The Irregular Misadventures of the Equestria Girls (Volume 3)by ShopperBrony90ChaptersThe Bunch of Pesky ParaspritesThe JinxingThe Taco of Doom!The Bunch of Pesky ParaspritesThe sun shone brightly over the park as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo spread out a blanket for a picnic with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. They had found a spot near the bridge, where a gentle stream flowed underneath, and the air was filled with laughter, the rustling of leaves, and the distant chatter of park-goers. "This is gonna be so fun!" Sweetie Belle cheered, setting down a basket full of snacks. "I can't wait to dig in!" Scootaloo added as Apple Bloom passed out sandwiches. Pinkie Pie was busy balancing plates on her head while Fluttershy, seated by a tree, smiled warmly at a squirrel that had wandered over. But the peace didn't last long. Everyone hears a buzzing sound that grew louder. It turns out the buzzing is coming from an innocent looking parasprite! "Oh, it's just a little insect." Apple Bloom said, sheepishly. "Oh, what's a little pathetic bug going to do? Eat like ants?" Scootaloo laughed. Suddenly, a parasprite roared as it knocked the squirrel off the bridge and into the lake below with a tiny smack! Fluttershy gasped, eyes wide with shock. “Oh no!” she cried, rushing to the edge of the bridge. "Are you okay, little one?" But before she could help, more parasprites flooded the park in a swarm. One, carrying a large rock, dropped it onto a boat in the lake where a couple had been peacefully sailing. The rock crashed through the boat’s deck, splitting it in half. The couple barely managed to jump into the water before their boat sank into the lake’s depths. Fluttershy approached to them, her voice soft and comforting. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry this happened! Please don’t be upset. It wasn’t your fau—" Before she could finish, the couple—soaked and furious—let out an angry roar. They waved their fists at Fluttershy, blaming her for the chaos, even though she was trying to help. "Get away from us!" the man yelled. "This is all your fault!" the woman screamed. Fluttershy’s eyes filled with tears. She tried to say something, but their harsh words stung too deeply. Sobbing, she turned and ran, disappearing into the trees. "Fluttershy, wait!" Scootaloo called, but it was too late. She was already gone. Pinkie Pie, however, wasn’t about to let the parasprites ruin their picnic. She puffed out her chest. “Not today, you pests! I’m on to you! Let’s see you try to ruin this party!” The girls huddled behind Pinkie as she tried to fend off the parasprites with a giant cupcake. “Take that!” she shouted, hurling frosting at the buzzing pests, but it ate the cupcake, shocking the pink party girl. No matter how much she fought, the parasprites were relentless. One of them snuck up behind Pinkie and, with a quick gulp, swallowed the entire picnic spread. “Oh no! Our food!” Apple Bloom gasped. "And they spat on it!" Sweetie Belle cringed, as another parasprite spat slime across the remaining scraps. The sticky mess covered everything. The group scrambled to their feet as a parasprite hovered close, choking and vomiting out a hairball right into Pinkie’s face. With a squelching sound, the hairball turned into another parasprite, multiplying right before their eyes. "Ew, ew, ew!" Pinkie shrieked, wiping her face. “Run, girls! RUN!” They all dashed away, leaving the ruined picnic behind. Back at their clubhouse, the CMCs sat in silence. The once bright and cheerful day had taken a disastrous turn. Apple Bloom leaned on her hands, Sweetie Belle stared at the floor, and Scootaloo paced back and forth. "I feel awful," Sweetie Belle said quietly. "Fluttershy was just trying to help, and now she's probably crying somewhere all alone." "And Pinkie... she locked herself in her room because she felt traumatized. We haven't seen her since we ran back," Apple Bloom added, her voice heavy with guilt. "They've both had their feelings hurt," Scootaloo muttered, stopping her pacing. "We have to do something. We can’t just sit around while those parasprites terrorize Canterlot City." “But what can we do? Those things are everywhere,” Apple Bloom sighed, tapping her chin. The girls sat in silence for a moment, thinking hard. Suddenly, Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up. “Wait a minute! The parasprites came from Equestria, right?” Scootaloo snapped her fingers. “That’s it! Maybe we can find something from Equestria to stop them!” Apple Bloom suddenly spoke up. "Now hold on, girls. We can't just jump to conclusions. Let's try to fend them off ourselves first." she suggested. "You're right, we can do it ourselves. That will somehow prove we're good exterminators." Sweetie Belle exclaims as Scootaloo sighed in disappointment. "Alright, fine. Come on girls." Scootaloo said as she leads her friends to the park where the swarm happened. They were in over their heads. What had started as a simple plan to rid Canterlot City park of a parasprite infestation had turned into complete chaos. The trio stood in the middle of the town square, covered in blankets and clutching bug repellent spray cans, trying to defend themselves from the swarm of parasprites. “Ah thought this would work!” Apple Bloom yelled as she tossed a blanket over a group of parasprites, only for the tiny creatures to tear through it like paper. “These critters are stronger than ah thought!” “They’re supposed to hate bug spray, right?” Scootaloo said, frantically spraying a cloud of repellent at the swarm. Instead of driving them away, however, the parasprites became agitated. Their buzzing grew louder, and to the CMC's shock, they began to glow with a strange magical aura. “Uh… why are they glowing?” Sweetie Belle asked nervously, stepping back. Suddenly, the parasprites began to swirl in the air, forming tiny tornadoes of magic. Before the girls could react, the parasprites dove toward the nearest towers in Canterlot City—one of the town’s newer constructions—and, in an inexplicable twist, they magically legitimated the towers, causing them to grow even larger and shimmer with magical light. “What is even goin' on right now?!” Apple Bloom gasped. Just when they thought things couldn’t get worse, the parasprites started grabbing towels from nearby market stands. With a mischievous gleam in their eyes, they began to towel-whip the CMCs, sending them tumbling backward. “Ow! Hey! That’s not fair!” Scootaloo cried, trying to dodge the parasprites' attacks. Sweetie Belle squealed as one of the creatures got her right in the leg with a towel. As the Crusaders scrambled to regroup, the parasprites, now emboldened by their new magical abilities, grabbed the cans of bug repellent from the girls. With surprising coordination, the pests sprayed the CMCs, leaving them soaked and coughing as they were pelted by their own defenses. “Not the bug spray! We’re supposed to be using that on them!” Sweetie Belle groaned. The parasprites, having thoroughly defeated the trio, buzzed away triumphantly, leaving the park in even more disarray. The Crusaders, dripping with bug spray and embarrassment, knew they needed help. “We gotta go see Twilight or someone,” Apple Bloom suggested. The trio headed to the lab, where they found Sci-Twi working on her latest experiment. The CMCs burst in, explaining the chaotic situation with the parasprites. Sci-Twi listened carefully, adjusting her glasses. “That’s… unexpected,” she said, deep in thought. “The parasprites shouldn’t have those kinds of magical abilities.” “We know! That’s why we need yer help,” Apple Bloom said, still wiping bug spray from her face. “Can you fix this?” “I might know what’s going on,” Sci-Twi replied, pacing the room. “But first, let’s see if Rarity has any advice.” The girls rushed to Rarity's house, but as soon as she heard the word "parasprites," she recoiled in horror. “Parasprites? Darling, I am a fashionista, not a pest control expert! And I certainly won’t go near those vile creatures! They’re absolutely dreadful.” She shuddered dramatically. “I wish you all the best, but count me out.” With Rarity’s refusal, Sci-Twi sighed and turned back to the Crusaders. “Looks like we’re on our own.” “Do you know what’s making them act this way?” Sweetie Belle asked. Sci-Twi nodded. “Yes, I think I have an idea. It sounds like the parasprites got their magic from the portal to Equestria. If they flew into Princess Twilight’s castle and passed through the mirror, they could have absorbed some of the portal’s magic.” “So… they’re powered up because of Equestrian magic?” Scootaloo asked. “Exactly,” Sci-Twi confirmed. “I think I know someone who can help us. Give me a second.” Sci-Twi quickly set up her interdimensional satellite and dialed a very specific number. “Discord? We need your help.” The screen crackled to life, and Discord’s mismatched face appeared, looking amused. “Ah, the Crusaders! And Twilight Sparkle! What can I do for you on this fine, chaotic day?” “The parasprites,” Sci-Twi said, cutting to the chase. “They’re causing mayhem in Canterlot City, and we think they got magic from the portal. Do you know anything about this?” Discord chuckled mischievously. “Oh yes, I may have seen a few of those little bugs fly through Princess Twilight’s castle. Quite the spectacle, actually! The magic of the portal must have surrounded them as they passed through, giving them all sorts of fun new powers.” “And you didn’t think to stop them?” Scootaloo asked incredulously. “Stop them? Why would I do that?” Discord grinned. “A little chaos now and then is good for the soul. But since you’re asking nicely…” “Please, Discord,” Sweetie Belle pleaded. “They were towel-whipping us!” Discord raised an eyebrow. “Towel-whipping? My, my, that is creative.” He snapped his fingers. “Alright, I’ll give you a little help. Just use a counter-spell to siphon the magic away from the parasprites. Easy peasy.” Sci-Twi took notes quickly. “Got it. Thanks, Discord.” With a final wink, Discord vanished from the screen. Armed with the new information, the CMCs went back to their clubhouse to work on building their new weapons. The Cutie Mark Crusaders (Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo) returned to Canterlot City, ready to exterminate those pests. When they arrived,something was off. The entire city was drenched in a thick layer of green slime. As they stepped off the bus, their feet squelched against the gooey ground, and the air buzzed with the familiar high-pitched sound of parasprites. "Ugh! Gross!" Scootaloo exclaimed, hopping from one slime-covered patch to another. "What happened here?" Apple Bloom scrunched her nose. "Looks like them parasprites are back, and they’ve made a mess of things." Sweetie Belle glanced around, shivering. "It’s worse than last time. They're multiplying faster, and it’s like they’ve marked their territory." The parasprites were everywhere, hovering above the slime, their tiny wings flapping furiously as they multiplied before the Crusaders' eyes. Armed with rayguns they recently invented (well, Sweetie Belle had built them based on an idea from Sci-Twi), they blasted away at the parasprites with Sci-Twi's counterspell, who screeched as they scattered in every direction. The spell on the rayguns worked like a charm, sending the swarming pests fleeing into the sky. "Well, that wasn’t too bad!" Scootaloo boasted, spinning her raygun. Just then, Sweetie Belle gasped. "Wait—one’s missing!" She pointed toward a single parasprite lurking behind a tree. Before the CMCs could react, the parasprite zipped into the sky, and with a menacing hum, more parasprites swarmed back into view, this time more aggressive than before. The CMCs took a defensive stance as the parasprites, glowing with eerie red eyes, began to levitate a nearby tree. With a crackling sound, the tree lifted off the ground, hovering ominously above the Crusaders. Apple Bloom gulped. "Uh, y'all... this ain't lookin' good." Just as the tree was about to drop on them, a flash of light burst through the sky. Discord appeared, floating above with his mismatched wings outstretched, and sitting atop his back was Sci-Twi, who was riding him like a dragon. With a snap of his talons, Discord sent the levitating tree flying in the opposite direction, where it exploded in mid-air. "Oh, my dear little Crusaders," he smirked, "you didn’t think you could handle a parasprite infestation all by yourselves, did you?" Sci-Twi slid down from Discord's back, adjusting her glasses. "I thought the counterspell would work. It appears that the parasprites are invincible to Equestrian magic after all." Suddenly, the parasprites’ red eyes glowed even brighter. Suddenly, their buzzing voices turned dark and gruff. "We will claim both Equestria and the human world as our own!" The CMCs' eyes widened in shock. "What the hay?!" Scootaloo exclaimed, taking a step back. To their horror, the parasprites began to combine, their tiny bodies twisting and morphing until they formed a giant, grotesque robotic creature. "You’ve got to be kidding me!" Sweetie Belle gasped. Discord, ever the lover of chaos, didn’t seem fazed. With another snap of his talons, he transformed himself into a giant robot as well, standing tall and ready for battle. "Well, if it’s a fight you want, it’s a fight you’ll get!" he declared, raising his mechanical fists. The parasprite bot fired a volley of missiles directly at Discord. The explosion sent him skidding back a few feet, but he quickly recovered, charging forward and engaging the parasprite bot in a fistfight. Metal clanged against metal as they exchanged blows, the ground shaking beneath them. "Go, Discord!" the CMCs cheered from below, watching the epic battle unfold. Unfortunately, the parasprite bot had more tricks up its sleeve. It fired a taser-like bolt of energy, striking Discord in the chest. The electricity surged through his robotic form, stunning him. He froze, smoke rising from his joints as he collapsed to the ground with a thunderous crash. "No!" Sci-Twi shouted, eyes wide with horror. The CMCs looked on in shock as the parasprite bot turned its glowing red gaze toward them. Without hesitation, it stomped toward their clubhouse, raising a massive foot to crush it. The roof crumbled as the parasprite bot destroyed the building with ease. The bot grabbed the CMCs' beloved TV, lifting it high into the air. With a cruel flick of its mechanical wrist, it tossed the TV upward and fired another missile, blowing the screen to smithereens in a dazzling explosion. "Our TV!" Sweetie Belle wailed. The situation seemed hopeless. Discord was down, their clubhouse was in ruins, and the parasprites had never been more powerful. But as the parasprite bot loomed closer, Sci-Twi narrowed her eyes, determination flaring within her. "Discord!" Scootaloo gasped, sliding to a halt. The CMCs circled him, worry in their eyes. Sci-Twi followed close behind, her mind racing for solutions. Discord opened one eye weakly, his mischievous nature dimmed but still present. "You girls... shouldn't be here. It's too dangerous." "We don't care!" Scootaloo declared, her fists clenched. "If you're in trouble, we’re going to help!" "Yeah!" Apple Bloom chimed in. "We're not lettin' ya face this alone!" Sweetie Belle nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders! We stick together!" Discord smiled weakly but still shook his head. "This... this is beyond anything you’ve faced before. I’m on the brink of collapse. There’s only one way to restore my power, but it’s not without risk." Scootaloo stepped forward, her eyes burning with resolve. "We’ll take that chance." Discord sighed, as though he knew he couldn’t dissuade them. “Very well. There’s a code phrase. You must say it exactly like this—'Discord, Discord! Let our lights shine upon you. Unleash the chaos!'” The CMCs exchanged glances before standing in a circle around Discord. In unison, they shouted, “Discord, Discord! Let our lights shine upon you. Unleash the chaos!” A sudden, blinding light erupted from Discord’s form, enveloping the entire area. Sci-Twi shielded her eyes as the ground trembled. The chaotic energy coalesced around Discord, transforming him before their eyes. His weakened form faded, replaced by a towering, mechanical giant—the upgraded version of his mecha. Now, the towering Discord-bot had wings made of crackling energy, a power laser-cannon mounted on his helmet, and a fanny pack that mysteriously opened to reveal a giant sword. Every part of the robot radiated power, with gears spinning and lights flashing. He's the newly-upgraded Chaos Bot now! The CMCs stood in awe, their jaws dropping. “Whoa…” Scootaloo whispered, her heart pounding. Suddenly, beams of radiant light shot down from the sky, engulfing the three girls. Sci-Twi took a step back, marveling at the spectacle. "Good luck, girls," she whispered, watching as the beams lifted them into the sky. As the light carried them upward, their clothes shimmered away and transformed into their respective hooded uniforms. Scootaloo is wearing a sleek, black-and-orange jumpsuit with mechanical wings. Apple Bloom donned a suit of high-tech, farm-themed armor with golden accents. Sweetie Belle is suited up in a sparkling dress with glowing musical notes which shimmered with every move. Once they're suited up, their hoods magically went up and hides their hair, which adds an intimidating edge. Baseball caps have materialized on their hooded heads with their pony counterparts' cutie marks shining on the front area. Their caps also mounts a mini laser cannon on the top. As they touched down inside Discord-bot's fanny pack, Scootaloo yelled out, “Crusaders, ready for action!” “Let’s get to it!” Apple Bloom added, her voice full of energy. “Time to shine!” Sweetie Belle chimed in, her hands flexing in her new gear. Within seconds, the trio flashed through the fanny pack, transported into the cockpit of Discord's upgraded form. Screens flickered to life in front of them and the controls seemed to hum with recognition as they gripped them. Discord's hologram appeared and his voice echoed in the cockpit. “Welcome aboard, Crusaders. Let’s cause some chaos.” With their new uniforms and newfound strength, the CMCs prepared for whatever challenges awaited them in the battle ahead. The chaos was about to be unleashed—on their terms. The Parasprite bot, an immense mechanical nightmare, stood tall, its many-eyed frame glowing ominously. Without warning, it unleashed a blinding beam of energy—a massive laser blast aimed directly at the hulking Chaos Bot, piloted by none other the Cutie Mark Crusaders. From inside the cockpit, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle scrambled into action. "Let’s see ya handle this, Parasprite scum!" Apple Bloom called out with a grin, flipping a switch on the console. The Discord hologram raised his lion paw in the air, summoning his Sonic Shield. A shimmering, spiraling barrier enveloped the Chaos Bot just as the laser slammed into it. Inside, Scootaloo grabbed the joystick and turned it, twisting the levers on the console. The Chaos Bot’s shield deflected the laser blast, bouncing it back towards the Parasprite bot. The enormous beam collided with the insectoid menace, throwing it off balance. "Rocket Fist, anyone?" the Discord hologram chuckled, snapping his talon claws, which has the Chaos Bot aim its lion paw fist aim at the parasprite bot. Scootaloo pushed a large red button and the Chaos Bot's armed fist shot off its arm with a roar. The fist rocketed toward the Parasprite bot, knocking it backward with a thunderous impact before flying back and reattaching itself seamlessly to the Chaos Bot’s arm. "Whoo-hoo! Direct hit!" Scootaloo cheered, pumping her fist in the air. But the Parasprite bot wasn't down for long. It shakily rose, charging forward with renewed fury, readying a headbutt. Apple Bloom slammed her hand down on the power controls. "Divert all power to them feet, Discord! We gotta dodge!" With a graceful, chaotic twist, the Chaos Bot leaped aside, dodging the incoming attack. As the Parasprite bot stumbled past, The Chaos Bot delivered a powerful kick, knocking the giant bot off its feet. Sparks flew from its mechanical frame, signaling that it was weakening. But the Discord hologram wasn’t done yet. He snapped his fingers, and in a flash, a microphone materialized in the cockpit, dropping into Sweetie Belle’s hands. She blinked, realizing what was coming next. "Oh, I love this part!" Sweetie Belle raised the microphone to her lips and began to sing, her voice echoing through the cockpit. Outside, glowing music notes appeared in the air, swirling with magical energy, and fired directly at the Parasprite bot. Each note exploded on impact, further weakening the enemy. "Alright, girls!" Apple Bloom commanded, her eyes gleaming. "Draw Power Sword!" The Discord hologram grinned mischievously as the Chaos Bot opened its massive fanny pack. The mecha produced a gigantic sword. With a flourish twirl, he spun it in a dizzying arc, slicing through the Parasprite bot, which immediately began to morph back into its original form—dozens of ordinary, chaotic parasprites. "Time to clean up," Discord declared as his right hand magically transformed into a large vacuum cleaner. The parasprites, now harmless and back to their small, fuzzy selves, were sucked into the vacuum, their energy drained. With a snap of his talon, the Discord hologram teleported the Chaos Bot and the CMCs to Canterlot High. Near the mirror portal, Discord resumed his regular form with the CMCs standing by him. Discord was still holding the vacuum in his now-normal paw and with a mischievous grin, he aimed it at the portal and sent the parasprites flying back to Equestria. On the other side, Princess Twilight and Spike were waiting. They quickly trapped the buzzing pests in a magical indestructible cage and Twilight sighed in relief. "Time to get rid of those pests once and for all!" Spike cheered as he and Twilight took the cage to somewhere deep in the Everfree Forest. Back at Canterlot High, the Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered, throwing their arms around each other. They were still clad in their Super Chaos Bot uniforms, courtesy of Discord’s chaotic magic. "I could get used to this!" Scootaloo grinned, admiring her jumpsuit. "I’m gonna wear this forever!" "Y'all ain’t wrong! This outfit’s a beaut!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. "Feels like I could buck a whole barn down in this!" Sweetie Belle twirled in her new uniform. "I’ve never worn anything so magical! I love it! It’s like being onstage all the time!" Discord floated lazily in the air above them, smiling smugly. "Oh, don’t mention it, my dear Crusaders! It’s the least I could do for such loyal assistants in the art of chaos. And yes, you can enjoy those outfits anytime you want. Consider it a… gift of magical chaos." With that, Discord opened a portal back to Equestria in the sky and flew through as it closed. The CMCs beamed, their spirits high as they strolled back to school, already discussing all the fun they could have in their new uniforms. After school, they comforted Fluttershy the Pinkie as they told the both about the battle against the parasprites with Discord's help, especially the part where he helped send the parasprites back to Equestria where they belong. With that, Fluttershy is all cheered up and Pinkie becomes proud of the tween girls as she hugged them in gratitude. A few days later, Canterlot City is all cleaned up from all the slime and the destruction the parasprites caused. After that, everything went back to normal from any harm. The End The JinxingRainbow Dash and Scootaloo were sprawled out on a picnic blanket in the park, surrounded by notebooks, pens, and stacks of notes filled with equations and numbers. Scootaloo squinted at the paper in front of her, trying to make sense of what Rainbow had just explained about calculus. "Ugh, I just don’t get it, Rainbow," Scootaloo groaned, letting her pencil drop onto the page. "These squiggly lines and all these x's and y's? How does anyone make sense of this?" Rainbow Dash chuckled, ruffling Scootaloo's hair. "Hey, it’s not as bad as it looks, squirt! You’ve got this. Let’s go over the basics again, and I promise it’ll make sense." She leaned over, breaking down the steps in her usual, laid-back way, showing Scootaloo how derivatives worked. Little by little, Scootaloo began to nod, her frustration easing away. After another half-hour of studying, the pair finally packed up, high-fiving each other as they left the park. Just as they were about to reach the sidewalk, something caught their eyes. "Quarter!" they yelled at the same time, both lunging for the shiny coin lying on the ground. Rainbow Dash was faster, snatching it up with a grin. “Ha! Jinx!” she said, playfully jabbing Scootaloo in the arm. Scootaloo’s face lit up in surprise as Rainbow explained the jinx rules: "Every time you make a sound, I jab you." Scootaloo nodded, trying her hardest to stay quiet. But it didn’t last long. "Fine!" she said instinctively, then gasped as Rainbow jabbed her arm again. Later, as they played video games back at Rainbow’s place, Scootaloo managed to score a last-second win. She couldn’t resist celebrating. "Oh yeah! Take that, Rainbow!" But she’d forgotten all about the jinx. "Nice try, Scoots," Rainbow laughed, jabbing her again. Scootaloo rolled her eyes but held back any more cheers—she’d learned her lesson. After a while, they headed back outside, and as luck would have it, they spotted a solar eclipse. Rainbow whipped out two pairs of eclipse glasses, and they both put them on, gazing up at the rare sight. Scootaloo’s jaw dropped, and she couldn’t help but speak in awe. "Whoa! It’s amazing!" “Jinx!” Rainbow laughed, her jabs now getting a bit harder. Each jab gets harder with increasing strength! Scootaloo winced and realized she was in trouble. While they were eating breakfast together, Rainbow muttered, half to herself, “Only way to break a jinx is for someone to say Scootaloo’s name three times.” Scootaloo likes the sound of that as she went off to find someone who could help her break the jinx. Instantly, Scootaloo sprinted down to the park, where she’d heard Principal Celestia liked to jog. Her heart thumped with excitement—she had a wild plan to get her principal to unjinx her, a silly superstition her friends had gotten her hooked on. She skidded to a stop as she saw Celestia jogging, earbuds in, focused on her stride. "Principal Celestia!" Scootaloo called out, catching her breath. Celestia slowed down, pulling out an earbud as she noticed Scootaloo approaching. "Scootaloo, what brings you out here?" Scootaloo opened her mouth to reply, but she froze as she spotted a familiar streak of rainbow hair poking out from behind a nearby tree. Rainbow Dash was hiding—though not very well—and she was grinning like she’d planned something mischievous. Celestia caught on too. With a raised eyebrow, she called out, “Rainbow Dash! Why are you hiding behind a tree?” Before she knew what she was doing, Scootaloo spotted an empty tin can on the ground and had a burst of inspiration. She tossed it at Celestia’s face, who barely dodged it with an incredulous look. "Scootaloo, what was that for?" Celestia asked, her voice tinged with growing irritation. Scootaloo grinned. "It’s part of my plan!" she thought, encouraged by Celestia’s annoyed tone. Without another word, she grabbed another can and tossed it again. Celestia’s annoyance grew as she raised her voice, “what are you…?!” Scootaloo's eyes sparkled—two times, almost there! But to make it count, she needed one more. She spotted a tray of food on a nearby picnic table and, before she could think it through, grabbed it and lobbed everything—tray and all—toward Celestia. That was it. Celestia dodged the messy pile of food and threw her hands up. "That is it!! I’ve had enough! That’s detention after your test!" And with that, Celestia walked off, muttering under her breath and shaking her head. Scootaloo blinked. "Wait! You need to say my name one more time to unjinx me!" she called after Celestia. But she was gone. Before she could process her next step, Rainbow Dash slipped out from behind her and jabbed her in the arm. “Ouch!” Scootaloo grumbled, massaging her shoulder. Determined, she hurried off in search of Pinkie Pie. If anyone could help her with something this ridiculous, it was Pinkie. She found Pinkie near the school gym, busy setting up balloons and decorations for an upcoming party. Scootaloo launched into her best charades attempt, hoping Pinkie would catch on that she needed her to say her name three times. Pinkie squinted, tilting her head, trying to interpret the gestures. “Are you... pretending to be a chicken who needs to cross the road three times?” Pinkie guessed with enthusiasm. Scootaloo shook her head, pointing to herself, and made a jabbing motion, trying to signal the jinx. But Pinkie only looked more puzzled. Just then, Rainbow Dash sauntered over, chuckling at the scene. “Scootaloo, you’re really bad at charades,” she teased. “Hey!” Scootaloo shouted in frustration, only to receive another jab from Rainbow. Pinkie’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh! You’re jinxed!” Rainbow clapped her hands, giving Pinkie a congratulatory grin. “Exactly. Nice work, Pinks.” Scootaloo sighed in relief, but before she could say anything, Rainbow was already laughing at her. "Good luck finding someone who’ll say your name three times. You might be stuck in jinx-land forever!" With that, Scootaloo took off, determined to find someone else who could unjinx her once and for all. In her dimly lit lab, Sci-Twi was deeply focused on her latest science project, her loyal dog Spike sitting attentively beside her, watching her every move. The quiet hum of machinery was interrupted by the sudden opening of the door as Scootaloo burst in, looking both impatient and desperate. She didn’t waste a second; in a flurry, she rifled through Twilight's papers, muttering to herself. “Scootaloo!” Sci-Twi exclaimed, startled. “What are you doing?” Scootaloo barely answered, grabbing a sheet of paper and scribbling furiously. When she was done, she held up the note to Sci-Twi: “I’m jinxed. Help! Say my name three times!” Twilight looked at the note, frowning in confusion, and then her eyes widened as she realized: writing was just like speaking! Before she could even say Scootaloo's name again, Rainbow Dash burst in, saw the note, and smirked. “Jinxed, huh?” Rainbow quipped, giving Scootaloo a playful but sharp/painful jab on the shoulder. “Gotta stay quiet if you don’t wanna get jabbed.” Scootaloo flinched, a bit frustrated but unable to speak as Rainbow laughed and ran off down the hall. Scootaloo was desperate now, looking for any escape from the jinx, when she spotted Fluttershy passing by the lab’s door. Relief washed over her. “Fluttershy!” Scootaloo mouthed with pleading eyes, holding up a new note that read, “Say my name three times!” Fluttershy looked at the note, shook her head solemnly, and kept walking, much to Scootaloo’s shock. She followed, tugging at her friend’s sleeve and pointing urgently at the note. Fluttershy kept shaking her head, avoiding eye contact. “Why?” Scootaloo mouthed desperately, her wide eyes demanding an answer. With a sigh, Fluttershy whispered, “Because… I’m jinxed too.” Before Scootaloo could react, Gilda appeared from behind a nearby bush, smirking mischievously. She sauntered up to Fluttershy, and jabbed her down. Scootaloo knows how to break her jinx: She yells out Fluttershy’s name three times and with that, the nature girl was unjinxed, blinking in surprise. “Finally!” Scootaloo mouthed, practically hopping with excitement. “Now say my name three times!” But Fluttershy, still rattled, held up her hands. “Oh, no… I don’t want any more jinx trouble today!” She quickly hurried off, leaving Scootaloo flustered and defeated. Just then, Gilda approached her, an amused glint in her eye. “Alright, listen up, kid. I know a way you can break the jinx yourself,” she whispered conspiratorially. Scootaloo’s face lit up with hope as Gilda explained her trick. When she finished, Scootaloo nodded enthusiastically, desperate to be free of the jinx. Meanwhile, Sci-Twi and Rainbow Dash had gone off to find Scootaloo, worried she might try something drastic. As they passed by a tree, they spotted Gilda laughing hysterically. “What’s so funny, Gilda?” Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, nothing,” Gilda snickered, clearly trying to contain her amusement. “I just told Scootaloo that she can unjinx herself by writing her name on a chalkboard at Applejack’s farm and saying it three times out loud in front of it.” Sci-Twi’s eyes widened in alarm. “Gilda, that’s…that’s definitely not going to work! If anything, it’ll just make the jinx worse!” Rainbow frowned. “C’mon, we’ve gotta find her before she actually does it.” Minutes later at Sweet Apple Acres, Scootaloo burst through the front door, sprinting right past the Apple family without so much as a glance. Applejack, Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom exchanged puzzled glances as she bolted toward the far side of the farmhouse, slamming and locking the door to the spare room behind her. Applejack, scratching her head, was about to knock on the door when Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle, known by her friends as Sci-Twi, arrived in a panic. "Applejack!" Rainbow called breathlessly. "Scootaloo's about to unleash dark magic! She's in danger!" Applejack’s eyes went wide. “Dark magic? What in tarnation?” “It’s a ritual,” Twilight explained, worry etched across her face. “She’s trying to tap into something powerful, and it could put all of us at risk!” Applejack's expression hardened with resolve. “Alright, we’ll get her out of there. Apple Bloom—stay here. Don’t move, you hear?” Apple Bloom groaned, arms crossed. “Fine... but y’all better tell me what’s going on after!” Without further delay, the trio hurried to the room. Applejack pounded on the door. “Scootaloo! Open up!” she called, her tone firm yet pleading. “Please, Scootaloo, stop!” Sci-Twi’s voice joined in. “This isn’t safe!” Rainbow banged her fist against the door. “Scoots, you don’t need to do this. We’re here for you!” Inside, Scootaloo was too focused to respond, caught in the grip of her own determination. She had drawn her name on an ancient, worn-out board she’d found, and as she finished each letter, it mirrored back at her in eerie, backward strokes. She took a deep breath and chanted her name three times. The room grew unnaturally silent as her voice faded, then suddenly, a pair of purple, menacing eyes flashed into existence, hovering inches from her face. A shiver of fear ran through Scootaloo, but before she could react, an otherworldly howl filled the room, and a grotesque, winged were-demon emerged from thin air, its claws reaching for her. With a yelp, she dashed back toward the door. The creature roared and charged, bursting through the door with a force that sent Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight sprawling. "Scootaloo!" Twilight cried as the tween ran out of the room, her face pale with terror. The were-demon, its eyes glowing with fury, turned its attention toward the three teens in its path. Sci-Twi, quick to react, summoned the power of her geode, forming a magical aura around her hands. She threw an energy field at the beast, but the creature barely flinched. Her magic dissipated around it like water on stone. “It's... it’s not working!” Twilight stammered, the realization sinking in. Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Granny Smith came to check on the commotion, they found themselves face-to-face with an otherworldly creature that looked straight out of a nightmare. Their eyes went wide with horror as they saw Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, Sci-Twi, and the others staring in fear at the demonic presence. “Run!” Applejack shouted, but before they could even react, the creature lunged forward, its claws leaving jagged red scratches across their backs. Applejack screamed as her family collapsed, writhing on the ground, and then… they began to change. Black fur sprouted over their skin, their eyes turned a haunting glowing purple, and their forms twisted into monstrous black humanoid demons with dark-black beards and their hair turning darker in hue. Even Apple Bloom’s signature bow turned sinister, its edges transforming into sharp, thorny tips. Applejack could barely breathe, her horror palpable as her once-beloved family was now unrecognizable. With guttural growls, her family rose, snarling towards her like wild beasts, their only response to her calls being menacing glares. “Applejack… we need to get out of here!” Sci-Twi shouted, her voice shaking. The group turned and ran, rushing down the road as more friends and neighbors fell victim to the creature’s dark influence. Principal Celestia, who had just finished her morning jog, didn’t hear them over her music. One quick swipe from the creature and she, too, was changed, her form shifting into a beastly demon. Soon Fluttershy, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Pinkie Pie joined the ranks, all transformed into monstrous versions of themselves. Everyone in Canterlot City had become demons! Rainbow Dash, thinking quickly, activated her super-speed, scooping up Scootaloo onto her back as they dashed ahead. Applejack and Sci-Twi jumped onto a telekinetic hoverboard Sci-Twi conjured with a swipe of her hand, each gripping tightly as they sped back to Sweet Apple Acres. They were almost to safety when the creature howled like a werewolf, calling its army to surround them. Applejack felt her heart pounding, knowing they couldn’t outrun it forever. “This way!” Sci-Twi motioned, and they scrambled into the farmhouse, rushing into the old room where a chalkboard sat covered in ancient scrawls. But the creature was right behind them, its steps echoing as it approached, eyes gleaming with victory. With the last bit of hope, they all cried out, “Scootaloo! Scootaloo! Scootaloo!” Scootaloo’s face lit up with realization. “Wait… my name backward! Say my name backward!” They shouted it together, “O-o-l-a-t-o-o-c-s!” The chant resonated, and, as if pulled by invisible chains, the demon shrieked, clawing at the air as it was dragged back to wherever it came from. In a flash, the world returned to normal—sort of. All around them, people who had been transformed returned to their regular forms, only to find themselves standing in their undergarments! A wave of embarrassed gasps and startled shouts rippled across Sweet Apple Acres as everyone looked around, cheeks red. Apple Bloom, blushing deeply, frantically tries to shield herself with her hands. "Oh, golly! Why does this keep happenin' to me?" she stammers, half laughing, half mortified. Big Mac, always the silent type, stands frozen, face flushed, but doesn’t utter a word. His face becomes a shade darker than usual as he looks away, too embarrassed to move. Granny Smith, on the other hand, barely reacts, chuckling as she adjusts her stance. "Well, land sakes! Ain't nothin' I ain't seen before," she declares confidently, even giving a reassuring pat to Apple Bloom. Pinkie Pie, ever the optimist, takes it in stride, offering a playful giggle. "Well, this wasn’t on the list for today, but surprise wardrobe malfunctions can be fun, right?" She wiggles her fingers in a playful wave to distract everyone. Sweetie Belle, covering herself, squeaks in embarrassment. “Rarity, help!” she cries out to her older sister, who is equally horrified. Rarity, true to form, gasps dramatically, hands flying to her face. "This is the absolute worst possible thing! I need my fashion emergency kit immediately!" Fluttershy stands as stiff as a board, her face turning bright red. She mutters, "Oh... oh dear," barely managing to cover herself, wishing she could simply vanish. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara both try to keep up a facade of composure, but they're blushing furiously and shooting each other panicked glances. Silver Spoon whispers, "We need to get out of here—now!" while Diamond Tiara just nods, wide-eyed as they both started running off, covering themselves. They were crying in embarrassment their whole journey back to their homes because of the fact that they’re out in public half-naked, save for their underwear. Principal Celestia was finished wrapping herself in a nearby blanket, her face flushed. She sure was relieved by her being covered and she was happy to know Scootaloo & the three teens have saved the day again. “Thank you… all of you.” She looked specifically at Scootaloo. “Consider your detention… canceled.” Scootaloo beamed, and as everyone covered up with blankets, Applejack, Sci-Twi, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo shared a sigh of relief, glad that the nightmare was over. Pinkie Pie, however, bounced around with her usual energy, unbothered by the chaos that had unfolded. They spent the rest of the day helping everyone return home, the farm once again a place of peace, but now filled with memories of the strange day they’d never forget. The End Author's Note Gilda illustration by stevetwisp. Diamond Tiara’s demon form based on original vector by ponyalfonso and edited by me. The Taco of Doom!Aria Blaze lounged on the couch, flipping through channels with an air of perpetual boredom. Next to her, Sonata Dusk had her eyes glued to the TV, giggling and reacting to every commercial, even the infomercials about kitchen gadgets they’d never use. Just as Aria was about to give up and toss the remote aside, something caught Sonata's attention. "Wait, go back!" Sonata grabbed Aria's arm. "It’s a taco commercial!" Aria rolled her eyes but obliged, flipping back. The screen showed a glitzy ad for the mall food court’s new specialty: the "Soul Sizzler Supreme Taco," garnished with a mix of greens, cheese, and a fiery sauce that seemed to sparkle with its own light. "‘The ultimate taco experience,’” Sonata read aloud, mimicking the announcer. “Available only for a limited time at Puffed Pastry’s stall in Canterlot City mall!” But then came the catch—an ominous voice-over: “Warning: consuming the Soul Sizzler Supreme without the proper precautions may result in… serious consequences.” Aria’s eyes narrowed. "Yeah, 'serious consequences,' like death.” She gave Sonata a suspicious look. "Are you sure you still want that?" Sonata’s face fell, her shoulders slumping. But then, as though a light had gone on in her head, she brightened. “Oh! But we’re, like, totally different from normal people, Aria. I bet we can figure it out!” "Figure what out? How to die faster?" Aria snorted. “No, silly!” Sonata leaned in, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "We could sing a song. Like a special code song to protect us before we take a bite!" Aria blinked. "A...code song? Where did you even get that idea?" "I don’t know. I just know! Besides," Sonata shrugged, “Puffed Pastry is the chef. She’ll have it.” This didn’t exactly ease Aria’s paranoia, but she figured if anyone could magically safeguard the taco, it’d be someone with a name like Puffed Pastry. With a sigh, she relented, grabbing her coat. “Fine. We’re going to the mall, but if this turns out to be a trap, I’m holding you responsible,” she warned. The two headed out, and soon, they were walking into the bustling food court, the savory aromas filling the air. Amid the stalls, a bright neon sign reading Puffed Pastry’s Gourmet Treats flashed in a colorful display. Behind the counter stood a stocky woman with a chef’s hat perched precariously atop her head and a clipboard in hand. Her piercing gaze fell on Aria and Sonata the moment they approached. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t two-thirds of the Dazzlings,” she said, crossing her arms with an amused look. “I remember you three from that little escapade you tried pulling during the Battle of the Bands. Planning to cause another ruckus?” Aria forced a tight-lipped smile. "Nah, that was...a long time ago. We’re different now. Right, Sonata?" Sonata opened her mouth to reply, but Aria quickly slapped a hand over it, smiling stiffly. “We’re totally friends with the Rainbooms now. No harm, no world domination, just...uh, tacos.” Aria said as she moved her like a ventriloquist puppet. Puffed raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Alright. I’ll give you two the benefit of the doubt. But this isn’t your usual taco—there’s magic in it, and it’s not the type to play around with. If you’re really set on it, you’ll need to follow some strict instructions.” “Got it,” Aria replied, already feeling a touch of regret. But she wasn’t about to back down now. With a curt nod, Puffed pulled out a form, sliding it across the counter. “Sign here. It states you won’t leave this taco unattended, and I’m not responsible if you…bite off more than you can handle.” Aria and Sonata quickly signed, handing it back to her. Then, with a serious expression, Puffed closed her eyes, humming a strange tune that resonated with a faint, eerie glow. With each note, a swirl of green and gold magic seeped into the taco she held. Sonata stared in awe, while Aria looked on, more skeptical but intrigued. When Puffed finished, she set the taco on a plate, sliding it across to them. The taco also has a note on it with strict instructions on how to eat it safely. “Remember,” she warned, “hum that code song before you take a bite. Otherwise…” She let the word hang in the air. Aria and Sonata nodded, taking the plate with a mix of excitement and caution. As they turned to leave, they glanced back at Puffed, who gave them a last, pointed look. "Good luck," she said, almost amused. With a quick thank you, the duo left, the taco safely in their hands. In the bustling, dimly-lit kitchen of their shared home, Aria and Sonata strolled in, their eyes gleaming at the sight of a golden, perfectly wrapped taco sitting on a porcelain plate. Sonata’s hand reached out eagerly, but Aria shot her a look, snapping her fingers to halt her sister’s impulse. “Wait a second, Sonata! Didn’t Puffed Pastry tell us to hum a song before we eat these?” Sonata froze, her hand hovering over the taco. “Ohhh… right! The hum-song thing.” She retracted her hand, lips forming a pout. “I forgot! Guess I should rehearse it real quick…” And with that, Sonata grabbed the note, turned on her heel and ran out of the kitchen to practice, her voice drifting back as she softly sang, testing out different tunes. Aria watched her go, muttering something under her breath about Sonata’s eternal ditziness. “Wait, Sonata! Puffed said we shouldn’t leave… ugh, why do I have to put up with her?” She asked herself as she chased after her sister, determined to ensure she’d actually get the song right for once. The taco sat abandoned, glowing faintly on the countertop, shimmering with an almost supernatural allure. A few minutes later, Adagio waltzed into the kitchen, humming her own song in an entirely different key as she suddenly sees a glowing taco. With a shrug, she picked it up, raised an eyebrow at the faintly glowing filling, and, without a second thought, took a hearty bite. At first, everything seemed normal. She chewed, savoring the crunch and spice. But suddenly, her expression twisted, her eyes widening as she doubled over, clutching her stomach. The once-confident leader of the trio was slumping against the counter, her face draining to a sickly green. Just then, Aria and Sonata returned, humming harmoniously, ready for their prized meal. But the moment they saw Adagio slumped over, looking somewhere between horrified and nauseous, they froze. “What… happened?” Sonata asked, eyes wide. “Adagio, did you eat that?” Aria demanded, looking as though she’d just seen a ghost. Adagio managed to lift her head, gritting her teeth. “Why… would you buy something that could… kill someone?” she rasped, slumping further down. Sonata, incensed, fired back, “Why would you eat something that wasn’t yours?” She crossed her arms and stomped her foot. “Well, maybe… if you’d haven’t… left it here in first… place, I wouldn’t… be poisoned right… now, you… blue idiot!” Adagio yelled, each rasp amplifying the pain. Aria, shaking her head, stepped between them, cutting off the escalating argument. “Enough, both of you! We need answers, and Puffed Pastry is the only one who can give them to us.” With no time to waste, they hoisted Adagio up between them and stumbled to the car. Adagio was dead weight, groaning with each step as they guided her into the back seat. The ride to the food court was fraught with tension as Sonata fussed, Aria drove, and Adagio muttered weakly in the back about never trusting her sisters’ culinary choices again. The dusty, dimly lit kitchen where Puffed Pastry worked was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of fresh-baked treats and simmering caramel. But today, none of it mattered to the Dazzlings—especially to Adagio, who was clutching her throat, her coughing fit worsening by the second. Aria and Sonata stood before Puffed, looking guilty as she scowled at them, clearly unimpressed by their story. "I can’t believe you two," Puffed huffed, crossing her arms. "You left the taco on the table? And now Adagio’s magic is draining away?" Aria shifted uncomfortably, casting a quick glare at Sonata, who looked down at her feet, hands clasped behind her back with a faint, sheepish smile. "Yeah… well, it was Sonata’s fault. Her ditziness distracted me, so I followed her." Sonata looked up, confused. "Hey! You didn’t have to follow me, you know. I only forgot for, like, a second." "One second too long!" Aria snapped, rolling her eyes. "And now look at Adagio! She can barely speak!" Adagio coughed again, her voice a raspy whisper. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she tried to speak. “You… you left… the taco… We were so close…” Her voice broke entirely, her face twisted in anguish. “Please… take me to a hospital…” The sight was enough to sober the pair of them, and they quickly nodded, ready to scoop Adagio up and find the nearest medical center. But Puffed raised a hand, stopping them mid-motion. "Wait," Puffed said firmly. "A hospital won’t be enough to save her. This is magic we’re dealing with. Only someone very specific can cure her." Adagio’s eyes widened with a glimmer of hope, her hand pressed weakly to her throat. "So… so there’s a chance?" Puffed nodded, watching her intently. "I know someone. If you’re willing to trust me, I’ll take you to them." Aria and Sonata exchanged a quick glance before nodding in unison, and Adagio mustered a tiny, grateful smile. Puffed quickly closed up her stall, then led the three of them to her beat-up car parked around the corner. The Dazzlings piled in, Sonata bouncing excitedly, Aria holding Adagio as they drove off into the darkening streets. The silence was tense, broken only by Adagio’s occasional coughs and faint whispers of pain. After a while, Aria looked to Puffed, her worry finally spilling over. "So… what exactly happens to her if she doesn’t get the cure in time?" Puffed’s eyes darkened, and she took a deep breath. "Well… the magic draining will eventually choke her. She’ll feel intense heat, like her head is burning, though it’s only the effect of her magic being ripped away. Her vocal cords, her siren power, will start to tear down… and even if they reform, she’ll be in so much pain she’ll cry out in a dialect ancient as Equestria itself. And then… she’ll collapse. Finally… she’ll just… die." Adagio’s face drained of color, her eyes wide with terror. She clutched at her throat, as though trying to feel if she could still speak, but only a raspy, broken sound came out. Aria felt her heart race as panic crept into her voice. "How much time does she have left?" Puffed’s voice was grim. "Thirty minutes. Tops." Adagio let out a strangled, painful sound, leaning against Aria as though it would somehow stave off the agony she knew was coming. Sonata blinked in the back seat, still cheerful, seemingly oblivious to the severity of the situation. "At least she’s gonna get cured, right?" "Sonata!" Aria hissed, her patience fraying. "This is serious! Adagio’s—" "Please," Adagio whispered, reaching out a trembling hand to silence her bickering friends. "Just… get me the cure… I can’t… I can’t hold on much longer…" Puffed gripped the steering wheel tightly, her foot pressing harder on the gas. "Hold on, Adagio. We’re almost there. Just a little longer…" The car tore through the streets, racing against time as Adagio’s breaths grew shallower, the minutes slipping away faster than any of them could bear. As the temple loomed before them, Puffed took a deep breath and approached the imposing front doors, her thoughts fixed on scheduling an audience with the elusive temple master. She had barely made her request when two guards blocked her way, spears poised, eyes narrowed with suspicion. A curt jab from one spear sent Puffed staggering back, and she knew her attempt was over before it had even begun. Disheartened, she returned to the car, where the Dazzlings waited anxiously. Adagio, slumped and groaning from lingering taco-related woes, looked up with weary eyes. "Let me guess... no luck?" Puffed shook her head. “The master won’t see us. Guards shoved me back before I could even get a word in. We’re sneaking in.” Adagio groaned even louder, clearly frustrated, but the three climbed back in as Puffed navigated around to the temple’s back entrance. Slipping out quietly, they made their way through a narrow, overgrown passage, finally finding a small entrance at the rear of the temple. Just as they snuck inside, an alarm sounded. The guards had spotted them. “Guess we’re doing this the hard way,” Puffed muttered. They steeled themselves as guards began pouring into the narrow hallways. With magic forbidden inside the temple, Aria and Sonata knew they’d have to rely on their fists, and they squared off against the first wave of guards while Puffed joined the fray. Adagio was behind them, trying to keep up with them. On the first floor, wooden logs lined a vast pit beneath them, forming an unstable platform that required every ounce of balance they could muster. Guards armed with spears and staves leaped forward, engaging the group. With each strike, the guards vanished into thin air, retreating, but the danger was far from over. The unstable logs threatened to topple at the slightest misstep, and they quickly realized they needed to stay nimble. Sonata nearly lost balance and fell, but got lucky because Aria grabbed and pulled her up just in time. Meanwhile, Adagio staggered along behind them, barely keeping upright, her head pounding. On the second floor, they faced guards on motorcycles, each wielding spiked balls that swung dangerously close with every pass. The room was cramped, with barely enough room to dodge, but Aria and Puffed danced around the deadly arcs, occasionally lashing out with a kick to unseat a guard, who would vanish the moment they hit the floor. Sonata just stood there and has been trying to be kind with the guards. The guards were not falling for it as one guard swung a ball towards the ditz. Luckily, Puffed pushed her out of the way as Aria took her shot against the guard that nearly took out Sonata. Adagio, now whispering in a hoarse, voiceless croak, could only watch with bleary eyes, clutching her stomach in silent agony. Her siren magic and voice has been completely dissolved. Reaching the third floor, they were met with flying discs laced with dark magic, whizzing by at breakneck speed. Each disc glowed with an ominous light, slicing through the air as they dodged, narrowly avoiding the wicked edges. Sonata attempts to touch a disc, but Aria pulled her away, saving her life. They managed to slip through the hail of discs, but Adagio began to cry out in a language neither of them understood, her eyes wide and glazed, the pain clearly driving her toward delirium. At last, they reached the throne room. The master awaited them, seated upon an elaborate throne draped in dark silks. In front of him sat two trays: one bearing the infamous burger of immunity, said to cure any ailment, and the other a slice of dark, glistening chocolate cake—the double doom cake, rumored to bring instant death upon tasting. Adagio, nearly collapsing, managed to fix her eyes on the burger. "Finally…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. “My lord. Adagio here ate the Soul Sizzler Supreme without humming its code song and now she’s slowly dying. We would appreciate it if you give her the Burger of Immunity,” Puffed requested, pointing to the Dazzlings (mostly at Adagio who is lying there unable to move). “Fools! You really thought you could get the Burger of Immunity from me?” he sneered, eyes glinting with malice. The three Dazzlings felt a chill, realizing just how powerful—and evil—the Master truly was. “Please,” Adagio pleaded, “we need that burger. Without it… we’ll—” “Enough!” he barked, cutting her off. Then, without warning, he lifted himself into the air, hovering menacingly as dark energy crackled around him. In a flash, he charged at Aria and Sonata, unleashing a barrage of magical blasts. They fought back valiantly, but his attacks were overwhelming. With one powerful strike, he sent them crashing to the ground, bruised and barely able to move. Adagio’s heart pounded as panic surged through her. If he finished off Aria and Sonata, the Dazzlings would be no more. But just as the Master prepared for his final strike, Puffed, their loyal friend has stepped forward bravely, her eyes determined as she tried to stop him. “Please,” she said, “don’t hurt them! I’ll do anything… just let them live!” The Master sneered, summoning the double-doom cake and levitating it toward Puffed, taunting her with it and the cake was flying towards her at moderate speed. “Then maybe I’ll spare them… if you take a bite.” The cake is getting close to her, dark energy swirling around it. Puffed trembled, knowing that a bite would mean the end of her. But from the ground, Aria and Sonata exchanged a glance. They knew what they had to do. Summoning the last of their strength, they synchronized, both twisting and launching a powerful bicycle kick that sent the cursed cake spiraling back at the Master. The cake smashed right into his mouth. His eyes went wide as he realized his own trap had backfired. Dark energy erupted around him, and in an instant, he exploded, leaving nothing but a faint echo of his sinister laugh. With the Master gone, Puffed quickly rushed to Adagio, retrieving the burger of immunity. She held it to Adagio’s lips, and Adagio took a bite, the healing energy flowing through her as she gasped back to full strength. Adagio looked up at Puffed, eyes filled with relief and gratitude. “Thank you… you saved us.” The Dazzlings hugged their friend, overwhelmed with gratitude. “Is there anything we can do to show how much we appreciate you?” Adagio asked. Puffed grinned, knowing just the thing. And so, the Dazzlings found themselves working at a burger restaurant, using their magical voices to charm the burgers, making them delicious and safe for all. They quickly gained a loyal following of happy, enchanted customers, and for once, they felt like they belonged. One evening, after a particularly busy shift, Sonata leaned over the counter. “You know… I could go for a taco right about now.” Aria shot her a look, narrowing her eyes. “Sonata… don’t you remember what happened last time?” Sonata held up her hands innocently, smiling. “I remember. No more tacos… for now.” And for the first time, the Dazzlings enjoyed a life filled with harmony and happiness. The End Author's Note Episode requested by Infernoblast3345.
The Bunch of Pesky ParaspritesThe sun shone brightly over the park as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo spread out a blanket for a picnic with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. They had found a spot near the bridge, where a gentle stream flowed underneath, and the air was filled with laughter, the rustling of leaves, and the distant chatter of park-goers. "This is gonna be so fun!" Sweetie Belle cheered, setting down a basket full of snacks. "I can't wait to dig in!" Scootaloo added as Apple Bloom passed out sandwiches. Pinkie Pie was busy balancing plates on her head while Fluttershy, seated by a tree, smiled warmly at a squirrel that had wandered over. But the peace didn't last long. Everyone hears a buzzing sound that grew louder. It turns out the buzzing is coming from an innocent looking parasprite! "Oh, it's just a little insect." Apple Bloom said, sheepishly. "Oh, what's a little pathetic bug going to do? Eat like ants?" Scootaloo laughed. Suddenly, a parasprite roared as it knocked the squirrel off the bridge and into the lake below with a tiny smack! Fluttershy gasped, eyes wide with shock. “Oh no!” she cried, rushing to the edge of the bridge. "Are you okay, little one?" But before she could help, more parasprites flooded the park in a swarm. One, carrying a large rock, dropped it onto a boat in the lake where a couple had been peacefully sailing. The rock crashed through the boat’s deck, splitting it in half. The couple barely managed to jump into the water before their boat sank into the lake’s depths. Fluttershy approached to them, her voice soft and comforting. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry this happened! Please don’t be upset. It wasn’t your fau—" Before she could finish, the couple—soaked and furious—let out an angry roar. They waved their fists at Fluttershy, blaming her for the chaos, even though she was trying to help. "Get away from us!" the man yelled. "This is all your fault!" the woman screamed. Fluttershy’s eyes filled with tears. She tried to say something, but their harsh words stung too deeply. Sobbing, she turned and ran, disappearing into the trees. "Fluttershy, wait!" Scootaloo called, but it was too late. She was already gone. Pinkie Pie, however, wasn’t about to let the parasprites ruin their picnic. She puffed out her chest. “Not today, you pests! I’m on to you! Let’s see you try to ruin this party!” The girls huddled behind Pinkie as she tried to fend off the parasprites with a giant cupcake. “Take that!” she shouted, hurling frosting at the buzzing pests, but it ate the cupcake, shocking the pink party girl. No matter how much she fought, the parasprites were relentless. One of them snuck up behind Pinkie and, with a quick gulp, swallowed the entire picnic spread. “Oh no! Our food!” Apple Bloom gasped. "And they spat on it!" Sweetie Belle cringed, as another parasprite spat slime across the remaining scraps. The sticky mess covered everything. The group scrambled to their feet as a parasprite hovered close, choking and vomiting out a hairball right into Pinkie’s face. With a squelching sound, the hairball turned into another parasprite, multiplying right before their eyes. "Ew, ew, ew!" Pinkie shrieked, wiping her face. “Run, girls! RUN!” They all dashed away, leaving the ruined picnic behind. Back at their clubhouse, the CMCs sat in silence. The once bright and cheerful day had taken a disastrous turn. Apple Bloom leaned on her hands, Sweetie Belle stared at the floor, and Scootaloo paced back and forth. "I feel awful," Sweetie Belle said quietly. "Fluttershy was just trying to help, and now she's probably crying somewhere all alone." "And Pinkie... she locked herself in her room because she felt traumatized. We haven't seen her since we ran back," Apple Bloom added, her voice heavy with guilt. "They've both had their feelings hurt," Scootaloo muttered, stopping her pacing. "We have to do something. We can’t just sit around while those parasprites terrorize Canterlot City." “But what can we do? Those things are everywhere,” Apple Bloom sighed, tapping her chin. The girls sat in silence for a moment, thinking hard. Suddenly, Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up. “Wait a minute! The parasprites came from Equestria, right?” Scootaloo snapped her fingers. “That’s it! Maybe we can find something from Equestria to stop them!” Apple Bloom suddenly spoke up. "Now hold on, girls. We can't just jump to conclusions. Let's try to fend them off ourselves first." she suggested. "You're right, we can do it ourselves. That will somehow prove we're good exterminators." Sweetie Belle exclaims as Scootaloo sighed in disappointment. "Alright, fine. Come on girls." Scootaloo said as she leads her friends to the park where the swarm happened. They were in over their heads. What had started as a simple plan to rid Canterlot City park of a parasprite infestation had turned into complete chaos. The trio stood in the middle of the town square, covered in blankets and clutching bug repellent spray cans, trying to defend themselves from the swarm of parasprites. “Ah thought this would work!” Apple Bloom yelled as she tossed a blanket over a group of parasprites, only for the tiny creatures to tear through it like paper. “These critters are stronger than ah thought!” “They’re supposed to hate bug spray, right?” Scootaloo said, frantically spraying a cloud of repellent at the swarm. Instead of driving them away, however, the parasprites became agitated. Their buzzing grew louder, and to the CMC's shock, they began to glow with a strange magical aura. “Uh… why are they glowing?” Sweetie Belle asked nervously, stepping back. Suddenly, the parasprites began to swirl in the air, forming tiny tornadoes of magic. Before the girls could react, the parasprites dove toward the nearest towers in Canterlot City—one of the town’s newer constructions—and, in an inexplicable twist, they magically legitimated the towers, causing them to grow even larger and shimmer with magical light. “What is even goin' on right now?!” Apple Bloom gasped. Just when they thought things couldn’t get worse, the parasprites started grabbing towels from nearby market stands. With a mischievous gleam in their eyes, they began to towel-whip the CMCs, sending them tumbling backward. “Ow! Hey! That’s not fair!” Scootaloo cried, trying to dodge the parasprites' attacks. Sweetie Belle squealed as one of the creatures got her right in the leg with a towel. As the Crusaders scrambled to regroup, the parasprites, now emboldened by their new magical abilities, grabbed the cans of bug repellent from the girls. With surprising coordination, the pests sprayed the CMCs, leaving them soaked and coughing as they were pelted by their own defenses. “Not the bug spray! We’re supposed to be using that on them!” Sweetie Belle groaned. The parasprites, having thoroughly defeated the trio, buzzed away triumphantly, leaving the park in even more disarray. The Crusaders, dripping with bug spray and embarrassment, knew they needed help. “We gotta go see Twilight or someone,” Apple Bloom suggested. The trio headed to the lab, where they found Sci-Twi working on her latest experiment. The CMCs burst in, explaining the chaotic situation with the parasprites. Sci-Twi listened carefully, adjusting her glasses. “That’s… unexpected,” she said, deep in thought. “The parasprites shouldn’t have those kinds of magical abilities.” “We know! That’s why we need yer help,” Apple Bloom said, still wiping bug spray from her face. “Can you fix this?” “I might know what’s going on,” Sci-Twi replied, pacing the room. “But first, let’s see if Rarity has any advice.” The girls rushed to Rarity's house, but as soon as she heard the word "parasprites," she recoiled in horror. “Parasprites? Darling, I am a fashionista, not a pest control expert! And I certainly won’t go near those vile creatures! They’re absolutely dreadful.” She shuddered dramatically. “I wish you all the best, but count me out.” With Rarity’s refusal, Sci-Twi sighed and turned back to the Crusaders. “Looks like we’re on our own.” “Do you know what’s making them act this way?” Sweetie Belle asked. Sci-Twi nodded. “Yes, I think I have an idea. It sounds like the parasprites got their magic from the portal to Equestria. If they flew into Princess Twilight’s castle and passed through the mirror, they could have absorbed some of the portal’s magic.” “So… they’re powered up because of Equestrian magic?” Scootaloo asked. “Exactly,” Sci-Twi confirmed. “I think I know someone who can help us. Give me a second.” Sci-Twi quickly set up her interdimensional satellite and dialed a very specific number. “Discord? We need your help.” The screen crackled to life, and Discord’s mismatched face appeared, looking amused. “Ah, the Crusaders! And Twilight Sparkle! What can I do for you on this fine, chaotic day?” “The parasprites,” Sci-Twi said, cutting to the chase. “They’re causing mayhem in Canterlot City, and we think they got magic from the portal. Do you know anything about this?” Discord chuckled mischievously. “Oh yes, I may have seen a few of those little bugs fly through Princess Twilight’s castle. Quite the spectacle, actually! The magic of the portal must have surrounded them as they passed through, giving them all sorts of fun new powers.” “And you didn’t think to stop them?” Scootaloo asked incredulously. “Stop them? Why would I do that?” Discord grinned. “A little chaos now and then is good for the soul. But since you’re asking nicely…” “Please, Discord,” Sweetie Belle pleaded. “They were towel-whipping us!” Discord raised an eyebrow. “Towel-whipping? My, my, that is creative.” He snapped his fingers. “Alright, I’ll give you a little help. Just use a counter-spell to siphon the magic away from the parasprites. Easy peasy.” Sci-Twi took notes quickly. “Got it. Thanks, Discord.” With a final wink, Discord vanished from the screen. Armed with the new information, the CMCs went back to their clubhouse to work on building their new weapons. The Cutie Mark Crusaders (Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo) returned to Canterlot City, ready to exterminate those pests. When they arrived,something was off. The entire city was drenched in a thick layer of green slime. As they stepped off the bus, their feet squelched against the gooey ground, and the air buzzed with the familiar high-pitched sound of parasprites. "Ugh! Gross!" Scootaloo exclaimed, hopping from one slime-covered patch to another. "What happened here?" Apple Bloom scrunched her nose. "Looks like them parasprites are back, and they’ve made a mess of things." Sweetie Belle glanced around, shivering. "It’s worse than last time. They're multiplying faster, and it’s like they’ve marked their territory." The parasprites were everywhere, hovering above the slime, their tiny wings flapping furiously as they multiplied before the Crusaders' eyes. Armed with rayguns they recently invented (well, Sweetie Belle had built them based on an idea from Sci-Twi), they blasted away at the parasprites with Sci-Twi's counterspell, who screeched as they scattered in every direction. The spell on the rayguns worked like a charm, sending the swarming pests fleeing into the sky. "Well, that wasn’t too bad!" Scootaloo boasted, spinning her raygun. Just then, Sweetie Belle gasped. "Wait—one’s missing!" She pointed toward a single parasprite lurking behind a tree. Before the CMCs could react, the parasprite zipped into the sky, and with a menacing hum, more parasprites swarmed back into view, this time more aggressive than before. The CMCs took a defensive stance as the parasprites, glowing with eerie red eyes, began to levitate a nearby tree. With a crackling sound, the tree lifted off the ground, hovering ominously above the Crusaders. Apple Bloom gulped. "Uh, y'all... this ain't lookin' good." Just as the tree was about to drop on them, a flash of light burst through the sky. Discord appeared, floating above with his mismatched wings outstretched, and sitting atop his back was Sci-Twi, who was riding him like a dragon. With a snap of his talons, Discord sent the levitating tree flying in the opposite direction, where it exploded in mid-air. "Oh, my dear little Crusaders," he smirked, "you didn’t think you could handle a parasprite infestation all by yourselves, did you?" Sci-Twi slid down from Discord's back, adjusting her glasses. "I thought the counterspell would work. It appears that the parasprites are invincible to Equestrian magic after all." Suddenly, the parasprites’ red eyes glowed even brighter. Suddenly, their buzzing voices turned dark and gruff. "We will claim both Equestria and the human world as our own!" The CMCs' eyes widened in shock. "What the hay?!" Scootaloo exclaimed, taking a step back. To their horror, the parasprites began to combine, their tiny bodies twisting and morphing until they formed a giant, grotesque robotic creature. "You’ve got to be kidding me!" Sweetie Belle gasped. Discord, ever the lover of chaos, didn’t seem fazed. With another snap of his talons, he transformed himself into a giant robot as well, standing tall and ready for battle. "Well, if it’s a fight you want, it’s a fight you’ll get!" he declared, raising his mechanical fists. The parasprite bot fired a volley of missiles directly at Discord. The explosion sent him skidding back a few feet, but he quickly recovered, charging forward and engaging the parasprite bot in a fistfight. Metal clanged against metal as they exchanged blows, the ground shaking beneath them. "Go, Discord!" the CMCs cheered from below, watching the epic battle unfold. Unfortunately, the parasprite bot had more tricks up its sleeve. It fired a taser-like bolt of energy, striking Discord in the chest. The electricity surged through his robotic form, stunning him. He froze, smoke rising from his joints as he collapsed to the ground with a thunderous crash. "No!" Sci-Twi shouted, eyes wide with horror. The CMCs looked on in shock as the parasprite bot turned its glowing red gaze toward them. Without hesitation, it stomped toward their clubhouse, raising a massive foot to crush it. The roof crumbled as the parasprite bot destroyed the building with ease. The bot grabbed the CMCs' beloved TV, lifting it high into the air. With a cruel flick of its mechanical wrist, it tossed the TV upward and fired another missile, blowing the screen to smithereens in a dazzling explosion. "Our TV!" Sweetie Belle wailed. The situation seemed hopeless. Discord was down, their clubhouse was in ruins, and the parasprites had never been more powerful. But as the parasprite bot loomed closer, Sci-Twi narrowed her eyes, determination flaring within her. "Discord!" Scootaloo gasped, sliding to a halt. The CMCs circled him, worry in their eyes. Sci-Twi followed close behind, her mind racing for solutions. Discord opened one eye weakly, his mischievous nature dimmed but still present. "You girls... shouldn't be here. It's too dangerous." "We don't care!" Scootaloo declared, her fists clenched. "If you're in trouble, we’re going to help!" "Yeah!" Apple Bloom chimed in. "We're not lettin' ya face this alone!" Sweetie Belle nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders! We stick together!" Discord smiled weakly but still shook his head. "This... this is beyond anything you’ve faced before. I’m on the brink of collapse. There’s only one way to restore my power, but it’s not without risk." Scootaloo stepped forward, her eyes burning with resolve. "We’ll take that chance." Discord sighed, as though he knew he couldn’t dissuade them. “Very well. There’s a code phrase. You must say it exactly like this—'Discord, Discord! Let our lights shine upon you. Unleash the chaos!'” The CMCs exchanged glances before standing in a circle around Discord. In unison, they shouted, “Discord, Discord! Let our lights shine upon you. Unleash the chaos!” A sudden, blinding light erupted from Discord’s form, enveloping the entire area. Sci-Twi shielded her eyes as the ground trembled. The chaotic energy coalesced around Discord, transforming him before their eyes. His weakened form faded, replaced by a towering, mechanical giant—the upgraded version of his mecha. Now, the towering Discord-bot had wings made of crackling energy, a power laser-cannon mounted on his helmet, and a fanny pack that mysteriously opened to reveal a giant sword. Every part of the robot radiated power, with gears spinning and lights flashing. He's the newly-upgraded Chaos Bot now! The CMCs stood in awe, their jaws dropping. “Whoa…” Scootaloo whispered, her heart pounding. Suddenly, beams of radiant light shot down from the sky, engulfing the three girls. Sci-Twi took a step back, marveling at the spectacle. "Good luck, girls," she whispered, watching as the beams lifted them into the sky. As the light carried them upward, their clothes shimmered away and transformed into their respective hooded uniforms. Scootaloo is wearing a sleek, black-and-orange jumpsuit with mechanical wings. Apple Bloom donned a suit of high-tech, farm-themed armor with golden accents. Sweetie Belle is suited up in a sparkling dress with glowing musical notes which shimmered with every move. Once they're suited up, their hoods magically went up and hides their hair, which adds an intimidating edge. Baseball caps have materialized on their hooded heads with their pony counterparts' cutie marks shining on the front area. Their caps also mounts a mini laser cannon on the top. As they touched down inside Discord-bot's fanny pack, Scootaloo yelled out, “Crusaders, ready for action!” “Let’s get to it!” Apple Bloom added, her voice full of energy. “Time to shine!” Sweetie Belle chimed in, her hands flexing in her new gear. Within seconds, the trio flashed through the fanny pack, transported into the cockpit of Discord's upgraded form. Screens flickered to life in front of them and the controls seemed to hum with recognition as they gripped them. Discord's hologram appeared and his voice echoed in the cockpit. “Welcome aboard, Crusaders. Let’s cause some chaos.” With their new uniforms and newfound strength, the CMCs prepared for whatever challenges awaited them in the battle ahead. The chaos was about to be unleashed—on their terms. The Parasprite bot, an immense mechanical nightmare, stood tall, its many-eyed frame glowing ominously. Without warning, it unleashed a blinding beam of energy—a massive laser blast aimed directly at the hulking Chaos Bot, piloted by none other the Cutie Mark Crusaders. From inside the cockpit, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle scrambled into action. "Let’s see ya handle this, Parasprite scum!" Apple Bloom called out with a grin, flipping a switch on the console. The Discord hologram raised his lion paw in the air, summoning his Sonic Shield. A shimmering, spiraling barrier enveloped the Chaos Bot just as the laser slammed into it. Inside, Scootaloo grabbed the joystick and turned it, twisting the levers on the console. The Chaos Bot’s shield deflected the laser blast, bouncing it back towards the Parasprite bot. The enormous beam collided with the insectoid menace, throwing it off balance. "Rocket Fist, anyone?" the Discord hologram chuckled, snapping his talon claws, which has the Chaos Bot aim its lion paw fist aim at the parasprite bot. Scootaloo pushed a large red button and the Chaos Bot's armed fist shot off its arm with a roar. The fist rocketed toward the Parasprite bot, knocking it backward with a thunderous impact before flying back and reattaching itself seamlessly to the Chaos Bot’s arm. "Whoo-hoo! Direct hit!" Scootaloo cheered, pumping her fist in the air. But the Parasprite bot wasn't down for long. It shakily rose, charging forward with renewed fury, readying a headbutt. Apple Bloom slammed her hand down on the power controls. "Divert all power to them feet, Discord! We gotta dodge!" With a graceful, chaotic twist, the Chaos Bot leaped aside, dodging the incoming attack. As the Parasprite bot stumbled past, The Chaos Bot delivered a powerful kick, knocking the giant bot off its feet. Sparks flew from its mechanical frame, signaling that it was weakening. But the Discord hologram wasn’t done yet. He snapped his fingers, and in a flash, a microphone materialized in the cockpit, dropping into Sweetie Belle’s hands. She blinked, realizing what was coming next. "Oh, I love this part!" Sweetie Belle raised the microphone to her lips and began to sing, her voice echoing through the cockpit. Outside, glowing music notes appeared in the air, swirling with magical energy, and fired directly at the Parasprite bot. Each note exploded on impact, further weakening the enemy. "Alright, girls!" Apple Bloom commanded, her eyes gleaming. "Draw Power Sword!" The Discord hologram grinned mischievously as the Chaos Bot opened its massive fanny pack. The mecha produced a gigantic sword. With a flourish twirl, he spun it in a dizzying arc, slicing through the Parasprite bot, which immediately began to morph back into its original form—dozens of ordinary, chaotic parasprites. "Time to clean up," Discord declared as his right hand magically transformed into a large vacuum cleaner. The parasprites, now harmless and back to their small, fuzzy selves, were sucked into the vacuum, their energy drained. With a snap of his talon, the Discord hologram teleported the Chaos Bot and the CMCs to Canterlot High. Near the mirror portal, Discord resumed his regular form with the CMCs standing by him. Discord was still holding the vacuum in his now-normal paw and with a mischievous grin, he aimed it at the portal and sent the parasprites flying back to Equestria. On the other side, Princess Twilight and Spike were waiting. They quickly trapped the buzzing pests in a magical indestructible cage and Twilight sighed in relief. "Time to get rid of those pests once and for all!" Spike cheered as he and Twilight took the cage to somewhere deep in the Everfree Forest. Back at Canterlot High, the Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered, throwing their arms around each other. They were still clad in their Super Chaos Bot uniforms, courtesy of Discord’s chaotic magic. "I could get used to this!" Scootaloo grinned, admiring her jumpsuit. "I’m gonna wear this forever!" "Y'all ain’t wrong! This outfit’s a beaut!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. "Feels like I could buck a whole barn down in this!" Sweetie Belle twirled in her new uniform. "I’ve never worn anything so magical! I love it! It’s like being onstage all the time!" Discord floated lazily in the air above them, smiling smugly. "Oh, don’t mention it, my dear Crusaders! It’s the least I could do for such loyal assistants in the art of chaos. And yes, you can enjoy those outfits anytime you want. Consider it a… gift of magical chaos." With that, Discord opened a portal back to Equestria in the sky and flew through as it closed. The CMCs beamed, their spirits high as they strolled back to school, already discussing all the fun they could have in their new uniforms. After school, they comforted Fluttershy the Pinkie as they told the both about the battle against the parasprites with Discord's help, especially the part where he helped send the parasprites back to Equestria where they belong. With that, Fluttershy is all cheered up and Pinkie becomes proud of the tween girls as she hugged them in gratitude. A few days later, Canterlot City is all cleaned up from all the slime and the destruction the parasprites caused. After that, everything went back to normal from any harm. The End
The JinxingRainbow Dash and Scootaloo were sprawled out on a picnic blanket in the park, surrounded by notebooks, pens, and stacks of notes filled with equations and numbers. Scootaloo squinted at the paper in front of her, trying to make sense of what Rainbow had just explained about calculus. "Ugh, I just don’t get it, Rainbow," Scootaloo groaned, letting her pencil drop onto the page. "These squiggly lines and all these x's and y's? How does anyone make sense of this?" Rainbow Dash chuckled, ruffling Scootaloo's hair. "Hey, it’s not as bad as it looks, squirt! You’ve got this. Let’s go over the basics again, and I promise it’ll make sense." She leaned over, breaking down the steps in her usual, laid-back way, showing Scootaloo how derivatives worked. Little by little, Scootaloo began to nod, her frustration easing away. After another half-hour of studying, the pair finally packed up, high-fiving each other as they left the park. Just as they were about to reach the sidewalk, something caught their eyes. "Quarter!" they yelled at the same time, both lunging for the shiny coin lying on the ground. Rainbow Dash was faster, snatching it up with a grin. “Ha! Jinx!” she said, playfully jabbing Scootaloo in the arm. Scootaloo’s face lit up in surprise as Rainbow explained the jinx rules: "Every time you make a sound, I jab you." Scootaloo nodded, trying her hardest to stay quiet. But it didn’t last long. "Fine!" she said instinctively, then gasped as Rainbow jabbed her arm again. Later, as they played video games back at Rainbow’s place, Scootaloo managed to score a last-second win. She couldn’t resist celebrating. "Oh yeah! Take that, Rainbow!" But she’d forgotten all about the jinx. "Nice try, Scoots," Rainbow laughed, jabbing her again. Scootaloo rolled her eyes but held back any more cheers—she’d learned her lesson. After a while, they headed back outside, and as luck would have it, they spotted a solar eclipse. Rainbow whipped out two pairs of eclipse glasses, and they both put them on, gazing up at the rare sight. Scootaloo’s jaw dropped, and she couldn’t help but speak in awe. "Whoa! It’s amazing!" “Jinx!” Rainbow laughed, her jabs now getting a bit harder. Each jab gets harder with increasing strength! Scootaloo winced and realized she was in trouble. While they were eating breakfast together, Rainbow muttered, half to herself, “Only way to break a jinx is for someone to say Scootaloo’s name three times.” Scootaloo likes the sound of that as she went off to find someone who could help her break the jinx. Instantly, Scootaloo sprinted down to the park, where she’d heard Principal Celestia liked to jog. Her heart thumped with excitement—she had a wild plan to get her principal to unjinx her, a silly superstition her friends had gotten her hooked on. She skidded to a stop as she saw Celestia jogging, earbuds in, focused on her stride. "Principal Celestia!" Scootaloo called out, catching her breath. Celestia slowed down, pulling out an earbud as she noticed Scootaloo approaching. "Scootaloo, what brings you out here?" Scootaloo opened her mouth to reply, but she froze as she spotted a familiar streak of rainbow hair poking out from behind a nearby tree. Rainbow Dash was hiding—though not very well—and she was grinning like she’d planned something mischievous. Celestia caught on too. With a raised eyebrow, she called out, “Rainbow Dash! Why are you hiding behind a tree?” Before she knew what she was doing, Scootaloo spotted an empty tin can on the ground and had a burst of inspiration. She tossed it at Celestia’s face, who barely dodged it with an incredulous look. "Scootaloo, what was that for?" Celestia asked, her voice tinged with growing irritation. Scootaloo grinned. "It’s part of my plan!" she thought, encouraged by Celestia’s annoyed tone. Without another word, she grabbed another can and tossed it again. Celestia’s annoyance grew as she raised her voice, “what are you…?!” Scootaloo's eyes sparkled—two times, almost there! But to make it count, she needed one more. She spotted a tray of food on a nearby picnic table and, before she could think it through, grabbed it and lobbed everything—tray and all—toward Celestia. That was it. Celestia dodged the messy pile of food and threw her hands up. "That is it!! I’ve had enough! That’s detention after your test!" And with that, Celestia walked off, muttering under her breath and shaking her head. Scootaloo blinked. "Wait! You need to say my name one more time to unjinx me!" she called after Celestia. But she was gone. Before she could process her next step, Rainbow Dash slipped out from behind her and jabbed her in the arm. “Ouch!” Scootaloo grumbled, massaging her shoulder. Determined, she hurried off in search of Pinkie Pie. If anyone could help her with something this ridiculous, it was Pinkie. She found Pinkie near the school gym, busy setting up balloons and decorations for an upcoming party. Scootaloo launched into her best charades attempt, hoping Pinkie would catch on that she needed her to say her name three times. Pinkie squinted, tilting her head, trying to interpret the gestures. “Are you... pretending to be a chicken who needs to cross the road three times?” Pinkie guessed with enthusiasm. Scootaloo shook her head, pointing to herself, and made a jabbing motion, trying to signal the jinx. But Pinkie only looked more puzzled. Just then, Rainbow Dash sauntered over, chuckling at the scene. “Scootaloo, you’re really bad at charades,” she teased. “Hey!” Scootaloo shouted in frustration, only to receive another jab from Rainbow. Pinkie’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh! You’re jinxed!” Rainbow clapped her hands, giving Pinkie a congratulatory grin. “Exactly. Nice work, Pinks.” Scootaloo sighed in relief, but before she could say anything, Rainbow was already laughing at her. "Good luck finding someone who’ll say your name three times. You might be stuck in jinx-land forever!" With that, Scootaloo took off, determined to find someone else who could unjinx her once and for all. In her dimly lit lab, Sci-Twi was deeply focused on her latest science project, her loyal dog Spike sitting attentively beside her, watching her every move. The quiet hum of machinery was interrupted by the sudden opening of the door as Scootaloo burst in, looking both impatient and desperate. She didn’t waste a second; in a flurry, she rifled through Twilight's papers, muttering to herself. “Scootaloo!” Sci-Twi exclaimed, startled. “What are you doing?” Scootaloo barely answered, grabbing a sheet of paper and scribbling furiously. When she was done, she held up the note to Sci-Twi: “I’m jinxed. Help! Say my name three times!” Twilight looked at the note, frowning in confusion, and then her eyes widened as she realized: writing was just like speaking! Before she could even say Scootaloo's name again, Rainbow Dash burst in, saw the note, and smirked. “Jinxed, huh?” Rainbow quipped, giving Scootaloo a playful but sharp/painful jab on the shoulder. “Gotta stay quiet if you don’t wanna get jabbed.” Scootaloo flinched, a bit frustrated but unable to speak as Rainbow laughed and ran off down the hall. Scootaloo was desperate now, looking for any escape from the jinx, when she spotted Fluttershy passing by the lab’s door. Relief washed over her. “Fluttershy!” Scootaloo mouthed with pleading eyes, holding up a new note that read, “Say my name three times!” Fluttershy looked at the note, shook her head solemnly, and kept walking, much to Scootaloo’s shock. She followed, tugging at her friend’s sleeve and pointing urgently at the note. Fluttershy kept shaking her head, avoiding eye contact. “Why?” Scootaloo mouthed desperately, her wide eyes demanding an answer. With a sigh, Fluttershy whispered, “Because… I’m jinxed too.” Before Scootaloo could react, Gilda appeared from behind a nearby bush, smirking mischievously. She sauntered up to Fluttershy, and jabbed her down. Scootaloo knows how to break her jinx: She yells out Fluttershy’s name three times and with that, the nature girl was unjinxed, blinking in surprise. “Finally!” Scootaloo mouthed, practically hopping with excitement. “Now say my name three times!” But Fluttershy, still rattled, held up her hands. “Oh, no… I don’t want any more jinx trouble today!” She quickly hurried off, leaving Scootaloo flustered and defeated. Just then, Gilda approached her, an amused glint in her eye. “Alright, listen up, kid. I know a way you can break the jinx yourself,” she whispered conspiratorially. Scootaloo’s face lit up with hope as Gilda explained her trick. When she finished, Scootaloo nodded enthusiastically, desperate to be free of the jinx. Meanwhile, Sci-Twi and Rainbow Dash had gone off to find Scootaloo, worried she might try something drastic. As they passed by a tree, they spotted Gilda laughing hysterically. “What’s so funny, Gilda?” Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, nothing,” Gilda snickered, clearly trying to contain her amusement. “I just told Scootaloo that she can unjinx herself by writing her name on a chalkboard at Applejack’s farm and saying it three times out loud in front of it.” Sci-Twi’s eyes widened in alarm. “Gilda, that’s…that’s definitely not going to work! If anything, it’ll just make the jinx worse!” Rainbow frowned. “C’mon, we’ve gotta find her before she actually does it.” Minutes later at Sweet Apple Acres, Scootaloo burst through the front door, sprinting right past the Apple family without so much as a glance. Applejack, Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom exchanged puzzled glances as she bolted toward the far side of the farmhouse, slamming and locking the door to the spare room behind her. Applejack, scratching her head, was about to knock on the door when Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle, known by her friends as Sci-Twi, arrived in a panic. "Applejack!" Rainbow called breathlessly. "Scootaloo's about to unleash dark magic! She's in danger!" Applejack’s eyes went wide. “Dark magic? What in tarnation?” “It’s a ritual,” Twilight explained, worry etched across her face. “She’s trying to tap into something powerful, and it could put all of us at risk!” Applejack's expression hardened with resolve. “Alright, we’ll get her out of there. Apple Bloom—stay here. Don’t move, you hear?” Apple Bloom groaned, arms crossed. “Fine... but y’all better tell me what’s going on after!” Without further delay, the trio hurried to the room. Applejack pounded on the door. “Scootaloo! Open up!” she called, her tone firm yet pleading. “Please, Scootaloo, stop!” Sci-Twi’s voice joined in. “This isn’t safe!” Rainbow banged her fist against the door. “Scoots, you don’t need to do this. We’re here for you!” Inside, Scootaloo was too focused to respond, caught in the grip of her own determination. She had drawn her name on an ancient, worn-out board she’d found, and as she finished each letter, it mirrored back at her in eerie, backward strokes. She took a deep breath and chanted her name three times. The room grew unnaturally silent as her voice faded, then suddenly, a pair of purple, menacing eyes flashed into existence, hovering inches from her face. A shiver of fear ran through Scootaloo, but before she could react, an otherworldly howl filled the room, and a grotesque, winged were-demon emerged from thin air, its claws reaching for her. With a yelp, she dashed back toward the door. The creature roared and charged, bursting through the door with a force that sent Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight sprawling. "Scootaloo!" Twilight cried as the tween ran out of the room, her face pale with terror. The were-demon, its eyes glowing with fury, turned its attention toward the three teens in its path. Sci-Twi, quick to react, summoned the power of her geode, forming a magical aura around her hands. She threw an energy field at the beast, but the creature barely flinched. Her magic dissipated around it like water on stone. “It's... it’s not working!” Twilight stammered, the realization sinking in. Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Granny Smith came to check on the commotion, they found themselves face-to-face with an otherworldly creature that looked straight out of a nightmare. Their eyes went wide with horror as they saw Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, Sci-Twi, and the others staring in fear at the demonic presence. “Run!” Applejack shouted, but before they could even react, the creature lunged forward, its claws leaving jagged red scratches across their backs. Applejack screamed as her family collapsed, writhing on the ground, and then… they began to change. Black fur sprouted over their skin, their eyes turned a haunting glowing purple, and their forms twisted into monstrous black humanoid demons with dark-black beards and their hair turning darker in hue. Even Apple Bloom’s signature bow turned sinister, its edges transforming into sharp, thorny tips. Applejack could barely breathe, her horror palpable as her once-beloved family was now unrecognizable. With guttural growls, her family rose, snarling towards her like wild beasts, their only response to her calls being menacing glares. “Applejack… we need to get out of here!” Sci-Twi shouted, her voice shaking. The group turned and ran, rushing down the road as more friends and neighbors fell victim to the creature’s dark influence. Principal Celestia, who had just finished her morning jog, didn’t hear them over her music. One quick swipe from the creature and she, too, was changed, her form shifting into a beastly demon. Soon Fluttershy, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Pinkie Pie joined the ranks, all transformed into monstrous versions of themselves. Everyone in Canterlot City had become demons! Rainbow Dash, thinking quickly, activated her super-speed, scooping up Scootaloo onto her back as they dashed ahead. Applejack and Sci-Twi jumped onto a telekinetic hoverboard Sci-Twi conjured with a swipe of her hand, each gripping tightly as they sped back to Sweet Apple Acres. They were almost to safety when the creature howled like a werewolf, calling its army to surround them. Applejack felt her heart pounding, knowing they couldn’t outrun it forever. “This way!” Sci-Twi motioned, and they scrambled into the farmhouse, rushing into the old room where a chalkboard sat covered in ancient scrawls. But the creature was right behind them, its steps echoing as it approached, eyes gleaming with victory. With the last bit of hope, they all cried out, “Scootaloo! Scootaloo! Scootaloo!” Scootaloo’s face lit up with realization. “Wait… my name backward! Say my name backward!” They shouted it together, “O-o-l-a-t-o-o-c-s!” The chant resonated, and, as if pulled by invisible chains, the demon shrieked, clawing at the air as it was dragged back to wherever it came from. In a flash, the world returned to normal—sort of. All around them, people who had been transformed returned to their regular forms, only to find themselves standing in their undergarments! A wave of embarrassed gasps and startled shouts rippled across Sweet Apple Acres as everyone looked around, cheeks red. Apple Bloom, blushing deeply, frantically tries to shield herself with her hands. "Oh, golly! Why does this keep happenin' to me?" she stammers, half laughing, half mortified. Big Mac, always the silent type, stands frozen, face flushed, but doesn’t utter a word. His face becomes a shade darker than usual as he looks away, too embarrassed to move. Granny Smith, on the other hand, barely reacts, chuckling as she adjusts her stance. "Well, land sakes! Ain't nothin' I ain't seen before," she declares confidently, even giving a reassuring pat to Apple Bloom. Pinkie Pie, ever the optimist, takes it in stride, offering a playful giggle. "Well, this wasn’t on the list for today, but surprise wardrobe malfunctions can be fun, right?" She wiggles her fingers in a playful wave to distract everyone. Sweetie Belle, covering herself, squeaks in embarrassment. “Rarity, help!” she cries out to her older sister, who is equally horrified. Rarity, true to form, gasps dramatically, hands flying to her face. "This is the absolute worst possible thing! I need my fashion emergency kit immediately!" Fluttershy stands as stiff as a board, her face turning bright red. She mutters, "Oh... oh dear," barely managing to cover herself, wishing she could simply vanish. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara both try to keep up a facade of composure, but they're blushing furiously and shooting each other panicked glances. Silver Spoon whispers, "We need to get out of here—now!" while Diamond Tiara just nods, wide-eyed as they both started running off, covering themselves. They were crying in embarrassment their whole journey back to their homes because of the fact that they’re out in public half-naked, save for their underwear. Principal Celestia was finished wrapping herself in a nearby blanket, her face flushed. She sure was relieved by her being covered and she was happy to know Scootaloo & the three teens have saved the day again. “Thank you… all of you.” She looked specifically at Scootaloo. “Consider your detention… canceled.” Scootaloo beamed, and as everyone covered up with blankets, Applejack, Sci-Twi, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo shared a sigh of relief, glad that the nightmare was over. Pinkie Pie, however, bounced around with her usual energy, unbothered by the chaos that had unfolded. They spent the rest of the day helping everyone return home, the farm once again a place of peace, but now filled with memories of the strange day they’d never forget. The End Author's Note Gilda illustration by stevetwisp. Diamond Tiara’s demon form based on original vector by ponyalfonso and edited by me.
The Taco of Doom!Aria Blaze lounged on the couch, flipping through channels with an air of perpetual boredom. Next to her, Sonata Dusk had her eyes glued to the TV, giggling and reacting to every commercial, even the infomercials about kitchen gadgets they’d never use. Just as Aria was about to give up and toss the remote aside, something caught Sonata's attention. "Wait, go back!" Sonata grabbed Aria's arm. "It’s a taco commercial!" Aria rolled her eyes but obliged, flipping back. The screen showed a glitzy ad for the mall food court’s new specialty: the "Soul Sizzler Supreme Taco," garnished with a mix of greens, cheese, and a fiery sauce that seemed to sparkle with its own light. "‘The ultimate taco experience,’” Sonata read aloud, mimicking the announcer. “Available only for a limited time at Puffed Pastry’s stall in Canterlot City mall!” But then came the catch—an ominous voice-over: “Warning: consuming the Soul Sizzler Supreme without the proper precautions may result in… serious consequences.” Aria’s eyes narrowed. "Yeah, 'serious consequences,' like death.” She gave Sonata a suspicious look. "Are you sure you still want that?" Sonata’s face fell, her shoulders slumping. But then, as though a light had gone on in her head, she brightened. “Oh! But we’re, like, totally different from normal people, Aria. I bet we can figure it out!” "Figure what out? How to die faster?" Aria snorted. “No, silly!” Sonata leaned in, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "We could sing a song. Like a special code song to protect us before we take a bite!" Aria blinked. "A...code song? Where did you even get that idea?" "I don’t know. I just know! Besides," Sonata shrugged, “Puffed Pastry is the chef. She’ll have it.” This didn’t exactly ease Aria’s paranoia, but she figured if anyone could magically safeguard the taco, it’d be someone with a name like Puffed Pastry. With a sigh, she relented, grabbing her coat. “Fine. We’re going to the mall, but if this turns out to be a trap, I’m holding you responsible,” she warned. The two headed out, and soon, they were walking into the bustling food court, the savory aromas filling the air. Amid the stalls, a bright neon sign reading Puffed Pastry’s Gourmet Treats flashed in a colorful display. Behind the counter stood a stocky woman with a chef’s hat perched precariously atop her head and a clipboard in hand. Her piercing gaze fell on Aria and Sonata the moment they approached. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t two-thirds of the Dazzlings,” she said, crossing her arms with an amused look. “I remember you three from that little escapade you tried pulling during the Battle of the Bands. Planning to cause another ruckus?” Aria forced a tight-lipped smile. "Nah, that was...a long time ago. We’re different now. Right, Sonata?" Sonata opened her mouth to reply, but Aria quickly slapped a hand over it, smiling stiffly. “We’re totally friends with the Rainbooms now. No harm, no world domination, just...uh, tacos.” Aria said as she moved her like a ventriloquist puppet. Puffed raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Alright. I’ll give you two the benefit of the doubt. But this isn’t your usual taco—there’s magic in it, and it’s not the type to play around with. If you’re really set on it, you’ll need to follow some strict instructions.” “Got it,” Aria replied, already feeling a touch of regret. But she wasn’t about to back down now. With a curt nod, Puffed pulled out a form, sliding it across the counter. “Sign here. It states you won’t leave this taco unattended, and I’m not responsible if you…bite off more than you can handle.” Aria and Sonata quickly signed, handing it back to her. Then, with a serious expression, Puffed closed her eyes, humming a strange tune that resonated with a faint, eerie glow. With each note, a swirl of green and gold magic seeped into the taco she held. Sonata stared in awe, while Aria looked on, more skeptical but intrigued. When Puffed finished, she set the taco on a plate, sliding it across to them. The taco also has a note on it with strict instructions on how to eat it safely. “Remember,” she warned, “hum that code song before you take a bite. Otherwise…” She let the word hang in the air. Aria and Sonata nodded, taking the plate with a mix of excitement and caution. As they turned to leave, they glanced back at Puffed, who gave them a last, pointed look. "Good luck," she said, almost amused. With a quick thank you, the duo left, the taco safely in their hands. In the bustling, dimly-lit kitchen of their shared home, Aria and Sonata strolled in, their eyes gleaming at the sight of a golden, perfectly wrapped taco sitting on a porcelain plate. Sonata’s hand reached out eagerly, but Aria shot her a look, snapping her fingers to halt her sister’s impulse. “Wait a second, Sonata! Didn’t Puffed Pastry tell us to hum a song before we eat these?” Sonata froze, her hand hovering over the taco. “Ohhh… right! The hum-song thing.” She retracted her hand, lips forming a pout. “I forgot! Guess I should rehearse it real quick…” And with that, Sonata grabbed the note, turned on her heel and ran out of the kitchen to practice, her voice drifting back as she softly sang, testing out different tunes. Aria watched her go, muttering something under her breath about Sonata’s eternal ditziness. “Wait, Sonata! Puffed said we shouldn’t leave… ugh, why do I have to put up with her?” She asked herself as she chased after her sister, determined to ensure she’d actually get the song right for once. The taco sat abandoned, glowing faintly on the countertop, shimmering with an almost supernatural allure. A few minutes later, Adagio waltzed into the kitchen, humming her own song in an entirely different key as she suddenly sees a glowing taco. With a shrug, she picked it up, raised an eyebrow at the faintly glowing filling, and, without a second thought, took a hearty bite. At first, everything seemed normal. She chewed, savoring the crunch and spice. But suddenly, her expression twisted, her eyes widening as she doubled over, clutching her stomach. The once-confident leader of the trio was slumping against the counter, her face draining to a sickly green. Just then, Aria and Sonata returned, humming harmoniously, ready for their prized meal. But the moment they saw Adagio slumped over, looking somewhere between horrified and nauseous, they froze. “What… happened?” Sonata asked, eyes wide. “Adagio, did you eat that?” Aria demanded, looking as though she’d just seen a ghost. Adagio managed to lift her head, gritting her teeth. “Why… would you buy something that could… kill someone?” she rasped, slumping further down. Sonata, incensed, fired back, “Why would you eat something that wasn’t yours?” She crossed her arms and stomped her foot. “Well, maybe… if you’d haven’t… left it here in first… place, I wouldn’t… be poisoned right… now, you… blue idiot!” Adagio yelled, each rasp amplifying the pain. Aria, shaking her head, stepped between them, cutting off the escalating argument. “Enough, both of you! We need answers, and Puffed Pastry is the only one who can give them to us.” With no time to waste, they hoisted Adagio up between them and stumbled to the car. Adagio was dead weight, groaning with each step as they guided her into the back seat. The ride to the food court was fraught with tension as Sonata fussed, Aria drove, and Adagio muttered weakly in the back about never trusting her sisters’ culinary choices again. The dusty, dimly lit kitchen where Puffed Pastry worked was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of fresh-baked treats and simmering caramel. But today, none of it mattered to the Dazzlings—especially to Adagio, who was clutching her throat, her coughing fit worsening by the second. Aria and Sonata stood before Puffed, looking guilty as she scowled at them, clearly unimpressed by their story. "I can’t believe you two," Puffed huffed, crossing her arms. "You left the taco on the table? And now Adagio’s magic is draining away?" Aria shifted uncomfortably, casting a quick glare at Sonata, who looked down at her feet, hands clasped behind her back with a faint, sheepish smile. "Yeah… well, it was Sonata’s fault. Her ditziness distracted me, so I followed her." Sonata looked up, confused. "Hey! You didn’t have to follow me, you know. I only forgot for, like, a second." "One second too long!" Aria snapped, rolling her eyes. "And now look at Adagio! She can barely speak!" Adagio coughed again, her voice a raspy whisper. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she tried to speak. “You… you left… the taco… We were so close…” Her voice broke entirely, her face twisted in anguish. “Please… take me to a hospital…” The sight was enough to sober the pair of them, and they quickly nodded, ready to scoop Adagio up and find the nearest medical center. But Puffed raised a hand, stopping them mid-motion. "Wait," Puffed said firmly. "A hospital won’t be enough to save her. This is magic we’re dealing with. Only someone very specific can cure her." Adagio’s eyes widened with a glimmer of hope, her hand pressed weakly to her throat. "So… so there’s a chance?" Puffed nodded, watching her intently. "I know someone. If you’re willing to trust me, I’ll take you to them." Aria and Sonata exchanged a quick glance before nodding in unison, and Adagio mustered a tiny, grateful smile. Puffed quickly closed up her stall, then led the three of them to her beat-up car parked around the corner. The Dazzlings piled in, Sonata bouncing excitedly, Aria holding Adagio as they drove off into the darkening streets. The silence was tense, broken only by Adagio’s occasional coughs and faint whispers of pain. After a while, Aria looked to Puffed, her worry finally spilling over. "So… what exactly happens to her if she doesn’t get the cure in time?" Puffed’s eyes darkened, and she took a deep breath. "Well… the magic draining will eventually choke her. She’ll feel intense heat, like her head is burning, though it’s only the effect of her magic being ripped away. Her vocal cords, her siren power, will start to tear down… and even if they reform, she’ll be in so much pain she’ll cry out in a dialect ancient as Equestria itself. And then… she’ll collapse. Finally… she’ll just… die." Adagio’s face drained of color, her eyes wide with terror. She clutched at her throat, as though trying to feel if she could still speak, but only a raspy, broken sound came out. Aria felt her heart race as panic crept into her voice. "How much time does she have left?" Puffed’s voice was grim. "Thirty minutes. Tops." Adagio let out a strangled, painful sound, leaning against Aria as though it would somehow stave off the agony she knew was coming. Sonata blinked in the back seat, still cheerful, seemingly oblivious to the severity of the situation. "At least she’s gonna get cured, right?" "Sonata!" Aria hissed, her patience fraying. "This is serious! Adagio’s—" "Please," Adagio whispered, reaching out a trembling hand to silence her bickering friends. "Just… get me the cure… I can’t… I can’t hold on much longer…" Puffed gripped the steering wheel tightly, her foot pressing harder on the gas. "Hold on, Adagio. We’re almost there. Just a little longer…" The car tore through the streets, racing against time as Adagio’s breaths grew shallower, the minutes slipping away faster than any of them could bear. As the temple loomed before them, Puffed took a deep breath and approached the imposing front doors, her thoughts fixed on scheduling an audience with the elusive temple master. She had barely made her request when two guards blocked her way, spears poised, eyes narrowed with suspicion. A curt jab from one spear sent Puffed staggering back, and she knew her attempt was over before it had even begun. Disheartened, she returned to the car, where the Dazzlings waited anxiously. Adagio, slumped and groaning from lingering taco-related woes, looked up with weary eyes. "Let me guess... no luck?" Puffed shook her head. “The master won’t see us. Guards shoved me back before I could even get a word in. We’re sneaking in.” Adagio groaned even louder, clearly frustrated, but the three climbed back in as Puffed navigated around to the temple’s back entrance. Slipping out quietly, they made their way through a narrow, overgrown passage, finally finding a small entrance at the rear of the temple. Just as they snuck inside, an alarm sounded. The guards had spotted them. “Guess we’re doing this the hard way,” Puffed muttered. They steeled themselves as guards began pouring into the narrow hallways. With magic forbidden inside the temple, Aria and Sonata knew they’d have to rely on their fists, and they squared off against the first wave of guards while Puffed joined the fray. Adagio was behind them, trying to keep up with them. On the first floor, wooden logs lined a vast pit beneath them, forming an unstable platform that required every ounce of balance they could muster. Guards armed with spears and staves leaped forward, engaging the group. With each strike, the guards vanished into thin air, retreating, but the danger was far from over. The unstable logs threatened to topple at the slightest misstep, and they quickly realized they needed to stay nimble. Sonata nearly lost balance and fell, but got lucky because Aria grabbed and pulled her up just in time. Meanwhile, Adagio staggered along behind them, barely keeping upright, her head pounding. On the second floor, they faced guards on motorcycles, each wielding spiked balls that swung dangerously close with every pass. The room was cramped, with barely enough room to dodge, but Aria and Puffed danced around the deadly arcs, occasionally lashing out with a kick to unseat a guard, who would vanish the moment they hit the floor. Sonata just stood there and has been trying to be kind with the guards. The guards were not falling for it as one guard swung a ball towards the ditz. Luckily, Puffed pushed her out of the way as Aria took her shot against the guard that nearly took out Sonata. Adagio, now whispering in a hoarse, voiceless croak, could only watch with bleary eyes, clutching her stomach in silent agony. Her siren magic and voice has been completely dissolved. Reaching the third floor, they were met with flying discs laced with dark magic, whizzing by at breakneck speed. Each disc glowed with an ominous light, slicing through the air as they dodged, narrowly avoiding the wicked edges. Sonata attempts to touch a disc, but Aria pulled her away, saving her life. They managed to slip through the hail of discs, but Adagio began to cry out in a language neither of them understood, her eyes wide and glazed, the pain clearly driving her toward delirium. At last, they reached the throne room. The master awaited them, seated upon an elaborate throne draped in dark silks. In front of him sat two trays: one bearing the infamous burger of immunity, said to cure any ailment, and the other a slice of dark, glistening chocolate cake—the double doom cake, rumored to bring instant death upon tasting. Adagio, nearly collapsing, managed to fix her eyes on the burger. "Finally…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. “My lord. Adagio here ate the Soul Sizzler Supreme without humming its code song and now she’s slowly dying. We would appreciate it if you give her the Burger of Immunity,” Puffed requested, pointing to the Dazzlings (mostly at Adagio who is lying there unable to move). “Fools! You really thought you could get the Burger of Immunity from me?” he sneered, eyes glinting with malice. The three Dazzlings felt a chill, realizing just how powerful—and evil—the Master truly was. “Please,” Adagio pleaded, “we need that burger. Without it… we’ll—” “Enough!” he barked, cutting her off. Then, without warning, he lifted himself into the air, hovering menacingly as dark energy crackled around him. In a flash, he charged at Aria and Sonata, unleashing a barrage of magical blasts. They fought back valiantly, but his attacks were overwhelming. With one powerful strike, he sent them crashing to the ground, bruised and barely able to move. Adagio’s heart pounded as panic surged through her. If he finished off Aria and Sonata, the Dazzlings would be no more. But just as the Master prepared for his final strike, Puffed, their loyal friend has stepped forward bravely, her eyes determined as she tried to stop him. “Please,” she said, “don’t hurt them! I’ll do anything… just let them live!” The Master sneered, summoning the double-doom cake and levitating it toward Puffed, taunting her with it and the cake was flying towards her at moderate speed. “Then maybe I’ll spare them… if you take a bite.” The cake is getting close to her, dark energy swirling around it. Puffed trembled, knowing that a bite would mean the end of her. But from the ground, Aria and Sonata exchanged a glance. They knew what they had to do. Summoning the last of their strength, they synchronized, both twisting and launching a powerful bicycle kick that sent the cursed cake spiraling back at the Master. The cake smashed right into his mouth. His eyes went wide as he realized his own trap had backfired. Dark energy erupted around him, and in an instant, he exploded, leaving nothing but a faint echo of his sinister laugh. With the Master gone, Puffed quickly rushed to Adagio, retrieving the burger of immunity. She held it to Adagio’s lips, and Adagio took a bite, the healing energy flowing through her as she gasped back to full strength. Adagio looked up at Puffed, eyes filled with relief and gratitude. “Thank you… you saved us.” The Dazzlings hugged their friend, overwhelmed with gratitude. “Is there anything we can do to show how much we appreciate you?” Adagio asked. Puffed grinned, knowing just the thing. And so, the Dazzlings found themselves working at a burger restaurant, using their magical voices to charm the burgers, making them delicious and safe for all. They quickly gained a loyal following of happy, enchanted customers, and for once, they felt like they belonged. One evening, after a particularly busy shift, Sonata leaned over the counter. “You know… I could go for a taco right about now.” Aria shot her a look, narrowing her eyes. “Sonata… don’t you remember what happened last time?” Sonata held up her hands innocently, smiling. “I remember. No more tacos… for now.” And for the first time, the Dazzlings enjoyed a life filled with harmony and happiness. The End Author's Note Episode requested by Infernoblast3345.
