G5 Adventures in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys

The Toy Taker had brought all the toys he had captured into a secret ice cave hidden deep beneath a glacier in the Arctic Circle, and even after his ballad, the toys felt that they were going to be alone forever...

...but little did they know it, but our heroes and all their Christmastown and Starlight Ridge friends, old and new, were heading to Castaway Cove right now to see if they could head the Toy Taker off before he could use his flute on the toys there.

But, only time would tell if they would succeed or not.

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Our heroes had arrived at Castaway Cove as fast as they possibly could, leaving Ocean, Ebony and Polar to keep watch on the icy shores.

But when they got to the throne room to find Queen Camilla and explain their plan thoroughly... they had discovered they were only an hour too late.

The Toy Taker had already struck, taking all the toys the queen had on the island.

And needless to say, Queen Camilla was in hysterics. “Oh, that Toy Taker took all my beautiful toys!” she weeped, blowing her nose in doing so. “I feel so… unfabulous!”

Borealis frowned out of sympathy for her. “I'm sorry we came too late, Queen Camilla.”

“Don’t worry,” Clarice then assured. “We’re gonna catch that crook!”

“And get all the toys back, too!” Hermey agreed. “But since we know where the Toy Taker’s last place of interest is, we need to get there fast,” Zipp said to the others, a fierce look of determination on her face. “Before we’re too late to do anything!”

“Fast? You called the right auroricorn for the job!” Amethyst Flare said with a smirk. “Let’s get moving!”

And so, the group exchanged a quick farewell with Queen Camilla before setting off again.

Now you may be wondering what our heroes’ plan was. Well, their last hope was the Island of Misfit Toys. Perhaps, just perhaps, they still had a chance to catch the Toy Taker at his own game.

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The group arrived to the Island of Misfit Toys as fast as they possibly could, pulling Bumble behind the Tooth-Mobile on a large ice floe, and once they were safely on the island, everyone got off and started walking in the direction of King Moonracer’s castle.

Ocean Blizzard looked around. “Are you sure there’s a changeling-pony hybrid that usually walks through here, Sunny? I don’t see anything except all these present boxes.”

“Frenala usually hangs out around here,” Misty answered for Sunny, glancing around for their changeliny-pony hybrid pal. “But I’m sure if we look hard enough, we might be able to see-- AHH!!!”

Suddenly, a huge polar bear got in the group’s path and roared, causing the auroricorns to scream out of fright. “No one said anything about polar bears being here!!” Amethyst shrieked. “Let’s get out of here!”

Luckily, before anyone else started to panic, Hitch managed to recognize the blue glint in the polar bear’s eyes, soothing his relief. “It’s okay, guys! It’s just Frenala!”

The polar bear seemed to recognize them after a moment, immediately changing back to her changeling-pony form with a regretful look on her face. “I’m so sorry, guys-- I didn’t mean to scare you!”

“Scare us? HA!! I’m the greatest prospector in the North!” Yukon boasted. “I wasn’t scared of nothin’!”

“Yeah, right,” Ocean Blizzard said as she rolled her eyes. “You screamed like a baby just like the rest of us!”

“Frenala, can you take us to King Moonracer?” Zipp asked. “It’s important that we talk to him right away, especially before the Toy Taker gets here.”

“Sure! King Moonracer actually suggested I take on polar bear form so that way if the Toy Taker were to show up, I would scare him off and save the toys,” Frenala said as the group continued their walk. “But it would be a lot better if you guys were here too. Come on, I’ll show you a shortcut to the castle so we don’t waste time!”

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The group arrived at King Moonracer’s castle quicker than ever, thanks to Frenala’s shortcut, and since King Moonracer was feeling better with that root canal, he let the group come into the throne room to see him.

After bowing to the king, Rudolph decided to get straight to the point. “We believe the Toy Taker plans to strike here next, your majesty.”

“But this time,” Izzy said, smirking at Winter Wind, “we’ll be ready for that burgling bully!”

“And we'll give that horrible hooligan what for!” Yukon agreed boldly, only for Borealis to shake her head. “Actually, no, Cornelius. We’re not gonna try and stop him.”

“Huh?” Negro looked confused. “But I thought that was the whole reason we were here!”

“Don’t worry, Negro,” Clarice smiled at the black fox pup. “Bori and Rudolph have a plan, don’t you, Rudolph?”

“We sure do,” Rudolph nodded. “And the first part of that plan is Frenala.”

Frenala looked surprised at this. “Me?”

“We need you to fly back to Christmastown and deliver a message to the castle,” Borealis said vaguely. “Just tell everyone there to look for the aurora flares. They’ll know what that means.”

“Uh… okay. You can count on me!” Frenala saluted before taking off. That left Rudolph to the next part of his plan. “Ocean, Polar and Ebony? You three are going to be hiding out and waiting for the Toy Taker to take all the toys from the island,” he said, “and then you’re gonna tail him to wherever he’s taking them.”

“You got it, Rudolph, but… I’m a bit confused,” Polar Faith said with confusion in her voice. “What makes you think letting the Toy Taker steal the toys is gonna help us catch the criminal?”

“Because, not only will he be stealing all the toys,” said Sunny, catching onto the plan, “but he’s also gonna be stealing us!”

That left the auroricorns even more confused, wondering what in the world their brave friends were planning.

XXXXXXXX

Later on that night, everything was peaceful on the island, and toys slept without a care in their present boxes... which included some larger presents and a GIGANTIC present... which we will get to later.

Not long after all the toys retired for the night, the Toy Taker's blimp showed up, and the hose lowered a bit as the Toy Taker jumped off it, all while grinning at the presents.

This was it... the last stop to ensure that all the toys that would be delivered on Christmas would be his.

The Toy Taker then took out his flute and began playing the same tune he played before to lure the other toys. Then each one of the toys came bursting out of their boxes and are in a trance, following the flute's tune, like the other toys before them.

But this is where Rudolph and Borealis' plan comes in.

Ebony Snowflake (who was using her invisibility magic), Ocean Blizzard and Polar Faith (the latter two watching from inside a large snow pile) watched as some larger boxes burst open, revealing Winter Wind, Amethyst Flare, the Mane 6, Rudolph and Clarice disguised as wind-up toys, even complete with some wind-ups on their backs. Borealis and Negro popped out immediately after them, following their lead as they tried to act natural.

Then, Hermey popped out wearing a tooth costume, much to the others' disbelief and confusion. “The plan,” Pipp whispered in an irritated tone, “was to disguise ourselves as TOYS, Hermey! Not teeth!”

“I’m a Misfit Molar…?” Hermey smiled at the pink pegasus nervously, causing Pipp to sigh irritabily and shake her head. This was going to be the LONGEST undercover mission ever.

Next, one of the larger boxes began to shake, and out from it burst Yukon Cornelius in a pink tutu (which was Izzy's idea if you were wondering), much to Yukon's chagrin. “Oh brother…”

Nevertheless, he began to follow the others, making sure to act like they were sleepwalking just like the other toys. As they walked past, the gigantic present shook a bit before bursting open, revealing Bumble inside a giant pink bunny suit (which was honestly Pipp's idea), and he hopped alongside the others as if he were in the trance too.

And as their friends were getting close to the tube, Polar Faith knew that it was time to make their move. “There they go, girls. Just follow the others and stay out of sight.”

Ebony Snowflake and Ocean Blizzard nodded before the three auroricorns started discreetly following the others toward the tube, careful to remain out of the Toy Taker's sight. Soon every last toy and our heroes, one by one, get sucked up by the hose up into the blimp. Yukon Cornelius is the last one to get sucked up, but as the Toy Taker put his flute away, Bumble grabbed the hose and stuck it to his head.

Unfortunately, Bumble was stuck there, floating a couple feet above the ground, even astonishing the Toy Taker himself. “You’re an awfully big toy, aren’t you?” the Toy Taker asked before shaking his head. “I'm sorry, but I can't take you with me. You’re too… ginormous!”

Then the hose lets go of the monster, which made the ground shake a bit from that hard landing. Bumble got up, protesting in his natural Bumble language while the Toy Taker got onto the tube and began to rise up to the blimp again. “Farewell, my hoppity bunny friend.”

And soon enough, the Toy Taker had gone from Bumble’s sight, causing Bumble to break down sobbing, feeling like a lost child in the mall in that moment.

But once they were sure they were alone with only Bumble, the three auroricorn mares snuck out of hiding. “Oh… it’s okay, Bumble. You can help us if you want,” Ocean said, patting the monster’s side gently. “We’re gonna tail that blimp and let Santa and the others know where the toys are by sending up an aurora flare.”

“And we sure could use some help,” Ebony added. “What do you say?”

Bumble looked down at the three mares before nodding and getting up, chasing after the blimp with the auroricorns at his heels. Now, even though Bumbles aren't exactly the smartest of creatures, a domesticated Bumble is fiercely loyal. That abominable snowman knew his friends needed them. By hook or by crook, Bumble, Polar, Ocean and Ebony had to catch up with that blimp, somehow.

Polar, Ocean and Ebony quickly stopped at the beach, leaving Polar to wonder how they were going to catch up to the blimp from here... while Bumble ran a little too fast, sliding off the ice and into the ocean before Ocean and Ebony used their magic to pull him out. “Huh… I guess Yukon was right,” said Ocean in surprise. “Bumbles really don’t swim.”

“But if Bumble can’t swim with us on his back,” said Ebony, “how are we gonna catch up to the others?”

Bumble, in his frustration, began to grumble and growl in frustration, jumping up and down on the ice repeatedly, causing Ocean, Polar and Ebony to try and brace themselves if they fell into the water like Bumble had done.

That's when, much to their surprise, the chunk of ice they were standing on broke loose from the shore, creating a large, do-it-yourself iceberg. “Bumble, you big genius! This is perfect!” Polar smiled. “Quick, start paddling in the direction of the blimp! Ocean, send up an aurora flare, and keep sending them up every so often!”

Ocean nodded and did as she was told as Bumble paddled as hard as he could, the four of them ready to catch up to the blimp and help their friends.

XXXXXXXX

On the blimp, the Toy Taker was steering the blimp toward his glacial hideout, unaware that some of the toys he picked up were really ponies, reindeer, an elf, foxes and a prospector in disguise.

However, Clarice looked around at noticing that Bumble wasn't in there with them. “Poor Bumble didn’t make it.”

“Don’t worry, missy,” Yukon assured. “He’ll catch up.”

“It’s just like Yukon always says,” said Amethyst with a smile. “Bumbles always bounce back!”

“If my hunch is right,” Rudolph then whispered to the others, the Toy Taker will lead us right to the missing toys.”

“And then we can sneak them out of his lair and make sure he never takes them again!” Zipp said, hoof-bumping Rudolph with a smile. “It’s practically fool-proof.”

Negro’s ears flattened as he saw the toys’ brainwashed state, a bit frightened and worried for their well-being. “Oh, guys… look at them.”

“Yeah… I see what you mean, Negro,” Misty nodded thoughtfully. “They all look like they’re in some kind of trance.”

“The Toy Taker's flute must pack some kind of hocus pocus voodoo power,” Yukon assumed. That’s when Borealis turned to a familiar kite with a smile. “Don’t worry, Mr. Kite. We’re here to rescue you!”

But, just as Borealis began to think the toys couldn't hear her in their trance, the kite let out an unexpected shriek. “INTRUDERS!!”

“Uh-oh!” Sunny yelped, alarmed as other toys began to shout the same thing. “We didn’t anticipate that!”

“Shh, shh!!” Izzy said desperately as the shouting grew much louder. “Not so loud!”

“Stop it!” Pipp scolded. “Before you blow our cover!”

“INTRUDERS!!!”

It was at that moment, the Toy Taker, who heard the shouting from the front of the blimp, came into the room after leaving the blimp on autopilot. “Hey!” he shouted, noticing the group. “You’re not toys!”

That’s when Rudolph bravely took the lead. “We’re friends of Santa!”

“And we want his toys back!” Winter Wind declared with a triumphant look. “Surrender, you hooligan!” Yukon demanded. “We have you surrounded!”

“Do you?” the Toy Taker asked them, pulling out a remote while the toys forced the group to step backwards a bit. “Sorry you can't stay for the holidays! Ta-ta!”

By pressing a button on his remote, the floor underneath the heroes opened up and the heroes ran in the air in alarm before falling out, shrieking. Then Yukon grabs onto a ledge at the bottom of the blimp, with Hermey grabbing onto his leg and the dentist elf holding onto one of Clarice's hooves while Negro and Borealis clung to Clarice for dear life.

Luckily, Rudolph, the Mane 6, Amethyst Flare and Winter Wind were able to start flying, trying to come up with Plan B. “Everypony look for a way to get back aboard the blimp!” Sunny shouted. “Then, we’ll come back to get our friends!”

As the Mane 6 and the two auroricorn mares split up to cover more ground (or air, so to speak), Rudolph spotted the open hatch, but as he tried to fly back through it, it closes up and he hit it hard, knocking the wind-up off his back and knocking him out of the heavens. “Rudolph!!” Borealis shrieked. “NO!!”

“Come on, Clarice!” Negro yelped. “We have to help him!”

“Okay, you two!” Clarice said, taking a breath. “Hang on tight!”

Clarice then flew away from the still dangling Hermey and Yukon with both fox pups on her back, flying underneath Rudolph and catching him, groaning as she tried to support all three on her back at once.

Rudolph slowly regained consciousness at this, and felt instant relief upon seeing his doe-friend and the two fox pups. “Clarice! You all saved me!”

“And,” Clarice said with a smile as Rudolph flew on his own again, “I earned my wings!”

“Rudolph! Guys!” Sunny shouted as she and the Mane 6 flew back around and after Borealis got on Rudolph’s back. “We spotted another entrance!”

“But first, Winter and Amethyst? Go get Yukon and Hermey before they fall to their deaths!” Zipp shouted, causing the two auroricorns to nod before flying that way.

As for Yukon, he felt his grip begin to loosen while Hermey’s grip on him got tighter. “Can't hold on much longer!!”

Then his hands begin to slide off the blimp and the pair were sent falling through the heavens, shrieking. It looks like they were done for, until Winter Wind scooped up Hermey and Amethyst Flare scooped up Yukon, saving them just in the nick of time. “WAHOOOOOOO!!!” Yukon shouted before they all began to fly toward the other entrance that the Mane 6 had spotted.

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The Toy Taker hummed a happy tune while steering again, until he saw the heroes floating outside his door, to his dismay. “Darn, darn, darn!!”

Hitch rammed through the door with all his might, causing all the heroes to enter, glaring at the Toy Taker while Borealis growled a bit. “We've got you now!”

However, the Toy Taker still had his remote in hand. “I think not!”

He pressed a button, and a hatch above him opened, along with a rope to appear, which the villain climbs up, making his escape. “Why that little…” Zipp growled, her wings flaring in anger. “He’s getting away!”

“Not for long he’s not!” Amethyst Flare reassured. “Come on, Cornelius! After him!”

“Wait, guys! Be careful!” Sunny tried to warn them, but Amethyst and Yukon had already started climbing up the hatch after the Toy Taker, leaving them to try and steer this blimp toward common ground.

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Amethyst and Yukon trailed very closely behind the Toy Taker for quite a while, climbing up stairs and swinging from poles, with the auroricorn being just about as agile as a mountain goat or a snow leopard, since she paid attention to Yukon's mountain-climbing stories.

Soon, their chase led them to the top of the blimp, where Amethyst and Yukon were sure that they would have the villain surrounded this time.

But as Yukon and Amethyst got closer to where the Toy Taker was, Yukon forgot that he had his mountain-climbing boots with spikes on, leaving little holes in the blimp wherever he walked. “Hey!” the Toy Taker shouted. “You’re messing up my blimp!”

“Huh?” Yukon stopped walking before he noticed what the Toy Taker was talking about. “Whoops!”

“That doesn’t matter right now,” Amethyst told Yukon before she prepared her horn to fire. “We’ve got you where we want you, Toy Taker!”

That’s when the Toy Taker spotted something coming up from behind them. “What’s that behind you?”

However, Yukon wasn’t about to believe this trick for a second. “Ha! I ain't a-falling for that old trick!”

Amethyst turned and saw something heading straight for them, and not knowing where it was going, she yelped and ducked her head as the object came swirling towards the prospector, not bothering to think. The object happens to be a certain boomerang from the Island of Misfit Toys, not being able to stop his flight path. “G'daaaaaaayyy!!!”

The boomerang swirled past Yukon, making him yelp while the prospector was knocked off guard. “I'm sorry, mate!!!!”

“It’s… all right,” Yukon said weakly before he flailed his arms a bit and begins falling backwards off the blimp, plummeting as he shrieked.

XXXXXXXX

And unfortunately, the Mane 6, Rudolph and Borealis looked outside just in time to see this happen. “Cornelius! NOOOOOOO!!!!”

“Hang on, Yukon! I’m coming!!” Amethyst shouted before diving after him, much to the others’ horror. And with the blimp going down, they had to make a hard decision-- abandon ship and try to save their falling friends…

…or die while trying to save all the misfit toys and Christmas from being ruined forever?

We'll find out the answer to this hard-hitting question and see how the final battle plays out for our heroes in our next chapter.