The mall was buzzing with life, as the Cosmic Guardians—Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy—along with their younger counterparts, the Cutie Mark Crusaders (Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo), strolled through the food court. They were in high spirits, enjoying their day off, chatting about school, new adventures, and their latest triumphs over Equestrian magic gone awry.

Just as they gathered near the fountain to rest, an announcement came over the mall’s speakers. "Attention, citizens! The city council has declared a special day in honor of the Cosmic Guardians and their heroic deeds! Join us next Saturday as we celebrate our city's protectors with parades, festivities, and more!"

Excited murmurs immediately rose from the group. "A day just for us? That’s awesome!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air.

"I reckon that sounds mighty nice," Applejack agreed with a warm smile. "A chance for everyone to come together and celebrate all we've done."

Rarity's eyes sparkled with excitement. "We’ll have to wear something absolutely fabulous for the occasion! It must be perfect for such an event!"

Pinkie Pie was already bouncing up and down. "We can have cupcakes! Balloons! Confetti cannons! Maybe even—"

"Okay, Pinkie, let’s focus," Sunset chuckled, though she too couldn’t hide her enthusiasm. “It sounds like a fun day, and after everything we’ve been through, it’ll be nice to just enjoy ourselves.”

The younger girls, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, were equally thrilled. “Do you think we’ll get our own float?” Apple Bloom asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

Sweetie Belle grinned. “Maybe they’ll even let us sing!”

Scootaloo, as usual, was thinking more action-packed. “I wonder if they’ll set up an obstacle course… or maybe a race!”

The group chatted excitedly, making plans for the special day ahead, unaware that a dark plan was already brewing in the background. Far away, Grogar, the ancient and malevolent sorcerer, was watching them through his crystal orb.

“Celebrate the Cosmic Guardians, will they?” Grogar growled, pacing in his lair. “We’ll see how much they celebrate when I’m done with them. They think they’ve seen the worst of me? I’ll use my magic to recreate an ancient god that will give them something truly horrifying to remember.”

With a wave of his staff, Grogar summoned dark magic and began resurrecting an ancient Hindu god: Garuda!

Upon Grogar’s command, Garuda had begun weaving Grogar’s curse. Their target: the very outfits the Guardians wore. But this wasn’t any simple curse. Grogar smirked as Garuda reached into the fabric of time and space, pulling forth iconic Power Ranger suits—symbols of heroism and strength—and Grogar used his dark magic to enchant them for his own purposes. These suits would form around the Guardians and others, binding to them, forcing them into new roles. Grogar relished the thought of their confusion and helplessness.

“That’ll teach them to meddle in my affairs,” he muttered with a sinister grin as Garuda unleashed the curse.

That night, the Cosmic Guardians went to bed, completely unaware of what was about to happen. As they slept peacefully, the curse descended upon them, weaving itself into their dreams and onto their bodies. The magical Power Ranger outfits formed, clinging to them like a second skin, impossible to remove or alter. Sunset’s suit blazed red as the original Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger; Twilight’s became a vibrant purple like the Dino Charge Ranger. Each of the others has also been covered in suits from different eras and teams, their true forms hidden beneath the fabric of Grogar and Garuda’s malevolent spell.

Morning came, and one by one, they awoke to find themselves in their new uniforms.

“What in tarnation?!” Applejack exclaimed, looking down at herself. She was now dressed head to toe in the glowing armor of the orange Solar Ranger. She tugged at the suit, trying to pull it off, but it wouldn’t budge. “What… what is this?”

Rarity was equally distressed, examining her reflection in her full-length mirror. She was now in the regal suit of the white Mystic Force Ranger. “Oh, no, no, no! This is not my style at all! Who would do such a thing?”

Twilight ran into Sunset’s room, her purple Dino Charge suit glimmering in the sunlight. “Sunset! I can’t get this off!”

Sunset, dressed as the Red Mighty Morphin’ Power Ranger, was already trying to remain calm, though her mind was racing. “I know, Twilight. I’ve tried everything. It’s like this suit is glued to me.”

Pinkie Pie came bouncing in, her pink Hyperforce suit not even slowing her down. “Isn’t this kinda fun, though? I mean, we look like superheroes!”

Rainbow Dash, now in the blue RPM suit, skidded to a halt next to her. “I’d agree if I could take this thing off. But it won’t let me!”

Fluttershy, meek as always, tugged at her yellow Wild Force suit. “I don’t understand… it’s like it’s stuck.”

Elsewhere, the select people was facing the same issue. Trixie Lulamoon had transformed into a Blue Omega ranger, Vice Principal Luna was dressed as the SPD Shadow Ranger, and Principal Celestia now bore the sleek form of the white Alien Ranger.

The entire group gathered in Sunset’s living room, all frantically trying to figure out what had happened.

“This is impossible!” Twilight said. “We’ve faced Equestrian magic, but this? This is different.”

“I bet Grogar’s behind this,” Sunset said, crossing her arms. “It’s exactly his style. He’d want to mess with us before a big event like the celebration day.”

“But what do we do?” Scootaloo asked. “We can’t just stay like this forever!”

“I’m not sure how to reverse it yet,” Sunset said, her tone serious, “but we’ll figure it out. Until then… we might just have to get used to these suits.”

“Yeah, she’s right. The great and powerful Trixie is loving this already!” Trixie exclaimed, posing in her Omega Ranger uniform like a supermodel.

Everyone exchanged glances, uncertain of what the day—and their new Power Ranger forms—would bring.

Elsewhere, the people of Canterlot City has already woken up to begin Cosmic Guardians Day. However, they wake up to find something bizarre has also happened to them!

The CMCs have been transformed into the jumpsuits of Piranhatrons from Power Rangers Turbo, Diamond Tiara had been formed into the jumpsuit of an loogie soldier from Power Rangers Megaforce, The Shadowbolts has the suits of the putty patrollers, Silver Spoon and Juniper Montage has their clothes being turned into the jumpsuit of Cogs from Power Rangers Zeo and Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Melody has the jumpsuits of the Grinders from Power Rangers RPM formed on them! All the people of Canterlot City have their clothes transform into that of evil foot soldiers from the Power Rangers franchise and they were panicking.

“Whoa! I look amazing in this!” Scootaloo yelled in excitement as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle try to pull theirs off. The suits are stuck to them of course.

“Ow! What’s going on, y’all?” Apple Bloom asked in shock.

“I don’t know, but Rarity is NOT gonna like this!” Sweetie Belle replied.

“What is this?!” Diamond screamed, trying to pull her suit off only to find that it’s her skin now as the eyeball on her suit starts to blink and move!

“Eww!” Diamond exclaimed, disgusted by the eyeball’s movement before she sneezed magic dust. “Oh no! This can’t be happening!”

“Oh, my god!” The Shadowbolts exclaimed in unison as they find themselves in silver jumpsuits with huge gloves that tighten their every curve!

Everyone is panicking while some were liking their new uniforms.

Silver Spoon and Juniper love the silver glittery look on their new outfits. Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Melody were rocking their new robotic bodies.

It wasn’t last long when suddenly, a dark purple aura of dark magic enveloped them and the people of Canterlot City! They all try to fight it, but it was no use. Their bodies have been telekinetically controlled while their minds are stable.

Everyone was screaming for help and panicking more as they were becoming even more controlled.

Later that morning, the Cosmic Guardians stood in awe, their new suits gleaming under the midday sun as they approached the grand parade. It was supposed to be a day of celebration, but something was terribly wrong.

The streets, once vibrant with cheers and waving flags, had become eerily silent. The crowd moved stiffly, like puppets on strings. Their minds were still stable, but were drained of all happiness. As the Guardians drew closer, their hearts sank.

"They’re under Grogar’s curse," Sunset Shimmer murmured, her voice trembling with a mix of dread and anger.

The CMCs, the three young Cosmic Guardians, now moved like foot soldiers. Their eyes, usually filled with kindness, were empty as they marched forward, transformed into Piranhatrons. Nearby, Silver Spoon and Juniper Montage had become Cogs, their normally pristine look replaced by the cold metallic armor of Garuda’s influence. The Shadowbolts are putty patrollers and Vinyl Scratch & Octavia Melody are Grinders! Everyone is now under dark magic’s control and they didn’t like that one bit!

And worst of all, Diamond Tiara was surrounded by a group of mind-controlled civilians as she was crying in panic. Her nose twitched as she let out a sneeze, the green mist spreading and instantly transforming anyone caught in its path. Lyra and Bon Bon, who had been desperately trying to flee, were engulfed by the cursed mist, and within moments, they too had become enslaved foot soldiers. Despite their new monstrous appearances, their terrified screams echoed inside their minds, their wills trapped but still intact.

"No! This can’t be happening!" Diamond Tiara’s voice came out choked and desperate as she tried to hold back another sneeze. "I don’t want this... someone help me!"

Everyone groaned in misery as they were still controlled and were heading towards the Guardians, forcibly getting ready to attack! They didn’t want to attack, but they have no control!

The Cosmic Guardians braced themselves. Rainbow Dash clenched her fists, ready to charge into battle, but Sunset Shimmer grabbed her arm.

"Wait! We can’t just rush in," Sunset said, her voice firm. "They’re still our friends. They haven’t lost their minds. We can’t hurt them."

"But they’re attacking us!" Rainbow protested, her eyes flicking to the CMCs, who were approaching with worried expressions.

Sunset shook her head. "There has to be another way."

Suddenly, Sci-Twi’s morpher buzzed to life. "Shari!" she called out urgently. "We need you now!"

A glowing light enveloped the team as the unicorn goddess, Shari, answered their call. In an instant, the Cosmic Guardians were teleported out of the cursed streets and into the safety of Shari’s void. Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna and Trixie were teleported along with them.

The void was calm and ethereal, with shimmering stars and swirling galaxies as its backdrop. Trixie was immediately impressed by the environment.

“Wow! Trixie could really use this for her next show!” Trixie exclaimed, talking in third person as always.

Suddenly, Shari Skyline, a majestic unicorn with a mane of stardust, teleported and hovered before them, her expression somber.

"I’m sorry, Guardians," Shari began, her voice gentle but filled with sorrow. "Grogar has resurrected an ancient Hindu god named Garuda who has spread his curse. The curse is so powerful that it has taken over not just their bodies, but the magic itself. They still have control of their minds, but their bodies are under his control."

"How do we break the curse?" Sunset asked, stepping forward. "There has to be a way to save them without—"

Shari’s expression darkened. "There is only one way. You must fight them. Only by defeating the cursed warriors can you break the spell."

The Guardians, the principals and Trixie gasped in unison.

"We can’t..." Rainbow Dash started, but her voice faltered as the weight of Shari’s words hit her.

"They’re our friends," Fluttershy whispered, clutching her hands together.

Sci-Twi drifted forward, shaking her head in disbelief. "Is there really no other way?"

“We don’t want to hurt our sister!” Applejack and Rarity screamed in unison, worried that they might lose the trust of their own families.

"I’m afraid not," Shari said gravely. "Grogar and Garuda’s magic is woven deeply into their forms. Only by defeating them can the curse be lifted."

Sunset glanced at her team, each of them struggling to accept the harsh truth. Their friends needed them, but the cost of freeing them was a battle they never wanted to fight.

“Don’t worry, because you’ll have some assistance.” Shari continued as she lit her horn and a huge ball of light emerged by her. Once the bubble depleted itself, it’s revealed to be Starlight Glimmer and Tempest Shadow who just so happen to suffer the same curse as well! The group gasped in shock as they saw the duo’s new forms.

Starlight Glimmer is formed into a pink Lost Galaxy ranger and Tempest Shadow is that of a purple Ranger Slayer.

“No way!” Rainbow exclaimed, clearly shocked.

“Woo-hoo! More Rangers! This day just keeps getting better!” Pinkie squealed in excitement as everyone sighed in defeat.

Rainbow Dash’s fist clenched at her side, her eyes hardened with determination yet clouded with sorrow. Twilight Sparkle adjusted her glasses, her mind already calculating a way out of this nightmare. Applejack tugged at her hat, trying to suppress the emotions welling up inside.

"We knew it might come to this," Sunset Shimmer said quietly, standing beside Shari. "But that doesn’t make it any easier."

Even principals Celestia and Luna, usually so composed and strong, exchanged uncertain glances. Trixie, ever the show-off and brimming with confidence, now drifted quietly in the back, her arms wrapped around herself as the weight of the situation sunk in. For the first time, even she wasn’t sure if she was ready.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie... does not wish to fight her friends," Trixie muttered, her voice unusually quiet. "But if it's the only way to save them, then... Trixie will do what must be done."

The tension in the air was palpable as Shari gently lowered herself to the ground, her mystical aura pulsing softly. She turned to Celestia, who had drifted forward, her usual radiance dimmed by worry.

"I will stay behind with Shari," Principal Celestia declared, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling in her. "We’ll work together to uncover how Grogar and Garuda managed to place this curse on the people of Canterlot City. There has to be a way to free them without further harm, and finding that will be our task."

Shari nodded, her eyes glowing with a deep sense of understanding and gratitude. "Your wisdom is invaluable, Celestia. Together, we will search for the source of this curse, and perhaps through that, we may find the key to undoing it entirely."

Vice Principal Luna, though clearly torn, placed a hand on her sister’s shoulder. "Are you sure you wish to stay? It may be dangerous here."

Celestia gave a small, confident smile. "I trust Shari and I trust all of you. If anyone can protect Canterlot City and bring back those lost to the curse, it’s the Rainbooms. I’ll do what I can to help from here."

Sunset Shimmer drifted forward, her expression resolute. "We'll find a way to break the curse, and when we do, we’ll need whatever information you and Shari can find. Just... be careful."

With a flick of her wrist, Sunset opened a swirling portal back to Canterlot City. The glow from the portal reflected on the faces of the Rainbooms, Vice Principal Luna, Starlight, Tempest and Trixie, casting them in a surreal light as they steeled themselves for the battle ahead.

"Good luck," Celestia called, her voice filled with hope and sorrow in equal measure.

Shari’s wings fluttered as she turned to the group. "The battle may be hard, but your bonds with those under the curse will not be broken. You fight not just with strength, but with love. Never forget that."

With those final words, the Rainbooms, Luna, Starlight, Tempest and Trixie stepped through the portal, leaving Celestia and Shari behind in the shimmering light.

To be continued…

Author's Note

The Cosmic Guardians and their new group’s ranger suits:

• Sunset Shimmer - Red MMPR
• Twilight Sparkle - Purple Dino Charge
• Rarity - White Mystic Force
• Applejack - Orange Solar Ranger
• Pinkie Pie - Pink Hyperforce
• Rainbow Dash - Blue RPM
• Fluttershy - Yellow Wild Force
• Tempest Shadow - Ranger Slayer
• Starlight Glimmer - Lost Galaxy Pink
• Trixie Lulamoon - Omega Blue
• Vice Principal Luna - SPD Shadow Ranger
• Principal Celestia - MMAR White

Artist of illustration: citalopram-overdose