remember, years ago when I was training at the Starfleet Academy.

One of my instructors, Captain Silver Night, had been on the force for four years. He was having terrible emotional troubles. He was engaged to a lovely mare, and she laid it on the line for him.

She didn’t want to be married to a Starfleet Officer, and when he refused to give up all the years he devoted to the force, she gave up and left him. She did more than break his heart, she crushed part of his spirit…

He became aggressive in his instructing, and he pushed us cadets to the edge and beyond, and when anyone questioned him, he just went harder and meaner.

“Drop and gimmie 50…!

…Make that 100!!

Do not question my orders!

You are all a sad and worthless disgrace, and I am going to write recommendations to expel you all!!”

Finally, he had gone too far, and one student stood up to him-- Me!

“What is your major malfunction, Cadet Swift Star!”

“I don’t think I’m the one malfunctioning here, Captain.

It’s easy to see that you’re the one with the problems, but what gives you the right to take it out on us, your students.

Maybe that mare-friend of yours is a disrespectful lady who cares more about herself, but she’s your problem.

And you know… maybe she’s right.

It wouldn’t be easy to be married to a Starfleet Officer. You’re so much stronger and more powerful than she is, you’d spend a whole bunch of time out on the battlefield, putting your life in danger, while she sits at home worrying her heart out if she’ll ever see you again.

And even then, when you do stick around, what’s she to think of you? A big strong Starfleet pony that has the power to crush whole buildings, and maybe she’s got friends who would be ashamed or worried to hang around you, feeling and worrying that the simplest infraction breaks the law, and you’d have to bust them.

I don’t know much about this romance thing, but I do know this… people have their objections to the service, and they feel uneasy about being around people like us who contribute to it…

But above all things, I know this… I’m training to be on this force because it’s a job that needs doing, it’s a job you can be proud of, and a job that benefits not just you but everyone else—even those who think differently about it and wished it was gone.

You tell your mare that the next time you see her and see how she acts, and if she still refuses, well then, it’s her loss, not yours. You’re better than she is, and you deserve better than she ever does.”

After that, Captain Silver Night took some time off to collect himself, and to try and reconcile with his mare. She refused to take him back, but thanks to the advice I gave him, she returned to the academy, and he didn’t act so harshly.

He even found some other mare who was proud to be with him, but even still…

…There are others out there like Brick, and think that they are in the right, and they know what’s best, when really, they’re just looking out for themselves.”

Blitz felt struck by the story and given what she had seen in the halls made her think about the way she wanted to take Lightning away from all of this.

“But I’m not just doing this for myself, I’m doing it to honor the Harmonian Traditions. I can’t let the spirits of my people be disturbed knowing that one of their own kind has turned against them.”

Swift sighed and shook his head. “How do you know they’d be angry? How do you know they wouldn’t be proud of the accomplishments you and Commander Lightning have achieved?”

“Huh?”

“Commander Lightning helps to defend people, so they don’t have to suffer the same horrible fate your planet did.

And you… you help people by healing them and making them well again.

Maybe what the two of you do makes you better than before, not traitorous. Take that with you and think on it.”

Blitz stood where she was completely stunned by the way things were.

“Ahem!” said a voice from the door, and there stood Penny. “I hope I’m not interrupting, but there are patients waiting.”

Blitz felt embarrassed and headed out the door.

She stopped again and said to him, “Thanks.” she smiled lovingly. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

Then she dashed off, but her smile made his heart begin to race. It showed on the heart-monitor, which Penny noted, and then she looked back up the hall, at Blitz.

Penny wasn’t the only one.

Krysta was hovering up at the ceiling. She had seen Blitz approaching and thought she’d stick around in case more drama occurred.

She fluttered off to find Lightning.

Outside, Lightning and the friends saw Sun Setter to the stairs.

“Are you sure you’re going to be alright?” asked Lightning.

Sun nodded, “Yes, sir. I want to keep my mind clear for the exams. I’ll deal with Brick another day, and if not, then I’ll just keep going and be better.”

“Good for you, Chica.” said Dyno.

“You’re going to make it just swell.” added Myte.

Rainbow gave her a thumb-up.

Then Sun flew off for home.

Lightning was proud, but then he looked around and noticed, “Where’s Krysta?”

Suddenly she appeared calling out to Lightning.

“Where were you?” Rainbow asked.

Krysta couldn’t help but giggle, “You’re not going to believe this…”

She then whispered her thoughts into everyone’s ears, that Swift had a crush on Blitz.

“What?!” Lightning said utter disbelief.

“No way.” added Rainbow.

The Twins gawked at one another.

Rainbow then burst out laughing. “You’re kidding, right? That is just so--” she fell over laughing and kicking and wiping tears from her eyes, but the others didn’t think it funny at all.

Lightning could still hardly believe it. “Are you sure, Krysta?”

“Well, he showed the signs, but I can’t be totally sure.”

Lightning thought it over, but he couldn’t prove or disprove it either way. “I think we’ll have to ask him about it, but not right now. Wait until he gets better. He’s already under enough stress.”

“Besides, we have to get ready for the exams.” said Dyno.

“Si, lots of officers and cadets to test and grade.” added Myte.

With that, the friends went off, but Rainbow was still holding in a few laughs. “Swift and Blitz…?”

Swift just lay in bed, still with his mind going in circles about Blitz.

“She’s really come far since I first met her.” he thought. “Maybe I should ask her out.” He gasped and then did all he could to perish the thought, “What am I thinking?! She doesn’t really like me, and besides, she’s busy, I’m busy, she’s much older than I am.”

No matter how many excuses he tried to make, the thought of going out with Blitz didn’t leave his mind.

“I’m toast!” he thought grimly, and yet he was smiling on the outside.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Goldwin is given a great opportunity to see the world by performing at the New Crystal Empire, but Flareous and Blizzord have a performance to give of their own when they each send a monster to attack, and the two monsters merge together forming a great threat to bring down the curtain.

Can our heroes save the show and their lives?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Hot/Cold Feet”)

Author's Note

Here's a little speech from Sgt. Joe Friday (Dragnet) from the episode that this chapter reflects from.

Cops have to go through an awful lot when they do their jobs, and some people don't like cops and want little or nothing to do with them...

Starfleet is no different.

Episode 10: Hot/Cold Feet

Author's Note

Seriously!

Bug off with your spite thumbing me down every time I post/update!

Episode 10: Hot/Cold Feet

EPISODE TEN

Another day, and it was that time again, and Grand Ruler Celesto picked up the statue of Goldwin off his pedestal in the hallway to move him someplace special.

Some of the children who lived in the Royal Palace were getting dressed in leotards and dancewear.

Including Prince Castor and Princess Leilani.

“Children,” Celestia called, “Are you ready?”

“Yes, Mother.” the children called as they came through the door.

“Oh, don’t you look like real dancers.” Celestia joked, and then she led her children down the hall.

As they went along their way, they came into some familiar faces; Shining Armor had arrived with Flurry Heart, who was almost four years old.

“Hiiiiii…” Flurry called.

The children ran up to her, happy to see her.

The two parents chuckled, and then everyone headed downstairs to the big dance hall where other children were joining in, and Grand Ruler had Goldwin all set up.

“Ready everybody?” he called.

The children nodded, and all together, everyone chanted the magic phrase…

“Powers of life, now begin
awaken the magic from within!

As Goldwin came to life, he began to dance around the place putting on his usual opening show for his students, while magical voices were heard in the background.

Magic Dance School,
there are fun things to do.
Magic Dance School,
It is waiting for you.

Goldwin leapt up high letting showers of magical sparkles rain out from his our as he spun around.

There’s magic in the air,
A wondrous dancing fair.
A many people who are wanting,
To see you all there…
For Magic Dance School…
Let the Magic begin,
Let the Magic begin…!

Magic Dance School…
Shout it from within!

And the children all shouted with glee, “MAGIC DANCE SCHOOL!!”

Goldwin did his finishing pose as the song ended, and he received thunderous applause, so he took a bow.

“Good morning, children.”

“Good morning, Mr. Goldwin.”

“Oh, it’s so wonderful to see you all here again at Magic Dance School. We’re going to have a lot of fun today and learn new things…

…But you know what we always do first.”

“We do our warm-ups!” the children answered.

“That’s right. It’s important to do our warm-ups so we don’t hurt ourselves when we dance.”

Goldwin was a great instructor, and wonderful with all the children. He was there to help them stretch just right, the positions for them to hold and step, and even teach them several tricks.

“Now, remember, when you spin around, try to keep your eyes focused in one position. Then you won’t feel so dizzy.”

The grownups all watched from the upper level where they could all have refreshments, talk, and just keep an eye on their children without being seen.

“You have to admit, he really is wonderful with them.” said Celestia.

Grand Ruler agreed.

“Flurry Heart loves, dancing,” said Shining Armor “I’m glad we signed her up for classes here.”

“Oh, by the way,” asked Grand Ruler “How’s the ballet show coming along back home? I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

Celestia nodded in agreement, but Shining Armor then looked grim. “Not so well. Our leading mare and stallion dropped out.

The said the play was becoming too common for them, and they’d rather have sophistication.”

Their majesties hung their heads in dismay.

“Cadance is trying to find someone new, but at such short notice, everyone else is booked or just not as interested. If we don’t find replacements soon, we’ll have to cancel the show.”

Their majesties were really looking forward to seeing the show, as well as taking the children along as part of their cultural studies.

An hour and a half later, Dance School was over for another week. The students all came together to give their teacher a big group hug before gathering their belongings and departing for home, except the three royal children, as their parents came right downstairs to collect them.

“You all looked like you had fun.” said Celestia.

“We did, Mother.” replied Castor.

“Watch me do a twirl.” said Leilani, and she pirouetted with grace.

“That’s wonderful, darling.” said Grand Ruler.

Flurry sighed, “I wish I could do that.”

Her father hugged her, “It’s okay honey. You’re just starting out, and your cousins are older and taller than you are.”

Goldwin approached Flurry and smiled with her, “I like seeing you here at class anyway, that goes for all the children.

It means I have whole new friends to share with. It’s a great way for me to connect with the outside world.”

Then he went off to plan next week’s lesson steps, but the entire group all watched him leave with sad expressions.

“Goldwin is so sweet.” said Celestia. “It’s such a shame that he can’t leave the palace and see new sights.”

Grand Ruler sighed, “We’ve tried everything we can, but we just can’t seem to find the right magic or the right way to bring him fully alive so he could.”

Flurry felt so sorry for Goldwin, “Will he ever be able to leave the castle?” she asked her father.

Shining Armor shook his head, “We don’t know, honey, but we’re not going to give up. He deserves a life outside.”

While Goldwin was alone preparing his dance lessons, he couldn’t help but gaze out the window, and felt rather sad for himself again.

“I wonder if I’ll ever get to see things out there.” He wondered to himself, and he began to sing a soft sad song lamenting his condition.

(6:40)

What’s it like out there,
Beyond the palace walls,
It’s a great big world,
I hear it as it calls

There’s meadows lush and green,
Where the flowers, they bud,
And the animals play all day,
In the treetops and the mud.

What’s it like out there,
Beyond the palace walls,
It’s a great big world,
I hear it as it calls

The mountains reaching to the sky,
And they’re covered in snow,
The towns are bustling each day
With friends to meet and know

What’s it like out there,
Beyond the palace walls,
It’s a great big world,
I hear it as it calls

To feel the warm breeze fluttering,
And the sun on my face,
But I’ll never get to share it,
Cause stuck here in this place,

What’s it like out there,
Beyond the palace walls,
It’s a great big world
I hear it as it calls

I hear it…
..as it calls!

Like all times, as the song ended, Goldwin would stick his hand outside the window, only for his fingers to start to turn back into solid gold, forcing him to pull back, and he hung his head low.

Meanwhile, Flareous was in his master bedroom sharpening his big sword, and as he worked, he gazed at the royal portrait on the wall, of himself, his wife and Pyron when he was very little.

Looking at his wife filled him with a deep sadness and rage he had been feeling for many years. “Blizzord will pay!” he said to himself. “I’ll not rest until his entire world has fallen for the pain they caused me!”

Then he looked at Pyron, “My son! How could you betray me, and after everything I’ve done! Why… why will you not come home? Why did you have to leave your father with that brainwashed Icienian!”

He was so upset that he raised his sword high and destroyed his sharpening wheel.

“BLIZZORD!!!”

At the same time, Blizzord was looking at tiny photos in a locket he wore round his neck. One was that of his own wife, whom he still blamed Flareous for her death, and the other was of a very young Glaceia.

“I may not ever be able to get my queen back, but I will have my daughter back, and I will destroy anyone who gets in my way-- be it Flareous or Starfleet, or anything at all.”

The two kings were both in grouchy moods, even as much as launching attacks wouldn’t seem to snap them out of their funk.

“I need some entertainment.” Flareous grumbled, and he ordered, “Summon the Royal Dancers!”

A single tall female dancer came out, with orange skin, long flaming hair, and fiery clothes. She began to dance around, spinning, leaping, and prancing about, making fireballs and fire trails as he slid along.

“STOP!!” bellowed Flareous. “KELTAR! What is the meaning of this? I ordered the Royal Dancers!”

Keltar bowed, “With all due respect sire, the dancers were all injured when the last attack shook the palace, but I found this unusual monster badge and thought I’d test it out.”

Flareous did seem furious, but after seeing the destruction this dancer did with all the flames everywhere. “Hmm… do you think you could give them same performance to Starfleet?”

The dancer bowed and said, “Flare-O-Rina, at your service, my lord. I’ll dance up such flares that will roast my victims alive!”

She snickered wickedly which brought an evil chuckle to Flareous.

Meanwhile, Blizzord’s Royal Dancers were able to perform for him, but he did not feel any bit of enjoyment seeing them prance about.

“ENOUGH!!” he thundered. “You call yourselves “Royal Dancers?” More like “Royal Dunces!”

“But sire, wait…” called Smark, “They haven’t gotten to their big act yet.”

Blizzord raised his trident ready to skewer him in anger, but Smark quickly called, “Que Twinkle-Froze!”

That’s when a slick looking female dancer with long icy hair, and an icy crystal outfit leapt out in front of the dancers.

She shouted, “ICE TWISTER!” while she spun around on her toes making icy winds blow like a cyclone, and large ice balls to come raining down all around.

“And that’s just for starters,” she hissed. “When I dance, I can freeze up the house big time.” She demonstrated this by leaping up high in a grand jete and shouting, “FROST FOOT FORCE” she landed on the ground with a strong slam, which didn’t hurt her, and a long trail of large spiking icicles popped out from the ground, scaring the dancers and the guards away.

Blizzord gave an evil grin. “I bet I know who else would enjoy a performance like this.”

“Who’s that?” Smark asked, which earned him an angry glare. “Ohhh, I get it.”

Blizzord could only roll his eyes.

Meanwhile, Professor Brain had invited Goldwin and their majesties to the labs for an incredible breakthrough he had made.

“Why do I need to be here for this, Professor?” asked Goldwin.

Brain chuckled, “Why, Goldwin, old chap… this is going to make you extremely happy I tell you.”

He cleared his throat and explained, “As you know, our attempts so far to allow Goldwin to be in places beyond the palace have been unsuccessful, but I believe that I have the answer, which has taken me years to perfect.”

He then presented special cuffs, gloves, boots, and a visor for Goldwin.

“What are these things?” asked Grand Ruler.

The Professor told Goldwin to don the accessories while he placed a large silver panel on the floor. Once this was complete, the professor activated the magical devices.

Goldwin was bathed in a bright light, and then, right next to him on the panel appeared a second Goldwin. Everyone gazed in awe.

“Hey, it’s me.” Both Goldwins said at the same time, in perfect sync. Goldwin covered his mouth in shock, and his clone did the same thing.

Their majesties were astounding.

“Professor…!” cried Celestia. “This is positively incredible.”

“Ah, but you’ve not seen the most of it yet.” replied Brain. “Goldwin, walk around a little bit and set your visor’s transparency to half.”

“Okay.” said Goldwin.

With the visor set and switched on, Goldwin was astounded. “Wow! I can see things through the eyes of the clone and still see everything in front of me.”

He took a few steps forth, and his clone did the same thing.

He did a few pirouettes, and the clone copied him.

“This is incredible!” cried Goldwin.

“It’s almost like a droid.” said Grand Ruler.

Brain nodded, and then he moved towards the clone. “Goldwin, please extend your right hand.”

Goldwin did as he was told, and Brain placed a simple metal ball into the clone’s hand.

“What?!” cried Goldwin. He looked down at his own empty hand, “I don’t believe it. I can… I can feel it! It’s cool, and it’s heavy.”

He could see the ball in the transparency of his visor, and though his real hand was empty, through the incredible technology combined with magic, he was able to toss the ball up and catch it while still feeling it.

Next, Brain handed the clone a cup of water. Goldwin made the clone drink it, and he himself could feel the coolness of the water running down his throat.

“I can taste!” he cried for joy.

Brain smiled widely. “Satisfactory! Most, Most, Most Satisfactory!”

“Professor! This is… beyond words of incredible!” cried Celestia. “You’ve created a whole new extension for Goldwin.”

Goldwin’s eyes shimmered like the sun as he realized what this meant. “Does this mean I can finally leave the palace, or at least feel like it?

I can see new places. Try new things? Meet new friends?”

The Professor’s expression changed, “Well… erm… you see, it’s not quite perfect yet.”

Grand Ruler could see the flaws. “I see what you mean. Goldwin may be able to see and experience new things, but there still is a matter of space to move around and actually do things while here in the palace.”

Goldwin finally realized there were only so many places he could travel to within the palace, like giant walls closing in on him and preventing him from going too far.

How could he walk up and down stairs, or travel great distances, or fly great heights and distances?

Goldwin felt his spirit starting to sink. He switched off the magic accessories, and the clone instantly vanished.

“Now, now, now.” said Brain. “There may yet be ways to improve the design. I’m certain that with several more tests and perfections, we can expand it.”

Grand Ruler thought of something. “Tests”, you say. I think I may know just where you can start, Goldwin.”

The next night, Ponies and other creatures were huddling at the New Crystal Empire outdoor theater for the Ballet show.

Naturally, Lightning and Starla came, but Starla came through the eyes of her droid, having to stay home with the kids.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” said Lightning. “Goldwin is finally making his public debut.”

“It’s all so exciting.” said Starla. “He’s been cooped up in New Canterlot Palace for so long. It’ll be a great chance for loads of people to see him perform.”

“I wish the others could be here to see this too.” said Lightning.

Most of the friends had to stay at home because this sort of event would be too much for their tiny children to attend, and no single one of them wished to come alone without their family.

Rainbow Dash, and the Spanish Twins. The Apple family came too.

The officers were all given VIP seats in the royal box where the Royal Canterlot Family sat.

“Good evening. Glad you could all make it.” said Celestia.

Everyone bowed to their majesties as they were shown to their seats.

Applejack did not join, preferring to stay with her family in the common seats. “This is going to be so exciting.” she exclaimed softly.

“I haven’t been to the ballet in so long.” said Pear Butter.

“Hey, you and I danced before.” said Bright Mac. His wife gave him a playful stare. “I don’t think privately dancing in the moonlight fields is the same thing.” Then she snuggled into his arms, “…But I love it just as much.”

Applebloom was sulking. “I don’t get why I had come. I’m not all that fond of ballet.”

“Oh, coming on sis.” said Applejack “You need to open yourself up; try new things.”

“Eeyup.” Grumbled Big Mac, but then he whispered into Applebloom’s ear, “I’d rather be snacking back home than here.”

Rainbow was growing a bit impatient too. “Come on. Start the show already!”

“Rainbow!” sneered Lightning. “Will you cut them a break. This is more than just a ballet show.”

Pyron and Glaceia were invited as well and sitting next to Applejack.

“This is really lovely.” said Pyron. “I’ve never been to a real show in my entire life.”

The Apples were surprised to hear of this.

“You mean there were no ballet shows on your planets?” asked Applejack.

“There are…” replied Glaceia, “But as royalty and given our positions, we only had royal dancers to entertain us.”

“You never went to any real show?” cried Pear Butter, and she felt on the verge of tears.

“…Sakes, that is just… blue.” said Bright Mac.

Suddenly, the stage lights all went dark, and the Royal Crystal Fanfare sounded as Princess Cadance made her appearance on the stage in the spotlight, wearing a dancer’s outfit rather than her royal garments.

The crowd cheered her on, and she took a bow. “Welcome, one and all to this production of “The Good, the Bad, and the Forgotten.” A newly made ballet I have recently written.”

She then explained certain circumstances. “At such short notice, as I wrote and choreographed this production, I am forced to play the role of Leading Lady myself.

As for my Leading Male, we have an extra special guest making his public debut tonight, and I could not be happier for him, and thankful as well.”

She continued to explain the basic plot of the story, before taking another bow, “And now… On behalf of the Royal House of the New Crystal Empire…

“The Good, The Bad, and The Forgotten.”

She ducked down behind the curtain as it opened wide, and there stood Goldwin’s clone, standing in a forest scene, with trees, rock formations, a castle in the background, amidst a night sky.

The soft, gentle music began to play, and the clone began to move softly-- waving its arms softly brushing across its face, twirling, and leaping about.

He was so graceful for a newly debuted pony; the audience already watched him with glee and interest.

He was playing the role of a sad, and lonely pony who was looked down upon by villagers-- other dancers that moved around him-- until he was befriended by a beautiful, traveling Princess, played by Cadance herself.

Shining Armor whispered to Flurry, “Look, there’s Mommy.”

Flurry waved to her mother, but of course Cadance could not see her while dancing, especially with Goldwin during their duet dances.

Professor Brain was sitting backstage watching the show, with kind permission from Cadance, while observing the show and making notes.

Next to him was the clone spawning panel that he had brought…

Far away at New Canterlot Palace, the setup was simple.

With Princess Luna’s help, the large ballroom was cleared and set for Goldwin to dance while controlling his clone from a distance.

With the aid of his accessories, he could feel the touch of the other dancers, and even the weight of Cadance with which he made the clone lift her up.

Because of the wide area of the ballroom, Goldwin could easily move about, allowing his clone to gracefully dance across the stage. Whenever he had to scale up set props such as stairways or objects, Luna used her magic to create solid, realistic light formations to match the shapes.

Luna also took notes for Professor Brain detailing the functions and processes.

Goldwin was especially enjoying himself, being able to see so many new faces in the audience, and new sights around him, but he was careful to keep focused on his dancing.

“Satisfactory, Most Satisfactory.” Brain whispered to himself, but it was unknown if he meant his observations or the performance, it was going so beautifully.

The Spanish Twins had tears in their eyes. While Lightning and Starla were both enamored with the dancing too.

Rainbow was trying not to fall asleep. Ballet just wasn’t much for her, but she did her best to show support for Goldwin, but soon she started to show enthusiasm, “My favorite part of the show-- action scenes.” she whispered.

This was a big action dance number, where the people of the village deemed their princess a traitor for fraternizing or at least showing any friendship to the pony they hated and sought to see both her and the outsider suffer.

As the dancers moved around, special effects went into play, including smoke bombs in the background to symbolize magical shots that misfired.

Suddenly, there were two small explosions on either side of the stage, which frightened all the dancers-- as if they were unexpected.

“What’s happening?” wondered Lightning. The others all wondered too, and then, as the smoke cleared, they could see two strange looking dancing ladies-- one of fire, and one of ice.

“Monsters!!” Cadance shouted.

“Monsters?!” cried Goldwin.

“Oh-hoo… My word!” exclaimed Brain.

Grand Ruler then stood and shouted to the audience, “Everyone, clear out of here! Now!”

The audience began to panic as they all scrambled to get away from the theater.

“What’s happening?” asked Princess Luna.

“Monsters!” cried Goldwin. “They’ve just appeared on stage.”

As the audience filed out leaving the theater empty, the two monsters then noticed each other.

“Who are you?” snarled Flare-O-Rina.

“I’m the one taking over, that’s who!” sneered Twinkle Froze. “So, you just flare on out of here.”

The two creatures growled at each other, and they both leapt down to the vacant stage, making explosions of fire and ice, setting the stage and the props ablaze.

“Come, keep going! Keep going!” Applejack hollered as she guided everyone away. Her family was the last to go.

“Applejack!” cried her mother.

“Don’t worry about me, Ma… you and everyone else get to safety.”

The family agreed, and her father said, “You be careful, honey.”

She couldn’t promise that but waited until her family was off the grounds.

Celestia teleported all three children and Glaceia into the Crystal Palace where they would be safe, and watched over them, while Pyron stayed to help the others in the battles about to commence.

Grand Ruler soared up high to cast a large barrier over the entire area to ensure the danger would not spread.

Goldwin’s clone, however, was still trapped on stage. The real Goldwin could not travel too far from where he was in the palace, and he couldn’t deactivate his clone until it returned to its platform!

Suddenly, “There it is!” The pedestal was lying in the back of the stage where Professor Brain sat before, he had escaped. He had forgotten to take the platform with him. “I’ve got to get to it.”

He began to run towards it, but the two dancing monsters had already leapt down from the stage trees, sending fire and ice waves across, and knocking the clone off its.

“ARGH!” Goldwin cried as he felt himself falling over like his clone.

“Goldwin!” cried Luna as she ran over to try and help him up quickly.

The monsters spotted him.

“Well, well,” hissed Twinkle Froze, “Looks like someone likes to dance more than I do. It’ll be my pleasure to eliminate him.”

“Hey! Hands off, this is my battle.” insisted Flare-O-Rina.

Both dancers charged straight at the helpless clone and they both dove hard at the same time.

Goldwin braced for his fate, when suddenly he was whisked off…

…So swiftly, that Princess Luna was knocked off her feet. “What? Where’d you go?”

There was a strong explosion that blew up many things on the stage, setting it ablaze and leaving ice stones and spikes about.

Goldwin opened his eyes to find he was in the arms of Cadance, as the Silent Ninja.

She set him down gently on the stage-- which made the real Goldwin be set down on the floor of the dance hall.

“Whoa! That was close!” he sighed. “I guess I forgot it can be really dangerous in the outside world.”

He wiped his face in relief, accidentally knocking off his magic mask in the process, and he changed into a statue, which caused the clone to cease functioning immediately-- as it had no vital signs or link ups.

Not that it mattered anyway, for the clone’s panel had been caught in the explosion and it finally shorted out and exploded, causing the clone to vanish completely.

…All of Goldwin’s accessories went blank as well.

Cadance was furious, and stood to confront the two creatures on stage, but as she looked ahead through the flames and ice rocks, she couldn’t believe her eyes…!

“They’ve merged!” she thought.

The two single dancers had somehow merged into one creature. She was now larger. Half her body was flaming with fire, the other half was blue and icy. Her hair was two-toned with both elements, and her outfit now was that of an ice-skirt shrouded in blue fire, with a strong armored blouse.

Even the two monster badges on her forehead had combined into one as well.

Even her voice had changed, and became stronger, but prettier. “It almost feels great to be one again. I… the great Flareice will now dance my greatest performance!”

She stuck out her arms, “FROST-FIRE WIND!” and she began to spin around on her toes, creating a whirlwind of flaming ice.

She sent the wind whirling towards Cadance, which she swiftly dodged by leaping off into the orchestra pit.

The crazy winds smashed the other end of the stage, angering Cadance further.

The evil dancer turned to face her again, but she was suddenly shot at by a big blast of Uniforce sending her crashing into the prop castle.

Cadance looked up, and saw Lightning standing with his friends, Starla’s droid, Pyron, and Saber.

“And just when the show what about to get cool!” said Rainbow.

Up on the Crystal Palace Terrace, Flurry Heart was frightened and crying. “Make it stop! Make it go away!” she wailed.

Celestia held her close, and Castor and Leilani comforted her.

“Don’t worry, Flurry, everything will be okay.” said Castor.

“Yeah, mother and father won’t let anything bad happen.”

Celestia was proud of her children for being so brave. Then she looked up at Glaceia and asked, “That creature down there, do you know of it? How did the two monsters combine?”

“No, but I have heard the stories.” replied Glaceia. “My mother told me she was once cornered by Flareice, until she was saved by The Great Hero who challenged it head on.

The creature seemed strong and merciless, until the hero decided to weaken her by using two monster badges to only capture part of her malicious essence, causing her to split up into two weaker creatures that he defeated.”

Glaceia looked over the edge, “Now that the creature is whole again, her power is immense.”

Celestia felt a little worried, but she had confidence in her friends and family.

Cadance regrouped with her friends as the monster glared them down.

“Give up while you can! We out number you.” Lightning shouted.

Flareice laughed, “Now what’s a ballet without backup dancers!” and she summoned forth a swarm of both Fire and Ice Guards.

“Oh, great! That’s all we needed.” Groaned Dyno.

“Let’s get in there and bust some moves of our own.” suggested Myte.

Lightning agreed, “Let’s go!”

Pyron held his sword up and began to parry the attacks of the guards that came his ways.

Three ice gaurds came at Applejack and threw their spears at her, one by one. She backflipped three times, and disappeared up and over, into the orchestra pit.

The guards picked up their spears and leapt up to go in after her, only for the twins to jump out at them by surprise.

“BOOM-BOOM FIREBALLS!”

The guards were blown into shards.

Applejack leapt up shouting, “Yee-Haw!”

“ARIBA!” the Twins hollered with her.

“Two seats up front!” Rainbow hollered as she lifted two seats and threw them at the guards that came for her.

The rest of the fighters stood near the burning stage to confront the monster.

Lightning scanned her with his visor and read that her power levels were very high. “We’ll try taking from different sides.”

The gang agreed, leapt up, and zipped off in different directions.

“You can’t be serious…” sneered Flareice. She could already feel Lightning about to come near her, and she pirouetted majestically causing him to miss his attack, and she kicked him hard.

Then she felt Starla’s droid trying to sneak up on her from the front, and she bent over backwards avoiding the attack, and then breathed a thick layer of ice flames over the droids’ eyes.

“No! I can’t see!” Starla wailed at home, and to make matters worse, her shouting awoke baby Twinkle, and she was crying from her room.

Starla couldn’t just leave the battle, but the sound of her child wailing hurt her just as much. Still, she had to stay and continue to fight-- Starfleet Priority.

“Sorry, sweetie…” she said to herself.

“INSECT SCIMITAR!” Saber drew out his sword, and began to slash at her, but she served and dodged his every attack with her skilled dancing and movement.

She gave her head a large shake, thus flicking her solid ice hair at him, bashing him in the face and sending him crashing into the front row of seats.

“Watch your step!” the monster teased.

Cadance threw her shurikens at the creature, only for her to spin, twist and leap out of the way of them all, and then rushed forth bashing her hard in the gut and sent her slamming onto the ground.

Grand Ruler kept watching from above while maintaining the barrier. “Come on, don’t give up!” he called to the fighters. How he wished she could be down there to aid them, but he had to ensure the destruction would not spread.

“Here comes my big move!” the monster shouted, and she leapt up high into the air, “STAR EXPLOSION!”

“LOOK OUT!!” Lightning shouted.

The others all huddled close to him just in time as the monster came crashing down hard on the ground…

KAPOW!! A large explosion engulfed the area, taking the remains of the stage, and all the seats and things inside the barrier with it.

“NO!!!” shouted Grand Ruler. He struggled to maintain the barrier.

Celestia held the children down as they all and Glaceia covered their eyes from the resulting brightness.

When the lights dimmed down and the smoke cleared, the theater was in a total wreck-- chairs busted up and fallen about, the remains of the stage, props, and wooden planks scattered about and a few flames burning about.

The monster stood tall and took a bow to no one in particular. “And with that, the curtain falls, and victory is mine.”

As the last of the smoke cleared, she looked behind her, and couldn’t believe her eyes-- a large barrier of Uniforce reinforced by extra magic from the others dispelling, revealing the fighters were all safe and sound.

“You won that act, but the show’s not over yet.” teased Lightning.

Their majesties and Glaceia were ever so relieved.

The monster was infuriated. “I suppose I could use an encore, and no fooling around this time.

“You got that right.” said Starla.

The monster jumped forth and the fighters all attacked as well.

“STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE” Saber shouted as he unleashed his electricity.

“FROST-FIRE WIND!” The monster shouted as she sent another burning whirlwind out, which absorbed the electrical currents, strengthening the twister.

KAPOW!! Another big explosion ruptured making it look as if the fighters had been struck, but really, they had all split off at the last second, scattering about the field.

“Get her!” shouted Lightning.

“Huh???” The creature looked up just in time as Lightning soared in and gave her a huge punch to the face.

Starla’s droid crept up and kicked her hard in the back.

Pyron then leapt in. “Take this!” and he slashed her with his sword multiple times making sparks fly.

Finally, the monster grabbed him by the wrists and looked ready to knock him away, but Rainbow Dash soared in and headbutted her hard in the gut of her armored vest, sending her crashing hard along the ground.

“I’ll show you all!” Flareice bellowed, but as she stood and prepared to leap up high, Applejack used her rope, and Saber used his chain-and-sickle to bind lasso her legs together.

“You ain’t going no place but down!” hollered Applejack.

“You got that right,” agreed Saber. “That’s what happens when you blow out a good deal of your energy.”

“What makes you think I have?!” bellowed the monster, and her two-toned hair magically rose up strong. “Take this all of you… FLAREICE BERG!”

POW!! She fired a strong wave of flaming and icy winds forcing the two fighters to duck down.

“Fire two!” shouted Flareice, and she prepared to unleash another wave…! When suddenly… “G’AAH!!”

Cadance had zipped past her, slashing the monster badge on her head in half with her kunai.

“NO!!!” Flareice wailed as the badge glowed brightly, enveloping her body in a bright light, and when the light had faded, she had split apart into Flare-O-Rina and Twinkle-Froze. The two of them still looked weakened and beaten up from the battle.

“Just you wait!” bellowed Flare-O-Rina.

“We’ll get you all yet.”

The Twins and Saber disagreed.

“Why don’t we bring the curtain down on this show.” suggested Saber.

The twins agreed, and they along with Saber powered up their finishers.

“SUPER SHOCK SLASH!” Saber slashed his electrified blade at Flare-O-Rina.

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE!” The twins unleashed their fiery wrath on Twinkle-Froze.

The two monsters exploded, and the guards were imprisoned as the two badges broke.

“YES!!” Grand Ruler, and he dispelled the barrier.

The children cheered with glee while Celestia and Glaceia sighed with relief.

“Alright! We did it!” cheered Lightning. Then he noticed Starla’s droid was standing perfectly still. It didn’t move or make a sound.

“Starla? Are you in there?”

His wife did not respond…

The second the battle had ended, she dropped her controls and dashed upstairs to tend to the baby, only to finally realize that Twinkle had stopped crying.

Upon entering the Nursery what she saw melted her heart.

Shining Light had been awoken and disturbed by Twinkle’s cries, and when their mother didn’t and couldn’t come up straight away, Shining Light had fluttered up and into the crib and was gently rocking his little sister in his arms and singing soft little Las to her to her.

Little Twinkle had calmed down and was slowly drifting off to sleep with a big smile on her face.

Shining Light even gave her a big kiss on her little head.

Starla couldn’t help but shed a tear.

When everyone headed back to New Canterlot Palace, Starla told everyone what she had seen.

“Now that, is just the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard of.” Applejack said with a sniffle.

“You raise your son well, Lightning.” said Grand Ruler.

Lightning smiled, feeling such warmth in his heart, but then his smile turned to sadness. “I’m just sorry about what happened tonight.”

“Don’t worry about the theater,” said Shining Armor. “We’ve already got plans to rebuild it, and all the families and folks that came to see the show are getting a half refund on their tickets.”

Lightning shook his head, “It’s Goldwin. I feel just terrible for him.”

Everyone felt the same way.

Professor Brain had recovered the clone panel from the wreckage, or rather what was left of it. It was damaged beyond repair.

“Poor guy,” said Dyno.

“Now he’ll never be able to go outside again.” added Myte.

“I wouldn’t say that.” said Celestia. “On the contrary, he did have his first night of freedom by helping with the ballet didn’t he.”

Cadance already noted that, “And the panel is broken, but it can be built again, only better than ever.”

“Ah, I see…” said Rainbow. “So, there’s still hope for Goldwin to roam free yet.”

Grand Ruler nodded. “We will learn from this and build upon it. We’ll find someway to give him the life he deserves.”

Starla turned to the droid to see Goldwin standing on his pedestal at the end of the throne room, and looking out the window at the night sky.

He had a soft smile on his face, having had his first taste of real freedom, and knowing there was hope for him yet.

“Someday…” he thought “Someday, it’ll really happen, and I look forward to it.”

As the scene panned out, he softly sang the verse of his song again…

What’s it like out there,
Beyond the palace walls,
It’s a great big world
I hear it as it calls.

I hear it… as it calls.

(Promo)

In our next episode: It’s time for the promotion exams to commence, which arouses many groups of protestors to form one of the biggest and most dangerous disturbances, all lead by Brick Wallen, and Blitzy Heart gets caught in the middle of it all while helping others out.

Will the protestors have their way? Will Blitzy Heart be able to escape her fate?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starflet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Promotional Protest: Part 1”)

Episode 11: Promotional Protest: Part 1

EPISODE ELEVEN

The big day had arrived, all Starfleet officers and cadets were up at the crack of dawn and reporting to town halls, test centers or wherever else the Promotional Exams were being held, buy most of the major exams were being held in New Canterlot.

First came the written exams: A ten-page assignment requiring multiple-choice answering, filling in the blanks, and even writing up opinions of what to do in certain situations.

To further keep things fair and in order, all the cadets were required to use specially enchanted quills that would be able to tell if someone was trying to cheat on their exam-- copying, hiding notes, or using special magic.

How much of a score was required depended upon the rank and position a Cadet or Officer was aiming for.

Cadets just graduating to full-ranked Lieutenant required a Seventy-Five Percent minimum. Other positions and ranks required higher.

These written tests were only part of it. Then came the field tests, which Lightning and his friends oversaw for many officers.

All Cadets and officers were required to go through simulating experiences…

-Monster battles
-Obstacle Courses
-Arrests
-Rescue

…And a final verbal revaluation, in which the subject was brought before Lightning or one of the others and asked simple questions.

Lightning asked, “If I were to assign you to a superior officer, would follow their orders?”

“Yes, sir”

Starla then asked, “If I were to appoint you as the head of a unit, would you treat all your subordinates with respect and discipline only when necessary?”

“Yes, General. I would.”

Buddy asked, “What does a true Starfleet Fighter stand for?”

“Fighting in defense, maintaining peace and order. Never for power, fame, or glory, Sir!”

With so many officers and so many to train, observe, and question, the exams went on for days and days, and then it would take just as many days for the tests to all be carefully graded and the results mailed out.

Some ponies were not the least bit pleased with all the fuss, especially Brick Wallen as he saw Sun Setter taking her field test from far away.

He was still very enraged that she chose to be with Starfleet instead of him.

“She’s a fool! An Idiot!” he grumbled. “Well, she’s going to realize the mistake she made putting her loyalty with these losers.”

A pony passed by behind him carrying a basket of flowers, and as she did, he felt her pass him a little piece of paper. Then she just stopped waiting for the traffic light to change so she could cross the street.

The note read…

“We’re all set and ready to go…

Just give the word.”

Brick grinned, and he quietly slipped a little green ball into the mare’s basket, which was the signal she needed to know. She nodded at him, and then crossed the street when the light turned green.

“It’s time!” thought Brick.

Swift Star could only watch helplessly from his single-room home. His head had healed nicely, and his stiches were gone, but his arm was still in a sling and would be for another few days until the doctor gave him the go ahead, and he was still ordered to stay away from battles and stress, and that included the tests.

He wasn’t even allowed to go on patrol, which meant all he did all this time was sit at home or just go for plain walks.

He had read every book and magazine he had; he had done a few jigsaw puzzles, and he was growing very annoyed.

“Ugh! I’ve never been so bored in my life!” he groaned to himself. He began to pace around the room again hoping to relieve his boredom, but to no avail.

How he wished he was out there taking his test, and then at least he would relieve some of his anxiety.

He was so frustrated he felt like hitting something, and he almost slammed his bad arm on the table, which he stopped at once.

“I’m losing my mind.” he said to himself. “Maybe I should just go for another walk and clear my head.

Yeah, go for another walk… like I did yesterday, and the day before, and the day before!”

Seeing it better than staying cooped up all day, he headed for the door, and when he opened it, he received a big surprise…!

There stood Blitzy, and she jumped when he opened the door before she even knocked.

“Oh!”

Swift’s cheeks went pink at the sight of her, “D… D… Doctor Heart…? Um… why are you here?”

Blitzy cleared her throat and said, “I came to check up on your arm, and see how your head is coming too.”

Swift’s heart began to race, and he thought, “She’s here… in my home… with me?! This is so neat!” He felt like he was floating on air.

“So, can I come in?” Blitz called to him, snapping him back into reality, and he let her in.

Swift was soon sitting on his bed which made good for an exam table, she felt along his head to check for swelling, and the feel of her hand against his-- even wrapped in a rubber glove-- he could still feel the warmth, and it sure made his temperature rise, but he managed to keep still.

“Looks good, there’s no more swelling. Now, let me kiss you.”

He blinked in near shock. “What? What did you say?”

Blitz looked confused, “I said, “Let me check your arm.”

Swift felt stupid, but with Blitzy’s help they looked at his arm, and while Swift assured her it didn’t hurt nearly as much anymore, Blitz was taking no chances.

“In a few more days we’ll take the sling away, and you should be all better.” She gave him a soft smile, making him blush again, and as she gathered her things up, she seemed to be slowing down, which made Swift think something else was up.

“Doc… is there something wrong?”

“Wrong?”

“Why did you come here to see me when I could’ve just come to the hospital?”

“Lightning asked if I’d check on you, that’s all.”

“Oh…”

Swift was starting to feel a bit disappointed, but as Blitzy turned to leave, she stopped just before the front door.

She turned round an asked, “I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and I really need to talk to someone about this, other than Lightning.”

Swift invited her to sit down at the table.

“I just don’t know what to think or how to feel about all this…

I’ve seen Starfleet, and it’s not what I thought it was, and I’ve seen the things Lightning does and how appreciated and needed he is.”

Swift could get what she was saying, “You don’t want to try and get him away from all this anymore?”

“Yes… No…” Blitz paused, “I just don’t know anymore. I mean, I’m leaning to the fact that he belongs here, but there’s a part of me that’s saying “You’re a fool. Don’t give in.”

She grabbed her hair and grumbled softly. “What’s wrong with me?”

“I don’t think anything’s wrong.” said Swift. “You’re trying to look for a quick answer to this hard question because you feel compelled, still, but just now you’re starting to realize that there’s so much more to things than how you thought.”

Blitz was astounded by his deep, strong speech again.

Swift continued by saying, “This sort of thing you can’t get a fast answer to, no matter how much you want it. You’ll have to figure it out for yourself and see if you can overcome yourself.

That’s the biggest problem we all have; combating against ourselves and trying to decide what is truly right or wrong, and in the end, it’s up to us and only use to make those decisions and let it shape our lives.”

Blitz clenched her fists softly, but she knew Swift was right.

She looked at him deeply, and Swift became lost in her eyes again, and she became lost in his too.

They both just kept staring at each other, until the moment was suddenly interrupted by a knock at the door.

Swift got up and answered. It was Lightning with Krysta.

“Just here on my lunchbreak. I thought I’d see how you’re doing.”

Then he could see Blitz over at the table. She got up and came to the door to leave, “He’ll be fine in a few more days.” Then she left, walking down the street.

“Oh, rats!” Swift grumbled in thought “I thought we actually had a moment there.”

Lightning noted the way Swift looked at Blitz as she walked off, and this confirmed Krysta’s theory.

“See, I told you.” she whispered into his ear. “He’s got the hots for her.”

Lightning nodded, but he didn’t say anything about this.

“Gad to see you’re getting better, Swift. I’ll still hold off your test until your fully approved to take it.”

Swift nodded, “Thank you, Sir.”

With that, Lightning left down the street to talk to Blitz leaving Swift to shut the door and punch it softly with his good fist. “Blitzy…” he said as he envisioned her again.

By now, he was reaching the peak of his crush. “Maybe I should ask her out, and finally clear the air of this.”

Then he felt ready to smack himself for thinking that. “What am I thinking? She’s more than five years older than me, and it’s against hospital policies for a doctor to date her patient.”

Now he was stuck with a hard question he couldn’t get a quick answer too. “…Sometimes I hate being right.”

Lightning saw Blitzy turn a corner, and he zipped round the corner to catch up with her, only to find she was nowhere to be seen.

“Blitz?”

“Where did she go?” wondered Krysta.

Suddenly, Lightning saw a small black bag just lying on the sidewalk. It was Blitzy’s doctor bag with all her tools in it, and now there was no doubt in his mind. “Something must’ve happened to her. It’s like she just was just transported away.”

“But how, she has no magic to do that with.”

“Lightning…!” someone called to him. It was Mykan Stevens.

*Mykan’s POV*

I had been flying around looking for Lightning or somebody, and it was a good thing I saw him and Krysta.

“Thank goodness I found you.” I could barely speak; I was all in a panic.

“Mykan what’s wrong?” he asked me.

I told him that I was on my way to school to teach my class that afternoon, “And when I got there, Cheerilee and the students, they weren’t there.

I just walked inside, and nobody was there at all.”

Lightning and Krysta thought this was becoming quite suspicious.

“Maybe they just stepped out for a while?” suggested Krysta, but I shook my head. “I saw them. As I flew in, I could see Cheerilee and some of the kids through the windows, but when I walked through the door… they were gone.”

Lightning looked down at Blitzy’s bag.

Just then, Starla appeared in the forum of a hologram. “Lightning, you need to come back to the palace, now, we’ve got a big emergency.”

Lightning could already guess what it was. “Alright, I’m on my way.”

Starla vanished.

“I’m going too.” I insisted, “I want to find out what this is all about.”

Lightning agreed, and then Krysta teleported us both to New Canterlot.

Once there we found the entire unit waiting for us, and their majesties briefed everyone on the strange occurrences.

Grand Ruler explained, “In the past few hours we have been receiving emergency reports. Ponies and other creatures have been apparently vanishing from every corner of the planet without a trace.”

He showed magical images of many of the missing beings. women and children, teachers, doctors, scientists, and creatures of different trades.

Rarity gasped, “Not the fashion ponies! I know them all.”

Spike calmed her from going into a panic. “Take it easy. We’ll find them… I hope.”

“Maybe they just walked through the inivisports by mistake?” suggested Applejack.

Artie shook his head, “Not likely. Everyone was told to keep away from them, and there haven’t been any signs of alien attacks either. So, they’re ruled out.”

“It’s not just beings that are vanishing.” said Dyno.

“Si, a lot of tools were taken from our mines as well.” added Myte.

Everyone one of us gawked at the Twins and began to compare stories.

“We sent out for a delivery of Flour Bags today,” said Pinkie. “But they never arrived, and we’re starting to run low. We can’t bake our goods without flour.”

Buddy then remembered, “I was shopping at the market for more seeds and plants to put in my garden, but the pony said someone had bought out her entire stock.”

Suddenly, Captain Shaina entered with a small stack of papers. “Latest reports, your majesties.”

Then she left.

Celestia looked over the reports. “More stores and shops have been reported on missing their stocks of inventory, and others report their deliveries didn’t make it.

-Groceries stores
-Pharmacies
-Hardware departments, and more.”

Her husband checked the papers. “What in the universe is going on?”

Lightning began to sense a sinister plot. “Food, plants, building supplies, tools, medicines…

All these things and all these people disappearing at once. It sounds like someone’s gathering all these things for some kind of trip or something.”

“Sounds like more than just a trip to me.” said Starla. “Hasn’t anyone noticed that no Starfleet Ponies have been abducted?”

Their majesties checked over the reports again and confirmed not a single Space Pony was reported missing, but it still didn’t help with much of the current situation.

“Who would want to take all this,
And kidnap beings that others would miss?” asked Fluttershy.

“I don’t know, but we better hop it,
Find out what they’re doing and stop it.” said Rhymey.

“Our thoughts, exactly.” said Celestia.

Grand Ruler agreed.

“But what about the exams?” asked Rainbow.

“Never mind that,” said his majesty. “Other officers will be assigned. Right now, you all have some investigating to do. We’ll give you your assignments and offer any available search teams that we can.

We’ll get to the bottom of this. We’ve got to.”

*POV Pause*

Meanwhile, Blitzy awoke, and found herself in a dark chamber along with so many other civilians-- women, children, and all the various missing creatures.

Children were crying and scared, while their moms or teachers comforted them.

“What am I doing here?” asked a Minotaur.

“I was just out walking and then… Here I am,” said a pony.

“What’s going on?”

“What are we all doing here?”

Several children huddled around Cheerliee in fear, and she comforted them, though she was in fear herself.

Suddenly, lights lit up all around revealing everyone standing in a big white room, with no doors or windows. Just white squares everywhere, all along the ceiling, walls, and floor.

“Welcome, one and all…” a voice called.

“Who said that?” hollered Blitz.

Then, on one of the walls appeared a holographic image of none other than Brick Wallen, whom many recognized at once.

“Now, calm down.” said Brick. “You’re all safe. You were teleported here by my friends, who studied hard in magic.

We’re all in a secret bunker, underground outside of New Ponyville. that I built over a year ago for a project I’ve been planning, and we’ve chosen you all to help us with a daring and great project I know you’re going to love, and not even Starfleet will be able to stop us.

…They don’t even know we’re here.”

He chuckled softly. The image faded, and then some of the white glowing squares on the wall changed their lighting to reveal pieces of a large picture, with a magical animated story.

This story was generated by unicorn ponies that were standing with Brick in a dark room that none of the captives could see.

As the animation progressed, Brick laid it all on the line…

“Many of us are sick and tired of Starfleet; always making the rules, acting like they own us all, and always wrecking our lives.”

He was still angered that Sun Setter chose Starfleet over him.

“Well, we have the answer to all your problems.”

The people were confused now.

“Problems?”

“We don’t have problems.”

“What’s he talking about?”

Brick explained, “We’ve all decided that if Starfleet won’t go away, we’ll do what others would do, and leave the planet. We’ll start our own society, on another planet we know of, and you’re all invited to participate.

After all, we need important others-- like doctors, teachers, strong types, to help make it possible.

We’ll live happy and free, and no one will ever tell us how to live again.”

The captives could already tell that he was insane.

“No way!” the Minotaur growled. “I like it right here on United Equestria.”

“This is my home, and I won’t leave it!” insisted Cheerilee.

The children all squealed. “WE WANT TO GO HOME!!”

The more the captives protested, Blitz could see their seriousness and how their lives that they loved were being threatened. This put her more in mind of the way she acted before-- wanting Lightning to be taken away from it all.

“Come on!” Brick bellowed “I’m offering you all the chance of a lifetime. We’re going to be free! We’re going to show who’s really in charge.”

The captives wanted no part of his crazy scheme!

“Let us out of here!”

“You’re crazy!”

“Your plan will never work!”

“WE WANT TO GO HOME!!”

Brick clenched his fists.

“They’re not buying it.” said one of his friends.

“Oh, they will.” said Brick. “I hoped it wouldn’t come to this but, so be it. This will get their minds off their ideas… literally.”

He pressed on a switch on a remote control…

…At the same time, gas began to spew into the room with the captives.

“Gas!” cried Blitz, and before anyone could panic, they were all knocked out cold.

“Suckers.” said one of Brick’s friends. “Good thing I took those magic classes on potions.”

Brick gave him a smirk, and said, “Give them the other gas.”

“With pleasure.”

More gas filled into the captives’ room forming a non-lethal, bluish mist. The cloud softly curled over the captives, much to Brick’s delight.

“When they wake up, things will be different.

Meanwhile, we still need more supplies and we’ve got round up a few more people.”

“Leave that to us.” one of the friends said, and the group of other friends grinned wickedly.

With all the officers’ children at daycare or at home with other relatives, and with other forces looking after the exams, the team split into groups assigned by their majesties.

The first thing was to question all the business owners, shop dealers, and any eyewitnesses who had either seen things or beings vanishing, or if they knew something was wrong.

Mykan assisted in the search as well-- questioning people and taking their stories, but so far it was the same story everywhere.

“He was walking along, and then he just disappeared.”

“One minute she was there, the next she wasn’t.”

“They were supposed to come to work, but they haven’t been seen for days.”

Many of the citizens were very worried for their friends, loved ones or co-workers.

The officers tried to scan the area for any traces of magic, but they could find nothing. Even Krysta couldn’t detect anything. “Whatever was here that yanked them away was fast. It just happened and then it was gone.”

“Well, that doesn’t help much.” said Starla.

Lightning agreed, “We’re not beaten yet. We’ll try Plan-B.”

Starla and Krysta nodded, and all the others had the same idea too.

The team tried to scan for the life-sign readings of the missing ponies, like Cheeriliee, or Blitzy, or anyone who’s DNA or vital signs were on record.

Even Mykan was given a special pair of sunglasses to wear which serves him as the same functions of a Starfleet Visor, and they made him look snazzy too.

“Come on, Cheerilee, where are you?” he said as he searched all around, but he, like the others, couldn’t seem to detect anything, as if whatever the captives where the signals couldn’t get through.

As the search continued, Swift had gone out for a walk, not knowing of the danger at hand.

“Gee, the streets sure are quiet.” he said. “Then again, a lot of the officers are at the exams. I wish I was there too.”

He was so lost in his daydreams that when he turned a corner, he bumped into Pyron and Glaceia who were out for a stroll themselves.

“I am too,” said Pyron.

“Me too,” replied Swift. “To be honest, that’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to be in over a week.” he implied to his arm and his being off duty. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”

The couple didn’t know what to say to him.

Suddenly, there was a cry out for help.

Swift couldn’t resist the urge to rush in to answer the call.

Pyron and Glaceia watched him head to the other side of the street where an Earth Pony mare was crying out by her fruit stand, which was empty.

“What’s the matter?” asked Swift.

“You’ve got to help me!” wailed the mare “I just turned my back to get something, and I turned around again, and all my fruit was gone-- vanished.”

Swift was about to examine the stand when two guards came along.

“Hold it, right there.” One of them said, and then he looked at Swift and said, “You’re supposed to be off duty. We’ll take it from here.”

Swift tried to protest, but the guards insisted he leave.

Swift stormed off in a huff.

Pyron and Glaceia felt bad for him and hurried to catch up with him.

Swift was so mad he kicked a small rock on the ground and sent it rolling down the street.

He was so upset he decided to sit on a bench to calm down, and what timing he had…! The moment he sat down, the bench vanished, and took him along with it.

Pyron and Glaceia saw it.

“He’s gone!” cried Glaceia.

“But… where did he go?” wondered Pyron.

Because Swift had Starfleet training, the force of the sudden teleportation didn’t knock him out.

“What the…?!”

He looked around to find himself in what appeared to be a massive room with the bench he sat on, along with piles and loads of all kinds of goods…

Food, ingredients, tools, plants and trees, medical supplies, hardware, and many more things.

“What’s all this?” he wondered in shock.

While Brick and his friends were shocked in the control ops.

“You idiots!” he balked at his friends. “You weren’t supposed to take that bench with someone sitting on it.”

The teleporters gave him a straight look.

“How were we supposed to know he’d sit there are the last second.”

“Yeah, these targets take time.”

Brick then noticed Swift’s cast, “Hey, that’s the guy from the hospital.”

He remembered arguing with Sun Setter outside of Swift’s room.

“Oh, great! You guys just captured a Starfleet pony! Now he knows where we are, and he’ll report to the rest of the force!”

“Wait a minute, look.” said another friend. “He’s not wearing one of those… transforming… badgey… thing-a-ma-jiggies.”

Brick saw this and he felt his good luck smiling upon him again. “Well, that’s something. He can’t alert his friends, but he knows what’s going on. We can’t let him leave here.”

His friends agreed.

“But what are we going to do with him.”

“We don’t want any Starfleet ponies coming with us.”

“And we can’t brainwash him either, he knows how to resist it.”

Brick gave them all a look-- a nasty, wicked look which told them all enough.

“No way!”

“You wouldn’t?!”

Brick held up his hand, “I wouldn’t, and you wouldn’t… and we don’t have to.”

He pressed on a switch which opened a door to the storeroom, much to Swift’s confusion.

“Hello?” he called. “What is this? Where am I?”

He got no answer, and he wasn’t sure whether to go through the door or not either. He didn’t have to because in marched Blitzy.

“Doctor Heart? What are you doing here? What’s all this about?”

Blitzy didn’t answer, she just glared at him with a look of fury in her eyes, the kind of look that said she hated his guts and was looking to take him down, which gave him a shivering feeling.

Blitz was suddenly joined by more ponies and other creatures filing into the room with her, and they all had the same snarling expressions as she did.

“You’re Starfleet!” Blitz growled.

“You’re not one of us!” yelled the Minotaur.

“You must be eliminated!” bellowed a griffin.

The crowd of creatures began to march towards him chanting. “No More Starfleet! No More Starfleet! No More Starfleet!”

To Be Continued…

In our next episode: Swift must manage to outmaneuver the brainwashed civilians and escape his fate from the insane ponies. Meanwhile, it’s Touch-and-Go for Lightning and his team to put an end to Brick’s plans before he leaves with the stolen goods and the missing citizens.

Is Swift doomed to meet his end? Will Brick surrender his plans?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Promotional Protest: Part 2”)

Episode 12: Promotional Protest: Part 2

“Previously on Starfleet Magic…”

During the promotional exams and field tests, many civilians across Equestria began to mysteriously vanish along with many supplies and goods from businesses all over. As Lightning and friends began investigation, an off-duty and irritable Swift Star found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time as he was transported to Brick Walden’s holding bunking, surrounded by brainwashed civilians wanting to dispose of him!

EPISODE TWELVE

Swift found himself backed up against the wall as the brainwashed civilians continued to creep forth wanting to finish him.

He hollered at Blitz, “Doc, what is with you? Snap out of it!” but Blitz only growled and lunged at him, forcing him to leap up onto a big stack of crates.

“Let’s get him!” Blitz yelled at the rest of the folks, and they all growled and glared at Swift and began to climb up the stack or just hover up to the top forcing him to leap away again.

Even without his energizer, he could tell, “They’ve all be brainwashed.”

Suddenly, he was grabbed from behind by the Minotaur and held tightly. “Let me go!”

“You’re not going anywhere, Starfleet Slime,” the guy growled at him “…Except down!” and he began to put pressure on him, squeezing him harder and harder.

Swift had no choice-- civilian or not. He gave his head a huge jerk, bashing his captor hard in his huge face, causing him to let go as he was sent crashing hard into a pile of supplies.

“Ohhh!” Swift groaned as he held his head. “Talk about a thick skull!”

The civilians all looked furious and rushed to tackle him. Swift knew he couldn’t fight them, and he didn’t have his energizer to transform or help him reverse whatever brainwashing it was.

His only chance was to escape from the room and try to figure out who was behind all this, and the door was still open in the back.

“Coming through!” he shouted, and he rammed his way past everyone knocking them all about like bowling pins, right for the exit.

“Don’t just stand there! Stop him!” Brick thundered over the intercom.

“That voice…!” Swift said to himself. “I’ve heard that voice before.”

Suddenly Swift found himself confronted in the corridor by Cheeilee and her students. They, too, like the others, were brainwashed and looking to really harm him.

“Seriously?! Minors too?!”

The poor brainwashed children just eyed him, and then began to charge, forcing him to dash down the other way.

Suddenly, he found himself surrounded at both ends by more civilians, forcing him to run through the nearest door he could find, which turned out to be his mistake…!

The door slammed shut and he found himself surrounded in a closed-in room with no other way out.

“Looks like you’re stuck.” Brick announced over the intercom.

Swift looked up, and he could see no cameras, no screens or anything. “I know that you, Wallen!” he bellowed. “Let me out of here!”

“And let you warn your buddies, and try to sabotage our plans? Not on your life, just like how you and your Starfleet don’t stop messing up my life and the lives of others.”

That was more than enough for Swift to get a picture of what was going on. “You’ve gone mad!”

“…No! It was you and Starfleet that did this! You took my fiancée away from me, which nearly as bad as all this pushing us around and treating us like criminals.”

“First of all!” Swift protested. “We didn’t take Sun away from you, she came to us, but you decided to toss her out.

And Two: Maybe if you didn’t act like criminals, thinking only for yourselves, causing scenes and disturbances, we wouldn’t treat you as them. Like just now, kidnapping all these creatures, and stealing all these items, and for what?!”

Brick only chuckled, “Why should I tell you? You’re not going to be around to know anyway, and by the time any of your Starfleet Pals figure this out, we’ll all be long gone.

For that matter… so will you.”

Swift didn’t like the sound of that.

He was about ready to ram the door down when he heard the angry civilians pounding at the steel.

“What’s the matter?” Brick taunted him. “Aren’t you going to try to bust the door down? Are you going to hurt those innocent civilians? That’s not very “Starfleet” of you is it.

I’m sure they’ll eventually break the door down, and when they do, they’ll do me a huge favor and dispose of you so you can’t squeal.”

Swift was really in a fix now. How was he going to get out of this and warn the others of what was going on?

He didn’t need his visor to scan the material on the walls. “They’re so thick, readings can’t get through.”

Then he realized there was one possible thing that could alert Starfleet, and so, he began kicking at the walls over, and over in rhythm.

Brick saw this on his screen. “Look at him. He thinks he can kick his way out from that?”

Neither he nor his friends knew what Swift was really doing by kicking walls like that.

Meanwhile, Pryon and Galceia had seen Lightning and Starla with Krysta, still investigating within New Ponyville, and they told the officers everything.

“You’re sure?” Lightning asked.

“We saw it ourselves.” replied Pyron, and he pointed down the street, “The Lieutenant sat on the bench that was over there, and then just vanished.”

The trio observed the space where the missing bench once stood.

“Did you see anyone else in the area?” asked Starla.

“No.” answered Glaceia “We have no clue as to what happened. He just vanished.”

“Well, things don’t just vanish for no reason.” said Krysta.

Just then Applejack came soaring in over the town at an alarming speed.

“Applejack!” Lightning shouted, but she didn’t answer.

Starla noted her flight path. “She’s headed for New Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Lightning!” someone called, it Was Buddy Rose flying overhead, “Applejack may have a lead. Head for the farmlands!”

With a lead in sight, the trio told the couple to get someplace safe. “Leave this to Starfleet.” Lightning said.

Once the friends had arrived at the farm, they found both the Apple Family and Buddy’s family looking grim, and for good reason.

All the Apple Trees were bare, and some were even missing along with entire fields that were full of crops, including from Buddy and Tree Hugger’s personal gardens.

“I can’t believe this!” cried Applejack.

“All my beautiful flowers!” peeped Buddy.

Even Tree Hugger couldn’t hold back her sadness as she sat on the porch with Seedling in her arms and DD standing next to her.

“They all just vanished.” said DD. “I was doing some sprints around the acres, when I saw things just disappearing.”

“I knew I could feel some negative, cool waves in the air.” Tree Hugger said, which was her way of saying she felt something was wrong.

“That ain’t all that’s gone…” said Pear Butter. “Our livestock, it’s all gone.”

Bright Mac confirmed this. “The Cows, the Hogs, The Sheep… all of them.”

“Eeyup. Even many of our farmhands just up and went poof.” added big Mac.

Applejack clenched her fist tightly. “Let me get my hands on whoever did this!”

“Save some for me.” added Buddy. “Nobody messes with my garden!”

Applebloom shivered with worry. “What if I’m next? What if someone else I know is next? Who’s doing this?!”

Applejack calmed her sister, “We’ll find out who, and they’ll pay for it.”

“…If only we had any leads.” muttered Krysta.

Brick’s team was taking inventory with more supplies they had confiscated.

“This is going to do great.”

“We’ll start a great new world with all this.”

As for the new civilians being brought in, Brick’s friends gassed them with their special potion to make them Starfleet-Hating beings, just like the rest.

When Brick asked for an update, one of his friends told him.

“Just a little bit more supplies and people, and we can get ready to leave.”

Brick nodded proudly. “Good. The sooner I put this stupid world and Starfleet behind me, the better. Sun Setter will regret what she did to me!”

He was so busy taking stock of his progress, he still didn’t bother much with Swift, who was still kicking the walls, and the civilians were still trying to kick the strong door down to get at him!

The door wouldn’t stand too much longer, but Swift just kept right on kicking.

“Lightning!” hollered Spike as he and Rarity came flying in and landed by their friends.

Rarity puffed and panted, “Oh, my goodness, I thought I’d never be so tired from all that flying.” She looked at her wings and noted, “They could use a good massage.”

Spike rolled his eyes, but then he noticed the condition of the lands. “Whoa! I’ve heard of fast harvests, but this is nuts.”

Lightning cleared his throat, “Do you have something?”

“Oh, right…” said Raity. “We were soaring over the meadows searching for life readings, and we found nothing, we did, however, pick up something else.”

The couple urged the friends to follow them out into the meadows, and with their visors, they decided soundwaves of vibrations far below the ground-- like something was banging hard on something solid.

“Hey, I recognize this area.” said Starla. “There used to be an old Diamond Dog cave below here, but it was mined completely dry, and the Diamond Dogs relocated under Starfleet’s orders.”

Lightning remembered, “We had the caves and mines sealed up. Looks like someone had some renovation ideas. If they would want to store all that stuff, all those creatures, it’s the perfect place for it.”

He sent Krysta to round up the rest of the team, and she teleported off.

“We’ve got to find the entrance.” said Buddy.

“It was sealed up when the cave was made off limits.” said Applejack.

It wouldn’t take long to find with their scanners, but they had not gone unobserved…

Brick saw on the screen, “What?! How did they find us?!” he bellowed.

His friends began to panic.

“They’re going to bust us!”

“We’ve got to get out of here!”

“Shut up!” Brick bellowed. “I’m not giving up! Not now that I’ve come this far! Get everyone ready to leave. I’ll keep them distracted.” and he went off by himself.

Swift was growing exhausted from all the kicking he had done, and he couldn’t do it anymore.

Finally, the door to his cell burst open and the angry civilians all roared while glaring at him. He was totally backed up against the wall, and Blitzy was closing in on him with the same look of brainwashed fury in her eyes.

“Stop!” one of Brick’s friends shouted over the intercom. “We’re moving out. So, shake a leg and help us get ready.”

All the civilians complied and rushed back into the corridor… except for Blitz.

“No!” she shouted at Swift. “You are mine! I will destroy you!”

She suddenly tackled him to the ground reaching to strangle him.

Swift was so wiped out from kicking the wall so much, he barely had enough strength to push back and keep her at bay, and his cast didn’t help either, but it gave him one last idea…!

“Doc…! Look at this! Look at my cast! Try to think-- you gave this to me.”

Blitz only growled and roared while still trying to get at him, but she took one look at the cast, and began to feel strange.

“No!” she groaned. “I hate Starfleet! I would never help you! You deserve no mercy!” but she couldn’t deny the images in her head.

Her memories were very faded because of the potion she had inhaled, but now they were beginning to clear up. She could see herself putting the cast on Swift’s arm in the hospital.

Swift could feel her grip starting to weaken, which gave him the edge to turn the tables…!

He flung his cast off and quickly rolled to the side allowing him to get on top of Blitz and hold her down by her arms.

Blitz went crazy trying to struggle free, but the images in her head were still plaguing her as they became brighter and clearer.

“Think, Doc!” Swift said to her. “Think hard. You’ve been brainwashed! These creeps are trying to use you in their plans. You hated Starfleet, but you came to accept it. I helped you!”

Blitz shut her eyes tightly shaking her head about. “No…! No…!!”

Her memories showed of Swift taking her on the tour, and all the things he said about her past life and how her disliking Starfleet and wanting to take Lightning away was wrong.

She also recalled the many things she had witnessed, and how it softened her attitude towards the force and made her question her own needs.

“Come on! Come on!” cried Swift. “Keep going!”

Finally, Blitz remembered going to see Swift that day, and asking him what to do about her feelings.

“You can’t decide one way or the other if you want to change your groove, but in the end, you have to pick a way… and from that you’ll know how you’ll want to shape your life, just like the rest of us have to every single say.”

That was all she needed. The effects of the potion had completely lost to her will.

“Doc… it’s alright.” said Swift. “You’ll be alright.”

“…Swift?” she peeped softly. “I remember!”

Unable to control himself, Swift hugged her, making her blush, “Welcome back!”

“Um… what are we doing here?” Blitz asked.

“It’s a long story, but right now I’ve got to get you out of here, and we’ve got to get to Commander Lightning. He must know about this scheme.”

Meanwhile, the team found the old entrance to the mine, which was supposed to be buried under loads of rock, earth, and growing from the meadow. Now it was just enchanted to look that way to confuse people.

“Looks like someone thought this could be a great place for a hideout.” said Lightning.

Starla scanned the supposed cover with her visor. “I’m getting a single life reading from inside… Brick Wallen.”

Lightning’s anger already began to rise. “Let’s get him!”

The team agreed, and they all rushed into the cave, finding the entrance interior didn’t look much like a cave now, but rather with steel enforced brick walls, electrical lighting, and a doorway at the end.

“A real fortress.” said Buddy.

“How in the hayfields did this all get done?” wondered Applejack.

“…Oh, wouldn’t like to know!” hissed a voice over an intercom; a voice that Lightning recognized. “I know it’s you, Wallen.” he called. “We’re on to your little game, and now the fun’s over. Come out and give yourself up.”

“I got a better idea…” chuckled Wallen. “You and your messed up posses there can about face and get out of here, and let me do my thing in peace, so everyone can be happy for a change.”

Spike and Rarity gawked at each other in confusion, wondering how he made any sense.

Lightning bellowed, “If this is how you want it, Wallen… I don’t have time for games. We’re coming in!”

The team prepared to race for the doorway, forcing Wallen to activate a special trap he had installed.

As the team ran closer to the door, they all vanished through a portal warp and ended up back at the entrance of the cave.

“What was that?” asked Rarity.

“Feels like we were warped.” said Spike.

Lightning scanned the door with his visor. “It’s got a warp portal in front of it. If we run into it we’ll just get sent back again.”

“He stole a warp portal too?!” exclaimed Starla.

“How low is this guy going to go?” wondered Buddy.

Brick laughed and said, “The only place I’m going is as far away from you, and your twisted Starfleet ways as possible, and I’m not going alone.”

This made the group realize, and Applejack exclaimed, “…You took all those people and all them things from all over to take them with you on some crazy space voyage?!”

“It’s not crazy, it’s genius!” snapped Brick. “It’s something that needs to be done, for the people, for all our sakes! We’re sick of you Starfleeters messing up our lives!!

We’re all set to leave through another portal I have in this fort, and I won’t have you messing things up.”

The team sighed. “Just like every other, he’s gone nuts.” muttered Spike.

“And just like every other,” said Lightning “…He badly underestimates us.”

He motioned for his friends to stand well back for what he was about to do, and he began to charge up.

“What are you doing?!” cried Brick.

“Showing you how flawed your plans are…” replied Lightning. “UNIFORCE”

POW!! He fired his massive blast right at the portal by the door, and then ducked down as the blast vanished and came back out again from the exit portal behind and into the entry portal…

And again…

And again…!

“What’s going on?!” cried Brick from within his lookout.

The blast just kept going and going and going, until… KAPOW!! The portal couldn’t handle the constant heating and pressures, that it just exploded which also took the door down.

“No way!!” cried Brick.

The team had already infiltrated the fort, which was shown to be only a few corridors leading to several large storage areas where Brick’s friends were all busy transferring all the stolen goods to the surface to be transported away.

“Everybody, Freeze! You’re under arrest!” shouted Lightning, and all the ponies dropped what they were doing and fearfully raised their arms up.

“Nobody move!” demanded Starla, but suddenly she was grabbed from behind by a large minotaur. She quickly wretched away from him, but then she and the others were confronted by hordes of brainwashed civilians and the children too.

“Okay! This is officially miles over the line!” protested Applejack.

“Down with Starfleet! Down with Starfleet!” the civilians chanted.

“What are you going to do now?” one of the criminals taunted.

“You wouldn’t beat up innocent civilians, would you?” teased another.

The friends, and even Starla smirked, “We don’t have to.” said Lightning. Then he and all the others activated their energizers, firing magical beams at the civilians, instantly counteracting the dying brainwashing potion, much to the thieves’ outrage.

“You’re all too soft.” said Spike. “That potion you used was only temporary, and easy for us to counteract!”

Rarity snuffed, “It’s time you all answered for what you’ve done!”

The thieves knew they were finished and decided to come quietly.

As for the civilians…

“What’s going on?”

“Where are we?”

“How did we get here?”

They all seemed back to normal, and it was just a matter of escorting everyone home.

Brick couldn’t believe this! “I’m getting out of here!” he wailed to himself, and he left through a secret exit to get back to the surface because he didn’t have another warp portal.

The second he got outside, he was confronted by Swift, with Blitz by his side, and the rest of Lightning’s unit.

“Brick Wallen, you’re under arrest!” declared Swift.

The next thing Brick knew, he was in an interview room, the next day, where Lightning and Starla spoke severely to him.

Lightning was reading to him all the charges he was convicted for…

“Conspiracy,
Kidnapping,
Multiple Counts of Grand Theft and Robbery,
Illegal trespassing and construction,
Misuse of Magic.
Brainwashing
Attempted Murder

…And Several misdemeanors.”

Lightning glared at the furious pony. “You, sir, are going to jail for a very long time, and so is everyone else involved in your scheme.

Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

Brick said nothing, as was his right to remain silent.

“Do you have any idea how ridiculous and flawed your plan was?” asked Starla. “You used teleporting spells all over to kidnap all these people, you stole all these goods, plants, and livestock, just to make your own community on another planet.”

Brick smugly snuffed, “Great, now we all know.”

“Don’t get smart with us.” said Lightning. “You should’ve known that with your rush job, building that fort in the cave, your plan would have holes in it, but thinking isn’t really one of your strong suits.”

He then motioned for Starla to use her magic to bring up an image of the planet Brick had chosen to migrate to.

“This is the planet you chose?”

“Yeah, and it would’ve been perfect.” replied Brick.

“No, it wouldn’t.” said Starla. “That’s the Planet Luminous, where all the warping fairies live. That planet has been classified as a special preserved world by Starfleet. No one is allowed to establish colonies on it.

You would’ve been caught anyway because you didn’t do your research.”

Brick’s lips curled into a sour expression.

“We’ve dealt with your kind before.” said Lightning. “If you wanted to leave United Equestria, all you had to do was file the correct reports out and you could’ve made proper plans, but even then, it would be under Starfleet surveillance and escort.

And even if you did manage to get away from Starfleet, what would happen if you or this colony of yours was suddenly attacked by evil forces, or some great disaster happened?”

Brick closed his eyes cringing angrily. He honestly didn’t have an answer.

“That’s what we thought.” said Starla. “You spend so much time hating on Starfleet, you don’t think straight, and you don’t see things as they really are. That, or you just don’t want to.

The sooner people like you stop wailing on us, the better.”

With their work now done, and Brick’s future already well ahead of him-- in prison-- the couple got up to leave.

“Well, it looks like you got one thing you wanted from this.” said Lightning. “You’re going to get off United Equestria.”

Brick didn’t feel the least bit pleased, knowing he was going to be surrounded by Starfleet guards and other prisoners for a long time.

Then it was off to the property detail where all the rest of the unit had been working tirelessly since yesterday, sorting and going through all the stolen things.

“How’s it going?” Lightning asked.

“Everything’s counted and clear,” said Fluttershy.

“Ready to ship everything out of here.” added Rhymey.

Artie checked off his clipboard. “A one hundred percent full recovery.”

Pinkie wiped her sweaty brow, “It was hard to get all these things here. Now we have to ship them out.”

“Gee, that could take time.” groaned Rainbow.

Krysta giggled, “I wouldn’t worry about that.” and she whistled, and a swarm of her fairies came flying in ready to take the supplies back where they belonged.

Meanwhile, Dyno and Myte were at work with their team of experts to destroy the remains of the mine and the fort so no one could ever use it again.

“Ready?” asked Dyno.

“Vamaos! Let’s go.” said Myte.

Together, the twins pressed on the plungers detonating the charges set, and the mine was blown into an avalanche of debris.

“Why didn’t we do this a long time ago?” wondered Dyno.

“Eh, who knows.” said Myte. “Just glad things are getting back to normal… at least this way.”

All the supplies were returned, and all the children were back home or in school, and all the grownups were at work… including Blitz.

She was at Swift’s home again, giving him a clean bill of health. He didn’t have to put his cast back on.

“Awesome.” said Swift as he moved his arm around. “This feels so great, but you know, I could’ve just come to the hospital.”

“It’s no problem.” said Blitz. “I was on my way there anyway, and thought I’d save you the trouble. and…” she paused. “…I… wanted to thank you for saving me.”

Swift couldn’t help but blush. “It’s not a problem. I was just doing my job, even if I was off duty.”

They became lost in each other’s eyes again and all went quiet. You’d think their faces would start moving closer towards the other, but there was a knock at the door anyway.

Swift clenched his teeth and held in his frustration. “Come in. It’s not locked.”

Lightning entered, “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“No, not at all, sir.” replied Swift, still suppressing.

Blitzy explained how Swift’s arm was fully healed. “He’s ready to get back on duty.”

Lightning was very pleased. “I’m not surprised. After all, you went into action when you were told not to…!”

Swift felt that strike him.

“However,” continued Lightning. “What happened to you was just by chance, and you helped us a great deal in tracking down everything and the civilians.”

He then held up a small box with a silver medal on it. “That is why, I hereby promote you, Swift Star, to the rank of Senior Lieutenant, as well as all the entitlements, duties and responsibility associated with that rank.”

He placed the medal in Swift’s hand, and Swift was absolutely astounded! “Promoted?”

Blitz was astounded by herself. “But he didn’t take the promotion exams.”

Lightning smiled, “He doesn’t have to anymore. Remember, you also get promoted for accomplishing incredible feats or serving your planet incredibly like you just did.

Also, given how much you studied, and how well you do your best to follow regulations, and all the support you show. I’m sure you would have passed with flying colors anyway.”

Swift didn’t know what to say, but he did salute with pride, and Lightning saluted back.

Blitz was so proud of him, and she looked at Lightning, and seeing how proud he looked, tall and strong in his uniform, she felt it was time to state it.

“Lightning, can I talk to you… in private?”

“Sure.” Replied Lightning, and he gave Swift the order, “As for you, Lieutenant, rest up, and report to duty in an hour.”

“Yes, sir.”

With that, Lightning and Blitz left, and Blitz gave Swift another smile. “Congratulations, Lieutenant.”

Her smile made Swift feel like he was glowing. He couldn’t help but wait until she left and then start dancing and strutting around.

Outside, Lightning asked. “What’s up?”

Blitz still found it hard to say but managed to get it out. “You were right. You aren’t a disgrace, you’re better than anything I could ever think of.”

Lightning gave her a playful look.

“I see now… Starfleet is wonderful in its own way, and your rightful place is here. I can understand why you abandoned the Harmonian Ways.

I accept you’ve forgotten who you used to be.”

Lightning’s expression changed. “I haven’t forgotten, Blitz. I want to show you something.”

Soon they were off to New Canterlot, and Lightning brought her to the grand cemetery, honoring the most beloved, well-known ponies, soldiers, and friends through the ages of Starfleet and Equestria.

Blitz didn’t really like being in such a place as it brought on bad feelings.

“Here…” Lightning said as he brought her to the Harmonian Monument he had set up in honor of the memory of Harmonius and his family.

“Oh, my…” Blitz said in astoundment.

Lightning looked down at the stone. “I could never forget Harmonius, and all that it was about. It’s part of who I am, and always will be.

Sometimes, I can still hear them crying out for help and to be saved, and it haunts me to this day, but I also can feel their spirits guiding me, and knowing they are resting in peace since I won their revenge and defeated the monsters that did this.”

Now Blitz felt even more ashamed of the way she had behaved. She was all wrong about Lightning and his honor.

Lightning placed a hand on her shoulder. “At least… there’s one name I can cross off the long list of names in my mind on this grave now.”

Tears filled her eyes, and she placed her hand over his. “I’m so sorry… Sorry, I’ve been such a pain.”

She looked deeply into his eyes, and he could see she was sincere. “Can we start over?” Lightning asked her.

His response was his friend hugging him warmly, and softly sobbing into his shoulder.

He hugged her back, and a small tear fell from his own eye as the winds softly blew around them.

Then, they both knelt by the monument to pray for their people, and their families, singing it in their minds.

[Lightning]

I know how the doves do fly,
I see them in the sky,
Feeling as the wind they blow,
And think about my family history.

[Blitzy]

Souls and Spirits,
of the past and present days
Guide us and help us,
learn us of our people’s ways

[Both]

The simple ways of our brethren
The simple ways of our brethren
The simple ways…
…of our brethren

The two felt themselves in a peaceful fantasy scene in their minds…

Both of them were dressed in Harmonian robes with Blitz wearing a long white flowing dress, and Lightning wearing a short robe with a golden edged white vest. They were standing in the bright meadowy fields with lush grass and trees in the distance-- a view of Harmonius in their minds.

[Lightning]

I am linked by my past,
My peoples’ spirits thrive,
Deep within my heart,
I keep them all alive,

…I am Harmonian!

[Blitzy]

The mighty universe,
It gives and it will take,
The life from some, and to another,
Our memories will help keep it awake.

[Both]

The simple ways of our brethren
The simple ways of our brethren
The simple ways of our brethren
The simple ways…
…of our brethren

The scene faded away, and the two were still singing in their minds as they awoke and got to their feet.

[Lightning]

I know how the doves do fly,
I see them in the sky,

[Blitzy]

Feeling as the wind they blow,
And think about my family history.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Rarity discovers that some members of the fashion world consider her a laughingstock due to her being a hybrid, which triggers a dragonic temper. This certainly doesn’t help when Flareous sends a monster that heats up everyone else’s tempers and makes fire spread everywhere.

Will United Equestria burn to the ground, and will Rarity overcome her rage?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “A Fiery Fashion”)

Author's Note

Blitzy is by far the least violent 2nd antagonist I have made. She's not a bad pony, but she was misguided because she couldn't understand.

Another storyline I had in mind of her was that she and Lightning were arranged to be married on Harmonius, but the planet was destroyed before Lightning could be told. This idea was scrapped because it overcomplicated things.

Episode 13: A Fiery Fashion

EPISODE THIRTEEN

One evening at Carousel Bouquet, Rarity was holding a fashion shoot to unveil some of her latest designs.

Glaceia was invited to partake as she made a new gown inspired by her. It was an icy blue gown with crystal gems beaded all around the edges, the hem, and vertically up and over the shoulders, with a lovely white silky sash going over the shoulder, around the waist, and tied in a big bow in back with plenty of slack to reach near the bottom.

Rarity announced to the crowd. “I dub this masterpiece, “Shivering Light.”

The crowds were enamored by the sight, but none nearly so much as Pyron, who had a front row seat. He felt like fainting at the sight of how beautiful his love looked.

She saw him and blew him a kiss.

Spike chuckled as he held little Twilight in his arms, and even more so when his daughter started imitating Glaceia by blowing multiple baby-kisses at nothing.

Rarity saw this and smiled at her family.

Then she brought all the models out onto the set to conclude the shoot. So many pictures were being taken, and reporters were already writing up stories for fashion magazines and newspapers.

“And now…” Rarity said as she took center stage before the models. “To collude the performance of this wonderous, most elegant unveiling, we salute to the glories of fashion.”

She turned to the models and conducted them, “Salutea Fashionista!”

The models all raise their arms and repeated, “SALUTEA FASHIONISTA!”

Rarity began to weep tears of joy and dabbed her eyes with a hankie. “Unbelievably Moving!” she sobbed. “Bravo!”

Then she excused herself to go dry up.

She reached backstage and blew her nostrils, feeling better.

“You were wonderful, Rarity.” said Spike. His wife kissed him lovingly on the mouth. “Thank you, love. I just love all this, it’s so much I can barely…” she felt she was going to cry again, but she didn’t.

Especially when little Twilight let out a little yawn.

“Uh, oh. It’s way past nighty-night time.” said Spike. He offered to take her in and put her to bed. “Say night-night to mommy.”

Rarity bent down and pecked her little darling on her head. “Goodnight my precious sweetheart.”

Rarity then proceeded back up front to give her comments to the press and re-explain some of her creations.

Spike couldn’t be prouder of his wife.

Meanwhile…

Keltar was, once again, talking into his mystery orb in his room. “Just have patience, the day will soon arrive. We’ll bring down these two miserable kings one way or another, but only when the time is right.”

No one’s voice could be heard over the orb, but Keltar seemed to hear it.

“No! Don’t make a move until we’re both ready.”

Suddenly, the door to his room burst wide open making him jump in fright. There was a guard at the door. “King Flareous would like to see you, immediately.”

Keltar got a hold of himself and balked, “Please don’t ever sneak up me like that again!” while silently tucking the orb behind his bed pillow and out of sight.

He pulled himself together and made his way to the door, while the guard had some suspicions.

Soon Keltar reached Flareous who sat on his throne. “You called for me, sire?” he asked as he bowed.

Flareous gave him a sour expression. “I’m not pleased, Keltar. I am not pleased at all, and do you know why?”

Keltar nervously answered, “Because you haven’t beaten Blizzord, your son is still not home, and Starfleet is still not working for you?”

Flareous leaned forth with a wicked expression on his face, “Precisely…” then he flared up and raged “…AND I AM TIRED OF WAITING AROUND!!”

Keltar shuddered in fear.

“I’m beginning to think that maybe I should take matters into my own hands.” said Flareous. “Perhaps I should truly venture to United Equestria and confront Starfleet myself.”

“Sire, with all do respect, I would not advise this. You are much more needed here. I would hate to think of what would happen is something ill-fated should befall you.”

Flareous growled, “I want my son back, and I want Starfleet to fight for me.”

“Sire, perhaps we can try our initial plot to convince our enemy to come to us, just like we do with the Iceinians.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a monster badge. “I just may have the creature that can do this.”

Since the guard who escorted him was still present, and he didn’t want to risk exposure of his little secret, he motioned him to take the badge.

Once placed on his head, the guard transformed into a vicious, red dragon, with sharp spines running down from his head across his tail.

“A Dragon?” Flareous asked in confusion. “This is your big plan?”

“This is no ordinary dragon, my king.” explained Keltar. “Not only is Dragust capable of vicious fire attacks, but he can expel toxic fumes from its nostrils. Anyone that inhales it will become viciously hot-tempered and make fire spread.”

Now Flareous seemed intrigued. “They’ll roast their own planet into a wasteland, and if they wish it to cease… they bow to me.”

He gave the go ahead, and Dragust bowed and prepared to leave. “It shall be done.”

“You go with him, Keltar” said Flareous. “We don’t want to overdo it and destroy my future army… not too harshly.”

Keltar bowed, but secretly thought, “Not as harshly as what you’ll be getting soon enough, you disgrace of a monarch!”

The right thing to do was wait until it was daylight on United Equestria, when more people would be up and about.

The latest magazines and papers. Were thrown at the boutique stoop, and Spike came to the door and got them.

He could see Rarity’s face on the magazine cover and couldn’t resist reading the article about the Fashion Show, only to discover what the stories read were not very nice towards Rarity at all.

“How did a creature of freak-nature manage to produce fashionable clothing for lineups.”

“You may laugh at this creature due to her weird species, but you’ll love all over her clothing designs.”

“Look at the Fashion Freak.”

“It’s harder to look at the clothes when Rarity is half-and-half.”

“Dragon, Pony, or Fashionista-- Make up your mind.”

Spike had never seen such outrageous defamation before. “I can’t let Rarity see this.”

He took a huge breath to burn the magazine and the paper.

“Spike?” Rarity said from behind, making him jump. “Oh, Rarity. I… uh…”

Rarity could see her picture on the magazine cover. “Oh, good! It’s out already.” She reached out to see it, but Spike pulled it away. “Rarity, no! You don’t want to look at this.”

“I beg your pardon. Of course, I want to see it-- all the reviews of my marvelous work. Now, let me have it… please.”

Her husband nervously shook his head.

“Spike, what is with you?” she asked impatiently. “Why are you trying to stop me?”

Her husband found himself trapped. Even if she didn’t see it now, she would find out later for herself, so he let her have the magazine.

Meanwhile, Pyron and Glaceia were walking arm in arm down the streets. Glaceia was wearing her regular outfit and armor, but as Pyron gazed at her, all he could think about was how lovely that gown from last night looked on her.

“You looked so dazzling last night.”

Glaceia blushed. “I never felt so lovely. A pity I could not keep the gown, nor buy it.”

“It is on display in the shop. Let’s drop by and look at it again.”

The store was just around the corner, Glaceia couldn’t get there fast enough, but as she and Pyron got closer, Spike came bolting out the door carrying Twilight in his arms.

He ran right past the couple, nearly running them over.

“Spike?” called Pyron.

“Run!! Spike called “Run now!”

The couple was confused. “Run? From what?” wondered Glaceia.

Suddenly, the doors to the shop burst open in a fiery explosion making the couple jump, and there, emerging from the smoke was a snarling, growling, and very furious Rarity, who had smoke coming out her nostrils and jaws, and her eyes were glowing with a blazing look of rage.

Pyron and Glaceia were frightened by the sight of her, especially when she let out a massive roar, shooting a huge stream of flames in the sky.

The alarms sounded and Rarity took off into the sky with a look of horrible wishes to burn up everything in sight.

Luckily, help arrived on the spot immediately. Lightning was on patrol with Rainbow Dash and Rhymey.

“Rarity, stop!” shouted Lightning, but Rarity flew around breathing more flames into the air.

“Whoa! What’s with her?” Rainbow wondered. Whatever it was, she decided not to question it yet, and she rushed in to detain her.

“Rainbow, wait!” shouted Lightning, but Rainbow had already rushed in.

Rarity saw her and shot more flames at her as if she were an enemy. “Yikes! What gives? I thought we were friends.”

Rarity only continued to roar and lunged for her, but Rainbow zipped out of the way. “Don’t make me tackle you!”

Lightning and Rhymey came up to Rarity with Rainbow on the other side.

“Engage detainment barrier!” hollered Lightning.

The others nodded, and all together, they tapped on their energizers casting Rarity in a soft field of energy, which Lightning reinforced with the Uniforce.

Slowly, the sphere descended to the ground with Rarity still raving and thrashing about inside.

Pyron and Glaceia breathed in relief, but Rarity’s behavior still baffled them.

“I’ve never seen her so mad.
Why is she acting so bad?” asked Rhymey.

“I’ve never seen anyone this outraged before; not even my own father.” said Glaceia.

Rarity gave another roar and tried to burn the barrier down, but it was too strong.

Spike, seeing it was safe to return, he came back with little Twilight in his arms. The baby cried at the frightful sight of her mother’s fury, and Spike comforted her. “Shh… it’s okay, sweetie. Mommy’s going to be just fine.”

As he rocked her and comforted her, he explained about the magazine and all the horrible things they said.

Rhymey examined the magazines, and he was outraged.

“Who would say such things like that?
Who would be such a low-down rat?”

Spike was just as outraged. “I tried not to let Rarity see it, but she did anyway…”

In a flashback, Rarity took one look at all those horrible things said about her. “This… is what the fashion world thinks of me?!” she was beginning to quiver, which Spike took notice of.

“Rarity?”

His wife was growing madder and madder. “They call me a “freak… They insult my fashion… HOW DARE THEY!!”

“Oh, no!” Spike cried when his wife’s eyes began to glow with rage.

“And that’s when she just exploded?” asked Lightning.

Spike nodded.

“I can understand her outrage,” said Glaceia “But surely there is no need to be this infuriated. Getting angry solves nothing. We both know this.”

Pyron agreed, but Spike told them. “Rarity can’t help what she’s doing. It’s called the “Dragon’s Rage.”

Dragons are often prone to fits of bad attitude, especially anger and heated rage, and when we get super angry-- I mean, really ticked off, well…” he motioned over at Rarity still thrashing about in the barrier. She was basically in a type of rage-hypnosis-- she didn’t know where she was or what she was doing.

“I thought since she was only Half-Dragon, she could never be affected.”

“Well, obviously, she did.” said Rainbow.

“Really, Spike. You should’ve known better.” scolded Lightning.

Pyron had never seen such rage-filled eyes, and being a Molticean, he knew lots of flaring up. “I hope she will calm down. I can’t believe she would behave this way.”

“Hey, wait,” Rainbow said to Spike, “If this happens to dragons, how come you’ve never flipped out like this.”

“Well, isn’t it obvious?” said Spike “I know how to keep my rage in check. I don’t want to fly into any fits like this.”

“Well, lucky we detained her like this.” said Lightning. “But how long does it take to stop?”

“Just give it time.” replied Spike. “It’ll wear off and she’ll be okay.”

Lightning agreed, “In the meantime we best keep her detained. We can’t let her run loose in this condition. Who knows what she may do?”

Still, nobody liked seeing Rarity in the barrier, or the way she was still roaring and billowing flames about.

Meanwhile, the alarms had long since ceased, and the citizens all resumed their normal routines…

…Which were soon to be disturbed again!

Dragust hid from around a corner in an alley, snickering wickedly.

“Okay, do your thing.” said Keltar.

“My pleasure.” hissed the monster. He crept slowly up and unleashed his gas out into the street.

Passersby inhaled the fumes and began to cough and gag, while at the same time the Gas Alert sounded-- warning that an unknown, unhealthy substance was in the air.

Lightning and the others heard the alarm and could tell it was coming from within the town. They had to check it out.

“We can’t just leave Rarity here.” said Spike.

“You watch over her.” Lightning immediately said. “No matter what happens, don’t let her get loose. If she escapes the barrier, you are ordered to imprison her.”

Spike didn’t like the idea of that.

Lightning then told Pyron and Glaceia. “You better stay here with him.” before he and the other ponies headed off.

The couple looked at each other, and then at Spike who kept gawking at his wife in the barrier and how furious she looked.

Poor little Twilight was still fussing. “I better put her inside. She needs a rest. Keep an eye on Rarity, will you?”

Pyron nodded and watched as Spike disappeared into the shop, going past Rarity who roared at him scaring the baby even more, making her cry and wail.

Glaceia felt shivers run up her back by how frightening Rarity was.

Pyron held her close. “Just stay with me. She can’t hurt anyone while she’s stuck in there.”

“I hope she stays that way.” but Glaceia’s hopes were dashed when the barrier started to flicker as it grew weak.

“Oh, no!” cried Glaceia.

Pyron reached for his sword, and just in time as the barrier ceased and Rarity stepped forward. She spread out her wings and roared viciously at the couple.

Meanwhile,

The pony trio arrived on the scene, already transformed, and wearing respirator masks. They took one at all the gas around them.

“What is this stuff?” Rainbow wondered.

“Whatever it is, it can’t good if it set off the alarm.” said Lightning. “Put on emergency purifiers.”

Rhymey nodded and went for the nearest lamppost to initiate the controls, when he was suddenly confronted by a bunch of angry-looking civilians; all had the same snarly expressions, and same glowing eyes as Rarity.

Before he could even question a thing, the ponies all roared and unleashed fiery waves at him, forcing him to leap high up into the sky as the flames destroyed the lamppost in a big explosion.

“Rhymey!” hollered Lightning, then he found himself faced with more civilians, and his visor showed him they were not themselves. “I’ll bet this gas is the culprit, and I’ll bet I know who’s behind this.”

He was forced to leap away when the civilians’ unleashed flames at him, and Rainbow too. “Whoa! They’re all as flipped out as Rarity is.”

“You’re correct about that!” hissed a familiar voice.

The friends turned and saw him wearing a cloth over his mouth and nose…!

“Keltar!” sneered Lightning, and standing next to him was Dragust, who was immune to his own gases and wore no protection.

“You’ve just had a sample of Dragust’s power, now it’s time to get really fired up.”

“Ah, yeah.” chuckled the monster, and he flew way up high. “Have a taste of my BURNING BREATH!” he unleashed a strong fiery wave straight for the citizens.

“No!!” Lightning shouted and flew straight in the path of the fire setting up a uniforce wall to take the hit.

“What’s wrong with you!
You could have hit the civilians too.” bellowed Rhymey.

“That was the idea,” hissed Dragust “But it looks like I may not have to.”

The trio looked down to see the seething, angry civilians raging and thrashing about, and the more they shouted and bellowed, the more flames they unleashed.

The barriers protected the buildings and the people inside from the flames and the gas, but those still affected and trapped outside weren’t so lucky!

So many explosions knocking some of the folks down and setting fire to tables, hedges, and other things.

The trio was horrified, while the villains laughed. “Looks like they’re doing a good job hurting themselves.” gloated Keltar. “We could be persuaded to spare them… if you agree to come with us and serve King Flareous.”

The trio was instantly disgusted.

“We already told enough times,” Lightning balked “We will never join forces with you.”

“Oh, well…” said Dragust “You were given the chance.” and he rushed through the air, smashing into the trio, hitting them hard and making sparks and big explosions.

The trio groaned and got back up on their feet.

Dragust took in a huge breath, “CURSED GAS” he expelled more fumes from his nostrils into the air forming a massive cloud that would slowly spread all over.

“This is bad!” cried Rainbow. “We’ve got to stop that gas.”

Rhymey agreed and added,

“We also must detain the civilians.
And furthermore, stop the villains.”

“Right!” agreed Lightning. “I’ll handle the chumps. Rainbow, you deal with the cloud, Rhymey, the civilians.”

The trio split up, and Lightning confronted the dragon. “All right, Snout-Face! You’re mine!”

“Oh, yeah!” shouted Dragust. He flexed his claws ready to take him on.

He swung right, and left, but Lightning dodged them, and punched him hard in the face sending him up high into the air.

“Ohhh!” groaned Keltar.

The brainwashed civilians continued to roar and unleash more fire, until, one-by-one, Rhymey used his magic to encase them all in domes like Rarity’s, preventing them from causing any more damage.

There were lots of civilians though, and it was hard or him to rush about and seal them all in, especially when they tried to shoot their flames at him, forcing him to dodge or defend himself.

“Now try this.” shouted Keltar, and he threw a bunch of stones on the ground summoning the Flame-Gaurds. “Stop him!”

This was all Rhymey needed, distractions!

“WARD SWORD”

With his weapon and his slick skills, he managed to stave off some of the guards while encasing more of the civilians inside barriers.

:DRILL QUILL" Unleashing his feathers, enhancing them with magic to make the stronger, he took out more guards, only to then be ambushed by several guards at once, with other civilians by their sides. He couldn’t attack without harming the civilians.

Luckily, Rainbow came swooping in and kicked the guards out of the way, giving Rhymey an opening to create more barriers.

Rhymey nodded and Rainbow, and she winked back at him through her clear visor. “Now to take care of this cloud.”

The gas cloud continued to spread, and Rainbow could only think of one way to disperse it quickly. She began to fly round, and around the entire area in speedy circles, creating a tornado that began to suck up the gas like a vacuum, up, up, into the sky.

“Hey, you can’t do that! It’s cheating!” wailed Keltar.

Rainbow didn’t even hear him, and she powered up her inner aura and soared straight at the airborne twister, passing straight through it and KAPOW!! The gas and the twister exploded in a puff of magical rainbow-colored smoke.

“All right!” Rainbow cheered, but suddenly she was attacked from behind by a flame attack, sending her crashing to the ground.

“Rainbow!” cried Lightning, and his distraction allowed Dragust to punch him hard in the chest and sent him crashing into Rhymey, and they both stopped by Rainbow.

Then they looked up, and even the villains looked up too, and they saw Rarity, escaped from her barrier and still in her rage.

She spread out her wings, roaring and unleashing more flames into the air.

“Wow!” exclaimed Keltar “She hasn’t even been infected.”

Dragust had never seen anyone so furious before. “Well, maybe there’s one person ready to join the army.” and he foolishly flew up to recruit her, but Rarity took one look at him and unleashed more fire at him, forcing him to dodge.

“Hey! What’s the big idea? I’m just going to take you to Motlic.”

Rarity flexed her claws and lunged forth, striking him hard and sending him crashing down hard into an unburned newsstand. Papers and magazines went everywhere.

Keltar cowardly hid behind a house, “Okay. This is getting a little too much for me.” And he quickly left through an invisiport and was gone.

“Lightning!” Spiked called as he arrived on the scene in his Dragon Knight form.

“Spike, what happened?” asked Lightning. “I thought I told you to detain her.”

Spike quickly explained himself, “…I came out of the house just in time to see her take off for here. I left Pyron and Glaceia with the baby.”

Rarity landed on the ground and right by her feet was a magazine with all the slanderous things said about her, which further enraged her.

“Hey! Who are you roaring at? bellowed Dragust, and he took in a huge breath, “BURNING BREATH”

Rarity counted his flames with a giant burst of her own flames, resulting in an explosion that knocked the two of them away, and the others off their feet.

Rarity got back up onto her feet puffing and panting, while the monster was already worn out from his battle with Lightning and having trouble getting up.

“Rarity…” Spike called looking up, and he could see how tired she was, but her eyes were still seething with rage, but hardly any smoke was coming from her mouth or nostrils anymore.

“They’re both puffed out,
Let’s move out.” said Rhymey.

Lightning was about to give the team the go ahead, but Spike had already rushed ahead with his sword at the ready.

“DRAGON KNIGHT SABER, IGNITE!”

With a huge slash of his sword, he struck Dragust hard, blowing him up, destroying the monster badge and imprisoning the guard.

That wasn’t his main concern as he quickly rushed up to Rarity, powered down, and held her by the shoulders and stepped on both her feet, preventing her from moving or fighting.

“Spike!” Lightning called.

He didn’t bother to look at him and said straight to his wife, “Rarity, Rarity, calm down!”

She roared loudly at him, but no flames came at him-- she was all tapped out, hence why she was growing weaker, and she couldn’t break free from such an easy entrapment.

“Rarity, come on. I know you’re in there. You’ve got to snap out of this! You don’t have to be angry anymore.”

Rarity’s roars were quieting down to low growls.

The others all felt maybe this was it-- she was finally going to snap out of her rage fit.

Spike looked deeply into his wife’s eyes. “Rarity, come back to me. Make yourself normal again. I’ll help you… I love you.”

Rarity looked deep into his eyes, and her eyes were staring to shift slowly from raging to normal.

Finally, Spike moved in and placed his lips over hers, which made her eyes bulge and all her thoughts and consciousness became clear, especially in a series of flashbacks or every time she and Spike kissed.

Spike broke away from her lips and could see his wife was normal again.

“Spike…” she peeped softly, and then she passed out from extreme exhaustion in his arms.

Spike her close, and a tear fell from his eye in relief.

The others felt touched and relieved, and then proceeded to survey the area and help the civilians.

As for Keltar, he was brought before Flareous upon his return.

“So, another plan bungled?” the fire king bellowed. “I have no Starfleet troops, I still don’t have my son, and we’ve lost another monster, costing me more resources than ever!”

“Sire, I can explain!” whimpered Keltar.

“What’s there to explain?! That you ran from battle like a cowardly ember in a rainstorm? Sometimes, I wonder why I ever made you, my advisor. Get out of my sight before I decide to reconsider and roast you to ash!”

Keltar bowed nervously and dashed for his room.

He took a minute to catch his breath, and then his anger showed. “Hot-Tempered fool!” he grumbled. “I’ll show you who’s going to be roasted to ash soon enough.”

Seeing he was totally alone, he got out his orb, making it glow and began to speak into it again.

“Are you there? Hello? It’s me again.”

Still no voice could be heard to anyone, except for him.

“Yes, another plan was fluked. Flareous is raving mad. How’s everything on your part?”

He waited and got his response. “Good! It should be too much longer. Bot Flareous and Blizzord are as good as history.”

On the other side of the orb, the one revealed to be talking to him was none other than Smark. “I’ll deal with Blizzord on my end, you just continue to bring down Flareous.”

“No problem.” agreed Keltar. The call ended, and the two aliens snickered sinisterly.

That night, the damages were all cleared up.

All the civilians were back to normal once the monster had been beaten, but not a single remembered much, and those who were injured were healed easily.

As for Rarity, after a good long rest, she felt better, but she hardly remembered anything except being outraged at the insults thrown at her.

She felt most ashamed when the others told her what happened.

“I’m so sorry, Rarity.” Spike said “I should’ve told you about the Dragon’s Rage from the beginning, but I just never thought you would…” he couldn’t finish.

Rarity felt hurt, not for his not telling her this, but thinking of all the damage and destruction she could have caused and trying to hurt her friends and her family in the process.

“It wasn’t your fault, Rarity.” said Rainbow. “Well… okay, maybe it was a little.”

Rhymey gave her a small nudge with his elbow telling her to hush up. Then he said calmly to Rarity…

“You were not yourself,
You were furious and mad,
I know things are harsh,
I know they seem bad.

But you’re normal now.
You’re here with your friends.
We’ll help you deal with this,
on each and all ends.”

Lightning agreed, “I’ve had severe words with the writers of those magazines and headlines. I showed them all the kinds of damage they did with their hurtful words, and they’re all getting a severe talking-to from their bosses, and or government officials. The stories are all going to be rescinded, and you are going to be compensated.

They should have known better than to make fun of you like that instead of focusing on your fashion show.”

Rarity felt very relieved to hear all this, but she still felt ashamed and somewhat afraid of herself. “When I saw those horrible words… I just felt so… angry! I… I…”

“Shh… Shh… take it easy.” Spike said as he comforted her. “You’re going to have to watch your temper, just like I do.”

Rarity agreed, but she couldn’t fight back her tears.

Glaceia then came over with little Twilight.

“Mama.”

One look at her daughter and seeing she wasn’t scared of her, Rarity smiled while still shedding, and she scooped the baby in her arms, and she and Spike cuddled with the baby together for a peaceful moment.

“I am glad this is over.” Glaceia said softly.

Pyron agreed, “We’ve learned a lot of how dangerous it is to say hurtful things at someone, and what dishonest actions can lead to.”

The couple hoped someday they could use this to convince their fathers to cease their warring ways. So did the fighters. It was still a long road ahead.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Everyone is in for a Chili feeling at the annual cookoff fair at New Sweet Apple Acres, where Swift and Blitzy seem to grow a little thing going, but Blizzord has an idea to cook up a storm of his own-- a surprise that freezes everyone in place, and its up to the heroes to stop this plot of brining everyone back to Iceinia.

Will our heroes succeed in thwarting this deadly plot?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “A Chili Gut Feeling”)

Episode 14: A Chili Gut feeling

EPISODE FOURTEEN

The rooster crowed, and the sun began to rise over New Sweet Apple Acres, and yet both Applejack and Buddy’s families, as well as other farmers from the area were already wide-awake and busy with final preparations.

The field was packed with loads of stands being set up, as well as a dance floor with a stage in back, a daycare area with a playground, and even a medical tent.

“Well, that should just about do it.” said Bright Mac.

Pear Butter giggled with glee, “This is so fabulous.” and she looked under the big archway which read “Annual New Sweet Apple Acres Chili Cookoff.” Where the first prize was 1000 bits.

Pear Butter sniffed the air, “I can almost see and taste it all now.”

“Eeyup.” agreed Big Mac, and he licked his lips while smacking them in a tasting way “I can just about taste it too. I love the Chili Cookoff.”

Apple Bloom chuckled, “Just you be sure you don’t overeat again like you did last year, remember?”

Big Mac did! He ate so many different bowls of Chili, he got a real stomachache, and he was passing so much gas for a week, he made flowers wilt, and apples go rotten.

Big Mac felt embarrassed.

“Just try and control yourself, that’s all we ask.” said Buddy.

“Come on, y’all. Daylight’s coming in.” hollered Applejack. “We still got much to do, and the chefs will be here any second.”

“I think they’re already here.” said DD, and she pointed way out beyond the sealed gates. Many of the attendees were camped out by the gate, so anxious and excited for the Cookoff.

This urged the farmers to set up even faster.

Meanwhile…

Blizzord ordered more attacks on Planet Moltic, but the guards were moving slower weakly, and taking too long to load all the launchers or get more ice-meteors and missiles ready.

“What is the matter with all of you?!” he bellowed. “I demand that you get those objects ready, and now!” and he raised his trident and fired ice beams at the restless guards, frightening them to work harder and faster.

Smark nervously approached the annoyed king. “Um, begging your pardon, sire, but don’t you think you were a little hard on them?”

Blizzord furiously glared at him and shouted, “MAYBE I WASN’T HARD ENOUGH!!” His loud, booming voice sent the little alien rolling along the floor and hitting the wall.

Blizzord angrily grumbled, “What sort of an army have I? What is it that they need?”

Smark got up and explained, “Sire, they need rest, food, and time to plan out their work better.”

“No!” snapped Blizzord. “I need more soldiers, more workers, more resources, and there’s only one place I’m going to get all that-- United Equestria.”

He turned and looked sharply at Smark. “Well?! Do you have any ideas at all how to get me all this?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.” replied Smark, and he clapped his tiny hands summoning his latest monster.

In walked a humanoid Bumblebee like creature. He was tall with four arms and two legs. He was icy blue with dark blue stripes all around him with two large antennae on his head with large pincers on his mouth, and he had evil looking wings too.

“I am Freezzzz-zzz-zze-Bee.” he said in a typical insect lisp. “I’ll get you more followerzzz-zzz-zzz!”

Blizzord grinned wickedly. “If I remember correctly, you can shrink down to the size of a regular insect while maintaining your normal super strength and speed. You can unleash Icy-Stingers, and…

…Your Snow Pollen-- anyone who touches or ingests it becomes frozen on the spot.”

Freeze-Bee fluttered his wings, making a buzzing noise, and then turned to face Smark for a demonstration.

“Hey! What are you doing?” Smark wailed.

“SNOW POLLEN” Out from behind the monster blew a swarm of tiny white flakes, and the moment they touched Smark, he found himself stuck in place. “I… can’t… move!”

Blizzard laughed wickedly. “Smark, I believe you’ve found just what I need. With this, I can easily expand my army and resources.”

He then instructed Freeze-Bee, “Go to United Equestria, and bring me back all the servants and soldiers that I’ll need.”

Bee bowed, “My pleasure… Zzz-Zzz-Zzz!”

The two went off leaving poor Smark still frozen where he was. “Help! Don’t leave me like this! Hey!!”

The fields were bustling with ponies and other creatures.

The playgrounds were full of children playing, under the watchful eye of their parents, and even Applebloom and DD.

DD could only playfully scoff. “Nearly three whole years of training for Starfleet, just so I can play babysitter.”

“Aw, go one.” said Applebloom “Who wouldn’t want to look after all these cuties?”

She referred to the infants all playing in a shallow ball pit, while the big kids played in the playground. Babies, like Twinkle Star, were kept in a special playpen where adults could keep watch over them, like Rhymey and Buddy, while their wives had entered the cookoff.

Krysta and her fairies even performed light shows for the children to watch; doing all kinds of fancy tricks and flight formation patterns while sprinkling their sparkles and light beams around.

Meanwhile, the dance area was going wild already, especially with Applejack leading the square dancing.

“Step right up, and join your hands,
Spin yourselves right where you stand
High-five left, and high-five right,
Now give a hug and make it tight.”

The dancers all did as they were told, and Lightning and Starla were among some of the couples.

“Whoa!” Starla exclaimed as Lightning dipped her down.

Her husband chuckled. “This feels great. We haven’t been able to do much of this since Twinkle was born.”

“I just hope she and Shining Light are okay at the daycare.” said Starla.

Spike and Rarity came dancing by, “Really, Starla. I know how you feel but cut loose a bit.” said Rarity.

“Yeah, if we can handle Twilight at the daycare, you don’t have to worry either.” added Spike. “Besides that, the best part’s coming soon-- The Chili tasting!” He hungrily licked his lips, and Rarity rolled her eyes.

Applejack continued to speak-sing…

“Now break it on up with your arms up high,
Cheek-to-cheek, and thigh-to-thigh,
Now step right up for a Do-Si-Do,
Front and back, and away you go.”

Swift Star just stood outside of the dance floor, having no one to dance with, and watched all the couples go about.

Then he decided to head off and check out of the rest of the grounds, and he bumped into someone.

“Oh! Please excuse me.” he said, and then realized who it was-- “Doctor Heart?”

Blitz was surprised to see him here as well. “Hi…” she said almost nervously, making him blush softly. “I didn’t know you were here.”

Swift chuckled nervously. “Well, first promoted since I was dayed off-- Uh… I mean… first day off since I was promoted.”

Blitz couldn’t help but giggle at him.

“So… how come you’re here? Shouldn’t you be working at the hospital?”

Blitz motioned over at the medical tent on the far side of the ground. “I’m working there today. Lightning and Dr. Penny thought I should come. Have some fun whenever I have a break.”

They both ended up staring at each other for a moment, and both began to feel warm inside, only to suddenly turn away and feel very embarrassed.

“What am I doing?” they both thought, and they couldn’t seem to fight their obviously growing feelings towards each other, even if Blitz was about six years older than Swift.

Swift could barely realize what he was doing next when he asked her, “Um… Doc…?”

“Please… just call me “Blitz” or “Blitzy.”

“Okay… Blitz… I was wondering if you’d… if it’s not too much…”

Suddenly, there was an announcement over the intercom on the grounds. “Attention Please. Dr. Heart, you are needed at the med-tents. Paging Dr. Heart.”

“Gee, I better go…” said Blitz, “Why don’t we meet up later.” she said to him.

Swift felt his heart racing and answered. “Yeah, sure…” then Blitz ran off leaving Swift frozen and stiff where he stood while thinking to himself. “We’re going to meet up later. That’s practically a… date?”

Lightning and Starla saw the whole thing while they danced, and they both smiled with hope in their eyes.

Little did anyone notice, Freeze-Bee had already entered the area. He remained small so he would not be easy see, and alarms wouldn’t be triggered as easily.

“Look at this place.” he said to himself. “It’s chuck-full of being-zzzz to take back to King Blizzord.”

He didn’t dare use his Snow Pollen just yet not wanting to alert anyone to his presence, the sudden smell of chili cooking tingled his antennae. “I think I know just how to do the job now.” he snickered.

There were lots of stands in the field with ponies and other creatures cooking and selling their very own chili, and soon it was time for the judging to begin.

The judges were none other than Mykan Stevens, who was always invited as a regular, and Pyron and Glaceia as special guests.

*Mykan’s POV*

The crowds cheered, and I felt very flattered as I bowed, and as one of the judges, I wore a sash, with the coveted blue ribbon, as well as an envelope containing a cheque for the prize money.

“Thank you so much.” I said to everyone. “I really coming here to judge the contest every year, because not only do I get to sample all the wonderful concoctions you’ve made, but this also helps with my research and studying of your world, so that one day both your world and mine can co-exist in peace.”

I received a standing ovation for such a thought.

“Yes, and that is also why I have personally asked that Prince Pyron and Princess Glaceia be my two guest judges this year, so that they, too, may sample all this food and learn more about the world they have come to befriend.”

The couple bowed or curtsied to the cheers. To them, it felt so nice to participate in a festival such as this due to their former lives of battling or being cooped up inside.

“However,” I announced, silencing the audience. “Do not forget, as well as the three of us, there is one other judge you must impress, and he’s not easy.”

Chills ran down everyone’s spines and I dramatically pointed across towards, “…Big Macintosh!”

Everyone shuddered in fright as Big Mac stomped onto the grounds, like a mean desperado looking to cause a fight-- even if it was all just for show. He rolled his eyes back and forth eyeing the stands and the crowds, and then he reached in back of him pulling out his special bowl, and spoon, which made everyone gasp.

“Why is everyone so afraid?” asked Pyron, and I explained to him, “It’s alright, it’s just for show. Big Mac is well respected in this contest. He’s got such good tastes that he just puts on a little show for everyone.”

“Ah…” said Glaceia “I see he obviously plays his role well.”

The tasting was on. We, the judges, only had to taste a spoonful of each and everyone’s chili. We didn’t want to overfill ourselves, and we, again, reminded Big Mac not to overstuff himself.

The rules were fair and simple for all the cooks; they were allowed to make chili in any way that they could, even with added in foods, but no one was allowed to use any magic of any kind. This contest was strictly for ordinary culinary crafts.

The Apples, Bright Mac and Pear Butter, were cooking a batch of the late Granny Smith’s special apple-flavored chili, and with a large picture of Granny, dedicated to her memory.

“Mmm… This tastes sweet.” I commented, making the couple blush, and Bright Mac looked at Granny’s picture, “I’m sure Ma would’ve loved that comment.”

Tree Hugger was serving vegetarian chili, which tasted so meaty and yet it had no real meat at all.

Glaceia found it rather tasty.

Fluttershy was trying a rather unusual recipe that she and Angel made-- Pet-Food Chili-- which had all kinds of kibble, carrots, and a bit of birdseed in it, making it look rather… questionable.

She told the skeptical customers…

“It might look like a big messy waste,
But give it at least one little taste.

I’ve tried it before, and found this to be true…
This recipe is good for pets, and me and you.”

Meaning it was good for both pets and the people, which prompted people to try some.

Pyron was rather skeptical about tasting it, but he did so under obligation, and he was quite surprised. “This is lovely.”

Fluttershy smiled, and angel tipped his little chef’s hat and bowed.

“Hey, muchaos, come on over here…” called Dyno.

“Si. Try some of our Salsa Chili, great for eating with tacos.” added Myte.

All three of us tried some tacos, and the chili sure gave it a zing with the shredded cheese.

Meanwhile, Big Mac sure lived up to his reputation when sampling the food.

“Too salty.”

“Needs more pepper.”

“Not awful.”

“Eh… rather unusual.”

He loved his own family’s chili of course, but he wasn’t allowed to play favorites among his own kin and had to judge everyone fairly.

“Hey, Big Mac…” Pinkie Pie called “Come on over here and try my “Chili Surprise.”

Apple Spice held up a tray of regular cupcakes. “Get ‘em while they’re fresh.”

Big Mac was most confused. “Cupcakes, In a Chili contest?”

“Try it.” said Pinkie. “Spice and I spent weeks trying to get it right.”

Her husband nodded.

Big Mac picked a cake up, and given the size of his mouth, he plopped the whole thing in and gulped it down. It just tasted like an ordinary cake.

“Hey! What’s the big idea entering these in a Chili Cookoff?!” he scolded.

“Wait…” Pinkie said, and then she counted backwards from three, and the moment she said “One” Big Mac gasped, and he felt this spicy sensation strike his tongue and down his throat.

“Whoa! Hey! What the--” he fell on the ground gasping and wheezing from the heat of the taste as if he had just drunk a bottle of hot sauce, and finally. “WHOOOOOO…!! He stuck his head up high and seemed to breathe a small jet of fire from his mouth, aweing and frightening the crowds.

Big Mac bolted up on his feet and shouted, “YEE-HAW!! That was a humdinger of a surprise!”

The couple and I lined up along with many others to try the cakes, and Pinkie and Spice shared a soft kiss for their success.

*POV Pause*

Many picnic tables were spread about in the grounds where the goers could sit with their food and drinks and enjoy things more.

All blissfully unaware that trouble was sneaking about.

Freeze-Bee fluttered about, unseen by all. “This will do nicely.” he chuckled. “SNOW POLLEN”

He unleashed loads of his spores all over the foods and in the drinks of all the goers. No one could see them due to them being so tiny, but he knew they would be just as effective.

“Zzz-Zzz-Zzz! One taste, and they’ll all be mine for the taking.”

Swift sat at a table with a bowl of Chili in front of him, but all he did was pick at it with his spoon. His mind was really wandering.

He didn’t even notice when Lightning, Starla, and Krysta came over and asked to sit with him.

“Uh… Swift…?” Lightning said to him. “Are you going to eat that or just pick at it?”

“Hmm…” was all Swift said.

Krysta fluttered before his face waving at him, and he still didn’t respond. It didn’t take much to know, “He’s got it bad.”

Starla nodded, and Lightning softly shouted, “…Ten-Hut!” causing Swift to jump in fright and flick his chili on Starla’s face.

“Oh!” groaned Swift. “S…S… Sorry, General. I guess I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Obviously.” Starla said as she wiped her face. She couldn’t help but taste the chili too. “Mmm… not bad.”

Just then, Blitzy came along on another break from her duties at the med-tent. She had a bowl of vegetarian chili from Tree Hugger. “Hi…” she said to everyone, making Swift’s heart race again.

“Um… hi, Doc-- I mean… Blitzy.”

Lightning and the ladies saw this as a perfect time to slip off.

“Hey, where are you all going?” asked Swift.

“Um… going to check on the children in the playground.” said Starla.

“You know kids-- can’t always be without Mom or Dad.” teased Lightning.

Krysta could only giggle softly.

As the friends headed off, Starla had a strange feeling in her stomach.

“Are you okay?” asked Lightning.

“What was in that chili?” Starla wondered.

Other ponies were already starting to feel the same chilling feeling in their stomachs too after eating a spoonful of chili or sipping drinks, or just a lick of an innocent ice-cream.

Blitz and Swift sat at the table just looking down at their bowls of chili, wondering what to say to each other.

“So…” Swift suddenly said, “Are you enjoying the festival?” He couldn’t bring himself to look up at her, feeling too shy.

“I haven’t seen much of it yet.” Blitz answered. “You know more of it than I do. What’s it like?”

“Well, there’s… um… well... there’s chili of course.” He felt stupid for saying such a thing. “I must sound like a total idiot.” he said in thought.

“I can see that.” chuckled Blitz. Then she started to feel awkward too. “What’s wrong with me? I’m falling flat on my face.”

Suddenly, they looked up at each other and became lost in each other’s eyes, yet again.

Their lips curled into soft smiles. “Why don’t we just eat before it gets cold.” Blitz suggested, and Swift agreed, but then… just as Blitz raised the spoon to her face for a taste…

…Swift noticed something happening, and he quickly slapped the spoon away from her, getting it all over her white coat.

Angrily, Blitz asked, “What was that for?” and Swift quickly exclaimed “Don’t eat a bite, it’s dangerous!”

“What?”

Swift pointed behind her, at all the ponies that were starting to look and feel sick after sampling the food, not just strange feelings in their stomachs, but many were stuck where they were on the spot, unable to move at all.

Mykan was stuck, Pyron and Glaceia, Big Mac, and so were many of the customers and tasters.

Even Starla was frozen stiff. “I… Can’t… Move!” she groaned.

Lightning and Krysta looked all over to see more ponies freezing up on the spot, and unable to move an inch.

“This is evil work. It has to be.” said Krysta.

Lightning agreed, and he flew up high in the air. “EVERYONE…!!” he called “Evacuate the grounds at once. Evil is attacking! Repeat: Evil is attacking! Get off these grounds!”

Hearing his call, and knowing he would never jest, the crowds turned into a giant stampede, running for the nearest way out, only to suddenly run into a horde of Ice-Guards blocking the way.

Applejack tipped her hat down while fuming angrily, “Go ahead, fellers! Make my day!”

All over the grounds, the ponies and Spike powered up.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!”

“HARMONY HOUR! FRIENDSHIP POWER!”

“Dragon Power!”

“Power On!” Even Swift transformed too.

No one noticed Applejack silently slipped away.

Starla was frozen stiff and couldn’t transform, and Lightning scanned her with his visor. “Your involuntary muscles have been frozen. That’s why you can’t move.

Try and power up your aura, that might get you going.”

“I’ll… try…” groaned Starla.

“Try all you like; it won’t do any good.” buzzed a sinister voice. Lightning looked up, and he saw the massive monster come down and land on a table, frightening the massive crowd of civilians.

“Who are you supposed to be?” asked Krysta.

“The name is Frezz-zzz-zze Bee, and King Blizzord will be pleased when I bring him this new colony of drone-zzz-zzz!” he referred to all the civilians and other sentries he had frozen.

Lightning’s eyes narrowed in anger, and the monster ordered his guards. “Get them!”

The guards began to move forth, forcing the civilians back by threatening with their spears pointed at everyone.

“Do something! Stop them!” wailed Blitz.

Swift shook his head, “We can’t. There are too many civilians huddled together, we might hit them.”

Seeing this, Krysta whistled for her fairies. “Get these civilians out of here!”

The fairies swarmed in to obey their queen, but the monster wouldn’t hear of it.

“ICE STINGERS” unleashing several narrow icicles from his behind, Bee shot straight at the fairies and other civilians too, forcing Lightning to rush up and block the shots with a wall of Uniforce.

“Are you crazy!” he bellowed.

Bee chuckled, “No, just in a hurry… to get you all back to Planet Iceinia. King Blizz-zz-zzord shall reward me well when I give him these new servants and fighters for his cause.”

The Ice-Guards moved in closer.

The little children in the playgrounds began to cry in fright as the monsters approached. Rhymey and Buddy stood their ground, while DD and Applebloom huddled all the children close to them.

“Stay behind us, kids.” said DD.

“We’ll keep you safe… I hope.” added Applebloom.

All the toddlers huddled close, including Shining Light.

“Don’t try anything!” buzzed Bee. “One move from anyone, and I’ll unleash my wrath!”

Suddenly, his legs were lassoed by a big rope-- Applejack’s rope-- and he was sent soaring far across the open fields away from the festival grounds. “Take that, Bug-Breath!” Applejack hollered.

The Ice-Guards were distracted, and this served well for the fighters.

Rhymey and Buddy kicked several of the guards away.

*POV RESUME*

More of the Ice-Gaurds decided to just take those of us who were still stuck back to Iceinia. They moved in and grabbed me, lifting me up first. I still couldn’t move, and there was only one hope for me.

“SWORD OF PURE SOUL” My magical sword appeared, and its incredible, enchanted powers could already sense something wrong with me, and cast a bright light upon me, blinding the soldiers.

All at once I could feel the evil spell on me dissolving and I gained my mobility back. I grabbed my sword and slashed at the guards’ ice-spears, breaking them all to bits, and then I leapt in and hacked at the guards, knocking them to bits too.

The crowds were amazed by my battle skills-- Not bad for auxiliary Starfleet Fighter.

Still, many more guards surrounded me, and I couldn’t take them all on by myself, but help came in the nick of time…

Pinkie, Fluttershy, and the Spanish Twins leapt in and made quick work of the chumps.

“Thanks, a bundle guys.” I called them.

“Hey, friends stick together.” Pinkie said with a wink, and the Twins nodded at me.

*POV Pause*

Swift leapt up into the air and began to punch and flip more guards over, while Blitz watched and thought he looked really cool doing it.

She was so lost, she didn’t realize when one of Krysta’s fairies came along, “Excuse me…” and warped her away to safety.

All the fairies were working hard to transport everyone, affected or not, away from danger.

One of the fairies was about to warp Starla away, but her magical aura began to flare up helping to counteract the spell and regain her mobility.

She stretched out and flexed her fingers before dismissing the fairy. “That will be all.”

The fairy shrugged, and then headed off.

The monster was still out there, and Starla knew what she had to do.

Freeze-Bee landed with a huge crash in the open fields, and Applejack landed down to confront him and scolded, “Buster, you got some nerve messing up the festival like this.”

Bee got up snickering, “I’m no “Buster.” I’m a Buzz-zz-zzard, and I’ll show you why.”

Applejack rushed for with her fist ready to punch, but the monster dodged, and she missed.

“SNOW POLLEN” he sent his larger spores straight for her, which were strong enough to freeze her with the touch…!

Applejack quickly zipped out of the way, and she appeared behind Bee to kick him in the back, but he quickly reached behind and grabbed her foot with two of his arms, he then flipped her over his head and slammed her hard on the ground…

And again…

…But on the fourth attempt, Lightning came rushing in and headbutt the evil Bee hard, sending him soaring up high and crashing down hard.

Starla, Spike, Rarity, and Krysta arrived on the scene.

“Applejack.” cried Rarity, as she rushed over to help her up. “Are you alright, darling?”

“Me? He couldn’t hard enough to tickle…” Applejack said, in a dizzy, weary voice. She recovered quickly.

The team regrouped to face the monster, only to find he was gone!

“Where did he go?” asked Spike.

“Keep sharp now.” said Starla.

Suddenly it began to snow on everyone. “How can it snow at this time of year?” wondered Spike.

Lightning gasped and realized, “Wait a minute…” and before he could say anything else, he can the others were frozen dead still, save for Krysta who was small enough to avoid being hit by the flakes.

“Lightning!” cried Krysta.

“Not again!” groaned Starla.

Bee came fluttering down cackling wickedly. “Feeling a little cold inside, are we? My Snow Pollen is even stronger when I use it while in full-sizz-zz-zze. I doubt you’ll be able to escape it this time.”

The fighters tried and tried, but it was harder to power up their auras this time to melt the pollen’s effects.

Bee moved in closer to ensnare them all. “I’ll just take you all to Iceinia and be back to get more of you.”

Before he could reach for them, Krysta came soaring in and kicked him hard in his huge face, sending him crashing along the ground.

“You leave them alone!” Krysta shouted.

Outraged, Bee aimed his backside at her. “ICE STINGERS”

Krysta managed to easily outmaneuver the bombardment and soared her way to strike again, only for him to magically shrink down right in front of her so he was the same size as she was.

“So that’s how you snuck into the festival!” snapped Krysta.

Bee snuffed and put up his dukes, all four of them. “Maybe you’d like to fight someone your own siz-zzz-zze! At least now you can’t outmaneuver me!”

The two glared at each other furiously and rushed forth.

Krysta fired a blast from her wand, which Bee dodged. He swung his fist at her, which she caught in her free hand, only to get punched hard in the face by another of Bee’s fists.

She recovered quickly, and then zipped over and kicked him hard in the gut.

With loud roars, the two charged at each other, engaging in a long bout of furious and swift punches and kicks, neither one of them getting an opening, until… WHAM!! They both hit each other hard causing them both to crash onto the ground.

Bee managed to get up while Krysta struggled. Bee saw his chance and changed back into his large size, with his big shadow looming over her. “Feel lucky that my king has need for you, or I could just squash you like the insect you look like now.”

“Don’t even think it!” sneered Lightning.

Bee turned round to see Lightning and group were slowly gaining their mobility back by powered up their inner auras stronger than ever.

“I don’t believe it!!” cried Bee, and he quickly unleashed his, “SNOW POLLEN!”

“Not this time!” growled Lightning, and with a loud roar, he changed into his Enticorn form. Thanks to his incredible bright energy, the snowflakes vaporized before they could even reach him and the others, and helped all the fighters gain their full mobility again.

Krysta fluttered up to the group, and they all glared the monster down.

“I think it’s time to exterminate this here pest.” said Applejack.

“I could not agree more.” said Rarity.

Lightning nodded and used his powers to cast Uniforce bindings around the creature’s legs, holding him down.

Rarity used her magic to bind the monster’s four limbs together.

“You think you can hold me down?!” he bellowed, and he prepared to shrink again to free himself.

“Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Applejack, and she lassoed him with her rope, and with a huge yank she slammed him several times like how he did to her, and she threw him up high.

“My turn!” said Spike, and he took in a huge breath, “DRAGON FLAME!” unleashing his huge fire stream into the air, hitting the monster hard and making huge explosions.

“Get him, Starla!” hollered Lightning.

“With pleasure.” his wife replied, and aiming her bow she powered up her finisher. “GALACTIC PROJECTILE!”

POW!! Her fiery shot bound straight at the monster, striking right through him, blowing him up, breaking the monster badge, and imprisoning the guard.

With the monster gone, the effects of his snow wore off, causing everyone still affected to return to normal.

“They did it!” cried Swift. “Lightning and the others did it!”

The ground erupted with cheers of joy and rejoice.

Once everyone had returned to the ground, since no real harm was done, and the bad guys were all gone, the people agreed not to let what happened that day cancel the rest of festivities.

*POV Continued*

The four judges and I were ready to announce the winners of the Chili Cookoff.

“The winner is…” I called out and then paused just for anxious dramatics “…Pinkie Pie and Apple Spice, for their Chili Surprise Cupcakes.”

The crowds applauded, and Pinkie leapt up for joy, twirling her husband around in the air to the point where he was about to blow chunks.

Even the losing chefs applauded, for they were more than impressed by the couple’s recipe and felt they deserved it.

I bestowed the ribbon upon Pinkie and gave her the cheque for the prizemoney.

“Well done, Pinkie.” I said to her, and the next I knew Pinkie grabbed me in a huge, thankful hug, nearly crushing me.

Then she dropped me flat on the ground. “Whoops… Sorry.”

“No… problem…” I groaned.

Suddenly, Big Mac groaned too, and he held his bloated stomach.

“Oh, no!” said Bright Mac.

“Honey, you didn’t!” said Pear Butter. Her son nodded, “Eeyup. I’ve done it again.” His stomach gave a sick gurgle, and he belched loudly-- he had eaten far too much again.

Rather than bring him to the med-tent, he just went straight home and to bed.

“He just doesn’t learn.” I said, and I made sure to note this for my research on the intelligence and behaviors of the ponies.

*POV Ends*

As the day began to grind to a close and the sun began to set, the festival wasn’t closed just yet. It was going to continue through the whole weekend.

However, several of the families were preparing to head home, as their very young children were getting sleepy.

“Did you have fun today?” Starla asked Shining Light. Her little son nodded, “But I didn’t like that awful monster.” Then he let out a huge yawn, and Lightning was carrying baby Twinkle who was fast asleep. “I think it’s time we got home.”

“But I’m not sleepy.” yawned Shining.

“Oh, yes you are.” teased Starla, and when her son tried to protest, she picked him up and he fell asleep in her arms.

Rhymey and Fluttershy were leaving too with Button Fly, and they watched as Pinkie and Spice headed home, with Biscuit Pie, and the prizes.

This made Angel hang his head miserably.

“Oh, don’t feel too bad,
You tried your best and should be glad.” said Fluttershy.

Rhymey agreed and added,

“You may not have won the contest,
But your chili really tasted best.

You sold many helpings and more,
I’ve never seen people eat so much before.”

Hearing this and remembering all the comments the tasters gave did make Angel smile.

It was a shame; they and most of their friends were really looking forward to staying longer for what happened next over at the dance area.

“All right, y’all…” Applejack announced, “The night is beautiful, and the starts are shining. What do y’all say we have a little slow dancing?”

The band played soft and lovely music for many of the couples to dance to.

Buddy and Tree Hugger…

Bright Mac and Pear…

Even Pyron and Glaceia were enjoying a lovely dance.

Once again, Swift was standing on the sidelines. “What a day.” he said to himself, and then he found himself looking out into the crowd… for Blitzy again. “Snap out of it.” he whispered quietly. “It’s not like I’m just going to turn around and bump into her.”

Funny, because the moment he turned round to head off, he bumped right into her as she approached him, and he nearly knocked her down with his super strength.

“Oh!” he cried. “S-S-Sorry!”

Blitz brushed herself off, “Think nothing of it. We really have to stop running into each other like this.”

Swift chuckled nervously. “So, how come you’re here?”

“I was told the fireworks were going to start soon, and this was the best place to be before they happened.” She fibbed slightly on that. “…Also… I…” she paused trying to find courage of how to say what she wanted, “…I wanted to thank you for saving me today. If it wasn’t for you, I’d have been frozen too.”

Swift shook his head, “I’m just doing my job. That’s all it is.” though he really felt flattered by her thanking him.

They just stood there on the sides watching the couples go by, and the music sure was beautiful.

Both felt their hands twitching, and in a flash, at the same time they both turned to each other and asked, “Would you like to dance?”

They both blushed realizing the awkwardness of this, but then smiled, and without saying anything, they suddenly found themselves sharing a slow dance on the floor, which Applejack and Buddy noticed, so did Krysta as she and her fairies sat on the stage.

Blitz and Swift never felt so warm, so light before. All they could do was gaze at each other while moving slowly across the dance floor.

Then, the music ended softly, and their faces began to move towards one another… Applejack saw it, so did Buddy.

“Go on…!” Krysta muttered softly, but just as their lips were about to make contact… the skies lit up with fireworks, startling them.

The crowds all began to cheer at the sight of the pretty colors and lights in the skies, save for the other three-- Applejack, Buddy, and Krysta all sighed in annoyance.

Applejack went backstage where Dyno and Myte were at the firework controls. “Are you guys crazy?!” she scolded, making the Twins confused. They were told to start the fireworks at the end of the song.

Nevertheless, the fireworks were lovely, and even Blitz and Swift couldn’t help but cheer for joy, though these constant interruptions were starting to annoy them, because there was no way they could hide their obvious feelings from each other any longer-- even if they missed another kiss.

But what would they do about it now?

(Promo)

In our next episode: Pyron and Glaceia are feeling in the dumps of their eventual departure, which prompts the team to put together a memorial trinket for them both. Meanwhile, Flareous and Blizzord’s actions cause an incredibly massive meteor to make its way towards United Equestria, prompting everyone to take a deadly mission to stop it.

Will Starfleet successfully stop this massive life-threatening rock?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Future’s on the Rocks: Part 1”)

Episode 16: Future's on the Rocks: Part 2

Previously on Starfleet Magic…

Pyron and Glaceia were feeling down in the dumps by the thought of their impending departure, which gave some of the friends the thought of creating a special gift for them. Meanwhile, a menacing planetoid hurled its way through the cosmos affecting other planets on route and was reported to be on collision course with United Equestria. With little to no chance of ordinary plans to stop it, our heroes plan a space launch, with a single objective in mind!

EPISODE SIXTEEN

The entire planet was put on full alert, by order of their majesties. All civilians were ordered to prepare for evacuation at once.

Krysta and her fairies set up space-port locations, and everything.

Meanwhile, Grand Ruler, Lightning and their team were preparing to leave on the mission. Their battle suits and spacesuits were fitted with special spells and technologies to withstand whatever extreme temperatures they were bound to face, and they could speak to each other, via magical wavelengths built into the helmets.

Spike and Pyron were even given a special visor for his very own to keep his eyes well-protected from any brightness.

“Never thought I’d look so good.” he said while admiring his reflection.

“I agree.” said Pyron, and he couldn’t help but make cool poses.

Lightning chuckled, “Try to stay focused, men. It’s just about time to go.”

The men got themselves, and Lightning then went off for the daycare.

He was pleased to find Starla had evacuated all the children, and the management, and all that was left was Shining and Twinkle, who would be staying with their mother.

“Daddy, what’s happening?” asked Shining.

Lightning didn’t know how to break it to his son, but he got down on his knees and looked at him, “Daddy’s got to go somewhere very important now. He’s going to help make things better. So, I need you to be a big boy for Mommy and your sister, okay?”

The little colt nodded bravely and hugged his father warmly.

Lightning then got up and pecked Twinkle’s cheek, and then he turned to Starla. “Good luck…”

She nodded at him, “You too.” and they pecked each other on the lips, much to their children’s disgust. Then Lightning was off.

“Mommy… will Daddy be alright?” asked Shinning. “Of course he will…” Starla answered, and then she thought silently, “…Don’t make a liar out of me, Lightning. Come back to us.”

She then led her kids down the hall-- leaving the Memory Box on the Daycare Manager’s desk.

Spike had bid goodbye to Rarity and Twilight.

“Da… Dee.” Twilight cooed, which almost made the parents tear-up. Spike then hugged Rarity, “Let me come back to you.” he said into her ear. His wife sniffled, “I wish I was going with you.”

Spike shook his head, “Someone needs to stay for the baby.”

He embraced his family again. Then Applejack softly called to him, “Spike… it’s time.”

Pyron and Glaceia already said their goodbyes, and Pyron now stood with the team, outfitted in his own special spacesuit.

The fighters had already transformed and donned their own suits as well.

“Are we ready now?” asked Grand Ruler.

Lightning and the others all saluted. “Good,” he commented, and then he held up what was revealed to be the implosion devoice, magically shrunken down to fit in his hand. The very sight of it caused some of the members to back away nervously.

“It’s alright.” Lightning assured everyone. “It can’t go off in its current size, and it has to be activated.”

“Sorry, but this whole thing does take its toll on the nerves a bit.” said Buddy.

Applejack felt another shiver run up her back. “I think we should go before my nerves collapse like an old barn.”

His majesty agreed, “Let’s get up onto the roof.” and he stood with the group, eying Celestia, Luna, and his children, Castor and Lelani whom he already shared goodbye’s and “Good Luck” with. All of them smiling at him proudly. The children saluted their father, while their mother gave her husband a loving, proud smile.

He smiled back at her, and then teleported himself and the group out onto the roof of the palace. Krysta was there waiting for them. “Ready?” she asked.

The members looked back and forth at one another, not saying a thing, until Lightning said “We’re ready. Do it, Krysta.”

With that, Krysta raised her wand and created a super space portal, which cast a magical pathway through Space.

Pyron was very nervous, seeing as this would be his first-ever Space mission.

“Don’t be scared, Hombre.” said Dyno.

“Si. Just stay with us, and you’ll be fine.” added Myte.

“My life is in your hands.” was all Pyron could think of saying.

“Let’s go!” said Grand Ruler, and everyone rushed through the portal, and it vanished.

“Well, that’s it then.” said Krysta. She looked up at the sky…

The team rode along the magical pathway through the cosmos, which Pryon found rather scary, yet exciting at the same time.

“What do you think?” asked Applejack, to which Pyron chuckled, “Certainly is different than using invisiports. I almost wish Glaceia was here to see this.”

“There it is dead-ahead!” cried Grand Ruler, and he and everyone marveled at the sight of the oncoming planetoid.

“Galloping Galaxies!” Lightning murmured. “Look at the size of that!”

“It’s huge!” said Buddy “And growing bigger by the second!”

“Prepare to disembark the pathway and begin descend to the surface.” said Grand Ruler.

Applejack took hold of Pyron’s hand. “Don’t be scared now.”

Pyron didn’t know what to say, but he held on tightly.

“Now!” shouted his majesty, and everyone followed him over the side, off the pathway.

“Ohh…!!” Pyron yelped as he felt Applejack pull him off the side.

Their spacesuits protected them from the teleportation waves, and it was a perfect drop down to the massive rock as it passed by below.

The gravity was extremely low, but helped to pull the team in, and give them a slow descend to the surface where they touched down on the solid rock.

“Wow!” murmured Spike as he, like the others became near mesmerized by the sight around them.

“Ay’ Carumba! Look at this place!” cried Dyno.

“It’s almost like something out of a nightmare.” added Myte.

It was a dark landscape with valleys, canyons, even mountains. The surface rock was dark, but with several embers and signs of burning streaks from used to be hot, Moltician rock.

“I don’t think I’d be able to plant any crops in this.” said Applejack.

“We wouldn’t,” agreed Buddy as he scanned the terrain with his visor, “The temperature’s way above norma, and there’s too many traces of gas and other substances.”

Pyron agreed and assured them, “This rock was not meant for the producing of plant life on my planet either. It is mostly manmade-- mined by my father’s men from the surface of our planet to make projectiles.”

Lightning then cut lecture short, “We’ve got a job to do here.”

“Indeed,” agreed Grand Ruler. “We must make our way to the core of this rock and plan the device.”

“The best way may be tunneling in.” suggested Spike.

His majesty agreed, “The reports read to show a series of deep fissures. where the rock is soft, not too far from our present position. I suggest we head for it.”

Dyno and Myte, being expert geologists scanned the area and found the correct readings, and they began to lead the group in the right direction.

As the planetoid was smaller than the moon, the low gravity made walking and flying difficult-- the group took longer leaps, and they were able to fly much faster with less pull to stop.

The biggest danger of all was that a push with enough force would send any of them flying off the rock and into Outer Space, but everyone stayed close together, and Applejack stayed with Pyron to keep him safe too. He was starting to find spacewalks rather enjoyable.

“And you do this all the time?” he asked.

“Eh… every so-often.” replied Applejack.

Suddenly, the ground began to rumble, and everyone stopped where they stood as the rumbling worsened.

Lightning scanned the seismograph on his visor. “Jump off the ground!” he shouted to everyone, and they all leapt up high as the ground erupted with geysers of gas.

Using their wings-- magically passing through the spacesuits-- the fighters all steadied themselves, and Pyron used a thruster-pack.

“Ay’ Ay’ Ay’, that was close.” panted Dyno.

“It’s more unstable than we thought.” agreed Myte. “It would be better if we stay off the ground for the journey.”

As they continued to trek onward, more eruptions occurred below, forcing the group to remain high enough to keep away from the blasts, but not so high to fall off the planetoid.

“Look there…!” cried Buddy as he pointed up ahead to where a large series of ravines and deep crevasses were.

“This is it.” said Lightning. He looked all around and scanned with his visors, “The temperature’s lower here, and there doesn’t seem to be much activity going on here.”

That was to be expected, as they were now on the far side of the rock from United Equestria. The fissures had to be the result of strong light from nearby stars as the object passed by through systems-- hot sunlight headed the soft parts of the rock and igniting gas-pockets, creating deep holes, and meteor storms.

“Let’s go.” said Grand Ruler.

“Down there?” asked Spike.

“Yes, down there, Spike.”

Everyone coasted down to the fissures, and gazing down through even one of them, they didn’t have to scan to tell that the shafts ran far and deep.

The temperature readings were reading much higher deep within.

“It must be real hot down there.” said Buddy. “Do you think we can survive it?”

“On paper, yes.” said Lightning. “Just the same, we better move with caution.”

His majesty agreed, and then asked Pyron. “Is there anything else you can tell us about your planet’s rock and it’s properties?”

Pyron explained, “Why the substance of my planet is molten rock, it has never been exposed to Outer Space for this long. I can only know as much as you know, but perhaps I should head the group as we venture down.”

His majesty agreed. “We’ll have to venture down eight-hundred miles. As we get deeper, the rock should be softer and hotter. For this, I’m going to cast an extra-protection shield on our suits.”

His three horns glowed as he cast sparkling gold fields around everyone’s suits. “This spell will eventually wear off, but by then we should be well on our way back.”

Applejack gave a nervous chuckle, “Yeah… “should.” A-heh.”

With Pyron leading the way, the team headed down into the shaft. It began to grow darker, and darker, forcing everyone to activate their suit lights.

Jagged rocks and open pocket holes seemed to line the walls, along with rumbling sounds and soft hissing air flows made the journey rather scary.

“The temperature’s going up.” said Buddy. “This thing sure has some strong gases.”

Applejack examined a piece of rock she picked up and scanned. “There’s some things here I ain’t never seen before. Guess cosmic radiation did some wonders on this.”

Suddenly, she bumped into Dyno, and the group all bumped into each other. Pryon had stopped in front of a large, solid wall.

“Is this the bottom of the shaft?” asked Lightning. “How far have we come?”

Dyno and Myte scanned, “Only twenty miles.” replied Dyno.

“That’s not nearly as far as we have to be.” said Myte.

Pyron felt along the wall, and even with his gloved hands, he could tell it was still soft. “We’ll have to start digging our way through.”

He got out his sword.

“All right! Time for some action.” said Spike, and he got out his own sword.

The others began to help by using their incredible strengths to punch and kick the rock away. No one dared use any magic to blast it away, at the risk of igniting any gas pockets or other casualties.

Together, with their combined forces, and the softness of the rock, they plowed through like a strong drill-head, going deeper and deeper towards the center of the planetoid.

“I just hope everything is going fine back home.” said Lightning.

“So do I.” added Grand Ruler.

Back home, Celestia had ordered the evacuation to commence. All civilians everywhere were lined up in files and rows, and slowly making their way through the portals, where they were whisked off into Space, to the emergency planets.

Lineups and ports were set up all over in every region.

“Keep the line moving please.” Starla instructed.

The lines continued slowly, as if they were stopping in the middle, forcing Pinkie to yell “She said… KEEP IT MOVING!!”

“Sure, that’ll make them go faster.” grumbled Rainbow, but then she herself started shouting like a drill sergeant. “Keep it moving! One-Two! One-Two.”

She didn’t have to shout; the people didn’t have to be told twice. Knowing the object was on its way gave them more than enough push to make haste.

Farms, towns, and whole cities were evacuated. Even the dragons, griffins, minotaur… all of them obeyed the order. Fluttershy and Rhymey helped evacuate animals from the meadows and forests.

Soon, Cadance and Shining Armor arrived with Flurry Heart.

“The New Crystal Empire is evacuated.” Cadance reported.

“Good.” Celestia said. “We still have ways to go. I just hope nothing tries to delay us.”

The second she finished that did the warning alarms sound. “Oh, no!”

Flurry nervously held Shining Light’s hand, making him blush. “What’s happening, Shining?”

“I don’t know.”

Everyone got the answer when Flame Guards appeared in New Canterlot Square. Keltar was with them.

“Oh, my!” cried Glaceia.

“What’s going on here?” Keltar laughed. “Going somewhere, are we? The only place you’re coming is with me, to Moltic and King Flareous.”

“Never!” shouted Starla. “Starfleet Magic!” she transformed and rushed in to confront the baddies, leaving Celestia and her family to safeguard the civilians.

“Assist her!” Luna called some of the sentries, and the guards rushed in.

Meanwhile, Rhymey and Fluttershy had just finished rounding up the last of the animals for transport, when the alarm sounded.

“Oh, no! Not more trouble!” cried Fluttershy.

“We’d better move on the double.” rhymed Rhymey.

They left the guards to tend to the animals and rushed off, nearly running straight into the danger, at the edge of the meadows.

A giant humanoid creature with snakes for hair and tentacles. “Ssssssssomeone call for Sssssssserpent Ice-ssssssss.”

Her many snake tentacles moved on their own-- they were very much alive-- and unleashed icy winds, forcing the couple to dodge, and then transform.

“We’re not afraid of you!” thundered Rhymey.

“You’re no match for us two.” rhymed Fluttershy.

Serpent-Ice hissed, “We’ll sssssee!” and right at that moment, she was joined by a swarm of Ice-Guards, outnumbering the couple.

“Any lassssssssst words.” the monster hissed.

“SONIC RAINBOOM!” Rainbow came soaring in, surprising the villains!

KAPOW!! She struck the ground knocking some of the guards away, and the force of the dust blew right at the monster.

Rainbow then landed right next to her friends. “Thought you could use some help.”

The couple smirked thankfully.

“Where is Pinkie?
And where is Artie?” asked Rhymey.

There was no time to answer as the monster had unleashed more freezing winds, and ordered the guards, “…Get them!”

The trio rushed into action.

Meanwhile, Starla and the guards battled with the Flame-Guards, while giving Celestia and her family the chance to keep the lineups going and get the civilians to safety.

Keltar took refuge in hiding. “Good! Their distracted.” he chuckled. “Now I can unleash my latest creature.”

Starla punched one guard into a gaggle of others. “PULSAR LASER!” and she blew them to bits.

“Take that!” she shouted, only to suddenly be bombarded by a load of flaming blasts that knocked her down. “What?!”

She saw where the blasts had come from as the smoke cleared. It was a creature called Fire-Web: A Spider-Like creature, with eight flame-tipped legs and a snarling face like a flaming skull.

Flurry and Shining cowered in fear of the evil creature. Cadance and Shining Armor comforted them. “Don’t worry, you’re safe with us.” said Shining Armor.

Keltar chuckled. "Nobody's safe now." then he made a quick retreat through an invisiport.

“We’ve got to get the rest of the civilians out of here, quick.” suggested Cadance.

“Keep going! Hurry!” Celestia ordered as she ushered the lineups along.

The monster snarled and hissed at Starla who stood up, glaring at its flaming eyes. Then suddenly, the creature unleashed a burning web-like thread from his mouth, forcing Starla to leap up and out of the way.

The thread struck the ground in a small explosion.

“STAR SHOWER” Starla unleashed her stars, but the creature raised four of his limbs, fired several flame blasts intercepting each star, burning it to cinders.

The sentries charged with their lances ready. Some even threw their lances like javelins, but the creature used some of his limbs to shield himself, and other limbs to bash and knock the oncoming sentries away.

“It’s no good, he has too many limbs!” cried Starla. “He can defend and attack at the same time-- from any direction!”

Fire-Web flung its limbs back and snarled, and then he aimed his face upward and unleashed several burning webs up into the air.

“Look out!” Starla shouted as the flaming webs came crashing down over the civilian lineups—frightening the creatures!

Celestia and Luna, along with Cadance, acting quickly, leapt up high and cast long magical ceilings, and the webs exploded upon colliding into the shields, and left behind fires burning atop.

The civilians and fighters were relieved, but the monster was furious!

“Keep the civilians moving!” Celestia ordered. “We’ll hold these shields as long as we can.”

Shining Armor nodded, “Right!” and then addressed the crowds. “You heard the Queen. Keep going, into those portals.”

The crowds obeyed and they all continued to rush through the portals. Shining Armor wished he could help in the fight, but he had to watch the children and supervise the evacuation.

“Gosh, I wish Lightning was here!” murmured Starla.

By this time, the team had been digging for hours.

A cute videogame like scene showed them going deeper, and deeper, while making sharp turns to avoid gas pockets and other dangers along the route.

The deeper they went, the softer and softer the rock became, but the higher the external temperature seemed, and the rock was getting hotter, indicating the team was closer to their destination.

POW!! They suddenly burst through and arrived at the very core of the planetoid, eight-hundred miles below the surface, but what they saw nearly left them stunned with astoundment.

“Galloping Galaxies!” said Lightning.

“My Stars!” added Grand Ruler.

The rest of the group, even Pyron were paused in awe at what they saw. This was not what they expected the core to look like.

It was a tremendous and hollowed out cavern, about fifty miles wide. was blazing hot with glowing rocks below, indicating burning rock below the surface, yet the walls and ceilings above were a shimmering icy-blue-- the result of melted ice rock of Iceinia.

“The liquid from the ice solidified in the core.” said Lightning “The constant heat causes it to meld into the stone and take on a solid form.”

Dyno and Myte fluttered up to the walls and were so fascinated that they had to take a few samples to study back home.

“Rarity would love to see all this.” said Spike.

Applejack couldn’t deny, but then she asked, “So, where do we plant the device?”

His majesty scouted around, and he could see the perfect place. “Follow me.” And he flew off with the others following behind.

The pressure at this depth was not so tremendous as the planetoid because of the size and hollowed rocks unlike regular planets, but still would have affected normal flying creatures like birds and others, but this was nothing for Starfleet and their strengths, as well as their technology.

The team could still fly with ease, and Pyron’s thrusters worked perfectly.

“It’s a great thing you won’t join my father’s forces,” he commented “With all this technology, Motic would be invincible, and even more damage and chaos would ensue.”

“Well, it’s a good thing we’re not.” remarked Buddy “And the sooner we blow this rock, the better.”

Everyone felt the same way, not liking the looks of the bubbling lava below them.

Grand Ruler found and landed on a large rocky island in the middle of the core hollow. “This is perfect. We’ll set the device here.”

He got out the box, and magically enlarged it to a much larger size than from the lab.

“This is it.” Dyno whimpered.

“This rock is going down!” murmured Myte.

Lightning watched as his mentor set the device firmly in place, which made him rather nervous.

“Will we be able to escape in time?” Pyron asked.

“We will.” Lightning answered, “The rock is still days away from getting near United Equestria, so we’re going to set the timer for quite a few hours. That’ll give us plenty of time to escape, especially if we go back the way we came. It’ll just be a straight flight up.”

“I’m relieved to hear it.”

His majesty finished setting up the device. Now he was fixing the timer. “I think eight hours should be perfect.” and confirmed this with the team.

His majesty then looked down at the device and flicked the last switch, causing the timer to begin ticking.

“That’s it.” he said, “Nothing can stop it now. Any attempts to tamper with it now could set it off!”

The others all gulped nervously.

His Majesty then cast a small barrier around the device to keep it protected and undisturbed.

“Okay, let’s get out of here.” suggested Lightning.

Suddenly, there was a great big stomp that shook up the island.

“Wait! What was that?” asked Buddy.

“Perhaps a small tremor from the rock shifting?” suggested Pyron.

There was another tremor, stronger than the last.

Spike turned round, “That’s no tremor. Look!”

Everyone turned and saw a Flame-Guard, stomping through the lava. It was more than six-times the size of even his Majesty.

His sword had to be longer than the group standing in a line, and the creatures roar made the rock quiver and the lava bubble.

“How did a Flame-Guard get here?!” exclaimed Lightning.

Pyron could only assume, “Of course, part of all the rock is the very substance my father must have mined to create his artificial foot soldiers.”

Everyone had sickening feelings creeping into their stomachs.

“If that’s true…” said Grand Ruler “Then are bound to be--” he was cut off by the sudden rising of three more giant guards.

Together, the four giants looked ready for a, literally, big brawl.

“Let’s get out of here!” shouted Lightning, but before he or anyone could break for the opening, one of the giants slammed down his massive foot, causing a massive quake that nearly shook everyone off their feet, but also the planetoid shook so violently that it erupted several gas-pockets within the rock, causing a massive series of cave-ins in the tunnel the team had made.

“We’re trapped!” cried Applejack.

Two more giants raised their swords for an attack, forcing the team to scatter.

“How did these hombres get so big?” wondered Dyno.

“It must be the cosmic radiation.” suggested Myte. “It could have fused and compromised the elemental structures. Space Radiation can always have unusual effects if given a long enough time.”

The giants swung their big sword again forcing everyone to dodge again.

“That’s it!!” growled Lightning. “Giant or not, I’m not letting these brutes push us around!”

He leapt forth, flying, swerving between the massive sword, up to one of the giant’s huge chests.

“HA!” He gave it a huge kick, the guard roared as he fell over onto his bottom with a big boom that shook the place again.

“Hey! They’re not so tough!” exclaimed Buddy.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” said Applejack. “Let’s round ‘em up!”

The others all agreed, and they leapt into action.

Two guards readied their giant swords for a swing, but Applejack with her rope, and Buddy with his Vine Whip, lassoed around the tips of the massive weapons, and gave each of them a heck of a yank, causing the swords to clash into each other and knock the guards back.

Another guard charged up his sword for a flame attack and unleashed a massive fire stream.

Dyno and Myte rose up and charged up as much as they could.

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE!” Their massive finisher was barely enough to intercept the guard’s flames, resulting in a big explosion and further tremors, which began to worry Grand Ruler. “I don’t think this rock can stand up to this kind of punishment!”

He was right! The tremors and quakes were upsetting the unstable inner-structure of the planetoid, causing more and more gas-pockets to combine and blow their way out to the surface like a powerful jet stream!

Spike and Pyron engaged in a struggle with one of the giants-- pushing their two swords against the giant blade.

The two sides seemed even, with the two men pushing with all their might. “Together now…!” said Pyron. “Ready!” acknowledged Spike. Together, the two men pushed at the same time, forcing the giant back hard and knocking him into one of his comrades.

The place began to rumble again, but the quake didn’t seem to stop, and the fighters could feel something wrong.

“The rock, it’s accelerating!” cried Lightning. “The gas-pockets must have thrust it forward!”

Grand Ruler could feel the acceleration and sense the moment. “Thanks to that one, massive burst, the planetoid has been pushed hard. At this rate, it will strike United Equestria in a few more hours, not days!”

The fighters all gasped!

While all that was happening, Fire-Web was still terrorizing in New Canterlot while Serpent-Ice was still at large on New Ponyville Meadows.

The evil Serpent Ice unleashed her freezing winds on the fighters, freezing their feet firmly to the ground.

“I can’t move!” cried Rainbow.

Rhymey and Fluttershy struggled, and the monster laughed. “Time for you to face-sssssssss your doom!”

She powered up looking ready for the kills, but the fighters weren’t nearly ready to give up.

Rhymey, with his hands on his sword, whispered to the ladies…

“Wait for me to swing,
Then do your thing.”

The ladies nodded and waited.

The monster rushed forth ready to strike, and then, in a swift move, Rhymey slashed the ice, shattering it like glass, and everyone split off.

“What?!” snapped the monster.

“Say Freeze!” Rainbow shouted as she soared in and kicked the monster hard in the side sending her sailing over the meadows, and right for Fluttershy who kicked her again, sending her over to Rhymey.

“DRILL QUILL!” He unleashed his sharp feathers at all the snakes on the monster’s hair and tentacles, right in their mouths and blinding their eyes, harming the monster as well.

Rainbow and Fluttershy then activated their energizers and unleashed magical streams to ensnare and bind the monster down.

“Realeassse me!!” she demanded.

“Not a chance!” thundered Rainbow.

Fluttershy then called to Rhymey…

“We’ve got her bound,
Now take her down!”

Her husband acknowledged, holding his sword tightly, and powered up his finisher.

“THRASH SLASH!”

He swung hard, and the monster wailed and hissed loudly before blowing up in a magical blaze, leaving behind the imprisoned guard and broken monster badge.

“Whoo-Hoo! We showed that Frozen Freak!” cheered Rainbow.

Rhymey and Fluttershy were just relieved that the animals weren’t hurt…

…But the danger was not over!

Fire-Web’s flaming nets were still burning above the magic barrier, which the three princesses maintained.

“Almost all the civilians have evacuated!” Shining Armor called “There’s only a few lines left.”

“Get them all out of here, fast!” called Celestia.

Shining Armor nodded and ordered everyone to fall in line and proceed through the portals, but, really, he wished to be down in the main grounds helping Starla and the guards battle the monster.

Fire-Web snarled and launched more flame balls and flame threads towards the civilians.

“STAR SHOWER” Starla unleashed her star barrage. “Attack!” one of the guards hollered to his men, and they threw their lances, or unleashed whatever magic attack they could, countering all the flames.

“This isn’t getting us anywhere!” growled Starla.

The monster glared at her and hissed like the spider he was, but nobody dared attack it just yet, knowing he would just defend himself again with his many limbs.

Starla could only think of one way. “We have to get him in a way so that he won’t have time to defend himself, but we’ll need to attack him from all sides. We need backup.”

Backup was right then when a portal opened wide, and Artie, Pinkie, and Rarity came rushing through followed by Krysta.

“CHARGE!!”

The monsters snarled and unleashed more fire balls, but Arite deflected them by whirling his staff round and around.

The monster unleashed his flaming-thread, but Rarity unleashed her dragon flame, intercepting it in a big explosion.

The two then landed by Starla was overjoyed to see them both.

“Sorry we’re late, we had to help with lineups.” said Artie.

“Krysta brought us here as soon as she could.” added Rarity.

“And not a minute too soon.” chirped Pinkie.

Krysta nodded.

Starla was still grateful. “Now, we have a better chance…” and she whispered her plan to her friends.

“We’ve got this.” said Krysta, and she and Pinkie flew in first calling to the monster, “Hey, Ugly! Bet you can’t hit us!” Pinkie called.

Her taunting enraged the creature, and he rushed forth with a blazing rage. Pinkie leapt up high and out of the way. Krysta then fired many magical blasts from her want, making the creature halt in his tracks and defend himself with two of his limbs.

Then he raised two more limbs to unleash his fire blasts.

“I got this!” hollered Artie, and he leapt forth as the blasts were fired, “PAINT BOMBS!” intercepting them with his explosives, and giving Rarity and Starla the chance to come up from behind.

“STARLIGHT ARROW!” Starla’s shot was intercepted by two more limbs, and the monster raised his final two limbs to unleash his fire blasts, which gave Rarity the chance she needed to zip past them and head straight for the monster’s huge body!

“Take this!!” She roared as she extended her claws and gave two huge slashes, making large explosions and the creature roared loudly as it flipped and tumbled up and over.

“Got’cha!” Pinkie shouted as she kicked the beast in its huge head.

“Now!!” Starla called to the guards.

The guards complied and fired magical steams to hold each of the monster’s limbs down, suspending the creature in midair.

Starla then powered up her finisher, “GALACTIC PROJECTILE!”

KAPOW!! The giant spider was struck hard.

“My turn!” called Artie. “SUPER STAFF SPIN!” and he swung hard, striking the creature again.

The spider wailed and screeched. Then it exploded leaving behind an imprisoned guard and broken monster badge.

With the destruction of the monster, its flaming webs vanished, allowing the princesses to dispel the barriers about, and just in time, for the last civilian had escaped.

“Well done, everyone” hollered Celestia as she and the others landed back on the ground.

The guards began to cheer, and the fighters were pleased.

“That was awesomely awesome.” said Shining Armor, but he suddenly began to feel really hot and sweaty as the land suddenly became brighter and brighter.

“What’s happening?” panted Cadance. “Why is it so bright and hot?”

Luna took one look up into the sky. “It can’t be…!”

Starla couldn’t believe her eyes behind her visor. “It’s the planetoid!”

The rock was in complete view now and reflecting the sunlight down on the planet. Things were getting hotter and brighter by the minute.

“How is it here already?!” cried Arite. “I thought it wouldn’t make it this far for days?”

Everyone was sweating badly, and it was getting harder to breathe.

Some of the plants and trees were beginning to burn and burst into flames, but the automatic extinguisher systems helped to douse the flames.

Buildings were starting to smoke as well in the building heat, but protective barriers were automatically activated and any fires that burst out were extinguished.

Inside the evacuated palace, fires began to break out, but the sprinklers came on to douse things-- but unfortunately, several objects were knocked off the walls and tables by the force of the waters or the blast of the foams…

…Including the Memory Box, which was still sitting on the Daycare Manager’s desk. It fell to the floor and broke into pieces along with all its contents.

Rhymey, Fluttershy, and Rainbow landed in the grounds, barely managing to fly their way over.

“Do you see…?” Rainbow asked, which was obvious even to her, the others could tell what was happening.

Fluttershy was coughing and wheezing in the building heat.

Rhymey struggled to help keep his wife standing, but he himself was starting to become overwhelmed by the heat as was everyone else.

“This… is getting… bad!” panted Pinkie, and she flopped down on the ground with her tongue hanging out.

Celestia and Luna, both grow weary, summed up all the strength they could.

“We must… move… sun!” said Celestia.

“I’ll… help… you… Sister!” cried Luna, and together, the manages to push the sun away so that the oncoming planetoid would stop reflecting, making it dark as night.

The temperature went down rapidly.

“Whoo! That’s much better!” sighed Cadance.

Rhymey agreed.

“That clears the heat in the air,
But we’re still not safe! Just look there!” He pointed up at the sky; the planetoid was getting ever closer, and everyone kept wondering how this was happening.

“Lightning!” Starla murmured under her breath.

The four giants banded together and combined their swords together for a massive attack.

POW!! They unleashed a massive fire stream towards the team, but Grand Ruler put up a massive Uniforce wall to block it.

The force of the impact shook up the place even more. The ceilings and walls were beginning to crack up and cave in.

“We can’t stay here like this!” wailed Spike. “We’ve got to get out of here before this place blows to bits!”

“But how? We’re totally sealed in!” Applejack pointed out. “We’ll never be able to break to the surface on time. This whole rock’s going crazy!”

“Your majesty, can you not teleport us back outside?” asked Pryon. His majesty shook his head, “Not a chance. We’re too far below the surface!”

There was also the problem of the rock being nearer to hitting United Equestria than before and getting closer by the second!

“There’s got to be a way out this.” said Buddy, and Lightning could see the one and only possible way. “We have to blow the device manually!”

Everyone gave a huge and frightening gasp.

“Lightning! ¿Te has vuelto loco? *Have you gone crazy* cried Dyno.

“You’ll kill us all!” added Myte.

Lightning couldn’t look more serious. “There’s no other way. It has to be done!”

His majesty, though terrified of this, agreed, “Yes, it must. It’s our only chance to save United Equestria now.”

“But what about us?” Spike asked. He was almost ready to break out and panic, “How are we supposed to get out of here? And please don’t tell me otherwise…!”

“There’s a slim chance.” replied Grand Ruler. “When the device blows, the entire formation will begin to weaken and collapse.

Our best chance will be to huddle together and combine all the power we have and blast out way up and out. The gas-pockets, will give us all the boost we need to fire us out into Space.”

Seeing no other way with time running very short, and their home-planet fast on the approach; the team went along with it, and not a moment too soon as the four giants were stomping in for another attack.

The team huddled together closely, and Pyron never felt so nervous in his life.

“Just stay close.” Applejack said, and she held onto him tightly.

Lightning and Grand Ruler fixed their aims on the device down below and their horns glowed brightly.

“Get ready!” Lightning said to everyone.

Everyone began to channel their powers up.

“UNIFORCE!”

“TEN-FOLD… UNIFORCE!”

POW!! The two incredible forces combined and bound straight for the device on the island below. Penetrating the barrier and striking the device in a big explosion, setting it off!

There was a big white flash as the implosion field formed, and it slowly began to spread, collapsing the island around it and sucking rocks and lava into like a black hole.

The guards fell in and were vaporized as the entire hollow began to cave in, with boulders and rocks crashing down and gas-pockets erupting like crazy.

“NOW!! GO!! GO!!” shouted Grand Ruler.

Everyone combined whatever powers they had, forming a strong barrier around themselves, and they rocketed up through the ceiling like a blazing comet.

What a wild ride! The group sped through the rock, drilling past the shattering shells, soaring through the hollows while the implosion field was rapidly closing in behind them.

“We need more speed!” shouted Spike.

Said boost came right then as the collapsing rock erupted the gas-pockets as planned, giving the team a big boost.

“Get ready…!” Lightning called with the surface rapidly approaching, “HERE WE GO…!!”

Everyone screamed, bracing for the big blast!

BOOM!! They burst clean through the ground, rocketing out into Space as the field spread all over the surface of the rocking, collapsing it inward.

“Look at that!” cried Rarity as the brightness of the action could be seen from the ground below.

“It’s vanishing!” exclaimed Shinning.

“They did it!” added Starla. “Lightning and the others did it!”

Celestia held her heart and gave a huge sigh of relief, especially when she looked up into the sky and saw a moving, glowing speck among the stars. “They made it!”

The team watched as the last of the field collapsed and vanished in a bright flash.

That’s when the barrier ceased around them, and they held themselves on free float in the void of Space.

“Take a look at that?” gasped Dyno.

“Si! What an escape.” said Myte.

Pryon was frozen with a mix of incredible fear and yet a rush of incredible astonishment of what he had just been through-- the greatest, and most dangerous adventure of his life!

“Let’s go home.” his majesty suggested.

Soon, everyone was back safely on United Equestria. The friends and families were relieved that the team had returned.

Celestia moved the sun back into its proper position, and the next morning, all the denizens returned to their proper homes, and they were more than grateful for Starfleet’s success in saving the planet.

Fortunately, the raging heat hadn’t caused too much damage-- a little scorched Earth, and charred vegetation and buildings, but nothing a little repair could fix…

…Except for one thing!

The Daycare Manager handed Lightning back the remains of the destroyed Memory Box. It was busted beyond hope, and the trinkets inside were shattered on the impact or ruined by the extinguishers.

“I’m so sorry, Commander.”

Lightning shook his head. “It’s not your fault. Things just happened.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lightning then walked outside into the hall where Rarity, Buddy, Artie and Pinkie. Their majesties were there too.

“Oh, dear!” Rarity cried as she saw the mess.

“Can’t we fix it with magic?” asked Pinkie, but the others knew it was hopeless.

“I’m afraid it’s far too damaged.” said Grand Ruler. “A lot of the pieces are missing, and too small to connect properly.”

“Well, I guess we’ll just have to make another one.” suggested Artie.

Pinkie agreed, but she didn’t like having to hold off the special party she was organizing. “It was going to be so lovely too.”

Celestia looked up “I think it’s probably just as well.” And she pointed to down the hall by a large window, where Pyron and Glaceia were sharing an embrace.

“I’m so glad you made it out of there.” Glaceia said softly. “You are so brave, Pyron.”

Pyron hated to admit it, “I had never been so frightened in my life, but I suppose one cannot find nor have courage without.

I’m just happy you are safe to, my love.”

The two just stood where they were enjoying their quiet moment. At least their minds weren’t fixated on being sad… for the moment.

“I guess there’s not much for it now,” said Buddy “…Just happy to be alive.”

Everyone agreed, and they would carry out their plans another day. All they could do now was steer themselves ready for the long battles again.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Swift Star is struggling to ask Blitzy Heart out, so he seeks help from his friends, while Flareous gets the idea to send a creature to heat things up by using the emotions of others to fuel its power and strength.

Can Swift sum up his courage, and how can Starfleet deal with this flaming beast?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Flaming Love”)

Episode 17: Flaming Love

EPISODE SEVENTEEN

The young stallion stood at the edge of the sidewalk, all dressed up in a fine suit and top hat on a misty, stary night, with a single rose clutched in his hand.

A coach pulled up to the street stop, the driver stepped down and opened the door revealing his date inside, and what a sight she was in a silky blue gown with a powder blue pashmina scarf.

“Am I too late?” Blitzy Heart asked.

“Not at all. You’re bang on time.” remarked Swift Star.

He was welcomed in the coach by the driver, and he casually climbed in and sat down beside his date. He handed her the rose, which she sniffed with delight.

Soon they were seated at a most wonderful five-star restaurant where there was dinner, tea, and ballroom dancing.

“This is so heavenly.” Swift sighed as he held Blitz close as they danced, only for her to look up at him and say “…I know what could make it even more wonderful.”

“Oh?” asked Swift, and he saw her close her eyes and move her face closer and closer towards him. Slowly his own eyes closed, and he moved forward to kiss her…

…Only to fall out of bad and land with a loud thud on the floor! “Ow!!” he groaned, and then he finally realized. “Not again…!”

As he got up and straightened himself out, he walked over to his dresser mirror, and he began to hallucinate again-- seeing Blitzy standing right beside him and winking at him.

This was easily dispelled when he looked next to himself to see no one was there.

“That’s it.” he said to himself. “I’ve got to ask her out. Just one date, and then maybe I’ll stop dreaming like this.”

Meanwhile, Keltar came before Flareous with the reports on the war.

“I am pleased to report, My King, we have caused vast amounts of damage to Iceinia, and there have been fewer sightings of Ice-Guards. Perhaps it is a sign-- we are winning this battle.”

Flareous didn’t seem a bit moved by this news. He just sat on his throne, clutching his large sword, with an expression on his face saying he’d like to destroy someone.

“Sire?” said Keltar.

Flareous finally responded, “As wonderful as this news would be…” then her burst out shouting, “…I am much more concerned with Starfleet!!

Up until now we have not succeeded in bringing them down or that they should serve under my rule! Even my own son remains in their clutches refusing to come home where he belongs!”

He got up and stomped around the throne room.

“With all due respect, sire…” said Keltar “Starfleet are unlike any force we have known. They are known for having exceptional emotional stability.”

Flareous halted where we stood upon hearing those words. “Yes…” he hissed with a nasty grin, and then he turned to his servant, “Was there not a certain creature the Great Hero faced with the power to feed on emotions?”

“Yes, there was…” replied Keltar, and in a flashback of past events, he recalled the evil creature-- a large humanoid shaped monster with a small volcano for a head, and with a hole in it.

“It is called “Heatwave!” His amazing ability is to absorb emotional energy waves emitted from other beings. These waves fall into the volcano on his head and thereby fuel his internal strength and power.”

The flashback showed the creature doing just so-- absorbing energy and firing massive lava blasts at any fighter that dared oppose him.

The end of the flashback showed Flareous snickering, “Get me that monster, and send it to give Starfleet a little hot surprise.”

“At once.” complied Keltar and, he was off leaving Flareous to laugh maniacally.

Today was vaccination day for Starfleet officers. Very important they took their injections to keep fit and avoid common illness, and that included Swift having a chance to see Blitzy.

As Swift walked through town, he kept talking to himself-- practicing how to ask Blitz out.

“Hi, you… um… want to go out with me?” Then he grumbled “No, that’s so pathetic.”

Then he tried again, acting more macho and tough. “Yo’ what say, you and I paint this town gold?” Then he sighed, “That’s too pushy. Ugh!!” and he hung his head low roughing his hands through his mane.

“This will never work out!”

“What will never work out?” Lightning asked, surprising Swift, and him.

“Oh, sorry, Commander. I’m just a little jumpy.”

“I’ll say you are.” remarked Lightning. “You know, if it’s about vaccinations and all that…” but Swift cut him off, “…It’s not that.” and he told him of his plans as they both headed for the hospital together.

“…I see.” said Lightning. “Well, all I can say is “Just be yourself.” That’s how I acted when I asked Starla out.”

Though in his memories, he remembered feeling just as nervous to ask her out too.

He cleared his throat, and then excused himself. “Mustn’t be late for my appointment.”

Swift still had plenty of time before his appointment to think things over.

“Be myself?” he wondered as he gazed at his reflection in a shop window. He began to reflect on all the times he was nervous around Blitzy, and then tough and pushy whenever he told her off. “Yeah, right. Being plain, old, me isn’t going to help.”

Suddenly, he could hear what sounded like a struggle, and there was. Pinkie Pie didn’t like getting her needles, no matter how big, strong and a powerful fighter she was, so Rainbow Dash dragged her to the hospital for her appointment.

“You’re… going… to get your shot!” Rainbow insisted.

“No… I’m… not!” Pinkie protested as she gripped her fingers tighter between the cracks in the sidewalk, pulling the entire stone out, much to the shock of passersby.

Swift had to intervene. “Generals! Generals, please stop!”

With his mighty strength, he placed the stone back in its proper place, but Pinkie was still stubborn. “I’m not going!”

“Yes, you are!” thundered Rainbow. “Swift Star, give me a hand please, and that’s an order!”

“No, Swift! You leave me be, and that’s an order!” insisted Pinkie.

They were both Generals of the same rank, but Swift knew the orders for all officers, and he grabbed Pinkie’s arms while Rainbow pulled on her legs.

Finally, they got Pinkie to the hospital, and Penny was there waiting in the lobby with Pinkie’s shot ready. “Figured you’d be stubborn again.” she teased, and she gave her the needle right then and there.

“OOOCHIE-AOWAHHH!” Pinkie shouted. Her voice echoed all through the hospital and down the street.

She next seen rubbing her arm painfully.

Penny rolled her eyes, “We go through this every time.”

Pinkie, like all patients, had to sit and wait a few minutes to ensure the injection had no negative effects, so she and the others sat in the waiting room, while Rainbow and Swift would await their turns.

“Forgive me, General,” Swift said to Pinkie, “But how can you not take needles? When we’re in battle, you get hit twice as hard than that.”

Pinkie sighed, “I don’t know either. I just can’t stand needles, that’s all.”

“Baby.” snuffed Rainbow. “It’s easy, like getting out of bed, or flying through a deathly obstacle course, or even asking someone out on a date.”

Swift’s ears perked up. “What do you mean “…ask someone out on a date.”

Now Rainbow looked confused, “I didn’t say anything about a date.”

Swift swore she said it-- due to the fact he was thinking of Blitzy again, and thought he heard her say it.

Pinkie was able to put two and two together. “You want to ask Blitzy Heart out?” she asked excitedly.

“Shh!” Swift said not wanting the blab to be overheard. “Yes.” he whispered “But I don’t know how or what I should do.

Commander Lightning said I should just be myself.”

Rainbow shook her head, “Nah, too lame.” Then she flicked back her mane, donned sunglasses and remarked “What you want to do is strut your stuff. Show you’re cool as ice.” She began to act casually, cool and sharp like a strong lady in an alley.

“Are you kidding?” said Pinkie, and she pulled up cupcake-- from out of nowhere. “Nothing shows how sweet you are by giving her treats.”

She was about to take a bite, when Penny came over and snatched it out of her hand. She gave her a look insisting her time wasn’t up yet, and she wasn’t allowed to eat or drink anything until then!

Pinkie felt most embarrassed.

Swift, however, didn’t know what to do at all. These ideas all seemed rather elaborate, and he didn’t know how to pull them off or be certain if he should.

Rainbow was up next, and who should come out into the lobby, but Rhymey and Fluttershy, and Button-Fly.

The two adults were rubbing their arms as they noticed their friends and sat next to them to give their injections time to settle in.

“Glad we got these shots today,
Who knows what illness may come our way.” said Rhymey.

Fluttershy then noticed Swift lost in a soft daze.

“Swift, is something the matter with you?
Don’t tell me you hate to get your needles too.”

Pinkie answered, “Nope, he’s just hoping to ask Blitzy Heart out.”

Swift them smacked his forehead in embarrassment.

“Oopsie.” squeaked Pinkie, and she backed sheepishly away.

“So, now you know.” Swift said to the others, and he went ahead and explained his trouble. “How do I ask her?”

Rhymey chuckled and said,

“Asking someone out, you feel you can’t do it,
But I can tell you, there’s really nothing to it.

A good poem or a verse can go a long way,
Try it out… and help you it may.”

Fluttershy drowsed lovingly at the sound of her husband’s rhymes. They still had such effects on her today as when they first met.

“Wow! It does work.” Swift said in admiration. “Only I’m not too good at making rhymes-- I mean when I’m not singing that is.”

“You should try it out,
And if you still have any doubt,
There’s another way you can go about.” said Fluttershy.

“Try being a sweet as you can,
And some flowers are the sign of a gentleman.

Showing how nice you are is the key.
It’s bound to work, believe you me.”

Swift thought the idea of flowers was nice, and a great gesture. “That’s what I’ll do, and maybe I’ll see if I can. Thanks a lot, General.”

Then he got up and left, forgetting all about his appointment, and just as Blitzy came out to call him in.

“Swift Star? Where is he?”

Rhymey and Fluttershy both groaned.

Unbeknownst to all, Keltar had arrived unseen, and with him was the monster, Heatwave, looking just as big and as nasty as in his story.

Keltar peeked around an alley corner at so many ponies laughing or playing about happily. A few were having arguments, but it was nothing too serious. One mare was sobbing, and her colt-friend comforted her.

“Excellent.” Keltar hissed “There’s plenty of emotion here. Start absorbing.”

The monster glared at him with a fiery grin. “What do you think I’ve been doing?”

His frightening face made Keltar shiver, but he noticed the soft streak of steam-- which were magical wavs of the emotional forces in the air-- being sucked into his volcano head.

The monster snickered wickedly as he felt his strength increasing, further frightening Keltar. “Okay, this is getting a bit too intense for me.” and so he left through a port.

“What a shame,” Heatwave jokes “I was just getting warmed up.” And with that, waves of steam began to fly out from his volcano head, and filled the air with heat that quickly began to spread!

Swift was at the florists, looking through the outdoor displays, wondering which flowers to get for Blitzy. Finally, he decided to buy one of each flower until he had a lovely bouquet.

He said to himself, “I don’t know if this is lovely or not, but I think I’m ready.”

“I’ll say you are...” Lightning said as he came out of the shop with a bouquet of roses he had got for Starla.

Swift jumped in near fright, spilling his flowers all over the ground, and Lightning nearly dropped his own.

“Sorry, sir…” panted Swift. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”

He got down on the ground and began to gather his flowers up. Luckily, none of them were hurt.

“I take it you haven’t asked her out yet.” asked Lightning.

Swift shook his head, and told Lightning all the wild things the others had said. “I got the flowers, but I still don’t think they’re enough.”

Lightning sighed. “I told you before, why not just try being yourself. It’s much easier, and it doesn’t cost much.”

Swift was still uncertain.

Suddenly, Blitzy came running from round the street. “There you are.”

Swift jumped in shock, and accidentally threw the flowers away again! “B-B-B-Blitzy?”

Lightning was surprised to see her here as well. “Shouldn’t you be at the hospital?”

Blitzy stopped to catch her breath, and looked at Swift, “You left without taking your injection. You were supposed to be my last one before my break anyway.”

Lightning gave Swift a strict glare as if to say, “You should know better!”

Swift felt embarrassed, having forgotten all about it, what with all going through his mind, and now his heart was racing since Blitzy was here.

“Are you okay?” Blitzy asked him.

“Um… W-W-Well… I… uh…” Swift just couldn’t find the words. Instead, he could hear all the ideas his friends had suggested to him all day of how to ask her out.

“Be yourself.”

“Show how cool you are.”

“Bake her some treats.”

“Get her flowers,
Or poetry that showers.”

Lightning gave him a small nudge to snap him out of his trance.

“Oh… um… What was I saying again?”

Blitzy blinked in confusion.

Lightning cleared his throat, “Yes… I believe you had something to say.” hinting about Blitz.

Swift felt so nervous, more now than ever, he began to feel really warm and sweaty.

For that, Blitzy and Lightning began to feel it too. “Is it getting hot out here?” Blitzy asked as she flapped her coat to fan herself.

The temperature was really starting to rise, and it wilted the men’s flowers as well as the flowers in the outdoor display. “Oh, no! I paid good money for those!” groaned Swift.

Blitzy saw the flowers on the ground and was starting to make connections-- which made her blush.

…Other citizens were all sweating and panting, and then finally the alarm went off. “This is no trick of nature.” said Lightning.

“Lightning! Lightning!” called Pyron as he and Glaceia came rushing up. Neither of them was feeling the effects due to their alien inner body temperatures.

“We think we know what is cause this sudden rise in heat.” said Glaceia.

“What is it?” Lightning asked.

“I’ll answer that…!” shouted an evil voice, and everyone looked round to see a massive flame wave blazing straight at them.

“Look out!” Lightning shouted, and he and the others quickly leapt out of the way, as the fire missed and made a massive explosion, and the grass ignited into a flaming wall.

The monster then came into view, laughing wickedly. “No one escapes the flames of Heatwave. We’re going to have one emotional cookout.”

Pyron’s eyes narrowed in anger. “Heatwave! I knew it!”

“Who?” asked Swift.

“He is a seriously powerful monster.” replied Glaceia. “He once attacked Iceinia and Moltic.”

Pyron then added, “He has the power to absorb emotional forces, emitted from the air, and as he does his strength increases, allowing him to heat up the air around him.”

“I see you remember me, Prince.” hissed Heatwave. “It gives me a warm feeling!” and he unleashed another fiery wave, forcing everyone to dodge again as another flame wall started.

Glaceia grazed her arm on impact. Merely a minor injury, but to Pyron it may as well be fatal as he felt like flaring up.

“How dare you harm my love!” he bellowed at the evil creature, and he drew out his sword, while the monster only laughed, “You just said you knew that your emotions only feed my power.”

Pyron stood where he was as he watched the monster gain more power and the temperature increased.

Lightning and Swift transformed and fast.

“Starfleet Magic!”

“Power On!”

Their super suits cooling units made the heat more tolerable, but the civilians were all beginning to pass out.

Lightning ordered Swift, “Help the sentries get the civilians out of here, and take Glaceia with you.”

“Yes, sir!” Swift complied and he helped Glaceia up. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, let’s get to work.”

“I’ll help too.” said Blitzy.

“No, this is for Starfleet to handle.” said Swift, but Blitz wouldn’t hear of it. “I’m a doctor, I can help those who are hurt. I’ll set up a little base in one of the shops and bring everyone to me.”

“Just hurry and get out of here.” ordered Lightning, and he turned back to face the monster, “Things are about to get pretty hot here.”

Together with the sentries, the trio began to round up the civilians suffering from the heatwave and took them inside to the nearest shelters, and those that passed out were brought to the store so Blitzy could examine them.

She and Swift both reached to help out a fallen pony, when their hands touched, and their eyes then met, and they almost got lost in each other’s gaze.

Glaceia cleared her throat at the two, telling them to hurry it up.

Lightning and Pyron faced the monster down.

“Try to keep your emotions low.” cautioned Pyron

“Easier said than done, but I’ll try.” said Lightning.

“Oh, yeah? Try this!!” shouted Heatwave, and he slammed his huge fists into the ground making tremors. The two men and everyone nearby nearly fell off their feet, and carts and wagons tipped over under the stress.

The people panicked, and their fear only powered the monster up more, allowing him to rush forth and ram Lightning Pyron with a huge crash and knocking them hard to the ground.

Heatwave laughed, “The heat is on!” and he spewed out more hot steam to further incense the heat in the air.

The grass began to shrivel up, and soon it would burst into flames, the same for nearby trees and hedges.

Luckily, help was on the way as storm clouds began to build up overhead by the Pegasi. Headed by Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy.

“Coming down!” Rainbow hollered as she smashed the clouds hard, making their rain fall to douse flames and dampen the ground, thus reducing the heat a little.

Pinkie excitedly waved at Lightning, and he gave her a thumbs up.

Heatwave was not amused, nor weakened by the rains. “It will take more than a mere drizzle to douse this flame.” And he prepared to unleash more flames, only for Rhymey to leap in and give him a huge slash with his sword, making sparks fly, but hardly doing much damage.

“You’ll pay for that!” the monster growled.

The team all regrouped, and Swift joined then, having finished getting all the civilians out of the way.

“How can we stop this hothead?” asked Pinkie, and everyone cast a look at Pyron, but he couldn’t answer. “I don’t know. I only know of his power, but it is unknown how the great hero ever defeated him!”

Lightning could think of only one way, “We must stop him from absorbing more emotional force in the air. Then he’ll get weaker.”

“Well, it’s a good thing there aren’t many people left for him to absorb from.” said Swift, but Heatwave glared at everyone while snickering.

“Uh… apart from us that is!” whimpered Rainbow.

“A small gaggle of warriors will do just fine.” chuckled Heatwave. “I can already feel the mix of emotions coming from you!”

He began to absorb the waves in the air, increasing his strength.

“There it goes,
And now it blows!” cried Fluttershy.

“Scatter!” shouted Lightning and everyone rushed away as more fiery streams were blasted straight for them, missing the mark, and making another explosion.

“That was a near miss,
We better stay apart like this.” said Rhymey.

“Perhaps if we are not all in one place,
He won’t absorb as much, the flame face!”

“That’s what you think.” laughed the monster, and he proved his words by absorbing all the emotional energies from all around, and the more he absorbed, the hotter and stronger he became, to the point where the rain began to sizzle with warmth.

Pinkie’s mane and tail sagged in the hot, steamy drizzle. “Ugh!!” she groaned. “We’ve got to do something!”

Lightning had just the solution. “If he gets stronger, then we’ll just have to get stronger too.”

The Starfleet fighters, except Swift, all agreed.

“SUPER MODE, ACTIVATE!!”

With their super, sparkling strong suits activated, they were protected more from the heat, and their powers dramatically increased.

“Incredible!” Pyron said in admiration.

“Wish I could do that.” added Swift. He knew only high-ranked and well-trained officers got to have Super-Mode due to it being extremely powerful.

“Ha, I’m not scared!” huffed Heatwave, and he unleashed a flaming wave, which the fighters just stood and took as if it was nothing.

“What?!”

“Not so easy now, eh, chump?” taunted Rainbow.

“Now let’s see how you do when you have to fight fair!” added Pinkie.

Heatwave didn’t feel too deterred, “I can still take you all on, and your emotions still grant me power. Soon I’ll have enough to boil you all like overcooked peas!”

Rhymey smirked…

“But not soon enough.
Now, let’s get rough!”

Lightning agreed.

Pyron and Swift stood ready to help, even without a Super-Mode.

“Take this!” Heatwave shouted as he slammed the ground again making more tremors, and while the fighters managed to keep on their feet, nearby civilians panicked, which helped the monster increase his power.

The steam from their emotions headed through the air straight for his volcano.

“Not this time!” said Rainbow, and she began to fly in furious circles, creating powerful wind twisters, blowing the steam away, preventing the monster from absorbing it.

“I still have plenty of power… just like I have emotions of my own.”

“…Of his own!” cried Pyron.

“He can absorb his own emotions too?!” added Swift.

Lightning and the others all gasped and watched as Heatwave flared up while laughing manically. The flames ignited atop his volcano head, and his muscles bulged.

The heat from his body was so intense, the rain practically evaporated before it could reach him, creating loads of steam.

“I don’t think I like this!” whimpered Pinkie.

Heatwave snickered, “Time for the big one!” and he gave a huge roar spewing massive flames from his volcano head, making large flaming meteors fly everywhere!

The fighters were forced to swerve and dodge those flaming rocks, Rhymey and Pyron slashed at some of the rocks with their swords.

The barriers protected all the buildings from being struck, but the explosions and crashes really shook things up.

“What’s going on out there?” wondered Blitzy as she made her way through the crowd of ponies to see through the store window, and all the blazing chaos she saw nearly made her faint in horror.

The rain still prevented the fires from spreading, but those rocks were causing massive explosions.

The fighters continued to dodge as best they could, and then suddenly…

“ARGH!!” Swift got hit hard by a boulder and the explosion knocked him back hard.

“SWIFT!!” Lightning and Blitzy shouted.

The others all gazed in horror, and as the smoke cleared, there lay Swift on the ground. He was very much alive, and his suit reduced a great dela of the damage.

Swift looked bruised and battered, but he still managed to get back up, slowly and shakily.

The monster was outraged. “What, you want more?”

“Are you alright?” asked Lightning.

Swift, clutching his sore left arm nodded wearily. “I’m not out of it yet. I want to ask Blitzy out, and I can’t do that if I perish.”

Blitzy heard the magic words. “…Ask me out?” Her cheeks went pink.

Swift then motioned something to Lightning, which he caught sight of and nodded.

“You should’ve stayed down when you had the chance!” sneered Heatwave. “One more blast ought to finish you!”

The fighters all flew down and landed near Swift.

“It’s you that’s going down,
You hot-headed, volcanic clown!” taunted Rhymey.

The monster looked ready to explode, “I’ll roast you for that burn!” and he began to absorb more power and boost his strength.

“Go!” shouted Lightning, and he and the others, except for Swift.

Lightning punched hard, but Heatwave blocked with his own fist. Fluttershy and Rainbow, punched and kicked swiftly, but Heatwave dodged and blocked their every blow.

Rhymey and Pyron leapt in and slashed at the monster hard with their swords, making sparks fly. The monster was more furious than hurt, and he punched and kicked all the fighters off him.

Lightning straightened himself up and unleashed a barrage of Uniforce pulses.

Heatwave held up his strong arms like a shield against those blasts, taking them in rage, but suddenly his volcano began to smoke and quiver as it was ready to blow again!

“Ready or not…!” Heatwave shouted.

“…Here it comes!” Swift hollered.

“Huh?”

At that second, Swift summoned all his strength and kicked a large, burnt meteor, like a kickball, and sent it straight into the mouth of the volcano, jamming it in hard and plugging it up good.

“No!!” the monster shrieked “What have you done?! Get it out!!” but it was too late.

“Huddle together!” Lightning called everyone, and they quickly moved towards him and Swift, allowing him to cast a huge Uniforce barrier around the group.

KAPOW!! The monster’s volcano head exploded under all the blocked pressure, making explosions and sparks erupt all over his body and sapping all his power.

Lightning’s barrier shielded himself and the group from any force flying rocks and flames.

When all was done, the monster looked pretty wiped out. All his strength was gone, and the top of his head looked like a smashed-up smokestack. Heatwave could barely keep his balance—swaying and stumbling about all dizzy and weary.

“Great going, kid!” Rainbow commented to Swift.

“You did it!” Pinkie exclaimed and she hugged him hard, forgetting that he was still weak and injured.

“Oww-www-ww!”

Lightning got out his Capture Blaster and took aim. “Time to cool you off!”

The monster looked up just as Lightning fired the gun, blasting him hard, blowing him up, and leaving behind the captured guard and the broken monster badge.

“They did it!” Glaceia cheered, and the civilians inside all leapt with joy and glee, but Blitzy was very worried about Swift.

“Well done, everyone.” said Pyron. “We have defeated one of the most-deadliest monsters in my father’s army.”

“We sure showed that overgrown magma face!” Rainbow teased, and Pinkie nodded cheekily.

Suddenly, Swift felt a little weak and his knees were getting heavy. Rhymey and Fluttershy caught him.

“He really took a big hit!” cried Fluttershy.

“We’ll get him a doctor, lickedy-split.” rhymed Rhymey.

Back on Moltic, how Flareous got word that Heatwave was struck down was a mystery, but he was furious-- mad as a volcano.

“UNBELIEVABLE!! That monster was supposed to bring me victory, and Starfleet extinguished it like mere ember flare!!”

He was so mad, he slashed his throne with his sword, roasting it to ash, which would force him to replace it at once.

“Keltar!”

No response.

“KELTAR!! Oh, where is that goon?!”

Keltar remained in hiding while snickering to himself, “Even Heatwave was defeated? Starfleet continues to intrigue me.

Flareous will never take them down. He and Blizzord will surely meet their end by Starfleet’s hand.” He grinned wickedly, hoping that his wish would come true.

Swift was taken to the hospital to treat his wounds effectively. Starfleet were fat healers to minor wounds and injury, but sometimes it wasn’t so easy.

Blitzy cleaned all his wounds and helped them to heal great, but she requested he spend the rest of the day off duty to take it easy.

“You took a real hit out there.” she said.

“It’s all part of the job.” replied Swift.

Blitzy-- her old self-- would have made a bad remark about Starfleet, but she said nothing, having her newfound respect for the force now ever-stronger seeing the heroics that day.

“I’m glad you pulled out of it, Swift.” said Lightning “You’re a credit to the force,” he paused and looked at his friends, “…All of you.”

Everyone smirked at him.

“Don’t forget you,
You’re important too.” said Fluttershy.

Rhymey agreed,

“She is absolutely right,
But we’d better stay tight.
It’s a long road ahead in the continuing fight.”

Lightning agreed, and so did Swift.

“One last thing…” said Blitzy, and she readied an injection needle for Swift.

“Ouch!” grumbled Swift. “Well, at least that’s done.”

As Blitz cleaned the wound, she did it while smiling at him.

“What? What is it?” he asked.

“I heard what you said out there; about asking me out.”

Swift’s face went bright red. He felt so nervous and embarrassed.

“I’m free on Saturday.”

“What?” Swift asked with his heart racing. “You mean… you’ll actually… go out with me?”

Blitz giggled, “…Assuming you ask.”

Pinkie looked ready to burst with excitement, but Rainbow held her down.

Summoning up all his courage, and through all his stammering and stuttering, Swift finally managed to ask. “…Can I treat you to a date?”

“…I’d love to.” replied Blitz. “Provided you stay in one piece.”

Swift was frozen with delight, and Lightning was proud, Rhymey and Fluttershy were enamored, and Rainbow was struggling to hold Pinkie down from exploding… in the hospital!

“See you Saturday.” Blitz said, and then she headed, leaving Swift still near frozen in delight.

“Congratulations, kiddo.” said Lightning “You got yourself a date.”

“And all he had to do was take a huge beating.” joked Rainbow.

Pinkie, now under control, munched on a cupcake she pulled out of nowhere, “I still think sweets are the best.”

Swift’s head dropped down slowly as he stared off in a near daze. “I have a date!” then he panicked “…A Date?! Oh, no! What if I make a fool of myself? What if she doesn’t like the places I pick out? I’d have to buy a new suit, more flowers…!”

The friends all rolled their eyes and decided to leave him, not wanting this to start all over again, and all Swift could do was continue to panic over his upcoming date.

“Does she like dancing? Should we go to a theater? How fancy a dinner does she prefer…?!”

(Promo)

In our next episode: Tree Hugger is being extra affectionate to Buddy, and he doesn’t know why causing him to try and figure out the occasion, while Blizzord sends a monster that is literally an entire mountain and threatens to destroy the crops of the planet in a massive snowstorm.

Will Starfleet save the crops from the gargantuan creature?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Mountain out of a Whole Chill”)

Episode 18: Mountain out of a Whole Chill

EPISODE EIGHTEEN

The rooster crowed, and the sun rose into the sky over New Sweet Apple Acres. It was time for the farmers to get going with the chores.

Buddy Rose was helping to harvest apples with the Apple Family.

“LEAF SWARM” He unleashed his leaves to slice loads of apples off the branches and into the bushes to allow for a faster harvest, but today his aim seemed to a little off, as some of his leaves sliced the apples in half, and others cut some branches away.

“Hey, Bud… what are you doing?!” called Applejack.

That’s when Buddy realized what he did. “Ohh! Sorry, I’ll fix it up.” and using his special magic, the tree branches were fixed, but the apples were still sliced up.

“Guess my aim was a little off.”

Big Mac agreed, “Eeyup, I’ll say. Especially when you were helping plow the fields this morning.”

Buddy remembered; going along with Applejack and plowing up the fields with their bare hands, only for Buddy to overshoot and keep going straight off into the open country!

“Oops!”

The gophers and rabbits were not pleased having their burrows accidentally dug up.

Applejack then pointed out, “And remember when you were hauling up the haystacks?”

Buddy remembered; he gathered up so much straw and hay into a single, massive bale about the size of the Apple’s barn, much to Bright Mac and Pear Butter’s surprise.

“Oops!”

“…You feeling alright?” asked Applejack

Buddy came clean, “I’ve just got a lot on my mind. Tree Hugger’s been a little… well… highly affectionate

When I got out of bed this morning and came down for breakfast, she had already gotten up early and made me quite a feast-- all the works.”

He then recalled how his wife kissed him so deeply and lovingly that morning-- they even went offscreen and green hearts were flying showing Tree Hugger’s affection.

Applejack and Big Mac were stunned.

Buddy rubbed his lips with his finger, still feeling a bit of his wife’s lips against him. Not that there was anything wrong with it, but it still puzzled him.

“And then I went outside to weed my garden like I always do, only to find she already did it for me. She covered my every patch, every distance.

And as if that weren’t enough, she and DD left for Yoga Class this morning, and she agreed to take Seedling with her so I wouldn’t have to worry about her either.”

“I just want to make less work for you.” Then she kissed him deeply again-- going off-screen and more green hearts floating in the air.

He said no more, and both Applejack and Big Mac were frozen with shock. Even their own parents were never that affectionate, at least not that they knew.

“I think she’s trying to tell me something.” said Buddy. “Why else is she being so overly affectionate with me?”

Applejack thought it over, “Maybe it’s a special day, or some occasion?” but Buddy shook his head, “I checked the calendar. It’s nobody’s birthday, it’s not our anniversary. Nothing special is going on today.”

Big Mac then began to stammer with an idea, “You think… well… maybe she’s.” and he gestured at his stomach. Buddy shot that idea down too, “She’s not; believe me. When she was pregnant with Seedling, she was twice as affectionate, and besides, we’re not ready to have another kid yet.” he paused and thought, “…Or maybe we are.”

Still, he rubbed his eyes, “Why is she doing this? Maybe she wants something for me, and she’s trying to butter me up.”

“Well, you better ask her.” suggested Applejack “It’s the best way I know how to get the answer.”

Just then, her father whistled to the trio. “Hey, ya’ll. What’cha standing there for? We got some crops to look after. It’s almost harvest time.”

The trio shook their tails and headed back to work, but Buddy was still wondering how his wife was doing.

Meanwhile, Planet Iceinia was facing a crisis…!

Because of all the attacks, chaos, and damage resulting from the war, much of the planet had been scorched and blasted up, resulting in crops and food sources to be ruined! Thus, the people of Iceinia were on the verge of a supply shortage.

“Mommy… I’m hungry!” a little boy cried.

“I know, dear.” the mother replied. “We’ll have to make do with what we’ve got.”

Other denizens were complaining as well.

“I can’t fill myself with such a pitiful lot!”

“This war is getting out of hand.”

“I ought to leave this place.”

“I need a place that has adequate food supplies.”

The Ice-Guards on patrol reported back to Blizzord. “How dare they consider leaving!” he growled.

“But sire,” Smark interjected “The crops are all perishing, and the dangers of being struck from above-- you can’t blame them for wanting to go.”

Blizzord still would not have it. “I have lost good and plenty enough. I will not have my subjects desert me. Let anyone who dares to suggest it again be severely punished!”

Smark couldn’t believe his floppy ears. How could the king be so cold towards his own subjects-- not that it was a real mystery.

Suddenly, Blizzord had an idea. “Starfleet! They’re bound to have plenty of crops. Perhaps if we send a monster to obtain them.”

“I know sure the one.” said Smark, “And if it works, not only will get crops, but we may also get a few soldier units to join us in our cause as well.”

Blizzord smiled wickedly, his icy teeth shimmering sickeningly, which made Smark grin too.

“What are you smiling for?” Blizzord hissed. “GO GET THAT MONSTER!!”

Smark nearly leapt out of his skin and hurried off.

“Where is it? Where is it?” he panicked as he scrambled through the monster badges for the right one. “Ah! There it is.”

The monster carving on the badge was that of a large mountain with a blizzard blowing like crazy. “This’ll give Starfleet one heck of a chill.”

Far away from the farmlands, Tree Hugger’s Yoga class was taking place in the lush green meadows outside of New Ponyville, where the air was sweet and warm, and the silence was beautiful.

Her students were the Cutiemark, Crusaders of course, and a few others.

Lightning, Starla, and Krysta were in this morning’s class, feeling they needed a little relaxation, and they invited Pyron and Glaceia to join them as well, wanting them to share in it and take their minds off all the stress and worry of the war.

As for the children, Shining Light, Twinkle Shine, and Seedling, they were all having naps on a picnic blanket away from the group, but Starla kept turning her head every few seconds to see they were safe.

Tree Hugger instructed everyone, “Big breath in now… slowly… niiiiiice.”

Every inhaled as she told them.

“Hold it right in the center. Let heart and lungs be one, and let it flow…” she exhaled ever so slowly, and her students did the same.

“And reach way up, and let the sun seep into your fingers, spread all through the bod… like warm water entering the skin, and feel that bliss on the waves.”

Pyron and Glaciea thought her smooth hippie talk was strange, but they just followed the instructions.

“Ooooooouuuuuuummmmmm…!” Tree Hugger’s voice sent soothing soundwaves through everyone’s heads, bringing forth extreme relaxation.

Soon, class was over, and the students all packed up and left, but the friends stayed behind to help Tree Hugger take her personal Yoga mats back home.

“That was wonderful.” said Pyron. “I have never felt such relaxation before. I used to spar with my father’s guards to calm myself all the time.”

Lightning and Starla shook their heads in dismay.

“As much as we enjoy a good spar… that’s… not exactly a good way to relax.” said Lightning.

“What about you, Glaceia?” asked Starla, but then she remembered, “Oh, wait…”

Glaceia confirmed, “Though I was confined by my father’s heartlessness, I learned to find peace within my crafting and arts.”

Pyron placed his hand over his love’s shoulder and smiled almost apologetically at her.

“Too bad your fathers can’t learn to chill like this.” said Krysta. Everyone agreed with what she had said.

“It would have saved all our worlds a great deal of trouble if they had.” sighed Pyron.

The Crusaders helped gather up the mats.

“There you go, Tree Hugger.” said Applebloom. “Tree Hugger?” but Tree Hugger was lost in a rather blushing daze.

“Is she alright?” asked Sweetie.

Scootaloo waved her hand before her face and snapped her fingers, but Tree Hugger didn’t even give a flicker.

DD chuckled, “She’s okay. She’s just thinking about Bud again.”

“Aww…” her friends all said.

The combined frequencies of their voices finally snapped Tree Hugger awake. “Whoa! How long was I in the zone for?”

The girls could only giggle.

DD had to ask, “What’s with you? Why are you being so affectionate today?”

Tree Hugger motioned her and the girls to come in closer, and she whispered why, which made the girls sigh heavenly.

“That is just the sweetest.” said Applebloom, and she gave a sniffle.

“Don’t do that, or I just may cry.” teased Sweetie.

Everyone headed back to the farmlands. Lightning and company came along to, to see if they could help with the big harvest.

As Supreme Commander and Supreme General, Lightning and Starla had to make inspections anyway-- to see if the lands were being run properly and if the community was sound.

Little Seedling, though barely two years-old, skipped happily along the grass towards Buddy.

“Daddy! Daddy!”

Buddy scooped his little daughter up in his arms and pecked her sweetly on the cheek, “Ahh… how’s my little dandelion?”

Seedling could only giggle and coo.

“Hey…” called DD, and she and Bud high fived.

“How was class?”

“Ah, the usual.” replied DD.

Applebloom went off to help her folks with more chores, while and her friends went off to put the Yoga mats away, as well as play with Shining Light and keep watch over him while the grownups worked. Starla gave Twinkle to the girls to babysit while she did her work-- She trusted them, and the girls were old enough.

Buddy set Seedling down and she ran off after all her friends.

Buddy sighed, “That’s my girl.”

“You mean our little girl.” Tree Hugger said as she came up behind her husband.

Buddy looked deep into his wife’s eyes becoming lost in them. The others all saw this as a sign to go along their way and let couple have their moment.

No sooner had they gone, Buddy prepared to ask his wife the reason of her overly affectionate attitude, only for her to throw her arms around him and pull him into another deep kiss, falling to the ground, off-screen, and more green hearts floated upward again.

Buddy could have easily pushed her off, but he just didn’t have the heart, especially when overwhelmed in this current warmth and numbness of his wife’s affection.

Meanwhile, while Pyron and Glaceia were taking a romantic and private walk out in the orchards…

…Lightning and Starla carried out the inspection of the Springtime Crops.

Certain Crops either only grew or grew better during times of the year, and the ground had to be inspected for proper planting of other crops.

“Eeyup, the job’s never done.” said Applejack. “No sooner do we plow, plant, and harvest, then there’s another slew of it to be done. That, and with all the crops that grow perfectly all year long… you can imagine what it’s like in the Fall.”

Lightning checked off his clipboard and said, “Well, you certainly do well, and New Ponyville is proud and happy for you to supply a good source of produce.”

Starla agreed, and teased, “Not bad for a farmland that’s only named well for apples.”

“Now, you hold your horses, ma’am.” said Applejack “Just because we love Apples and are best known for them, don’t mean we can’t produce others too.” Then she realized, “Why I am telling y’all this? Y’all ready knew.”

Everyone laughed at the gag.

Then they carried with Krysta wondering, “…Any idea why Tree Hugger’s all lovey-dove with Buddy?”

“Eh… it ain’t my business to snoop,” said Applejack “But I’m sure he’ll get it.”

Tree Hugger and Buddy finally stood up, and Buddy felt all swoony. Then he finally had to ask. “Okay, hon… what are you after?”

Tree Hugger looked confused, “Pardon?”

“…I think you’re after something. That’s why you’ve been all super hype of love on me.”

Tree Hugger blinked at him. “Ummm… I’m just doing it because I love you. There’s no condition.”

Buddy wasn’t buying. “Come on. Just tell me what it is, and we’ll see what can be done.”

His wife insisted, “Like, really… it’s just that. I just love you. That’s all. Nothing wrong with that, eh?”

Buddy was starting to grow impatient, “No, seriously! Tell me what it is?”

Now she was starting to feel a bit uneasy. “Ummm… you’re starting to make me feel a bit unbalanced. I think I’m going to go get lunch ready.” and she went off without saying another word.

Buddy would have protested, but he began to feel if he had offended her.

Suddenly, Tree Hugger stopped before the door of the house. “Whoa…!” she groaned, and she began to sway.

“Honey!” cried Buddy as he rushed over, but his wife didn’t keel over. “What is it?”

She softly rubbed her head and said, “I feel something majorly uncool. The vibes in the air are turning cold, and the sonic waves are vibrating with the senses of Downsville.”

Buddy knew her hippie-talk; she was saying that something felt wrong someone-- something dangerous!

Inside the house, Sweetie and Scootaloo played with Shining Light and Seedling in the living room, while DD was feeding Seedling a bottle from the diaper bag Starla had given.

DD had experience in baby care, and she cooed at Twinkle, “Aww, you little squirt; just like when Seedling was this small.”

The baby just kept drinking like the sweetheart she was.

Meanwhile, Sweetie was showing the other kids a picture book. “See this? This big hill is called a mountain.”

“Mountain.” Shining and Seedling both said.

Scootaloo grinned at how smart the kids seemed, and she guided them over to the window, which had a perfect view of the fields and the acres beyond. “Okay, you two… can you point to me a mountain out there.”

It was no difficult task, seeing as in the distance there were loads of small mountains, and Shining Light pointed one out straight away. “That’s a mountain.”

“Hey, that’s pretty good.” said Sweetie, but as she and Scootaloo looked off at the mountain in the distance…

“Is it… moving…?” asked Sweetie.

“It is!” cried Scootaloo.

“What’s up?” asked DD, and her friends pointed at the faraway mountain, prompting DD to look through binoculars she used for stargazing and birdwatching. “…It’s coming this way!”

“What’s that?” Buddy asked as he and Tree Hugger came inside.

The alarms sounded, causing every farmer in the land to drop what they were doing, and turn to look at the oncoming phenomenon.

“Am I seeing what I think I’m seeing?!” wailed Bright Mac.

Pear Butter was trembling. “Since when does a mountain move like that?”

Lightning and the co were far from deceived.

“Get inside where it’s safe.” said Lightning, and then he gazed at the others, and they looked ready for actions.

Soon, all the civilians were inside, and the trio transformed.

“Starfleet Magic!”

“Harmony Hour, Friendship Power!”

Then the fighters flew off.

“Good luck, sis.” Applebloom said for Applejack.

As the fighters neared the danger zone, they were soon joined by Buddy. “It’s heading straight for the main orchard!” he cried.

Something inside Applejack snapped, “That’s where the family’s best apples grow!” and she sped on ahead.

“Applejack!” hollered Lightning.

“Let’s move!” shouted Starla, and the team sped on ahead.

As they all got in closer, Krysta noticed, “It’s floating a few inches off the ground!” This explained why there were no quakes or trembles, or even any paths of destruction on the ground behind the mountain, but as it proceeded, it began to knock over regular trees and frightened the birds and wildlife away.

Suddenly, the mountain landed with a loud and fierce thud that shook the land hard. All the farmers in their homes rocked with the quake, and apples fell off the trees.

“No!!” cried Applejack. Now, she was really peeved and ready for some action. “Whatever this thingy is… YOU’VE MESSED WITH THE WRONG APPLES!!”

She was about to dive in closer, when the mountain suddenly unleashed a blast of freezing twisters at the group, blowing them all backwards in the air.

“Since when does a mountain blast wind like that?” wailed Krysta.

“…It’s not a mountain.” Lightning said. He had already scanned it with his visor and all the evil energy readings confirmed, “…It’s a monster!”

Everyone went wide-eyed. “Talk about a Mountain of trouble!” said Starla.

The mountain then spouted massive glowing eyes, and though it had no visible mouth, it laughed in a deep and booming voice. “Starfleet, you have met your match! You haven’t a chance against me.”

The fighters were far from deterred.

“We’ve taken on bigger foes.” said Lightning, but he also had his suspicions when reading the mountain’s structure with his visor. “His defense is extremely high; I don’t think basic attacks will work.”

“We can try.” said Buddy.

Starla nodded, “STAR BOW!” and she armed her shot, “STARLIGHT ARROW!”

“UNIFORCE!” Lightning unleashed a wave of power.

The others all unleashed their own magical streams-- Krysta from her wand, Buddy from his horn, and Applejack, unleashing her inner harmony aura.

The massive blasts headed straight towards the mountain monster, but the huge eyes of the creature glowed, and it unleashed massive winds with snow and ice, intercepting the blasts and blowing them up, and others struck the rocky surface, but did little to no damage at all.

“It’s too solid!” cried Starla. “It’s like firing a peashooter at a steel wall.”

“Then we’ll just have to get in closer!” said Lightning.

“Just what I wanted to hear.” said Applejack.

As the fighters dove in for a closer shot, the mountain laughed, “Futile!” and then, from the peak, spouted a massive flow of snow and ice, in huge chunks like meteors!

“Look out!!” cried Buddy. Everyone was forced to dodge the oncoming ice rocks, which crashed down below striking the trees and killing more of the produce.

“Ah, shucks!” cried Applejack. “If this keeps up, there won’t be enough apples for the spring!”

More meteors headed for the other fields, smashing up the other crops.

“No!!” cried Buddy. Seeing all the crops getting hurt crushed his heart, not to mention he hearts of all the farmers in the land.

Lightning wouldn’t allow this anymore. “I’ll be right back!”

“Lightning!” Starla shouted, but he had already flown off.

Lightning quickly cast many large Uniforce walls up to prevent the meteors from going further out into the fields.

“Nice move, Lightning!” cheered Applejack.

“That’ll protect the fields.” said Buddy, “But there’s still the orchard below. We can’t shield that while the mountain’s already here.”

Starla scanned with her visor, “The temperature’s falling with all this snow!”

Buddy and Applejack felt turns in their stomachs. The trees wouldn’t be able to stand the sudden drop in temperature.

“Hey! Look down there!” cried Krysta. Everyone looked and could see, down below, a swarm of Ice-Guards were rounding up the fallen apples, as if to take them back to Iceinia!

Applejack shouted at the top of her lungs, “Hey… Ya theievin’ rustlers…! Put those down!” and she charged down after them with a look to destroy.

“Applejack!” Buddy hollered as he rushed down to help her.

The Ice-Guards looked up just in time as the two ponies rushed past, knocking them all down and spilling the apples everywhere.

Applejack gave a loud shout, and she punched, kicked, and bashed many of the guards like crazy. “Ain’t nobody messes with the Apple Family crops!”

Buddy was surprised by her force but kept concentrated and battled more of the guards himself, but the guards soon began to fight back, throwing their spears at the fighters, striking them hard and making sparks fly.

“They’re surrounded!” cried Krysta.

“Let’s get down there and help them.” said Lightning, but before he or the others could go… the mountain monster roared and unleashed another wave of ice meteors to distract them.

Starla and Lightning dodged and swerved around the rain of rocks, and took a moment to smash and kick others, while Krysta was about to swerve and evade the huge stones with ease, but the snow was starting to become blinding!

The fighters were able to see through their visors on infrared, but Krysta, “I… I can’t see!” she wailed, and then a small rock flew in and sent her flying off into the storm.

“KRYSTA!!” Lightning wailed.

Down below, Buddy and Applejack were forced on their feet and held down as other guards prepared to strike, only for Pyron to leap in out from the blinding snow and slice their spears with his sword. The blizzard was no chance for his warmth.

Glaceia was there too, concealed within the snowstorm which she could navigate through with ease-- being a cold-being herself. She stood atop a small slope and rolled one of the large ice rocks that had crashed down the hill, smashing into the guards.

This gave Applejack and Buddy their chance to escape and fightback the remaining soldiers.

“Are you alright?” Pyron called.

“Yeah, we are now.” answered Buddy. “Thanks a lot for saving us.”

“…We’ve got to stop this overgrown hillside!” insisted Applejack. “If we don’t, all of New Sweet Apple Acres will be frozen!”

Glaceia, having a little knowledge of the mountain monster, called up to Lightning and Starla, “You must find the monster badge and destroy it, but first, blind it’s huge eyes to stop the snow!”

Lightning and Starla nodded, and they flew in closer towards the mountain’s huge eyes.

“Wait for us!” called Buddy, and he and Applejack flew up to join them.

Lightning couldn’t help but gaze off into the storm hoping that Krysta was all right!

Starla felt bad too, but she urged him to come along and focus on the objective.

“Start scanning for the monster badge.” said Lightning.

“It’s got to be somewhere.” added Starla.

The monster growled and unleashed more freezing winds at everyone.

Glaceia was blown off her feet. Pyron managed to push through the winds to help his love. “We must get away from here!” he shouted to her.

“I’ll try!”

They both trudged through the storm together.

“There is no escape…!” bellowed the monster, and he prepared to unleash more meteors.

“Oh, no you don’t!” bellowed Lightning, and he could see the monster’s huge eyes up ahead of him, and he took great aim at the large rocks about the lids.

“UNIFORCE!”

“PULSAR LASER!”

Both he and Starla fired their beams at the rockface. BOOM! Big explosions erupted and loads of rock and dust came down over the monster’s huge eyes blinding him to the point where he roared. His booming voice rocked the land!

The farmers and their families were all shaken inside their homes.

“What in plumb’s going on out there?!” wailed Bright Mac.

Twinkle cried in fear, but DD held her softly and comforted her. “Easy, sweetie. It’s okay. It’ll be alright.”

“Sure, it will.” cried Shining Light, but he was trembling under the stress, and Seedling was crying in fear like Twinkle. Sweetie and Scootaloo comforted them both and prayed that everything would be fine soon.

Tree Hugger gazed out the window with worry in her eyes, “Come on, Bud…!”

As promised, the storm began to lift, and it became easier to see.

“I think I got something,” cried Buddy as his visor locked onto what they were all looking for. “There’s the monster badge! It’s right near the peak.”

“Well, let’s go blow it to bits.” said Applejack.

The four fighters rocketed up to the peak of the mountain, and just as the target came into view, the peak began to go crazy, launching more meteors and strong gales at everyone.

“Even with my eyes shut, I can still stop you!” the mountain laughed.

The badge was surrounding by powerful whirlwinds that blew off any attempt to get near it, and any blast or shot to be deflected. Not that it mattered, as the fighters were busy swerving and dodging the oncoming meteors.

During that time, the monsters managed to blink off the dust and debris around his eyes. That’s when he began to conjure up another killer snowstorm making it harder to see again and strengthening the force of the winds at the peak.

“Not again!” groaned Stala.

Suddenly, Applejack had an idea, now that everyone was closer to the mountain’s surface, “…Let’s all slam the ground together.”

At first everyone was confused, but Lightning immediately caught on and he agreed. “On my mark…!

Three…

Two…

…One!”

Everyone dove down hard with their feet pointing straight down.

WHAMM!! They all struck the ground hard causing a massive tremor to spread across the mountain.

“WHOAA-AAA-AAH!!” the monster bellowed as he felt cracks and crevasses spreading all over him.

The tremors caused the winds and the storm to disrupt, creating large weak spots and openings in the storms.

“I see the badge!” cried Buddy, and he quickly grabbed his Vine Whip and powered up his finisher. “WHIPLASH STRIKE!” He cracked the whip hard, sending it straight through an opening and hit the badge, breaking it to pieces!

“NOOOOOOO!!!” The monster roared as he felt himself breaking up!

“Let’s split!” shouted Lightning, and everyone leapt high up into the air as the mountain began to crumple away, but the wave of boulders and rocks began to fall and roll downhill, straight towards the orchard!

“The Apple Trees!” wailed Applejack, but her fears were soon relaxed as she saw strong warping portals appear.

Lightning could see… “Krysta!”

She had survived the meteor hitting her and had proceeded to round up some of her fairies. Together, they all created portals for the avalanche to fall through instead of into the trees.

The rocks vanished through the portals, and were sent off to the New Badlands where they were melted into lava for the dragons to play in.

The last of the snow vanished, and all that was left was the weakened Ice-Guard laying flat on the ground. He managed to struggle to his feet hoping to make a retreat, but he knew he was finished when the four officers landed right by him with stern expressions, and he surrendered willfully.

Still, there was a lot of damage done to the fields much to Applejack and Buddy’s sore hearts.

Blizzord heard of the Mountain’s defeat, and he was not pleased, much to Smark’s confusion.

“But sire…” he whimpered “He destroyed a great deal of the crops. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

Blizzord looked ready to burst into a snow blizzard himself, “What I wanted was for those crops to be brought here to Iceinia!! Now how am I supposed to convince my people not to leave?!”

“Well, you could…”

“Don’t you give me any ideas, you stumpy little shrimp! You’ve caused me enough brain freeze for one day.”

Smark was harshly dismissed, leaving him feeling hurt and angry on the surface, but the moment he was alone in his quarters, he smirked and snickered, “It’s almost time…”

He got out his magic orb and contacted his colleague on the other end.

“That’s right… We’re only a few steps away. Then we can say farewell to Blizzord and Flareous too-- those lug heads!”

He paused as his friend spoke, though only audibly to him, “…Yeah, I can’t wait to see their faces when they learn the truth.”

The damage was all inspected it wasn’t much of a victory. Buddy and some of the farmers were able to repair the damaged trees and plants, but one third of all the crops were lost from being prematurely knocked off the plants, not being able to handle cold and snow.

Bright Mac decided it wasn’t too serious. “Well, I guess we’re just going to have to cut back a little-- even out what we’ve got and sell what we can.”

Pear Butter sighed, “Rotten, evil, punks… messin’ up our lands like this.”

Big Mac and Applebloom sighed and hung their heads low.

Still, everyone in the farmlands were grateful for Starfleet driving the evil away, or things would have been much worse.

The cleanup was done, and budgets were balancing. It was best to forget about it, especially after lunch, Tree Hugger served her family and friends well, but especially Buddy-- she practically gave him three different coursed, a meal fit for a king.

“Feeling better now?” asked Lightning.

“Ohh…” Buddy said as he rubbed his belly, “Well, I sure feel full.”

“I’ll say,” teased Krysta “You must’ve eaten like Ten Horses.”

Everyone shared a laugh, and Buddy then noticed Tree Hugger in the kitchen, washing the dishes. Though they had a dishwasher, she loved doing it by hand, and Buddy thought back to what she had told him earlier, of her affectionate attitude…

…And especially now that she had given him such a huge helping of food.

Later that night, he was lying in bed thinking deeply, and with a loving smile on his face. Then his wife came over and climbed into bed with him. She turned out the light, and as she turned to kiss her husband good night, Buddy quickly turned his face and captured her lips with his.

She was surprised, and blinked her eyes, but then closed them and returned his kiss deeply and lovingly.

When they separated, Tree Hugger felt woozy in a warm way. “Wow! Like… what was that for?”

Buddy placed his hand over hers and said, “Because… I love you.” the very words she said to him all day. “I get it now… You were doing all this stuff today because you felt like it.” Then he looked remorseful. “I’m sorry I was such a creep to you today.”

As usual, she was chill with it, “It’s totally cool, and I’m glad you dig it now. You don’t need too much of a reason to shower the one you love with all this.

I find it soothing, and grooving. I got loads of love in me to give.”

Buddy felt really warm inside as gazed deeply into his wife’s eyes. Their lips came together again, and they both slowly disappeared under the covers, followed by pleasant moaning, and more green hearts floating in the air, which were joined by red hearts representing Buddy’s affection.

The hearts floated across the bedroom and under the shut door, which DD could see as she passed by holding Seedling as she took her to bed.

“Wha dat…?” Seedling asked pointing at the hearts below, but DD insisted, “Um… I don’t think it’s that important.” She knew better than to expose a child to what was happening in there.

(Promo)

In our next episode: Swift is ready for his date with Blitzy-- going to incredible and rather crazy lengths to ensure that everything works out-- which may turn bad when mixed messages cause him doubt, and when Flareous and Blizzord send a creature together to disable people’s brains, making them unable to resist or defend themselves.

Will Swift get his date, or will things fall apart from the brain and all?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Freezer Burn Brain.”)

Episode 19: Freezer Burn Brain

EPISODE NINETEEN

It was a lovely Saturday morning, and Starla was up and changing Twinkle’s diaper. Taking a moment to tickle her daughter’s little tummy.

Then she reached under the table for a clean diaper, only to find there were no spare packs in the niche below.

“I thought we just…” she stopped when she saw Shining Light next to her, holding up a fresh pack of diapers, and with an innocent look on his face that said he wanted to help too.

Starla smiled at her son, and she brought him forward and pecked him on the head.

Soon, Twinkle was all changed with her diaper and cooing happily.

“Aww, look at you.” Stala cooed, and she pecked her daughter sweetly on the cheek.

“I give her kiss too.” said Shining Lightning, and he leaned in a pecked his sister which made her reach up for him and giggle.

“Oh, you two…” sighed Starla.

Lightning came in and asked, “How’s everything here? We all changed?”

“Yes, and I helped.” said Shining.

“Aww, that’s a good boy.” his father said as he proudly stroked his son’s mane.

Just then, there was a knock at the house door downstairs. “Oh! That’ll be Swift Star delivering his report.”

He excused himself from his family and went downstairs. He answered the door and saluted to Swift. “Good morning, Lieutenant.”

Swift saluted back, “Good morning, sir.” and he handed him the file with his weekly report in it.

“Do you have a minute to come in?”

Swift shook his head, “I got a lot of preparing to do for tonight.”

“Oh, that’s right; your date with Blitzy.”

Swift nodded, “I’ve got it all laid out-- half-a-dozen, reservations at the New Ponyville Grand Restaurant, and followed by a romantic aerial carriage ride under the stars.”

Lightning blinked widely. “Wow! That’s a bit much for a first date.”

Swift didn’t mind at all. “I just want everything to be nice and perfect.” Then he headed off, dancing in the streets, he was too excited and happy to just walk.

Along the way, he stopped off at various locations…

-The Florists, to make sure that his order of roses was still on hold…

-The Restaurant to make sure the reservations were still confirmed…

-And the carriage rides, again, for a confirmation…

…To which all the managers would reply. “Yes! Now, stop asking!”

Ever since Blitzy agreed to go out, Swift had been driving himself crazy with the arrangements and obsessed with everything being perfect. He had checked for confirmation so many times that week, the managements were all growing irritable.

“Oh, no!” he cried upon realizing, “I have to check if my tuxedo is ready!” and he headed off for Carousel Boutique.

Rarity was watering the flowers in one of the window planters, when she could see Swift coming up the street, causing her to panic and retreat inside!

“Oh, no! Not again!” she groaned.

“Rarity?” Spike called “What’s the ma-aaaaaaa--!” was all he managed to get out as he wife grabbed him, holding him down below the window and whispering, “Shhhhh… Pretend we’re not here!”

Spike got the drift, especially when he could see in the full mirror across the room which showed Swift’s reflection. “How many times is he going to do this?”

“Shhh!” said Rarity, and there was a knock at the door.

The “Closed” sign was clearly on the door, but Swift knew this was a social call. “Hello?” he called. “Rarity? Spike? I’m just coming to check on my suit.”

Rarity and Spike laid low, not answering, and hoping he’d go away, but unfortunately for them, Twilight Sparkle Scales was walking along, unsupervised towards the door.

“Twilight!” Spike called softly. Rarity nervously chattered on her claws.

The moment Swift saw the little toddler through the window, he knew the parents had to be around.

The couple then faked it, and Rarity answered the door.

“Yes, Swift.” She said trying to sound professional.

Swift noted the long time she took to come to the door and grew suspicious, but he asked for his suit, “Will it be ready tonight?”

Trying to keep calm, Rarity called for Spike, “Darling, will you go and fetch his suit…” then she grumbled, “…Which I told him I had ready two days ago!”

“What’s that?”

“Oh, um… nothing… nothing at all. Do try and act civil with your superior officer!”

Now Swift was taken back a little, even Spike was as he showed up with Swift’s freshly tided suit.

“Um… thank you… General.” Swift said, and he left mumbling, “Some people are so hyper.” Then he felt, “Maybe I should check on those reservations again.”

Meanwhile, Flareous and Blizzord had summoned Smark and Keltar before them. Each of them bellowing the same demands as always.

“Get me a monster…”

“…and bring Starfleet fighters here so I may recruit them!”

“My patience is wearing thin!”

“UNDERSTAND?!!”

The two henchmen understood, and both were incredibly annoyed with their respective kings.

They both searched through the monster badge collections while grumbling insults.

“…Flimsy, Flaming Fool!” growled Keltar.

“That Crooked, Cold-Headed, Creep!” muttered Smark.

Suddenly, they each found a particular monster badge and thought, “Yeah, this will do perfectly.”

Keltar held up his badge snickering, “This monster will burn their brains out!”

Smark held up his own badge, “This creature will freeze them right on the spot. Then it’ll be easier to bring them all here.”

They quickly summoned one Flame-Guard and one Ice-Guard to wear the badge.

Each guard turned into a humanoid creature, with shoulder-pads, armor, and special powers of fire and ice-- one could shoot fireballs, and the other could unleashing special freezing winds that could cause someone to freeze on the spot where they stood.

Unfortunately, when the two forces headed through invisiports to United Equestria-- landing in the open countries where no one would see them-- neither Keltar nor Smark realized they were not alone…!

“Okay, get to work.” Keltar said to his monster.

“Go out there and get those ponies for me.” said Smark.

“Yes, sir.” the monsters complied.

The two monsters rushed out into the open at the same time, only to crash into each other by surprise.

“Hey!” cried Keltar.

“What’s going on?” wailed Smark.

The two monsters had collided into each other so hard, causing the monster badges to merge into one, thus fusing the two separate monsters into a bigger, stronger, and more fearsome beast!

This new creature had large horns on the side of his head, a two-toned face-- one side orange, the other icy blue. He had four arms, with sharp claws, spikes on his shoulder pads, strong armor, and a deep, growling voice.

“I am now, Freeze Burn.” he bellowed. “Cold as a blizzard, hot as volcano… I will seize everything in my sights!”

Keltar and Smark were astounded by this new creature, and rather than take notice of each other in the area, they merely brushed it off and decided to leave their new creature to its own devices.

Meanwhile, Lightning and Starla were taking Shining Light to the playground, and Twinkle was with them of course. Lightning had to leave almost immediately.

“You have fun, sport.” he said to his son, “Daddy has to go run an errand now, but I’ll be back soon. So, you listen to Mommy, okay?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

Lightning smiled and then pecked his daughter and his wife.

“Where are you going?” asked Starla.

“Swift’s. I went through his report, and there’s a page missing.”

Starla shook her head in dismay. “He’s really obsessed with this date.”

Lightning nodded, and he was off.

As Starla kept watch over her children, she noticed Pyron and Glaceia sitting on another park bench away from her own. They looked sad.

She got up and walked over with Twinkle in her arms.

“Hi there, folks.”

“Hello, Starla.” said Glaceia. She sounded down in the dumps.

“Forgive my prying but is everything alright?” asked Starla. Pyron answered, “I had wished to have a lovely romantical evening with Glaceia this evening, and yet no matter wherever we went it was no use-- every place was full, and reservation was impossible for tonight.”

Starla felt sorry for the couple, but then she told them, “You know, you don’t need to get all fancy to have a romantic evening.”

The couple was most intrigued, and she continued to explain.

“I enjoy a fancy time out, myself, once-in-while, but the most important thing of all is just being with each other and having a wonderful time.”

She recalled how when she and Lightning only just started dating, a long time ago, they went to simple places, like walks in the park, theme parks, simple restaurants.

Starla felt herself becoming lost in love with her memories, “Though it was all so simple, it didn’t matter to me… I was in love, and I was having fun hanging with Lightning, and getting to know him in so many new ways.

I didn’t feel I could ever need or want anything too fancy, though it was nice when it did happen.”

Pyron and Glaceia were astounded by this, having been raised a warrior and a prisoner, they heard of such common ways to please one’s love.

“Do you believe it would work with us?” asked Pyron.

Starla cocked her head in an “I don’t know” sign and said, “…Only one way to find out.”

The couple gazed at one another.

“I think we should try it.” said Galceia, and Pyron agreed.

Swift was walking through town, impatiently counting down the time until his date with Blitzy… by the very minutes and second. “Seven hours, forty-two minutes, and twenty-eight seconds to go.”

He noticed the big town clock far away; its minute hand moved a tiny little tick over. “Forty-one minutes now! GAH!! I wish it was time already, I can’t stop thinking about this! I’ve got to get a grip on myself.”

He was about to turn a corner, when saw Dr. Penny standing and talking with Blitzy, both on a break from the hospital, at the same stop.

“I’m really looking forward to this date.” Blitzy said, “And to think… I’m dating a Starfleet Officer.”

Penny giggled, “Well, Swift is very sweet, even if he seems stern and strict when he has to be, but I’m sure he’ll treat you well.”

Swift heard them, and he couldn’t help but give a smug expression.

But then he heard Penny say “…Or he could be one of those over-the-top mushy, gushy type.”

Blitzy giggled, “I saw many creatures like that in my travels. They always took it far for the sweethearts, turning into these lovey-dovey, fancy-pants.

Flowers, expensive restaurants, formal clothes, romantic rides…”

The ladies chuckled as they walked down the street, not noticing that Swift heard everything, and he was aghast. “What have I done?! Blitzy doesn’t like any of the stuff I’ve arranged?!”

He was now in an even greater panic than he was, not bothering to stop and think about what he was about to do next. “Time for some damage control!”

He dashed all around town and canceled all his arrangements-- the flowers, the restaurant, the carriage rides. This sent all the managers up the wall with frustration!

“First he checks in a million times…”

“Then he cancels…?!”

“Some people are just so hyper!”

Swift even rushed home and tucked his tuxedo in the closet and out of sight. He was out of breath and spinning in circles, and he fell on his bed with such a thud, the airwaves blew a small piece of paper off his desk nearby.

“Huh?” He picked up, and gasped! It was a page from the report he gave to Lightning earlier. “…I was so busy planning for the date I missed it!”

Though he was already tired from running around, he decided to rush it to Lightning right away. He dashed out the door…

…and CRASH!! ran straight into Lightning just as he was about to knock-- having noticed the paper was missing from the report.

Passersby saw the commotion, including Rarity and Spike as they were walking with Twilight.

“Whoa!” cried Spike.

“Oh, dear!” wailed Rarity.

The two men were flat on the ground with stars spinning around their heads, and the paper flopped onto Lightning’s chest.

“Sorry… sir.” groaned Swift.

“…No… problem.” said Lightning.

Rarity and Spike rushed over to help their friends up. “Are you two alright?” asked Spike.

“Just peachy.” Lightning grumbled as he brushed off his uniform and adjusted his cap.

Swift felt ashamed.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, ponies were going about their business, doing their work, hanging out, or other things…

…When suddenly…!

Magical freeze beams struck them, enveloping their bodies in icy glows, and they all froze right on the spot, unable to move, unable to even scream or make a sound.

Passersby began to scream in panic, only to, suddenly, be frozen themselves too.

Freeze Burn laughed wickedly. “What’s the matter-- having a little brain-freeze?”

The civilians still couldn’t move to call out for help.

“Soon Starfleet will arrive on the scene.” hissed Freeze Burn “And then I shall freeze them into place and…” he paused and chuckle “…Then we’ll really have a Hot Chillout!”

“You did what?!” Lightning snapped at Swift, when he and the others were told about Swift canceling his plans for that night.

“Are you crazy?!” Spike asked.

“Like I said…” Swift stated, “I heard Blitzy, she said she didn’t like all that mushy stuff. So, I cancelled it all.”

Rarity did all she could to keep calm from the shocking news she had heard. “Darling… as a lady, I must tell you, we never always mean what we say.”

Swift blinked in confusion, and Spike explained, “It’s like when a woman tells you “Nothing is wrong.” Something is definitely wrong.”

“You’re saying… I shouldn’t have taken what Blitzy said seriously?” asked Swift.

Rarity and Spike shook their heads. “Trust me…” said Rarity “Perhaps you even misunderstood what she had said in the first place.”

Swift thought back to what he heard and deduced that while Blitz was making fun of all the mushy-gushy couples she spoke of, that didn’t automatically mean she, herself, thought mushy romance was lame.

“Oh, no!! What have I done?!” he groaned. “Now, I have to go get everything back on track! Damage Control the Damage Control!!” and he zipped off in a dash.

“Bye… Bye…” cooed Twilight.

“Oh, Galloping Galaxies! He’s really flipped.” groaned Lightning.

The others nodded in dismay.

…And poor Swift was in for a load of disappointment, because everywhere he went, he couldn’t get his plans back on track. Someone else had bought the roses he had on reserve, the restaurant was now completely booked, and even the carriage rides were full… The manager even chased him out-- overly annoyed that he kept coming back with such paranoia!

Now he was really in trouble. “I’ve got no gift! No reservations! I don’t even have any backup plans! UGH!! Why? Why?? Why???” of course he knew he had no one else to blame but himself.

He could see the town clock, which read six hours until his date! “What am I going to do now?”

The sound of the alarms made him jump up in fright. “Oh, terrific! As if I didn’t have enough problems!” but he rushed off to where the danger was coming from.

When he arrived on the scene, he couldn’t believe what he saw-- many civilians were all standing perfectly still in and off the streets and couldn’t move an inch, and this could not be any cheap trick!

Keltar and Smark were each hiding in different areas, unseen by all and even each other.

“This marvelous.” hissed Keltar.

“All these ponies frozen are sure to draw Starfleet out now.” snickered Smark.

Among all the civilians, there was a familiar face…

“Blitzy?!” cried Swift. It was her, frozen in place at a café table where she was having lunch. She sat in her chair raising her sandwich to her face, and she was stuck in the very pose.

“Blitzy!” he called to her, but she couldn’t answer him.

“It’s no good…” snarled a gruff voice.

Swift turned round and saw the evil creature. Freeze Burn laughed and motioned at all the motionless ponies in the streets. “See how they can’t make a move, can’t even cry out. That’s what will happen to you now!”

Swift narrowed his eyes, and the monsters then cast a freeze beam at him, which he dodged by leaping out of the way.

The shot hit a little birdy that was sitting on a wall ledge, and the poor little thing froze up on the spot, unable able to move an inch, and it just keeled over.

Swift had an immediate idea of how this worked. “That beam must freeze the brain sensors that control involuntary muscles!”

“Quit jumping around so much.” sneered the monster. “You should be honored to be the first Starfleet Officer to come with me back to Flareous and Blizzord!”

He shot another beam at Swift, which he avoided by spinning to the side.

By that time, the sentries had arrived on the scene and begun to carry the frozen civilians inside to safety.

“We’ll take it from here.” one of them called.

“Right.” Swift nodded, and then, “Power On!” he transformed. “Okay, now I’m ready for you!”

“Really?” sneered Freeze Burn, and then he unleashed powerful fire blasts making explosions all around, which Swift barely dodged. The explosions toppled some of the civilians over, but since they were frozen stiff, they couldn’t feel anything.

“You nearly hit those people!” shouted Swift, but the monster snickered without much care. “Well, maybe you should let me hit you then. Of course, you could make it easier and come willingly.”

Swift stood his ground.

“Very well then…” hissed Freeze Burn. “Perhaps you need more persuasion!” and he summoned forth both Ice and Flame-Guards. “Attack!”

Though the two sets of guards were enemies with each other, being artificial, they only obeyed their orders and went straight at Swift with their weapons ready.

Most of the sentries were far too busy gathering all the civilians, but a few joined Swift by his side to fend off the invaders.

“Ha!” Swift punched a guard hard in the gut and sent him crashing into a few others.

The sentries combated others with their lances or magic.

With the fighters distracted, the monster had a clear shot at Swift, but one of the sentries did see-- the monster preparing to freeze Swift on the spot.

“Yes!” Keltar cheered softly.

“Do it! Do it!” murmured Smark.

The freeze beam was fired, and the sentry rushed over and knocked Swift out of the way, and she, herself, was hit by the beam and froze on the spot.

“No!!” cried Swift.

The monster laughed. “That’s one officer down, and soon the rest of you will be just like her!”

Swift and the other sentries were furious, but they were still crowded with more of the guards lunging at them.

The other sentries moved in to take more of the frozen civilians away. “Stay where you are!” the monster bellowed, and he prepared to unleash his fire blasts, when suddenly he got shot at from above by Uniforce Pulse Blasts.

That’s when Lightning, Starla, Rarity, Spike, and Pyron all came onto the scene-- Glaceia stayed behind to look after the children and keep them all safe.

“Freeze!” Lightning shouted.

“No, YOU freeze!” shouted the monster, and he unleashed his freeze beams at the group, forcing them all to dodge.

“I have never seen nor heard this creature before.” cried Pyron.

Lightning’s scans determined why. “It’s a combo of two monster badges. That’s why.” He also calculated the monster’s freeze ray.

“Don’t let it hit you! You’ll be stuck on the spot!”

The others agreed and split off to help Swift and the Sentries, while Pyron, Lightning, and Starla faced the monster.

“DRAGON FLAME-WHEEL!” Spike rolled along in a flaming streak, bowling through a load of guards.

Rarity roared at the guards that came at her, and she punched, kicked, and slashed at them with her claws. “Scoundrels…! Fiends…! Degenerates!!” she bellowed.

Swift got up, and finally made it over to Blitzy, picking her up and taking her to a safer place. “Don’t worry, you’re going to be okay.” he assured her.

Though Blitzy could not move or answer, she was still conscious she was very grateful, and her cheeks were blushing softly.

The trio rushed at the monster, and Freeze Burn unleashed a barrage of fire blasts. The trios swerved and ran past in their dash, right up to him.

They attacked-- punching, kicking, and Pryon landed a single hit with his sword. Sparks flew, but the monster was hardly damaged. “Is that the best you have!” he laughed.

“No, but this is!” Lightning called and he unleashed more Uniforce pulse blasts

“STAR SHOWER!” Starla unleashed her baggage, making sparks and big explosions knocking the monster over, but he only seemed angrier than hurt.

“It’s no good!” cried Starla “As long as he’s combined, his strength is twice as powerful.”

“Well then, maybe we should double our power too.” suggested Lightning.

His wife agreed, and “Super-Mode, Activate!”

“Impressive!” hissed the monster, “But not by enough!” and he shot at the two ponies with his freeze beams, only for the blasts to have no effect at all. “What?!”

Lightning and Starla smirked at each other, and then they both dashed forth and punched the monster hard in the chest, knocking him back hard, and causing only minimal damage. He was still just as strong as they were, and he punched them both hard sending them both crashing hard through low walls, smashing the brickwork into rubble.

“No!!” cried Pyron, and then suddenly he screamed as he was hit by the freeze-beam. Lightning and Starla were immune, but he wasn’t!

Lightning and Starla both stood and saw too late. “PYRON!!” and before they could do anything, the monster grabbed the motionless warrior and held him hostage. “Stay back!” he shouted at the officers. “One false move, and I’ll destroy him.”

That didn’t make sense to the duo.

“Destroy him?!” cried Starla.

“He’s the son of Flareous…!” added Lightning.

The monster was stunned at first. If he destroyed him, Flareous would destroy him for certain.

“You’ll still have to go through him to get me!”

Spike and Rarity saw the commotion, and rushed in to try and help, but Freeze Burn turned swiftly, “Stop!”

And they did.

“I’ll take him back to Moltic. King Flareous shall reward me well.” Then he had another idea “Or maybe I could take him to Iceinia, and Blizzord can have him a prisoner, and he will be pleased.”

The monster then found himself conflicted with his choices, unsure of which way to go.

“Of course…” said Spike “He’s a fusion of two monsters-- one from each force. He’s still a mix of loyalties.”

Keltar and Smark were both outraged with their monster. Neither one of them seemed to like either idea of the prince being taken to either planet.

“If he brings Pyron back, my plan will flop!” whimpered Keltar.

“He can’t bring him to Blizzord!” murmured Smark “…That pathetic prince is part of my plan!”

Neither one of them made any attempt to jump out, for fear of being seen or caught, and they would both be doomed.

While the monsters were busy contemplating which way to go, he was quite distracted.

Lightning wiggled his fingers to signal the others, “Wait for it…”

The others held their ground, and suddenly, the monster roared in frustration and grabbed his head with all four of his arms… letting go of Pyron and letting him fall.

“GO!!” shouted Lightning, and he quickly sprinted in, grabbed Pyron in his arms, and sprinted out of the way as the others rushed in.

“Target the monster badge!” hollered Starla.

“Right!” Spike and Rarity shouted.

The monsters snapped back to his senses, and shot at the trio, but they dodged his every attack, every shot.

“Take this!” Rarity shouted, slashing at the badge with her claws, cracking it.

“And this…!” hollered Spike as he slashed the badge with his sword, damaging it further.

“And this too…” said Starla as she readied her bow, “GALACTIC PROJECTILE!”

POW!! She fired her finisher shot, striking the badge hard, destroying it completely. The monster wailed and roared. Then he fell over backwards and exploded, leaving the Flame Guard and the Ice Guard standing helplessly surrounded.

“My turn!” said Spike “DRAGON KNIGHT SABER IGNITE!” His sword enveloped in flames, and he double slashed, striking each guard, making them both explode—shrink down and be imprisoned in spheres.

“Great shot, Spike!” cheered Rarity.

Starla proudly nodded at the couple as well, and then she looked way over at Lightning, and he proudly nodded back at her.

With the monster gone, the effect of the freeze beam wore off, and Pyron was able to move again.

“Oh, my!” he groaned as he flexed his muscles.

“Are you okay?” asked Lightning.

“I believe so.” Pyron felt very ashamed. “…Some warrior I turned out to be. I cannot believe I let that happen.”

“Don’t beat yourself up.” said Starla.

“Yeah, it could’ve happened to any of us.” added Spike, but Rarity gave him a look that told him that didn’t exactly help.

“…Very well.” said Pyron. He didn’t feel so down anymore.

All the other civilians who were frozen were now freed as well, including Blitzy.

“You okay…?” Swift asked. His only response was the loving smile she gave him, which made his heart race, but the moment was broken when he was asked by the sentries to help with other civilians.

As for Keltar and Smark, they were outraged and shocked that Freeze Burn had failed.

“I don’t believe it!” they both said at the same time, which finally alerted them to the other’s presence.

They each gawked at each other from afar, but rather than act surprised, horrified, or even question what each other was doing there, they mere nodded at one another and then each vanished through an invisiport, back to their respective planets.

That night, at Six pm exactly, Swift was waiting at a corner stop for the transport port from New Canterlot, eagerly awaiting Blitzy’s arrival.

Rather than wearing his tuxedo, he wore a simple sweater and jacket and pants, and he had with him a single daisy he had bought from the Florist’s.

Finally, the portal opened, and many ponies got off, and the last one was Blitzy herself. She really looked pretty. Wearing a simple blue skirt, a purple turtleneck sweater, and ordinary shoes.

“Hey…” she said.

“Good evening.” Swift said with a smirk, and he handed her the single flower, which she accepted with honor. “Thank you.”

Swift nodded proudly. “Ready to go? I know a burger joint where you don’t need reservations.”

“Sounds good, and maybe after we can walk in the park? It’s a beautiful night.”

“I’d like that.”

Then off they went, and they had a wonderful time, and they weren’t the only ones…

Pyron and Glaceia had tried the same things they did. They went out to a simple place for dinner, had some fun at a simple street fair, and had a walk in the park too. They began to enjoy simple means of dating.

As for the others-- Blitz even looped her arm around Swift’s and rested her head on his shoulder, which made chills run up his spine, but he loved it, nonetheless.

Yet, Blitzy couldn’t help but gaze up at the stars, with a slightly grim expression.

“Are you okay?” Swift asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” she answered, but Swift had a feeling he knew what was troubling her, that she missed being a Space Doctor and travelling all over the cosmos like she had her whole life.

Rather than talk about it with her, Swift began to feel a bit uneasy. What would this do with his chances with her, and after such a lovely night too?

By the time to head home came along, Swift brought Blitzy back to the transport so she could head back to her home in New Canterlot.

“It’s been a wonderful night.” said Blitzy.

Swift blushed, and they were both lost in each other’s eyes, but they didn’t move in for a kiss--not on the first date, and they were both worried about the same things-- Blitzy’s obvious deep wishes to return to Outer Space.

Yet, Swift had to ask, “Think we can do this again sometime?”

Blitzy gave him a loving smile and pecked him on the cheek. “…I’d say that’s definite maybe.”

Then the ports announced the portals opening up for New Canterlot, and she had to leave immediately. “Good night.”

“Bye…” Swift said ever so softly while feeling the spot on his cheek where he was pecked.

Then she was gone, and Swift was left to walk home with a mix of emotions inside of him, but more worry and concern over all things.

“What if she decides to leave?” he thought, “I mean, sure it’s a need she has, and I can’t just tell her “No” but… gosh! What am I going to do?”

(Promo)

In our next episode: The time has come-- our heroes prepare to confront Flareous and Blizzord directly, but things take a turn for the worst when the two kings send an incredible force of soldiers, and Blitzy and Swift are kidnapped and taken hostage.

Will Starfleet fend off the enemy and save their friends?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Part 1: Tough Training”)

Episode 20: Part 1: Tough Training

EPISODE TWENTY

More Flame and Ice meteors were reported causing trouble all over the cosmos. Starfleet, and other races did their best to intercept these rouges, but some still managed to hit planets they were directed at, causing incredible amounts of damage…

Cities were flattened…

Forests were burned down…

Mountains were blowing to rubble…

…And worse, many people and other creatures got hurt in the chaos.

All because of the war between Moltic and Iceinia. Flareous and Blizzord still refused to cease their hostilities-- determined to wipe out the opposing side.

“FIRE!!” shouted Flareous, and he unleashed another large projectile at Iceinia, but Blizzord was well prepared for it…

“FIRE!!” and he launched an Ice Meteor to intercept, causing the chunks to fly off into space, and likely to cause more trouble.

Even their own people were suffering in danger, as bits of debris fell from the skies, and more Flame and Ice Gaurds came to do battle and wreck the towns, villages, and crops.

Many of them were scared out of their wits and still considered fleeing-- leaving the planets for their lives, to which their kings would have none of and threatened all to stay and show loyalty like the majority did.

Such careless, reckless, homicide and intergalactic genocide had to come to an end!

Grand Ruler Celesto, Queen Celestia, and Princess Luna met with the Intergalactic Council, discussing the impending moment.

They all seemingly were meeting a large table with big chairs… seemingly standing in the middle of Outer Space.

Grand Ruler, head of the Council, and with Celestia and Luna as deputies, spent a good deal of time talking with the creatures of other races Starfleet was aligned with from all over the galaxy.

“It is decided.” said his majesty. “We must take action immediately. The very safety of the entire galaxy depends upon the outcome of this venture.”

The members of council, though unseen-- hidden by their big chairs-- had deep concerns about this.

“Are you certain this is wise?” one male asked. “You do realize that not only will you be outside of the Starfleet Jurisdiction, but you are also taking great chance with what you are about to do?”

“We are aware.” replied Celestia. “However, we see no alternative, and plan to do this for the safety of all, not in true hostility.”

Luna agreed with her sister and added, “Rules were made to be broken as well as followed, when circumstance demands it.” She then gazed round at all the members of the council. “You and your races would also agree, it the best way to bring this chaos to an end.”

The council could not disagree.

“Very well…” a female said. “We are in agreement?”

The council chattered away and voiced their approval.

“Just one thing…” another female asked. “Just how do you intend to pull off your plans of attack on Moltic and Iceinia?”

His majesty explained, through the use magical images, “That is where our prisoners came in.

The Molticeans and Iceinians we have imprisoned since the beginning of this battle-- we have since been probing their minds for all information.

After much time and piecing things together bit-by-bit, we believe now to have a greater picture and idealism of what we’ll run into and where to go…

The invisiports… and where they lead to has been confirmed, and we have also obtained much information of the enemy strongholds, resources, and even the planetary environments we shall tread on.”

The images faded, and he assured the council, “Already, our best fighters, and others selected for this mission, are training for the adventure ahead. All that remains to do now is hope for the best-- that everything turns out well.”

The council gave him their faith, and the meeting was adjourned.

Grand Ruler gave a wave of his hand, and the magical space images all vanished, revealing he and the ladies were standing in an empty room in New Canterlot Palace.

“ARGH!” Grand Ruler growled as he stomped the to the door.

The sisters look at one other in concern.

“Celesto…?” Celestia called as she walked jogged out into the hall after her husband.

“I can’t believe this!” His majesty grumbled as he marched down the halls. “I hate it when it comes to this-- looking we’re going against everything Starfleet stands for.”

His wife and sister-in-law caught up with him and tried to console him.

“We feel just the same as you do, and so does the council.” said Celestia.

“You also heard them,” added Luna “They are more than understand and will do what they can. We shall be seen as monsters.”

Grand Ruler sighed, “I know all that… but it doesn’t make it easier.” He knew had to swallow his pride. “There’s no other way.”

And he dashed off passing by Castor and Lelani in the hallway, not even noticing them as he was too consumed by the stress he was facing.

“Children... How long have you been there?”

The children approached their mother and aunt innocently.

“Sorry, Mother, we didn’t mean to snoop.” said Castor.

“Is father angry? Did we do something wrong?” asked Lelani.

“Oh, no, no… He is upset, but not at you.” Celestia bent down and embraced her children, and Aunt Luna said, “You see, Children, things are very hard right now… I believe you understand how hard it’s going to be.”

The children had seen their share of climax in war, and they could only fear of the dangers about to happen.

Over the next few days…

Many of the royal guards were training tirelessly under Captain Shaina’s orders.

“We will take the battle to our enemy!” she declared, “And we shall make them sorry for ever having messed with the likes of us!”

Her preaching inspired the guards to train harder and strengthen themselves.

All over the planet, Starfleet forces were training as well, including Lightning and his entire unit. They were out in the fields of New Canterlot exercising, training, testing their skills and powers.

Rainbow had fun running and flying through the deadly obstacle courses-- flying through the hoops of fire, ducking under smashing stones, swerving around the projectiles that shot at her.

She landed at the end of the course and shouted, “AH, YEAH!! I’m soooooo pumped for this.”

Applejack landed next to her, having just finished the course herself. “Take it easy, RD. Just keep focused on the training.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes and muttered, “Killjoy.”

Spike and Rarity were sparing with each other to strengthen their dragon strengths, as well as their fire attacks.

Rarity took in a huge breath and let it out slowly. Then again, and once more, and she roared as she let out a massive wave of flames, burning up all her targets, leaving her tired and out of breath after that massive attack.

“…You okay?” Spike asked. His wife replied through pants, “Perhaps… I should just… sharpen my… claws instead.”

All the other fighters were sparing with each other and training hard, even Lightning and Starla were battling with each other.

“Here I come…!” shouted Lightning as he lunged for Starla with his fist glowing with aura of the Uniforce.

His wife roared and lunched at him with her own fist glowing with her magical aura.

The two fists collided with a huge explosion pushing back on them both with such force, and yet the two fighters held strong as hard as they could before being forced back hard by the waves.

The other fights all turned and watched in awe and horrors.

“Ay’ Ay’ Ay’!” The Spanish Twins cried.

The smoke hadn’t cleared.

“Lightning…? Starla…?” called Krysta.

The smoke had cleared, and the two fighters were seen still standing, and smiling at each other for such a tremendous feat of power.

“Whew!” sighed Pinkie. “Talk about a heart attack.”

“Those two are sure getting fired up.” added Buddy.

“Can’t blame them.” said Artie. “I mean… We’re about to face two whole armies of Fire and Ice. It’s not that I don’t have confidence, but… we can’t take any chances.”

Everyone agreed, and then Rhymey noticed Fluttershy looked very disturbed about something.

He asked her…

“Fluttershy, why do you brood?
Whyever are you in a sour mood?”

His wife answered,

“I’m just worried about what we’re doing,
This whole invasion that we are brewing.

We’re going to attack and invade two places,
Starfleet will look evil to many other races!”

“Fluttershy, we’ve already been through this…” said Lightning, and in a series of childlike pictures, he explained the plan once again.

“We’re going to use the invisiports to head to Moltic and Iceinia to wage war against Flareous and Blizzord…

…The first thing we plan to do is get all the civilians, animals, and innocent beings off the planets. Our teams of soldiers will cast wide fields capturing magic to place them all in spheres and they will all be transported to safety by Krysta and her fairies.

This will help ensure that no one innocent gets hurt when the big battles wage. Flareous and Blizzord aren’t likely to go down without a fight, and we’ll have to be prepared for anything they throw at us-- monster, soldier, or even giant attacks.”

The images ended, and Starla explained, “I know it seems like an invasion, but there’s no other way. We have to stop those kings, and in so doing, save the galaxy from more chaos of their recklessness.

That’s why their majesties spoke with the Intergalactic Council-- to help other races realize what we’re doing is for the best, and so we won’t be misjudged so harshly.”

Knowing all this didn’t make Fluttershy feel any better, for that matter, everyone else felt the same as she did deep down.

“I don’t like this whole invasion this myself.” said Dyno.

“Si, yo tampoco, *Yeah, me neither, *” added Myte. “We just have to suck it up-- remind ourselves that we’re doing this for the right reasons.”

Lightning agreed, and then he ordered, “Alright, everyone, back to training!”

The others complied and set up more rounds of sparing and coursing.

As Lightning and Starla stood ready for their next bout, Lightning couldn’t help but wonder how other training sessions were going with other soldiers.

Cadance and Shining Armor had arrived from the New Crystal Empire and were in the castle courtyard helping to train guards and soldiers as both Saber and the Silent Ninja.

Swift Star was training with Pyron while Galceia watched from the sides as she kept an eye on Flurry Heart.

Flurry watched her parents train and let out a big yawn. “This is so boring.”

Glaceia stroked her head, “I know how you feel, Princess, but believe me, your parents are working hard to help us all to end this war.”

Then she cast her gaze over at her beloved Pyron spar with Swift Star.

“Come…!” Pyron said with his sword at the ready. Swift, unarmed, nodded respectfully and rushed forth to attack.

Pyron swerved and nearly struck him from behind, but Swift zipped behind him and readied a kick, only for Pyron to surprise back-kick him hard off.

He turned round to swing his sword, but Swift caught his opponent’s arms in his hands pushing him back as hard as he could.

Pyron was starting to feel that Swift wasn’t really giving his all…

Finally, Swift lost his focus, as he gazed behind Pyron, up at a window high in the palace--Blitzy’s suite-- and this gave Pyron the perfect chance to shove him hard to the ground, which, in a real battle, would give him the edge to strike him dead.

Other soldiers, as well as Cadance and Saber turned in shock. Swift shouldn’t have lost so easily, unless he wasn’t thinking or focusing right.

As the soldiers continued to train, Pyron offered his hand to Swift, helping him up.

“Thanks.” Swift said innocently, but Pyron had to ask, “What distracts you so?”

Swift didn’t know how or if he even wanted to answer.

Pyron took a guess, “Are you disturbed about remaining behind on this mission?”

It was true, as Swift was only a Senior Lieutenant and hadn’t yet earned his Astronaut License and was not qualified for super Space Travel. Also, this mission was for higher ranking officers, meaning he would be staying behind with the other forces to protect United Equestria.

“Oh, it’s not that.” Swift assured. “I don’t mind staying behind. I know how important it is that I stay behind. I’ve been training for it ever since Commander Lightning ordered it.”

Glaceia then suggested, “Perhaps you are over-trained. You mustn’t push yourself.”

She motioned how the other soldiers were taking a break too.

“Yeah, that’s it.” Said Swift. “I’ll just take a small break-- go for a walk maybe.” He lied about feeling tired, and Pyron could still sense something was wrong.

“Gee… I wonder what’s got into him.” said Saber. “He doesn’t look too tired, but he’s not fighting too well.”

Cadance put her hand on her husband and shook her head at him. Then she pointed at her own head, and then to her heart, made an X-motion, and quivered her hands.

“Ohhh…” Saber said. He understood what she was saying.

Meanwhile, Keltar met with Flareous in the throne room.

“Sire, you must believe me… Starfleet is getting too close. They are bound to come here, and very soon.”

Flareous only took it lightly with a huff, “They would not dare. Unless, of course, they finally see the light and are willing to join me and aid my conquest.”

Keltar was losing patience, “Your majesty, please see…! They will come here, and they will come for you!”

Flareous narrowed his eyes in anger and realization, but he took it in stride as well. “If they do, they will find that I am no one to be trifled with.” He snickered wickedly.

“I don’t understand, My Lord.” said Keltar.

“I wouldn’t expect you to. After all, you’ve failed me plenty of times to round up fighters and retrieve my son!”

Keltar felt most insulted.

“I have a plan…” hissed Flareous. “One that will not only assure that Starfleet comes to me… but force them into a perfect surrender to my will. And then…” he paused and chuckled wickedly “That Frost-Face, Blizzord, will finally meet his downfall as he richly deserves!”

He clutched his chest in a moment of painful sadness, and he pulled out from his armor a necklace with a locket pendant. Inside showed a picture of his wife, and his insides seethed with rage at the thought of finally winning revenge for her demise.

At the same time Blizzord was looking at his own wife’s picture, struggling with his own inner pains.

“The time has come!” he announced to no one in particular. “I’m going to bring down that Flame-Fool, Flareous, once-and-for-all, and avenge the death of my queen!”

Smark was the only one in the room with him. He scratched his head and asked, “Uhh… how are you going to do that?”

He began to cower in fear when Blizzord glared furiously at him with a raging glow.

“That’s just like you, not to know how… seeing as you’ve failed me enough times already to bring Glaceia back or some soldiers to boost my army!”

Smark was very afraid and ashamed, and looked ready to beg for mercy, but Blizzord merely tapped his trident summoning the Ice-Guards.

“You have already been briefed of what needs to be done. This is the assurance we need to gain Starfleet’s assistance, and once this is secured, Moltic will fall for certain, the war shall be ours!”

The guards cheered while shaking their lances in a salute.

He Blizzord continued to explain his plan, Smark had silently crept away to his chambers where he got out his orb to speak to his colleague on the other side.

He was in luck-- his friend was there and preparing to contact him that moment.

“So Flareous is doing the same thing?” Smark said “Then this is it-- the moment we’ve waited for all this time.”

On the other side, it was finally revealed that the one he was speaking to was Keltar on Moltic.

“Yes, I agree.” Keltar snickered “We can use this to our own advantage. Finally, after all these years, Flareous and Blizzord will meet their well-deserved doom!”

Smark snickered softly, and then he asked, “And Starfleet-- what about them?”

Keltar grinned nastily and hissed, “…They’ll have to be disposed of too. Can’t leave anything to chance, you know.”

The two men laughed softly.

In New Canterlot Palace, the Sickbay Staff were very, very busy. All the knights and all the soldiers were undergoing complete physical exams to insure their fitness for the mission.

Blitzy Heart stayed behind rather than going to her usual work at New Ponyville General Hospital. She did her work properly and examined all her patients well, deeming them fit for duty.

But as she filled out her reports on paper, she seemed a little spacey. The Court Physician came and saw her.

“Are you alright, Dr. Heart?” he asked softly.

Blitzy answered in barely more than a tone. “Fine… why do you ask.”

“Well, I need those reports… and… you’re writing on the desk.”

Blitz snapped awake and realized the papers were all still blank, and she had scribbled all the information on the top of the desk by mistake. She felt so silly.

The Court Physician now could tell something was wrong, and he wouldn’t have his staff making mistakes at such an important time as this.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked kindly.

Blitz wasn’t sure. “I think I just need a break.”

The Court Physician agreed and let her head off. As worried as he was about her, he had no time to fuss about it. He had lots of other patients to see.

Blitzy walked along the corridors, and out through the palace gate, into the village, and indeed, she was fraught with doubt and concern.

As a Space Doctor, she did indeed miss flying through the cosmos, visiting other planets while answering calls for help, and collected a fair fee. She really felt she wanted to return to the stars…

…But there was Swift!

Ever since their first date, which she had enjoyed so much, only added to her, already, strong feelings for him, and this only made her fret even more.

“I’m all in a mix.” she thought as she sat on a bench in the park. “What am I going to do? Do I give up my Space Travels forever, or do I return to them and give up a chance for a different life?”

At the same time, Swift was sitting on another bench at another end of the park, worrying about the same problems. “I’ve never felt so close to someone before.” he thought.

Then he remembered back to his first meetings and dealings with her-- back when she was ill-tempered, ignorant, and pushy, only for his inspirational speeches and her exposure to Starfleet’s true colors softened her in the beautiful, soft-hearted being that made him fall for her more and more.

He had such fun on their date, and longed to take her out again… and maybe even more… but he knew how Blitzy seemed to miss her Space Travels.

“What if she decides to leave? What’ll that mean for us?” He dreaded the very, obvious, answer.

Suddenly, he looked across the park, and he could see her far away.

She looked up and saw him far across, and their eyes met even from such a distance.

They both felt maybe it would be best to talk to each other about this. So, they both got up and began to walk out into the open fields until they were face-to-face.

They both felt nervous, and blushed, trying to summon the courage to speak up first, but just as it looked as if they were about to…

Swarms of Flame and Ice Guards appeared in the park, frightening the civilians.

“Everyone, clear out of here, now!” shouted Swift. Civilians began to run back towards the village where it would be safe…

Or so they thought…

More guards appeared in the middle of town, all over the place blocking off the civilians from reaching safety.

Then came the alarms, just as Lightning and Co were reviewing battle plans. “What’s happening?!” he wailed.

Their majesties appeared before them. “Guards are appearing in vats numbers all over the place.” said Grand Ruler.

“We’re having trouble getting the civilians to safety.” added Celestia.

If that wasn’t a call to go into action, then nothing was!

“We’ll have to split into groups.” said Lighting. Everyone agreed, and then it was time to transform.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

“Dragon Power!”

“Go-Go Nina!”

“Mask of Saber!”

Once everyone was transformed, they all leapt out the window and headed off in different directions.

Pyron heard the alarms, and he rushed out with his sword at the ready, but he stopped a moment to look back, lovingly, at Glaceia.

She looked back at him as if to say: “Good Luck.”

Swift had already transformed and fought off the Guards as best he could, a few sentries helped him, but the majority couldn’t as they were busy defending the civilians. They had to be protected.

Blitzy stood with a crowd and watched up front…

Swift punched, kicked and bashed as many guards away as he could, but they crowded around him at the sentries in large groups.

“There’s too many of them!” cried Swift, and more and more guards were popping up increasing the enemy forces. You’d think they’d ever stop?!

“CHARGE!!” Lightning shouted as he, Starla, Krysta, and a swarm of soldiers came rushing into the park to assist.

Lightning fired a blast of Uniforce, blowing some of the guards to ashes.

“STAR SHOWER” Starla unleashed her stars and bombarded several more. She was careful with her aim not to hit any civilians.

Krysta then whistled loudly for her fairies to come flying in. “Get those civilians out of here!”

“YES, QUEEN!” complied the fairies.

The safest place to transport everyone was the royal palace, where there was plenty of room.

Their majesties did their best to comfort the frightened civilians.

“My wife is still out there!”

“My mother’s in danger!”

“My students! Help them!”

Luna assured everyone, “We are doing the best we can. Try to be calm.”

Meanwhile, Celestia and Grand Ruler stood with the guards on the battlements of the palace, shooting down any enemy soldiers that came their way, and using their magic to keep the entry ways protected with forcefields.

They couldn’t believe how many swarms of guards kept appearing no matter how many were defeated. They just kept multiplying like bacteria!

Their majesties wished to be out in the field, aiding the soldiers to make the battle easier, but the palace and the civilians had to be protected.

“I’ve never seen so many before!” said Celestia.

Grand Ruler agreed, and he wondered, “Usually a monster is sent rather than an army of guards. What sort of plan is this.” Then suddenly, he had a thought, and with all his might he hoped he was wrong!

In many different areas around New Canterlot, it was the same scene-- so many Ice and Flame Guards popped up through the ports, leaving sentries and soldiers, as well as Lightning’s team to do their best to help the civilians.

“Going in for a slam down…!” Rainbow hollered as she soared way up high for a Sonic Rainboom slam-down, but Artie shouted up at her, “Rainbow, No!! The civilians are to close--your shockwaves will hit them!”

Rainbow stopped in mid-climb realizing this now. “Rats! I’ll have to do this the long way.”

Instead, she zoomed down, and instead of slamming the ground, she sped right at the guards, ramming them and knocking them all away hard.

“Now! Go!!” Artie called the fairies, and they swooped in to warp a group of civilians far away to safety, but there were still many groups left.

“Help! Help me!” a mare shouted as two flame guards lifted her up and began to take her away-- intending to bring her back to Moltic as a hostage.

Suddenly, the ground began to rumble under their feet, and POW!! Dyno and Myte burst through. Dyno caught the mare, and Myte kicked the two guards down.

“Don’t worry, you’re safe now.” said Dyno.

The mare was thankful, and then the two brothers handed her over to the fairies to get her to safety, and then they resumed battling.

“Dyno! Look!” cried Myte as a swarm of Ice-Guards appeared and surrounded more civilians.

“These guys aren’t quitting!” groaned Dyno.”

“Take that!” Buddy shouted as he cracked his Vine Whip, lashing several guards down, while Applejack rammed her way through more. “You vermin ain’t taking these people no place!” she growled.

“Coming through!!” Pinkie roared as she rushed in, leapt up high and kick-stepped on several enemy heads. “One, two, three, four, five, six!”

Then, there were even more guards staring her down. “Bring it on!” Only then to find herself surrounded. “Uh, oh!”

The other soldiers rushed in to help her, and the fight was evened out, especially when Pyron himself came in with his flaming sword.

“Father and Blizzord are really going all-out.” He said to himself, “Why are they sending so many soldiers at once?”

He also noticed that the guards weren’t even attacking each other, being enemies and all.

…A horrible thought suddenly struck him!

It was getting very frustrating and hard. It seemed the more guards the fighters defeated, the more new ones appeared, and because the civilians were all scattered about in various places, making it hard to battle, or use superpowers with risk of injuring the people.

Rhymey slashed his sword, knocking a Flame Guard’s sword away, and then slashing the gaud down the middle, destroying him.

Fluttershy kicked spear away from an Ice-Guard, and kicked him hard in the gut, sending him slamming into three others, shattering them into ice stones.

Then, her arms were grabbed by two other Flame-Gaurds and they held her down, but Rhymey came over and kicked them both off his wife and then he helped her up.

“Are you alright, dear?
Can you keep fighting here?”

Fluttershy nodded…

“Yes,
I guess.”

Rarity and Spike weren’t faring very well either. Spike struck the enemies down with his sword, Rarity slashed them with his claws, and more and more guards came into view.

“If only we could blow them down with our fire attacks!” groaned Spike.

“We can’t, Spike--the civilians!” cried Rarity, but she, too, felt just as annoyed with the lack of progress being made.

Barely half the civilians had been transported to safety, but many more remained, and worse still, many of the soldiers were starting to feel exhausted-- they hadn’t rested enough from all the training they had done that day.

This gave the enemy a slight advantage, and they began to attack the soldiers, knocking them down and over, which gave the enemies a clear shot at the trapped civilians, intending to take them.

The guards were closing in on several ponies, when Cadance dropped down in front them, and threw one of her Ninja Flash-Bombs on the ground, blinding the guards long enough for her to swiftly whisk the civilians away.

When the guards looked again, there stood Saber, tapping the back of the blade of his sword in his hand. “Who’s first?” he hissed.

The guards glared at him and rushed forth, only for him to make quick work of them all.

The Sentries stood to protect a group of civilians from a pack of approaching guards.

Two of the sentries rushed forth to attack, which they shouldn’t had done, and they ended up getting knocked away by the guards, leaving the civilians in greater danger…

…That is, had Mykan Stevens not swopped in with his sword and shield at the ready.

The Ice-Guards threw their spears at him, but he held up his shield blocking them. Then, with his sword glowing bright, he unleashed a wave of pure energy at the enemies, wiping them out.

This gave the civilians their chance to escape.

“Thank you!” they said to Mykan, and he saluted with his sword.

Lightning and Starla had beaten so many guards and helped many of the civilians escape to safety, especially with Swift and Krysta helping them out.

“How many more of these bozos can there be?!” growled Krysta. She was most annoyed by how many more guards there seemed to be.

“We’ve almost got all the civilians to safety!” hollered Starla.

“Keep it up!” added Lightning, and he punched another guard down.

Blitzy, who was still present as her group had not yet been evacuated, continued to watch in horror, mostly at Swift as he battled the guards to try and make openings for an escape.

Suddenly, Swift began to slow did, as did many of the other soldiers.

“What’s happening?!” she wondered in fright.

“Oh, no!” cried Swift. “We’re all still overly worked from all the excessive training we’ve been doing!”

Even Lightning and Starla were starting to feel the fatigued.

“Don’t give up, not now!” shouted Lightning, and he gave a guard a huge punch, sending him crashing into a swarm of guards, finally giving all the civilians the chance to run to safety and wait for the fairies to warp them away.

“Get out of here! Now!” he called them.

The civilians began to run, escorted by the sentries.

Swift knocked a guard down, and then looked on to see Blitzy making her way out.

As she ran, she looked at him and smiled, but because she didn’t see where she was going, she didn’t notice more Flame-Guards appearing so suddenly, and they grabbed her!

“Blitz!” shouted Swift.

This caught the attention of the others.

“Oh, no!” cried Lightning, and he and others rushed in to save her, only to be ambushed by more guards that suddenly appeared, and attacked them hard, pushing them back.

“Krysta tried to swoop in and help, but the guards threw their swords and spears at her forcing her to dodge.

The some of the sentries broke away from the civilians to rush in and help, only run back as more guards surrounded the group of civilians they were assisting.

“Help me!!” Blitzy shouted.

Swift managed to bust through a row of guards in his way. “I’m coming!” he hollered, only to suddenly run smack into a horde of Ice-Guards that had appeared.

“Let go of me!” he bellowed as he tried to fight them off, but his strength was already low.

Lightning, Starla, and Krysta managed to subdue all the guards in their way, just in time to see…!

“Swift! Blizty!!” shouted Lightning, and he rushed as fast as he could only for the guards to vanish with their prisoners.

“NOOOOOOO…!!” Lightning shouted, and he kept on running as if to head straight though the invisiport after Blitzy.

“Lightning!” Starla and Krysta called to him, only to see Lightning rush straight through… nothing but thin air, and he nearly zoomed into a tree.

“What?!” Lightning spat in disbelief.

“The portal’s gone?” said Starla.

The guards saw this too, and they began to worry. Quickly, they all ran for the nearest portals they could find, and in almost no time at all, there wasn’t an enemy guard to be seen anywhere in New Canterlot at all.

Starla fell to her knees, while Krysta shuddered in outrage.

As for Lightning, he could only pound the ground, making a small quake. “NOOOOOOOO!!!!”

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode: With Blitzy and Swift as prisoner, Flareous and Blizzord send an ultimatum for Starfleet’s surrender, which forces our heroes to undertake a dangerous crossing into the worlds of the enemies, and things are only growing worse as the invisiports begin to vanish.

Can our heroes outwit their foes, and what will become of Blitzy and Swift?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: Part 2: Hot & Cold Rushes”

Episode 21: Part 2: Hot & Cold Rushes

Previously on Starfleet Magic…

As our heroes trained tirelessly to prepare for the great upcoming battle against Moltic and Iceinia, Flareous and Blizzord had plans of their own-- sending massive swarms of guards to United Equestria and putting civilians in great danger. Our heroes fought valiantly, but in the end, Blitzy Heart and Swift Star were captured and taken away to the worlds of the enemies!

EPISODE TWENTY-ONE

Swift had arrived on Planet Moltic. He had been fighting for so long, and he was tired and weak, which allowed the guards to easily take his energizer, his armor, and bring him to the royal palace where Flareous was waiting.

Swift felt his blood boiling as he glared at the evil king, while Flareous grinned wickedly.

“Welcome to my castle, Starfleet Fighter. I have been expecting you, though I must say, I was expecting to more to be brought here, but I suppose one will do just as well.”

Swift was sweating bullets, but mostly because of the intense heat of the planet. How he wished he had his armor and its temperature control.

Keltar had brought Flareous the armor and energizer.

“Leave them here…” said Flareous. “We shall attempt to examine them and learn of their secrets later.”

“Yes, sire.” said Keltar, and he left the items by the throne, while Flareous got up to approach his prisoner.

“What are you planning to do with me?” Swift asked sternly.

Flareous snickered. “Now, now… let’s not lose our heads. You are an important part of my plans to bring down Iceinia.

I shall hold you here, as my prisoner, and your Starfleet will have no choice but to surrender their forces to me. With their power and my resources, together we shall annihilate Iceinia and all else who dare stand in my way.”

Swift felt sick to his stomach-- either from his rage, his tired state, or the heat. “You won’t succeed!” he bellowed. “Starfleet will never surrender to you, and they’ll never fight for you either. I sure know I won’t.”

“Silence!” thundered Flareous, and his flaring up made Swift groan and shut his eyes tight from the blindness of the flames.

“Sire, please!” Keltar advised “Remember the plan!”

Flareous cooled down. “Yes.” he hissed as he regained himself. He then spoke severely to Swift. “I would advise you to know your place here. I am you ruler now, and soon I will have my son back, and Starfleet will fight for me.

What choice do they have if they wish to see you again.”

“You’re wrong!” Swift insisted. “Every Starfleet fighter is prepared to give their life if they must. They will come here, and they will bring you down for all the trouble you’ve caused all over the galaxy.

So, maybe it’s YOU who should surrender while you can!”

Flareous was growing irritable with his cheek, but keeping himself calm, he ordered the guards, “Take him to the prison cells, and a keep a sharp eye on him, and keep him alive. I don’t want him doing anything crazy.”

The guards complied, and Swift was dragged away yelling. “Stop this war! You’re hurting so many innocent beings!

STARFLEET WILL GET YOU!! THEY’LL MAKE YOU PAY!!!”

Flareous ignored him, and Swift was gone. “He has much fire in his passion.” Flareous said to himself. “I like it. If all Starfleet fighters are equally as passionate, my victory over Iceinia is assured.”

Then he went off to prepare for the next step in his plan, while Keltar watched him as he go, thinking to himself, “No, Flareous… it is your defeat that is assured, and I look forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Blitzy was brought to the royal throne room on Iceinia. She shivered vigorously while chattered “Ooh…! It’s cold…! So, cold!”

Big doors opened, and the guards stood aside as the king entered with Smark tailing behind him.

Blizzord did not seem too thrilled with this lone prisoner. “This… was all you could capture?” he thundered at the guards “You couldn’t at least have brought me a Starfleet fighter than a mere civilian?”

The Ice-Guards shivered in fear, but Blizzard only chuckled “I suppose this isn’t so bad after all.”

Shivering, Blitzy asked “H-H-Who are you?”

“I… am Blizzord; ruler of the Planet Iceinia and Master of all Chills.”

Chills seemed right, Blitzy felt her feet growing numb. She wasn’t properly clothed for such cold weather.

“Y-Y-You!” chattered Blitzy. “Y-Y-You’re… monster! You’re trying to d-d-destroy…!” She could hardly speak.

Blizzord couldn’t let his prisoner perish. She was far too vital to his own plans. “Take her away and keep her safe.”

The guards all complied and dragged her off to the dungeon.

Blizzord gripped his trident tightly. “The time has come.” he said.

“Uh… Your majesty?” Smark said trying to get his attention, but Blizzord kept musing over his plans.

“With her as a prisoner, we can lure Starfleet here.”

“Excuse me, Sire…?”

“And once I have them under my command, and Glaceia back, no one will stand in my way.”

“MY KING!!” Smark thundered, finally getting his attention. “WHAT IS IT?!!” Blizzord bellowed, making the room quiver, and large icicles fell from the ceiling.

Smark was more thankful than frightened now that he could speak. “Sorry, sire, but one of the sentries informed me…” and he handed the king a slip of paper with the report.

Blizzord’s eyes widened. “What?! This can’t be happening.”

“It is…” replied Smark. “The invisiport they came through vanished-- it’s gone.”

Blizzord growled. “This can’t happen-- not now! Everything will be ruined!” He hurried off to put his plan into action quickly, leaving Smark feeling concerned. “If the ports are starting to close, that could make things serious for me, and I’ll never bring Blizzord down!” he thought. “I’ve got to inform Keltar.”

He ran off in such a panic that he bumped into the door frame. “Oww-Ohh!”

Meanwhile…

Barriers were active all-over United Equestria. The streets were all cleared, and not a soul was seen. Everyone was ordered inside their homes, or buildings, and ordered to remain so until further notice, in case another massive attack would follow.

Sentries and soldiers remained on guard and ready for anything, and supplies and goods were delivered to every location to ensure the civilians’ comfort.

At New Canterlot Palace, the controls ops scanned the area where Blitzy and Swift had been kidnapped, and both the invisiports no longer showed up on screen. To make things worse, other invisiports were showing signs of weakening, and beginning to vanish as well.

Lightning and co were waiting impatiently outside of the main briefing room for their majesties to come and let them in to discuss the matter of what to do now.

“I can’t believe Blitzy and Swift were taken!” said Buddy.

Applejack clenched her fists, “We should’ve known-- that’s why they hit us with such an ambush-- they knew we’d be all distracted and they’d try and make off with the people.”

Lightning was especially frustrated, not just by his inability to save his friends in time, but he was worried about them both, especially Blitzy!

“When are their majesties coming back already?!” he asked for the third time.

Fluttershy hid behind Rhymey, scared of Lightning’s outrage, and Pinkie ducked behind a curtain.

Though Starla was just as worried, she comforted her husband, “Try to stay calm. Losing our heads isn’t going to help or get them back any faster.”

Lightning calmed down, and his rage began to turn into sadness. “I just feel terrible-- I couldn’t get to them. Especially, Blitzy… she and I are the last of Harmonian Pony race, I just can’t let her down! I can’t!”

Nobody needed to be Cadance to see tell that Lightning meant every word he said, and he was truly panicking about it.

Pyron and Glaceia were ever so furious. Their father’s had reached a new low, not that they weren’t already low from the start.

“If I know my father…” said Pyron. “He will attempt to use Swift as an ultimatum-- to make Starfleet surrender and do his fighting.”

Glaceia nodded, “My father will likely do the same. He will threaten Blitzy by any means to force your hand.”

The entire team agreed, and the thought of it only made them angrier.

“Meng, I’d like nothing more than to go to both those planets and blast those crowns down their throats!” growled Dyno.

Myte nodded and added, “Then we’d do exactly what they’ve been doing to the entire galaxy—rough them up real good!”

“Hey, save some for me, fellas.” said Rainbow, and she cracked her knuckles in a threatening way.

Starla cleared her throat at the trio glaring at them, reminding them to keep their cools, and the trio calmed down.

“What will we do?” asked Glaceia.

“We won’t know anything until their majesties come.” answered Shining Armor.

That’s when the doors to the briefing room opened, and Luna stepped out. “We are ready. Come in, all of you.”

The fighters were all so anxious, they almost rushed inside rather than filing in and taking their seats like proper soldiers.

Grand Ruler was surprised at their haste, but he started the meeting.

“I’ll come to straight to the point… The reports have all confirmed without doubt-- the invisports are beginning to close, slowly but surely.”

The team all had mixed expressions of fear, worry, and outrage.

“We knew this was bound to happen, but what timing for it to start.” said Artie.

“That was our reaction as well.” agreed Celestia. “It puts in an even worse state than we are at.”

She didn’t have to go on, everyone already knew what this meant.

“If those portals keep closing,” cried Rarity “We may never get a chance to strike.”

Spike agreed, “And even if we made it to the other planets, if those portals vanish, we won’t be able to get back either.”

Pinkie began to look pale, and she shouted “What do we do? What do we do?!” Everyone glared at her, telling her to stop shouting, which made her slump down slowly into her chair.

“Is there nothing that can be done,
To keep all the portals wide and open?” asked Rhymey

“I’m afraid not.” replied Grand Ruler. “However, there is one ray of hope yet…” he held up the papers of the reports, “It has been calculated that the ports are closing only at a slow rate. They should remain open for a little while longer. Exactly for how long, we aren’t sure.”

“Theen there’s still a chance for us to go and make it back.” said Lightning. “When do we leave?”

Before anyone could answer, there was a knock at the briefing room door. It was Captain Shaina. “I am sorry to interrupt, but sensors in Control Ops have detected abnormal activity appearing through the ports.”

Everyone felt their rages rise.

“Is it monsters or guards?” asked Grand Ruler.

“…Neither Sire. It seems to be some form of magical energy.”

Suddenly, there was a bright glow from outside that could be seen from the windows.

“What is that?” cried Rarity.

Through two ports, still intact, two large energy blasts burst right from them, and they shot up into the skies forming giant images of Flareous and Blizzord.

Pyron and Glaceia couldn’t believe their eyes.

Civilans all over New Canterlot could see the images, and so could many others from far away.

Stranger still, both images said the exact same words, at the exact same time.

“Now hear me well, Starfleet! This is an ultimatum. We have your friend, safe for the moment, but for how long depends on you.

The choice is very simple: You will surrender to my forces immediately and will swear your every allegiance to me. You are also to bring back my child, and then, together, we shall bring down my enemy.

Refuse, and not only shall I be forced to do away with your friend, but I shall send even more of my forces to attack you again. You thought the last wave was tough, just you wait. I have plenty of resources, greater than you can imagine.”

Their majesties all cringed with anger, as did the fighters.

Glaceia held onto Pyron, shivering in fright, and he held her softly in outrage at the images.

“The choice is yours.” the evil kings said at the same time. “You have until your next sunrise. If you fail to appear, remember… You had the choice!!”

The images laughed wickedly. Their booming voices rattled the air and dissolved the clouds, and then the images faded and were gone.

“Dang! Those guys are fully mad!” grumbled Applejack. “I’ve seen wild steer that looked calmer and saner.

“They’re monsters to their very core!
I really can’t stand it anymore!” cried Fluttershy.

Lightning was really growing outraged, as were their majesties. Flareous and Blizzord had to be stopped and soon before the entire galaxy suffered anymore because of their chaotic war.

“As I said before…” said Lightning to Grand Ruler “When do we leave?”

His majesty didn’t answer right away, but the furious and determined look in his eyes showed it would not be long.

“We have very little time.” he said, and he addressed all the fighters, “We make final preparations now. Tomorrow, at sunrise… we go!”

Celestia put her hand on his shoulder, and showed a serious look on her face, she couldn’t agree more, nor could Luna.

Blitz was thrown into an icy prison cell; everything in it was fridged to the cot, the walls, the floor, the ceiling, but she was given thick fur-blankets to wrap around herself to keep warm. Blizzord wanted her alive and well at all costs.

While it felt nice not to feel so cold, Blitz was so sad and frightened that she cried, and her tears turned to ice.

“How did this happen?” she thought sadly. “I just wanted to live a live without fear, and without danger, and this had to happen.”

She also remembered Swift, and she wondered what had become of him.

Swift didn’t have it as easy as she did. In his cell on Moltic, it was still very hot, but since he was indoors, it wasn’t as bad now, and he could stay awake, but the heat was still rather unbearable. His cot sizzled, the air was so humid and burning. His captives had no cooling devices or even cool drinks to give him, and they didn’t dare give back his armor for fear he would be sneaky with it.

“This is just perfect!” he said to himself. “There’s got to be a way to get out of here.”

He looked up, down, and all around. There were the bars on the high window of his cell-- eight feet off the ground, and the cell door, though strong and solid-looking, he was sure he could kick it down with his full-strength, once he rested up.

“I better not do that!” he thought “With all the guards around, they’d be all over me, and I’d never be able to fight them all off.

And even if I did get out of here, where would I go? I can’t find my way out of the castle, I don’t know anything about this planet, and I can’t find the invisiports, or know where they’ll take me.”

The more he thought it over, the more hopeless it seemed, and while he was willing to give his life for the sake of Starfleet, he was hoping he wouldn’t have to… especially since he worried about Blitzy and what would become of her!

Flareous was examining Swift’s armor and energizer, and while he wasn’t to activate anything, nor hack into their secrets, he was still most impressed. “A remarkable piece of ingenuity. If we had more weapons and technology like this, our forces would be unstoppable.”

Now he was really looking forward to Starfleet surrendering to him, and thus, giving him all the power and weapons he desired.

“Here!” he said, shoving the items at Keltar. “Take these and put them someplace safe. We’ll examine them more thoroughly later. I must prepare for the arrival of my… future subordinates.”

Then he went off leaving Keltar to take the items away… in a huff!

Keltar grumbled angrily, slurring Flareous’ name, but careful as not to be overheard by any of the guards on the way through the halls.

Finally, he reached a large safe door in the bowels of the castle, and he opened it to reveal all sorts of treasures Flareous had obtained over the years.

Just as he was about to place the items inside, Ketlar had an idea that made him grin sinisterly.

With guards’ backs turned, he quietly stuffed the armor under his robe concealing it perfectly, and he slammed the safe shut. “Well, that’s done.” he said in an act, “I think I’ll head off to bed now, big day tomorrow.”

He fooled the guards completely and slipped off with the items safely under wraps, and once he was safely in his bedroom, he contacted Smark and told them of his plan.

“Hey, that’s pretty sneaky.” remarked Smark. “I wish I could do the same thing for our prisoner, but I don’t think I’ll have to.”

“Indeed,” agreed Smark. “If I know Starfleet, as well as you, they won’t give up so easily.

Tomorrow, it begins, and Flareous and Blizzord… will end!”

After a long, long day of talking, planning, and agreeing, the night seemed very long and endless, but the fighters managed to get to bed and get some sleep, though it wasn’t easy.

Shining Light was fast asleep on a sofa bed in their room, and a crib was provided for Twinkle, but Lightning stood up at the window, looking out at the night.

Starla climbed out of bed and walked quietly up to her husband. “You should really come to bed.” she whispered, not wanting to wake the children.

Lightning sighed, “I know, but I just can’t stop worrying about Swift and Blitzy. No matter how much confidence I have that we’ll get them back, I just can’t shake it off.”

His wife wrapped her arms around and rested her head up against him, and she joked, “You’d think after all this time-- years of being on the force-- you’d be used to the feeling by now.”

Lightning shook his head. “Nothing ever changes feelings like these.”

He let out a large yawn.

“And neither do sleepy feelings.” said Starla. “Come on. I know how you’re feeling, I feel the same, but if we don’t sleep, we won’t be at our best.”

Lightning gave in, “As usual: you’re right.” and he went to bed with his wife.

Lightning wasn’t the only one having trouble sleeping.

Grand Ruler Celesto was standing on the terrace with Celestia. They both couldn’t stop thinking about tomorrow, because they would be going on the mission as well.

Celestia gave a small shiver in the breeze.

“Are you cold?” her husband asked.

“No, just a little edgy. I feel the same way every time we’re about to enter a huge battle.”

Her husband sympathized with her, “The feeling is never any different, no matter how often we feel it, but I wouldn’t miss this battle for many things.” He clenched his fist at the very thought of confronting Flareous or Blizzord, or even both face-to-face. “They’ve caused so much damage and devastation… and intend for them to answer for it all!”

His wife squeezed his other hand softly and gave a brave and agreeing expression.

Finally, there was Pyron and Glaceia. Neither one of them could sleep in their separate suites, knowing that tomorrow they would be confronting their fathers.

Pyron was enraged as he clutched his sword tightly, and as he looked out his window, to the one adjacent to his own, he saw Glaceia looking up into the stars. She looked really nuervous and fretful.

She knew Blizzord would be seething with rage for her disobeying him, and there was no telling what wicked things he would do.

She remembered how horrid her father was to her growing up-- keeping her locked up, and forbidding her from wandering, having friends, or doing anything he disapproved of, which was practically everything.

“You are my daughter, and you will do as I say.”

“You get in that cell, and you stay there until you learn who is in-command here!”

“You are weak, and foolish to be in love with the prince of our enemy!”

Those awful words and painful memories made her fear her father’s wrath, and for her friends’ safety.

“Glaceia?” Pyron said softly, making her jump and gasp in fright, and Pyron nearly slipped off the ledging of the wall he had slid across from his own window-- rather than exit his room and knock on her door.

He managed to keep his balance, and then he helped himself into the room.

“What are you doing here?” asked Glaceia

Pyron gave her a small smile, “The same reason as you… I can’t sleep too well, regarding what will happen tomorrow.”

The couple embraced deeply.

“Pyron, I hate to ask you this, but… what if something horrible were to happen tomorrow? What if something happens to me, or to you, or to any of our friends?”

Pyron hesitated, thinking hard to come up with the right things to say. “I was raised in the ways of war by my father. I have seen war first-hand… so much chaos, destruction, and loss.”

He remembered all his training, all the battles he fought, and all the Iceinian warriors he had slain, and now he hated himself for every bit of it, and the blood of all those warriors would forever be a stain on his soul.

“My mother…” he said “Before she had perished, she told me one thing: “Follow your heart. Do what you feel is right even if others may disagree.”

He shut his eyes tightly, painfully missing his mother’s love, her embrace, and her warmth.

This made Glaceia miss her own mother. “She was the only one to ever stand up for me; to ever appreciate my gifts and understand my feelings.” She paused and closed her eyes, “She used to tell me…

“If you have a great gift, don’t keep it to yourself; share it with the world. Don’t be afraid of what others may think, it is more shameful to waste talent than great opportunity.”

The couple each shed a tear in memory of their mothers, and then they remembered the time they first met-- when Pyron was injured, and Glaceia nursed him back to health.

“I don’t regret that at all.” said Pyron “Meeting you that day changed my life and my outlooks forever.”

Glaceia rested her head against his warm chest. “I couldn’t begin to imagine my life without you now.” And she felt more afraid than ever, worrying about what could happen should things go wrong.

“We have come so very far.” she said, “We are so very lucky to have made it like this at all.”

They both remembered, being lost-- warped into Space-- and of all the places to wind up, in the presence of Starfleet, which they could not have been more grateful for-- all the generosity their friends had given them, and all they had done and were willing to do to stop their fathers and end the war of their two worlds.

“I do know this…” said Pyron, and he looked deep into his love’s eyes. “…When and if our fathers fall, you and I will rule together, not a hot world, not a cold, but a warm and embracing world where our two races can rejoice in peace and harmony…

…If you will rule by my side and let by yours.

I love you so much, Glaceia.”

Tears of love brimmed in Glaceia’s eyes. “I will always love you, Dear Pyron. That will never change.”

Their lips came together in one of the deepest, most passionate of kisses they ever had, and they slowly sank down to the floor, still kissing and holding each other tightly as things got hotter, and hotter.

The only person to hear their soft, joyous moans was Princess Luna, standing on the terrace above the window on her night shift.

She could only smile for the two lovers.

Early the next morning, an hour before dawn… blades were sharpened, powers were energized to maximum, boots, gloves, and belts were strapped on tightly.

Lightning and Starla hated to leave their children behind, but this was a mission here all hands were needed. Other parents felt the same way, especially those who were both coming on the mission-- Rhymey and Fluttershy, Spike and Rarity, Cadance and Shining Armor-- they all wanted to say goodbye to their respective children one last time, but they were all still asleep, and it was best they were not awakened and left to the palace staff to care for.

The only children who were wide-awake were Castor and Lelani, who loved to sneak up early sometimes to watch the sunrise. They were standing in the window of their shared bedroom watching the forces assemble.

Lightning and friends marched out through the gates of the palace to meet with Grand Ruler Celesto, Queen Celestia, Princess Luna, and the army of soldiers who were coming on the mission.

Lightning and Co saluted, and their majesties saluted back.

“It is time.” said his majesty. “You have all been briefed on our new plans. We shall take the enemy by surprise.”

“SIR! YES, SIR!!” the soldiers all said while saluting.

Pyron and Glaceia were then called to the front of the force.

“Are you ready?” asked Celestia.

The couple bowed and answered together, “We are.”

“Good.” said Grand Ruler, and he addressed the force again. “The invisports are still standing. You have all been briefed and re-briefed on their locations as well as their exit points. You all have your orders; they are to be followed as such if we are to have any hope at success.”

No one said a thing, showing that they all understood, and now it was time to begin.

A large laser-like cannon aimed over the battlements and fired at the army in a bright flash.

It was nearly dawn on both Moltic and Iceinia.

Swift had fallen asleep in his cell, when he was awakened by a knock at the door. “Room Service!” called Keltar. The door to the cell opened, and he wheeled in a small trolley with a hot breakfast on a tablecloth.

The food looked a little overcooked, just like Molticean’s were used to-- living on a hot world, the food often cooked in the very air.

The guards had come in to ensure Swift didn’t try anything funny.

Swift just gave a sour glare, “You’ll forgive me if I don’t think much of your hospitality.”

Keltar merely snuffed, and he turned and left the cell with the guards, leaving the trolley and the food behind.

When the door was slammed shut and locked, and the guards resumed their posts with their backs turned, Swift decided to at least partake in the food, as he hadn’t eaten since arriving the other night.

The food looked simply awful, but at least it was edible, but just as he picked up and unfolded his napkin, he noticed there was a small message written on it.

“Look under the tablecloth.”

“Hmm…?”

With the guards’ backs turned, Swift quietly peeked under the cloth, and he couldn’t believe his eyes…!

Meanwhile, Blitzy was presented with food from her own service. Her food looked cold and solid, which was expected for the cold world she was in. She didn’t feel much like eating; she was still too upset and too angry with her captives to give them any satisfaction.

Smark reported this to Blizzord. “She just won’t eat.”

Blizzord scoffed. “Stubborn fool, and I had the chef prepare a decent meal-- luxury for a prisoner such as her.”

He was actually grumpy from impatience while waiting for word from the guards regarding the answer to his ultimatum. “What is taking so long?!” he bellowed. “I want my new army, and I want it now!!”

Smark didn’t know what to tell him, until a guard came in. “Your majesty, great news.”

“What?!” spat Blizzord in utter disbelief. “Is it true?”

“Yes, sire…” replied the guard. “Your daughter, Princess Glaceia has returned, and she has brought several high-ranking officers, and Queen Celestia with her as prisoners. They apparently have surrendered to you.”

Blizzord was silent and shocked. “Glaceia! She has returned.”

He didn’t know what to think of his daughter’s homecoming ever since her horrible betrayal and desertion, but now, knowing that she had brought strong warriors with her, all he could say was, “Bring them here at once. I have a few things especially to say to my daughter.”

Flareous was being told similar news.

“My son… he’s back?!”

“It’s true, my king.” replied Keltar. “He has also brought many Starfleet fighters with him. His stative purpose was that he is no longer interested in Princess Glaceia, and wishes to bring her and Iceinia down, and has brought fighters here as prisoners to aid you in that conquest.”

Flareous, being the warmongering fool he was, laughed with glee and delighted. “My son-- I knew he would come to his senses, and now… once-and-for-all… victory will be mine!

Bring him and his prisoners to me at once!”

Both Flareous and Blizzord chuckled at the same time, “The Final Battle is in sight!”

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode: Starfleet unleashes their full wrath against the two worlds, and it isn’t long before the confrontation with the royal monarchs themselves, but Flareous and Blizzord refuse to back down, even for their own children, and it’s a battle of the ages, until the kings reveal hidden secrets of their own that may tip things in their favor.

Who will emerge victorious in this fight of the ages?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Part 3: Raging Races”)

Episode 22: Part 3: Raging Races

Previously on Starfleet Magic…

Flareous and Blizzord used their captives to blackmail Starfleet into surrendering to their forces, but Starfleet would not relent. With the invisiports weakening and time running short, Starfleet put together quick plans to head over to the two enemy planets and confront the two evil kings once and for all.

EPISODE TWENTY-TWO

Pyron had arrived home on Moltic, with Grand Ruler Celesto, Lightning, and all the male fighters. They were in chains and shackles around their necks, ankles, and wrists, and had locks around their horns. They also were seemingly not wearing their armor nor had their energizers or other transforming devices.

Pyron looked around everywhere and softly muttered, “My home!” He hadn’t been to his home world in a long time. It all looked so familiar to him.

The other men were all gazing around in astoundment. True, they had seen images of Moltic before when reading the minds of the guards they had imprisoned, but now, to actually see it and be here was altogether astounding.

The very air and ground were as hot as promised. There were many volcanos off in the distance, fields of steam and smoke. Charred forests, hot-steaming springs, villages within eye range. The very air smelled of brimstone and charcoal.

“Ay’ Ay’ Ay! Would you look at this place!” remarked Dyno.

“Even our home planet, El Mundo, isn’t like this.” added Myte.

The hot air tickled Buddy’s nostrils. “I don’t even my strongest flowers could stand it here.”

“I think the dragons back home could get used to all this.” said Spike. To him, this heat was wonderful, even more-so than in the New Badlands in the Summer.

Lightning and Grand Ruler had seen many worlds like this before, but it was still exciting to be setting foot on a new planet, but now was not the time for sightseeing.

“We’ve made it safely, that much is clear.
But where do we go from here?” asked Rhymey.

He soon got his answer when a distant voice shouted. “HALT! INTRUDERS!!”

A band of Flareous’ live guards had spotted the men and rushed across the land. The men went silent and acted like helpless prisoners.

The guards moved in closer, and then skid to a halt when they realized, “…Prince Pyron?” They couldn’t believe their eyes.

Pyron glared at them all furiously. “Whom else were you expecting?”

The guards didn’t know what to say or do-- show their respect, or treat him like a traitor?

“I want to see my father, immediately!” demanded Pyron, and he motioned to his prisoners. “I am certain he would very much like to meet his new… warriors?”

The guards noted the men, and they hesitated and chattered silently for a moment with each other.

“Well…?” sneered Pyron. “You deny your prince an audience with the king?!”

The guards relented, and soon the men were being march across the scored fields, acting cool as cucumbers much to the confusion of the guards.

Shining Armor held in a chuckle. “These guys have no idea…”

Celestia, Starla, and all the ladies arrived on Iceinia, with Glaceia. Like the men, they were also seemingly stripped of their powers, weapons, and were chained and shackled.

Their first reaction…

“Wow! It’s f-f-f-freezing here!” groaned Pinkie, and she let out a small sneeze. The others felt the same, even Rarity. “Perhaps I should have dressed more casually for this place!” she groaned.

“How can you be cold with all that fire inside you?” asked Rainbow.

Starla, though cold, was much too mesmerized by the sights of this new world-- all the snowy fields, the icy mountains in the distance, the snow glistening in the air.

Fluttershy was astounded by the forests and how they glistened with ice and thick snow, reflecting the night sky like a mirror.

“It’s all so pretty and white,
There’s snow everywhere insight.”

Cadance was also intrigued by the glistening beauty. “The Frozen North isn’t like this.”

Glaceia was trembling. Being home after all this time really made her feel nervous, and she was especially nervous when the guards saw her and raced towards the group.

“Don’t be nervous…” Celestia whispered to her. “Just remember the plan.”

Glaceia promised to try.

The guards approached the group, and they were surprised. “Princess…?” one of them said in disbelief.

Glaceia nodded, and she looked sad and rather remorseful “I… had to return.”

The guards then looked very cross with her. “Your father has been furious as blizzard since your disobedience, desertion, and direct defection!”

Glaceia clenched her fists nervously. “I believe he would be. However, he needn’t worry, for I have left that horrid Prince Pyron.” she stiffened, hating herself for saying such words.

Another guard took interest in the captured ladies. “We see that you have brough back fine fighters here, even if they are female.”

The ladies didn’t take kindly to such talk, and Applejack especially didn’t like it when the guard took a strong interest in her, and he felt along her strong, bare arm in a flirtatious way.

“Get your cold hands off me!” she snapped.

The guard recoiled, “Such insolence! You mind your place, Prisoner… all of you!”

The ladies kept their cool, especially Pinkie, who sneezed again.

The guards decided to take them all to Blizzord immediately.

As the ladies were marched along, it was still dark before dawn, and Starla couldn’t help but gaze up at all the stars in the skies and how pretty they were.

Suddenly, she could see a set of distant stars-- a constellation. “I think I’ve seen that somewhere before.” she thought to herself. She didn’t even realize she was starting to slack in the march, and a guard shoved her. “Move along there!”

Starla scowled, but she kept calm and marched along.

Pinkie gave another sneeze.

“Cease that horrible sneezing!” bellowed another guard. Pinkie was too cold and chattering to answer, and she was getting angry. All the ladies were.

The men on Moltic were also being marched along, and both teams could see signs of destruction in the distances-- craters, toppled forests, damaged mountains, charred villages that used to stand-- the results of the war.

The nearer the groups got to the castles of the kings, the more guards there were, and there were launch ramps loaded with large projectiles to send to the opposing planets.

Just as the big gates opened wide of the castles, the second they crashed…

“NOW!!” Celestia and Grand Ruler shouted.

In a bright, magical flash which blinded the guards, the fake chains were broken, and the fighters were now in their super suits again-- they had used an invisibility spell to deceive the enemies all along.

Then, all chaos broke loose as the fighters attacked and knocked out the guards. Applejack punched the guard that had been feeling her lustfully, right in the face, sending him soaring and crashing into a pit.

“That was for being downright ungentlemanly.”

The alarms sounded!

“What’s happening?!” cried Flareous.

“We’ve been tricked, Sire!” cried a guard.

Blizzord was told the same thing. “The fighters are attacking us!”

The two kings were outraged and said at the same time, “CALL OUT EVERY SOLDIER WE’VE GOT!! STOP THEM!!”

Swarms upon swarms of guards rushed into action with their weapons ready. Others took their places in the battlements or on the machinery.

“Get Glaceia out of here!” shouted Celestia.

Cadance nodded and led the princess away down the snowy fields, but soon more guards were sneaking up over the hills.

“Help them!” Starla called.

Rarity agreed and rushed over to help Cadance battle the villains and keep Glaceia safe.

Pyron remained with the men to bring down his father’s forces.

The main calvaries approached.

“Spread out!” shouted Lightning!

The men agreed and all went their own ways.

Grand Ruler took a moment and fired a small blast clear out over the fields. The blast hit the invisiport the group had come through and traveled to United Equestria, blasting into the sky like a flare.

“Go! Now!!” shouted Princess Luna, and the Starfleet Army charged at the designated invisiports, bound for the enemy planets.

“Move! Move! Move!!” shouted Krysta.

Flareous sent out what had to be his entire force of artificial Flame Guards, just as he did before, and the real guards and sentries aided them, vastly outnumbering the team of fighters.

“Attack! Attack!!” a lead guard shouted, and the enemy army rushed forth.

The same was happening to the ladies on Iceinia, but the two teams weren’t about to back down.

“SUPER MODE, ACTIVATE!” The fighters donned their sparkling armor, and then the Equestrian ladies decided to take it further.

“Now, Ladies!” Celestia called, and the ladies shouted with her, “VALKYRIA!!” and they morphed into The Valkyries of Harmony!

Galciea was surprised, having seen this power for the very first time, but her astoundment was replaced by fear as enemies came rushing in.

Blitzy heard all the noise from her cell. “What’s happening out there?”

She fluttered up to her high cell window and couldn’t believe her eyes at what she saw happening far below!

“Take this!” Rarity thundered swinging her sword at the soldiers.

Cadance threw her ninja shuriken, knocking weapons out of the guard’s hands, and allowing Rarity to get clear shots at them with her magic and her fiery dragon flames.

Some of the guards operated machinery to fire cannons.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” bellowed Celestia, and she flew up high casting magical sealing barriers over the cannons’ mouths like big stoppers.

When the cannons fired, they blew up and forced the guards back hard.

Flame-Guards launched large, molten-hot boulders into the air towards-- not caring at all if their comrades were down below and would be hit as well.

“LOOK!” cried Buddy.

Lightning and Grand Ruler nodded at one another and leapt up high, and with their legs empowered with Uniforce, they gave huge kicks to those large boulders, sending them back towards the launchers, forcing the men to flee to avoid being crushed, while their catapults and cannons were smashed to bits.

Still, the massive army of Flame Guards, both live and artificial, surrounded the fighters.

“RAZOR LEAF!”

“PAINT BOMBS!”

“DRILL QUILL!”

Buddy, Artie, and Rhymey unleashed their bombardments, coated in magic aura, striking many of the guards hard, but hardly even knocking down a small portion of the army.

“DRAGON FLAME-WHEEL!” Spike bowled his way through a swarm, but still the army remained.

“Where’s our backup?!” Artie wailed.

In a bright flash, the cavalry arrived through many ports, and soon a massive Starfleet Force had arrived.

So many ponies, dragons, Minotaur, and other allies of Starfleet came flying and charging through, perfectly evening the odds.

The aame thing was happening on Iceinia as Krysta led another Starfleet force through.

“Hope we’re not too late.” she joked.

“Perfect timing.” said Starla.

Celestia agreed, “Now we have a fair war!”

The civilian Molticeans and Iceinians heard the loud noises in the distance, as well as feeling the world shake with explosions.

Many raced out of their homes and could hardly believe what was happening-- seeing Starfleet attacking their armed forces and destroying their weapons and machinery.

“We’re at war!”

“This is madness!”

“Why are they attacking us?”

Suddenly, bright lights shone on the villages from above. An entire Starfleet force of flyers was looming overhead. “Stay exactly where you are!” the wing leader(s) announced.

The citizens were outraged and confused. Women and children were frightened.

“This is a Starfleet patrol.” the leader(s) called, “This planet is under siege to end the conflict between your two worlds.

We wish no harm to the innocent, and in a moment, you will all be coming with us to safety.”

“Stand down!” the civilians shouted back.

“Like we’re going to go with you?”

“How dare you come here and invade our worlds!”

“We’ll stand by our king no matter what!”

The wing leader(s) sighed in dismay and murmured, “They actually think they have a choice.” Then they mentioned the teams. “Let them have it!”

The forces then unleashed glowing orbs, which were special, magical spells.

The citizens ran for their lives, and the orbs all flashed, unleashing magical waves that spread all through the village, and all civilians in the path of the waves were instantly and magically shrunk and imprisoned in spheres.

The civilians tried to run and duck, but it was no use, the magic could not be avoided or blocked, and within a few short minutes, all civilians from both planets were imprisoned.

The Starfleet teams still hated having to do this to innocent people-- invading their homelands, and taking them away-- keeping in mind, it was to spare and save them.

The spheres were then, magically, transported through the invisiports and back to United Equestria where Princess Luna and her forces would keep the captives safe and cared for until further notice.

Princess Luna was starting to worry about her friends and family. “What I would give to go there and join the battle myself!” she grumbled.

“Steady on, your majesty.” said Captain Shaina “Our forces are best needed here in case of enemy invasion. We must wait until we are needed and signaled… if need be.”

Luna agreed, but her emotions and anxiety remained unchanged.

Many more guards rushed through the halls of both the enemy castles and many more artificial guards were being created.

Flareous and Blizzord had ordered monsters to be sent, lots, and lots of monsters.

“Use every badge there is!” they demanded.

Guards were donned with badges until not even one was left from the collections.

“Great! This is all we need now!” grumbled Lightning.

Rhymey snuffed and said,

“If they think this will hold us back,
They’ve got another thing coming… TO THE ATTACK!”

He and his friends rushed forth, fighting like crazy, blasting and blowing their ways through the enemy onslaught, and getting nearer and nearer to the castle.

“We’re almost in!” shouted Lightning. “Keep going!”

“Yeah!” cried Saber, and he leapt up high striking more foes down with his weapons.

Then he looked up, “Huh…?” He saw more guards readying machinery on the battlements of the castle-- loading boulders, lava flows, and other sorts of projectiles.

“STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE!” He blasted at the foes, blowing them clear off the battlements, breaking the machinery, and causing the castle to quake!

Flareous and his men trembled with the shaking and walls began to crack as small rocks came tumbling down, “WHAT’S HAPPENING!!” shouted Flareous.

KABOOM!! A perfect path and had been made clear leading straight up to the castle.

“Let’s move in!” shouted Grand Ruler.

Pyron held his sword high, “FATHER!!!!” he roared as he rushed forward with his friends tailing behind and leaving the army to take care of the enemy forces outside.

“YOU’RE USELESS!! EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!!!” screamed Flareous! His flaming body blazed like an inferno volcano, sending streaks of fire all through the chamber and causing explosions.

His army shuddered in fear and ran from him to join the fight.

“I’ll finish them myself!” Flareous decided, and he felt around inside his armor for something special.

“Sire! You can’t! Not that!” cried Keltar.

“SILENCE!!” shouted Flareous, and he fired a massive flame at his lackey, forcing him to retreat in fear.

Flareous then pulled out a pulsating growth blob that beat like a heart, and he popped it into his mouth and swallowed it, though with great difficulty, nearly choking himself in the process.

Back on Iceinia, Celestia ordered, “Group Formation!”

The Valkyries all stood by her side, and Starla fluttered above Celestia.

The massive horde of guards and monsters charged straight for them.

“Ready!” Celestia shouted, and the Valkyries powered up all they could spare, and Starla did the same. “FIRE!!”

Combining their powers together-- POW-- the ladies unleashed a massive blast at the enemy army.

“OHH!!!” Glaceia shrieked as she ducked down, and Cadance shielded her.

KABLAM!! The blast shot straight past the army of foes, knocking them all over the place, reaching the main gates of the castle and blowing it wide open in a massive explosion, which was felt all over the castle, by Blizzord, his forces, and even Blitzy was rocked about in her cell.

“They’ve blown the gates clear open, sire!” wailed Smark. “They’re heading right inside!”

Blizzord roared furiously, “That does it! If you’re all so incompetent that you can’t stop them yourselves… Then I guess I’LL have to do the job!”

He reached into his robes and pulled out a blob just like the one Flareous had.

“Sire…! You don’t mean…?” cried Smark, but Blizzord had already chomped the blob down his throat, which made Smark retreat in a fearful haste with the remaining guards as well.

The ladies and the men burst their ways into the castles, where they were met by even more guards, and with less room to jump around and fight.

…Not that it mattered, the fighters barely charged on right through the onslaught as if the guards were moving in slow motion.

“The throne room is just up ahead!” called Pyron.

“Right!” said Grand Ruler. He was really looking forward to confronting Flareous himself and making him suffer for all he had done!

Suddenly, there was a large ambush of guards and monsters stopping right before the long haul leading to the throne chamber.

“You’ll not get through here!!” they shouted, and combining their fiery wrath they unleashed a massive wave of flames forcing the men to dodge and back away.

The foe thought they finally had a chance to make a comeback, when suddenly… BOOM!! The walls behind them smashed wide open. The foes turned round just in time to be punched, kicked and bashed away, even thrown into the very fires they made, putting it out.

“Swift!” cried Lightning.

Swift stood tall and saluted proudly, especially when in the presence of Grand Ruler.

The men wondered how he escaped from custody, but there was no time to ask nor for Swift to explain, especially seeing as he wasn’t supposed to be here at all.

Grand Ruler ordered him, “I want you to head back out. The sentries will take you to a portal, back to United Equestria.”

“Yes sir!” replied Swift. Much as he wished he could stay to pay Flareous and his forces back for locking him up, he knew better than to argue with orders.

“Good Luck, Hombre.” called Dyno.

“And thanks for the save.” added Myte.

Swift looked back and saluted to the men again before rushing out the gateway.

“Onward!” shouted Lightning, and he and the team rushed their way through the hallway coming to a large pair of doors.

Swift made it to the gate where the sentries were waiting for him.

“This way, Lieutenant.” one of them called. Swift and the troops rushed out but were soon confronted by more monsters and enemies.

“Attack!” one sentry shouted, and the team began to fight back, and though he was told to stay out of the way, Swift knew that in times like this, since he could help, he would help, and he began to fight down the guards!

At the same time, in the Iceinian palace, Blitzy could hear crashing sounds, explosions, and distant echoes of shouting and wailing.

She felt those rumbles were growing nearer, and she feared for her life.

“Blitz!” called a familiar voice.

She recognized it immediately, “Starla?”

The fighters came rushing up to her cell door, which made her leap out of her blankets in exactment, and then put them back as she shivered.

“Thank goodness you’re alright!” cried Rarity.

“Stand back! Pinkie said, and she rammed across the floor flowing right through the door so hard, she flew clean through the back cell wall. She quickly fluttered back inside and felt embarrassed for running to hard.

Starla came inside, and Blitzy hugged her. “How did you find me?”

“Are you kidding?” teased Rainbow. “We could sniff you out a mile away.”

Starla cleared her throat and pointed at her visor, which she had been using to scan for Blitzy’s life signs.

Fluttershy then gasped,

“Blitzy’s safe without a doubt,
But we’ve other things to worry about!”

She referred to the swarm of guards standing outside the cell door and ready for ambush.

They charged forth, but they stopped when Celestia cast a magical barrier on the opening and keeping the foes at bay.

“Stand back!” Starla said and all the ladies moved to the side while she aimed at the wall. “PULSAR LASER!”

BOOM!! The wall was blown right through sending bits of debris crashing to the ground.

“Krysta, take Blitzy and get her back to United Equestria at once.” ordered Celestia.

“Right!” agreed Krysta, and she fluttered over to Blitzy. “Hang on. Here we go!”

“Whoa!” Blitzy wailed as she and Krysta teleported away.

The barrier over the door was starting to weaken, but the ladies merely flew out through the hole in the wall, and they were then overflying the castle.

“Where do we go now?” asked Pinkie.

Celestia scouted around, committing her knowledge of the Castle Layout from the information she had from the captured guards.

“There!” she cried pointing towards the very center of the layout. “The throne room is there! Let’s go!”

“Ah, yeah! This is it!” cheered Rainbow.

Krysta had teleported Blitzy back to where Cadance was just as Cadance knocked down several more enemies in one jump-kick.

“We’ve got Blizty back. Now let’s beat it out of here.”

Cadance nodded, but suddenly there was a big flash coming from behind them.

“Oh, no!” cried Galceia. “The invisiport we came through. It’s dying!” and in a flash, the portal was gone, leaving the ladies surrounded by more enemies.

Cadance looked ready for another brawl, but Krysta had a better idea, and she swiftly teleported the group someplace else, away from the battle.

As for Swift, he and his escorts made it back to the invisiport, just in time to see it vanish.

“Oh, no!” cried the sentry.

“Now what do we do?” asked Swift.

“We’ll have to find another portal.”

Unfortunately, they were all immediately surrounded by swarms of enemies cutting off escape routes.

“To the attack!” the sentry shouted, and the men and Swift rushed forth.

The battle seemed evenly matched. The fighters did their best, when suddenly… as Swift knocked a guard away, he was approached from behind by a monster that swiped at him hard, making sparks fly.

“Lieutenant!” cried the lead Sentry, and he and his troops rushed forth to help, but too late…!

WHAMM!! The monster gave swift such a huge bash, sending him screaming, crashing through the sentries, knocking them all down, and he kept soaring, tumbling backwards, and he vanished through another invisiport.

“No!!” cried the lead sentry “His majesty will be furious!” but he had no time to worry of that now and kept up the battle.

As for Swift, he emerged in the middle of a snowy field. It only took him a split second to realize, “I must be on Iceinia!”

Thanks to his armor’s temperature control, he didn’t feel cold, but he knew he was lost. Due to being uninvited on the mission, his visor was programmed to detect invisiports, but not their exit points. So, even if he were to come across a portal, he didn’t dare enter it, not knowing where he’d come out!

“Great! Now where am I supposed to go?”

With a loud crash, the men burst into the throne room, and there he stood with his back facing them.

“King Flareous?!” growled Grand Ruler, but Flareous didn’t turn or even say a word.

The men all gawked at each other.

Lighting stepped forth, “We give you this one chance! Surrender now… or face the consequences!”

“It’s over, Father!” said Pyron “You have abused your power for far too long!”

Flareous gave a small snicker, “Surrender… Me? On the contrary…” and he turned round revealing his flaring eyes, and his flaming aura began to flare up too.

Pyron gasped. “Father! You didn’t?!”

“What? What’s happening to him?” asked Buddy, but he got his answer as Flareous was enflamed in fire.

“He’s transforming!” cried Artie.

When the flames vanished, Flareous stood, looking twice as large, muscular, fearsome, and monstrous. His muscles were larger, and his veins pulsed with orange, fire glows.

Grand Ruler clenched his fist, not liking the look of this. He remembered Pyron warning him about a special hidden power his father only used on special occasions-- the growth he ate intensified his powers, his size, and even his rage!

The ladies crashed through the roof of the Ice Palace, landing in the throne room, and the very first thing they saw was Blizzord, having just gone through his own transformation, and he was now as fearsome and as large, and strong as Flareous, and it sent shivers up their backs.

“Ummmm… Alrighty…” said Applejack

“Welcome…” Blizzord sneered “I see you’ve finally come to your senses and are ready to swear allegiance to me.”

“Never!” shouted Starla. “We’ve come to bring you down, and Flareous too. It’s time you both answered for everything you’ve done!”

Blizzord looked furious, “Wrong answer!” and he unleashed a wave of freezing snow, forcing Celestia to put up a barrier wall.

“Whoa! This guy isn’t kidding around!” cried Pinkie.

“How did he suddenly get so strong anyway?” asked Rainbow.

Celestia growled softly and remembered what Glaceia had warned her about the growth Blizzord had, obviously, consumed. “I was hoping this would be easier.”

The snow ceased, and Blizzord looked ready for more. “You’ve only had a small taste of my power, unless you want to be put on ice, you’ll join me at once.”

The ladies only stood their ground…

…While Flareous glared at the men facing him, preferably at Pyron.

“My son…!” he bellowed. “I could not express deeper disappointment in you-- rebelling against our ways, fighting against your own father!”

Pyron gripped his sword tightly. “It is you who disappoints me, Father!” he said sternly. “All you care about is victory over your enemies, and no matter whom you have to harm or put in danger to obtain it!”

Flareous flared up, “I do what I must!!” he bellowed. “And all my followers do the same. They are prepared to pay the cost! They are prepared to give their lives if they have to!”

Grand Ruler felt sick to his stomach to hear such talk, but Lightning spoke up. “You’re insane!” he shouted. “Your soldiers may be willing to put themselves at risk, but what about innocent people, like your subjects!”

Flareous growled.

“And what of all the other innocent beings, all over the galaxy, who suffered because of your misfires! Did you ever stop to think how your war would affect them!”

At that moment, Grand Ruler used his magic to show images of people suffering due to all the ice and flame meteors Flareous and Blizzord had been letting fly loose.

Flareous seemed to go silent.

His majesty cast the images down and then spoke sternly. “You and Blizzord have much to answer for. Don’t make it any worse now!”

The men all stood by his side looking to get serious with the wicked king. “Stand down, Father!” said Pyron “Your time is up! Surrender the throne to me and help end this pointless war between our worlds.”

Flareous growled and roared loudly, sending flames of destruction all through the chamber, forcing Grand Ruler to cover everyone in a Uniforce Barrier.

The entire chamber was demolished, thus exposing everyone to the outside, and Flareous looked ready for battle.

“You dare tell me to step down!!” he thundered. “You have disgraced me for the last time, My Son! I will never stop fighting! I will win this war, and if I must destroy you as well… SO BE IT!!”

Pyron felt that jab hurt him greater than anything ever said or done to him-- his own father caring more for victory than his own son, his people, or other beings. There was just no getting through to him now!

“So be it, Father!” he bellowed “If I must… I WILL END YOU!!”

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode, it’s go-time as the fierce battle commences between Starfleet and the two kings. The ultimate clashing of Fire and Ice eventually leads to a battle that causes both sides to clash on a planetoid within the same system.

Can Starfleet finally convince the two kings to cease their waring?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Part 4: Flaming/Flurry Fury”)

Episode 23: Part 4: Flaming/Flurry Fury

Previously on Starfleet Magic…

After arriving on Moltic and Iceinia, our heroes confronted the enemy armies and evacuated the innocent civilians. It wasn’t long before Blitzy and Swift were freed from captivity but were forced to flee for their safety and wind up in the wrong places. Meanwhile, our heroes finally were to engage in a long-awaited confrontation with Kings Flareous and Blizzord, only to realize the impending battles may be more dangerous than expected!

EPISODE TWENTY-THREE

Pyron gripped his sword tightly as he glared at his flaming father. Mixes of pain and rage were coursing through him.

“Your majesty… Lightning…” he said to the two men. “We must do whatever it takes… even if we must destroy my father.” He was really trying to be brave and strong about this.

Grand Ruler was amazed at his compassion for his father. “Hopefully, that will not be necessary…” was all he could tell him

“Let’s do this.” Lightning said as he looked ready for battle, and the rest of the team stood ready.

“So, be it!!” roared Flareous and he swung his huge sword, sending a massive flame wave at everyone, forcing them to dodge.

Lightning leapt forth to punch him hard, only for Flareous to block him with his huge sword and knock him away with his other fist.

Lightning landed on his feet safely, but he could tell this fight was going to be a hard one.

Rhymey, Spike, and Saber stood together and got out their weapons.

“WARD SWORD!”

“DRAGON KNIGHT SABER!”

“INSECT SCIMITAR!”

Pyron stood with them-- four men with four blades.”

“You want swords, you got ‘em!” shouted Spike.

“CHARGE!!” shouted Saber, and the four men leapt in.

“Let’s go!” hollered Artie as he and the other men charged forth as well.

Flareous, though completely surrounded, proved to be more than capable of fending everyone off.

He clashed his sword with their weapons. He swerved and ducked to evade other oncoming attacks. His armor shielded him from big blows, and he was able to strike the men back with big punches, kicks, and slashes from his sword.

“Take this!” he roared, and he thrust his flaming first straight into Grand Ruler’s chest, sending him crashing through fallen walls and columns, but his majesty then kick-sprung off another wall, and shot straight back for him like a missile! “HIYA!!”

WHAMM!! He thrust his fist, glowing with magic, right into the flaming king’s chest-plate so hard “D’AAAARGH!!” There was a big explosion and a shower of sparks as the evil king was sent skidding backwards hard, but still on his feet.

“Lightning, can’t you go Enticorn on him?” hollered Buddy.

“I don’t dare!” replied Lightning, “I might blow up the whole castle, and us with it!”

This gave Flareous and idea, “Blow up the castle…? Hmmm…”

“Blast him!” shouted Grand Ruler, and all the men fired their attacks and magical blasts in a furious bombardment, making more sparks, more explosions and more slight damage to the enemy, but they seemed to be making him more angry than weak.

“Is that the best you’ve got!” thundered Flareous, “I haven’t even begun to unleash my full rage and fury!!” and his body began to flare up in a bright yellow flame!

“Get out!!” shouted Lightning, and everyone jumped into the sky quickly--Lightning carried Pyron away, and Grand Ruler took Saber.

Flareous let out an extremely loud roar and unleashed such a powerful explosion that blew up the entire castle, and the waves spread way outward, still hitting the escaping fighters, blowing them away, and all fighters-- both friend and foe-- near the castle were knocked down and blown far away, injuring them badly, and all the artificial monsters were destroyed instantly.

“Medics!” A Starfleet Sentry shouted. “MEDICS!! MEDICS!!”

On Iceinia…

Krysta had warped herself, Glaceia, Cadance, and Blitzy to a small, snowy hill that overlooking the castle and the battle zones far away.

“Would you look at all that chaos?” said Krysta.

Blitzy had seen her share of battles, while being a medic on other planets, but hardly anything as severe as this. “All those battles… All those injuries…” she shuddered “All because two nut-bag kings can’t control their tempers!”

Cadance agreed, and she pulled her ninja hood off so she could speak. “All the more reason for us to get you out of here and fast.”

“But how? We cannot find the invisiports without proper equipment..” cried Glaceia.

“Oh, yes we can.” replied Cadance, and she pulled out a map she had stored on her. The map was double-sided, on one side was a layout of Moltic, and the other side was of Iceinia, and stamped all over the map were a series of dots, each marked with code. Large codes marked the location of the portal, and a smaller code next to it was to be matched to exit point, be it Iceinia, Moltic, or United Equestria.

“Celestia and Celesto gave this to me in case something would happen, since I don’t have a visor to scan the ports with. I should be able to find a port that can take us back home.”

“…If they haven’t closed too.” reminded Krysta.

With this in mind… Cadance had to look fast, while all Blitz could do was wrap herself warm in the fur she still had and watch the battles happening from below. Glaceia watched with her.

Suddenly…!

BOOM!! There was a huge flash of light that came from the palace. “What’s that?!” Blitzy wailed.

Glaceia remembered only one thing that could cause a flash like that! “Oh, Father! You took the growth!!”

Cadance and Krysta looked up in concern, “…The--What?” Krysta asked.

In the throne room, Blizzord had cast another freezing wave from his trident, but Celestia blasted back at the weapon with a strong magical pulse from her horn, causing the explosion-- which made the flash.

The ladies all raised their shields blocking the blast, and Starla and Celestia withstood the waves.

Blizzord only laughed as the waves cleared, and then he let out a threatening roar and he rushed forth, forcing the ladies to scatter about, out of the way.

Blizzord missed them all, striking his trident into the ground, making a massive quake that shook the whole castle, and caused massive shockwaves that caused the throne room to cave in!

“Everybody, out!!” shouted Starla, and she and all the ladies rushed through the big hold already in the ceiling just as the throne room caved in.

All the fighters outside saw this, and they couldn’t believe their eyes when Blizzord burst through the rubble roaring like a titan!

From up on the hill, Glaceia and the ladies saw everything.

“Father!” cried Glaceia.

Blitzy was quivering with fear, but there was nothing she nor her friends could do, right now anyway.

Cadance scrambled faster than ever to find a port, fearing her aunt and her friends would need her help and more.

“I’ve found one!” she suddenly cried and pointed at a small dot on the map. “It’s not too far from here. Let’s go!” she redonned her mask, going silent again.

“Get ready to teleport.” said Krysa, and she held her wand up ready for the warp… when suddenly, an ice-spear landed right by the ladies, barely missing them, scaring them, and Krysta dropped her wand in the snow on impulse.

“Ambush!!” Blitz wailed as many Ice Guards were seen roaming up the hill to the attack!

“My wand! I’ve got to find it!” cried Krysta as she frantically searched through the snow.

Cadance leapt down and confronted the guards, punching and kicking them away.

Many more guards were coming their way, outnumbering the group, and Cadance wouldn’t be able to stand up to all of them alone.

Glaceia had an idea, and she made a few snowballs in her hand.

“What are you going to do-- pelt them away?” Blitz asked sarcastically, but she was soon shown up when Glaceia rolled the balls over the hillside, thus making them into humungous balls that crashed into the guards and knocking them down like bowling pins.

Blitzy gawked and blinked in surprise, while Glaceia boasted, “…Living on this planet really gives you a sense resources.”

“Aha!” Krysta suddenly shouted as she held up her wand.

Cadance heard this and backflipped her way back up the hill and regrouping with the others.

“Here we go!” Krysta shouted, and she warped the group away…

Meanwhile, the men lay on the ground after being struck by the explosive waves. Nobody was hurt badly, but they all did have bruises and burns, and their armor suits were scorched and had a few dents, but nothing serious.

The men got to their feet just in time to see Flareous stomping towards them from the wreckage of his destroyed castle.

“Still standing, are you.” he huffed “You’ve got a lot more spark in you than I thought. You really should have joined me while you had the chance.”

Lightning growled furiously, “You’re even worse than we gave you credit for! What kind of sick creep destroys his own castle like that!”

Flareous didn’t answer and unleashed more fiery waves at the group, forcing them all to scatter once more.

“THAT’S IT!!” Lightning thundered, and with a loud roar, he went into Enticorn mode!

“What’s this?!” cried Flareous, having never seen such a thing before.

Lightning snuffed, “…This… is what power is all about!”

Grand Ruler stood behind him with all their friends, agreeing with what he had said.

“You think I’m scared!” bellowed Flareous, and he powered up to fire this biggest and most powerful burst of flames he could.

“Lightning, here!” cried Grand Ruler, and he offered him a small boost of his magical energies, so did all the others.

“Take mine.” said Buddy.

“We’ve got your back.” added Artie.

“Show him!
Blow him!” put in Rhymey.

“Hombre!” called the Twins.

“Give it to him good!” added Spike.

“Take my energy too.” said Saber.

Pyron couldn’t give Lightning any of his energy, but he nodded thankfully and proudly at him, telling him to strike his father down.

All the energies made Lightning’s power glow brighter than ever, and he rushed forth with his fists glowing brightly.

“No!!!” Flareous shouted, and he unleashed his massive stream of flames, but Lightning plowed his way though the stream like it was nothing, deflecting them off his glowing body and sent them hurling up into the sky.

“AAA-AAAHH!!!” Flareous cried, and before he knew it, Lightning had punched him incredibly hard up and off the ground and sent him soaring like a missile far towards a far-off mountainside.

“After him!” shouted Grand Ruler, and he and the men all soared after Flareous at a fantastic speed to catch up with him…

…But then…! Instead of smashing hard into the mountainside, Flareous simply vanished.

The men were shocked and fluttered in midair.

“He’s gone!” cried Buddy.

“He must’ve gone through an invisiport.”

The men scanned with their visors to show there was, indeed, a portal on the cliff face, but the scanning didn’t show it’s exit point, nor was the port itself listed in the database.

“What’s going on?” asked Spike. “I thought we knew where all the ports were?”

Grand Ruler shook his head, “Not all, it seems. Obviously, when we probed the minds of our prisoners, there were some ports even they did not know of.”

“Now… we find out?!” groaned Saber.

“We better go in.” suggested Dyno.

“Si, we may have sent him back to United Equestria!” added Myte.

The men quickly bolted right through the portal…!

At the same time, Blizzord smashed his way through the wreckage of his damaged castle, but he couldn’t see the fighters anywhere.

“Come out!” he thundered. “Cowards!!”

He stomped about until he was out in the open fields. He looked back, forth, left, right, up, down…!

Then suddenly…!

Rainbow gave a long roar as she came soaring in from the sky, “SONIC RAINBOOM!!”

Blizzord leapt out of the way just in time as Rainbow slammed the ground, BOOM!! Making a huge, colorful explosion; the force of which still blew Blizzord back several paces.

“ATTACK!!” shouted Celestia from above, and all the ladies rose out from hiding under the snow.

“STARLIGHT ARROW!” Starla fired a shot that Blizzord easily blocked with his trident.

Celestia fired a beam from her horn, which Blizzord dodged.

All the ladies then rushed in, punching, kicking, swinging their swords…

Blizzord managed to keep strong by blocking all their attacks and striking them all hard back, but the ladies still stayed strong and managed to land a few hits or so with their swords, making sparks fly, but barely doing much damage.

The Valkyries tried to tie him down with their magic beams, but he broke through them like they were made of thread!

“What is with this guy?!” groaned Applejack. “Nothing we do gets him down!”

“He’s got an overdeveloped lust for war,
He’ll just keep righting, destroying, and more!” cried Fluttershy.

Pinkie growled, undeterred and determined to bring Blizzord down, she foolishing charged at him shouting “DIE MONSTER!!”

“Pinkie!!” Starla called, and used her magic to yank her away just as Blizzord swung his trident, just missing, and striking the ground, sending freezing shockwaves through the ground, which blew the ladies all about in huge explosions.

Cadance and her group appeared just in time to see the explosion far away.

“What is that?!” wailed Blitzy, but when the brightness faded, she and the others could see.

“Father!” cried Glaciea, noting his large, monstrous form.

The fact that he was now more fearsome than before, and obvious wrecked the palace, and harmed his own troops and put them in danger, “…He’s fully insane!” cried Krysta.

This made it all the clearer to get out of here and get back to United Equestria where it was safer.

Suddenly, the port began to flash and flicker. “It’s closing!” cried Krysta. “We’ve got to go now!”

Just as they were about to leave through the port…

…Amongst the wreckage of the castle, a catapult loaded with a large ice-boulder was accidently triggered and launched the load towards the group.

“INCOMING!!” shouted Blitz.

The others all looked up, and Galceia gasped in super shock as the massive mound came right for them all.

Krysta and Cadance stood ready to blast the rock to bits when…

“HIYA!!” Swift Star came leaping in and he gave the rock a huge, powerful kick, sending it soaring and crashing towards the mountain ranges.

Blitzy’s eyes sparkled as Swift landed on his feet. He groaned softly as he lifted and rubbed his aching foot. “That smarts a little.”

He wasn’t too hurt.

“Swift!” said Blitz, and Swift turned round just as she tackled him to the ground in a huge hug. “It’s you! You’re alright!”

Swift blushed madly, but he hugged her back. “Glad you’re okay too.”

Their faces moved in slowly, but Krysta butted in, “Do that later! Let’s move before--” was all she managed to get say before the portal vanished completely and was gone. “…Too late.”

Cadance smacked her forehead in dismay. Now she would have to find yet another port for them all to take, but before she even had a chance to get out her map…

Blizzord raised his trident high whirling it round and summoning powerful blasts of freezing winds to billow at the fighters.

The ladies stood strong, but it was getting harder and harder, and with all the snow billowing in their faces, it was hard to see!

“I can’t hold on much longer in this!” Rarity shouted.

“Rare! Hang on!” cried Applejack.

Starla used her visor’s infrared to see through the blizzard, and she could see Blizzord right in the center. “I think I can hit him from here!”

She armed her bow and got her shot ready. Celestia managed to make her way towards her, “I’ll help you!” she hollered and put her hand on Starla’s shoulder. Then she gave her magic to power up Starla’s shot.

Together they shouted, “GALACTIC PROJECTILE!”

The finisher, powered by Celestia’s magic was much stronger than ever, and pierced through the storm, striking Blizzord hard, making a big explosion-- so big, that the force of which combined with the winds blew the ladies right towards Cadance and Company.

“LOOK OUT!!” Galceia shouted.

WHAMM!! Everyone crashed together, rolling on the ground into a giant snowball that rolled and rolled, and suddenly… it vanished through another portal!

Blizzord saw them through the settling dust! “You won’t escape me!” he thundered, and he began to stomp to where the port was.

POW!!

The ladies burst free of the snowball.

“Is everyone alright?” asked Celestia.

Rainbow shook off her dizziness. “Talk about rock and roll!”

Starla was surprised to find Cadance and the others, and Swift with them. “How did you get here?” she asked.

“I’ll tell you later,” replied Swift, but as he looked up, he was astounded. “Where are we?”

The others looked up and around and were speechless! They were no longer on Iceinia, they weren’t on Moltic, or even back in United Equestria!

All ways around them were barren, desolate wastelands, rocky hillsides, and craters, and all around them in the sky were the stars of Outer Space.

Everyone even felt the gravity was much lower.

“It can’t be…” muttered Glaceia.

“What can’t be?” asked Applejack.

Glaciea then explained, “This must be Horizon!”

“Horizon???” everyone said.

“It is a small planetoid that alternates obits between Moltic and Iceinia-- like a Moon.”

She explained how since the two planets moved in their respective orbits, Horizon-- which was half the size of a regular moon-- would shift orbits, much like throwing a baseball to another catcher.

“Ohh…!” Glaceia said, remembering how when she and Pyron were launched into space and dropped one of the Invisport containers, portals flew out all over the place. “Portals must’ve dropped here too.”

Everyone gazed about at all the stars. It was a good thing they didn’t need spacesuits, since planets, moons, and planetoids large enough didn’t get teleported through space, everyone was safe.

Starla spotted that same constellation she had seen earlier. “Where have I seen it before?” she wondered.

Suddenly, Pinkie quivered and wiggled; her Pinkie sense was warning them, “…I don’t think we’re alone here.”

Everyone looked back just in time as Flareous came crashing down from the skies right near them. He landed with huge thud, making the ground tremble.

Swift growled, and the ladies stared up in awe and surprise.

Flareous glared down at Glaceia, “You!!” he roared.

Glaceia trembled in fear.

“You poisoned my son-- turned him against me, and you work to try and take me and my forces down! It will be an honor to strike you down first before I get to your father!”

The fighters all stood by Glaceia to defend her. “No… You won’t!” Celestia sneered, glaring at the evil king right in the flaming eyes.

Starla then spoke, “If anyone’s going down, it’ll be you and Blizzord!”

The rest of the team all hollered in agreement, which enraged Flareous greatly. He raised his sword to attack, when he was suddenly blasted at by many magical pulses and objects from behind.

“ARGH!!

He turned round and saw the other group of fighters, with Lightning in his Enticorn form at the lead.

“Lightning!” cried Starla.

“Celesto!” hollered Celestia.

Pyron and Glaceia’s eyes lit up upon seeing each other, as did Fluttershy and Rhymey, Spike and Rarity, and Saber gazed at Cadance, and while he couldn’t see her eyes, he knew his wife was gazing happily at him.

“Glad to see you’re all okay.” said Grand Ruler.

“Likewise, darling.” replied Celestia.

“Nobody’s going to be okay...!!” bellowed Flareous, “Not when I’m through with you all!”

“For once, we actually agree!” thundered a voice from behind. Everyone turned, and saw Blizzord, having just arrived through the port himself.

Flareous took one look at him, and he was surprised as well as enraged. “You!!”

Blizzord glared back at him, and both of their aura’s flared up brightly.

Suddenly, something inside both ignited, and the two kings roared fiercely up at the stars as powerful waves shrouded them both.

The entire force stood strong and wailing against the waves.

“Now what’s happening?” bellowed Lightning.

“Look!” cried Saber.

The two forces began to combine, much to the shock of Pyron and Glaceia. “They’re merging!” they both exclaimed.

In a bright flash, appeared a colossal beast! Five times as large as the kings were before.

It has a strong head and fierce-looking face, with icy fin-like scales for a mask and faceplate, and flaming orange fangs. His body was violet colored, with pulsing veins of fire and ice. His muscles were huge, and he wore strong metal bands with spikes around the rings around his arms and wrists. He had a long, spiky tail with icy and fiery spines. He had two strong legs, pulsing with veins like his chest, and in his massive hand, he clutched a massive axe, with a glowing flaming side and a glowing icy side.

The creature roared so loud the very ground shook.

“What sort of trickery is this?!” wondered Pyron.

“What? You mean you didn’t know about this?” asked Lightning.

“Never.” replied Glaceia “We’ve never seen anything like this before, nor have our fathers. We knew that monsters could merge, but our fathers would never consent to merge with each other.”

The creature growled and began to stomp forth and hold his axe up high!

“LOOK OUT!” shouted Starla, and everyone leapt up and off the ground, just as the creature struck it hard, not only causing a massive quake, but a wild force or flaming and icy waves bounding straight for the fighters.

Everyone was struck hard and blasted a way backwards.

Swift held Blitzy hard, taking the full blast himself, which powered down his suit, and seemingly knocked him out.

“Swift!” yelled Blitz as she gazed at his seemingly unconscious body. “Swift! Swift! Say something!”

Swift groaned softly, “Why… are you yelling in my face?”

Blitz was relieved he wasn’t hurt.

The other fighters were fine, but Glaceia suffered a bruised leg from the impact. Though it wasn’t serious, it really burned, and she could barely stand up in the pain.

Pyron was infuriated beyond words! He got up, and fiercely glared at the hulking beasting.

“You…!!” he shouted at the top of his lungs, causing his entire body to flare up in flaming aura.

The creature eyed him, snarling and growling.

Pyron stepped forth holding his sword up high, and with a loud scream, he unleashed the biggest and deadliest of fire waves he had ever shot, which struck the creature, but hardly did any damage at all-- like a fly trying to attack a charging steer.

“Pyron!” Lightning called as he saw the creature ready for another axe-slam, which would unleash another strong wave of burning, icy forces!

Lightning quickly flew in and pushed up against the creature’s big arms, preventing him from coming down.

“Lightning…!!” Grand Ruler called. He knew Lightning couldn’t hold against the creature alone.

“Celesto…!” called Celestia. His majesty gazed at his wife and saw her holding out half of the Rainbow Rod, and he quickly got out his own half, and their majesties joined them together as one, activating their merging magic…!

…They became “GRAND CELESTIAL RULER!”

The fighters all gazed in awe and astoundment.

And Spike, he could suddenly feel the evil energies coursing through the air, creating evil aura everywhere. “Just what I needed.” he said. “Everyone, stand back!”

Everyone did so!

Swift lifted Glaceia up, off the ground and carried her away with Blitz.

“Spike…!” cried Rarity, and she and everyone watched as Spike summoned the incredible forces within his powers, and in a bright flash of lightning, he became the Majestic Dragon!

The Ruler flew over and rode on the dragon’s back. “Onward!” they shouted, and Spike took off, right at the large creature.

“Come on!” Starla called to the other fighters, and the gang chased after her to join the battle, leaving Glaceia in the care of Blitz, Swift, and Krysta.

“I’ve never seen such bravery in my life!” cried Blitz. She remembered how she used to believe such actions were foolish.

“That’s Starfleet for you.” said Krysta. “It’s what we do.”

Swift wished he could go with the others, but it wasn’t advisable with his power and strength all drained.

As for Glaceia, as much as she proud of all her friends, and her love, Pyron going up against the mad beast, she couldn’t help but say to herself “I wish the Great Hero was here. If anyone could save us all, it would be him!”

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode: it’s a grand struggle with the evil king beast to take it down, but just as Flareous and Blizzord are on the verge of defeat, both they and our heroes are in for a huge surprise when a mysterious stranger shows up with a horrifying tale to tell.

Who is this stranger and what story has he to shock everyone with?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Part 5: A Hero’s a Zero”)

Episode 24: Part 5: A Hero's a Zero

Previously on Starfleet Magic…

Flareous and Blizzord had mutated into giants and proved to be incredibly ruthless! As our heroes struggled to bring them down, a twist of fate sent them all hurdling onto Horizon in orbit, and there, the two kings merged into a colossal beast with incredible power and rage, but this did not stop the force from charging into battle!

EPISODE TWENTY-FOUR

In United Equestria, rows of Moltecian and Iceinian guards marched through the ports with their arms in the air. The enemy forces had finally surrendered and were being marched to be detained until further notice.

There were also loads of medical tents set up all over the grounds, as loads of fighters, both friend and foe, had been injured in the fight and were being brought in on stretchers.

The last thing to come along were massive crates loaded with capture spheres containing imprisoned guards.

Princess Luna had never seen such casualty in a long time, but even that was not her main concern. “Where is my sister and the others?” she asked a female knight.

“There’s been a problem, your majesty.” the knight, and she explained as best she could. “And they just vanished.”

“Are you certain of this?” asked Luna.

“We are unable to detect their presence anywhere. To be honest, we thought they had come back here.”

Luna was confused and growing worried.

Just then, a male knight approached her and explained to her the same thing happened with Grand Ruler and his party. “We cannot find them. We don’t know what has become of them?”

Luna couldn’t take much more of the pressure…

…And there was worse to come!

“Your majesty! Your majesty!” A pony from the palace labs came running up to her with such a panic.

“What it is?”

The pony was out of breath, but he handed her a paper which contained calculations from the lab regarding the invisiports.

Luna looked at the report, and it said that invisiports all over were beginning to collapse. It wouldn’t be long before they all were gone and roads between the planets would be permanently closed! Meaning anyone still left behind would be trapped!

Luna felt her insides trembling.

“I must warn our friends!”

The two knights were shocked, and they tried to advise against.

“Not buts!” insisted Luna, and she clapped her hands signaling two sets of sentries and other fighters. “We’re going in… Stay in close groups at all times, and the moment the port starts to weaken, return immediately.”

The soldiers saluted her, and then she and her forces bound for the nearest port.

Lightning continued to hold up against the beast’s arm, but the creature still had one free arm to bash him with!

He swung back, ready for the kill, when Spike collided right into him in a strong headbutt, sending the creature back-pacing hard.

Spike roared, and the ruler leapt off his back and rushed forth, BAM!! They punched the monster’s huge face hard knocking him flat on his back with a hard thud that shook the grounds.

“Whoa!!” The sideliners yelled as they held on. Glaceia’s bruised leg ached in the tremors.

Blitzy quickly knew the best course was to wrap the leg in her fur blanket like a cocoon. “We’ve got to get her out of here!”

“We can’t.” said Krysta. “I could take us back to the planet’s surface, but we can’t find the right ports to take us home. We’d be smack in the middle of the battles.”

“We’ll have to hold out here as long as we can.” suggested Swift.

Glaceia could only nervously watch the battle, especially when the creature got up, roaring and thundering in extreme rage. His body flared up with a mix of flaming and icy auras. He looked ready as if to smash the planetoid to pieces!

“We’ve got to split him back apart!” said Lightning.

The Ruler agreed, “You must keep him distracted and wear him out, while we prepare the attack.”

“We’ve got your back, Lightning.” Starla called, and the rest of the team stood by her, ready to offer all the power they had.

“Let’s waste this creep!” shouted Buddy.

“Blow him to bits!” hollered Pinkie.

Rarity leapt up high onto Spike’s large head. “Let’s do this!”

“I’m with you, dear.” said Spike.

Pyron gripped his sword tightly. His fiery aura was still flaming furiously. “You will pay for what you did to my Glaceia!” he bellowed.

“Go!!” shouted Lightning, and he and the others rushed forth while The Ruler levitated high up and began to concentrate hard…!

Lightning kicked the creature hard in the chest, angering him!

The creature swung at him hard with his huge axe, but Lightning swiftly dodged each blow, allowing the others to come in and attack.

“STAR SHOWER!”

“RAZOR LEAVES!”

“PAINT BOMBS!”

“DRILL QUILL!”

“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS!”

All those projectiles, coated in magical energy flew straight at the monster’s huge face, combining into a massive explosion, blinding him in the flames and smoke.

This gave spike the perfect chance to attack. “FLAMES OF LIGHT!”

“I’ll help you…!” Rarity shouted, and she unleashed her dragon flames into the light flames, strengthening the force.

The Blast stuck the axe hard and knocked it out of the creature’s massive hand.

“ATTACK!!” Lightning shouted.

The Valkyries all swooped in, merely striking the creature with their swords! Then the Space ponies came in, punching, kicking, or swinging and shooting their own weapons at him.

“My turn-------!!” Pyron roared as he came charging in with his sword at the ready, and with a single swing, he unleashed a powerful wave of fire towards the beast, making sparks and explosions fly all over.

The creature glared at him, and he furiously gazed back.

The creature then saw his axe on the ground nearby and dashed over to grab it. He was so massive and heavy that Horizon’s low gravity didn’t bother him.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” yelled Saber, and he lassoed the great weapon with his chain and sickle, and while he couldn’t pull the huge, heavy weapon on his own, he wasn’t planning to, and waited until the creature made a grab for it…

“STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE!” Saber sent his electrical waves through the metal of the chain, straight to the weapon, enveloping it and the creature in strong currents!

Spike then flew straight at the creature, striking him hard as he passed by, and then swatted him with his tail.

The weapon was dropped again!

“It’s mine!” thundered Lightning “ULTRA UNIFORCE!” and with his massive power, he blew the weapon to ashes, much to the creature’s outrage.

Suddenly, there was a huge flash of lightning shining from above. The Ruler slowly descended, bathed in the glowing brightness.

“This is it!” cried Swift, and he urged Blitz and the others to hit the dirt, making everyone duck behind a rock mound.

The Ruler held their glowing scepter and called to the fighters, “Lend us whatever you can. We’ll win this fight together.”

“Right.” agreed Lightning. “Come on, everyone!”

The fighters all agreed and transferred small amounts of their powers into The Ruler.

The evil beast growled and foolishly stomped forth, while The Ruler held their scepter out, “Your evil ways shall now end… MYSTIC LIGHT!”

(3:04- 3:18)

POW!! The brightest, strongest stream of light was fired from the scepter, and struck the creature hard, enveloping him in powerful light waves

He roared, and wailed as he felt his strength fading away, and then… KABLAM!! A massive explosion, so forceful, it nearly threw everyone back hard, even Spike.

Pryon and Glaceia were virtually horrified to see the creature blow up like that, and they both shouted, “…FATHER!!”

The smoke hadn’t yet settled.

“Did we do it?” cried Rainbow. “Please say we did it!”

“I sure… hope so…
All our powers… are running low.” panted Rhymey.

All the fighters were feeling weary from fighting so hard and for so long.

Starla’s visor suddenly detected energy readings in the settling smoke. “Oh, no!!” she groaned, and that’s when two blazes of fire and ice-beams flew out and struck Cadance and Saber hard, knocking them hard away, and de-transforming them.

Everyone gawked in horror when Flareous and Blizzord, no longer merged, but still in their mutant-giant forms leapt out from the smoke, and looking very weary, but just as furious as ever and determined not to fall.

“Ay! How can they still be up?!” wailed Dyno.

“They’re more stubborn than the sunlight in a pueblo!” growled Myte.

Lightning clenched his fist furiously.

“You think this is over…!” bellowed Flareous.

“I’m never giving in!” growled Blizzord. “I will have my victory!” then he and Flareous both glared at each other and declared, “And that includes YOUR defeat!”

The Ruler defused back into Celestia and Grand Ruler, and Spike powered back down to his Dragon Knight form.

The two stubborn kings rushed forth, to attack each other rather than the fighters, but the heroes wouldn’t put up with their senselessness any longer!

“Attack!” shouted Grand Ruler.

“Surround them!” added Celestia.

Blitzy and Swift helped Cadance and Shining Armor get on their feet and guided them to the rock mound.

“Are you two alright?” asked Krysta.

“We’ll be fine…” replied Cadance, but she and her husband couldn’t believe what they were seeing!

The fighters stormed the kings with all the power and strength they had left.

The two kings managed to hold up for a short while-- blocking every punch, kick, blast, and
weapon strike, but as they were horribly outnumbered, surrounded, and weakened themselves…
The tables would soon turn!

“Ha!” Lightning gave Flareous a huge blow to the face with his fist.

“HIYA!!” Starla kicked Blizzord clean in the gut.

The other fighters all leapt in and fought mercielessly, punching, kicking and blasting the kings hard, making sparks and explosions fly.

“FATHER!!” Pyron roared as he charged at Flareous with his sword at the ready.

Flareous angrily raised his own weapon and began to clash swords with his own son. “You ungrateful, traitorous fool…!” he bellowed. “I SHALL SEE YOU DESTROYED TOO!!”

Hearing those words and seeing how cruel and insane his father truly was, Pyron raged on, clashing and parrying his father’s attacks, and finally knocking his father’s sword out of his grip.

“YAAAAA…!!!” Pyron slashed his father hard across the chest.

“BLAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!” his father wailed as a cascade of sparks spilled from him, and he crashed hard into Blizzord. The two fell on the ground hard, but they got up almost instantly, allowing their majesties to attack them harshly-- one blow after another, each more forceful than the last!

“MONSTER!!” bellowed Grand Ruler as he punched Flareous hard.

“SAVAGES!!” thundered Celestia as she kicked Blizzord good!

Grand Ruler then proceeded to punch and kick the monsters hard with every statement he made…

“You endanger the galaxy…!”

WHAMM!

“You harm innocent beings…!”

POW!!

“YOU EVEN ENDANGER YOUR OWN PEOPLE!!”

BAM!!

BOOT!!

“…You… DISGUST ME!!

TEN-FOLD UNIFORCE!!” He blasted the kings super hard.

“My turn!” hollered Lightning, and everyone gave him whatever bit of power they could. “ULTRA UNIFORCE!”

(2:18)

The kings were stuck hard, and they wailed and shouted as they were enveloped in massive explosions!

Pyron and Glaceia were somewhat horrified to watch their fathers fall.

The fighters were exhausted! Lightning had powered down from his Enticorn form, and their majesties were puffing and panting. They had never been so angry before.

“Please tell me… we beat ‘em?” panted Applejack.

“I… hope so.” groaned Buddy.

The smoke began to clear, and there lay the two kings flat on the ground. They were no longer mutated--the two growths they had consumed had been expelled from their bodies and destroyed—They were now both in their regular forms, and they looked horribly battered…!

Bloody wounds, bruised, scratches, tattered clothes, and busted up armor. Half of Blizzord’s icy beard was shattered off.

…And Yet, they angrily pounded the ground with their fists in outrage and slowly struggled back up again, still looking for more, even in their horrible conditions.

“I don’t believe this!” exclaimed Lightning.

“After such an attack,
They’re still coming back?!” cried Fluttershy.

Their majesties felt like fainting in shock, but more from over-exhaustion.

“Haven’t you two had enough?!” shouted Celestia.

The frail and wobbling kings limped forth.

“Can’t… lose!” Flareous cried.

“Must… be… victorious!” said Blizzord.

“I must win! I must win!!” they both wailed together. Their lusts and obsessions for victory and power really pushed them so hard to keep going.

The fighters hardly had too much power left, and really needed a rest. Their suits would power down any moment.

“…Let’s take them in.” said Lightning. The others agreed, but before they could even try…

A barrage of strange blasts struck them all about, knocking everyone down, and all their suits and modes finally powered down.

“What the…!” cried Swift.

“Now what’s happening?” put in Blitz.

Krysta could then see coming up in the distance. “Keltar and Smark…?”

The two lackeys softly walked forth, snickering wickedly.

“Keltar? What is the meaning of this?” Flareous bellowed.

Keltar glared at him, “Poor, Flareous… you’re as pathetic as you always were.”

Flareous gasped lividly.

“That goes double for you, Blizzord!” mocked Smark.

“What?!” snarled Blizzord.

Pryon and Glaceia were most confused, and so were the fighters.

“What are they talking about?” wondered Rarity.

Spike could tell, “They’re turning on them, that’s what!”

The kings and their children couldn’t believe their ears.

“You are betraying our fathers?” asked Pyron.

The two men laughed sinisterly, and they both spoke in perfect sync, “Everything has gone according to plan.”

“How are they doing that?” wondered Pinkie.

Keltar then revealed under a small flap on his robe, and Smark revealed behind his big floppy ears…

“They’re both wearing monster badges!” cried Starla.

The two men then removed the badges and destroyed them, shouting, “It’s time!!” and they magically merged in a bright flash of light that nearly blinded everyone.

When the light had faded, the sight of the new creature left everyone astounded.

“Who’s that?” asked Rainbow.

Artie gawked at the creature and managed to compare him to one of Glaceia’s paintings! “Could it be?”

Pyron and Glaceia, as well as their fathers could hardly believe their eyes.

“It’s him!” cried Pyron.

“I don’t believe it!” added Glaceia.

“…The Great Hero!” their fathers exclaimed.

He was a tall humanoid alien tall with tannish colored skin. He had no hair, round ears, and he looked strong and buff. He wore strong, silver and red torso armor, with matching shoulder pads. Golden armored leggings, black boots, brown gauntlets with metal plating, and he clutched a large axe-staff with a large orb at the top.

“He was right in front of us the whole time?” murmured Pyron.

He proudly declared, “I… am… Orizack!”

“…Orizack?” said Shining Armor.

Orizack then looked cross, “And yes… I was once the Great Hero of Motlic and Iceinia, as well as any other worlds-- a big mistake that I regret to this day!”

Everyone was horrified to hear him say such a thing.

“How can you say such a thing?” cried Glaceia.

Orizack snuffed, and he cast a wall of magic from his staff, showing images from his past.

“My home planet was destroyed many ages ago when a rouge asteroid hit it! My home, my family, everything I knew was taken from me.”

With my one-man spacecraft I was able to fend for myself, but I was forced to wander in search of a new life for myself.”

Lightning, Grand Ruler, and Blitzy all related to that…

“I didn’t want others to suffer my fate, and so I decided to train myself, physically, mentally, and magically, so that I may right the wrongs, triumph over evil, and rebuild all that I had lost!

…I only partially succeeded. I became a hero, I became strong and well known.

I fought all those monsters-- sealing their spirits in magic badges. I saved people’s lives… I prevented natural disasters, and what did I ever get for it…?! A few measly “Thank Yous” a little pat on the back. No gold! No trinkets! Not a single piece of ownership or land to call my own?!”

Everyone gawked at him with wide eyes.

“But you’re a hero!” said Cadance. “Heroes don’t do these things to be rewarded. They do it because it’s the right things to do.”

“Besides that,” added Glaceia “You were well-known all over the land. Our races-built statues in your honor and told great stories about you.”

“Pah!” scoffed Orizack “And just how is one supposed to survive on mere “Praise” and “Good Deeds” alone?!”

“He’s got a point there.” said Applejack.

Orizack growled angrily as he tightened his grip on his staff.

“I was tired of being taken advantage of! Tired of going unnoticed! And most of all, I was fed up with all the hard work I did and never gaining the things I craved!

I always had to sleep outdoors, feeding on roots, insects and berries like common street-vermin!

Nobody cared for me! They only cared when I was needed-- when no one else could do anything about it because they were weak and spineless and couldn’t fight for themselves!

I began to detest heroism, and I questioned if whether to continue to drop it!”

Nobody, not Starfleet nor the aliens had ever heard of anyone being so materialistic about heroism, though understandable in some ways.

“So that’s why did not help our people?!” bellowed Pyron. “You didn’t help prevent this war--this… this… awful chaos between our two races?!”

Orizack didn’t answer that. He just softly snickered and then burst out laughing maniacally, which sent shivers up everyone’s backs. “I think there’s something you all ought to know by now.”

He then gazed upon the two frail kings. “Flareous… Blizzord… You despise each other. You have battled and raged at each other’s planet and races for a long, long time now.

Tell me… why? What reason do you have?”

Flareous and Blizzord bolted upright and shouted, “HE KILLED MY WIFE!!”

They both then gawked at each other.

“I never killed your wife, Blizzord!” yelled Flareous. “It was YOU who killed my own and started this war.”

“No!!” bellowed Blizzord. “I never once killed your wife, not even in revenge after you killed mine!”

“I didn’t kill her!”

“I didn’t kill yours!”

Back and forth the kings bickered and yelled, blaming each other for their problems, which made Orizack laugh, “You’re both fools. Neither of you killed each other’s wives…

…I did!”

Everyone fell totally silent, unable to believe their ears.

“…What?” peeped Pyron.

“…You mean… You--!” Was all Glaceia managed to get out under all the shock and horror she was feeling.

“That’s right!” snapped Orizack as he eyed the Prince and Princess, “…Your fathers are not responsible for the death of your mothers.

…That honor belongs to me!”

The kings and their children felt their hearts give sickening lurches!

“You did all this?” Grand Ruler asked in disgust.

“How? How could you do such a thing?!” added Celestia.

Lightning then put in, “We thought you were friends with the queens?”

Orizack laughed, and then sneered, “Friends? Friends…?! They LOVED ME!!”

Everyone gasped.

“…At least I thought they did!”

He cast more images.

“I was alone, out in the wilderness of Moltic.

Once again, I had saved many lives, but hardly any payment for it. With my conscience and morality having been worn down over the years by the constant neglect and starvation for materials I craved and needed… I began to feel like abandoning it all, when I heard someone scream!”

The images showed of Orizack running into action, and he saw a beautiful Molticean woman, with long orange flaming hair, being chased by three monsters across the field.

Pyron’s eyes lit up “…Mother!”

His father gazed in heart-aching astoundment. “Emberina… My Queen!”

Orizack scoffed, and the images showed how he defeated the monsters and rescued the poor maiden from certain doom.

“You saved me!” Emberina said in near awe.

Orizack nodded, but then he nearly collapsed from starvation due to lack of nourishment.

“Oh, you poor dear…!” cried Emberina, and she carried him back to her lone hut in the woods, where she cooked him a nice soup meal made of grains, wheat, and other things she found in the forest and from hunting wild animals herself.

To him, this was like heaven! He hadn’t tasted such good food in a long time.

“Why are you doing this for me?” Orizack asked.

“Why shouldn’t I?” said Emberina. “You saved my life, and you need some food. It’s the least I can do for you.”

Almost immediately, Orizack began to feel love towards this creature, and even more so when she offered him to stay with her in her cabin.

“I get rather lonely out here in the woods like this, and the monsters are all over. It would be nice to have someone to talk to, or look out for me, and I can help you-- I can share my food, my home…”

“That’s so kind of you.” replied Orizack.

In the present he growled softly. “No one had ever been so kind to me before…” he paused and glared at Pyron. “I stayed with your mother for some time, keeping her safe, and partaking in her company and provisions.

I grew to love her in ways I never believed I would ever feel. Things would have been perfect… except for one cruel twist of fate!”

The images showed how King Flareous had been combing the countryside with his followers hunting down a giant monster, larger than most creatures.

“Yes, I remember that.” said Flareous.

The guards and he himself were unable to handle the hulking beast, and the creature reached the forest, smashing down the trees and breaking up the lands, finally reaching where Emberina’s hut was.

“We’ve got to get out of here!” said Orizack, and he led Emberina outside moments before the hut was destroyed.

Emberina took refuge amongst fallen trees while Orizack battled the monster, chasing it deeper, and deeper into the forest where he defeated it.

“But when I had returned to Eberina, she had gone!”

Flareous remembered, “My troops and I had ventured into the forest in search of the beast, yet all we came across was Emberina. Just the sight of her incredible beauty made my heart flutter.

Since her home was destroyed, I did the only moral thing I could-- I brought her to palace.”

Orizack growled angrily. “Once again, risking my life, battling tirelessly with only a loss, and never gaining!”

Many weeks past, and Orizack, once again, with no place to stay, no good food or reward; he never found the woman that stole his heart, until one day, Flareous introduced his new wife and queen.

All of Moltic cheered with joy, while Orizack was outraged. “How could she do this to me?!”

Things only then went from bad to even worse, as one day, as Orizack was sitting in the fields after warming up from his training practice, along came none other than Queen Emberina herself, on a small outing, gathering wild herbs and other items like she used to.

Orizack confronted her. “Why did you go off with the King?”

“He offered me shelter and comfort, and when he asked me to be his queen, how could I refuse. I needed a change in my life. I couldn’t just keep living in the wild.

I am sorry, but I’m afraid times have changed for you and I. But fear not, we can still at least be friends. Can’t we?”

That was it? Just be friends? No special reward again, no hope, not even so much as being willing to convince her husband, the king, to help this overworked hero find some comfort in his life, or invite him to a seat at fancy dinners, or royal balls?!

Orizack left, heartbroken and crestfallen.

Pyron could not believe this. “You lie! My mother would never be like that! She was kind, sweet, caring and…and…!”

Orizack snickered, “The truth hurts, doesn’t it! I know it did me. I protected your mother well, and this was how she repaid me?!”

Rarity felt sick to her stomach. “Of all the examples of self-centered, materialistic, senselessness! Glad I was never so horrid!”

This earned her a confusing glare from the others. “What?”

Orizack continued his story…

“And then, some time later on Iceinia, in my travels between the two planets, I met the other one!”

The images then showed a poor ice sculptress. She had shoulder-length icy-white hair, and icy-blue skin so slick, she shimmered in the sunlight.

“Mother!” Glaceia cried with tears coming to her eyes.

Blizzord clasped the dirt softly. “Frostine, my darling!”

“The Great Hero!” Frostine gasped.

“Whatever are you doing?” he asked.

The poor woman looked sad. “My parents have become so poor, we are on the verge of losing our home, and our sculpting business.

We are artists, and we do our work without fuss, but with all the monsters and villains attacking, our work has slowed up, and our creations are destroyed before being delivered to the buyers.

Now, only one hope remains for us...”

She reached into her rags and pulled out a poster for a sculpting contest held by Blizzord, with a massive cash reward for “Best Statue.”

Fostine had been working tirelessly to perfect her craft and make the greatest statue of Blizzord she could.

“I will help you.” offered Orizack. “I have interacted with the king many times. I can give you every detail I know of him.”

Frostine’s eyes lit up like the stars in the skies at night.

For several days he helped her carve out the most perfect, most magnificent statue of Blizzord anyone would want to lay their eyes on, and all the same time protecting her from monsters and bad guys that dared to threaten her or their work.

It looked as if love was in the air again…

…But when the day of the contest came, monsters and bandits threatened everything, forcing Orizack to do his job and keep the villains at bay.

By the time the fiends were dealt with, Orizack could see the contest from afar; Frostine’s statue had won and was being personally congratulated by Blizzord himself.

“Never have I seen such elegance! Such perfection!”

Blizzord was so impressed, he decided to forego on the initial money-prize, and offered Frostine a better prize “…Such artistry, such elegance. Say you will be my queen!”

With all the praise, and with such an offer and chance to turn her family’s life around, Frostine couldn’t say “No.”

“I remember that day so well.” murmured Blizzord.

“So did I…” hissed Orizack “She didn’t even mention how I helped her create that statue. No credit or reward once again for all I did, and when I saw Queen Frostine again… you can bet it was just like with Emberina!”

“No! No!!” cried Glaceia, wanting to disbelieve it all, but she saw it all right there in the images…

“No, sir… I never loved you, and I didn’t mean not to mention you, but my family and I really need this. I hope someday you can understand, and we can still be friends.”

“That was the very last straw for me!” growled Orizack. “I was tired of being taken advantage of! Tired of going unrewarded every single place I ever went!

I was done! No more heroics… Ever!!

So, I went into hiding, never revealing anywhere that I had gone, and any time an attack had occurred, I just let it! The people didn’t deserve my help, not after the way they had all shamefully treated me!

Yet, the anger and outrage swelled inside me with a ferocity worse than anything I had ever known, and it only worsened as the years went by. The queens had given birth to the Prince and Princess, and their children had grown well raised by their mothers while their fathers were busy dealing with the chaos I allowed to happen.

It all wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to pay them all back-- the royalty, the people, everyone! I wanted them all to suffer dearly for taking advantage of me all those years, and then… a perfectly wicked idea was born to me.

Using the monster badges I had created, I split myself up into Keltar and Smark. I feigned allegiance to Flaroues and Blizzord, and soon set my plan in motion.

Their majesties returned to find their beloved queens lying dead on the floor, and all the evidence pointed to the opposing races!”

Pyron and Glaceia felt their hearts sinking, and their knees breaking, and their fathers could feel incredible mixtures of shock and outrage flowing through their bodies.

“You killed them?!” cried Cadance!

“Just like that, in cold blood?!” added Shining Armor.

Orizack laughed, “Yes! They deserved it for all they put me through, and it was no surprise what came next…” he glared at the kings. “You pitiful fools played your roles perfectly, like puppets on strings.

You were quick to blame each other, and thus… the biggest, and most chaotic intergalactic war had begun.

All those years you spent wailing on each other, causing damage and chaos to each other’s forces, while I watched with secret glee under the guise of servants to you both, waiting for the day… waiting for my chance!

And now, here we stand! Finally, after all this time, my vengeance will be complete, and then I shall lay claim to your thrones and everything else that I was horribly denied!

Your worlds will now belong to me!”

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode: It’s a showdown between the heroes and Orizack, but our heroes are still far too weak from their previous battle, and with the invisiports fading fast, time is extremely tight.

Can our heroes stop Orizack and make it back home in time?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Part 6: Hot Timing”)

Author's Note

It's not just broken shipping I can't stand (Depending on the severity)

I don't like Unsung Heroes (When they work so hard and yet are met with nothing but emptiness, ridicule, denial and other negative rewards)

Yes, it is a heroes obligation to "Do what's right" but they deserve a little common courtesy (I said "A Little" Not "Bow at their feet and call them "God")

Orizack had no right to do what he did.

Episode 25: Part 6: Hot Timing

Previously on Starfleet Magic…

It was a harsh struggle between the heroes and the creature, but after much raging and battling, the creature was defeated, and the two kings were down. However, Keltar and Smark revealed themselves to be The Great Hero, Orizack, and revealed the shocking truth of how he caused the war between the two worlds due to being denied the comfort and rewards for his long ages of heroism, and plots to take over!

EPISODE TWENTY-FIVE

All the Starfleet fighters and friends were sick to their stomachs. They couldn’t even speak! They had never heard such a disgusting tale.

Tears were flowing down Glaceia’s face, and Pyron was on his knees in shock and realization.

“You killed the queens…!” Lightning said as he glared at the evil warrior. “You caused this massive war, and you put the entire galaxy in danger for petty revenge?!!”

Orizack showed no remorse at all. “The two worlds got what they deserved. Whatever happened elsewhere-- whatever. Things happen...”

Everyone could not be more infuriated, especially the two kings.

“All this time…” shuddered Flareous “All this waring, all this pain and suffering…” he couldn’t finish, but Blizzord spoke up “…Was caused by you… the once hero to us all?!”

Orizack snuffed, “You brought this on yourselves. You took advantage of a hero’s kind-nature and moral-obligations, and now… YOU’LL PAY FOR IT!!”

The kings, in a freak burst of outrage got up onto their feet and charged towards the warrior.

“No, don’t!” shouted Lightning, and he and Starla bolted up and rushed over to try and pull the kings away, as did their majesties, but Flareous and Blizzord wouldn’t have any of it, and they fired shots behind them at the fighters, knocking them down.

“Stay down!” demanded Flareous.

“This is out fight!!” added Blizzord.

Together, they shouted, “WE WILL AVENGE OUR QUEENS!!”

“Ha!” scoffed Orizack, and he raised his staff, and with one swing he made a powerful air blast that knocked the two kings hard into the fighters, and into their majesties.

The fighters and friends huddled all around them.

“Are you alright?” asked Swift.

“Nobody’s going to be alright!” bellowed Orizack. “I’ve waited long for this day…!” he raised his staff up high, and the orb glowed brightly for super blast. “Farewell, Kings… Goodbye Children, and you too, Starfleet. Do say hello to Emberina and Frostine for me!”

“We’ve got to do something!” cried Applejack.

“We can’t, we’re all too weak!” cried Buddy.

“But I’m not!” said Krysta.

Orizack roared as he unleashed his powerful fury, but Krysta quickly warped the entire group away, causing the blast to miss and make a great big crater in the ground.

“CURSES!!” shouted Orizack. “They won’t escape me! I’ll find them and smash them all to smithereens!”

Everyone appeared in a flash and landed with a thud on the grounds of Moltic.

“Good move, Krysta.” Lightning said, and he rubbed his bottom.

“Is everyone alright?” asked Starla.

Everyone else slowly got to their feet, wearily and covered in bruises and scratches. “If we wake up in the morning, you’ll know.” groaned Rainbow.

Pyron and Glaceia approached their injured fathers, but as they got close, their fathers angrily turned…

“Why did you pull us away?!” thundered Flareous.

“We had him right where we wanted him!” put in Blizzord.

The children couldn’t believe them both.

“You nearly got destroyed out there!” scolded Pyron.

“Our friends just saved your lives, and all you can think about is your sick revenge, after everything that’s just happened?!” cried Glaceia.

The kings growled.

“They’re right, you know!” snapped Lightning. “How can you be so cruel-- So thick-headed! So uncaring towards your own children?!”

The kings still seemed unmoved.

Grand Ruler spoke severely to them, “You both have a lot to answer for yourselves! Just look at all the mess you’ve made.

Orizack may have started this war between you two, and he will answer for it, but you only worsened it with your stubborn attitudes, your obsession with victory, and your refusal to stop and listen to reason!”

The kings were cringing, still battling the shame and humiliation within.

“Just look at your children…!” scolded Celestia. “They could see you for the monsters you truly were, and they knew you deserved to be punished, yet they were still willing to show you some mercy and give you chances because you are their fathers, and the only family they have!”

The kings finally gawked in shock and realization as they gazed at their children, and they remembered how they raised them…

Training Pyron to be a ruthless fighter…

Locking Glaceia up and not caring much for her artistic talent and believing her too soft and weak to be of much use in war.

Even when their children fell in love and wanted to end the suffering, they didn’t care or budge in the least-- too stubborn to think, and too busy acting like savages to care.

The kings began to tremble and backstep away from everyone, and each other. All they could see now were flashbacks of all the many years of all the chaos, war, and destruction they had caused, and finally realizing that their misfires did hurt innocent people-- not just their own people, but all over the cosmos.

The two kings fell to their knees and clutched their heads whimpering and wailing! It finally sank in, the realization of just how monstrous they really were.

This brought more pain and suffering to their children.

Fluttershy didn’t know whether to feel sorry for the kings or not, but she had tears in her eyes.

Suddenly, Celestia heard a voice calling to her. “Sister! Sister!”

“Luna?!”

Luna and her group of guards came rushing across the empty fields.

“Thank goodness we have found you.”

“What are you doing here? You had strict orders!” scolded Grand Ruler.

“Never mind that! We must leave here immediately!” She was interrupted by the sudden flashes of lights all over the land.

“What’s happening?” cried Blitz.

“The invisiports! They’re collapsing!” exclaimed Swift.

“That’s what I’m telling you!” shouted Luna “We must leave now, or we’ll be trapped here.”

Everyone gasped, even Pyron and Glaceia.

“Let’s go!” ordered Grand Ruler.

On Iceinia, when the second unit of sentries saw the ports were collapsing…

“Retreat! Retreat now!!”

Heeding orders and remembering instructions, all the soldiers headed back through the ports just as they collapsed.

Slowly but surely, the ports on Moltic were beginning to close as well.

“We must hurry!” shouted Luna.

Her escort unit of sentries had already retreated safely through a portal.

“Ladies first…!” Rarity said as she dashed through.

“Rare… wait up!” Spike called as he raced after his wife.

The Equestrians all raced in through the port, followed by some of the space ponies, and then Swift and Blitz and Krysta went through along with Shining Armor and Cadance.

Only their Majesties, Lightning and Starla, Pyron and Glaceia, and the kings were left.

“Is that everyone?” asked Grand Ruler.

Everyone looked around, but the two kings didn’t look ready to come.

“Father! King Blizzord…!” called Pyron, but the kings would not come. They just stood with their backs turned.

“What are you two doing? We’ve got to get out of here now!” shouted Celestia.

“We’re not leaving!” declared Flareous.

“We have a score to settle with Orizack, and we intend to do so!” put in Blizzord.

“Are you two insane!” cried Glaceia. “You don’t stand a chance against him.”

Seeing as the kings would not heed, Lightning and Starla dashed over in front of them.

“Out of my way!!” the kings bellowed.

“No!” snapped Lightning “You’re coming with us, and that’s final!”

“Stop this bigshot act and do what’s right for a change!” demanded Starla.

Their majesties agreed, and while Celestia and Grand Ruler were still too weak from battle, Luna was not, and just as the kings were about to force the fighters out the way, she caught both kings in her telekinetic-aura and lifted them off the ground.

“Well done, Luna!” said Celestia.

Lightning and Starla sighed in relief, as did Pyron and Glaceia.

“Alright, let’s go!” hollered Grand Ruler.

Everyone headed for the portal, but before they could enter it…

A barrage of blasts pelted them all, causing Luna to drop the kings onto the ground.

“Orizack!” shouted Pyron.

The evil warrior laughed wickedly, “Nobody’s going anywhere... Except down!”

He charged his staff to fire again, forcing everyone to scatter, just narrowly avoiding a big explosion.

Glaceia wailed as her bruised leg ached!

Pyron helped her up, and Orizack aimed his staff at the two of them.

“No!!” cried Flareous.

“Glaceia…!” bellowed Blizzord.

“Take a last look at your children, kings.” sneered Orizack “You’re about to lose them like you did your queens, but I’ll be happy to send the two of you to join them all later… in death!”

The kings charged forth, but Orizack stomped his foot hard, sending magical shockwaves beneath the ground and blasting them both hard.

“FATHER!!” the children yelled.

“Goodbye children!” Orizack taunted “It was fun while it lasted.”

“No!!” Lightning shouted as he and the other fighters rushed in, Lightning kicked the staff up, causing Orizack to misfire.

Grand Ruler then punched the warrior hard in the gut. Celestia then kicked him, and Lightning and Starla both blasted him with what little energy they had.

Sparks and explosions went about, but Orizack was still standing. “That was pitiful!”

Everyone was panting hard and could barely keep their stances.

“You’re still too weak to do anything to me.” laughed Orizack “Finishing you all off will be easier than I thought.”

Suddenly, a shadow appeared by his feet, and in surprise, Princess Luna burst up and headbutt him hard under the chin, sending up and over.

“…I am not exhausted, and I can take you!”

The invisiport glowed and pulsated madly.

“It’s closing!” wailed Celestia. “We must go!”

“Come on!” hollered Grand Ruler.

“No!! You’re not leaving!” shouted Orizack, and he fired a super powerful stream from his staff, which Luna countered with a magic beam of her own, pushing back with equal of her own.

“Sister!” cried Celestia.

“RUN!! NOW!! GO!!” shouted Luna “I’ll be right with you! JUST GO!!”

Celestia wasn’t about to let her sister risk staying like this, but realizing their own ride home failing fast, she had to trust her, and so did everyone else.

Their majesties were the first to run towards the portal. “If you have any sense, you’ll come with us!” Grand Ruler called to the two kings.

Then they were gone.

Pryon and Glaceia rushed over to their fathers to help them up and take them to the portals, Starla and Lightning helped them.

“We’ve got to move! That portal will close any second!” shouted Lightning.

…But still, the kings thrust out, throwing everyone off them.

“We’re not leaving!” said Flareous.

“You can go, but we’re staying to get out revenge!” added Blizzord.

“I can’t believe you two!” balked Starla.

Orizack laughed, “You can’t hold me back!” and he poured on more power! Princess Luna felt her magic blasting back towards her.

Before she could try hard, Luna was pushed hard and straight into the portal.

“Princess Luna!” shouted Lightning.

The portal had only a few seconds left!

“We’ll never make it out!” cried Starla.

Lightning, seeing only one option, felt his heart aching for what he was about to do!

He grabbed his wife and kissed her deeply and passionately, much to her surprise and confusion.

He pulled off and looked at her right in the eyes, with a look near tears. “Tell the kids… I love them very much!”

Starla gasped, and then…

WHAMM!! “D’UUUAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!” Lightning had punched her hard in the chest, sending her rocketing across and into the portal!

“Bye, honey!” Lightning cried softly as the portal was gone!

Starla came zooming out of the portal flying past everyone with a shockwave of winds following her.

“Starla!” cried Buddy as he and the others rushed over to her.

“What happened?” asked Applejack.

“Where’s Lightning and the others?” threw Blitzy.

The portal began to flicker and flash like crazy, and then it was gone! The very last port!

The entire land went totally silent with mixed emotions of shock, horror, and building tears. Some of the fighters fell to their knees as the aching realization hit their hearts hard.

Starla, not really hurt from being punched, slowly got up, and moved back to where the port was, hoping it was still there, but she felt nothing.

“No…!” she sobbed “No!! NAAA…!!” she fell her knees crying her heart out.

“LIGHTNING------------!!!”

Lightning was cringing and quivering hard trying to shake off the agonizing feelings of his actions!

Pyron, Glaceia, and their fathers couldn’t believe what he had just done either…

…But Orizack, “Oh, how tragic.” he mocked and snickered. “Well, I know how to put you out of your misery!”

He began to charge towards him with his staff poised, like a jousting knight.

“Lightning!” shouted Pyron.

“Look out!!” cried Glaceia.

At the last second, Lightning pulled a fast one-- her whirled round, grabbing the staff, holding Orizack in place. Then, in a swift move, he flipped him over hard.

The other four gasped in shock that he was still fighting strong!

…But it didn’t last!

Lightning was so exhausted, especially from his overly emotionally shock, that he finally collapsed to his knees. He didn’t pass out, but he had hardly much strength left.

Orizack approached him and grabbed him by the neck, lifting him up.

“Lightning!!” shouted Pyron, and he grabbed his sword and rushed forth, only for Orizack to zap him with his staff, and levitate him off the ground too.

“Pyron!” cried Glaceia.

The two kings watched in horror, especially Flareous.

Orizack snickered. “So long…!” and he prepared to deliver the finishing blow when.

“NO…!!!!” Pushing Glaceia down, Flareous and Blizzord rushed forth, with their weapons glowing brightly giving them all the power and energy they had left and they rammed into Orizack hard

“AAAA-AAARGH!!” causing him to drop Lightning and Pryon, landing them far over to Glaceia but also causing him to misfire.

POW!! The two kings were shot fatally, right through their hearts.

Glaceia screamed while Lightning and Pyron gasped loud and hard as the two kings fell flat on the ground and exploded in big bangs. The force of which sent Orizack sailing away to the far-off mountains.

“I’LL GET YOU YET!!!” he shouted as he flew out of sight!

The smoke from the explosion cleared, and there lay the dying kings, much to their children’s aching hearts.

Pyron and Glaceia left Lightning leaning up against a rock and then walked over to their respective parents.

Flareous and Blizzord were beyond hope now. They could feel themselves going away.

“Father…” cried Glaceia. Her tears falling from her face and splashing against his.

Blizzord could barely be heard as he spoke with the last of his dying breath, “S-S-Sor… eee… Daugh… ter…” and with his last bit he said “…Good… Girl.”

Glaceia’s sobbed softly.

As for Flareous, he looked up at his son through his fading vision and managed to lift his hand to his son’s face. “Take... weapons…!” he referred to his sword and Blizzord’s trident. “S-S-S-Stop… Ori… Zack!

Right… the wrongs…!

…Be… brave… my son!”

Then he was gone, his hand slipped and flopped onto the ground. Blizzord was gone too.

“Father…!” sobbed Pyron. He shut his eyes letting his tears fall.

Lightning, through his exhaustion felt heart broken for him and Glaceia, and he thought to himself, “No matter how bad they were, family is family.”

This brought on thoughts of his own family at home, which reinforced his sadness, and combined with his exhaustion, he finally passed out.

As Flareous and Blizzord’s bodies vanished into sparkling bits of dust that evaporated into nothing, their weapons magically floated into the air, shrinking in size, and landed in their respective child’s hand.

Pyron took his new weapon with pride and determination, while Glaceia hesitated to take the trident, but after her love gazed at her and nodded, she found courage and clasped it, feeling its power starting to course through her.

As for Orizack… he had crashed into the mountainside but burst through the rock angrier than ever. He was certain that the kings were dead, “At long last…” he murmured, but he was far from satisfied, knowing the children were still alive.

But as he could see well towards the battle zone due to the incredible view, he noticed that Pyron, Glaceia, and Lightning were nowhere to be seen.

“They can’t have gone far.” he hissed to himself. “I will find them… and I’ll blow them to the edge of the galaxy!

And then…” he stopped while laughing, “At long last… all I have fought for, all I have hoped to gain will be MINE!!”

Back in United Equestria… practically everyone was grieving and mourning over what had happened.

“I can’t believe… Lightning’s never coming back!” sobbed Pinkie.

Rainbow wanted to burst out crying loudly, but she didn’t have the heart. Instead, Applejack held her, and they both cried softly together.

“Dang it, Lightning!” Applejack cried quietly.

Buddy pounded the ground with his fist. “Why? Why did he do that?! How could he do this to us?!”

Rhymey quivering with sadness and pain replied…

“He did what he had to do,
We’d all do the same thing too.

Our friends were in danger,
so, he stayed to fight
That’s the Starfleet Code:
To do what is right!”

Fluttershy gave her trademark squeak as she trembled with her tears flowing. Finally, she collapsed, crying softly.

No matter how correct and how right this all seemed, “It doesn’t make it hurt less!” sobbed Krysta, and she squeaked “…Lightning!”

Dyno and Myte held each other, trying to stay strong, while Artie leaned his hands up against a tree with his head pointing at the ground.

Rarity and spike held each other, and were so upset they couldn’t make a sound. The same with Cadance and Shining Armor.

Swift and Blitzy were really at a loss.

“He was my mentor!” cried Swift. “He helped me get to where I am now! It’s not fair!”

Blitzy had never seen anything of like what Lightning had done. “He stayed behind… he gave up everything just to protect our friends?!” She clutched her chest in pain.

…But no one, absolutely no one was as devastated as Starla, who was curled up on her knees and sobbing softly with her face buried in her arms on the ground.

Their majesties approached the sobbing mare, feeling as heartbroken as she was.

“Oh, Starla!” Celestia said, but she didn’t know what else to say, but Luna did, “We’re sorry, We’re so very sorry!”

Grand Ruler’s mane stopped sparkling, and his cape stopped fluttering. This only happened when he was truly crestfallen. He had no words. Lightning was like a son to him! He raised him, trained him, made him the pony he was!

All he could do was try to comfort Starla. “I’m so sorry.” Was all he could say while fighting his urge to break out sobbing.

Starla raised her hand over his arm, but she still didn’t have any emotional strength to get up.

Celestia spoke to Grand Ruler, “Is there nothing we can do?”

Her husband shook his head miserably, “You know the answer as well I do.”

This only sunk everyone’s spirits further.

“It’s not fair!” cried Rainbow. “There’s got to be something we can do!”

“But what…?” replied Dyno. “How can we find Lightning in a big galaxy like this?”

Myte nodded, “We could search among the stars for a-hundred years and still probably not even come close!”

Starla’s head suddenly perked up, “…Stars?” Then she remembered during the mission, “That constellation. I’m sure I’ve seen it somewhere before.”

This made her bolt up onto her feet, surprising everyone.

“Starla?” called Spike.

Then she just took off into the sky.

“Where are you going?” hollered Rarity.

“…TO FIND MY HUSBAND!” Starla called, and then she sped off like a comet!

Everyone was surprised and couldn’t understand her.

Lightning began to awaken as he felt chills and coolness touching him.

“Shh…” someone said, “Take it easy, Lightning.”

He opened his eyes, and as his vision cleared, he could see it was Glaceia. Pyron was next to her, and they were sitting in a small ice forest.

“Where… are we?” he groaned softly.

“Shh…” Glaceia said as she placed a cool cloth over his forehead. “We’re on Iceinia.”

Lightning was most confused, “…But we were on Moltic, and the invisiports…”

Pyron pointed behind him, “The ones on Horizon are still open. They are the only ports left.”

Remembering this, again, brought on Lightning’s sadness. “Starla.” he peeped softly, and then came back the flash of the recent event of him punching her back home, trapping himself.

“Just lay back…” Glaceia said, laying him down on the fur that she undid from around her leg, which was now healed. “You must rest and regain your strength.”

Since they were back on Iceinia, there were plenty of wild herbs and things for Glaceia to mix her healing remedies with, the same way she used to when nursing Pyron back to health.

She, with Pyron’s help, made a small bonfire, and mixed herbs in melted ice water to help clean Lightning’s wounds.

She also mixed a special soup for them all to eat and would also restore Lightning and Pyron’s strengths.

In a little while he felt well enough to sit upright, and he felt his strength getting better. His energizer would soon be automatically restored enough to transform again.

…but all he felt like doing right now was sitting silently, taking time to grasp the big sacrifice he had made.

The planet was completely deserted, except for himself and the others, which made things even more miserable.

All he could do was look down at the snow, and see the faces of all his friends, his family, and everything else had given up.

“I had to do it.” he thought to himself. “It’s not I’ll really be gone forever. I mean, I wandered around before, and Starfleet can get on without me, can’t they? And the kids… they need their mom more than they need me.”

Just then, his thinking of his family reminded him of the others. He looked ahead, and Pyron and Glaceia were looking pretty low as they clutched the weapons their fathers had given them.

Here he was worrying about all he had given up, when their problems were worse. Their father’s were dead, their planets were a mess, and totally deserted.

“Hey…” he said softly. “You two holding out alright?”

The couple looked up and nodded sadly.

“We were just having quiet prayers to give us strength and guidance.” said Pyron. Then he looked down at his father’s sword. “I have seen my father use this before in many battles. One day he hoped to pass it to me to continue the battles against Iceinia.”

He stopped and looked at Glaceia, she only shook her head at him with a proud smile, pleased that she helped him see better.

“I just don’t know if I’m ready to handle such power yet. I haven’t even trained properly with it.”

Glaceia felt she had it worse as she gripped her father’s trident. “I am still no fighter. How can I be expected to avenge my family and serve my people well with this?” she paused and looked around the land. “…Not that there actually are any of my people anymore.

“I cannot all this happened!” she cried. “All because our great turned out to be a fraud and murdered our mothers.”

Pyron felt his anger raging and he gripped his sword tighter, but he was angry more at the way his people behaved. “Our own people were just materialistic and self-centered-- looking out only for their own interests and denying someone a little courtesy.

In many ways, Orizack did cause all this, and he had no right to, but it was our own people who made it happen and drove him to it.”

“Oh, Pyron! What are we going to do?”

Pyron embraced her softly. “There is only one thing to do now; we must take down Orizack. It’s what our fathers wanted.”

She nodded at him, and Lightning stood by them, “I’m with you guys, all the way. We can only look out for each other now.”

He put his hand out in the middle, and the others placed their hands in too.

Back in New Ponyville, Starla had pulled out every binder and every file she had containing all her star sightings, star maps, and even the copy of locations taken from Blitzy’s travel diary.

She even accessed the Starfleet Database on the computer and was now scouring through any and all files she could, sweating like crazy and looking very frazzled.

“Access Main star maps!

Access Planetary Orbits!

Come on, something, please!”

Outside, all her friends peeked through the windows. Pinkie practically squishing her face up against the glass. “What is she doing in there?”

Judging from the massive mess of scattered papers and things lying about, Buddy deduced, “Either she’s really overcome with grief… or maybe… she knows something we don’t!”

Applejack blinked, “Um… I don’t see how that makes sense.” said Applejack. “I mean… she just lost her husband, and she’s looking more frazzled than a whole team of farmers.”

Suddenly, Starla burst through the front door. She looked rather frightening due to her frazzled state, and the insane-like grin on her face, but before anyone could ask her anything, she held up a set of papers. “…I think I’ve got it!”

Everyone looked back and forth between each other wondering what she meant.

Back on Iceinia, the sky began to grow dark with a strange magical aura.

Lightning and friends knew it could only be one thing, and they saw him as he came through the port.

“Orizack!” growled Lightning.

The evil warrior only grinned and snickered.

(Promo)

In our final episode: It’s the final showdown as Lightning and friends desperately try to get rid of Orizack, but the wicked warrior has many surprises, including one that involves the merging of the two planets together which will cause chaotic damage beyond imagination.

Will Lightning and friends stop the evil warrior and his plan?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Final Part: A Warm Coming Together”)

Final Episode: Final Part: A Warm Coming Together

Previously on Starfleet Magic…

Orizack ruthlessly attacked our heroes while they were still all weak and unable to hold out. With the invisiports closing fast, our heroes desperately sought to return to United Equestria, but with their friends in danger, Lightning sent Starla back, allowing himself to be trapped behind. Now only he, Pryon, and Glaceia are left to stand up to the evil warrior!

FINAL EPISODE

The trio glared at the chuckling evil warrior.

“So, it is down to this…” hissed Orizack “The three of you against me. This should be amusing.”

“Murder!” growled Pyron.

“Traitor!” sneered Glaceia.

Lightning said nothing. He just stood poised and ready.

Orizack laughed, “Is that you all have to say?” Then he noticed the weapons they had. “Oh, look… Your daddies passed them on to you, a pity they won’t save you.”

“Orizack!” thundered Pryon “Not only will they save use, but they are they keys that will bring you down for all the horrid things you’ve done.”

Glaceia held up her trident, “We will now avenger our mothers and our fathers, and right all the wrongs caused by your actions!”

Lightning stepped forth, “And I’ll help you both! I owe this creep for the sacrifice I made too.

Starfleet Magic!” he transformed. “That’s more like it!”

Orizack growled, unamused.

Lightning took a moment to scan him with his visor. “What? These life readings don’t make sense.”

Pyron and Glaceia stood ready to fight. Glaceia’s trident glowed brightly, and enveloped her body, changing her clothes into a suit with armored plating and even did her hair up high in a large ponytail with armored plates running along it.

The men were all surprised, as was Glaceia. “I’ve never felt such power!” she said to herself. She also felt as if a whole load of moves and attack styles were coursing through her brain, as if someone was magically reprogramming her.

She then heard her father’s voice calling to her. “With my weapon in your possession, Glaceia, I give you all the moves you will need to fulfil your duty.”

The same thing did not happen to Pyron because he was already well-trained, but he could feel his father’s strength empowered him as well.

“Let’s go!” said Lightning.

The others hollered and dashed forth with him.

Orizack gripped his staff and roared as he rushed forth, firing multiple blasts from it, which the fighters dodged or knocked away.

Everyone collided together, Lightning punched and kicked while Pyron and Glaceia swung their weapons. Orizack skillfully defended himself with his incredible skills-- swinging and whirling his staff about, blocking their every strike, and punching with a free hand, then striking the fighters back with the blade of his staff.

Lightning rushed forth with a blazing aura. Orixack held his staff out.

WHAMM!! Lightning smashed up against the staff, forcing the warrior back, skidding along the ground.

“You call yourself a hero…?!” bellowed Lightning “You’re nothing but a murderous monster!”

“Ha!” scoffed Orizack, and he knocked Lightning back. “I wouldn’t expect you to know or understand! You and your Starfleet are practically no different, and yet you get all the perks and praise! You get all the glory! Things that should have been rightfully mine!!”

He fired a strong blast at Lightning, which he dodged by leaping up high into the air…

“UNIFORCE!” He unleashed a powered stream of energy, which made a big explosion, knocking Orizack off his feet.

Pyron and Glaceia charged forth and attacked, forcing Orizack to fend them off.

“You only thought of yourself!” shouted Pyron.

“You only sought fame, glory, and riches!” thundered Glaceia.

Their words angered Orizack, and he powered up, flaming with aura and forced the two down onto the ground. Then he aimed to finish them off with such a blazing fury. “Like I said before: A hero cannot survive without some payment, without some form of reward! I was denied all the necessities I craved by your materialistic races!

…AND YOU CALL ME SELFISH?!!”

He unleashed a fury of blazing waves so huge that it knocked the trio back hard with big waves of explosions and showers of sparks.

Orizack was panting in fury, but the fighters got back onto their feet, determined not to let him and his evil prevail.

“You’re as foolish as you are selfish!” bellowed Lightning “I’m a soldier! That means it’s my job-- what I get paid to do. My people pay their taxes, and those taxes pay me, and that’s all I need!

Even if it wasn’t, I’d still fight to defend, because it’s a job that needs doing!”

Orizack growled angrily.

“You may have been trying to help people who were less than grateful to you, but you chose your path! You could’ve used your logic to reason with them-- make them understand better, but you chose to get revenge!

For this, and all the other crimes you’ve committed, the damage and devastation you’ve caused! YOU’RE GOING TO PAY FOR IT!!”

Orizack growled louder and angrier.

The flowing aura in the skies was growing stronger, and a large glow of light suddenly began to show.

“What’s happening?” asked Pyron.

Lightning’s visor detected abnormal spatial forces now all over the planet, and the stars were starting to move in the sky rapidly. “We’re moving! The entire planet is shifting!”

“Look!” Glaceia cried as she pointed up at the sky. There was Moltic, covered in the same aura as Iceinia, slowly moving straight for them.

Orizack laughed, “How do you like my little plot?

Just as my monster badges were able to separate me, they can fuse things together.

While you escaped me, using the lasts of my magical creations and my skilled sorcery, I threw several badges into the volcanoes of Moltic, which flowed down to the planet’s very core, and thus… the magical forces are drawing both planets together.

Soon, they will collide, and reform into a whole new world that I intend to preside and rule over!”

The trio gasped in the biggest of horrors.

“You can’t! You won’t!” wailed Pyron.

“How is this even possible?!” wondered Lightning.

“You monster!” thundered Glaceia. Her trident glowed brightly, and she unleashed a strong wave of icy winds at the warrior!

“AAAAARGH!!” wailed Orizack. He held his staff out in front, making it glow with a barrier shield, allowing him to press on through.

Glaceia was astounded by her new magical skills but called out. “It’s not working!”

Pyron gripped his sword tightly causing it to glow. “Try this!” and he unleashed a massive wave of flames into the blizzard.

The combined forces of the heat and cold resulted in powerful combustions-- explosions firing all around.

Orizack shouted and wailed in agony!

Lightning powered up with all he had. “Your reign of troublemaking ends here, Orizack!

…UNIFORCE!”

POW!! The blast flew through the elements, striking Orizack’s staff, snapping it down the middle, and striking the warrior, blowing him right through!!

He screamed and shouted as he fell over backward and exploded with a big bang!

“We got him!” cried Pyron.

“He’s gone!” exclaimed Glaceia.

…Lightning was not convinced, “That was way too easy.”

That’s when the sound of a familiar laugh was heard, and in an instant, there was Orizack, alive, uninjured, and his staff was fully repaired.

“He’s back?!” spluttered Pyron.

“Impossible!” cried Glaceia.

Lightning growled.

“Did you really think you’d won like that?” teased Orizack. “You can destroy me all you like, but you will never be rid of me.”

Lightning scanned Orizack, and he got the same unusual life readings as before. “I think I see what’s going on here?”

He wasn’t entirely sure yet.

“Now, where were we?” hissed Orizck. “Oh, I remember…! HA!!” he fired a strong blast from his staff, forcing the fighters to scatter.

Pyron rolled back onto his feet, only for Orizack to appear right before him and give him a huge punch in the gut.

Glaceia rushed in with her trident poised, and firing many magical ice blasts, but Orizack whirled his staff, knocking the blasts all away and struck Glaceia across the chest-plate as she approached.

Then Lightning jumped in, punching and kicking like crazy, but Orizack defended himself easily.

“I’m not only revived, but I’m fully refreshed, unlike you!” growled Orizack. He punched Lightning hard sending him back spinning through the air.

But on the third spin, Lightning created a Uniforce Disc, and threw it at his opponent, which Orizack dodged with ease.

“I’ve seen blind bats with an accuracy greater than that!” Orizack mocked.

Lightning, Pyron and Glaceia all leapt in attacking him hard, but he knew them all back hard yet again.

Pyron and Glaceia were beginning to feel tired. “We must keep fighting!” panted Pyron.

“We’ve got to stop him!” put in Glaceia “We have to stop the planets from merging!”

Moltic was getting closer, and closer, as the reflected light grew brighter and brighter.

The aura in the skies was growing more and more eerie and violent.

Orizack laughed as he approached the fighters. “The only thing that’s going to be stopped is you three!”

The fighters seemed ready to brace for the end. Orizack raised his staff, ready for the kill. “So long!” and then…

“D’AAAARGH!!”

Lightning’s Uniforce Disc had circled back and struck the fiend hard in the back, and slicing through his staff breaking it in half again!

With a smirk, Lightning and friends got back on their feet. “You two want the honors?” Lightning asked.

Pyron and Glaceia nodded and stood tall with their weapons ready and glowing!

“By the power of Flames, I vanquish thee!”

“By the forces of Ice, I end you!”

They unleashed powerful beams of their respective element at the enemy, striking him hard and making many lightning bolts, explosions and sparks fly.

Orizack screamed as he fell over and blew up a second time.

Pryon and Glaceia stood tall and pleased with what they had done, but Lightning, again, was unconvinced they had won…!

…And he was proven right as Orizack resurrected again, much to the disbelief of Pyron and Glaceia.

“Like I said: I’ll just keep on coming back!” laughed Orizack.

“How is he doing this?!” bellowed Pyron.

“I think I know how, and why.” said Lightning.

Orizack chuckled, “Don’t fool yourself! You know nothing!”

“Oh, really…?” sneered Lightning “I see through you now. You’re just distracting us to carry out your plan to merge the planets.”

Pyron and Glaceia looked over at him.

“You gave it all away when you said you planted monster merging badges at Moltic’s core to begin the magic…

…But in order to merge both planets perfectly, you’d also have to do the same thing to Iceinia, and even with your magic, that takes time too-- for the magic to be planted and spread out, that is, and that’s why you didn’t come after us straight away… you were keeping us busy so you could plant the magic and give it time to spread.”

Orizack was flabbergasted, as were the others.

“You’ve been exposed, Orizack…” he paused, “And I’m talking to the real Orizack… Up there!” he pointed up into the sky, amongst the flowing auras in the air.

Orizack was in his one-manned spacecraft, which he had unearthed from somewhere on Moltic. With all the invisiports, including the one to Horizon, gone, it was his own ways of traveling between the planets.

He had been using his magic to send replicas of himself which he could control telekinetically after planting the merging badges and letting the power ignite.

He angrily dispelled his replica and used his magic to amplify his voice. “So, you discovered me, but I think you’re a little too late to do anything about it now.”

He was right! The magic was already unstoppable by this point. “The planets will combine, and when they do, everything still on them will be wipe out as the new world forms, including you three!”

The trio finally realized this, and there was no hope of them escaping!

“Love to stay, but I can’t resist the viewing of my own world being born from afar!”

He revved up his ship and prepared to leave and get to safety.

“Wait!!” shouted Pyron.

“You can’t leave us here!!” wailed Glaceia.

“Can, will, and DOING…!” called back Orizack.

The ship started to pull away. “I don’t think so!” shouted Lightning, and he went Enticorn, and rocketed up into the sky.

Orizack was laughing at the controls, but the alarms sounded.

“What?!”

He viewed on aft, Lightning coming straight for him. “Oh, no, you don’t!” and he used his staff to create a magical barrier around the ship, which Lightning crashed into.

“A barrier?” Lightning chuckled “You’re funny.”

He flew swiftly towards the front of the ship and began to push against the barrier. The energy shocked and burned him painfully, but he kept on going and began to push the craft back down towards the surface.

“What are you doing?!” wailed Orizack. “Let me go!”

He used his staff to fire magical blast through the ship’s lasers at Lightning, but he just took those blasts, no matter how painful they were and kept pushing the ship down!

“If we’re going down, then you’re coming with us!!”

“No!! You can’t do this to me!!”

The ship touched down on the ground, and Pyron and Glaceia rushed over.

Lightning, using his massive strength, lifted the ship, and banged and shook it roughly until Orizack fell out! Lightning then bounded him up with Uniforce bindings so he couldn’t move at all.

Pyron and Glaceia then combined their weapons together and blasted the staff to pieces.

“No!!” shouted Orizack.

The couple collapsed, exhausted once again, and Lightning had de-transformed too, armor and all, but his bindings stayed intact.

The entire planet began to rumble as the light grew brighter. Moltic was now directly overhead.

“Galloping Galaxies! This is it!” cried Lightning.

Pyron and Glaceia felt this was The End as well, but at least they had avenged their families, and stopped Orizack altogether.

“Farewell, My Love!” said Pyron.

“Oh, Pyron!” cried Glaceia, and she held him tightly while embracing for The End

“MAD ONES!!” Orizack shouted.

Lightning only grinned, “This… is what it means to be a hero! True Sacrifice!”

The lights were growing brighter, and the rumbling more violent as the planets began to break up…

…But suddenly, everyone felt another force coming at them, and in a bright flash, all of them, along with the ship vanished.

“What’s happening?!” cried Pyron.

Lightning couldn’t believe his eyes. They were on a Magical Pathway and leaving the star-system. Then he saw how, “Starla? Krysta?”

It was them indeed. They both looked at him with deep smiles, but they said nothing, they just focused on the ride.

Pyron and Glaceia looked back one last time as a big bright flash occurred-- their two planets had merged, but by this point the team had traveled too far away to see or make out anything else.

Soon, they arrived on a distant planet on the other side of the galaxy, The Planet Luminous, Krysta’s home planet.

There, Lightning found all his friends, including their majesties, Blitzy and Swift, and Krysta’s family-- King Topaz, and their preteen son, Prince Twink-- and a vast army of fairies all huddled together uncasting the massive magic they had just used.

Pyron and Glaceia were astounded.

“They’re here!!” Pinkie squealed, and she took off into the sky in her excited-fireworks fashion.

Everyone rushed over colliding with Lightning and friends, giving him hugs and expressing how glad they made it out.

“We thought we’d never see you again!” cried Buddy.

“We thought you were a goner!” added Artie.

“Don’t ever do that to us again!” sobbed Rarity.

“Oh, Lightning! I’ll never let go of you again!” exclaimed Krysta as she clung onto his face crying tears of joy.

Lightning pulled her off him, and he was so happy to be reunited with everyone, “But how…? How did you find us?”

Fluttershy blew her nose and pointed at Starla…

“She was the one who found you three,
She did it by wat of astronomy.”

Lightning looked at his wife, and she nodded with happy tearful eyes. She was too overwhelmed with joy and happiness to speak or even move from where she stood.

Shining Armor then explained…

“Starla went through all the files of all the constellations she ever saw or was shown from distant outposts on other planets.

She finally managed to confirm the one she saw while she was on Iceinia, and she managed to track your location.”

Cadance nodded and then added, “And it wasn’t easy… we found we had to come here, to Luminous, and then Krysta and all her fairies would have to give all their might to produce the biggest and strongest warping force they could, and we all helped by giving some of our own magic.”

All the friends nodded proudly.

Topaz nodded too. “It just goes to show that though we fairies are small, we are capable of many things.”

Lightning walked over to his wife and gazed deeply into her eyes.

WHACK!! Starla swatted him clean across the face. The others all gasped in shock!

“That’s for punching me!” balked Starla.

She hit him again, and again…

“That’s for sending me back…!

That’s for making me worry that I’D NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN!!”

Lightning held his sore face all flabbergasted.

Then Starla tackled him to the ground and looked him deeply in the eyes. She spoke softly and lovingly, “…And this… is because I’m so happy I found you!” and she kissed him hard and deeply.

Everyone gazed in loving awe, while some of the fairy children, even Twink gagged.

Pinkie cried loudly and blew her nose.

Lightning and Starla got onto their feet. “I guess I deserved all that.” joked Lightning.

Starla chuckled.

Their majesties then approached. “Welcome back, Lightning.” Grand Ruler said with a proud grin.

“You really had us all worried.” said Celestia, “But your bravery cannot be denied.”

“And it sures saves me trouble…” teased Grand Ruler “Now I don’t have to appoint a new commander.”

Everyone shared a chuckle at that.

“And I don’t have to tell my children that they’re Daddy’s never coming home.” said Starla.

“Speaking of “home...” Spike said, and he pointed over at Pyron and Glaceia, who were both staring off into Space, wondering what happened to their planets now.

Two Weeks Later…

This was Warmoppolis-- the new world created from Moltic and Iceinia.

It wasn’t like either of the two planets before; not too hot, not too cold, and situated in a newer orbit around the sun.

The planet now had lush green meadows, beautiful forests and landscapes with mountains, plains, lakes and rivers and oceans.

Naturally, there were no villages, no royal palaces, and not much of what all the denizens of both worlds left before…

…But nothing that time, building, and furbishing could not solve.

United Equestrians and Starfleet offered whatever help they could.

All the Moltecians and Iceinians were returned, and while all the guards and the armies caused much trouble during the war, they, too, were returned to help build their new civilization, as part of a probation.

Orizack was sent to prison and hard labor on the planet Conva for the rest of his life-- no matter how long that would be. He also had anti-magical locks and bands permanently fastened around his neck and limbs so he could never use magic.

He would never escape, and just as well.

The people of Warmoppolis were ready for a new beginning. No more fighting. No more race hatred. No more overly materialistic values, at least not as severely as before.

…All this under the watchful eyes of their new rulers.

Though the royal palace was still under construction, as were all the villages across the land, a royal fanfare sounded, and a guard announced, “Presenting their royal majesties: King Pyron, and his wife, Queen Glaceia!”

The crowds applauded and cheered as their majesties, wearing their new royal attire approached the top of a hill to address everyone.

“Hail Warmoppolis!” hollered Pyron.

The crowds cheered thunderously, and when they had quieted down, their majesties delivered their speech.

“Our worlds, as you have known them, will never be the same again.” said Pyron “We realize this is very difficult for some of you, our people, to grasp, and to accept.

Many of their people were still in shock and grievance at the loss of their respective home-worlds, and while others were learning to adjust, they still felt sad.

“But we must remember…” Pyron continued “While all this happened because of the treachery of a madman, it cannot and must not be ignore that we-- the people—are just as responsible and allowed this to happen.”

While some of the people were ashamed, others looked shocked and confused.

Pyron then let his wife and queen speak.

Glaceia addressed her subjects.

“Though Orizack was a traitor, and he can no longer harm us with his evil way, it was we-- the people-- who took advantage of someone’s kindness, ignored their pleas, and neglected to show any forms of proper gratitude.

It was we that ignited the great flames that forced our worlds into war with each other, and that nothing was done to attempt to quell the fighting, and as such, we were not the only ones to suffer… but there were many that suffered at the effects of our conflict.”

This… is what has become of our world, because of the materialistic values, and stubborn prides.”

By this time, every subject hung their heads in shame.

“Sadly, what’s done is done.” said Pyron. “Damages have been caused, and some of which are irreparable and have left lasting scars that will never heal, even with time.

We have survived, and as such it is up to us to learn from these mistakes. To right the wrongs, to rebuild and start anew, but most importantly… to improve and to better ourselves as we take this journey… together!

The crowds cheered and rejoiced.

“And as such…” announced Glaceia “We wish to extend the most gracious of thanks and gratitude to our friends and heroes of Starfleet, whom without their help and all they did for us, who knows how much worse things could have been?”

At their majesties signal, a new grand statue was unveiled, revealing to be a large Starfleet insignia as a symbol of greatness, friends, and allegiance.

The entire Starfleet force applauded with gratefulness as the crowds applauded for them.

Rarity blew kisses to everyone.

“VIVA!!” Dyno and Myte cheered, and they unleashed fireworks into the daytime sky to show they’re thanks to everyone.

Rainbow Dash and a few Wonderbolts soared along making colorful trails in the sky, followed by Rainbow’s Sonic Rainbow. “WHOO-HOO! I LOVE THIS STUFF!” she chortled.

With the speeches over, everyone had to carry on building and constructing the new lands. Many Starfleet forces agreed to stay and help, and others at the request of Pyron and Glaceia would remain to establish a new outpost, to help keep an eye out for further dangers and help enforce the laws and maintain.

As for the main force, it was time to bid farewell.

“Must you leave us so soon?” asked Pyron.

“I’m afraid so.” replied Grand Ruler “As long as there is evil and injustice, Starfleet will always be needed, and we must remain alert and prepared for anything.”

The couple understood.

“You have been great and dear friends to us.” said Glaceia. “Words can never explain how grateful we are for all you’ve done.”

Celestia nodded thankfully, “As allies and friends, we hope to visit with you some time, and let you visit us.”

The couple bowed graciously. Their majesties bowed back, and everyone else saluted.

Rhymey said a small poem…

“It is a real shame to run and go,
And to say goodbye to friends we know.
But we shall go along our merry ways
And see each other some other days.”

Fluttershy clutched his hand and smiled lovingly at him.

Lightning smiled proudly in agreement, but then… something caught his eye over on the far side of the fields.

“What is it?” Starla whispered.

Lightning pointed over at what he saw…

…Swift and Blitzy standing away from the crowds. They both had deeply concerned looks on their faces.

“We need to talk.” Blitzy said, trying not to sound tearful.

“Yes,” agreed Swift “I think I know why.” He felt his heart starting to sink.

Blitzy had made up her mind… she decided to return to her Space Travels.

Orizack’s ship was not too different from her old cruiser, and she had no difficulty studying and mastering the systems and the controls.

In less than a week, on United Equestria, the ship was repaired, and Blitzy was given a proper send off, on the flat roof of New Canterlot Palace, where many sentries and the entire team were there to see her off.

“Are you certain you won’t stay?” asked Grand Ruler. “We could certainly use someone of your expertise.”

Blitzy was flattered, but she shook her head. “But there are so many other races out there that could use my help as well. I’m a Space Doctor. I can’t just stay in one place.”

His majesty nodded sadly, and he was grateful for all the things she was leaving behind-- copies of her medical logs, books, and even her maps and locations to help map out the galaxy even more than ever.

“You are always welcome to return.”

Then he stepped back to his wife and sister-in-law. The ladies looked very tearful but kept strong.

Then, Lightning approached her and looked at his friend deeply. “I want you to have this.” He gave her a small black box, with a Starfleet badge in it.

This brought tears to her eyes.

“You saved my life.” he said to her, “And just knowing that you’re alive, and I’m not the last of our race… it helps me a lot.”

“I feel the same way.” Blitz sniffled. Then she hugged him hard and deeply, and he hugged her back.

This brought tears to many of the ladies’ eyes, especially Starla’s.

“You take care of yourself out there, Doc.” Lightning whispered to her.

“You too… Commander.”

Then Lightning backed away, and Blitzy said to Starla, “You take care of him.”

Starla nodded and held her husband’s hand.

Swift was among the sentries, but he did not approach her.

He and Blitzy had already said their goodbyes.

A flashback showed them on Blitzy’s last night before departure, they were standing together on the terrace under the night sky.

Blitzy knew it was foolish to ask, but she had to. “Come with me?”

With a heavy heart, Swift shook his head. “I’m needed here.”

She saw that coming lightyear away.

“There’s a part of me that really wants to.” he said to her “But there’s still so much I to learn and do here before I can really head for the stars.”

“I understand.” Blitzy said softly. “But… thank you, for helping me understand better.”

Their faces moved closer and closer, but they suddenly stopped and looked away from each other. They didn’t dare kiss now, for fear that it would affect their decisions of staying or going, and if the decision remained the same, a kiss now would only make things even harder and more painful.

The flash ended…

And Blitzy gazed at him one last time. “Thank you.” she said with a soft smile.

Swift nodded very softly.

Then Blitzy boarded her craft.

The soldiers all backed away as the engines roared to life and the ship slowly lifted into the air, where Krysta’s fairies had already made a portal to thrust the craft out into Deep Space.

Lightning could see his friend in the view of the cockpit, and she waved to him

“SALUTE!” Lightning ordered, and all the soldiers and their majesties saluted proudly as the ship vanished into the portal and was gone.

Hearts were heavy.

Rarity dabbed her eyes with a hanky, and Pinkie sniffled, but she didn’t burst out crying.

“There goes one of the most wondrous friends we’ve ever had.” said Luna.

Her sister agreed with her.

“Let’s all go home.” sighed Grand Ruler.

Everyone began to file out. “I have to get home.” said Buddy. “Tree Hugger’s pregnant.”

“No way! Again?” Artie exclaimed.

“Yeah, can you believe it?”

Everyone began to chatter about as they cleared out, leaving only Lightning, Starla, Krysta and Swift on the landing pad.

Swift stood by himself gazing up sadly into the sky thinking of Blitzy.

“Poor guy.” said Krysta.

Starla felt bad for him. “I’m going to go get the kids.”

“Okay, I’ll be with you in a minute.” Lightning said, and he pecked his wife on the cheek.

After she and Krysta had gone, Lightning approached the Lieutenant. “Are you okay?”

Swift nodded softly, “Yes, sir. I won’t let this slow me down. I will move forward, and I will keep my head up high. For the force… for myself… and especially for her.”

Lightning was proud to hear him say that. He placed his hand over Swift’s shoulder. “You’ll reach for the stars someday, and who knows-- maybe you’ll meet up with her again.”

Swift looked at him, and his lips slowly curled into a brave smile, and the two men headed off together.

As they went, Lightning could still feel himself and Blitzy singing…

(1:28)

[Both]

The simple ways of our brethren
The simple ways of our brethren
The simple ways of our brethren
The simple ways…

…of our brethren

[Lightning]

I know how the doves do fly,
I see them in the sky,

[Blitzy]

Feeling as the wind they blow,
And think about my family history.

MY BRAVE PONY

STARFLEET MAGIC: SEASON XII

Author's Note

A breakup like this between Blitzy and Swift does hurt me, but not as severely as others.

They both did the math. They both made their choices honorably, and unselfishly (Not like what Terra did to Beast Boy)

...I will spare them (They will not be punished)