Author's Note

Gadzooks!

This movie is even longer than I planned it to be (then again that's the vast amount of characters and lives to balance out) why it's almost big enough to be an entire Season, but it must remain a movie special (Possibly it would be a Part 1, Part 2 thing)

I did not expect it to be this big!

Act 17: Nudging the Truth

ACT SEVENTEEN

The paramedics had tended to all rescued workers from the burning building who were injured, and Sunset helped too with her training permit.

The police had returned the briefcase to the CEOs of the building who were delighted to have them back. They were also very angry at the ladies who started all this, but thankfully the building was not badly damaged, but it did need repairs and would be closed for a while, but all the workers could still attend meetings on webcams and do work online, so nobody was laid off.

“Thank you for helping.” one of the medics said to Sunset. “That goes double for me.” said the Fire Captain.

“No problem. It’s what we’re here for.” said Sunset.

Then her cellphone went off with a text from Lightning: “Meeting at the house. Already informed the others and his majesty.”

Sunset suspected something huge was up.

The crowds of people were cheering with joy that the day was saved, and many people began to go along their ways, but Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle still stood at the fronts.

All through the operation they had watched all the Starfleet fighters, and Scootaloo noticed. “Why isn’t Rarity here? They could’ve used her help.”

This suddenly reminded Sweetie, “I need to tell you something; something really big.”

She whispered into her friend’s ear, and Scootaloo’s eyes bulged, “What?! She was eating do--” was all she yelped before Sweetie covered her mouth silencing her, “Not so loud!”

Scootaloo calmed down, and now she, too, was convinced something was up with the entire group of Starfleet.

“Let’s go get DD and Applebloom.” suggested Sweetie. “I think it’s time we did a little investigation.”

Scootaloo agreed.

At the school dance, Celestia and Luna were still overseeing things, unaware of the danger that had just happened, but Celestia did feel her cellphone vibrate with Lightning’s message about the meeting.

She, like her sister, couldn’t leave the school just yet, but she couldn’t miss this meeting herself. So, she asked for her sister to keep an eye on things while she went to her office privately.

Luna nodded to her, and Celestia was off.

It was a good thing most of the office staff had left for the day, so no one would be around.

She went into her private office, locked the door, and turned on the computer and webcam.

Back at the house, everyone was present, even Shining Armor as Crystal Prep had already closed for the holidays and everyone went home early.

He was playing casually with Flurry Heart who was in her playpen while everyone waited for Celestia and Grand Ruler to buzz in over the webcams.

When they had, the meeting began.

“Good, everyone’s here.” said Lightning, but then he noticed “Where’s Krysta?”

“She still hasn’t come back?” put in Starla.

None of the others had seen her.

“That’s not like her; to just fly off like that.” Lightning said to himself.

“I’m afraid we can’t wait for her.” said Grand Ruler. “What have you all to report? I know this can’t be about that fire; I already heard of it.”

As the meeting continued… All Four Crusaders got off the bus down the street from the house, and all four of them looking pretty cross.

“Let’s go.” said DD, and she and her friends marched up the street for the house. “They owe us some explanations, big time!”

The others all nodded fiercely.

Meanwhile, Swift had made it home without being seen, and he de-transformed. His head ached a little. “What’s happening to me?” he wondered as he reflected upon the confrontation.

“I had those sneaky ladies right where I wanted them, and then, all of a sudden… I just wanted to smash them to bits.”

He was very thankful that he stopped himself, but lately he found himself feeling stranger all the time; like he just wanted to go out there and fight, no matter who it was-- innocent or guilty.

“I need to get out of here…” he said to himself. “Yeah. I think need to leave this island; go out into the world. Then I can save a ton more people, battle all kinds of crooks and bad guys, and I could make all the money I ever need with just simple jobs.”

He pounded his bed with his hand, softly so as not to break it, “That’s it. That’s what I’ll do, and best of all, I’ll never have to put up with those Starfleet jerks ever again.

I’ll be better than they ever were!”

Just then, he noticed on the floor under the window was a bird’s feather.

“Where did this come from?”

He also noticed dirty little birdy footprints on the floor leading to under his bed.

He got down looked, and he noticed the box of letters, and how the footprints just stopped before the box, and how the papers all seemed disorganized.

Back at the house, using his magic, Artie showed magical images of what he had seen from his recent memories; images of him looking down into the alley at Swift Star, and how he transformed.

“So, Swift really is the Golden Fighter!” said Sunset. “And he does have the magic. Finally, we know where it is now.”

“Alright!” Rainbow cheered softly, “Now we can try and get it back, and then we can go home again!”

Pinkie giggled with glee. “Home-Sweet-Home!”

“Wait, there’s more.” said Artie, and he showed more images; the parts where it looked like the Golden Fighter began to rage with his aura flaring up, frighting the ladies into surrender.

“Oh, no!” Sunset whimpered “It’s worse than I thought; the magic is getting to him-- it’s making him lose control.”

“It must be…” agreed Spike “I remember you saying Swift only wanted to help others, never to attack ruthlessly.”

“Oh, dear.” said Rarity. “We must hurry and get that magic from him before his condition worsens.”

“That ain’t going to be too easy.” said Applejack. “I don’t think he’s going to be willing to give it up like that.”

Rhymey and Fluttershy remembered how angry and hostile Swift seemed when Pinkie tried to speak with him.

“He was really and very rude,
He’s got quite the attitude.” said Fluttershy.

“Maybe so, but this much I know,
We must confront him, or he’ll blow!” put in Rhymey.

“I couldn’t agree more.” said Grand Ruler “He’s wielding magical forces that he, obviously, is losing control over. Soon, it will consume him to the point where he won’t be able to help himself.”

In a frightful thought, everyone could just see it-- Swift getting out of control that like Sunset, and Sci-Twi, he’d turn into a demonic version of himself with unbelievable power, and that would put not only Mystic Island in great danger, but the entire world as well.

“We must not allow that to happen.” said Celestia.

Cadance and Shining Armor were astounded by all this, and then Cadance asked, “Uncle… we’re you able to find Swift’s parents?”

His majesty shook his head and explained what he had discovered.

“Are you sure of this?” asked Shining Armor.

“Positive. The workers have run all the checks they could, but not only can we not find these people, there doesn’t seem to be any trace of them anywhere.”

“Well, then what happened to them?” asked Buddy. “If they didn’t join the peace corps, then what?”

“…I can answer that.” said a voice from an open window.

“Krysta!” cried Lightning. She was standing on the sill outside of the screen. Lightning let her in. “Where have you been?”

“Looking for all of you.”

She had been investigating in Swift’s apartment and never knew about the burning building, and lost track of everyone. She had been flying about all over town, until she finally decided to come back to the house.

She explained what she had been up to…

“You went back into the apartment?” asked Pinkie.

“Yeah, and I think I found the missing piece of the puzzle.”

She explained about the box of letters she found under Swift’s bed, and while she knew it was rude to snoop like that, she found the answer in all the letters the parents had sent their son from the day they left two years ago.

While she couldn’t remember all the words exactly, she had read enough to see.

“When they left on the first day, they sent letters saying how much they missed him, and then, as more letters followed, they kept on sending more letters of love and saying how much the so-called “Peace Conference” was going, and they hoped to be home soon.”

“Well, then… why didn’t they ever come back?” asked Sunset, but she, like the others, were suddenly getting a sickening feeling in their stomachs, which was answered as Krysta explained about the last letter…

“The very last letter they sent came Christmas Eve, almost two years ago. They said goodbye, and good luck to him, and now they wouldn’t be coming back, and that they changed their names…

…And that was it.”

A long moment of silence followed, and everyone was just appalled with their eyes wide open, and some had their jaws hanging open, even their majesties could not believe what they heard.

“You’re kidding.” said Shinning Armor.

“That’s horrible!” added Cadance.

Lightning had no words.

“How can a Ma and Pa just up and abandon their son like that?” wondered Applejack.

Pinkie was quivering tearfully. “That’s it? Just “goodbye”, “good luck”, and that’s… it?”

Rarity and Spike both looked tearful with sad puppy-dog eyes, and the sad whimpers to go with them.

“I can’t believe that. I just can’t believe it.” said Celestia, and she began to suspect strong ties to Swift’s poor grades.

“This explains a lot.” said Dyno.

“I wouldn’t feel very happy if my parents just left me.” added Myte.

Sunset bolted up onto her feet, “We must talk to Swift… Now!” She wasn’t kidding, now she fully had a perfect understanding of his emotions, and combined with the magic, are no good at all.”

Everyone agreed.

“I advise extreme caution when confronting him.” said Grand Ruler. “Try to reason with him; make him understand how important it is he give up the magic. Adding to his already and, obviously, deep frustration, can and only will result in greater disaster.”

Starla felt uneasy about something, and she had to ask, “But what if he just won’t give it up? What if he refuses to ever give the magic back?”

A long moment of frightening silence occurred as everyone had perplexed and concerned expressions.

Lightning held his wife’s hand and gave her a very deep but serious expression, which said enough of what everyone else was thinking.

Their majesties confirmed.

“If you must fight him, then so be it.” said Celestia.

“We can’t!” cried Sunset “I mean, if we fight him that’ll only make him all the angrier, and more hateful than ever.”

“We realize that…” said Grand Ruler “But the magic must be recovered, for everyone’s sake, not just one, or a few, but everyone’s-- Swift’s, ours, and the people.”

Sunset cringed softly, but she knew he was right.

“Wait a minute…” said Spike “Just how are we going to get the magic from him if he won’t give it back.”

“He’s right…” said Rarity “Not one of us can absorb that much magic into ourselves and then back to the gateway where it belongs.”

Buddy pounded his leg in frustration, “We need Twilight’s magic absorber, but she took with her to the Magic World.”

Everyone groaned miserably.

“Well, can’t Sunset absorb the magic, like she did before?” suggested Pinkie.

“No, not a chance.” cried Sunset. “The last time I absorbed it, I really went berserk.”

“Yeah, but things aren’t the same this time.” said Artie. “You have better control of magic now than ever, and you only have good intentions.”

Sunset was still nervous, but everyone just gazed at her.

“We’re open to other suggestions… if any.” said Lightning.

Sunset was reluctant but agreed. “So, when do we do this?

Before anyone could answer… Rarity and Spike sniffed the air.

“What are you two doing?” asked Cadance.

“Shh…!” said Spike. “I smell something.”

“As do I.” added Rarity. Being a half dog herself, even in disguise, her sense of smell was strong.

The two turned towards the front door.

Rarity got up quietly and tiptoed over, reached for the door, and in a swift motion she pulled it open wide, causing the Crusaders to fall into the foyer.

“Girls?!” everyone nearly shouted

The Crusaders felt embarrassed, but their features hardened.

“Were you spying on us?” Applejack asked angrily, but it was clear that they were.

“So, it’s true!” DD said sternly at the others, “You’re all from the Magic World!”

As angry as the team was, they felt and looked more awkward and ashamed, further confirming it.

“Finally, it all makes sense.” said Applebloom, and she walked over to Applejack, “You’re not my sister. That’s why you acted so strange and didn’t seem to know some things.”

“Heh! Um… yeah…” Applejack stammered.

DD approached Buddy. “You’re really not my cousin.”

Buddy shook his head sadly.

Scootaloo gazed at Rainbow, astounded that she was in the presence of General Rainbow Dash.

As for Sweetie Belle, she gazed at Rarity, hardly knowing what to think at all, and Rarity gazed at her as if wanting to apologize.

“I get you’re not my sister, but… Dog Food?”

Rarity rubbed the back of her head, not knowing how to explain or if she should.

“It’s a long story,” Spike said.

“Spike!” snapped Rarity.

“What? Is that a big secret?” asked Sweetie.

“Yes… it is a big secret.” replied Rarity.

“…And there are times when secrets should be revealed, Rarity.” Grand Ruler said, and by magic, he and Celestia teleported from their offices and into the living room.

The girls were astounded, and before they could question how, Lightning whispered into their ears who the couple really were.

The girls were so shocked that they quickly got down on the floor by their majesties’ feet…

“Your majesties, we’re so sorry.” said Scootaloo.

“We didn’t mean to ruin things.” put in Applebloom.

Celestia raised her hand, “It’s quite alright, girls. If anything, it is we who should apologize for being secretive. You must understand, we were only trying to protect everyone and not cause much of a panic.

Obviously, we didn’t do too well.”

The other fighters hung their heads low.

“I believe this play-acting has gone on for long enough.” said Grand Ruler. “It was only a matter of time before the inhabitants of the island discovered the truth.”

The girls were still sorry for their actions and their snooping.

“If there’s anything we can do for you…?” said Sweetie Belle.

Nobody could think of anything, except Shining Armor and Cadance…

“Babysitting, as usual…” DD chuckled, when she and the girls found themselves looking after Flurry Heart again.

Cadance and Shining Armor chuckled.

“No mistakes this time.” said Lightning. “This time, we’re all going.”

This included Spike and Rarity as well. The team would need everyone present if things got really bad.

“So, we’re agreed?” asked Sunset, “Let me speak with Swift first.”

“Alright, but we’ll all be right there if you need us.” said Lightning.

Celestia had already informed Luna of the situation over her phone, and Luna agreed to meet with everyone soon. The dance over and the school was all closed down for the holidays.

Before leaving, however, Sunset had to write in her message book to notify the human team to standby, and that they would possibly be coming home soon.

*Mykan’s POV*

The School Party was over, and Cheerilee and I were bidding goodbye to all the students.

“Have a Happy Holiday’s, children.” called Cheerilee.

“We’ll see you after the Holidays.” I put in, “And we’ll want to hear all your stories.”

The children all waved goodbye as they all skipped merrily home and cheering now that school was out, and they even broke into a song.

Holiday time is here
Time for some fun and joy
School is all over, now there’s no worries
For every girl and boy

Holiday time is here (Let’s make it)
Smiles for everyone (Don’t fake it)
Break out the presents, break out the snow fall
Let the world hear you cheer
Don’t bother working, time to get perking
Holiday time is here.

Holiday time is here
Time to have fun and rest
No tests need taking, fun’s in the making
Holidays are the best

Holiday time is here (We’re Free Now)
No more school for a bit (You see now)
Soon we will come back, but after some slack
Right now, it’s time to cheer.
Time for some playing, that’s what we’re saying
Holiday time is here.
Holiday time is here.
Holiday time is here.

Cheerilee sighed heavenly as the last of the children vanished out of sight.

“Those kids.” I chuckled “So full of energy and light.”

We snapped out of our trances and headed back inside to do some tidying to close up the school, only to find Cocoa and Sparky had already done all the cleaning for us.

The desks were all cleaned, the garbage bins were already emptied, the blackboards were all washed, and the floors were swept.

Cocoa had used her magic, having gained a good deal of control over, and Sparky helped with other things, and he looked a little beat.

“We just wanted to say, “Thank you” for inviting us.” said Cocoa.

“Yeah… sure did.” panted Sparky. He felt like passing out, either too full of gorging on all those snacks, or helping with the quick cleanup.

Regardless, Cheerilee was joyed. With all said and done, she and I closed the school right away.

Then I hugged her, “Have a good holiday.”

“You too, Mykan. I want you to.” she paused, “Oh, sorry, that’s not exactly what I meant.”

I knew what she meant-- worrying that I was still unhappy and homesick, which I was a little. I held up my hand, “It’s okay. You don’t have to worry. I always have a lot to do anyway to keep me busy anyway.”

She understood, “I just worry about you sometimes, as a friend.”

Hearing that touched me, and we hugged again, and she was on her way.

Sci-Twi came up to me, “She is so sweet.”

I agreed, “That’s Cheerilee for you. She’s as good a teacher, good a boss, good a friend, and a fine mare. She’s practically the best friend I’ve ever had in this world.”

“Ooooh…” Spike cooed teasingly, but I quickly silenced him “Don’t get any ideas-- it’s not like that between us.”

Sci-Twi and Spike only chuckled together.

Just then, in my backpack, something began to glow-- the message book.

I quickly got it out and read Sunset’s message, I could hardly believe my eyes.

“What? What’s up?” asked Spike.

I showed Sci-Twi the book, and she was just as astounded as I was. “We’ve got to tell the others.”

Then she smiled warmly down at Spike, and he got the message right away, which made his face ache with smiles too.