Starfleet Magic (Movie): The Switch Before Hearths Warming/Christmas

by DakariKingMykan

Rating: teen
Tags: Self Insert, Adventure, Main 7 (EqG), Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Human, Sad, Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 56542

the groups switch worlds, Humans to Ponies and Vice Versa

*ON HAITUS FOR A SPELL*

*Don't be fooled by the many thumbs down, it's toxic trolls and twits being willfully mean. Give the fic a chance.

With an idea of trying to cheer up a friend for the holidays, the Magic Team and the Human team wind up accidently switching positions in their respective worlds. Now they must work hard to play all their roles respectively well while trying to make their ways back home before things fly to pieces.

Published 2024-12-01 16:20:00 UTC
Last updated 2025-01-02 01:42:38 UTC

Act 1: Come Home Again

ACT ONE

December, it was Christmastime, or rather a week before it.

It never snowed on Mystic Island, being off the shores of California and its warm climate, but the holidays were just as beautiful and just as fun to prepare for.

Decorations were being hung up, and pretty Christmas lights were strung all over town.

The Starfleet Humans and the Equestria Girls helped too, and soon it was time for a big ice-skating party. It didn’t ever snow on the island, but there was an indoor hockey arena for skaters whenever there was no practice for players.

Celesto Grandruler had reserved the rink for his friends and family the whole afternoon.

Sci-Twi was slipping and stumbling about for she wasn’t much of a skater. She fell onto her bottom. “Ohh!!”

“Are you alright?” asked Lightning Dawn.

Sci-Twi got up without much pain, and pointed in back, “I figured this would happen, so I’m wearing extra paddings underneath.”

Lightning shuddered, “Oooo-kay then.” and he skated off leaving her confused.

Lightning then nearly bumped into Starla Shine.

“Um… Hi…?” he said.

“Hey…” she said with her blushing cheeks.

They both were so lost in this awkwardness, they didn’t realize they were heading for the wall, until at the last second, and they pulled away, causing them to separate and skate different paths.

“See ya.”

“Nice skating with you.”

Dyno and Myte, who were making repairs to some of the pipes, rather than skating, saw the two and sighed.

“Do you think they’ll ever get it on?” asked Dyno.

His brother shook his head, “Es inútil *It’s useless*Maybe they’re not really hot for each other.”

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were marvelous skaters and were busy trying to outshine one another with fancy leaps, twirls and stunts.

“You’re too slow, Pinkie!”

“Yeah? Well, you’re not flexible enough.”

Pinkie dashed up ahead twisting her tying herself around in big knots, she suddenly fell out of control!

“Watch Out!” she wailed as she headed straight for Rhymey and Fluttershy. The two quickly split apart allowing Pinkie to pass through, and she crashed right into the siding, flat up against the glass.

Rarity was sitting in the box with Spike the dog and Krysta the robin, and all three of them jumped in fright, and watched as Pinkie slid down the glass.

“Is she alright?” asked Spike.

Pinkie bolted upright, frightening the trio again, and then she went off skating again.

Rarity sighed, “Really?”

“She’s really going to hurt herself one these days.” said Krysta.

“Not that…” retorted Rarity “The fact she made jump. I could have popped a seem on my brand-new, one-of-kind, personally made, purple winter sparkle sweater.”

She stood up showing off with fashion poses as her new sweater shimmered in the light, much to the pets’ astoundment.

“Why, this lovely ensemble, would be ruined if just a speck of snow or frost from the rink were to fall upon it.”

Just then, Applejack skated up and skidded so hard to slow down, she sent a whole sprinkling of frost onto Rarity, making her wail in horror.

“Oops… Sorry.” said Applejack.

Rarity stomped off in a huff.

Buddy Rose skated up. He saw the commotion and sighed, “Hope she asked for a psychiatrist for Christmas.”

“Bud…!” teased Applejack “A straight-jacket would be more like it.”

The friends chuckled.

Rhymey and Fluttershy met back up with each other, and they became lost in each other’s eyes as just spun slowly and softly on the ice.

A golden ring with a diamond was on Fluttershy’s finger on her left hand.

“I can hardly wait.” she said to her love. She didn’t speak in rhyme like her pony-counterpart… yet!

Rhymey smiled.

“I can’t wait too,
I really love you.

Believing it is hard for me,
that you agreed to marry me.”

Fluttershy reached up and kissed him deeply.

Celestia and Celesto skated by and sighed heavenly at the two.

“If only we were like that, we were younger.” said Celesto.

Celestia looked at him strangely, “What? You mean I wasn’t romantic enough for you?”

Her husband felt trapped, and he stammered, until his wife touched his nose with her finger, “Got’cha!” and she skated off playfully. “Oh, just wait until I catch you!” he called as he skated along after her.

They skated past Luna, who was slowly teaching Castor and Leilani, who were both barely four-years old, how to skate.

“Step and glide, and step and glide.” she instructed.

Her little niece and nephew did as they were told, and were suddenly skating beautifully-- born naturals, much to Luna’s confusion.

Just then, Sunset Shimmer and Artie arrived through the front doors.

“Finally, we made it.” said Artie.

“Ready for some cool fun.” said Sunset

As they prepared to lace up their skates, they noticed the janitor in the corner, moping up the floors miserably.

“Hi Swift Star…” Sunset called, but the young man wouldn’t even acknowledge her or even look in her direction. He just picked up his mop and bucket and went to mop up someplace else.

Sunset sighed, “He’s still mad at us.”

Artie shook his head in dismay. “Stubborn guy. You know he tried to send us another letter begging to join the team today.”

“And let me guess…” said his wife “Rejected?”

“Of course.”

The couple then decided to forget Swift and headed into the rink.

“Hi, sorry we’re late.” Artie called to the others.

“I was studying for my exam on Laryngitis, and I lost track of time.” explained Sunset.

“Yeah, I only had to remind you three times.” grumbled Artie. His wife gave him a strict glare.

“Well, saddle up and skiddle-de-doo. We ain’t got all day.” said Applejack.

Soon, the couple were on the rink with their friends, skating arm-in-arm, and even shared a small kiss along the way.

“I wonder what they’re doing back in United Equestria?” said Artie.

“Most likely, getting ready for Hearths Warming.” replied Sunset. Then she realized, “Oh, I need to send a Christmas Report to my friends back there.”

Her husband gave her a playful stare.

“…Okay, later.”

Artie smirked, and they continued to skate and have fun with her friends.

The scene then faded out as a magical song began to play…

Followed by… A title card…?

…And Credits?

MY BRAVE PONY
STARFLEET HUMANS

“THE SWITCH BEFORE HEARTHS WARMING & CHRISTMAS”

The scene then faded to United Equestria, in the Magic World, and just as Sunset assumed, United Equestrians were preparing for Hearths Warming, as the sound of singing was heard.

Snow is Storming, this Hearths Warming
Shine upon us, come our way
Hearts are giving, life’s worth living
O’ Hearths Warming, hear us say

Hearths Warming is here,
Friends and Family dear,
Gather with us for some cheer,
To celebrate the time that’s near.

The song then showed creatures all over the planet, decorating, shopping, or just playing out in the snow with family and friends.

It’s time to put up wreaths and trees,
Big bright lights and bake cookies.
Shop ‘til you drop for gifts and stuff,
Got no time to spare or other guff.

Pinkie and Apple Spice had baked lots of cookies and other goodies in the bakeshop, but Pinkie couldn’t resist and stuffed herself with a few of them, much to her husband’s and the Cakes’ dismay, while the kids, Pumpkin, Pound, and Biscuit Pie laughed.

Rarity was sewing and knitting all kinds of sweaters and stockings and giving them rather fashionable trimmings.

She even made one for Spike, one for Twilight Sparkle Scales, and one for Opalescence.

The trio seemed pleased, but while the sweaters were pretty, they were awfully itchy, but they all kept up a brave face.

In New Sweet Apple Acres, the farmers, including the Apple Family, and Buddy Rose’s family had hung special lights upon bare apple trees, though Big Mac and Bright Mac were having trouble untangling strings and wound up decorating themselves in funny ways that made everyone laugh.

Fluttershy and Rhymey were handing out candy canes to all their animal friends in the woods near their home.

And two-year old, Button Fly was riding in a sleigh, which Angel pulled along with a grumpy face.

Button then picked up a wad of snow and threw it at Angel’s face. This prompted Angel to make a snowball of his own to throw back, but Fluttershy stopped him, and both she and Rhymey waved their fingers at the two, warning them not to be naughty.

Rainbow Dash was helping the Pegasi make it snow, by pushing the clouds in place and giving them some good whacks.

Krysta and her fairies added to the loveliness by sprinkling magical sparkles in the air.

Remember, gifts may seem like everything,
But it’s love and good times, and the joy they bring.

Prepare feasts and all the cooking
Get displays up for the looking
Watch out for mistletoe, you might get a great big kiss
Hearths Warming is coming, you don’t wanna miss

This scene was shown by Lightning and Starla hanging up a mistletoe, and Starla giving her husband a large peck on the cheek.

Shining Light even hung a pretend mistletoe over his baby sister Twinkle Star, and he gave her a big peck too, and she pecked him back, much to the astonishment of their parents.

Build the snowman, make it hard,
Send relatives Christmas cards
Wish the season all a merry, jolly, reward!

Yes, the holidays were a joyous time-- a time to spend with friends, family, and celebrate peace and love…

…But for some people, it wasn’t quite the same!

*Mykan’s POV*

At the schoolhouse, Cheerilee and I were looking at the beautiful pictures our students had drawn for Hearths Warming.

“Oh, isn’t this lovely…” said Cheerilee to a colt.

“It’s me and my family having dinner together.” replied the colt.

I was looking at a little filly’s drawing and commenting on it. “I like how you drew the snow.”

The student then asked me, “Do you have Hearths Warming in your world, Mr. Stevens?”

I chuckled, “Yes, I told you and the whole class this. Only we call it “Christmas” It’s not all that too different. Families and Friends get together, and they… celebrate peace on Earth and all that…” my voice was trailing off into a kind of melancholy tone.

Cheerilee noticed me from afar, and a hint of concern came over her.

I got over it, and snapped back to my senses, and continued to admire the drawings.

Before school was out for the day, Cheerilee and I handed out an assignment to the children, much to their dismay.

“Now, now…” said Cheerilee. “This is a very important assignment. I want you all to write a one-page essay of how you spend Hearths Warming with your families; what you do, what your favorite part is, and things like that. Then on Monday, we’ll share our reports with everyone.”

“Yeah,” I put in, “It’ll especially help me. This will help my research about how your world functions and behaves, and I’ll teach you all about how the people in my world celebrate Christmas.”

This enlightened the students’ spirits, and they now looked forward to writing their essays.

The bell rang, and Cheeirlee dismissed everyone. “See you tomorrow.”

The students cheered as they grabbed their belongings and headed out, leaving Cheerilee and I to lock up.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing all those essays.” I said.

Cheerlie giggled, but then she couldn’t but ask me, “Are you feeling alright?”

I looked at her with confusion, “Never felt better. Why?”

“Never mind… I’ll see you on Monday.”

“Bye.”

Then I watched my boss and friend set off for home.

I just stood there for a few moments, thinking to myself.

The cool breeze made my magic cape flutter. Then I snapped myself back to my senses, and I went about my way.

*POV Pause*

Cheerilee had gone to see Lightning and Starla to talk about Mykan.

“I’m really worried about him. He’s doing just fine, but every now and then he seems melancholy… and I think I know why.”

Lightning and Starla both nodded sadly.

“But why?” asked Krysta. “I’ve seen him going about town. He doesn’t look all that bad for a creature of his kind.”

“There are no other creatures of his kind here.” corrected Lightning.

Krysta felt silly, and it finally sank into her. “He’s homesick.”

“I don’t think I can blame him, being far from his family, and not having seen them in… almost three years, is it?”

“…Four.” replied Lightning “But who’s really counting.” He sighed miserably, “That’s one of the things that steams me about the holidays…

As merry and as joyful as they are, to some it only brings a feeling of isolation; it’s just another day to be reminded of your place.

In Mykan’s case: Just how misplaced in worlds he is, and how much he had to sacrifice for it.”

A long moment of silence followed. Cheerliee almost shed a tear for Mykan. “I wish there was something we could do for him.”

The others all felt the same.

*POV Resumed*

As the Human Ambassador of my world, I was part of something incredible…

It was one of my missions to study and explore this magical world I was living in and compare it to my own world so that one day, some time in future, the people of my world and the beings of this world could live together and travel between two worlds.

…Right now, that was nowhere near ready to happen, and probably wouldn’t happen in my own lifetime.

Still, in the near-four years I had lived here, I made fascinating discoveries, comparisons, and I even traveled to incredible places, even in Outer Space.

And I really enjoyed my sociology research-- observing others and studying their behavior and lifestyles.

I took pictures-- with and if asked permission-- and I scribbed down notes in my book to take home with me later to add to my main research records.

I saw how ponies helped each other with decorating-- reaching up high to decorate the big tree in town-square and get it ready for ceremonial lightning in a few days.

I observed shoppers struggling and crowding into stores and arguing over merchandise and items in a frantic hurry.

“Hey! Give me that!”

“I saw it first!”

“Don’t make me stomp on you!”

It was a good thing Security and Starfleet were present to break things up and maintain order and peace.

“That’s enough of that.”

“Break it up!”

Lieutenant Swift Star sighed. “I can’t wait to go away with my family for the holidays!”

I walked along and saw donations for the poor and homeless, which I found very touching.

I even saw Pinkie Pie serving a grumpy customer hot cocoa at the café.

“Aw, don’t look so down in the dumps. It’s Hearths Warming time. Let’s see a smile.”

The customer still didn’t feel like smiling much. So, Pinkie sat down and asked, “Care to talk about it? At least it’ll show somebody cares.”

This did make the customer crack a small smile.

As I walked down the streets, I saw Dyno and Myte plowing the snow away-- pushing huge plow shovels with their strong arms.

“Andale…! Coming through, meng.” said Dyno.

“Hola, Mykan.” called Myte.

“Hold it, fellas…” I said holding up my camera. The brothers struck a pose and called “VIVA!” and I snapped them. “Perfect.”

The brothers gave me a thumbs up, and then they left to continue their route.

As I walked along, scribbling in my pad, a stray snowball came out from seemingly nowhere and hit me in the back.

I turned, and saw my old students, The Cutiemark Crusaders standing and looking ashamed.

“Sorry, Mr. Stevens.” said Sweetie.

“We’re having a snowball fight, and we didn’t aim that one right.” put in Scootaloo.

I put my hands on my hips. “A snowball fight? Really, girls… at your age. I’d expect better.”

The girls looked more ashamed. “We said we were sorry.” said Scootaloo.

I continued to glare at the girls with a stern expression “Ohh… You will be sorry.”

Before the girl knew it… it was them against me.

“Get him! Get him!” They cried as they threw more balls at me, but remembering my astronaut training and my knowledge of physics, I was able to avoid their bombardment and hit my targets perfectly-- careful not to aim at their faces.

“I got you now, girls!” I called, but that’s when another snowball hit me by surprise from behind.

The girls and I looked, and there stood Cadet Daphne Dill, having just come off duty from her patrol rounds.

“Unauthorized Snowball Fight…” she declared jokingly “I’m afraid I’m going to have to pelt you all down!” She used her magic to send a barrage of snowballs at us all.

We sure had a fun afternoon; I know I did.

As evening began to settle in, I passed by Artie’s place, and he was making a snow family-- of himself, Sunset Shimmer-- the human counterpart in pony form-- and little one and a-half year old, Sun Stream.

The way he stacked and patted the snow together, and then carved it so perfectly.

I took a picture of the family standing next to their snow friends.

“I like this one a lot.” I said.

“Well, be sure to send us a copy.” said Artie.

“I will.”

Sunset held her shivering daughter in her arms. “I think we better get inside. I don’t want her catching cold.”

“Would you like to come in for a minute?” Artie asked me.

“Thanks, but I really want to get home so I can put all this in my research files.”

Artie understood, and then he went inside with his family.

As I watched them go, and see how happy they were, that’s when my sadness began to catch up with me again, especially looking at the snow family on the lawn.

I took a few walks down the street and saw other families heading home as well, and then the streetlights and decorative lights came on as it got darker.

Later that night, I was at home in New Canterlot. I had my supper, I did my work, and now I was getting ready for bed.

As I saw on my bed, I looked on my night table… there was a small, framed picture of me with my family-- my parents, Geroge and Stella, my older brother, Neville, and my younger sisters, Sarah and Jane.

I took it with me the day I got up in that shuttle, before I came to the Magic World, and kept it ever since.

I missed them all so much. I hadn’t seen them in a long time due to my circumstances, and every now and then, especially now, as I looked at the picture, I could hear the singing of voices calling to me.

Come home again, come home
Wherever you may be
Come home again you lone human,
…Lone Human
Home again to family.

Still clutching the picture, I got up and walked over to the window to look out at the snowy, starry skies, and I would sing to myself.

I hear a dream all day
A dream that calls to me
Come home again you lone human,
…Lone Human
Home again… to fam-i…lee-e-e-e-e.

(1:33 to 2:08)

Early, the next morning, I was sweeping the snow off my front steps, and a stallion and his son came strolling by with the newspaper.

The kid threw it at me, and I caught it. “Good throw.”

The kid smiled at me, and his dad patted him on the head, and they walked off together, which still brought on my homesickness.

Author's Note

Gulliver's Travels (1939) has been in the Public Domain for many decades (They never renewed their copyright.) I researched it and confirmed with the mods...

Those song lyrics do not violate site rules.

Act 17: Nudging the Truth

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.

Act 2: Holiday Scolding

ACT TWO

Sunset Shimmer woke up early in her college dorm room, and wrote the report back to United Equestria, via the magic message book.

Artie came over with two cups of hot cocoa and gave her one of them. He pecked his wife on the head, and she smiled at him.

“Do you miss the place?” asked Arite. “United Equestria, I mean…?”

His wife giggled, “I’ve never actually been there before. I remember when it was just Equestria and all that but…” she paused and cringed softly, being reminded of her old evil ways.

“Oh, honey… I’m so sorry!” said Arite. “I didn’t mean to…”

She held her hand up hushing him. “It’s okay. I think of it from time to time. I can’t change my history.”

She calmed down and recounted the original subject. “I guess I do miss Equestria just a little bit, but I think someday I wouldn’t mind going back, seeing how much the world has changed.”

Artie looked up at nothing and said, “I’d like to see your world some time, and find out more what it’s like.

After all, we’ve only faced samples of it with all our adventures.”

His wife agreed, “Maybe someday.”

Just then, their energizers flashed red, indicating there was trouble in town that Starfleet could help.

Sunset checked the clock. “There’s plenty of time before class. Let’s go!”

Far away in New Ponyville, Lightning was reading from Sunset Shimmer’s report and wishing everyone “Happy Hearth’s Warming time” and that “There has been no trouble. Oh, sure, there’s been the typical bank robbers and terrorists, but nothing of the super bad kind.”

Much as Lightning was relieved to read all this, he was still concerned about Mykan.

He got ready for his patrol. He pecked his children goodbye and told them, “You be good for Mommy. When I get back, maybe we’ll play in the snow.”

“Yippee!” cheered Shining Light, while Twinkle just giggled and cooed.

Then he pecked his wife. “Have a good one.” she said to him.

“WEEE!! This is so much fun!” she cheered as she threw handfuls of snow all about and danced under it. Then she dropped down and made a snow angel on the ground.

Lightning approached her, tapping his foot while looking at her strictly. “General Pinkie Pie, you’re supposed to be on duty.” he scolded.

Pinkie blushed and then got up. “Sorry. I just can’t help it. I love it when it snows.”

Lightning opened his mouth to speak…

“I know, I know…” Pinkie said cutting him off “Duty first, fun later.”

They both jumped up into the air together. Lightning stuck with her to make sure she didn’t goof off anymore, but also to tell her about Mykan.

“…I think we should do something for him.”

Pinkie fought hard to keep her tears back. “That’s so sad-- to miss your family like that.” And, no surprises, she immediately suggested “A party! Yeah, then we can cheer him up, and show he has lots of friends, and maybe even…”

Lightning stopped her, “Uh, that’s all nice and stuff, Pinkie… but that’s not really what I had in mind.” He paused and then explained, “I have one thought, but it’s so risky, so dangerous, I don’t know if I should even scorn myself for thinking it.”

“What is it? What is it? What is it?” Pinkie asked frantically. Lightning pushed her off him and said, “I’m going to have to ask their majesties about it and see what they think.”

Pinkie was still curious.

…

An entire gang of punkers armed to the teeth with guns, grenades and the usual things had hijacked a bus of passengers and brought them into the car park by the mall.

The police had the area surrounded.

“Stay back!” the leader shouted from high on the fourth floor. “You make any attempts to come in here, we’ll blow these people to bits!”

His many friends kept watch over the scared civilians, pointing their guns at them.

Kids cried, and women trembled.

“Shut up!!” the punks would yell at them. This only frightened them more.

“Oh, that is it!” one of the punks shouted, and he readied himself for the kill, only for one of his friends to punch him in the face. “Stop it, man! We need them!”

Because of all the hostages, the police and the swat teams didn’t dare make any moves.

Little didn’t anybody know… somebody had already snuck into the car park and was slinking about in the shadows, with a length of metal rod in their hands, and seemingly wearing bulky clothes.

“You cops got five minutes!” the leader shouted down to the street below. “You get us one billion dollars, and you let us go free, or it's bye-bye, buckos!”

The civilians all quivered in fear as the many other punks chuckled and readied their guns.

That strange person peeked from around a few parked cars at the leader, and then, picking up a big rock on the ground, he threw it hitting the leader in the head.

“ARGH!!” causing him to throw down his gun. “Who threw that at me?!”

He assumed it was one of the hostages. He picked his gun back up and walked over to the frightened people with a look to kill. “Anyone here got a death wish?!”

The people felt that this was really it, when suddenly a voice called out, “Yeah… You have!”

The punks looked around, and then the guy in the shadows leapt up, revealing himself with be wearing thick pads, torso guards like a football player, and a strong crash helmet too.

He leapt over and gave the leader a big whack to the head with his rod, knocking him down, but not out.

His friends began to shoot at the guy with their machine guns, but the guy ducked down behind another set of cars.

“Let’s get him!” the leader shouted, and he and his buds all headed behind the cars ready for the big shootout, only to find nothing there.

“He’s gone.”

“Where is he?”

The guy, whoever he was, leapt out from another shadow in the corner and rammed hard into one of the punks, causing him to crash into all his buddies and they all went down like bowling pins.

The guy then grabbed one of the machine guns and pointed at them. “You guys have had it! Now keep those hands up where I can see them!”

The people were joyed for a second, until someone saw…!

“Look Out!” she screamed.

But another punk had jumped the guy from behind, pushing him down, disarming him, allowing all the other punks to regain control.

“Sucker!” chuckled the leader, and he instructed two of his punks to hold the guy up and in place.

“Looks like you’ll have to be the first one dead, punk!” hissed the leader. Then he eyed the crowd, “And these people will be next.”

The civilians shuddered.

The leader moved in to take off the guy’s helmet to get a clear shot at his face, when suddenly…!

“ARGH!!” he was cast in bright, sparkling aura which stopped him right where he was. “I can’t move!”

All the other men were confused, and then suddenly, something zoomed past them-- Rainbow Dash. She zoomed past and grabbed all their machine guns out of their hands, and grabbed the other guy, saving him.

“Stay down.” she cautioned him, and then she crushed the guns in her hands with her awesome strength, much to the punks and the other guy’s shock!

“Starfleet!” cried one of the punks.

“Right you are.” Sunset called from the back of the lot, where she stood in her shining angel form, and all her friends were standing with her, all in their armor and looking ready to brawl.

The Starfleet Hero theme was heard in the background.

“Get them!” the leader shouted. The punks got out small guns...!

Sunset zoomed over to the civilians and cast them all in a magical barrier to keep them all safe from the bullets. “Just stay down.” she instructed.

and fired every bullet they had at the fighters, but it was foolish and useless, their armor and super strengths made the bullets seem like just sparks that barely tickled.

“Pathetic!” sneered Lightning.

Starla, Buddy, and Rhymey stepped forth.

“STAR SHOWER!”

“LEAF SWAM!”

“DRILL QUILL!”

Their attacks knocked the useless guns out of the punks’ hands, and even stripped off their armor.

“Oh, yeah!”

“We’ll show you!”

They pulled the pins out of their grenades and threw them at the fighters.

The civilians screamed in terror of the impending explosions, but Sunset was not the least bit concerned. Her eyes began to glow brightly, and she teleported the grenades out over the ocean, where they exploded harmlessly in the waters.

The punks couldn’t believe this, and before they knew it, several of the fighters rushed over.

“Easy with them!” Sunset cautioned. “They’re just ordinary humans. Don’t hurt them badly.”

Artie sighed, “Yes, Dear…”

The punks tried to put up a fight, but it was no use.

Fluttershy flipped on of the punks onto his back…

Another one tried to punch and kick Pinkie, but she dodged and swerved every time, causing the guy to grow dizzy and exhausted that he just collapsed. “Too slow.” Pinkie teased.

Two of the punks got into one of their hijacked cars and revved up to run Applejack down, but she just stood there casually. She let out a yawn and held her hand out at the oncoming vehicle, which smashed into her strong hand, jolting hard and making the punks sail through the windshield.

Dyno and Myte caught the men, who were knocked unconscious already.

“Ah, shoot…I broke a nail.” Applejack joked.

All the punks were knocked out, but the leader was still standing.

Sunset released him from his frozen state, and he found himself surrounded by all the fighters. Knowing he had no chance, he willingly surrendered.

“Hey, guys…” Rainbow called. “Look who we’ve got here.” She motioned at the other guy whom she saved, and the others all knew who it had to be and groaned irritably.

All the punks were taken to the police, and civilians were all more than thankful to the heroes for all they did.

“We must repay you somehow.” Someone said.

“Thanks, but we’re not allowed to accept gratuities.” said Starla.

“Well, thank you anyway.”

The police captain shook Sunset’s hand, and he joked, “You know, you do have to stop interfering with police business?”

Sunset smirked, “I suppose we could’ve let you handle it.”

The police and the civilians were still grateful, knowing that Starflet would help whenever they could.

With that, she and the others flew off with the crowds cheering, but the team didn’t fly far away.

They landed in an alley near the streets, where they confronted the guy, they had saved.

Rainbow pulled off his helmet, revealing it was indeed Swift Star.

Everyone looked at him crossly.

“Oh, great. Now I have to put up with this again.” grumbled Swift.

Sunset sighed, and scolded, “Swift… this has got to stop. You cannot keep throwing yourself in danger like this, not to mention interfering with things that are none of your business.”

Swift snuffed, “Well if you guys would let me join you in the first place--”

Starla smacked her forehead in annoyance. “And how many times do we have to tell you? The answer is “No!” We’re not recruiting people just like that.”

“Oh, yeah. I’m not good enough. “I don’t have the skills” is that what you’re saying?!”

Fluttershy stammered, “Um… well… you see it’s…” she didn’t have the courage to say it, so Rhymey spoke up.

“You very nearly got killed,
Because you are untrained and unskilled.”

“He’s right, Swift.” agreed Lightning. “Not to mention you also put the civilians in even more danger, and you could’ve caused a lot of collateral damage. What would you have done then?”

Swift only growled, not wanting to admit they were right.

“That’s what we thought.” said Buddy. “And the number one issue of all, is you don’t have any magic like the rest of us.”

That part made Swift feel most left out, and most insulted. “Then where do I get it! Just tell me!”

Pinkie was about spill the beans of it, “Well you see you have to…” but Applejack hushed her. “Don’t give it away.” she whispered.

“Darling, it doesn’t work as easily as you believe it does.” said Rarity. “None of us asked to have the powers we were given, they just happened to us.”

“We don’t know how it really works ourselves.

Sunset then told Swift, “The point is. You can’t join us, not the way you currently are. Perhaps someday you’ll be able to… until then… please stay out of our way.

“And don’t let us catch you doing this again!” balked Rainbow.

With a crushed look of anger in his eyes, Swift walked off.

“You were a bit rough on him there, Rainbow.” said Dyno.

Rainbow sighed, realizing she was.

“Ah, but you’re right-- we all are.” said Myte. “Poor hombre just has to understand.”

Sunset sighed miserably. Then her watch beeped. “Oh! Shoot, I’m late for class!”

“Uh, oh!” cried Artie. “I’m supposed to be giving an art lecture too.”

“And I have to teach a History Class at Canterlot High.” added Lightning.

The trio bid goodbye to their friends and zoomed away, practically arriving at their destinations in a few short seconds and they powered down.

“Miss Shimmer.” said the professor. “Only four minutes late this time; you’re getting better at this.”

Sunset felt embarrassed, “I’m sorry, sir… it’s just I had--”

“I know, I know…” the professor said “I understand completely. I heard the news on the radio, and you do us all swell.”

The entire class applauded her, and she blushed and smiled before taking her seat.

The rest of the gang all had their own things to do and places to be.

“I have to get the jewelry store before they open.” said Buddy “I finally saved enough money for… you know…”

Everyone smirked at him, and then he left.

Applejack headed home to finish her morning chores on the farm.

Dyno and Myte had to leave to do some digging for construction men.

Rarity then began to drag Fluttershy to her place. “Come along, darling. We simply must work on the patterns for your wedding dress. It’s only a week away, you know.”

This made Fluttershy blush warmly. “Bye guys! Bye Rhymey…” she called back as she was suddenly dragged off by Rarity.

The others waved at her.

“Well, now…” said Pinkie “Who’s up for a hot cocoa and muffins at Sweet Snacks?”

The others practically jumped at the idea.

Meanwhile, Swift had gone home to his studio apartment, where he furiously threw his helmet and pads down, and angrily kicked the side of his bed, which hurt his foot. “Argh!”

He slumped down on the bed, holding his sore foot.

His apartment was less than fine looking. He had hardly any furniture, other than his bed, a nightstand, and a folding tv table.

“Jerks!” Swift grumbled. “Losers! Morons! Won’t let me join them! Can’t see that I want to help! I want to be so much more than all this!”

The growling 19-year-old lay back in his bed in misery.

He had graduated from Canterlot High earlier that year, but with low grades. No honors, or awards. The only thing he did do well in was P.E and Martial Arts, but these things alone were not good enough to get too far.

Without good grades or proper experience and understanding, people wouldn’t take him in for too many jobs. The most he could hope for was janitorial work, or fast foods.

He had a job for each one, but even with them and the double amounts of wages, he made just enough to keep himself going and to afford a cellphone, but hardly anything to put him in a comfortable state. He could afford clothes, food, and other small necessities like soap and stuff for the bathroom, but this was hardly comfortable at all.

He also longed for something more. He wanted to help people the way Starfleet did, like a crime fighter, not just to help people, but to relive his boredom and really make a difference in life…

…And something else that really bothered him as well.

Not that it mattered…

Time and again he would offer or beg to join the team, and they always shut him out for the same reasons.

“You’re untrained.”

“You have no magic.”

“You have no idea what you’re doing.”

He also remembered the past several times had tried to be a hero like he did today… all ended up in disaster and humiliation.

He tried to rescue someone from a burning house, defying the firemen’s orders and rushing right in… He ended up getting trapped by the fire himself, and Starfleet pulled him out and scolded him for it.

Another time, he tried to thwart a bank robbery by surprising the armed robbers… It didn’t work well, the tables turned easily, and he was held at gunpoint. Starfleet saved and scolded him again.

And just today was the worst one yet.

“They’re right!” he groaned to himself. “I’ll never be like them. I really don’t have what it takes.”

He was feeling very crushed and at a loss.

Meanwhile…

After his patrol and duties, Lightning was at New Canterlot Palace and proposed his idea to Grand Ruler Celesto, Queen Celestia, and Princess Luna.

Their majesties were shocked.

“Do you realize what you are proposing?” Grand Ruler asked.

“Yes, I do.” replied Lightning. “I realize that it’s a great risk and all.”

“Of course it is!” cut in Celestia. “You know fully-well that doing this runs the risk of our world being further exposed to the human world.”

Luna nodded and said, “The more we run the risk of exposure to our world, the more unscrupulous people will try and take advantage.”

“Begging your pardons-- I realize all this.” protested Lightning. “If you’ll just let me speak…”

Grand Ruler held up his hand silencing him. “There is nothing to speak about, Commander.”

Lightning felt defeated. Not that he didn’t anticipate it coming.

Yet his majesties expression curled into a smile, “…Because we approve.”

Lightning looked up in surprise. “You do?”

Celestia nodded, “We’ve often thought of it ourselves, and perhaps it’s time we did it.”

Lightning felt most grateful. “Mykan will love this if it works out.”

“…Agreed.” replied Luna “However, we must make proper preparations and alert our allies in the Human World of our plot.”

Lightning agreed, “And… we especially don’t tell Mykan. I want this to be the best Hearth’s Warming surprise he’s ever had.”

Their majesties all nodded.

Act 3: Plans for the Holidays

ACT THREE

The shopping mall was flooded with humans doing their early Christmas shopping. Little kids were sitting in the Mall Santa’s lap and getting pictures taken.

Buddy came out from the jewelry store with a small red-velvet box in his hands. Inside the box contained just what he had been wanting to buy-- a silver engagement ring with a small diamond on top.

He smiled lovingly at the thought of what he was going to do with it.

“Well, isn’t that sweet.” cooed a voice behind him.

He turned and saw Sci-Twi with Spike in her knapsack. Sci-Twi was at the mall doing a little shopping herself.

“So, you finally got it, huh?” asked Spike.

“Shh…” Buddy said, not just to hide that Spike could talk, but not to give away the surprise. “Tree Hugger’s been dropping hints for a while now, and I know I’m ready to go for it too.

I’m going to pop it to her on the 24th.”

“Christmas eve?” said Sci-Twi “Ohh, that is so romantic and sweet.”

Spike snickered.

Buddy pocketed the box. “But you’re not to tell anyone. It’s a Christmas surprise.”

Sci-Twi and Spike gave the hushed lips sign.

“Anyway…” said Sci-Twi. “I heard you guys ran into Swift again.”

Buddy sighed, “Poor guy, just can’t take a hint.”

Sci-Twi sighed.

“If his folks were around, they’d probably set him straight.” said Spike. “When are they getting back from that peace conference anyway?”

“Who knows?” said Buddy. “They’ve been gone for two years now. It’s not fun to live alone like that, but even still it doesn’t excuse his actions or his behavior.”

Sci-Twi agreed, “I know he wants to do good, but he’s going about this all wrong. There’s lots of other things he can do.”

“Try telling him that.” grumbled Spike. “Besides, you remember his low grades. How can he get far with things like that?”

Sci-Twi was beat there, but she had ideas. “There’s lots he can do. He could go to libraries and study like I do, or he get develop other talents and hobbies, and that could get him somewhere.

But the trick is, he has to be willing to do it. He has to want it.”

“And that’s a longshot at best.” said Buddy.

Later that day…

Ss Swift was walking through the streets, he passed by Canterlot High. All was quiet, all the people were inside the attending class.

Just the sight of the school really made him angry, but not nearly so as the broken statue in the front yard, where the gateway to the Magic World still resided.

This, and this reason alone, was why the statue had never been replaced or repaired.

He said to himself many times, “Maybe if I actually went to the Magic World, I could get my own magic, and then I’d show those guys just how great I can be.”

He felt stupid right away. He, like many, knew the portal would only respond to those who had some magical connection with it. He could walk right up to it, put his hand over the gate, and he’d feel nothing but cold metal. Not to mention going into the unknown like that? The risks were simply too great.

Still, this did not discourage others from trying to pass through the gate, whether they knew about it or not.

Swift walked down the street, when suddenly he stopped as he saw four teenage boys creeping up to the statue with drills and cutting tools.

“Let’s hurry!” one of them said.

“We’ll cut out the gate and take it with us.”

“Yeah, then we’ll figure out how it works, and we’ll get out own magic.”

“We could get anything we want, and no one will tell us what to do again!”

They were just starting to get their tools ready, when Swift intervened. “Stop right there!”

The boys looked up and saw the lone guy.

“Who are you; school police?” laughed one of the boys.

Swift only looked madder. “Get away from that statue!”

The punks could tell this guy was looking for trouble, and they approached him in a threatening manner with their tools.

“You going to make us, kid?” one of them threatened.

Swift sweated a little at the site of the drills and metal-cutters, which amused the punks.

“You got two choices, kid.” said one of the boys. “You leave, you let us take the stature… or you stay, we beat you to death, and we still take the statue.”

Swift them smirked, “I prefer the third option.”

The punks were confused, and right then…

“WHOA!!” With a perfect spinning-kick, Swift had knocked all their tools out of their hands.

This angered the punks.

“Let’s get him!” and they all tried to rush him at once, but Swift managed to outmaneuver the boys with his cool martial arts moves. He flipped them, trip kicked them, and even ducked down making two punks accidentally kick each other down.

“Let’s get out of here!!”

“This guy’s a demon!”

The scared punks ran off leaving all their tools behind, and Swift called to them. “You guys come back; it’ll get worse.”

He then got down to gather up the tools, which he intended to turn in.

“What is going on here?” called a voice. Principal Celestia heard the commotion from her office.

Swift was about to explain, when she balked at him. “What are you doing here? You’re not longer a student at this school.” Then she noted the tools he was holding, and she looked over at the statue and assumed the worst. “Oh, Swift!”

“It’s not what you think. I was walking by, and I--” was all Swift managed to say before Celestia snapped at him, “I get that you’re upset-- I know what you did this morning, but this is a new low, even for you.”

Swift’s face curled into anger, “…It’s not like that! If you would just listen--” He would have continued explaining himself, but he was much too angry. “…On second thought, why bother. It won’t change things between us anyway!”

He threw down the tools and stormed off, much to Celestia’s anger.

“Celestia!” someone called angrily.

She turned round and saw Celesto getting out of his limo having just arrived. He walked over to his wife, and he was very ashamed. “You had no right to yell at him like that, not after what he just did.”

He explained to her about the boys and their intentions with the portal. “What?!” cried Celestia. “You mean he was trying to save the portal? How did you know all this.”

Krysta flew in and landed on Celesto’s shoulder. “You could say “A little bird told me.”

“I was flying overhead, and I saw everything.” explained Krysta.

Now Celestia felt ashamed. “He actually did something good and decent for a change too. I’ve got to apologize to him.”

Her husband held up his hand, “…Not just now. I don’t think he’s in any position to forgive. I heard about what he tried to do this morning.”

Celestia sighed, “Why is all this happening to him? Why does he keep putting himself in these fixes?”

Her husband shrugged, “He has his reasons, but I’m afraid even they are not enough to let him join us.”

Celestia then looked over at the gateway, “That’s not nearly as frustrating as trying to keep this safe.”

“That reminds me why I’m here.” said Celesto “I didn’t want to call you in case someone was listening, or phones were bugged.” He looked all around, and then whispered softly into his wife’s ear.

Celestia’s eyes lit up. “You mean it?”

Her husband nodded, “After all this time, we think it’s going to work. We meet at the base after school. I’ve already informed the team.”

Celestia nodded, and then she pecked her husband before heading back into the school.

“Do you think we can do it this time?” Krysta asked.

“Well, it’s positive.” replied Celesto. Then his cellphone rang. “Hello? Sunset… what are you saying?”

Krysta leaned in closer hoping to hear better, and Celesto’s eyes widened. “…I see. We’ll have to talk about this when we met up at the base.”

The mall was packed with more shoppers than ever trying to get their dibs on early items, even Rarity was scrambling through the crowds to get the fabric she needed. “My friend is getting married! I need this…!! GIVE IT TO ME!!”

All Fluttershy did was stand outside the store with wide, blinking eyes at all the chaos. She was glad she wasn’t there during it, because the crowd didn’t seem to want to break up any time soon…

…That is until Pinkie came along, and disgusting her voice, she pretended to be a mall speaker over the intercom system. “Free Desserts in the Food Court.”

Heads jerked upright in the massive crowd.

“Free dessert?”

“I’m there!”

“Not if I get there first!”

The people rushed away until only Rarity was left, making it easy for her to get dress fabric now, much to her and Fluttershy’s astoundment.

Pinkie giggled cheekily. “It’s all in the act.”

Rarity made her purchase, and then along came Buddy, Sci-Twi and Spike, and together they all headed to the Food Court for lunch.

“Did you all get the message about… you-know-what?” asked Sci-Twi.

Pinkie and Buddy nodded quietly, but Fluttershy and Rarity were too distracted with the new fabric for the wedding dress.

“It’s so silky.” said Fluttershy.

“Ooh-hoo-hooo… This will be ravishing on your dress, Darling!” sighed Rarity.

Buddy and Sci-Twi went to get the food, and who did they see at the Burger Joint but Swift… flipping burgers and preparing fries and other things.

He looked awfully mad, mad enough to hit someone, but he worked without fuss and didn’t yell or get in anyone’s face.

“Can I help you?” the greeter asked again, making the two realize they were holding up the line.

When they got back to the table, they told the others.

“He’s really raging mad.” said Buddy.

Neither he nor the girls knew of the commotion at the school, and assumed he was just being stuck up over rejection again-- which was correct.

“Maybe we’re all starting to get too harsh with him?” suggested Fluttershy. “He does live all alone and he doesn’t seem to have any friends.”

“What are you suggesting?” asked Buddy.

She stammered and thought a little, “Maybe… we should try and start over. We can’t let him join us, but… well… maybe… um…” she didn’t have to go on.

“Are you suggesting we try and befriend him?” asked Rarity.

Pinkie’s eyes lit up with hearts and stars. “Yeah! That’s perfect!” she shouted, making other patrons look her way, embarrassing the others.

Sci-Twi pulled her down. “Pinkie… I don’t want to precipitate on your hopes,” she also cast this look on Fluttershy too “…But the odds of Swift wanting our friendship don’t add up right.”

“Even I can see that.” muttered Spike.

Buddy and Rarity agreed, but they were stuck between two choices.

“Well, we can try,” said Buddy. “Just don’t be surprised if he… you know…”

Everyone kept this in mind.

A few hours later, it was 3 PM, school was out, and the mall was soon flooding with loads of teenagers who were eager to shop or just chillout.

This made the mall more crowded than ever, and the friends were forced to battle their ways through to get out.

“Wow! Talk about a Christmas rush.” said Spike.

The others sighed in relief. “Come on, let’s get to the base.” said Sci-Twi.

The group headed behind the mall where dumpsters were and checked around to make certain they were alone.

Using their energizers, they uncovered one of the secret jump tubes hatches and leapt in taking the super-fun ride through the bowels of the island and emerging in Celesto’s underground facility-- their secret base.

The entire gang was there, including Principal Cadance and VP Shining Armor from Crystal Prep High.

“Hey, Twily…” called Shining Armor.

Sci-Twi hugged her brother, but then she asked. “Who’s watching Flurry Heart?”

“Oh, we got a sitter.” replied Cadance.

The scene changed to their home, where 6-month-old Flurry Heart was under the watchful care of the Cutiemark Crusaders-- Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Daphne Dill.

The girls were in high school now, and as they loved helping others, babysitting was no problem…depending.

Flurry Heart was crying loudly and miserably-- missing her parents.

“Oh, it’s okay, honey.” Sweetie Belle said as she softly stroked the baby’s head, while Scootaloo and Applebloom waved a couple of stuffed animals before her, which calmed her down.

“Ba-Ba time.” DD said coming out with the bottle of warm baby formula.

Flurry was in good hands.

Back at the base, Celesto addressed the entire team as they sat around the big table. “Good! You’re all here. This promises to be big, but first… Sunset has an announcement to make.”

Sunset took to the head of the table. She then activated the computer monitors showing Mykan’s picture from an old newspaper story from long ago-- about the day he launched into orbit.

“Mykan Stevens?” asked Lightning.

Sunset explained, “As you know, just as I am the Ambassador of the Magic World, where I come from, he is the Human Ambassador and living in United Equestria.”

“What about him?” asked Rainbow. Everyone gave her a slight stern gawk for sounding rude.

Sunset held up her Message Book, “Recently, I’ve received word from their royal majesties, Grand Ruler Celesto, and Queen Celestia.”

Hearing those names tickled the spines of Celesto and Celestia. To think that their magical counterparts were Galactic Monarchs, making them both look and feel small in comparison.

Sunset explained the story of how Mykan was looking and feeling homesick.

This made everyone’s expressions turn sad.

“Shucks. That’s awful.” said Applejack.

“Poor guy…” sighed Dyno.

“Please, stop it, Dyno, or I’ll cry.” said Myte.

Fluttershy and Rarity dabbed their eyes with hankies. “It’s just so… heartbreaking.” Rarity sobbed.

Everyone also remembered that adventure well-- battling Lord Titan with Mykan’s help, and Mykan, while he did volunteer to go back to United Equestria and live with the ponies in the Magic World, it also wouldn’t have been his choice anyway.

Through his rhymes, Rhymey recalled…

“When he comes to our world, through the magical gate,
He turns into a pony, and that can’t be great.

His presence alone would put him in danger,
He’d appear as just a magical stranger.

And the Magic World would be in danger of discovery,
From those who would abuse it and leave no recovery.

So, leaving his world and family and the rest,
And living with the ponies was all for the best.”

Everyone felt mesmerized by his deep rhymes, especially since everything was true.

Sunset cleared her throat, “Can I please continue now?”

Everyone quieted down, and she explained, “They’re planning a special surprise for Mykan. Since it isn’t safe for him to come here, we’re going to send him his family.”

Everyone’s eyes widened, including the grownups.

“Like a family reunion at Christmas?” asked Krysta. “That’s so crazy, it just may work.”

Sunset explained. “After all, we’re hoping that someday both worlds can be united in alliance. Then humans and magical creatures can live in both worlds in peace, and their majesties feel that a little tourism can help make that dream closer.”

“That sounds fantastic!” chirped Pinkie. “Hey, maybe we could all go there too. We could bring our families, our friends, and they can bring their families and friends, and they can…”

Luna calmed her down, “I… don’t believe that is too wise, Pinkie Pie. It’s best to take it one step at a time. After all, the Magic World is still strange to us.”

Sunset agreed, “While I haven’t been back myself for a long time, we already know how serious it is. Just a simple holiday vacation we think can do a great deal.”

The plan was laid out. Celesto would write to Mykan’s family, explaining to them the plan, and if they said yes, then on Christmas Eve, the family would be flown out to be escorted through the portal into the Magic World.

“Well, it sounds cool,” remarked Starla “…Except, won’t that alert more people to the portal’s existence? There are already enough people trying to gain access or learn the secrets.”

Celesto tapped his walking stick and stood up, “Ahh, but that may no longer be such a problem, which brings me to the main reason I summoned you all.”

He typed into the computer and the images showed the statue where the portal was. “As you are aware, it is becoming a challenge to guard the gate and keep it safe.

We have been thinking, plotting, and experimenting with ways to try and transfer the portal someplace safe, but so far, we have been unsuccessful…”

No one said a thing, and didn’t have to…

Sci-Twi was cringing nervously and sadly… because it all stemmed back to the time of the “Friendship Games” and her meddling caused all the magic to turn her into Midnight Sparkle.

Artie placed a friendly hand on her shoulder, “It’s okay… don’t let it get to you.”

The others all looked her way and nodded with agreeing smiles, which made her feel a little better.

Celesto cleared his throat, “…As I was saying, we have run several simulations and experiments to move the portal without consequence…” he switched off the monitors and tapped his stick again “…Until now.”

Everyone was aghast, except for Sci-Twi who joined Celesto at the head of the table. “For all this time, I’ve been making calculations and stuff, and now… finally… I think I may have worked the equations that can help us move the portal safely without much risk.”

She looked over at her friends, “That’s why I was at the mall today; I was getting supplies and tools I need to make this happen.”

She activated the computer again to show a 3D image of a new version of her old Magic Absorber-- like the one she had during the Friendship Games.

Then she ran a simulation explaining, “With this device, I should be able to absorb all the magic out of the statue like before, but unlike before, this device will keep the magic safe so that we may transfer the portal into a new structure.”

The simulation ended, and everyone was astounded.

“This is incredible!” cried Celestia. “Just think, we’ll be able to control the gate ourselves and it will be kept safer from bad people.”

“Exactly so…” agreed Celesto. He then addressed the crowd, “I suggest we concentrate on this project first before inviting the Stevens Family. The sooner the portal is safe, the better.”

“So, when do we begin?” asked Lightning.

“We already have.” answered Sci-Twi. “I’ve been building the absorber and it’s nearing completion, but it’ll still take a day or so. I must run a few more tests and calculations.

We can’t have anything going wrong, not this time.”

Act 4: The Big Switch

ACT FOUR

Over the next two days, putting Christmas just five days away, and Rhymey and Fluttershy’s wedding just four days away, everyone just went about their business in both worlds, though Sunset had written back to their majesties voicing the approval of her team about inviting the Stevens to the Magic World for Hearth’s Warming, as well as their project of moving the portal in the Human World.

Commander Lightning was deeply concerned the day Sunset had sent the message. “Do you think our portal can handle the stress?” he asked Starla.

His wife only shrugged, “I really don’t know. You never can tell when it comes to magic.”

This concerned Lightning so much, that he headed to New Canterlot Palace, requesting to supervise in a complete look over the of the Mirror Gate and its systems.

Professor Brain and he personally supervised, and when all was done once and twice over, Lightning and Brain checked the readouts.

“Well, Professor… everything seems to be in order.”

“Most satisfactory, I must say.” agreed Brain. “Although… I must admit… I am rather concerned about this entire project.”

“So am I. We’ve checked over everything, but I’ve still got this feeling something may happen.”

“Sounds like you’re full of doubt.” said Grand Ruler, which surprised him. “You must have more faith in your friends in the Human World. They, too, understand the risks involved, but without trying, without experimenting, is there any progress?”

Lightning agreed, “It’s not that I don’t trust them… I’m just worried something could happen.

You did teach me… “Even the best thought out plans can go awry. One can never truly be prepared for the unexpected.”

His majesty chuckled, “So I did.”

Soon the two men were walking down the hallways, and his majesty stopped and pointed out a window. “Just look at it all, Lightning.” he motioned at all the glistening of Hearths Warming celebrations amongst all the citizens.

Lightning couldn’t help but smile at it. This was only his fifth Hearths Warming ever. It was not a holiday on Unicornicopia, nor even on his home planet Harmonius.

“I’d had nearly forgotten what it was like not to have all this. We managed, and we had our own holidays.”

His majesty agreed, “And yet we never lost track of what was truly important, and that was our faith… in each other, in ourselves, and the faith in the spirits.”

Lightning smiled warmly, and a wonderful song began as the two men continued to look down at the happiness below.

[Grand Ruler]

There’s a great light shining from above.
Can you see it clearly?
(Can you see it clearly?)
Giving hope and faith to all those who love
Can you see it clearly?
(Can you see it clearly?)

[Lightning]

The gifts of giving, and the joy of living
All come with Hearths Warming bright.
All come with Hearths Warming bright.

As the song continued, the scene changed to down below in town, as ponies and other creatures were shopping, being kind and polite to others by offering to carry big loads or help set up decorations and sets for events.

Then there was Mykan, who wasn’t at school that day-- it wasn’t one of his working days—making his observations, and still looking a little grim and feeling homesick, especially at the sight of all the loving families and couples being together.

All he could do was sigh and go along his way.

Celestia was in town with Castor and Leilani, giving her children a usual tour of the kingdom to help them understand how it worked if they were to rule someday.

[Celestia]

See the preciousness of giving from the heart
Can you see it clearly?
(Can you see it clearly?)
And the whole world is out doing its part
Can you see it clearly?
(Can you see it clearly?)

[The Children]

The love and cheer, is now and always here
Basking in Hearths Warming Light
Basking in Hearths Warming Light

The scenery faded, back to the Human World where everyone was going about their business, including Sunset doing her work studies at the hospital as part of her Medical Training.

She was helping to care for some of the sick children under the watchful eyes and instruction of Dr. Penny Sillion.

[Sunset]

There are miracles awaiting on the wings
Can you see it clearly?
(Can you see it clearly)
The angels and their giving it brings
Can you see it clearly?
(Can you see it clearly)

[The Children]

Good will to all, as snow will fall
Basking in the Christmas Light.
Basking in the Christmas Light.

The scene then changed to outdoors with everyone being as merry, and as helpful and giving as the ponies in the Magic World, including the friends.

Buddy was growing and selling poinsettias and baby pine trees for charity…

Rarity, taking time off from sewing wedding clothes, was making stocking caps, mittens, and scarves.

Rhymey was writing Christmas poems in cards for people, for a small price, which he also donated to charity.

Pinkie Pie was giving out free samples of Sweet Snack’s new Christmas sugar cookies and being merry and happy as ever.

Then she saw Swift, and she offered him one with a big, friendly smile, which he softly shook his head at and walked away not saying anything, much to her disappointment.

The people all began to sing…

All the people in their lives are going about
We all see it right there
(We all see it right there)
Peace and joy they’re throwing about
We all see it right there
(We all see it right there)

With everyone glowing, the brightness is showing
Have a good Christmas/Hearths Warming time.
Have a good Christmas/Hearths Warming time.

The song was over as night began to settle in.

Sunset left the hospital, bidding Dr. Penny goodnight.

“You did wonderfully today.” Penny said. “You’re going to make a great doctor someday, especially with my recommendations.”

Sunset smiled, “Thanks, Doc… maybe we’ll work together.”

“Maybe.” chuckled Penny.

Artie was there to greet Sunset. “Hey, there.”

“Hiiii…” his wife cooed, and she walked up to him and kissed him tenderly.

Their moment was interrupted when Sunset’s cellphone rang. “Should we let it ring?” Artie teased, but he knew better, and Sunset answered it, “Hello…? Twilight…?”

Then she slowly turned shocked, “…Now… Tonight…?”

Now Artie felt a shiver up his spine.

Sunset hung up and looked at him, “…It’s time.”

She held Artie’s hand tightly, and he squeezed hers. They were about to leave, when suddenly an elderly man walking down the street began to suffer from a heart-attack and he went down.

Sunset couldn’t ignore this. “I’ve got to get him help.” and she rushed over to the man, rolling him on his back.

Artie could only watch from the crowded hordes of people. He could tell this was going to take some time.

Sunset looked up, and she knew she’d be delayed from the big event. She motioned for her husband to come forth, and she handed him the message book. “Take this, go on without me.”

“But…”

“Just go! I’ll be there as soon as I can, or just start without me.”

Heeding his wife’s words, he pecked on the lips quick, and then he dashed off.

Soon, everyone else was gathered outside of Canterlot High by portal, even Cadance and Shining Armor were present.

“How come you guys are here?” asked Rainbow.

“Are you kidding? We wouldn’t miss this.” answered Shining Armor.

Cadance nodded, “Besides, the Crusaders came to us and said they were trying to earn money for Christmas Gift Shopping, and we figured we could let them babysit Flurry again.”

It was a good thing the school was locked up for the night, so there was no one around to witness what was about to happen.

Artie had already explained to everyone why Sunset wasn’t present.

“I see…” said Celesto. “She certainly is dedicated to her work and studies. That’s understandable. Well, I suppose we’ll just have to get on without her.”

“Wait a minute! Where’s Pinkie Pie?” asked Starla.

“Here she comes!” cried Applejack.

Pinkie came riding up slowly on her scooter, and she pulled off her helmet revealing her grim face.

“What happened to you?” asked Dyno.

“You look like someone who got caught in a traffic jam.” said Myte.

Pinkie sighed as she hopped onto the ground. “It’s Swift, I was trying to be nice to him all day…”

Through a series of Flashbacks…

After Swift had refused her cookie offer, Pinkie made several attempts to talk to Swift and try and befriend him, but it was no good.

“I saved you a free cookie.”

Swift miserably, but politely refused. “No thank you.”

Pinkie rushed to catch up with him, “So, how you feeling…?”

Swift just gave her an angry glare showing that he was not up to speaking to her.

“You know, I’m going to host a Christmas Party soon. You could come if you want.”

“No thanks!” Swift said sternly, “What do you think you’re trying to pull?”

“I’m just trying to be nice to you… like a good friend should.” Pinkie fluttered her eyes at him with hint on the “Friends” part, but Swift wasn’t buying.

“Since when are we friends? You guys won’t let me join you, you won’t let me help you, you snub me… and now you just want to suddenly start over?”

“Um… yeah…?”

Swift snuffed, “Just forget it. I won’t bother you guys anymore, so don’t bother me anymore.” and he walked off leaving Pinkie feeling rejected, almost enough to make her hair puff down.

Everyone hung their heads low.

Celestia felt bad still for how she yelled at him wrongly.

“I told you it wouldn’t be easy.” said Buddy.

“Never mind that now.” said Celesto “Twilight Sparkle…”

Sci-Twi approached Spike wearing a cute little sweater.

She then reached into her jacket pocket, and pulled out the device, like the one she made long ago. Same shape, same size, same design roughly.

“Ooohhhh!” everyone remarked.

“Here it is…” Sci-Twi introduced, “The Magic Manipulator Modification Master… Version 2 Point O.”

Krysta blinked her eyes in confusion “MMMM…? That’s what you call it, four M’s?”

Sci-Twi shrugged, “I only just made it.

Anyway…” she turned to face everyone else “It’s time. This should work.” She didn’t do anything yet, not until Artie got out the message book hoping for a response to the message he wrote back to their majesties.

Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia had received the message.

“It’s time…” said Celestia.

Her husband agreed, “Summon Lightning and the others. They’ll want to see this.”

“I have already done so, Brother-in-Law.” said Princess Luna, and she showed Lightning and the entire group into the chamber.

Everyone bowed to their majesties, who were very surprised to see they arrived so suddenly.

“Lightning could barely contain himself.” explained Starla. “He had us remain on standby ever since.”

Some of the others chuckled at him, and Lightning rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

“Well, you’re not the only ones.” admitted his majesty.

That’s when Princess Cadance and Shining Armor came out from around a bend.

“Hey…” called Shining Armor.

“We wondered when you’d all get here.” added Cadance.

Lightning smirked, “You heard about the news, huh?”

The couple nodded, and they dropped Flurry Heart off at the palace daycare where she was having fun with her friends, and especially Shining Light…

The scene showed the two kids in the daycare, and Flurry gave Shining a candy cane. “Happy Hearths Warming.” she said while fluttering her eyes in a flirty way, and Shining Blushed and kissed her hand tenderly.

“OOOHHHH.” The other kids said it in a teasing way, but they didn’t mind at all, and no one dared to make fun of Princess Cadance’s child, nor Commander Lightning’s.

Celestia wrote to Human Artie giving him the “Okay.”

He got the message and gave a thumbs up. Now he really wished his wife was here. “We can’t wait to get another chance. It’s hard to get everyone here and there all together.”

“Do it…” said Celesto.

Sci-Twi motioned for everyone to step back, and she slowly approached the portal with her device ready.

“Please work…” she murmured.

She activated the device which gave off a small glowing light, that grew brighter, and brighter. This caused the magic in the gate to glow in response.

At the same time, the mirror gate on the other side began to pulsate as it sensed something strange happening.

Starla shivered softly. Lightning held her hand while the others all watched in awe.

The human friends were all starting to grow nervous. The couples held onto each other, while Spike hid behind Rarity, and she comforted him.

Krysta flew hid behind Lightning’s neck shuddering, and Starla and Lightning… they looked at each other, and then held each other’s hand.

The glowing became brighter. Sc-Twi shut her eyes began to grunt and groan while trying to stand strong.

“Somebody, help her!” cried Applejack.

Shining Armor tried to rush forth to help his sister, but Luna held him back. “You mustn’t stop her!”

“But Twily…!”

Sci-Twi held on as the magic seeped out of the gate and into the device like a vacuum. The force of the absorption nearly knocked her off her feet, and then… finally…

…The device snapped shut, and all was quiet.

“Is it safe to look now?” peeped Krysta.

“I think so.” said Lightning.

Starla sighed in relief, and then she realized she was still holding Lightning’s hand. The two let go in a flash, and blushed.

“Did it work?” asked Rainbow. “Don’t keep me in suspense!”

Sci-Twi looked down at the device, which was now glowing and pulsating softly. She also went up to the statue and she felt around. All she felt was cold, solid metal.

Celestia breathed in relief. “That was certainly frightening, but exciting soon.”

Rarity was hyperventilating, “I think I shall never be the same. My entire system has undergone traumatic scare!”

Everyone ignored her wailing.

“So, what happens now?” asked Lightning.

Celesto explained, “We transfer the magic to the new location. Follow me, Everyone.”

But as everyone headed off, the device began to glow brighter and vibrate vigorously in Sci-Twi’s hand. “Hey!” she wailed.

“What’s happening?” cried Luna.

“Oh, no! Oh, No! No! No!!” exclaimed Sci-Twi.

Back at the Mirror, Lightning checked all the systems, and they were not operational as the gateway to the other side was now closed. Nothing would come alive no matter what he tried.

Celestia even received word in the message book, “…The magic is secure. They’re moving it to the new location.”

“Yippee!!” Pinkie cheered, but no one else was hip and leaping.

Fluttershy said…

“It’s not all over just now, see?
They still must transfer the magic
I hope they do it safely
And we won’t worry of anything tragic.”

That’s when the portal began to glow magically!

“What’s going on?” asked Spike.

“Lightning what are you doing?” wailed Rarity, but Lightning held his hands up, “It isn’t me!” and his blood ran cold as the mirror glowed brighter… This was exactly what he was worried about!

“Seal it off!” ordered Grand Ruler, and he, Celestia, Luna and Cadance cast the mirror inside a magical barrier hoping it would hold it down, but the mirror just gobbled all the magic up and went crazier as the glowing got brighter.

The Red Alarm sounded, all over the palace, alerting all the guards and staff, even civilians outside could hear it from town, though very quietly.

“What’s happening?”

“What is it?”

“Is something wrong?”

Mykan Stevens, who was by his home, heard the noise, and felt even without a proper invitation, he should investigate himself. So, he flew off to the palace.

“Let’s get out of here!!” shouted Lightning, but it was too late!

Goldwin and Professor Brain dashed into the chamber just in time as the biggest, brightest flash of light burst through the mirror.

“What’s going on!” cried Goldwin.

“Ohhhoo My…!!” wailed Brain, and he shut the door hard. “I say… Look out!!” and he dragged Goldwin away.

In the Human World, at the Starfleet Base, the alarms sounded, and the workers were scrambling at the consoles.

“What’s happening?”

“Massive amounts of energy bursts coming from Canterlot High.”

The monitors tried to pick up images of outsides the school, but the magical energies were so intense, that the cameras were knocked out, and nobody was able to see what was coming next…!

Sci-Twi threw the device down to the ground, and it just kept bouncing about going crazier and glowing brighter, until it burst open, and the magic shot at the entire group.

“WHAT’S HAPPENING-----------?!!” Spike wailed.

In the most magical of phenomena, the two groups switched places, and during the confusion and excitement, the magic in the Human World just flew off like a speeding comet over the city!

Sunset had just finished up treating the man, and helping the medics take him into the hospital.

“Good job!” Penny said to her. “We’ll take it from here.”

Sunset was about to head off, when she saw the magical light rocketing across the sky. Something inside her turned cold as shivers sped across the sky.

“Please tell me that was not what I think it was?!” she whimpered, while passers by only confused it for some low-shooting star, no matter how crazy that sounded.

Far away, Swift was sulking on the roof of his apartment building, when he saw the light in the sky… heading straight for him.

“What’s that?!” he wailed, and he began to head for the door to the stairs, but the light had already come down and crashed right into him!

“AAAAA-AAAAHHHH!!!” he screamed and wailed as he felt strange energies flowing through him.

Passersby in the streets could hear the scream for at least a mile. They had seen the shooting light in the sky, and saw it hit the building.

“What is that?”

“What happened?”

“Sounds like someone got hit!”

“Call the police! Call the meds! Anybody!!”

Swift lay on the ground of the roof for a few moments until he snapped awake and found his strength to get up onto his feet. “Whoa! My head! My body!” he groaned softly. “What in the world was that?”

He managed to make his way to the door, and he headed back down the stairs, back to his apartment.

He passed by a tenant in the hall. “Hey, did you hear someone scream?”

“Scream?” Swift said wearily. “I don’t… think… so.” and he walked groggily away, disappearing into his apartment.

Anyone else who lived in the building was either asleep, or saw the flash, but assumed it was lightning, and/or heard the scream but didn’t bother with much when all went quiet.

…A lot of cheap folks in the building!

Swift felt stranger, and stranger. He felt like the whole room was spinning in swirling, he tried to fall onto his bed, but he bounced right off the mattress, grabbing the sheets and dragging them with him as he fell to the floor and passed out.

*Mykan’s POV*

I used my teleporter to pass through the walls, passing by all the guards and security, but I still ran into the guards in the hall.

“Halt!” one of them shouted, and he charged forth, only to stop and realize, “Mr. Stevens? What are you doing here? You weren’t summoned.”

“Never mind that!” I said sternly. “I’m an auxiliary Starfleet fighter, I have a right to answer when danger strikes. Now what happened here?”

The guard explained how the alarm, which was now off, came from the gateway chamber.

So, I teleported there in a flash and found Goldwin and Professor Brain trying to open the jammed doorway to the chamber.

“It’s no use, Professor…” panted Goldwin. “I can’t budge it.”

“Oh! If only I were decade or two younger!” groaned Brain.

“Stand back!” I said, “SWORD OF PURE SOUL!”

Realizing what I was going to do, the two men backed away.

The blade of my sword glowed brightly, and I thrust it hard between the creese between the doors, and I pulled and pulled, prying the doors open.

The three of us peeked inside to find everyone lying collapsed on the floor.

“What happened here?” I wondered.

“Your Majesties!” cried Brain as he scrambled to help them up, but when he saw next made him gasp in shock. “Oh, my…!”

Celesto, Celestia, and Luna. Not one of them had sparkling and/or flowing manes and tails. His majesty’s cape no longer sparkled or flowed, and his three golden horns, they were gone… replaced by a single, regular white horn.

Goldwin found Rarity and Spike, but he took one look at them. “No! What’s going on?”

Spike was a baby dragon again, albeit a little larger than his old self, and Rarity was no longer half-dragon, but she looked regular-- to before she had her accident and surgery. She had a regular pony face, no scales, a regular pony’s tail, and feathery alicorn wings.

As for me, I got down near Lightning, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. “Twilight Sparkle?” It was her, only… she had no wings, her mane was done up in a large bun in back, she had no Cutiemark, and she had glasses?

And Lightning… his horn was no longer golden, but white and ordinary.

The pony began to come to, “Oh!” he groaned. “What… What happened?”

He looked up and me, and he thought he was dreaming. “Mykan Stevens? What are you doing here?”

I didn’t know what to say to him.

He looked all around him and realized, “Where am I? I was just in the school yard and…” he suddenly remembered, and then he saw Professor Brain, and Goldwin, noting their pony-like appearances.

He began to feel afraid as he looked at all his friends and noted their new appearances. Krysta didn’t look like a bird anymore.

“Lightning…!” she groaned as she woke up.

“Krysta? Are… are you a… a fairy?”

Krysta gasped at her new appearance, and then she looked up at him. “Never mind me… look at yourself!”

Lightning didn’t have to, he could feel along his muzzle, his pony ears, even his horn. “No…!” he muttered. “No… don’t tell me, I’m… that we’re all…”

“I’m afraid so…” I answered “This is United Equestria. You’re in the Magic World.”

Lightning felt like fainting, and he knew the others were in for a nasty surprise when they awoke.

“I don’t understand.” said Goldwin. “What happened to our friends?”

“I hasten to think, but I believe the answer is clear…!” stated Brain.

Act 5: World Worries

ACT FIVE

Due to being a full emergency, Sunset used her magic to fly over to the school grounds to find all her friends lying flat on the ground.

She quickly rushed up to Artie and shook him softly. “Artie! Artie, wake up! Please, wake up.”

Artie woke up in a daze. “Sunset…?” He recognized the voice, which made him confused, “Sunset… what are you doing here?” Then he remembered, his wife never came to the palace at all and stayed home with the baby.

He then saw who it really was, and he knew right away this was not his wife. She never even came to the palace with them.

Suddenly, he found himself being squeezed by Sunset. “Thank goodness you’re okay!” she cried, and she began to plant several kisses on his face.

“Wait…! Hold it!” he stammered trying to explain to her, and then finally said “…At Ease, Colonel!”

“Huh?” Sunset was startled. “What’s the matter?” but then she got a look at him and felt something was wrong. He looked much stronger than before, and his energizer had a code beneath it-- HJ7V.

Even his wedding ring looked different, and that sealed it-- This was not her husband!

She let go of him and backed away in total shock, and confusion.

That’s when Lightning came to and shook himself awake. He immediately realized where he and everyone else were. “Oh, no! I was afraid something like this would happen!”

“Commander Lightning Dawn?!” cried Sunset.

Lightning saw her and saluted to her. “Colonel.”

With her eyes wide, and her mouth hanging over, she looked down at Artie, and on impulse she dropped him and backed away in embarrassment. “G…Gen… General Artie?”

“Right…” Artie grumbled while saluting as he got up.

All the others were waking up as well.

“Ohh! Did someone hit me over the head with a wagon?” groaned Applejack.

“What a wipeout.” added Rainbow.

Then, everyone took notice of their new bodies, and their surroundings “Lightning!” cried Starla. “Are we… is it possible…?”

Her husband nodded, “We’re in the Human World.”

Everyone got up and looked all around them. Already it felt so strange, almost as if nothing had changed at all, except for their bodies, their surroundings, and especially the warm weather.

Fluttershy gazed down at her hands, and she felt all along her human face, and noted her voluminous hair.

She felt more afraid than astounded.

“What’s happened to me?
Have I gone crazy?

What’s the big deal?
This all can’t be real!”

Rhymey calmed his wife,

“Whether it all seems crazy, my dear,
That doesn’t change that we are all here.”

Dyno and Myte eyed themselves and each other.

“Ay’ Carumba!” cried Dyno “We’re fully, complete humans.”

“It’s just so… so… unbelievable.” added Myte. “We’re actually here; in the Human World!”

Krysta and Spike had reverted to their alternate forms as well. Krysta was a robin, but since Spike was older and bigger, he took on the form of a Great Dane rather than an English Bulldog like the other Spike.

“Never thought we’d ever be back here again for some time.” Spike said.

Krysta flapped her wings and fluffed her feathers. “It sure feels strange to be back.”

Then there were their majesties. All three of them resembled their counterparts almost exactly, however, because of their magical auras, all their hairs sparkled just like back home. Celestia and Luna’s hairs flowed and fluttered, and Grand Ruler, his aura made Celesto’s cape sparkle and flutter much like his own cape. He also had three golden streaks in his hair as symbols of his gold horns.

All three of them were incredibly astounded.

Shining Armor and Cadance appeared regular, though Cadance had a slight shimmer about herself being an Alicorn back home.

“You look… pretty.” Shining Armor said.

His wife fluttered her eyes at him. “Not so bad yourself.”

“Wow!” Pinkie chirped as she bounced and leapt about, “This is so cool!” Then she curled up shivering in fear, “And yet so scary…!

It’s so cool!

But it’s so scary!”

She just kept switching back and forth, much to everyone else’s annoyance.

Sunset was still wide-eyed and shaking her head in disbelief. “No-No-No!! How did this happen? Where are all my friends?!”

Lightning looked back at the statue. He knew the portal was no longer there, but as for the other team, “…They must have switched places with us.”

He angrily stomped his foot. “I knew it! I knew something was going to go wrong! I just knew it!”

Starla approached him, “Stop! Stop it! You can’t lose your head. We’re in big trouble here.”

“I’ll say we are.” said Buddy. “Here we are in a strange world we barely know about, and our counterparts are back home in a world completely strange to them, and we don’t even know how to un-switch things.”

Rainbow complained, “My wings are gone! This bites! I need to fly!”

“How can you think about flying at a time like this?!” barked Applejack.

“Don’t yell at her!” snapped Artie.

The arguing intensified, until a bright light shone, caused by Grand Ruler. He still had magic and held up Celesto’s walking stick to make a flash of light. “That’s quite enough!” he scolded.

Everyone turned and bowed respectfully towards him and the two ladies.

“I realize how frightening this must seem,” his majesty continued, “But we must keep our heads if we’re to cope with what’s happening and hope that we can find a way back to our own world.”

“Can we count on you all for this?” Celestia asked.

Everyone bowed again in complete understanding, and Celestia made her way past the crowd to Sunset. “It has been such a long time.”

Sunset felt nervous, “Your majesty… I… Well, I…” she honestly didn’t know what today. The last time they had seen each other, she was mean, wicked, and stole Princess Twilight’s crown before fleeing to the Human World.

Celestia only smiled at her, “You needn’t worry.”

Sunset looked up at her.

“Though we’ve had our history, and it will never be forgotten, you have already more than made up for your mistakes, and I have long since forgiven you.

Can we both start over?”

Sunset felt like crying, and she hugged her former teacher, which gave a warmth to everyone.

While back in gate chamber…

While Professor Brain and Goldwin inspected the console for the gateway…

*Mykan’s POV*

Everyone was still shocked and astounded beyond imagination.

“So let me get this straight…” asked Spike “This… is the Magic World?”

“Yes.” I answered.

“We’re really… in the Magic World?” asked Rainbow.

“Yes.”

“This is really the Magic World, and we’re in it?” asked Celestia.

I was really getting tired, and I groaned, “Ugh! Yes! Yes! I think that’s been established.” I rubbed my head in frustration muttering, “This is very, very bad!”

Sci-Twi felt her head spinning with a mixture of so many emotions-- excited, astounded, fascinated, frightened and many others.

“This is… This is just so… absolutely…!” She couldn’t find the right words to describe, and in her giddiness her horn glowed and she shot a magical beam that jumped up and around all over the camber.

Everyone else ducked, jumped or swerved, until I intercepted the shot with my Shield of Righteous Courage.

Several of the friends glared angrily at Sci-Twi…

“Sorry.”

I cast my shield down and cautioned her, “You have to take it easy. You’re a full-fledged unicorn. Your magic is strongly linked to your emotions. Try not to get so worked up…

…That goes for all of you.”

Everyone agreed, and it was a good thing, unlike Sci-Twi, many of them had their experience with magic and knew how to handle it.

“This is fun!” Pinkie chirped as she fluttered around with her wings. “Hey, wait for me!” called Rainbow as she flew up and around after her.

Lightning and Starla concentrated hard, and made their hands glow softly. Unlike Commander Lightning, Human Lightning could do ordinary magic, but not the Uniforce since he had no golden horn.

“How do you do that?” asked Shining Armor.

“Like this…” Starla showed “You just concentrate, and…” she made her hands glow again.

Shining Armor, having no understanding of magic at all tried it, and ended up shooting another bouncing shot, which Cadance intercepted with a blast of her own, having already understood her own magic a bit. “…It’s easier than it seems.”

Everyone gawked at her.

Krysta looked down at her wand. “What am I supposed to do with this?” She had a very hard time holding it due to never having hands before. She dropped it, and the wand warped her and Spike up to the ceiling.

“Whoa!!” They both wailed as they fell.

“Spike!!” Sci-Twi and Rarity shouted.

Krysta managed to flutter her wings and stay in the air, but Spike continued to fall.

Buddy leapt up high in the air and caught the little dragon. “You okay…?”

Spike’s stomach gurgled, and he let out a big blech of flames that just missed Buddy’s face.

“Oops!”

Buddy nearly fainted in horror.

I could see this was only going to get more and more serious, and then came more bad news… I had checked with Brain and Goldwin at the console, and the professor shook his head at me. The controls and the systems were absolutely dead.

“That means we can’t reengage the gateway!” cried Goldwin.

Hearing this made the others all fret with worry.

“But we must get back home!” cried Luna. “This world is too strange to us. We cannot stay.”

“Is there anything we can do at all?” asked Celesto.

That’s when I noticed on the console, “The Message Book! Maybe we can contact the others and see if they’re alright.”

I began to write in it…

*POV Pause*

A flash of light shone on the ground in the school yard. “Is that…?” Lightning asked.

Sunset’s eyes widened. “The Message Book!” She remembered giving it to her husband, Human Artie. “He must’ve dropped it.”

She quickly grabbed it, and she was about to answer the message in the book, when Celestia, Luna, and Grand Ruler stopped her for a moment. “Allow us to try something.” said Luna. “Place the book open on the ground.”

Sunset trusted their majesties.

Grand Ruler placed his hand out, and the ladies placed their hands over his. They cast a magical light onto the pages, which reacted with the book on the other side.

It was no transport portal, but it did open a magical way to communicate verbally with magical holograms. Though it was very weak, like a fading television screen.

*POV Resumes*

“Hello?” I called through the images.

“It’s Mykan!” cried Lightning. He rushed in closer. “Mykan! Mykan, can you hear me?”

I heard his voice and sighed heavily in relief, “Oh, Lightning! Thank goodness…!”

The Magic Team had smiles of excitement and hope.

“Mykan, listen to me…” Lightning said “Is the team from the Human World there with you? Are they alright?”

“Yes, they’re physically okay.” I replied, “They’re shocked and astounded enough, but they’re alright, but we do have some appearance issues.”

I explained the situation, and everyone realized how serious this was.

“I’m afraid we have a huge problem…” Lightning said to me, and he explained about the situation with the portal. “The magic on this end is gone. We can’t get back.”

The two teams felt sickening turns in their stomachs.

“You mean we… can’t… go home?” whimpered Little Spike.

“But… we must return!” cried Human Rarity. “We can’t just stay here! We must go back! WE MUST!!”

Human Applejack calmed her down by shaking her, “Get a hold of yourself.”

Human Pinkie had tears in her eyes, and was shaking, trying hard not to burst out sobbing.

“Is there nothing that can be done,
to set things right for everyone?” asked Human Rhymey.

“You opened the gate once before,” said Fluttershy “Can’t you just whip up whatever it is you did before?” She referred to how Lightning used Princess Twilight Sparkle’s knowledge and ideas to reconstruct the portal so it could be used at any time.

Commander Lightning shook his head, “I wish I could, but we don’t have the proper equipment, technology, or resources in this world to do that.”

“Then there’s only one way...” Sunset said.

The Magic Gang all looked at her.

“This has happened before…” and she recounted the events of the Friendship Games, and how the magic was removed. She also recounted the light she saw in the skies. “We just have to get the magic back, and the portal will open again… only…” she paused “…I… don’t know where it went.”

“ARGH!!!” Everyone groaned.

Things were just going from worse, to unbearable, and Sci-Twi had even worse news to come.

She held up her Magic Modifier, which had been brought to the Magic World with her… and it was broken! The stress it underwent was too much. “Without this, they won’t be able to capture the magic.”

Shining Armor sarcastically groaned, “Oh, this just gets better and better.”

“Well, what are we going to do?” asked Human Starla.

“The only thing we can do,” replied Commander Lightning. “I really hoped it wouldn’t come to this but, until we can fix the portal, we’re all just going to have to live out each other’s lives.”

A very long moment of silence came.

“Um… that don’t sound quite right to me.” said General Applejack. “You propose that we start here, and like out their lives, and they do the same in our lives?”

“What choice do we have?” replied Lightning.

“I’m afraid he’s quite right.” said Grand Ruler. “This will give us a proper chance to locate the magic and attempt to restore it.”

Queen Celestia agreed, “Come to think of it, this could also be a wonderful learning experience for us all-- to learn what it’s like to live in each other’s positions and explore new worlds.”

“Yes,” agreed “And it has been our hope to introduce more humans to our world in peace and welcome.”

Many of the others began to realize this too, especially Sci-Twi, and she murmured to herself, “Think of all the scientific new discoveries.”

The other human counterparts were not so optimistic, “Yeah, um… you expect us to live magical lives here?” said Human Rainbow “…Here… in a world we have hardly any knowledge about, and pretend to be people we… sort of… are?”

“This absolutely crazy!” cried Principal Cadance. “I can barely manage a High School, and now I have to run a whole empire?”

“You mean “we” must.” corrected Shining Armor. “I’m already petrified enough to turn to stone! And Flurry Heart…! What’s going to happen to her?”

All these worrisome complaints and wailings never seemed to cease, but in the end, it was no use.

“Mykan…” said Grand Ruler. “I’m putting you in charge of things.”

I blinked in shock, “Me, your majesty?”

“Yes. You’ve seen all of us in action at work before. You can help our friends acclimatize themselves to their surroundings and help them play their roles well.”

I looked around at the frightened team that stood near me. The pressure was immense, but knowing how important this was, and with the knowledge I already had of everyone’s lives, and that it was exactly what I was working for-- to make United Equestria welcome for tourism…

I bowed graciously, “I’ll do my best, your majesty.”

“We’ll help too.” said Goldwin.

“Of course, we shall.” agreed Brain.

Sunset even offered to the Magic Group, “I can help you all do the same.”

“So can I.” added Commander Lightning “I have plenty of knowledge of this world myself. I learned to fit in. I’m sure all of you can too.”

The others all agreed to try and be brave about this as they agreed to do their best.

“Good. That’s settled.” said Celestia.

“Just one last thing…” said Grand Ruler “And this of critical importance to everyone, including those of you back in our place…” he referred to the Human Team. “No one… I mean absolutely nobody outside of either of these groups may know about this switch.”

His human counterpart could already guess why. “I see… if word gets out about this, then those who oppose your forces may take advantage of us in our current state.”

“Precisely.” said his majesty.

“Why? Don’t you have faith in us?” asked Human Pinkie Pie. “We’ve dealt with plenty of monsters and bad guys before-- even those from this world.”

“It’s best not to push it, Pinkie.” said Human Luna. “Some of us are still unskilled in fighting,” she referred to herself and Celesto, Cadance, Shining Armor.

“And what is more, this world is full of far more dangerous beings than what we have ever seen or faced.” said Celestia. “They might not be as easy for us.”

I agreed with that, “All the more reason for us to fix the portal as soon as possible.”

The Magic Team agreed. It was up to them for most of it now.

“We’d better go now.” said his majesty “I don’t want to alert any unwanted attention. Good luck to you all.”

The human team and I bowed, and then the magic ceased, and the images were gone. The book just lay flat on the ground, and I picked it up, but I was still trembling a bit, knowing all the responsibilities I had been given.

I looked around me at all my new friends. “Well, I guess we’ve got work to do.”

*POV Ends*

General Starla approached Lightning still feeling rather nervous. “So… what do we do first?”

Pinkie’s stomach gave a loud growl. “I think we should all get food now. I missed my pre-supper snack.”

“Are you kidding me? Thinking of food now?” sneered Buddy, but then his stomach growled too. “Come to think of it, some vittles would be nice.”

Everyone else was feeling the same.

“Wait!” cried Spike as he looked around. “Where’s Rarity?”

Everyone looked around.

“Didn’t she come with us?” asked Artie.

Suddenly, there was a small rustling coming from the shrubs by the edge of the grounds.

Lightning moved over, and even though it was dark, the brightness of the streetlights gave a soft silhouette away.

“Rarity, what are you doing? Come out of there!”

“Never!” shouted Rarity tearfully “I dare not ever come out!!” She started to whimper, like a sad puppy.

Spike came over. “Rarity, what’s the matter? Come on out.”

“No!” Rarity barked “I won’t come out, not even for you, Spike! I’m so hideou-he-he-sss!”

Lightning was losing patience, and he reached to pull the shrubs open, “Rarity stop being ridiculous and-- ” was all he managed to get out before he and Spike gasped in horrors!

Everyone else looked on and couldn’t believe what they were seeing!

Rarity did look like the way her human counterpart would…

…Except… she was half dog! She had a black pug-nose, white furry, floppy ears instead of human ears. Fangs hanging out of her mouth. Claws instead of fingernails, and toenails, making it uncomfortable to wear her boots and they poked right through her stockings White fur covering her lower arms and all over her legs, and she even had a long, white furry tail sticking out behind her.

“Rarity…!” cried Spike.

Rarity burst out crying miserably, “…I’m a Free-hee-heek!” and then she let out of a wailing doggie howl, and she quickly slapped her hands over her mouth in shock!

Lightning suddenly realized, “Of course…! When ponies pass through the gate they become full-fledged humans, and while some other creatures turn human, dragons become dogs.

And Rarity was half-pony and half-dragon.”

Sunset shook her head in total disbelief, and she worried about how the others were fairing, what with their own appearance problems.

Act 6: Adjusting

ACT SIX

*Mykan’s POV*

There were already several problems to deal with, namely everyone’s appearance.

I told everyone to wait in the gate chamber, not wanting them to venture forth and be seen just yet by more of the palace staff or the royal guards.

“How are we going to alter your appearances?” I pondered. It made me frustrated that I couldn’t do magic or things that would help.

“I believe I can help.” said Professor Brain. He approached Sci-Twi first.

“What are you going to do to me?” she asked nervously.

“Yeah, what?” Shining Armor asked out of concern for his sister.

“My dear friends, please do not fret. This just may work.”

Everyone watched anxiously as the professor shut his eyes, and his horn glowed brightly, and he cast a small wave of sparkling aura onto Sci-Twi.

“No!!” Shining Armor cried. He tried to rush forth to save his sister, but Celestia and even Cadance held him back. “Let him go!” said Cadance.

“It’s going to be okay.” added Celestia.

Everyone continued to watch, and when all was done and the light faded, everyone gazed in awe…

Sci-Twi’s colors had changed entirely. Her coat was now a light beige instead of lilac. Her mane was now a little longer in loose and lovely waves, so was her tail. Both were now a lovely dark brown with darker brown streaks.

Spike gulped, “Gosh, Twilight! You look amazing.”

Sci-Twi looked into the mirror gate and marveled at her appearance. “Is that me?”

“Amazing.” said Celesto. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say she was someone else entirely.”

Shining Armor could hardly believe how his sister looked now.

“Darling, you look ravishing!” cried Rarity.

Professor Brain was giddy with joy, “Satisfactory! Most Satisfactory! A Perfect disguise!”

Goldwin and I were astounded, and the professor boasted himself, “It’s a grand thing I still remember my boyhood experimentations with magic. Oh, I was so fascinated with it all, before I moved on to more… eh… erm… technological matters.”

“Uh… why does Twilight need a disguise again?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Don’t you remember?” said Dyno. “Princess Twilight Sparkle… the one from this world… she is… well…”

Everyone suddenly remembered, and there was a small moment of silence.

“If she were to go about town, the people would not believe their eyes.” said Myte. “They’d probably think her back from the dead or something.”

Still, this was only one problem out of the way. There were still a few others to deal with…

-Rarity was not half-dragon…

-Spike was a baby dragon…

-Fluttershy didn’t speak constantly in Rhyme…

-Lightning didn’t have a gold horn…

-Celesto, Celestia, and Luna didn’t have their sparkle or flow, not to mention Celesto’s lone horn was an instant stand out.

“Calmness, everyone…” said Brain “Where there is a will, there is a way… and thanks to science, I should be able to solve things.”

He broke out into a song…

He sent me back and forth all over the palace to get all the things he needed, especially from the lab and he began to sing…

Nothing’s quite as hopeless at first glance,
You must give it a try,
Nothing’s quite as hopeless at first glance,
Don’t let all your hopes die

If there’s something that you can’t figure out…
If there’s something filling your head with doubt…
If there’s something that makes you want to shout…

Magic of Science…
Magic of Science…
Magic of Science, will do you good

Sci-Twi was really getting into the song, and she began to move and groove to it.

The Professor kept singing.

Nothing’s quite as hopeless at first glance,
If you fail once or twice
Nothing’s quite as hopeless at first glance,
So just heed the advice

If there’s something that you question a lot…
If there’s something that’s got you on the spot…
If there’s something quite wrong with what you’ve got…

Magic of Science…
Magic of Science…
Magic of Science, will do you good

The whole chamber seemed to come alive as everyone moved and danced to the music as the problems were soon being solved.

Goldwin did some magical pirouettes and leaps.

The professor kept singing…

Endless possibilities…
Awaiting minds and stabilities
We can accomplish feats
Unlock the mysteries
And make us be renowned on winds of the breeze…
On winds of the breeze…
On winds of the breeze…!

Magic and Science!

Nothing’s quite as hopeless at first glance,
So just trust in the faith…

The music played on into a fadeout… and by that time, Brain had done all he could, and it didn’t look so bad.

Lightning’s horn was painted on with a special gold-colored glaze so it wouldn’t wash away or rub off without special solvents.

Fluttershy was given a rhyming potion to take care of her speech. It wouldn’t be safe if people started questioning her inability to speak like Rhymey her “Husband.”

Celesto was given a special prosthetic makeover, so it looked like he had three horns, but only his center horn was real. All three were given the same gold glaze.

Celesto, Celestia, and Luna also had magical sparkles infused into their manes and tails to make them glitter, and the two ladies were given special spells in their manes and tails to give them their flutter. Celesto’s cape was given a special patch he could wear underneath it and way up to give it the flutter.

Spike was given a color makeover as well. Now his scales were orange, his Spines were fuchsia. He looked like a completely different dragon.

Rarity was given a special, magic patch that she was instructed to always wear, on the back of her neck under her mane where it couldn’t be seen. This patch altered her appearance and made her look more like General Rarity-- Half Humanoid-Pony, and Half-Dragon. They were only illusions. She still didn’t have any of the actual strengths or abilities-- she could not breathe fire, she had no claws, and she couldn’t roar.

She also didn’t like the way she looked much. “Ugh!!” she groaned. “Look what you’ve done to me, I’m a… Freak!”

No one bothered to tolerate her whining.

“You got no choice!” said Applejack. “None of us do for that matter.”

As much as Spike thought his makeover was cool, “How come I couldn’t get a spell that makes me look grownup?”

I shook my head at him, “It wouldn’t help. You’d only look like General Spike, but you wouldn’t be him.”

Spike sulked.

“Oh, Spike… I think you look just as darling.” said Rarity “…Even if you are a dragon.”

Spike felt a little better and smiled at her. “You… look rather pretty too.”

Rarity didn’t know whether to feel flattered or unmoved.

“Well, at least that’s taken care of.” I spoke. “We still have a bit to take care of before you guys can… well, take on your new lives.”

“Well, we’re looking better, without a doubt,
But I wonder how all the others are making out.” said Fluttershy.

“You do?” asked Rhymey “Me too.”

Everyone did.

The only place Sunset could think of to take everyone was Sci-Twi’s house where she lived with Principal Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart.” This would provide perfect cover for everyone.

The Cutiemark Crusaders were relieved on their babysitting by Princess Cadance. She did her best not to let it slip she wasn’t the Cadance they knew.

“Can’t thank you enough girls.” she said kindly.

“Well, if you ever need us again, just call.” said Applebloom.

“Yeah, but you were really out late.” said Scootaloo. “Did something… happen?”

The girls obviously hadn’t seen the light veer across the sky, or they just saw a quick flash and assumed it to be something else.

“Well… uh… anyway.” Shining Armor stammered.

Sweetie Belle then yawned. “Let’s go. Some of us still have school tomorrow.”

“See ya…” said DD, and off the teenage girls went. As soon as they were gone, Cadance gave the signal, “…Coast is clear.”

That’s when the rest of the team came out of hiding from behind the house and headed in without being seen or noticed by passersby or neighbors.

Meanwhile, at the secret base, one of the workers received a phone call from Celesto.

“Mr. Grandruler! Thank goodness! Are you and the others alright?”

Sunset and Lightning had taught the others how to use cellphones, and his majesty called into the base, without the staff knowing of the switch.

“Yes… everything is fine.” he said, and he informed the lady to inform the staff about the magic, and to track its location. “I don’t have to remind you of how serious this is. That magic must be found.”

“Yes, sir. We’ll start tracking immediately.”

His majesty chuckled as he switched off the phone. “This is rather intriguing.”

Sunset giggled, “Imagine if you had them back home.”

Celestia held up her hand, “Our current ways of communication work just as well. Besides, the distances we travel are too vast for such technology.”

Sunset then showed his majesty how to order Pizza and Chinese takeout for everyone, which he paid for under the guise of Celesto, and soon, everyone was having a big feast, and Spike ate dog kibble Sci-Twi had in the house.

“Well, at least some things don’t change in worlds.” Buddy joked with his mouth full.

“Speak for yourself.” said Shining Armor, and he motioned over into the playpen where Baby Flurry Heart lay down wiggling about as she fought to stay awake.

Cadance could not believe her eyes. “Every parent wants to see their child grow bigger, not smaller.”

“She’s not your child.” Celestia corrected her.

The couple agreed, but they couldn’t help it. “She looks like just like our little Flurry Heart.” said Shining Armor.

The baby was finally asleep, and Cadance scooped her up into her arms, which brought on the warm and loving feeling she had when her Flurry was this little.

Sunset, having been to the house many times, showed Cadance up to the nursery, and once the little baby was tucked into her crib and sleeping peacefully, the ladies returned to discuss things.

“Rarity, come out from behind the curtains, please.” said Lightning.

Still ashamed and horrified of her appearance, Rarity hid behind the window drapes refusing to come out.

Pinkie approached her, “Come on, Rarity. Join us out here.”

Rarity only growled and barked fiercely, which made Pinkie jump and back away.

Rarity sobbed softly. “This is horrifyi-he-he-hing!”

Grand Ruler wouldn’t have this, and with a wave of his hand, the drapes snapped straight up exposing Rarity in full view.

“I expect better behavior from Starfleet General.” his majesty scolded.

Spike walked over to his wife. “Come on, Honey. It’s going to be okay.”

Rarity made it over to the sofa, but she sat on the floor-- crouching down. Her canine instincts were really going to be a problem.

Still, Sunset gave a long, long explanation to everyone about their lives, their jobs, and current things about to happen…

…Including Rhymey and Fluttershy’s wedding which was to take place on the 24th, Christmas Eve, which was only four days away!

The couple blushed bright red!

“Wait a minute, hold it steady.
Fluttershy and I are married already.” said Rhymey.

Fluttershy nodded nervously, but Sunset shook her head, “Technically, you aren’t… Not in this world. You have no record of marriage, and the laws don’t really transfer over.

As far as the public is concerned, you two are engaged to be married in four days!”

Fluttershy and Rhymey felt most distressed. This meant they couldn’t stay together under one roof, and they couldn’t be nearly as affectionate with each other.

They were not the only ones.

Lightning and Starla couldn’t be married, or even affectionate with each other at all since Humans Lightning and Starla were not in any relationship-- despite their feelings for each other being obvious.

…And Spike and Rarity-- not a chance! He was a dog, and even if Rarity weren’t half-dog herself, there was no way!

This distressed all of them, but Artie began to feel a sickening feeling as he looked at Sunset. “You mean… I have to pretend to be your husband?”

Much as Sunset didn’t quite like the ideas her, she nodded “I’m afraid so, sir, but we can keep it easy. We don’t have to be… you know… lovey-dovey and all that.”

Artie still felt shaky inside.

Celestia and Grand Ruler were relieved that at least they could stay married, Shining Armor and Cadance too.

“This is nuts!” complained Rainbow Dash “I can’t be a Wonderbolt or a Wicked flyer anymore?”

The Twins didn’t like the idea of being ordinary construction diggers rather than miners. There were no mines on Mystic Island, but plenty of construction, which meant loads of digging.

“Maybe it won’t be so bad.” said Dyno.

“Si,” agreed Myte. “They’re not our lives, they’re our friends’ lives. We can’t disrupt them.”

“Um, excuse me…!” Rarity growled, and she pulled on her dog ears “…But how ever am I supposed to go about town looking like this?!”

“She’s right.” said Luna “I do not believe this world could handle such a… creature.”

Rarity was insulted!

“Well, there is something I can do, but I don’t believe it will be enough.” said Celestia, and the approached Rarity, held out her hand, and all at once… magical, glowing sparkles were cast upon her.

When all was done, and the sparkles faded, Rarity’s dog features took on the form of everything Human Rarity had. Now she looked completely human.

Everyone gazed at her in awe, and Spike thought she looked prettier than ever. Even Rarity, herself, began to feel only slightly better, but she was still squatting on the floor, and she even began to scratch behind her ears just like a dog.

“Oh, dear! I’m sorry to complain…” she groaned, but she didn’t need to say much more.

Celestia shook her head. “I’m sorry, but it’s the best I can do. This spell makes you appear more human like, but your instincts are something I’m afraid you’ll have to learn to control for yourself.”

Rarity stopped scratching and realized she had her work cut out for her.

“And I should caution you…” Celestia warned, “While this spell will conceal your appearance, any use or contact with any other magic, and the spell will slowly neutralize, and you’re true from will be revealed.

I can’t make the spell permanent because your body in this world is too strange”

Rarity gulped hard. “Well, I shall just have to remain cautious.”

Just then, Grand Ruler’s cellphone rang. He remembered how to answer it…

“Hello?”

It was the base calling in with bad news about the tracking. “You can’t find the magic?”

Everyone’s eyes widened.

“You’re absolutely certain?”

A moment of silence followed.

“Right. Do whatever you can… Okay, goodnight.” He hung up the phone.

“How can they not find the magic?” cried Pinkie.

Krysta fluttered up to her and reminded her, “Remember, the tech in this world isn’t as advanced as ours…” he paused “But that doesn’t make sense still. Why can’t they find it?”

Sunset had a very sickening feeling crawling through her. “Either the magic can’t be detected because it’s too far away… or…” she stopped and clasped her head in her hands with a look of sheer horror.

“What? What is it?” asked Shining Armor.

Sunset hoped with all her might she was wrong, “…Or maybe… someone else found it!”

Everyone gave a gasp, and Pinkie, overdramatically, slipped off the sofa.

Whenever anyone got their hands on magic like that, it always turned into a big disaster, like Midnight Sparkle, or Human Sunset Shimmer running amok, and various other strange happenings.

“Now, now, now!” said Lightning “We can’t assume that someone has found the magic. We’ll just have to keep looking for it.”

“My thoughts exactly.” agreed his majesty.

“Why don’t we go out and search for it ourselves?” suggested Starla. “We still have our energizers. Maybe we could track it with our visors?”

Lightning shook his head, “If the base can’t detect the magic when it should have its doubtful our visors would too.”

Just then, a small clock over the fireplace mantle chimed. It was starting to get late.

“We should all head home…” said Sunset “We all still have schedules tomorrow, but any time anyone has any free time, you can spend that looking for the magic. We’ve got to find it.”

In the Magic World, everyone had been briefed

*Mykan’s POV*

With everyone’s disguises working well, the group was free to leave the gate chamber. No one outside of the group suspected anything; not the guards, the staff-- anyone!

I took everyone to the briefing room where I gave everyone files of their records and background which helped everyone understand who they were better and what to do will staying here.

While some of the group felt they could handle their jobs with ease, others were not so optimistic, especially the five grownups, and before long it was time for people to head home to their jobs and their “Families.”

Since Krysta was still having trouble understanding her teleportation magic. Other fairies were asked to take Cadance and Shining Armor to the New Crystal Empire, but not before they picked up Flurry Heart, their “daughter” from the Palace Daycare.

“Mommy! Daddy!” the little 4-year-old chirped as she skipped merrily up and hugged her “mother”

Even though the couple were told about her, they were very surprised to see how much older and bigger she was compared to their real baby back home.

“Uh… ready to go home… honey.” Shining Armor said, trying hard to keep up his act.

Cadance forced a smile on her face, while trying to hide how nervous she was.

Soon, they were off.

As were the rest of the team. All I could do was wish everyone “Good Luck.”

Everyone felt they were going to need every bit of it, and they were all off.

As for Sci-Twi and Spike, since they had no place to stay, I decided to let them bunk out with me at my house. It was a small place, but I had room, and a sofa bed.

“I don’t usually have company, but I hope you guys will like it here.” I said.

Soon we were having dinner, which Sci-Twi was grateful for. Even Spike was happy to be able to eat loads of human food instead of just dog food.

“You know, maybe it’s not so bad here.” he said with his mouth full.

Then he let out a small belch of flames. Sci-Twi and I gazed at him rather sternly for his poor table manners.

“Sorry.”

Twilight was still fascinated by my house. Though it was all one big, massive room with upper areas reached by stairs, she thought it was all magical.

“So, this is how you live?” she asked me.

“More or less.” I answered. “I have to admit… it is nice to have guests over, especially those from home.”

Sci-Twi giggled, but then she felt worried for her friends and wondered how they were getting on, which I was wondering too.

Act 7: Settling in

ACT SEVEN

As it was nighttime, Luna was instructed about Princess Luna’s duties-- to stay awake and patrol the kingdom and keep an eye on all nighttime activities and jobs.

This was not easy for her at all. She had been through a lot and was already rugged to exhaustion.

She stood up on the highest terrace of the palace and struggled to stay away. She let out a huge yawn. “How does the princess do this?” she wondered.

Just then, Goldwin came along to give her a pep-pill to help keep her wide-awake and alert, which worked very well.

“Wow! I feel like I could run a marathon!”

Goldwin chuckled, and then yawned, “Goodnight, and good luck… Princess.”

Luna winked at him and then continued with her watch.

Some of the friends had already settled into their specific homes and were in bed and asleep, while others were having a little bit of struggles.

Lightning and Starla started out a little shaky. It was shocking enough they had to pretend to be married, but the fact that they had children too…?!

“Mommy, are you going to tuck me in?” Shining Light asked.

Mommy… Being called that sure sent a wave of strange feelings through her.

“Coming… sweetie.” she said putting on an act, and soon she was tucking her “son” into his bed. Though he wasn’t her son, he looked so adorable the way he yawned and drifted off to sleep.

“Goodnight, Mommy.”

“Goodnight.” she said sweetie, and she was about to leave when Shining said her, “Where’s my goodnight kiss?”

Starla’s almost skipped a bit, but she kept herself steady. “Oh, silly me…” she chuckled, and she gave him a huge peck on his little head, which gave her a strange feeling of warmth, yet guilt as well.

“Goodnight.” Shining peeped, and then he was out like a light. Starla could only stare at him with a motherly gaze and feeling.

Lightning, on the other hand, was having a bit of trouble with Twinkle Star while trying to change her diaper. “I don’t know how to change a diaper. I have problems changing my own mind.” he grumbled to himself while struggling.

Twinkle kept fidgeting about, and Lightning had troubles of how to position the diaper and fit it on her.

He thought of using magic to steady things out, but he remembered what Mykan had warned him.

“Commander Lightning can’t do magic, so you mustn’t use yours at any time.”

Somehow or other, he managed to get the kid diapered and changed into her jammies, but then there was the matter of rocking her, and walking her about until she finally fell asleep.

“Finally.” Lightning whispered after setting her down in her crib. Still, he couldn’t help but gaze upon how cute she looked… for a little humanoid-pony.

Lightning then went downstairs where he found Starla sitting on the couch. She had made some cocoa for the two of them.

“Thanks.” he said as he sat down. He grabbed his mug, but hardly felt much like sipping.

It was awfully quiet in the big house, and the couple didn’t know what to say or feel about this whole situation.

“So… um…” Lightning said trying to break the silence.

Starla just nervously drummed her fingers along her mug.

“So… here we are?” Lightning said.

“Yeah… here we are.” replied Starla. Then she finally said what was on her mind, “Lightning, look. This just feels so strange. It almost feels like we’re… well, that we’re…”

“…I know.” Lightning quickly said. “We shouldn’t really talk about it out loud either,” and he whispered, “What if the boy’s listening, or anyone?”

They both agreed to try and keep it low and just play along with things.

“So… should we… head up to bed?” asked Starla.

Bed… the bed they were supposed to share together! That, by far, was one thing that got both their bloods churning with worry, and yet they found themselves gazing into each other’s eyes unable to look away.

“Wow!” Lightning thought “She’s so pretty… for a pony person.”

“He is so handsome the way he looks.” thought Starla.

They suddenly found their faces moving closer and closer…

…Then there was a soft knock at the door that startled them and nearly made them bonk heads, but they snapped into reality and realized what they had almost done.

“I… I’ll get the door.” Lightning said quickly.

“…I’ll… uh… go check on the kids.” Starla rushed upstairs, but she went to the master bedroom. “Oh, my gosh!” she murmured softly year tearfully “We almost went there!”

Lightning answered the door, and was he ever surprised at who it was. “Swift Star…?”

There was no mistaking it, this was Swift Star’s magical counterpart from this world.

“Glad you’re back, sir.” Swift said while saluting. Then he motioned at a big box full of binders containing reports, documents, schedules, and other papers. “Sorry to do this on short notice, but all these need to be filled out by tomorrow morning.”

Lightning thought he was going to faint in terror by all the many papers and things there were for him, which made him remember… he was the Commander!

“Is something wrong?” asked Swift.

Lightning quickly responded. “Uh… no… everything’s just fine.” Then he didn’t know why, but he asked, “Is there anything else?”

“Yes, sir… the other reports need to be completed by tomorrow afternoon.”

“Other reports…?” Lightning muttered to himself.

Swift saluted and bid him, “Good night, Commander.”

“Yes… goodnight.”

Lightning could hardly believe it. “Swift sure is different in this world.”

He entered the study, and he gasped at the loads of papers on the desk-- the other reports he was just told of, plus the ones he was just given!

…He fainted!

Applejack and Buddy had gone to New Sweet Apple Acres.

Applejack was fitting in well with her “family” and what really surprised her was the fact that Bright Mac and Pear Butter were alive, and Granny Smith was… passed away, while in her world, her Granny Smith was still alive, but her parents, likely, weren’t.

“Glad you’re home, Sis.” said Applebloom. “We were beginning to think something really went wrong.”

“Eeyup.” agreed Big Mac. “I don’t know how you Starfleeter’s do it, but you always come out of it okay.”

Applejack chuckled almost nervously. “Yeah… that’s use, alright; prepared for anything.”

Then she thought, “I certainly wasn’t prepared for all this. I wonder how Bud’s making out?”

Buddy had a little more surprising than she did. It was amazing enough they were neighbors living across from each other, when Buddy didn’t live on the acres back home, but the fact that he had a “daughter” with Tree Hugger.

Buddy was tucking 2-year-old Seedling into her crib.

“Kissy-Kiss?” the little toddler cooed, and Buddy just couldn’t resist the sweet little girl, and he pecked her sweetly on the head, yet thinking, “This is incredible. It’s almost like looking into the future.”

Once the kid was sleeping peacefully, he left the nursery and stopped right in the middle of the hallway to get a hold of himself. “Easy now… I can do this. Just keep up the act.”

“Hey…” DD called softly from behind, making him jump in fright, and made her jump too. “Whoa! What’s with that?”

Buddy calmed himself, “Nothing, I… I was lost in thought. What’s up?”

DD was astounded by her “cousin’s” behavior; he usually wasn’t jumpy like this. “Just reconfirming, we’re still on for patrol in the morning?”

Buddy blinked in confusion, “Patrol?”

Now DD was confused, “Well, yeah, I’m a junior cadet, remember. You said you’d supervise me on my next rounds.”

Buddy remembered what he had been told that DD was not just his cousin but his private pupil and on the verge of becoming a full Starfleet Officer.

“Oh, yeah… sorry. I just don’t know where I’ve been today. I mean, a lot’s happened.”

DD then headed off to bed herself, leaving him to head downstairs to the living room where a fire was roaring in the fireplace nicely.

He sat on the sofa trying to keep himself together. “So, far so good…” he muttered himself, but there was still one thing worrying him…!

That’s when the front door opened, and Tree Hugger came in from teaching a night Yoga Class in the snow. “Yo… I’m home.” she called softly…

Buddy turned and saw her…

She flicked back her lovely locks behind her head, which made her look prettier than ever.

“That’s her…” Buddy thought. “She’s beautiful…! Ack-- wait! What am I doing? She’s not my Tree Hugger, even though she is in a way.”

He also noted her big belly as she was five months pregnant-- as he was told.

His heart was racing with feelings of warmth, but more of worry, especially when she came over to him, “Hey, there…” she said, and she leaned down and kissed him tenderly on the lips, which shocked him as he sat there with his eyes open wide and his face turning red like a heated kettle.

Tree Hugger felt something off about him; his lack of kissing her back. “You feeling alright? Your love is vibing, but your Zen is, like, way M-I-A-?”

Buddy was frozen stiff. She even had her Hippie Talk, which he still understood.

Finally, he snapped awake, “…Just, a little tired, it’s been a long day.”

Tree Hugger wasn’t too convinced, while Buddy was feeling slightly relieved. “I can do this. I can pull through this act… I hope.”

Then there were Rhymey and Fluttershy, living in General Fluttershy’s cottage.

Button Fly was in his crib fast asleep. The couple had tended to him wonderfully, but it still shocked and frightened them that they had to pretend to be married with a kid.

This also meant sharing a bed together.

Oh, it wasn’t all that awkward. They both even thought it would be great practice before they got married for real, but they still felt a bit nervous. With all this happening, it felt like they had been married a long time.

Rhymey felt the covers quiver as Fluttershy shivered.

“I say,
Are you okay?” he asked.

She nodded softly, and then she turned to face him,

“No! No, I’m not.
It’s this fear I’ve got.

I know we have to roleplay well,
To make our ruse go really swell,
But… pardon me that I fess up,
What if we cause a little mess up?”

Rhymey understood,

“I feel the same way, I do,
I’m just as nervous too.
But I do know that I love you so,
We can do this, me and you.”

She blushed and her eyes twinkled.

“Well, if that’s how you feel…
Can we practice marriage for real?”

Rhymey eyes widened,

“Fluttershy…?!
Oh, my…!” he said, especially when Fluttershy shut her eyes and pursed her lips forth.

Of course, he couldn’t resist her. It was going to be their future life.

He slowly moved towards her, and just as their lips were about to make contact.

Angel suddenly hopped up onto the bed, frightening them both. Just like Fluttershy’s real pet rabbit, he had nightmares, and he needed a cuddle at night-- as in sleeping in bed with the two of them.

The little rabbit was shaking with such fright, Fluttershy just couldn’t say No, much to Rhymey’s dismay.

Then, there was Artie…

He had already put his little “daughter” Sun Stream to bed in her crib, and he just kept watching her. He found this all to be incredibly unbelievable.

When first he got to this place, he was greeted by Sunset Shimmer.

“Hi… heard there was trouble today.” she said, referring to an alert that spread out over the happenings at the palace. Thankfully, she didn’t know of the switch.

“Glad you’re okay.”

Artie hardly knew what to say. He knew this was not his Sunset Shimmer-- the Magical One-- but her human counterpart who came to live among the magical ones, married his pony-counterpart and had a kid. Yet, even in a pony-like appearance, anyone that didn’t know better would be fooled.

The family had supper, and then it was time to put Sun Stream to bed.

“I suppose I should get to bed too.” he thought quietly. He was very nervous about this, but his nerves calmed down when he saw Sunset was not there in the bed they would share together.

He took some time to undress, put on his sleepwear and climb into the bed, still fretful of something that was likely to happen.

He was worried that Sunset would come in, and strip herself in front of him, then climb into bed wanting to “Get it on!” which freaked him out, knowing she was not his wife.

He got his answer when Sunset came into the bedroom yawning and feeling exhausted. “All that woodcarving sure knocks you out.” she said wearily.

Artie remembered, unlike his Sunset, this Sunset was an artist just like General Artie, and she indeed looked beat to do much of anything.

“Whew!” he sighed softly in relief.

Of course, Sunset wasn’t too tired to want a goodnight kiss, and she turned to face him with her lips pursed forth.

Artie knew he had to play his role well, and to help him, he thought of his own wife, and pictured it was her lying next to him, which helped him bring his lips to her in a loving smooch.

When they separated, and she smiled at him, and lay down, drifting off to sleep, he just lay flat down on the pillow looking straight up at the ceiling in near shock, but he kept reminding himself, “I’m not having an affair, I’m just doing as I was told!

I’m just… doing… as I was told!”

Sunset was sound asleep beside him, snoring very softly. He couldn’t help but wonder how his Sunset and the other Artie were doing.

Back in the Human World, Sunset had shown Artie into their college dorm where they lived for the duration of the term.

The two of them just sat on the bed feeling too embarrassed and afraid to crawl in.

“I… I can sleep on the sofa.” Artie offered.

“No!” Sunset snapped, “Sorry… you don’t have to, sir. You’re higher in rank. You should get the bed; I can sleep on the sofa.”

“No, no!” Artie insisted “I can’t do that. This is your life, it’s your dorm room, it’s your bed… you should rightfully have it.”

“But Sir… I insist that…” Sunset couldn’t go on.

Artie was about to be firm with her and make it a direct order, but he couldn’t bring the words out.

So, a compromise was made… and they were soon both in the bed together.

Artie lay on his back looking up at the ceiling, while keeping his distance away from the woman on the other side of the bed.

“You can come closer.” Sunset said, though nervously.

“Um… thank you, Colonel.”

“Artie… you know you have to stop being so formal with me. I know our ranks and all that, but we have to play our roles right so no one will suspect anything.”

“Alright. I’ll try my absolute best.

Um… goodnight, Sunset.”

“Goodnight.”

Everyone else had gone to their respective homes as well.

(1:32)

Some of the others were sleeping peacefully, while others were not so well.

Human Fluttershy lived in a small house in the suburban area, preferably near a forest and marsh where other wild animals lived, but not so many as back home.

Here, she lived with Angel, just like her own pet rabbit. He was all tucked into his basket and sleeping peacefully, and Fluttershy thought he was so sweet and well cared for.

But she still felt lonely without her husband, her son, and many other of her animal friends.

As she climbed into bed, she looked out into the night sky and shed a small tear.

“Goodnight, Rhymey, my love,
I pray to all the stars above.
I wish you were here. I miss you so dear,
It the feelings that we’re all made of.”

Within the city, Rhymey occupied Human Rhymey’s single apartment in the urban area, which was just over “Rhyme Time” Café, much like his own join back home and very convenient for him…

But his heart ached as he lay alone in bed, missing the warmth and comfort of his wife’s presence.

He said sadly to himself,

“Goodnight Fluttershy, wherever you are,
We may be apart, but no matter how far,
I really love you, and always think too,
That you are my one and only star.”

(2:34)

Lightning and Krysta stayed in Human Lightning’s apartment loft, which was much better furnished than the empty lot it used to be.

In all his years on the force, he had never felt so worried about so much at the same time.

He looked down at his left hand, right at his ring finger, which was now bare. He had removed his wedding ring just like some of the others to help with the playacting, and it really made him feel sad.

He was standing at the window and looking up at the night sky, and the sleepy city off in the distance with all its lights glowing and thinking about his friends, especially Starla…

Starla stayed in Human Starla’s apartment in the city, on the top floor of a five-story building, with a perfect view of the night sky. Human Starla even had a telescope of her own and binders full of astronomy notes and findings.

She felt strange being all alone again. Human Starla had no parents or any other family, so she naturally lived alone.

She missed having Lightning near her so much, and this also brought on serious worry about her children back home, and she prayed they were okay under the care of their allies.

“The sooner we find that magic, the better.” she said to herself.

Lightning was thinking the same thing. “Tomorrow… it begins.”

(4:17)

Lightning saw Krysta, asleep in her little nestbox bed. She was so peaceful. This made him feel calm and quiet, as he climbed into bed and fell asleep.

Act 8: First Magical Morning

ACT EIGHT

It was a quarter to dawn in United Equestria. Celestia and Celesto were sleeping peacefully in the royal master bedroom. They somehow managed to make it through the night.

The magical music-box alarm clock on the stand next to the bed began to play bright yet soft music telling them it was time to get up.

“Celesto… stop that noise!” groaned Celestia.

Her husband, however, awoke bright as ever. As a businessman, he was always an extra early riser and used to it.

“Come on, Celestia. We must get up, or don’t you remember?”

“Remember what?”

“…We have to raise the sun, or at least make it look like we can. Now, come on!”

His wife begrudgingly managed to sit upright. She never woke up this early in the morning, when it was still so dark out. She would usually sleep another hour or so.

She almost fell back down again to drift back to sleep, but Celesto dragged her out. “Come on…!”

Soon they were up on the highest terrace, where they found Luna collapsed and asleep on the floor. Her pep pill had worn off, and she was out like a candle, which Celestia felt like doing herself as she yawned.

“Come on, you need to stand with me.” said Celesto.

Celestia found her strength and stood tall with him.

Of course, neither of them could actually move the sun or moon like their magical counterparts could. They barely even understood the basics of their natural magic. Not to mention they didn’t actually have to since the sun worked the same way the sun back home did-- it rose and set all on its own.

The couple still knew they had to play their roles, especially for all the other early risers who enjoyed watching from their homes.

“Let’s go.” said Celesto, and hand-in-hand, he and his wife fluttered up into the sky, and joining their hands together, they made their bodies glow and held out their arms to make the illusion look real.

The sun began to rise over the horizon, casting its warm rays over the snow filled lands, and early risers basked in the glowing brightness, while others in New Canterlot looked up and saw who they thought were their majesties doing their stuff.

The act worked well, and the couple returned to the terrace.

“Gee, this is feels rather nice.” said Celestia.

Celesto agreed, and then he scooped up Luna in his arms.

Soon, Luna was tucked in bed where she could sleep as long as she needed.

“Poor sister…” said Celestia. “It’s not easy being princess.”

Her husband chuckled, “And I have a feeling it’s not going to be easy being Grand Ruler and Queen either.”

He was about to be proven right as he and his wife left the bedroom, and one of the royal servants ran into them in the hall.

“Good morning, your majesties.” He said, and he handed out what appeared to be a single sheet of paper. “Your schedules for today.”

Celesto took the paper, and it magically unraveled in a long, long list of chores, appointments and all sorts of tasks to tend to.

Things like…

-Assemble the guards
-Assess the condition of the decorations
-Assign duties

…And that was all just the beginning of the A-Section. There were tons of royal duties to tend to...

-Meet with councils…
-Arrange the weather schedules…
-Work with charities

Already this was more than ten times the usual duties the couple did back home, even Celesto was worried. He thought to himself, “I may be a businessman, but half of these things I don’t even know.”

Celestia was fretting in thought just as much. “How can I possibly manage all this?!”

“Your majesties?” said the servant. “Your majesties, are you alright.”

The couple snapped awake. “Yes, we’re fine.” said Celestia.

The servant began to sense something unusual going on, but he had work to do and walked off, leaving the couple to contemplate how in the world to get through all these tasks.

Just then a guard came up to them, “Pardon me, your majesties.”

The couple turned and recognized him as one of the guards from last night. One of the few who knew the truth of their identities.

The guard looked around to make certain that no one was watching, and he whispered very softly, “A gift from Professor Brain.” He placed two tiny, square electrodes into their hands and instructed them to “…Stick them to your temples!”

He saluted and went on his way.

The couple felt unsure, but nonetheless, they did as they were told and the minute those little chips went onto their temples…

“Ohh…!”

“Ah…!”

They felt their brains going positively crazy, and before their eyes were psychedelic colors and magical symbols and markings.

“What’s happening?” asked Celesto.

“My brain…!” cried Celestia “…It’s going crazy with all kinds of information.”

Then, before their eyes, appeared an image of Professor Brain.

“If you are hearing this message, then listen to me well.

While you may look like our exalted rulers, you still lack the proper information. This factor alone may have serious consequences that may expose our little ruse.

Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to develop these little devices. They contain all the information and knowledge you will require. Without them, you will be your ordinary selves, but while they remain attached to you, you shall retain all the wisdom and knowledge of Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia.

The chips have also been magically camouflaged so that no one may see them, but you must take incredible precautions to keep them concealed and safe.

I have sent a chip to each member of your party so that they, too, shall be able to play their roles much more effectively.

The rest is up to you.

Good luck.”

The message and all the other images faded, and the couple nearly fainted. It was a good thing nobody saw them.

They managed to stay on their feet, and they looked at each other’s heads. Surely enough, the chips were not visible, but still very much intact.

The couple never felt anything like this. So much information, so many new discovered all at once, like someone had reprogramed their brains.

“Let’s get to work.” Celesto said.

His wife nodded proudly, “We have a galaxy to protect and a planet to run.”

In the Human World, Swift Star, having spent the entire night passed out on the floor, had awoken.

“Ohh…!” he groaned as he felt his head. “What a night.”

He hadn’t forgotten that strange lightning that had struck him.

He got up onto his feet and walked over to a mirror on his wall, which came with the room when he moved in.

He looked at his face all over, pulled down his eye lids and stuck his tongue out. He didn’t seem to look different.

Then, he wanted to see if the mirror was clean and correct-- to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating-- so he gave it a gentle tap, and the entire thing just shattered like thin ice.

“Whoa!” he cried as the shards all fell to the floor. “How in the-- I didn’t hit it that hard!”

He looked down at the mess of shards all over the floor, and he angrily fell backwards hard onto his bed…

…Which smashed under impact, and Swift landed with a huge thud, but strangely he didn’t feel much from the fall himself.

“What’s going on here?!” he wondered.

He still wasn’t hurt, but now his bed and his mirror were all smashed, and he didn’t have money or tools to even clean them up with, let alone repair.

“Great! How am I supposed to fix all this! He growled, and he angrily clapped his hands in frustration, causing a magical flash, and just like that… the bed and the mirror were fixes, and looking better than they were before-- stronger, more solid, and cleaner.

Now Swift was really starting to get scared. He looked at his hands with wide and trembling eyes.

“Am I going crazy?

Am I nuts…?

Am I…” he stopped when he checked he could see the time on his cell phone, “…Am I going to be late for work!”

He grabbed his cell phone, accidentally crushing it in his hand. “Ah, man!” he groaned, but just as he was about to throw it in a fit of anger, there was another magical glow coming form his clasped hand, and when he looked… the phone was all fixed, and newer looking.

Shocked and astounded, Swift took it easier to wash up and get dressed without breaking anything else.

Then, carefully clasping his phone so as not to break it again, he checked the time. “Shoot! I’m going to miss my bus!”

He rushed down the stairs of the building, and out the door… in half a second.

“Uh…! How did I…?”

Feeling incredibly starstruck, he wandered behind the building where no one would see him.

“What’s happened to me?” he wondered. “Super Strength… Super Speed… Fixing things like… like…” he paused. “…That light!”

He thought back to last night when he was struck…

He needed to know for sure!

He slowly moved his hands towards one another-- fingertips towards fingertips. There was a soft magical glow that began to emit from his hands.

His eyes widened, and then he decided to try one last thing!

He held his arms out from his sides aiming his hands at the ground, and he magically began to levitate into the air. Up, up, up… to the top floor of the building.

He just stood in midair and looked down at the big drop below his feet. His face lit up with a joyous grin.

“MAGIC…!!!” he shouted with glee!

Oh, did he have a fun time! He didn’t bother to take the bus to work when he was able to run super-fast and just leap from rooftop to rooftop, and gaps that were too far for him to make the jump, just levitated the way over.

He stopped for a moment to catch his breath. “This is so awesome! I actually have my own magic!”

He started to wonder “How? Why?” but all he could think of was, “That Light…!” He didn’t know where it came from, and he wasn’t sure how it found him, but all he could assume was, “This is fate! This is my calling!”

He began to think of all the wonderful things he’d be able to do with his newfound powers.

*Mykan’s POV*

As a teacher and a mountain boy, I was used to waking up early.

I received a letter from the professor telling me about his info-chips, which brought me great relief. “Well, that’s a load off the mind.” I said, “I wonder how the rest of the gang is handling things?”

*POV Pause*

Lightning was collapsed over his desk, overly exhausted from blowing his mind out trying to get even the simplest of the reports filled out, when he hadn’t the slightest idea of what to do…

…When his chip arrived by teleportation with the message to attach it to his head.

The moment he did so, he was off like a speeding bullet, approving, signing, and writing up all the documents, orders, and assignments without much worry at all.

Starla had received hers the minute she had awoken, and soon she came downstairs to Lightning deal with other reports that she, as Supreme General and second-in-command, could approve of herself.

She also found time and energy to prepare breakfast and tend to the children. She and Lightning could even change Twinkle’s diaper like experts.

All the other members of the gang were at the top of their game too, they knew all the information, schedules, and things and people that were strange before were now familiar and perfect to them.

This allowed them to do their chores, or go on patrol, or give lectures, and sign reports with perfect ease as if they had been doing it their whole lives.

Krysta was at the top of her game as well, and she was now acting like the proud fairy queen she was.

“Alright, you warping fairies. Let’s get busy.” she ordered as she assigned her soldiers to their posts to assist with teleporting.

She also had taken time to understand her own powers and how to teleport herself and others around, and she was most impressed with her incredible strength by lifting a huge, solid ice block over her head… with just her hands and arms!

“If I could do this back home, I’d be totally unstoppable.” she chuckled to herself.

Of course, some of the other friends didn’t need too much info of the chips to perform some of their tasks, for they already had some of the skills from their ordinary lives.

Applejack and Buddy already had extensive knowledge of farming, planting, and plowing, and the methods in this world were hardly all that different from their own, and then Buddy was off with DD taking her on patrol.

Rainbow Dash was a born athletic daredevil! “Ah, yeah!” she cried as she went through training courses on foot and in the air, soaring through all the obstacles and mock death-traps. “This is so awesome!” she exclaimed “I never get thrills like this back home.”

One of the Wonderbolts overheard and was confused, “But, General… you are home.”

Rainbow quickly snapped back to herself. “Uh… yeah… Right. That’s me, here in New Cloudsdale.” She chuckled nervously, which began to arouse confusion.

“Keep it together, Rainbow!” she thought to herself.

Fluttershy was busy helping hibernating animals in the forest be more comfortable, by giving them extra blankets, or reinforcing nests and beds with twigs, mud and fur from General Fluttershy’s personal stash.

“Have a good rest my animal friends,
Hope to see you when Winter ends.”

The animals were grateful, but they all couldn’t help but feel that something was off about her.

Fluttershy herself felt off with what she had just said, and she thought…

“Why did I say all those words?
I don’t know those creatures and birds.

It must be Fluttershy’s knowledge and things,
And all the info this microchip brings.”

Even her thoughts were all in rhyme. The potion she took really affected her speech. She couldn’t stop rhyming no matter how hard she tried, which helped her role.

Rhymey was working at Rhyme Time, serving hot drinks to all the creatures

Dyno and Myte did their snowplowing, and then it was back to their mines where they unearthed coal for fires and other gems and stuff.

“Hey, this is so much fun.” said Dyno.

“Si, and to think we already have the skills for this back home.” agreed Myte.

Rarity awoke, and she took one look at her reflection in the mirror and nearly gasped in fright, but remembered, “It’s just a disguise. I really am beautiful underneath. I’m beautiful! I’m beautiful! I’M BEAUTIFUL!!”

She was panting heavily now that she was in control.

Suddenly, there was a little voice calling for her. “Mommy…! Mommy…!”

Rarity snapped back into reality, remembering that in this world, General Rarity had a daughter… with Spike!

Little Twilight Sparkle Scales, nearly two years old. Rarity wasn’t sure what to make of the child’s half-and-half appearance, but she seemed so sweet, and so innocent.

“To think…” Rarity thought “I even rejected to looking after my own sister back home. Now I have to play “Mother” as well? This world is officially becoming too much for me.”

Nonetheless, she had to play her role, and soon she and her “child” were having breakfast at the table. Though Twilight was young, she was already able to feed herself, though she got more of her oatmeal on her face than in her mouth.

“Oh, really…” Rarity groaned, and she begrudgingly wipe the child’s face.

“Boo.” Twilight cooed softly when the rag was lifted away, and the way she giggled warmed Rarity’s heart. “She does seem rather adorable.” she thought.

“Where Daddy?” asked Twilight.

“Daddy…?” Rarity became nervous and had to think quickly “Oh… um… Daddy’s, gone off for a while.

Yes, he’s off on a big mission, and he said he’ll be back as soon as he can.”

Her fib fooled the little toddler perfectly.

Soon, Rarity did the dishes and put Twilight in her playpen with her toys and with Opalescence, but Opal hissed at her as if she could tell that something was off, and she leapt away.

“Kitty!” cried Twilight, while Rarity sighed in relief. “This may be harder than I thought.” She worried in thought, knowing that cats had stronger senses to the truth.

“I’m going to have to really buckle down and keep up my act better than ever.”

She looked in the Boutique Shop; all the clothes on display, the dresses over the mannequins, and even the holiday decorations all set up. She realized there was a lot for her to do…

Already she had so many ideas flowing through her head for the holiday rush, and she rushed for her sewing table…

As for Pinkie Pie, she was even more at the top of her game than any other. She was already skilled at baking goodies, and her mad roller-skating skills made serving customers a breeze.

“Here’s your cocoa.

Cinamon Buns, coming up!

Milkshake for two.

This ones on the house-- love your smiles.”

The Cakes and Apple Spice had never seen her so up and about and full of energy.

“Somebody must’ve had a good night’s sleep.” said Carrot Cake.

“You should’ve seen her when she came home.” said Apple Spice, and he recalled in a flashback.

His wife came home, “Honey… I’m home.”

Spice saw her, “Are you alright? I heard all about the alarms at the palace, and I--” he stopped when his wife dipped him back and kissed him deeply.

“Come on, you. I’m tougher than I look-- you know that.”

Spice was not one to question it much, especially when Pinkie kissed him again, and then she proceeded to play and smother little Biscuit Pie.

“How’s Mommy’s big boy? How is he?”

Biscuit cooed and giggled.

The flash ended…

The Cakes were blinking in amazement.

“Well, Pinkie always was one to take many things in stride.” said Cupcake.

Just then, Pinkie came skating into the kitchen, where she skillfully donned oven-mitts. She pulled a large tray of cookies out of the oven and popped a new batch of batter in to be baked. She set the taken-out tray on the cooling rack and then grabbed a tray of ready cookies and skated out again to serve them to the customers…

…But not before stopping at the door and winking at Apple Spice.

Spice and the Cakes shrugged it off and got back to work.

*POV Resume*

Spike then asked, “How come Twilight and I don’t get one of those chips?”

Sci-Twi already knew why, “It’s because we don’t properly fit in this world. There’s no one we really have lives or duties to trade with.”

Part of Spike already knew that answer as well.

“Besides…” Sci-Twi continued “Even if I could have all the information, I’m not sure I’d want it.” She got up and headed for the window. “I mean… just look at that; a whole new world with so many discoveries just waiting to be explored and understood.”

I could see she was very eager to get out there and learn. So, I stood up and told her, “And I know just the place you can start.”

After breakfast, the first thing I did was teleport to the market, and I returned with warm clothing for the two. A big coat for Sci-Twi, and a scarf, mittens, and earmuffs, and for Spike, a little coat, scarf, mittens, and a hat, and a pair of boots for the two of them.

Then, I brought the two to the New Canterlot Public Library.

“Wow!” Sci-Twi exclaimed very softly.

“Would you look at the size of this place!” hollered Spike.

“SHHHH…!!” the patrons sneered, making Spike blush in embarrassment.

I took my friends to the many sections and explained, “Whenever I’m not at work or conducting my observations, I like to come here to do a little research. It’s all right here…

Stuff about Magic, Art, Cultures, and History and Sciences, those are the real takers.”

“History and Science?” Sci-Twi peeped. She knew she had hit the jackpot and grabbed an armful of books.

I could tell she was going to be fine, and Spike offered to stay with her.

I had to go to work. I left Sci-Twi with a spare key to my house. “If you two get bored or tired, just head back there. Don’t go wandering around too far, and remember…” I spoke very softly into their ears reminding them “…Don’t tell anyone your names. It’ll arouse suspicion.”

The two agreed to behave, and I left them.

So far, things were going fine… but that didn’t mean it would stay that way.

“I wonder how they’re all doing, in the Human World?”

Act 9: New lives

Author's Note

Well, that's that... Even taking time and doing best to go back and make sure things work...

...People still relentlessly thumb down my fic in spite. (Toxic People)

Act 9: New lives

ACT NINE

Grand Ruler and Celestia, even Luna was all up early that morning. Though they all were not acting as royal monarchs, they still had work to be done-- the work of their human counterparts.

Luna felt especially well-rested instead of having to stay up all night long for a change and be groggy in the morning.

Also, the trio discovered a trick to help conceal their identities…

Celestia and Luna had done their hairs in long, thick, and tight French braids to stop the hairs from fluttering, and Grand Ruler just plain didn’t wear his cape.

All three of them cast a cover up spell on their heads to stop their hairs from sparkling. Sadly, Grand Ruler’s golden streaks couldn’t be covered, but he was ready for that.

The three adults walked down the halls of the big mansion and were greeted by the servants and the maids as they passed.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning, ladies.”

“Good morning.” the man and ladies would reply.

They came downstairs into the main hall; its massive size still astounded them. It had to be about the same size as the royal throne room back home.

Soon, the adults were at the breakfast table and served their requested meals, but they were very careful not to say a word or anything to compare things to back home.

So, they merely spoke telepathically through thoughts.

“It almost feels like we never left home.” said Grand Ruler.

Celestia agreed, “I must admit, it sure will feel nice not to be wrapped up in so many royal duties for a change.”

“While I do feel very well rested…” said Luna “I cannot help but worry about things back home. Will our counterparts be able to do all our duties.”

“We must have faith.” replied Grand Ruler, and he revealed to them the plan about the chip Professor Brain had invented “I always had assumed we’d have memory problems, and those chips were always thought of, but never actually made. I’m certain all is well.”

The ladies found this somewhat of a relief.

Just then, a young woman entered the kitchen-- Emerald Shiana, Celesto’s secretary. “Good morning, sir… ladies…” she said.

“Good morning…” replied his majesty. The ladies nodded thankfully.

Shaina then handed her boss a binder containing his daily schedule of appointments, meetings and other things.

“Thank you.” Grand Ruler said, and then he noticed her gawking at him. “Something wrong?”

“Sir, you’re not wearing your cape.” She quickly then said “N-N-Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just it’s unusual to see you without it.”

His majesty chuckled, “Well, it doesn’t hurt to change things up here and there. Besides, it’s eighty-seven degrees out there today. That’s a little warm.”

His top-notch acting had her fooled. “Yes, sir.” She didn’t even bother questioning the streaks in his hair, feeling it was just something in his own private life not to be bothered with, nor the ladies wearing their hair in such unusual doings.

Shaina left to continue her work, and that’s when the children, Castor and Lelani came in. “Good morning.” The four-year olds said.

“Good morning…” the adults said back to them.

“Did you have a good sleep?” Celestia asked lovingly.

The children’s nodded so adorably, she nearly wanted to shed a tear. Ever since seeing the children last night when coming home and astounded to see they were much younger than her actual children at home… it was a lot to take… especially to keep up the act.

Grand Ruler checked his watch. “I must go; lots to do today.”

To keep up his act, he hugged and pecked the children goodbye. “You have a good day today.”

“Yes, Daddy.” they both cooed, which the ladies giggled at.

Celestia then walked her husband to the front door and privately kissed him goodbye, but also for good luck.

They spoke in thought again, “Remember, use your cellphone to text me, don’t call.”

“Right, we cannot take any chances of being overheard. Good luck, dear.”

“…You too.”

Then he left, climbed into his limo, and he was driven off for the city, and along the way he had made sure to send word out to anyone questioning there whereabouts of Sci-Twi, and he mere concocted a story saying that he had her called away on a mission overseas and she would be back eventually.

“I’m starting to enjoy this.” he thought to himself.

Soon, Celestia and Luna had left the children in the care of the house staff who always cared for the children while the grownups were at work, and the ladies arrived at Canterlot High.

“Well, this should be rather exciting.” Luna said, trying to be optimistic, but Celestia only smiled at all the good memories it brought back of her teaching little colts and fillies in Magic School. “This shouldn’t be too hard.”

Just then, Lightning came along. “Morning, Ladies.”

“Lightning?” said Luna. “What are you doing here?”

Celestia informed her, “Remember, he’s a teacher at this school—or rather the other Lightning Dawn is.”

Lightning nodded, “It shouldn’t be too hard. I learned some of the history of this planet when I was a student here, and I studied the lesson plans and did some crash courses last night. I should be able to handle this.”

Before they headed inside to prep for the arrival of the students and other staff, Celestia whispered into his ear, “Have you heard from the others?”

“No, but whoever isn’t working today or something important will scout for the magic, and they’ll text me first.”

“Good.”

The trio headed inside, and Lightning said, “By the way, love what you two did with your hair.”

The ladies giggled.

Applejack had been awake since dawn, like a true farmer, up at dawn and doing her chores before breakfast.

“Come and get it, y’all hear!” hollered Granny Smith.

Hearing that voice and smelling the sweet aroma of her food really made Applejack freeze up with joy and sadness. “Oh, Granny…”

It was like having her own Granny Smith back in her life, even though it wasn’t, and worse… her parents, or rather their counterparts were nowhere to be seen or heard from, but she couldn’t ask about it.

The food was just divine, “Just like Granny always used to cook.” Applejack muttered.

“Eh? What’d you say now?” asked Granny.

“Oh, uh… I mean… great food, Granny.”

Granny looked at her with a perplexed expression. “You seem a bit odd this mornin’, honey.”

“Why shouldn’t I be.” Applejack said in thought. “Here I am, living the other Applejack’s life, in a strange world, with folks that look like my family but ain’t!”

“Oh, I’m just fine.”

Applebloom said, “I know what you need… some good horseback riding after I get home from school.”

“Huh?”

“Why not? It’s how we all get our kicks.”

“Eeyup.” Replied Big Mac. “We could all go when you get home.”

“Horseback riding?” Applejack said in thought. Being a horse herself, she had never ridden before in her life—not like that.

Granny yawned, “Y’all better wait ‘till I get home from work. I gots to help at Canterlot Cafeteria today.”

“We’ll take of the farm, Granny.” Big Mac promised while hinting at himself and Applejack.

“Um… yeah, sure will.” Applejack replied, then she grumbled in thought, “I ain’t got time for this! I’ve gotta help find the magic!”

Cadance was at home with baby Flurry Heart. Though she was Principal of Crystal Prep, she was on maternity leave. Someone had to watch the baby in the daytime.

Shining Armor, as Vice Principal of the school, had to go to work, which he dreaded.

He was seen with hordes of teenagers passing by and he called to each one he saw so much as slightly breaking a rule.

“You there… Tuck in that shirt!

No chewing gum!

Straighten out that tie, missy.”

The Front Office staff were really confused by his behavior.

“Is this why they didn’t send a replacement Principal?”

“Hey, I think he knows what he’s doing.”

“Besides, you heard the orders from Mr. Grandruler; he needs the experience.”

Shining Armor sure felt cool and confident in all this, “Nothing to it… just like being Captain of the Guard again.”

“I hope he’s doing okay.” Cadance said as she fed the baby her bottle.

Spike stayed to keep company, and for him, at the moment, transforming into the Dragon Knight and joining the patrol were out of the question, it would break cover, not to mention he didn’t have a visor to track the magic with.

For now, he was over at the window looking out into the suburbs. “I wonder how Rarity’s doing?”

Rarity had taken up residence at Human Rarity’s, and she was having a terrible morning. She had woken up with a terrible stomachache and rushed to the bathroom many times to really go! She even vomited many times.

“It’s so disgusting!” she groaned, and then she puked again into the toilet.

She looked up and cried… then she puked.

Looked up and cried… then puked.

It was easy for her to figure out what was wrong-- All that food she ate last night! She was half dog, and she couldn’t take the food as easily as she used to.

“This is the end!” she cried “I shall never be the same aga-he-he-hen!” and she puked again.

Opalescence was passing by the open bathroom door gawking at her in shock.

Rarity turned and saw her, and her canine instincts began to kick in again as she growled at the little cat with a near look to kill, frightening the feline away.

“Ohhh… why me!” Rarity groaned, and her stomach gurgled again. “Oh, no!!”

She was in no condition to help in the search for the magic.

Sunset and Artie couldn’t help, they had classes in college. Sunset studying biology for her medical degree, and Artie heading up an Art Class, which was easy for him considering his masterful skills.

Fluttershy couldn’t help either. As Human Fluttershy was studying to become a licensed Vet, she had her work studies with Dr. Fauna at the Animal Shelter and clinic.

Of course, Fluttershy, already a licensed and professional Vet and Animal Caregiving back home, already had plenty of skills to show.

She gave checkups to all the animal patients perfectly without being told what to do…

She cared for all the sick and caged animals as expertly as a qualified vet would.

Dr. Fauna was most surprised. “Fluttershy, have been taking crash courses?”

This made Fluttershy realize she was overdoing it, and likely to blow her cover.

“Um… there’s nothing to worry about,
I just… really love animals, that’s no doubt.

I’ve been studying hard, really, I have been,
So I can be the greatest anyone has seen.”

Dr. Fauna was still a bit perplexed, “And when have you started talking like that?”

Fluttershy chuckled nervously,

“I guess I’ve been with Rhymey so long,
The rhymes in me are getting real strong.”

Fauna smirked, “…I think it’s sweet. You’re getting married, and already you’re taking after him as a sign of love and respect.

I look forward to the wedding, it’s going to be wonderful.”

This made Fluttershy’s insides quiver with worry, so much that she nibbled on her nails and gave her little trademark nervous squeak.

Rhymey was thinking of this too as he worked at Rhyme Time Café.

He thought quietly…

“The wedding is only days away.
Hopefully by then we’re on our way.

Fluttershy and I can’t go through with it,
We can’t have much to do with it.

Our friends lives and ours would be in a mess,
Gosh, this is causing me such stress!”

He was so lost that he ended up putting too much whipped cream on the customers cocoa, which embarrassed him.

Even Dyno and Myte couldn’t make an early search, they had digging to do for the construction of a new building, which they found more enjoyable than they first thought.

“Hey, Myte, is this fun for what?” asked Dyno.

“Ay’! Esto es tan genial *This is so Cool*!” cheered Myte. “It’s not like being at our mine, but it sure feels great.”

The brothers, rather than using heavy machinery or explosives, just grabbed picks and hammered at the ground using only their ordinary Starfleet strengths.

This was no secret to the other workers; they knew of it.

“Look at them go!”

“And all this time, I’ve been doing it the honest way.”

“They sure get through more in a day than we do in a week.”

As much fun as the twins were having, they did keep in mind they had a mission to do.

At school, everything seemed to run like clockwork.

Celestia gave the morning announcements from the principal’s schedule.

“Cheerleading Practice has been cancelled due to the upcoming Christmas Dance to be held this Friday before holiday vacations.

And do not forget the school’s “Secret Santa” program. You only have three days more to get the student you drew a gift.

That will be all-- As you were.”

She switched off the mic and chuckled. “This is kind of fun.” Then she got to work with notices, reports, and other messages, which were not all that hard for her to read and figure out.

Luna, having no paperwork to do, was out in the halls, and just like Shining Armor, she was making sure that students knew their place.

She caught three slackers skipping class by staying in the hallway and chatting up.

“Ahem!” she said, and the boys froze up. “…Unless they are holding classes in the hallways, kindly be on your way!” Her voice sounded so threatening, and her eyes of darkness scared the boys into going back to class.

Lightning’s History Class went smoothly…more-or-less!

He handed back some quiz papers, all of which did not have very pleasing marks. Several Cs, Ds, and especially Fs.

“You people have been studying history of “The Christmas Truce” for two weeks now, and this is the best you can do?

A simple, yet unofficial series of widespread ceasefire in 1914, whereas fighting among all soldiers had stopped simply for the holidays.

Or… maybe you people don’t seem to care too much about the history of your own country.”

His deep words hurt the students hard, but some of them barely seemed to notice or care, especially one girl who was busy texting on her phone, which greatly annoyed Lightning to the point where he stood before her, tapping his foot, and held out his hand as if to tell her to hand it over… which she did.

“What is it that drives you all to put your education down?

What is it that gets inside your heads?

It’s a little game you tend to play, feeling that some teachers will go along with it, or simply not mind, but in the end, who pays the price later? You do!”

His words hit the students so deeply that it motivated them to try harder and study more. It also helped Lightning keep his cover. No one suspected a thing.

Grand Ruler was at a business meeting that day dealing with business merger, but he did not like the way the representatives gave their presentation of profit-margins, plans for stock increase or inflations.

“This sounds more like a business solely to gain profit rather than provide good service, to me.” he said.

“But Mr. Grandruler, sir…” one of the reps said “This is golden opportunity. Everyone, yourself included, will be richer, and businesses will be conquering from coast-to-coast like a plague spreading.”

This was all that was needed to be heard. “Yes, “A plague” indeed.” said his majesty. Even the other board members were losing interest in this deal.

“Just as I suspected,” his majesty continued, “You seem to care more for profit than you do for good business, or other people’s needs. Not exactly the kind of image we are looking for.”

It was clear to see, these greedy businessmen were on the verge of flopping.

“I’m willing to give you another chance.” said Grand Ruler. “If you can prove by the start of the new year that you are willing to clean up your act and be a company more for the people rather than the profit… perhaps we have something.”

The men agreed, and soon left, while the board directors applauded for Celesto’s astounding handling all that.

“That was better than he’s ever done before.”

“You’d think he’s been managing whole kingdoms.”

His majesty chuckled in thought, “If they only knew… Being ruler of an entire galactic empire is hard work. I make deals like this all the time. It’s easy for me to see who to trust and who to reject.”

Still, he couldn’t help but wonder if anyone at all was out and about searching for the magic.

Luckily, not everyone was super busy that day.

Starla didn’t have any plans, classes, or any place to be.

Buddy didn’t have to tend to any gardening or planting, Rainbow didn’t have classes at college that morning, and Pinkie wasn’t needed at work until later.

So, they all transformed and began to scout around the city in the air.

Starla was flying up high and using her visor to scout for any magical signs.

She, like the others, also learned how to use her new communication system.

“Hey, guys… have you two found anything?”

Buddy was first to ring in, “I’ve combed the West-Side of the island. I got nothing.”

“Rainbow, Pinkie, anything?” Starla asked.

The girls didn’t answer at first.

“Rainbow? Pinkie?”

As expected, the girls were goofing off, doing ariel acrobatics in the sky.

“WEE-HEE-HEE…!!” Pinkie shouted as she looped round and around.

“This is so awesome!” Rainbow hollered as she zoomed, dived, and spun about.

This prompted Starla to shout into the mic, “QUIT FOOLING AROUND!!”

The girls stumbled about in the air, and Buddy groaned and scratched his ear from the ringing. “Starla, take it easy!”

“Yeah, I’m just testing my flying skills.” Said Rainbow.

“Yeah, me too.” Added Pinkie. “I already scanned about. I can’t find the magic either.”

Starla and Buddy both groaned.

“Hey!” called a voice, and Krysta flew up to Starla. “Thought I’d help with the search. I don’t have a visor, but I can still see from up here.”

Starla nodded, “At the rate we’re going we need all the help we can get.”

Eventually, they all met up together, high in the skies over the center of the island.

“What if we contact the base?” Pinkie suggested.

“I already tried,” replied Buddy, “They’re not having any better luck than we are.”

“Gee… How hard can it be to find one magical source on an island like this?” complained Rainbow.

As the friends continued to fly overhead, all they could see down below in town was more Christmas preparations, shopping, and other things, but hardly anything out of the ordinary.

Suddenly, the base was calling them. “Red Alert! Red Alert!”

“Starla here. Have you found the magic?”

“No, this is a red alert. We’ve picked up police radio waves of a Bank Robbery taking place at the First National Bank on Main Street. There are hostages being held at gunpoint.”

Pinkie gasped, swallowing too much air!

“We better go help.” Said Starla.

The others agreed, knowing it was Starfleet’s job to fight crime just as much in this world as their own.

“Let’s move!” ordered Starla.

“Uh… just where is Main Street?” asked Rainbow.

The fighters were still new in this world and didn’t know much of their way around, but Krysta remembered from all her many flights from all her adventures.

“Follow me, I’ll show you.”

As the fighters neared the scene, they stopped in midair.

“What just happened?” asked Pinkie.

All the hostages were safe and sound and so were all the Bank Workers. The criminals were all apprehended and looked really beaten up, and all their weapons were broken and busted up too.

The news crews were there covering the story live on TV and over the radios.

“Let’s tune in and hear what they’re saying.” Said Buddy.

Everyone agreed, and adjusted their visor’s listening range to pick up the radio waves of the reporter talking…

“The bank money, the workers, and the civilians were all saved by a mysterious hero who refused to give his identity, but security footage from the bank’s cameras clearly showed what happened.”

The images changed to showing the robbers holding the people at gunpoint while the tellers loaded up all the money as per the demands… When suddenly…

…A stranger just appeared smack dab in the middle of the bank. There was no sound on the video, but the picture was clear enough to see.

This stranger was dressed from head to toe in a slick, shiny, golden outfit with white streaks down the sides. He was shrouded in a magical aura.

The criminals tried to shoot him up with all their machine guns, but not a single of their bullets even scratched the guy.

Cadance and Spike saw everything on the television.

“Is this for real?” Spike asked.

“Wait, look!” cried Cadance.

The images then showed the stranger magically yanking all the guns and weapons from the robbers and crushing them in his strong hands.

Some of the robbers were freaked out, but others were not willing to go down without a fight! So, they foolishly lunged for the stranger, only to get horribly beaten up like nothing.

With the robbers down and their weapons destroyed, the cops began to move in, but the stranger vanished, teleported away before anyone could thank him or even speak to him.

The reporter continued, “There’s word or idea on who this stranger was. While he seemed to be using magic forces, it is unknown if he is affiliated with Starfleet at all, but the people are nonetheless grateful for these actions.

And another question that remains: “Will this stranger be seen again?”

There was nothing more to be said.

Up in the sky, the team looked back and forth at one another.

“You don’t think.” Said Rainbow.

“We have to tell Lightning and their Majesties.” said Starla.

She got out her cellphone and texted everyone, and it was agreed to meet at Sci-Twi’s home later.

Act 10: Playing it Hard

ACT TEN

Little Spike let out a huge yawn of boredom. “You’ve been researching for hours.” he whispered to Sci-Twi.

She just couldn’t stop. She had learned so much about United Equestria and more, but she suddenly decided. “Maybe we should get out and stretch our legs a little.”

Thanks to maps she had looked at and copied, she felt she knew how to navigate around New Canterlot.

She put all the books back on the shelves she took them from, and she left with Spike.

“Wait!” Spike said “I don’t think we should just wander around like this. What if something happens to us?”

“Don’t worry about that.” was all Sci-Twi said as they headed into town.

They stopped off at the public market and browsed at all kinds of strange and wonderful items-- books, tapestries, pottery, and many more things. There were even lots of things for Hearths Warming-- trees, wreaths, hollies, ornaments, household decorations, stockings, even sweaters, mittens, and scarves.

Sci-Twi couldn’t buy anything because she didn’t have the correct currency to use, but just browsing was enough for her. “This is so neat.” Sci-Twi said to herself. “Everything here is almost exactly like it is back home.”

Spike was more fascinated by the snow. Then he suddenly felt tingly. “Whoops. I’ve got to use the little doggie’s room.”

Even as a dragon, Spike still had some of his canine instincts, and he looked around, and saw a fire hydrant in the middle of the market square. He waddled over, lifted his leg, “Ahhh….”

The patrons and shoppers saw this and were appalled.

“What are you doing?!”

“Have you no shame?!”

“Call security!”

“We’ve got a troublemaker here!”

Sci-Twi saw everything, “Hey!” she hollered while trying to rush past the crowds. “Excuse me! Excuse me!” She got through just in time as two big tough ponies came, ready to apprehend Spike and issue him a fine.

“Stop!” Sci-Twi shouted as she pushed her way out. “What’s going on?”

One of the guards picked Spike up. “Is this little guy with you?”

Sci-Twi nodded, and she could not believe what she was told next. “You did what?!”

“I had to go to the bathroom, I just forgot.” Spike wailed innocently.

The two guards were not convinced and were about to fine Sci-Twi as well. “What did I do?” Sci-Twi wailed.

“Public Urination is one thing, but leaving a child unattended is another.” said the guard. “I’m afraid you’ll both have to come with us.”

“What?!” cried Sci-Twi.

“That’s not fair!” whined Spike.

Just as the two were about to escorted from the market…

“Hold it!” shouted a voice, and who dropped in but Lightning, who was in New Canterlot on official duty, and Krysta was with him as she would never leave his side without good reason.

The guards saluted him.

“What’s going on here?”

The guards explained to him the trouble.

“I see…” Lightning said while glaring at his friends. Thinking quickly, he dismissed the guards, “I’ll handle this myself.”

“But Commander, Sir…” one of the guards tried to protest, but Lightning wouldn’t hear of it, and neither would Krysta. “He said, it’s taken care of!” she growled. “Don’t question your commander.”

Lightning gave the guards the money for the fines-- he had proper currency.

With this settled, the guards resumed their duties, and Lightning escorted his friends to a quieter place away from onlookers and peepers.

“What were you thinking?” Sci-Twi scolded Spike.

“Seriously? Urinating in public?!” added Krysta.

“I’m sorry!” whimpered Spike. “I just really had to go, and something just came over me, and…”

“Alright! Alright!!” Lightning insisted “You two are just going to have to be more careful. I’ve got enough to worry about as it is. Do you have any idea how hard being Commander is?”

He was still recovering from all the reports he had filed out in a split that morning.

Then he had to go on patrol, arrange the sentries, and now he was here in New Canterlot, where he had just come from training new recruits at the palace.

He stretched up, cracking his bones, “Even with this chip in my head, I don’t know how the other Lightning does this all the time.”

“I hear that,” said Krysta “I have to rule over and command a whole bunch of tiny fairies that teleport all over the place and come from another planet. Thank goodness I don’t have to go back there… yet.”

Sci-Twi and Spike couldn’t begin to feel or understand how hard everyone had it, and wondered how Starla was getting on, and the others.

Starla, since she was supposed to be on Maternity Leave, had decided to take the children to Sugar-Cube Corners for some hot cocoa, and that so she herself could walk around New Ponyville and see new sights.

As she went along, passersby greeted her.

“Good morning, General Starla.”

“Morning.”

“General Star, how’s it going?”

“Morning.”

It still astounded her that everyone was calling her “General” but at least it meant her cover was holding.

She and the children arrived at the café, and they were greeted by Pinkie loudly, “Hey, Starla!!”

Starla was shaken up by the outburst and her mane was messed up. The children giggled at how funny she looked while she straightened her mane.

Soon, Starla and the kids were sitting at a table, and Pinkie gave shining a nice big cocoa with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

“Thank yooooou…” Shining cooed.

Pinkie patted him on the head, but then she heard a little voice call, “Mommy! Mommy!” It was Biscuit Pie, and he had a little spill in his highchair. “Mommy’s coming, sweetheart.” Pinkie called as she dashed off.

Starla was impressed, but worried as well. “She sure is playing her role well… Almost too well.” she thought.

Soon, Shining Light had finished his treat, and he was playing in the play area with Pumpkin, Pound, and other children brought over.

Twinkle was too little, and she was asleep anyway, so Starla just kept watch over her.

“Aw, she is just soooo cute.” Pinkie cooed softly.

Starla couldn’t deny that. “Yeah, she is.”

“You’re so lucky to have a little girl like her.”

Starla blinked once and then whispered into her ear, “She’s not my baby, remember? Just like Biscuit isn’t your son.”

“I know…” replied Pinkie “I’m just trying to play my role as well as I can.”

Apple Spice came by with a hot meal he was taking to a table. “My ears are burning, are you talking about me?” he teased.

Pinkie giggled, “No, silly… but you just might come up.” She said while flirtingly tickling his chin, and then pecked him on the mouth…

…Much to Starla’s shock. She waited until Spice was gone to scold Pinkie, softly so no one would hear, “…Are you crazy-- you’re making out with someone else’s husband?!”

As usual, Pinkie just shrugged it off, “It’s just acting. It’s no big deal. Technically, in a weird, not-so-off way… he is my husband anyway.”

Starla facepalmed.

“Besides, what about you and Lightning?” Pinkie asked, “Aren’t you two playing your roles well?”

“Huh?” Starla looked up blushing in embarrassment.

Pinkie couldn’t stay and chat any longer, she was called back to work.

Soon, Starla and the kids were on their way home again, and it started to snow.

Shining Light held out his tongue to catch falling snowflakes.

“What are you doing?” Starla teased.

“I caught one! I caught one!” the little colt cheered.

Starla found this to be amusing, and then she thought deeply to herself, with Shining Light walking near her, and Twinkle in the carriage…

“This is starting to feel like… like I have a real family of my own.” she thought to herself.

Earlier she had seen Lightning off, like a real wife seeing her husband leave for work.

She recalled in the flashback,

“I’m on duty now, you take care of the kids until I get back.”

“I will.”

They gazed into each other’s eyes, almost feeling like a real married couple, but it didn’t go any further, and Lightning left.

The flashback ended, but Starla could only sigh while blushing.

“Mommy are you okay?” asked Shining, but Starla didn’t answer.

In her mind she broke into a song while thinking about Lightning and her obvious feelings for him. It was clear what she wanted for Christmas, or Hearths Warming or whatever…

There are lots of things this holiday I don’t need
I just know what I want so much
Presents and fancy dinner would be nice
But all I ask, is for someone special as such

As she sang, images showed her rejecting all the fancy things one could have during the holidays, all in exchange for the guy who was always on her mind.

I don’t need any rides in a magic sleigh
Or a great big feast to see me through
Don’t need a tree, and presents coming my way
I just know that I want to be with you

What would I want with things,
While nice as they can be
I want something only you can give,
A love to share for you and for me.

She imagined herself standing in the middle of a beautiful field, and there she and Lightning were, in their human forms, and he would reach his hand out for hers with a loving smile, and she would try to take his hand, only for him to disappear and leaving her alone.

It’s only you that I want to see
No other present or carol will do
I don’t know what’s to come or be
I just know that I want to be with you

What would I want with things,
While nice as they can be
I want something only you give,
A love to share for you and for me.

It’s only you that I want to see
No other present or carol will do
I don’t know what’s to come or be
I just know that I want to be with you

I just know that I want to be…

…with you

Her final fantasy was of her and Lightning in each other’s arms, looking deeply into each other’s eyes, and their faces moving towards each other’s…

…But then it all faded with Shining called to her.

“Mommy! Mommy!” causing her to wake up and realize the red alarms were going off, meaning trouble was afoot!

A large creature had traveled in from outer space and set out to invade United Equestria, and he had landed in the meadows just a foot from the forest and Fluttershy’s cottage.

Starla wanted to investigate, but she knew she couldn’t leave the children alone, and she wondered if her friends were going to answer the call…!

Indeed, they had…

Most of the friends heard the alarm, and, thanks to their info chips, they knew how to find the danger-- where the alarm signals were coming from the strongest--

Buddy, Artie, Rhymey, and the Twins arrived on the scene, in New Ponyville meadows, and they were soon joined by Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

“This had better be important!” Rarity fumed “I was on the verge of completing a new holiday-themed gown.”

“Never mind that!” snapped Buddy. “Where are Lightning and Starla.”

“I guess they couldn’t make it.” said Pinkie “You know, home with the kids and being in New Canterlot.”

Rhymey then explained,

“Fluttershy couldn’t come here,
She is watching the baby so dear.”

Suddenly, there was a loud crashing sound, and everyone turned round to see a huge, hulking, laughing alien being.

He was more than twice their size, he had greyish skin, and a strong looking build of muscles. He had long black hair, with spiky edges like needles-- which they were indeed. He wore a thick, black vest like armor, and had steel bands on his wrists and around his arms, and strong armored leggings and big boots.

He was armed with a laser gun, explosives on his belt, a machete in a scabbard on his back.

He rode on a massive, monstrous motorcycle capable of rocket-flight and armed with lasers.

“Who are you supposed to be?” Artie asked.

The alien laughed and said, “Manners aren’t my thing, but fine… the name is Mach-E. I’m a Space Punk with only one purpose in mind, to cause all the ruckus I can throughout the galaxy and enjoy every minute of it.

I’ve heard of you, Starfleet, and to be honest, you don’t look like much to me.”

The team felt insulted.

“Maybe we ought to show you just how much we really are.” boasted Rainbow.

“You made a big mistake coming here, bub!” added Applejack. “Now, you’re going to pay for it.”

Buddy stood at the head of the group taking over as leader for everyone.

“Ready?”

“LET’S GO!!” the others hollered.

“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”

“HARMONY HOUR, FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”

With their super suits donned, the team stood ready, but Mach-E only laughed. “Oh… I am so scared.”

“Let’s take this creep!” said Buddy.

Act 11: Holiday Brawl

ACT ELEVEN

Everyone charged forth, and Mach-E revved up his bike and rocketed up into the air.

“Fire!” Buddy shouted, and he and the other alicorns unleashed a barrage of magical beams from their horns at him, but Mach-E skillfully maneuvered his bike and evaded many blasts, and others he just knocked away with his strong arms.

“You want to shoot beams? Okay, I will too…!” and he fired his bike’s lasers, and with one free hand he fired from his gun, forcing the fighters to scatter.

The blasts caused big explosions upon hitting the ground.

“Whoa! This guy packs some heavy fire power!” cried Dyno.

“It’s what we were warned about.” said Myte. “The bad guys here are mucho tougher than the creeps we face.”

Mach-E heard all that, “Huh? What’s he’s talking about?”

“Then we’ll just have to fight back hard!” declared Rainbow, and she zoomed towards the bike and began to fly in furious circles, and the bike began to tip off balance in the strong, twisting winds!

“Hey! Stop it!” bellowed Mach-E as fell into a spinout.

“VINE WHIP!” Buddy held out his weapon and gave it a crack, and Applejack whipped out her rope. They nodded at one another and lassoed the rocket tailpipes of the bike.

“Pull!!” shouted Buddy, and he and Applejack gave a great big heave and pulled the bike into a crash towards the ground.

“No!!” shouted Mach-E, and he quickly revved the engines and fired the rockets, making the bike pull away with equal force.

Applejack and Buddy pulled with all their might, but the pull was becoming stronger and harder. “We can’t… hold him!” shouted Applejack.

“Going up?!” teased Mach-E, and he revved hard nearly lifted the two ponies off the ground, when suddenly…

“Ha!!” Rhymey leapt in with his sword and sliced the tailpipes clear off, making the rockets blow up and the bike hurdle out of control, and forcing Mach-E to leap off.

The bike slammed onto the ground hard and went up in a big explosion.

Mach-E looked ready to explode himself… in rage! “You’ll pay for that!”

The fighters all stood together.

“More like you’re going to pay!” shouted Dyno.

“Give it up, meng, before we really lose our tempers!” added Myte.

The fighters all looked ready to brawl some more, but Mach-E only chuckled and laughed.

“Uh… what’s so funny?” asked Pinkie.

“You miserable mules have no idea what’s going on, do you?”

Rarity took extreme offense to that, “We, sir, are not mules! And just what do you mean?”

Mach-E explained, “Hello… I’m a biker… that means I’m part of a gang, whom, as we speak, have begun to mess up other parts of this planet.”

The team gasped.

At that very moment, other fighters had crashed down in other parts of the land, all of them were like Mach-E, just wearing different colors and stuff.

In New Ponyville, a red biker had appeared, riding a rocket bike and armed with the same weapons. “Yo’ Yo’… Mach-C here to bust up the house!”

Another fighter wearing green had hit the New Crystal Empire. “I’m Mach-O, who’s up for a fight?”

And a blue fighter, who was female, hit New Canterlot. “The name’s Mach-ZZ, and don’t you forget it!”

The people had already rushed inside homes and buildings, and the barriers were already activated, but there were still loads of things to break and destroy outside, like all the beautiful holiday trees, decorations, and displays.

Things outside to steal and break, like foods, goods, and stands and wagons.

…A Punk biker’s delight.

Cadance and Shining Armor had ordered all the guards and every Starfleet fighter in the area to deal with the threat.

“Your majesties, won’t you help us?” one of the guards called, but the couple looked ready to turn pale.

“We’re not fighters.” Shining Armor whispered to Cadance, and his agreed stating, “We also don’t have their transforming abilities, and we can’t do magic like they do.”

“Your majesties…!” the guard called again.

The couple could only rush out onto the Crystal Palace battlements and join the artillery crew. They had taken time to practice with their magic and were able to fire magical beams at Mach-O, knocking his laser out of his hand.

“Good shot!” Shining Armor said to Cadance.

His wife smirked, but the evil biker looked furious and rammed his way through all the hordes of soldiers on the ground, taking to the skies he shot at all the fighters that dared fly his way and set his sights on the palace.

“Take this!” he shouted and fired his bike’s lasers, but the barrier around the palace withstood.

“You can’t hide in there forever!” shouted Mach-O, and he was right, the barrier would only take so many hits before it broke down, especially when Mach-O began to throw his explosives at it.

“Open fire!” the lead guard shouted, and the canons fired, but Mach-O dodged every shot perfectly. “Is that your best?!” he mocked.

“No… This is!” Shining Armor called.

He tapped into the power of his mind chip-- to his magical counterpart’s knowledge-- he knew the barriers only stopped things from coming in, not going out!

He concentrated hard, and his horn glowed brightly, and then, with a mighty roar, he fired a huge blast, which passed through the barrier, and smashed right into the front of the bike, blowing it up!

“Hey! What the-- WHOA…!!” Mach-O wailed as he found himself falling hard towards the ground.

The fighters all ran clear from the falling bike. Mach-O had jumped clear just as the bike crashed and exploded.

“Well done, dear!” Cadance said, and her husband blushed.

Mach-O tried to get up and fight back, but he was overtaken by an army of soldiers that apprehended him and bound him to take him to jail and wait trial for his crimes.

The soldiers and citizens cheered, and Cadance and Shining Armor hugged warmly, but some of the guards were still confused.

“Why didn’t their majesties transform?”

“They could’ve taken that creep down much faster.”

In New Canterlot, ZZ eyed the big holiday tree in town square intending to blow it up first. “Say goodbye…!” she shouted, and threw one of her explosives, blowing the tree, the decorations, and even the setting below into a flaming inferno.

The citizens, though safe inside homes and buildings, were positively horrified, and children began to cry at the destruction.

Sci-Twi and Spike had taken refuge in the library. They saw everything out the window and were horrified to see the tree burning.

ZZ laughed wickedly, “What should I blow up next?”

“Nothing!” shouted a voice.

The alien biker turned and saw Lightning, already transformed-- using a special spell he had secretly cast to color his visor, shoulder, and stomach guard gold to keep up his appearance-- with an army of soldiers and knights behind him.

“Put out those flames.” Lightning ordered many of the guards, “The rest of you standby, keep the perimeter sealed and keep me covered. You too, Krysta.”

Krysta nodded proudly.

Lightning then stood ready to fight, and ZZ didn’t take him too seriously. “So, you’re Lightning Dawn. I’ve heard things about you.”

Lightning only growled.

“If you think I’m scared of you and your so called “Uniforce”, you’ve got another thing coming… since there’s no such thing!”

“Shows what you know!” shouted a guard.

“The Commander is one of the best Uniforce users of all.” called another.

“Come on, sir… give it to her.”

“Yeah, show her that it’s real.”

Lightning’s insides began to turn as he thought, “I can’t use the Uniforce. They don’t even realize my horn is fake.” He clenched his fists, but quickly remembered, “I can’t use any other magic either, it’ll blow my cover.

I’ll just have to do my best.”

“Well, come on!” shouted ZZ “Where’s this so-called “Uniforce” power of yours?”

“I don’t need to Uniforce to beat you.”

ZZ felt insulted, and the crowd of guards confused.

ZZ fired her bike’s lasers, which Lightning dodged by leaping up high. She fired more shots from her bike guns and her gun, but Lightning zipped, swerved and dodged every shot before making his way towards her.

He aimed a powerful punch at her face, which she blocked with the side of her machete blade, and then kicked him in the gut hard, much to the crowd’s shock.

“Lightning!” cried Krysta, but then she saw as Lightning quickly corrected himself in midair and rushed back towards her.

She threw her explosives at him… KAPOW!! It looked as if he really got hit hard.

“No!!” Sci-Twi shouted.

“Ohh…!” Spike whimpered.

Krysta gripped her wand tightly, hoping and believing that Lightning was okay.

“So much for him.” mocked ZZ, and she laughed wickedly… and then suddenly…

…KAPOW!! Lightning came up from below, by surprise, and flew straight through the bike, slicing it in two, and knocking ZZ way up into the air.

“Krysta…!” Lightning shouted.

“Coming!” Krysta shouted as she flew up high, and with a single wave of her wand, she managed to produce a small, but large enough pair of double transport portals.

ZZ fell through one, and emerged through the others, right smack dab in the middle of the army where the soldiers arrested and bound her up.

The civilians inside cheered with joy, while Sci-Twi and Spike sighed heavily in relief, not just that the danger was over-- at least here-- but Lightning managed to hold his cover.

Lightning then saluted to the soldiers, “You see, troops. I don’t need to rely on the Uniforce to be a great fighter.”

He convinced the army, but they were all still confused as to why he still didn’t use it in the first place and ended the fight more quickly.

No was not the time to think of it, the big Hearths Warming tree had to be replaced, which wouldn’t be too hard…

…But the danger was not fully passed yet!

Starla saw Mach-C drop in, and she saw the sentries and other fighters rushing into battle, and Swift Star was with them. She wanted to get out there and help, but she couldn’t leave the children unattended.

“Mommy, what’s happening?” peeped Shining Light.

Starla looked down at the child and assured him all she could, “Don’t worry, everything will be just fine.”

Little Twinkle looked scared, but Shining Light sat near his little sister and comforted her.

All Starla could do was continue to look out into the distance, especially at Swift.

Lieutenant Swift Star, as an auxiliary frontliner, just had to investigate the disturbance. He stood with the soldiers and glared at the nasty biker down.

“You are invading this planet.” Swift balked, “You are hereby ordered to stand down immediately.”

Mach-C only growled, “Oh, yeah. Just try me, soldier boy!” and he began to shoot up with his bike lasers, and he threw his explosives around.

“Scatter!” shouted Swift.

Big explosions erupted, and the soldiers dodged all those laser shots, especially Swift. The way he rolled, swerved and evaded all those shots…

…Starla saw everything, “Wow! The Swift in this world is amazing.” she said to herself.

“Hold still, punk!” bellowed Mach-C, but Swift just leapt up high, and gave the alien biker a huge kick in the face, knocking him off his bike and sending him crashing down hard on the ground.

His bike, with no driver, hurled out of control and headed straight for the Holiday Tree in Town Square.

“Oh, no!” cried Swift. The soldiers all gasped, but before anyone could do anything about it…

KAPOW!! The bike crashed into something, and it exploded before reaching the tree.

When the smoke cleared everyone looked on…

*Mykan’s POV*

I was teaching at the schoolhouse when I heard the alarms sound, and I could see the trouble. As an auxiliary Starfleet Fighter, and… knowing of the situation of the fighters… I had to investigate, and, under regulations, excused myself

When I saw the bike heading for the tree, and not wanting it to blow up, I quickly teleported into the bike’s path and let it slam into my Sheild of Righteous Courage. The bike exploded while my shield and its protection barrier protected me.

I then teleported straight to the battlefield.

“Well done, Mr. Stevens.” said Swift.

I nodded him, “Someone had to.”

Mach-C got up, still holding out his gun and his machete. “You think it’s over? You think I’m afraid? YOU THINK I WON’T GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT?!!”

I had already drawn my Sword of Pure Soul and simply remarked, “Let’s just battle.”

Mach-C looked ready to explode, and he charged at me shooting his laser, but I blocked his shots with my shield, and with a huge swing of my sword I sliced his gun in half.

“AA-AAA-AAAHH!!” Mach-C cried in shock.

Then he turned and saw me coming at him, and our weapons clashed-- his machete against my sword.

Our blades parried and clashed, but I was able to disarm Mach-C, thanks to my sword training.

“I’ll bust you up with my bear hands!” bellowed Mach-C, and he charged straight at me, but I teleported out of the way, causing him to miss me and head straight for Swift.

Swift casually held out his fist and the alien ran face-first into with a WHAMM, and then keeled over backwards unconscious.

The other soldiers cheered and saluted to me and to Swift.

I shook hands with him. “Well done, Lieutenant.”

“Not bad yourself, sir.”

*POV Ends*

As the soldiers apprehended the criminal, Starla saw everything from the window, and she was impressed. “Swift did all that, and he’s just an Earth Pony with no magic.”

It really made her start to think about the Swift Star back in her world.

Meanwhile, Mach-E was the only one left with all his weapons ready.

“Come on!” he shouted at the fighters.

“Let’s go!” hollered Buddy.

“SUPER STAFF!” Artie hollered, grabbing out his weapon.

The fighters all rushed in…

“Take this!” shouted Mach-E, and he fired his laser and tossed his explosives.

The fighters all scattered about.

The twins joined hands, “BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS!” They unleashed their missiles just like did back home…

Mach-E swatted through all the rockets with his machete and knocked them away with his fists, and he kept on rushing forth.

“SONIC RAINBOOM!” Rainbow came zooming in fast and bashed the alien hard in the gut with a big explosion.

Mach-E skidded backwards hard-- but still on his feet-- making drag marks in the snow and the ground.

The other fighters all leapt in.

“LEAF SWARM!” Buddy unleashed his razor leaves, Mach held his arms like a shield, blocking the leaves, which was exactly what the fighters wanted.

Applejack skillfully lassoed the weapons and wretched them from the alien’s grasp. “Yee-Haw! It’s cage time for you!”

Mach was still not willing to give up and tried to fight off the swarm of fighters himself with his bare hands.

Artie blocked his punches with his staff.

Mach managed to get one punch past the staff, but Artie quickly leapt up high, “COLOR KICK!” and he slammed him hard in the chest, right towards Rhymey who hacked him several times with his sword, making sparks fly.

“Here comes the claws!” Rarity shouted, and the screamed ready for the swipe… forgetting that her claws weren’t real!

CLANG!! Her fingers slammed hard against the alien’s huge face, doing a little damage, but hurting herself in the process.

Rarity quivered and jiggled like a gong that had been slammed. “OHH-OHH-OHH!!” she groaned.

“Rarity!” cried Pinkie, and she grabbed onto her to stop her shaking, only to shake herself up a bit too.

Rarity’s ringers were sore and throbbing, much to the alien’s confusion. “What in the world?! I thought you were tougher than that.”

In his distraction, the fighters all ganged up on him.

“CHARGE!!” Buddy shouted, and everyone attacked Mach from so many angles, so many blows and attacks. “Let’s capture him!” Artie hollered.

“Let’s do what’s right
And end this fight!” added Rhymey.

“VIVA!” shouted the twins.

The men all powered up their finishers.

“WHIPLASH STRIKE!”

“SUPER STAFF SPIN!”

“THRASH SLASH!”

“BOOM-BOOM FLARE!”

All those powerful finishers struck the alien hard making huge explosions and showers of sparks, and finally he fell over and exploded, and he was magically shrunk down and imprisoned in a sphere.

“Wow! Did we just do that?” Pinkie asked.

“Ohh…!!” Rarity groaned while stroking her aching fingers.

Buddy was panting wearily, “That was one tough guy.”

Rhymey agreed,

“We are not fit like our friends are,
Our strengths are only so-so by far.”

Everyone then agreed on one thing…

“We ought to take time to train,” said Dyno. “Strengthen ourselves, get used to more of our powers.”

Myte nodded and added, “Then we may be better prepared in case any other attacks happen.”

“Well, I know the perfect place for that.” said Applejack.

“Me too.” added Rainbow.

Act 12: Search Partying

ACT TWELVE

In the Human World, after her last Class, Sunset finally got the scout team’s message.

She spoke with Artie in the dorm room. “They finally have a lead?” Artie asked.

“It looks like it. The whole thing happened while we were busy.” Then she began to look fretful, “I was afraid this would happen-- someone found the magic… either that or it found them.

This is not good!”

Artie felt the same way.

While everyone else had already been texted and gave the message a thumbs up emoji on their phones, there was a problem with meeting all together, everyone was still at work and had things to do and couldn’t be free.

Grand Ruler couldn’t just cancel all his meetings and appointments that day without a proper emergency, but he texted Sunset saying he had a plan…

Celestia, Luna, Lightning, and Shining Armor were all still busy at school and couldn’t just leave without good reason, or replacements to take over their duties.

“This is nuts!” groaned Artie. “In our world, when the warning alarms sound, everyone just drops what they’re doing instantly and abide by the codes.”

“Well, this isn’t your world.” Sunset reminded him, “But we’ll have to talk about this later. We’ll just have to round up everyone who’s available and talk about it at Twilight’s place.”

Soon, most of the team arrived at the house.

Applejack excused herself from the farm saying she had to go grocery shopping.

Rhymey got someone else to take over his spot at the café.

Fluttershy’s work studies ended early that day.

Dyno and Myte were on a lunch break and only had an hour.

As for Rarity, her stomach finally settled, and she managed to make it to the house, only to stop for a moment when she gawked at a fire hydrant in the street. She began panting excitedly at it, and the thought of what she was considering…

“Don’t do it, Rarity!” Applejack cautioned, which helped her snap to her senses and take it inside.

Soon, everyone was seated in the living room. “Shh…” Cadance cautioned, and she pointed down in the cradle where Flurry was fast asleep “I finally managed to get her down for her nap.”

Everyone thought the baby looked so sweet and peaceful, and so they kept their voices down.

On the other side of town, in his big office, Grand Ruler Celesto had loads of things to deal with, but he found a way to carry out his plan, and fibbed to his staff…

“I am very busy, and I wish to take no phone calls and not to be disturbed for the next thirty minutes.”

“Yes, sir.” The receptionist replied.

His majesty was alone in the big office and shut the blinds to the windows making it dark inside. Then, he activated his desk computer and web camera.

At the same time, a call came in over the laptop in the living room at Sci-Twi’s place.

“That must be his majesty.” Spike cried softly.

Sunset clicked on the Video-Call.

“Ahh, good, at least many of you are present.” His majesty said softly-- he was told about the baby napping.

The team got straight down to the point.

“So, the magic is indeed here on this on this island,” said his majesty “And Sunset fears that someone may have found it.”

“That was our assessment as well, your majesty,” said Starla. Pinkie, Rainbow and Buddy nodded in agreement.

“So, what do we do about it now?” asked Spike.

“That’s still a problem,” admitted Sunset “If someone has found the magic, it’s a matter of tracing them, but we still don’t know who it is or where they are.”

“And we still can’t detect the magic either,” explained Rainbow. “We tried scanning for it after the bank robbery, but we got nothing.”

“And the base wasn’t able to detect anything either.” said his majesty “I already checked with them again. If the magic is infused with someone, that could be why it cannot be traced.”

This made everyone realize the obvious solution.

“We have to wait until this guy shows up again.” said Dyno.

“Si,” agreed Myte “And if he uses magic, in a great way, we should be able to locate him then.”

Fluttershy sighed,

“All this standby and waiting around,
I really hope he can be found.”

“I hope so too…” murmured Sunset. She looked very concerned, and she had good reason to be, just as everyone did. “Whoever has that magic may not realize what they’ve gotten a hold of, and it could get very serious.”

“You mean like another Midnight Sparkle episodes?” asked Artie.

“That would be a disaster.” said Grand Ruler. “We must find whoever it is and convince them to give the magic up. Whoever they are, they are dealing with forces that they don’t really understand.

In the meantime, we all continue as normal. We must keep our secret well-guarded.”

Everyone sighed…

Rhymey said…

“These human lives are very hard for us,
Going about and working around,
But I supposed we must do what we must
Until the magic can be found.”

“I just hope things don’t get worse.” said Cadance.

“Speak for yourself,” Rarity said with a mouth full of kibble bits she was eating from a bag of dog food.

Everyone gawked at her in shock and a little disgust.

“Are you actually eating that?” asked Krysta.

It was all Rarity knew she could eat due to her condition. “It’s a bit strong, but it actually tastes rather scrumptious.”

Spike chuckled, “That’s the doggie taste.”

His wife then offered him a handful of bits, which he happily munched on.

Applejack chuckled, “Like dogs to the ham bone.”

Rarity and Spike ignored her.

His Majesty sighed and rubbed his eyes.

“Are you alright, sire?” asked Starla.

“No, I’m more frustrated; worried even. I can’t help but wonder every second about how more and more difficult things are becoming, mainly because this isn’t our world where we have all our technology and resources to guide us.”

Everyone agreed,

“It goes to show how much we rely on the things we have, and how much we appreciate them.” said Cadance.

She felt a little hurt inside, worrying about her real daughter back home, which made the other parents worry as well, even his majesty.

“I… I must go…” he said to excuse himself to log off and be alone in the dark with his thoughts.

Everyone else was having a moment of silence at the house, only for the silence to be broken when Buddy’s cellphone buzzed with a text message.

“Uh, oh…” he said, “It’s Tree Hugger; she’s asking if we can meet up at the mall for lunch.”

Rarity saw the text and noted the red heart and kissy face emojis. “How sweet…” she commented, though she felt more concerned as Buddy did.

He knew of his human counterpart’s relationship with this world’s Tree Hugger, and he also knew that Tree Hugger was expecting him to propose marriage to her.

This meant Tree Hugger in this world had to be just as passionate and affectionate as his own wife back home.

“You better go, meng.” said Dyno.

“Si, we have to keep up our roles.” added Myte.

Buddy gulped hard. “Okay…” he stammered, and he left the house.

Then Pinkie’s phone buzzed with emails regarding her upcoming Christmas Party. “Party? I don’t remember throwing a party.” She quickly put 2 and 2 together and smiled weakly.

She checked her email and noticed several things going wrong. “Oh, no!”

“What? What is it?” asked Starla.

Pinkie looked ready to scream loudly, but she didn’t, not wanting the baby to wake. “Several cancelations were made.”

-The catering was canceled due to their ovens breaking down…

-The band hired had received a new offer they couldn’t refuse…

-The special party supplies Human Pinkie ordered were reported lost in the mail…

“This is horrible!” cried Pinkie. “I’ve got some serious Ultra-Party-Damage-Control to Ultra-Party-Damage Control!”

She rushed out the door too, much to Starla’s dismay. “I guess it’s up to the rest of us to do what we can.”

Everyone agreed.

Buddy made it to the mall in record time, thanks to his speed and agility, and hopping along rooftops. He made it to the food court, and there he could see her… sitting by herself at a table in the back… Human Tree Hugger.

Oh, did she look beautiful, especially when she flicked her lovely red locks.

Then she saw him and waved to him to join her.

Buddy gulped again and managed to make his way over, but nearly ran into a couple of girls on the way. “Sorry… I’m sorry.”

The girls paid him no mind.

“Ah, man! Talk about embarrassing!” Buddy groaned, and then he suddenly found himself standing in front of Tree Hugger.

“Like… Hey…” she cooed and fluttered her eyes at him.

Buddy’s face went redder than his skin-tone. “Hi…” he squeaked.

Tree Hugger giggled at how cute he was acting nervous, and then she reached up and wrapped her arms around him, kissing him deeply and tenderly… just like his wife back home. He just stood there with his eyes open in shock, and his body frozen with numbness.

She separated from him and felt something off about him. “Is everything chill?” Tree Hugger asked, “Usually your lips and mine intertwine like the sovereign unification.” which meant she was concerned how he didn’t seem to kiss her back.

Buddy had to think fast, or he’d be busted! “I… I… uh… I just can’t myself. You’re so pretty.”

She fell for it, and blushed while giggling, and Buddy chuckled, but extremely nervously. “Okay, this is getting bad already. I’m just glad my Tree Hugger doesn’t know about this.”

They soon were standing in line ordering lunch at one of the burger-stands, and Tree Hugger couldn’t help putting her hand down in his back pocket and resting her head on his shoulder.

She felt so warm, and her leaf-scented perfume smelled so nice, it made Buddy feel numb inside again. “Easy!” he said in thought “Just play along. Just Play Along!”

Suddenly, some of the patrons called out…

“Whoa! Check that guy out.”

“He’s incredible.”

“How is he doing that?”

Buddy looked and saw one of the cook boys preparing and frying up all the burgers at an incredibly fast pace.

He even prepared vegan burgers, that Tree Hugger loved-- scooping the mix, adding the correct seasoning, slapping it on the grill, and dressing up buns and stuff so rows of hot, juicy burgers were ready to eat in just under one minute.

“Whoa! Someone’s on the rush.” said Tree Hugger.

Buddy could only gaze at what Swift did next-- chop up and dice the potatoes and then cook them in friers to perfection.

He then prepares milkshakes, salads, and many more things.

He completed the enough food for the entire lunch rush, faster and to perfection. The rest of the staff and the manager were beyond astounded. He did all that work in minutes when it would take longer at a slow and steady pace for the whole crew.

“Bon Appetit!” Swift said with a bow, and the crowds cheered for him, even Tree Hugger, but Buddy could only watch in confusion.

Feeling confident, proud, and satisfied with what he had done, Swift folded up his apron and said to his boss, “I think I’ve earned a break.”

The manager was too choked up to argue or say anything. She was just too impressed and shocked by all she had just seen.

“That was, like, way cool!” chirped Tree Hugger “That kid was almost like… magic or something.”

“Just like magic…” Buddy murmured to himself. “I wonder…” but he had no way to prove it. “Maybe he’s just really skilled?”

Pinkie was standing in the mall, with a big sign worn over her body, which read, “Band for Hire!” and she had a little radio playing festive Christmas music while she hollered, “It’s your lucky day, all you groups or bands out there. Pinkie Pie needs your help; Pinkie Pie needs you to play at her all-inclusive Holiday Extravaganza Party.

Treats, presents, games, and Holiday Fun for everyone!”

Much as passersby were excited about her upcoming party, no bands or members of any groups approached her. They were either already booked, or not confident enough to try.

“Come on… don’t be shy.” Pinkie announced. “Come on, its Christmas time, a time for giving. So, give me some help and make my party give to everyone.”

Just then, she noticed someone passing by…

“Hey, that looks like… Swift Star?”

It had to be his Human Counterpart, but she didn’t remember Sunset ever mentioning him before.

Suddenly, an alarm sounded, and someone announced over the mall intercom, “Robbery! Robbery in the jewelry store! Security to front exit!”

Swift narrowed his eyes, and he quickly headed through a door leading down the hall to the washrooms where no one would see him.

That’s when three robbers all dressed in black came rushing by with sacks of jewelry they had stolen.

“Get out of our way!” shouted one of them, and the patrons all backed off in fear at the sight of their guns.

Security would never make it to the main entrance in time, but Pinkie saw this as a chance to do some heroics, but before she could do anything at all, and just as the robbers were about to make a clean break for the doors…

There was a bright flash of light, and that strange golden fighter appeared.

“It’s him!” Pinkie cried in awe.

“Get out of the way!” one of the robbers shouted, but the stranger only glowed brightly, much to the robber’s fright, and the crowds astoundment.

“And if I don’t…?” the stranger asked in a deep voice.

The robbers suddenly found courage to ready their guns, but the stranger held out his glowing hands and fired small pulses, knocking the weapons away.

“That’s magic!” Pinkie exclaimed softly.

“Three Seconds!” sneered the guy, “That’s all I need to stop you.”

Before the robbers could act or say a thing, the guy leapt over, and punched them all hard in the face, back or stomach…

“One…!

Two…!

…Three!!”

And… One, Two, Three, the robbers were down and out cold, dropping their stolen jewels, and just as security came to apprehend them.

The patrons all applauded to the hero, while Pinkie continue to gawk at the guy.

Then he noticed her, and he glared angrily at her, believing her to be Human Pinkie Pie. He turned and dashed out the doors.

“Wait!” Pinkie called, and she zipped off after him, rushing out the doors just in time to see him take off into the air and vanish.

“Who was he?” She wondered. She didn’t know, but she had to text everyone about what she had witnessed.

The Golden Fighter had teleported to a vacant area behind a building, and he transformed back into Swift.

He panted softly, but then his panting turned into slightly chuckles, “Oh, that felt so good!” he said to himself. “I’ve never felt anything like this in my life.”

This magic… was so easy for him to use and understand in just the short time he had it, and he was feeling stronger, and stronger all the time.

“I don’t need those Starfleet losers anymore, just like they don’t need me. I’ll just be my own hero.

Yeah, I’ll be better than those guys ever were, and show them they missed out!”

He clenched his fists, and they glowed brightly, and he foolishly unleashed a wave of aura into the air…

…Just as Starla and Sunset were flying high overhead near the area.

“What was that?” cried Sunset.

“I don’t know, but my scans are going crazy.” said Starla. “Oh, no! It’s gone!”

She still knew where the signal had come from, and she and Sunset headed down to investigate.

Swift felt a little woozy after that magical outburst. “Whoa! Why did I do that for?” he wondered to himself, and he walked off around the other side of the building, just missing Sunset and Starla touchdown.

…They hadn’t seen him.

Starla looked all around, scanning with her visor. “I don’t get it; it was just here.”

Sunset then felt her cellphone vibrate, and she got Pinkie’s text about The Golden Fighter.

The news crews reported sightings of The Golden Fighter that afternoon.

“It seems that Mystic Island’s newest “Hero in Gold” has struck again, after foiling a robbery escape at the downtown shopping mall. Witnesses still have no clue as to who this stranger is or where he comes from, but if he is out there for the better of the people, and helps save lives and stop bad guys… who are we to judge?”

At Canterlot High, school was out for the day, but students were already seeing the newsletters and viewing the reports live on their phones.

“Have you heard of this guy?”

“Who is he?”

“Now that’s a hunk.”

“I wonder if he’s with Starfleet.”

Lightning heard about the news himself, and he got the text from the group.

He headed straight for the Main Office to meet with Celestia and Luna, inside Celestia’s private office where they could talk without disturbance, but Celestia had an announcement to make.

She turned on the PA microphone…

“Attention Staff and Students, please excuse the interruption.” All the students who were still in school and all the staff stopped where they were, and Celestia continued. “The Secret Santa Comitte as well as discussions for the Holiday School Dance will commence in respective classrooms.

Please check your notes and confirm with the school calendar by the main office where you must be and at what time.

…That is all-- as you were.”

She turned off the mic, making sure that it was off completely.

“Very well said, sister.” said Luna.

Lightning nodded and Celestia smiled, but then it was down to business.

“It seems this “Golden Fighter” is the one we’re looking for.” said Celestia.

“That is the good news.” put in Luna, “But locating him exactly shall not be so easy.”

Lightning had received Starla’s text, and how she and Sunset failed to locate a lead. “Galloping Galaxies, this is hopeless.

Even if we had the entire team out there, I doubt it would make a difference. We could detect magic being used, and by the time we get there, it’ll be too late.”

Celestia sighed, “Whoever has that magic seems to know exactly how to use it.”

Luna tapped her finger in frustration on the windowsill. “If only we had more soldiers, more allies to aid us in the search.” She then sighed, “…But we don’t. It just goes to show how different this world is to ours.”

Celestia and Lightning felt the same, but there was no point in beating that bush.

“It seems our only chance is to keep our eyes open if anything happens.” suggested Lightning.

“I agree, and Celesto already does.” said Celestia. “We’ll find that magic, we’ve got to.”

“…And, hopefully, soon.” put in Luna.

Act 13: Unveiling

ACT THIRTEEN

All the rest of that day, there were no further sightings or reports of The Golden Fighter, as there were no more crimes or danger, and no need for heroics.

This gave every member of the team a chance to do whatever duties they had, and those that had nothing better to do that didn’t involve maintaining lifestyles were ordered to remain on patrol for any sightings of anything unusual that would lead to the magic.

The base was scanning the entire city and prepared to call in at any time and ready to alert everyone at any time… though this would not help, as understood, by the time anyone would react, it would be too late to reach the scene… but they were to stay on alert with round-the-clock shifts by order of his majesty-- still under the guise of Human Celesto.

So, their lives, or rather their duties, continued.

Lightning had papers to grade, lessons to plan for the next class… and he had to take a few refreshment readings himself to keep up with it.

Celestia, Luna, and even Shining Armor had to work at school, and help with preparations for upcoming school dances.

Grand Ruler was by far, the busiest of anyone, running companies and industries, and, at the same time, helping with the search in whatever ways he could.

All the others could do their menial tasks, just to keep their counterpart’s lives and reputations going.

Rarity was minding her Fashion Shop, and she had loads of sewing to do, not just for the Christmas Rush, but for Fluttershy and Rhymey’s upcoming wedding…

…It was still hard for her not to resort to her canine instincts, especially whenever Opal came near. She would growl at her and feel the need to chase her around the house, only to stop herself, regain control and resume her work.

Applejack went riding with her sister and brother as promised, only she had a little trouble keeping her balance in the saddle-- due to having never ridden like this before.

“Hey! Wow! Easy, boy!”

Applebloom and Big Mac were most confused.

“She’s riding like an amateur.” said Applebloom.

“Eeyup… Something weird’ s going on here.” agreed Big Mac.

It sure took Applejack some time, with all the bouncing and rushing to get the hang of it. “I think I got this now. Like riding a charging minotaur! YEE-HAW!!”

Anyone who had classes, work, studies, or other duties to do would do them, if not, then every minute was to be spent patrolling and scanning on shifts.

Pinkie Pie was falling into a panic, not just because of the lack of progress with their mission, but to save Human Pinkie Pie’s Christmas Party, which was the day after the next… and she had been rushing all over town with Rarity, Rhymey, and Fluttershy, who had time to kill before their turns at the mission.

…Rarity also needed to shop for more fabrics for wedding clothes.

“This is terrible!” cried Pinke. “I have no band, no refreshments, no decorations, and no place to get any!!”

She was right, because it was so close to the holidays, lots of shoppers had already bought all the great stuff, bands were all reserved, and hardly any nice-looking decorations were left.

“I can’t believe this!” wailed Pinkie.

“There, there, you’re a smarty,
I’m sure you can fix up the party.” said Fluttershy.

Rhymey agreed and said,

“Why don’t we, ourselves, do it.
I’m sure we could, there’s nothing to it.

We can play music for all to hear,
And we can make food for a holiday cheer.”

Pinkie’s eyes lit up. “Of course! Why didn’t I think that of that before?” Then she looked grim again, “But we still don’t have party supplies I need.”

“Darling, calm yourself.” Rarity said, “I believe I can assist you with that.” She got out her cellphone and texted Artie.

He responded to her with a thumbs up.

“Right, I believe should suffice.”

Pinkie felt giddier than ever. “When do we start?”

Fluttershy’s phone vibrated with the timer she had set off.

“We can’t start now I’m sorry to say,
It’s our turn for shift. We best be on our way.”

Pinkie sighed, “Oh, well.”

“Never mind, darling.” said Rarity. “I shall keep working for us all. After all, I can’t really go on patrol.” She shook her eyebrows hinting at everyone at her disguise spell, which would diminish the second she tried to transform, or come into contact with any magic.

The others knew she was right, and they agreed, so they bid their goodbyes and went on their ways.

On the way down the street while looking for a place to transform, the trio saw Swift Star walking across the street on the other side of the road.

Fluttershy and Rhymey were surprised

“Oh, I forgot to mention about him.” Pinkie admitted.

Rhymey wondered,

“Is he part of the Starfleet here too.
I can’t tell, can you?”

Fluttershy shook her head.

Pinkie also remembered checking Human Pinkie’s invitation list to her party, and how Swift Star was unchecked yet.

“Gee, looks like he didn’t get invited.” she said “Well, no time like the present.”

The couple tried to protest, but Pinkie had already rushed across the street and stopped before the guy. “Howdy, doin’, Swift?”

“Humph!” Swift grunted and just walked past her, which confused her. The Swift Star she knew would have said “Hi” or acted much friendlier.

She jogged up to catch up to him. “Not having a good day?” she asked.

Swift did not answer and tried to walk faster to get away from her, but Pinkie was relentless as ever and stayed with him. “I know what could cheer you up… coming to the Christmas Party.”

She obviously didn’t know about the tension between him and the Starfleet gang.

Swift was losing patience and spoke gruffly to her. “You came to me about this yesterday, and I already said “No!”

Pinkie was taken back by his hostile tone, so were Rhymey and Fluttershy. He was nothing like their Swift Star back home.

“Get this through your head.” Swift said. “We’re not friends. You and the others had your chance, and you shot me down.”

Pinkie looked more confused than ever. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t look dumb with me!” snapped Swift. He began to feel a burning rage inside of him, and he quickly calmed down.

“Just leave me alone.” and he walked past her down the street, leaving her nearly in a daze. “What just happened?”

Fluttershy and Rhymey caught up with her, and they were appalled by what they had just seen.

“Why was he so rude like that?
Why did he turn you down flat?” wondered Fluttershy.

Pinkie shook her head as if to say, “I don’t know.”

“We can’t worry now,
We must hurry now.” said Rhymey.

The ladies complied, and soon the trio was off-- transformed, and flying high in the sky.

Artie, who had just finished his own scouting patrol, was ready to fulfil Rarity’s request for Pinkie.

First, he went to the Arts and Crafts store and used Artie’s credit card to buy all the things he needed. “I know the other Artie won’t mind, especially to help a friend.” he said to himself. It was a good thing his counterpart had lots of money anyway, just like he did back home.

Once that was done, he went back to his and Sunset’s College dorm room.

“What’s all that?” Sunset asked.

“Just things to help a friend out.” he answered, and he told her what Rarity had said about Pinkie Pie.

“That’s so kind.” said Sunset, and then she watched as Artie, being the master artist he was, cut out loads and loads of card circles which he skillfully bent into plates, and cups. He even used a little of his magic to help speed up the process, only because it was an emergency.

Then he used his magic to change loads of Styrofoam into cups, and he used a special paint to put cute holiday designs on all the dishes-- wreaths, bells, decorated trees, candy canes.

The pain was thin and hardened perfectly, and it wouldn’t with any foods.

“Beautiful.” he said when the last dish was finished. He had made enough for more than two hundred people, which was practically what was needed anyway.

Sunset was only too impressive.

Meanwhile, Rarity was purchasing extra fabrics from a store to help with decorations for the party. “These will make wonderful streamers and tablecloths.” She said to herself.

She suddenly found herself running low on steam and was panting almost like a dog. “Perhaps some liquid refreshment would be nice.”

Unfortunately for her, the only thing she could drink was water. Anything else would upset her stomach in her condition.

Luckily, there was a drink vendor nearby and she bought a bottle of water.

Then, as she turned a corner to head back to her place where she could work, she bumped into someone who came around the corner at the same time carrying a pizza in a box.

Rarity dropped her shopping bags, her water bottle, and the other guy dropped his pizza in the box, it slammed against the ground and was ruined!

“I’m so sorry about that.” The other guy said, but then he gasped when he saw who it was, “You…!”

Rarity then realized this guy looked a lot like, “Swift Star?”

Swift’s features hardened, but before he could say anything, Rarity shrieked, alerting passersby. Some of which covered their ears from the noise.

Others began to assume a poor lady was being attacked, but seeing the scattered messes, they knew they assumed wrong and went about their ways, not even bothering to help either of the two out.

“My fabrics!” Rarity wailed! They had scattered all over the sidewalk, and some of the water from the bottle spilt all over some of it, and worse, some bits of Swift’s pizza spilt all over them too.

“Urgh!!” growled Swift as he picked up ruined slices off the fabric and stuffed them back into the box.

While no one was watching, he slipped his hand inside the box and wiggled his glowing fingers. Magically, the pizza was restored and ready to eat again.

But Rarity, unaware of what he was doing, tapped his shoulder with her finger, while he was doing magic. “Excuse me!” she said angrily, rather than calmly, “…The least you could do is assist me in picking up my mess!”

Swift was beginning to feel that rage boiling inside of him again, and it was hotter than ever, but he still managed to calm it down, but he did angrily turn to face her. “I said I was sorry, but now I’m not so sure.”

“Ah!” Rarity gasped lividly, and then she growled softly, like a dog, which really angered Swift. “And another thing: You have magic… so why don’t you do it--” he didn’t finish, and he suddenly looked freaked out as he gazed at her.

“And just what are you staring at?” Rarity demanded to know, but Swift only stepped back from her, like he was afraid of something, and then he just ran off.

“Humph! How rude!” grumbled Rarity. “You’d think he’d seen a monster.”

She began to gather up her items herself, but she suddenly noticed her hands and her arms, they were reverting back to their dog-like state.

Her floppy ears had returned and drooped down.

“No!” she cried, and she stood up, and looked at faded reflection in a store window. She had reverted to her half dog form. She was so shocked she couldn’t scream, and then it got worse.

Passersby couldn’t help but stare.

“What’s with her face?”

“Are those real?”

“Mommy, is that a dog or a woman?”

Horrified and embarrassed, Rarity grabbed all her stuff and ran away in tears.

That night, Celestia came to Rarity’s place, along with most of the team, and she recast the spell on Rarity, disguising her again.

“Try to be careful with this.” she cautioned her.

Rarity almost didn’t hear her as she was still so embarrassed. “I have never been so humiliated!” she sobbed as she fell over her sofa.

Rainbow and Applejack covered their ears.

“Could she be any louder or annoying?” Rainbow groaned.

“Nope.” sighed Applejack.

Grand Ruler asked Rarity again, “You’re certain you didn’t use any magic?”

“No! No! A-hundred times, no!” wailed Rarity. “I don’t know how I transformed. I just did.”

Everyone was convinced she didn’t use magic, but things were starting to sound suspicious from when she was speaking with Swift Star.

Lightning then asked Sunset, “How come you didn’t tell us about Swift Star in this world?”

“I never had to, it didn’t seem important.” said Sunset, and she explained to everyone about Swift and the tension between him and the Starfleet team.

“So, he wanted to join you, and you turned him down because he has no magic, is untrained, and he’s angry at you for it?” asked Starla.

Sunset nodded.

“Ohh… that’s why he acted so mean and nasty.” said Pinkie.

“What?!” snapped Lightning, “You ran into him too, and you didn’t tell me?”

Pinkie acted sheepish, “Oops.”

“Don’t be mad at her, we did too.
We also didn’t think to tell this to you.” said Rhymey.

Fluttershy nodded,

“It didn’t seem like a big deal to us,
And we were in a hurry patrol without fuss.”

Lightning felt more frustrated than ever.

“Alright! Alright!” said Grand Ruler “We’ve established there is a Human Version of Swift Star in this world, but I think we should focus more on the connections.”

He asked Rarity again, “You were talking with Swift Star, and that’s when you started to transform?”

Rarity nodded, and then suddenly it hit her. “No… No, it can’t be.”

“Maybe it is.” said Buddy. “I saw him too…” and recalled what he and Tree Hugger saw while ordering lunch. “I’m more than convinced now… that wasn’t ordinary skill.”

Everyone else was starting to feel equally as convinced, “So, Swift does have the magic?” asked Sunset. “And that could also mean he’s the Golden Fighter?”

The evidence was heavy, but still the proof was not concrete enough.

“Maybe we should try talking to him.” suggested Krysta. Then she looked at Sunset, “Where does he live?”

Sunset shook her head.

“You don’t know?” Dyno asked shock.

“You’ve dealt with him all this time, and you don’t know where he lives?” added Myte.

Sunset explained, “He only graduated from Canterlot High this year. We knew he was living without his parents, but that’s all we know. The others and I never really knew him because we graduated a few years ago. We never got to know him, and we don’t know that much about him.

We only met him when he started begging for us to let him join us, and we know little about him. Just that his parents left him to go to a peace conference… two years ago.”

This made Celestia realize, “Perhaps his records are still at Canterlot High.”

Grand Ruler agreed, “I’ll see if I can dig up any information on him myself. Meanwhile…”

“…The rest of us keep our eyes on him and call in the second something happens.” Artie guessed, and his majesty nodded.

In the meantime, it was getting late, and everyone had a big day and decided it was best to head home. Some of the gang still had work in the morning.

Celestia’s cellphone rang, with Luna calling from the mansion, “Sister! I believe you and Celesto should come home… at once!” The sound of Castor and Lelani shouting and playing about like out-of-control animals didn’t have to tell the couple twice.

So, everyone bid each other goodnight and headed off.

“You going to be alright?” Applejack asked Rarity, and Rarity wiped the tear streaks off her face, “I’ll try.”

Lightning walked with Starla down the street. Both knew they could just each fly to their respective places, but they didn’t feel like leaving each other’s company yet.

They missed each other’s full-time company, and the affection with it, even if it was just for one day.

They gazed into each other’s eyes, and moved in for a kiss, but Krysta stopped them, “Don’t do it. What if someone sees you?” she whispered.

The couple stopped sadly.

“So… Not bad for a first day?” Lightning asked, trying to change the subject.

Starla wasn’t sure she could agree, “This world is just so strange. Limited resources, not enough patrols and watches, all these extra obligations, more pollution and corruption…?!

…How did you make it so well here?”

Lightning and Krysta both recalled their first ever mission to this world. “It wasn’t easy,” said Lightning, and he recalled in a series of scenes like sill pencil drawings of it all…

-His struggles to fit in…
-Attending Canterlot High…
-Concealing his mission and identity…
-Even his getting into a scrape with Human Celestia, which still bothered him.
-In the end, saving the day and stopping the bad guys with his new friends, and even meeting Twilight Sparkle and Sci-Twi beforehand.

“Those sure were harsh times.” said Krysta. “There were times I thought we’d never make it.”

“Well, we did,” said Lightning “And we’ll get through this too, we’ve got to, and not just for our own sakes.” He referred to the counterparts in the Magic World.

In New Canterlot Palace, it was Supper Time for the royal family. The children noticed their parents looked incredibly beat, and hardly touched their food.

“Mother, Father, are you both alright?” asked Castor.

Celesto yawned, “Perfectly fine.”

“We’re just a little tired, is all.” said Celestia.

The two of them had never worked so hard in their lives. All those royal duties, all those meetings, reports, taxes, arrangements, and many other things.

Despite having their majesties’ knowledge, they still didn’t have their actual strengths and feeling of the workload.

Luna entered the room, looking very well rested, from spending most of the day in bed. “Good evening.”

“Good evening, Aunt Luna.” the children said politely, and Luna patted them both on their heads, but then she noticed her sister and brother-in-law looking beat.

“A tough day I suppose?”

“That would be putting it lightly.” said Celesto, “And we still have a few things do take care of before bed.”

Celestia groaned, “I don’t believe I’ve ever worked so hard in my life. I don’t understand how their ma--” was all she got out when her husband put his finger to his lips warning her not to say another word, or the children would know the truth.

“Uh…I mean, I don’t understand how I’m so tired. I should be used to all this.”

“Maybe it’s because it’s so close to Hearths Warming.” said Lelani. “The holidays are always so busy.”

The family looked all around at all the decorations around the dining hall, including the big, decorated tree-- just one of many all over the palace.

The scene then changed to a small tree inside Mykan’s home…

*Mykan’s POV*

I felt relieved to be home and having dinner. I was feeling pretty beat, not just from a long day’s work and the battle that day. I had to go to all the homes of the entire team to checkup on them and see how they were getting on.

Celestia and Celesto, and Cadance and Shining Armor, had sent me letter reports of their own days.

You bet I was surprised to hear that everyone did well in the battles without breaking their cover, but it was still such a risk.

So far, everything was okay… to an extent, but there was still Sci-Twi and Spike.

“Heard you two got into a little trouble today.”

Sci-Twi and Spike looked ashamed.

“I’m glad you managed to work it out without breaking your cover… but try to be a little more careful.”

“Easier said than done.” grumbled Spike. “This world is so…! Well, it’s just…! I mean it’s…

…Crazy.”

Normally, Sci-Twi would scold him for being rude, but she couldn’t blame him this time.

“I studied and learned so much, and after witnessing today’s battle…” she paused, and she got up from the table and went to the window to look outside at the calm town. “There’s so much to this world. It’s wonderful… Magical… and…” she paused again “…Just the same, it’s so dangerous.”

She turned to face me, “How can you live in a place like this?”

I answered, “You get used to it… I guess. I’ve lived here four years now, and in all that time I’ve seen and done so much, and I still haven’t got it all figured out, but what’s what makes the adventure so exciting.”

In flash still drawings like Lightning had, I remembered all the adventures I ever had, and the struggles I had to fit in, plus all the many times I nearly would have been destroyed.

“Wow! That sure takes guts.” said Spike.

“Guts” is barely the half of it.” I said, and then I sighed, “No matter how wonderous and magical this all is, it’s not without risks, struggles, and even sacrifices.”

I was thinking about my family again.

*POV Pause*

Sci-Twi and Spike felt bad for him, and it also began to make them wonder how all their other friends were doing.

Sci-Twi missed her brother and Cadance, and she worried about baby Flurry Heart back home.

Far away in the New Crystal Empire, Shining Armor and Cadance were tucking four-year-old Flurry into bed.

“Well… good night.” Shining Armor said.

Flurry reached up and pecked him on the cheek, much to his surprise. “Good night, Daddy.”

Then she pecked Cadance too, “Goodnight, Mommy.”

Cadance blushed and felt her eyes filling with tears. Luckily, Flurry was already asleep to notice.

The couple headed out of the child’s room and bound for their own.

“She’s so sweet.” whispered Cadance. She was trying hard not to come out crying, for fear of being noticed or heard.

Cadance was really missing her real daughter back home.

“Try to relax,” said her husband. “I’m sure the other Cadance and the other Shining Amor are treating her well.”

Shining Armor had come home to his wife, just as she had put the baby in her crib.

The couple left to go downstairs before becoming too mesmerized by her cuteness. Both missed their real Flurry Heart back him.

Then there was Spike, just sitting and looking out the window, off into town in the distance. “Goodnight, Rarity… I’m glad you’re alright, but I wish I was home with you, and our daughter.”

All the way across town, Rarity was working all night sewing streamers, banners, and other decorations for Pinkie’s party, while also casually snacking on… dog chow and biscuits.

She was more heartbroken than tired.

All the other friends were missing their homes and families too, some more than others.

Human Buddy, and Human Artie both managed to avoid having to have marital moments with Tree Hugger and Sunset and managed to get to bed without trouble.

Pinkie, still playing her role well, pecked her “husband” and “son” goodnight, and crashed into bed, avoiding going any further or harder.

It was still amazing how just one day could not only be so exhausting, but so emotionally painful as well.

In her college dorm room, Sunset looked out into the night wondering about her husband.

Artie joined her. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, but it was easy to understand her sadness. Artie felt the same way, missing his Sunset and Sun Stream.

At that moment, all the friends, and their counterparts sang in their minds to the same sad song while missing their lives, worlds, and families.

“Blue Christmas/Hearths Warming”

As the song ended, far across town, Swift Star lay awake on his bed, still in shock at what he had witnessed that day.

“How did Rarity transform like that?” he kept asking himself, while remembering Rarity’s strange appearance.

“Something doesn’t add up here.”

He yawned and went to sleep. “Tomorrow’s just another day.”

Act 15: So Busted!

ACT FIFTEEN

Early in the morning, in the Magic World.

Celestia and Celesto were up bright and early, seeing Luna off to bed again, and they both managed to raise the sun without trouble. They had a goodnight’s sleep but were barely looking forward to another hard day of royal duties.

As for the friends, at least the fighters, they were all gathered in the snowy meadows, outside of New Ponyville. Krysta was looking after Shining Light and Twinkle, and Angel was looking after Button Fly. As for Twilight Sparkle Scales, Rarity… there was only one person she could trust to watch her.

Sci-Twi, she had awoken early, along with Mykan and Spike, and all three of them agreed to look after the baby before school.

*Mykan’s POV*

The two-year old was still asleep, but Sci-Twi was incredibly psyched to be babysitting. “A creature of mixed breeds.” she exclaimed softly.

“Not bad, for a half-dragon, anyway.” said Spike.

I agreed, but cautioned the others, “As long as she doesn’t wake up, we’ll be fine. You guys really don’t know what kind of tantrums she can throw.”

I also hoped Rarity wouldn’t be out too long, I still had to get to school for the last day before the holidays.

*POV Ends*

Many of the fighters looked tired and beat.

“I thought a good night sleep was supposed to be good for you.” said Dyno.

Myte yawned, “Tengo mucho sueño. *I’m very sleepy* I feel like I could’ve slept a-hundred years.”

Rarity stretched out, “A fabulous beauty like me needs her beauty sleep!”

Still, everyone knew why they were there.

“Good, you’re all here.” said Lightning. “We need to do some serious training to toughen up a bit.”

Starla murmured, “It’s about time I had a little action anyway.”

Lightning heard her, but he brushed it off. “I was lucky I was able to arrange this training today-- being the Commander has some perks.

The point is, we just barely managed to win yesterday’s battle, and we ought to be better-prepared when and if another one occurs.”

The others all agreed, and it was time to get moving.

Lots of equipment and machines had been delivered to the field earlier, per Lightning’s orders.

Cannons, traps, mini obstacle courses, exercise gear and weights.

The fighters got going, flying and running through the deadly courses, which freaked them out, but they managed to do well.

Digging through the ground just using their bare hands, to increase their finger dexterity, strength, and tolerance against the cold snow. This also helped Rarity to get used to the fact that her dragon claws were not real.

“Dig… Dig… Dig…!! Ohhh! My poor fingernails!” she groaned.

“Move along, Rarity!” Buddy called as he plowed through the ground past her and dumping snow on her, much to her annoyance. “I’ll show you!” and she got back to plowing.

Lifting weights that were many times heavier than weights at the gym back home. They were much harder to lift, even with their mighty strengths due to their being weaker than their magical counterparts.

Target practice, where projectiles and shots were fired from the cannons which the fighters were to intercept with combos of their magic and combat. They also had dodging practice, which Pinkie excelled at excellently, the way she was all bouncy, slick, and hyper; she dodged all those shots as if they were nothing.

“Missed me!

Ooh-hoo… missed me again.

Too slow!”

Applejack came stomping through, dragging behind, on a harness, an enormous stone block more than three times her size.

“Come on! Come on!” she grunted and groaned as she pulled the massive block along! “Pull! Pull!!”

She sweated up such a storm she melted the snow as she walked along.

Rainbow zoomed up, down, and all around, practically enjoying herself like a kid in a playground as she zipped through the obstacle course. “This is so cool; I could do it forever… and I thought I was cool at stunts back home.

WHAA-HAA-HOO!!”

She cleared the flaming rings, the swinging blades, the cannons shooting, the stones crushing, and all this vastly improved her speed and evasiveness.

Then… came the hardest part of all… The Sparring rounds, where the fighters would battle each other to test their fighting skills and strengths against strong, fast, and intelligent opponents.

This made things hard for some of the friends, especially Fluttershy who was facing Rhymey…

“Rhymey, I just can’t fight you,
That’s something I’d never want to do.”

Rhymey shook his head,

“Will you stop complaining?
We’re not fighting, just training.”

Fluttershy still looked grim.

Rhymey himself didn’t like having to fight his love anymore than she did, but her reminded her,

“This is something we have to do,
So, suck it up, and have at you!”

Fluttershy looked all around at all the others sparing with each other.

Even Dyno and Myte were battling with each other to test their physical and natural strengths, without having to join hands.

Even Pinkie Pie didn’t mind fighting with Applejack, furiously swinging her fists and kicking her feet, and Applejack blocked her every attack.

“Come on, stop trying to hit me and hit me!” Applejack bellowed.

“I’m trying!” Pinkie wailed.

Buddy cracked his whip, “Take this, Artie!”

Artie blocked it with his staff, “Not close enough!” and he pulled hard flipping Buddy over, but Buddy quickly recovered and lassoed his leg, flipping him over too.

The two got up and exchanged a high five for a cool trick flip.

“Let’s go again.”

“You’re on.”

Seeing all the friends sparring, yet still getting along well ignited Fluttershy’s courage, and she rushed in to attack Rhymey, and together they had a wondrous brawl.

Lightning and Starla fought each other.

“I can’t use magic in battle. I don’t have the power of the Uniforce, and I haven’t got a weapon like the rest of you.” said Lightning. “So, I really need to toughen up.”

“I’ll help you in any way I can.” said Starla.

The two began to battle, swinging their fists, kicking their feet, and the two of them seemed perfectly equal. Neither one managed to land a single blow.

“Now try this!” Starla hollered, “STAR SHOWER!”

She unleashed her rain of stars, forcing Lightning to swerve and dodge around as he rushed through.

“STARLIGHT ARROW!” She fired multiple arrows from her bow, but Lightning knocked every one of them away.

“Impressive.” said Starla. She felt this called for a stronger attack, so she concentrated hard, and her horn glowed brightly. “PULSAR LASER!”

POW!! She fired an incredibly huge blast that struck Lightning hard, making a big explosion! The force of which blew everyone back.

The explosion was seen from within town, and Swift Star, who was on Dawn Patrol saw it.

“Hey, what was that?”

Because he was not properly informed of the training session, he couldn’t help but break off his patrol and rush in to investigate.

The fighters all lay on the ground and slowly began to get up.

“Wow! What a bang!” said Rainbow.

“Guess the training gave her a little boost.” said Buddy.

Even Starla was surprised and shocked at what she had just done. “Lightning?” she called into the cloud of dust. “Lightning?”

Still no response…

…And just as Starla began to fret that she hit him too hard, Lightning leapt out of the cloud and tackled her to the ground, pinning her shoulders down hard. He hardly hurt at all.

Suddenly, they were lost in each other’s eyes, and their cheeks turned red.

“Wooooooohhh….!” The others teased, forcing the two to quickly bolt onto their feet and feeling very embarrassed.

“Aw, come on, you two lovebirds, it ain’t no secret anymore.” said Applejack.

“Who said anything about lovebirds!” snapped Starla.

“Yeah, who?” put in Lightning, but the others shook their heads, more in dismay.

“You two are just hopeless.” said Artie. “You know you’re crazy about each other, so just do it already!”

Lightning and Starla blushed madder than ever, but they looked more as if they were going to explode if anyone kept talking about it anymore-- no matter how true it was.

“Where is it?!” Rarity panicked as she scrambled through the snow. “It must be here somewhere! It must be!”

Everyone looked at her.

“Rarity, what are you doing…?” asked Buddy.

That’s when Rarity turned to face her friends, and everyone gasped! Her face was that of a normal pony and not of a half-dragon.

“My disguise chip!” cried Rarity. “It must have fallen off when the blast forced me back!”

“What? Oh, no!” groaned Lightning.

Since it would be impossible to locate the tiny chip in snow, everyone activated their visors and scanned around for metal circuity.

“I got it…” said Applejack, and she picked up the chip. It didn’t look damaged. “I hope it still works.”

She quickly proceeded to attach it back onto to Rarity’s neck.

“AA-OOHH!!” Rarity wailed.

“What? What’s the matter?”

“…That’s cold.”

Applejack groaned, and then reattached the chip. In a magical flash, Rarity donned her disguise again, much to everyone’s relief.

“Thank goodness nobody else saw that.” said Dyno.

Myte then saw, “Um… I don’t think so.” he said nervously.

Everyone looked where he was staring from and saw Swift Star standing in the snow with his eyes wide in total disbelief at what he had just seen.

“…We’re Busted.” was all Pinkie could say.

The school dance was on, and the students at Canterlot High were shaking it up on their last afternoon before the holidays.

Celestia and Luna stayed behind to watch over the students and be ready to close the school when all was done and have a little fun while they were at it, joining the party, dancing, partaking in the refreshments.

As for Lightning, since there wasn’t much for him to be doing, he left school early to join the patrol.

Starla was waiting for him as he left the building.

“Hey…” she said rather sweetly to him.

Lightning couldn’t help but smile at his wife, but made not attempt to be affectionate with her. “I take it there’s been no luck?”

Starla shook her head, but she explained to him about the investigation of his apartment.

“It’s all starting to make sense…” said Lightning, and he told her what he had just learned from Celestia and Luna before he left, about Swift’s grades and stuff.

“No wonder he lives like that.” said Starla. “But it still doesn’t make sense. What kind of parents would let their kid live his life as a waste?”

Lightning had a sickly feeling, “There’s one piece missing from this puzzle, and the best way to find it is to confront Swift himself. We’ve got to find him.”

Starla agreed.

Then Lightning noticed, “Where’s Krysta? Wasn’t she with you?”

Starla only then noticed Krysta was nowhere to be seen. “I thought she came here to you by now.”

When the patrols switched, rather than fly off to see Lightning, Krysta decided to head back to Swift’s apartment. “No one said I couldn’t continue the investigation myself.” she chirped naughty.

She landed on the window to Swift’s apartment, and when she saw Swift had still not returned, she felt this was her chance, and she was in luck; the window was unlocked and had no screening. “That’s a bit careless.”

It was hard for her to lift up the huge frame for a bird her size, but she managed and let herself in, falling to the floor in near exhaustion. “I miss my super strength.”

It was a good thing she was on the floor, because she could see right under the bed the box of papers.

“What are all these?”

It turned out the papers were letters sent to Swift from his parents from the day they left for the so-called “Peace Conference” two years ago.

Basic letters of saying how much they missed him, and were thinking of him every day, and hoping to come home soon, and hoped he was taking care of himself.

Krysta found that so sweet, but as she read on, she noted how the dates between the letters were getting farther and farther apart, until finally… she reached the last one… which was dated on Christmas Eve a few months after the parents departed.

…And what she read made her blood run cold.

“Oh, my, goodness! Now it all makes sense.”

She had to tell Lightning and the others about this, and so she flew up to the window, which was still open, and she managed to shut it before flying off.

Meanwhile, DD found Tree Hugger sitting on a yoga mat in an open field, where she seemed to be meditating, which she usually did when she was bummed out.

“Tree Hugger!” she called as she dashed up to her. This caused Tree Hugger to lose focus and wake up.

DD was out of breath as she finally reached her, and she panted heavily. “What’s happened?” she asked. “Did Buddy break up with you or what?”

Hearing his name made Tree Hugger clutch her chest as more bad feelings twisted inside of her, which made DD assume the worse. “I knew it! He’s not going to get away with this one.”

“No… he didn’t break up with me.” Tree Hugger quickly said “It’s way worse… I mean it’s way uncool… it’s just…”

“What is it?!” DD snapped, but then she apologized. “I’m sorry, I just need to know what’s going on. What did Buddy say to you?”

Tree Hugger didn’t know how else to say it, “…It’s not him.”

DD was confused, “What’s not him? You mean Buddy’s not being himself?”

“No… I mean, that isn’t Buddy.”

Now DD was really confused!

Sweetie Belle hopped off the bus and could see Rhyme Time up ahead. She texted Scootaloo asking to meet up at once and heard she was at the café.

She had to tell her what she had just seen. “She’s going to flip when I tell her that Rarity was eating dog food and growling and barking too.” she said to herself.

All she had to do now was cross the street over to the café, when suddenly…

BOOM!! There was a big explosion atop a small office building down the street. Flames burst everywhere, and loads of burning debris began to crash down, forcing civilians to run for cover.

Quickly, the people began to run, and many others crowded in across the road. Others were rushing out of Rhyme Time to see what was happening.

Scootaloo was at the front, and she saw Sweetie Belle across the street, but she couldn’t rush over.

Rhymey made his way out through the crowd of people and told everyone…

“Everyone, stay here, don’t panic or shout.
I’m going over to check things out.”

He transformed in front of everyone and flew over towards the danger zone with the crowds cheering him on.

“Look, here comes Starfleet!” someone cried as more of the fighters came soaring in, and soon the fire brigade arrived, along with the police to handle the crowd control.

No one seemed to know just how the fire broke out, but it was guessed by the staff of the building that faulty wiring in the walls was overloaded.

The fire was already up on the top three floors, and there were people trapped on the roof with the flames rapidly approaching.

The firefighters had already busted into the building to help get more people closer to the ground floor out.

As for Starfleet…

Applejack, Buddy, Dyno and Myte landed on the roof and began to fly people, one at a time down to safety, while Rainbow and Fluttershy began to use their powers to gather up clouds.

They were aided by Pinkie Pie who had just come off work from Sweet Snacks when she saw the explosion from while on patrol.

“Move! Move! Move!” Applejack hollered.

“We’ve almost got them all.” said Dyno.

“Stop those flames!” Myte called.

Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Pinkie gathered loads of clouds from the sky, resulting in a large raincloud which they positioned clear over the building.

Once the Fire Captain gave the okay that all the electrical power was shut off at the mains…

“Okay, do it!” Buddy hollered up.

“Here I come!” Rainbow shouted, and she flew up high, above the cloud and came crashing down on his hard, bringing torrential rains down on the building, soaking it to stop the fire from spreading.

The rain poured so hard that the water flowed like a stream down the stairs and into the building where it soaked the flames and brought the fire down enough for the fire brigade to get it under control.

The fire was going out, and the crowds began to cheer for Starfleet’s assistance, and the fire brigade’s help too.

…But someone among the civilians began to suspect something, and that something was Swift who was standing in the back rows.

“I don’t think this fire was really an accident.” he said to himself. “Just the top three floors, and no place else? That seems fishy.”

Just then, he turned his head and noticed a gang of four women in business suits and blazers, rather than being worried or concerned about the building, were slipping into back alleys behind several buildings down the street.

No one else noticed them as everyone was distracted watching the fire being put out and wondering about the conditions of the people who were in the building at the time.

Swift slipped away from the crowds, but he didn’t go unnoticed.

Lightning and Starla, who were walking up the street rather than flying in the sky, saw the explosion from afar, and so did Sunset and Artie while they were flying in the sky. They were pleased to see the team had already helped with the fire and were helping rescue the civilians.

“I have to get down there and see if I can help the paramedics.” said Sunset.

“Good luck!” said Artie. He was about fly over the regroup with his friends when he saw down below, “Is that…?” He couldn’t believe his eyes, but it was Swift.

He quickly called into his mic, “I see him! I see Swift Star!”

All the fighters, except for Sunset heard him-- she didn’t have a headset of her own.

“I see him too!” cried Lightning. “He’s heading down that alley.”

“Let’s move!” said Starla, and the two zoomed off.

Swift slinked across the alley, and he stopped at the corner. He could hear the ladies talking to each other.

“That was too easy.” one of them said

“Yeah, starting that fire was the perfect distraction.”

Swift nearly gasped in horror.

Another one of the ladies held up a briefcase containing loads of blueprints, documents, and code papers. “Now we can start our own business, and it serves those scumbags right.”

“Rotten suits!” said the fourth, “We work hard, yet they don’t promote us, they don’t give us good projects, or don’t give us anything!”

“Humph!” scoffed the first lady, “Well, so much for them. They have all that damage to worry about, while we have everything, we need in that case.”

Swift had heard enough, and he was suddenly enveloped in a golden light.

“What’s that?” one of the ladies cried as she saw the flash.

All four ladies peered round the corner, and they saw no one there… until The Golden Fighter landed before them, making them all scream in fright.

The fighter than held out his hand and magically levitated the briefcase into his grip, “The only thing you ladies are getting is a nice long holiday-- behind bars!”

One of the ladies marched up, “I don’t know who you think you are, but we’re only doing what we have to. Those morons deserved it for not recognizing our potential and talents soon enough.

So back off!”

The fighter clenched his fists angrily, and his body flared up in bright aura, scaring the ladies to the point of surrendering.

The fighter only seemed to get more and more enraged as his aura flared up brighter, making the ladies cry out for help.

That’s when the fighter rubbed his hand over his face coverings, and he seemed to calm down. He dropped the briefcase in his throes.

A couple of police cars came up to the end of the alley. The frightened women grabbed the briefcase and rushed up to the police practically yelling.

“We did it!”

“Take us away!”

“We’ll go to jail!”

“Just keep us away from him!”

The cops were confused, “Keep you away from who?” asked one of them. The ladies looked behind to motion at the Golden Fighter… only he was gone.

The fighter had teleported away. The ladies were confused but were still in panic and threw themselves into the cars before even being handcuffed, feeling it would be safer in jail.

Nobody noticed Artie was flying overhead, above the alley, and he had seen everything, including Swift transforming. He only didn’t help out because it looked as if things were already under control.

“I’ve got to tell all the others, now!”

Act 16: Even More Busted

ACT SIXTEEN

There was no way around it, Swift Star had seen everything, and so the fighters had to come clean.

“You mean… you’re not Commander Lightning Dawn?” Swift asked.

Lightning shook his head. “I’m from the Human World; we all are.”

The others all nodded regretfully.

“We know this must be hard believe,” said Starla. She said nothing else as Swift felt dizzy. “When… How… Why did all this happen?”

“Well, you see…” Pinkie said, and she drew in a huge breath and explain in one of incredibly fast-talks. “It all started when we wanted to move the gateway in our world to a safer place, so we took the magic away, but then something went wrong as the gate went nutsy-cuckoo, and in big flash of light, WHOA…!!! We switched places with all your friends, so now we’re here, and they’re back there, and the magic back there is gone, we all have to keep it cool until the magic is restored and we can all get back home again.”

Swift stood with his mouth handing open and raised his finger to say something, but he couldn’t think of a word to say as this was so much to absorb.

“Look, here’s the thing.” said Lightning. “What you saw needs to be kept secret. If other people find out the truth about us, it’ll be catastrophic, especially if the bad guys learn about this.”

Realizing the seriousness of all this, Swift agreed, “You don’t have to tell me twice. I won’t tell a soul… uh… Commander…”

A moment of silence followed. “I think we’ve had enough for one morning.” said Starla.

Lightning agreed, and all the gear in the fields were magically stowed and sent back on their way from whence they came.

“We should all get home now.” suggested Lightning “We still have other things to do.”

Swift still found it amazing how everyone was playing their roles so well, but he didn’t dare ask why or how, not wanting to risk being heard as everyone headed back to town.

*Mykan’s POV*

Rarity got back to her home and shop. Twilight was still asleep.

Rarity met up with me, Sci-Twi, and Spike, but I noted her worried expression. “Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Um… well… I…” she stammered and stuttered, and then she whispered into my ear, and I nearly shouted in shocked.

“Well, isn’t that just wonderful.” I grumbled.

“We didn’t mean to. He just came in out of nowhere.” Rarity explained.

“Well, at least Swift has agreed to keep quiet about it.” said Sci-Twi.

“But what if more discover the secret?” worried Spike.

The very thought of the secret being further leaked made me feel like choking with worry. I promised their majesties to keep things in check, and now it was becoming even harder.

Sci-Twi came up to me and put her hand on my shoulder. “Try not to get worked up about it. We’ll do all we can to try and keep it low.”

I wanted to believe her, but it was so hard.

“I guess all we can hope for now is there won’t be any other attacks.” said Spike.

“I hope that myself.” said Rarity “Even with the training we did this morning, I doubt we’ve improved our powers and strengths all that much.”

Sci-Twi and Spike shook their heads, which made Rarity sigh.

Just then, little Twilight woke up. “Mommy…” she cooed softly.

Rarity put on her motherly act as she loomed over the crib, the rest of us quietly tiptoed out. I had to get to work anyway.

*POV pause*

Keeping up her act, Rarity scooped the child up into her arms.

“Is Daddy home?” Twilight asked.

Rarity shook her head, “Not yet.”

This made the child sad. “I miss Daddy.”

Rarity hugged the little one and felt her father, and her real mother missed her too, but she didn’t say anything.

She wasn’t the only fake parent feeling this way…

Far away in the New Crystal Empire, Celesto, Celestia and the children were visiting the Crystal Royals to assist in the Holiday Charities… handing out gift baskets and giving sizable donations to feed the poor and homeless, and things like that.

While the grown ups were working, the children were having fun in the snow with Flurry Heart.

“Look, Cousin… you can make a snow angel.” said Castor.

“Try it, you’ll like it.” added Lelani.

“Yippee!” Flurry cried as she leapt face-down in the snow instead of face-up, and yet she made a lovely angel anyway, and the snow tasted yummy. “Delicious.”

Castor and Lelani laughed.

As the children continued to play, Cadance and Celestia gazed at them from afar, and seeing them all playing so lovingly made them happy and sad at the same time.

No matter how much these kids represented their own children, they could never replace them.

Cadance gave a small sniffle.

“Are you alright?” asked Celestia.

“I’m fine… it’s just a little cold out here.”

Celestia wasn’t fooled, “I’m sure it is.” She handed her a hanky, and then took one herself, but they both did their best not to show their tears, especially in public.

The husbands didn’t have to see their wives’ faces to know what they were thinking as they saw watch the children.

“They’re homesick.” said Shining Armor.

Celesto agreed, “I wish we were home too. This world is magical and wonderous, but we just don’t belong here… Not like this.”

“I know what you mean, I’ve never done this much work in my entire life. Next to all this, College was a breeze.”

Celesto still felt beat from all the tons and tons of work he and Celestia had done since the first day, and there was still so much more to be done, and other things to worry about, especially if there was another attack!

Celesto clenched his fists nervously, “I just hope nothing else goes wrong that can jeopardize us.”

Dyno and Myte returned to their mine where they were loading loads of newly unearthed jewels into carts.

“Come on, let’s get these out of here.” said Dyno.

Myte nodded, and he and his brother worked hard pushing the huge, hulking, loads outside.

“Dyno…” Myte said.

“Si?”

His brother hesitated, “¡No importa! *Never mind*”

Dyno was not convinced, “Myte… Yo siento lo mismo. *I feel the same. * I miss home too.”

The sad, homesick brothers, sadly got back to work.

Rainbow and Pinkie resumed her duties, helping the pegasi to bring in more clouds to make it snow in certain areas all over the planet.

“This is so much fun.” chirped Pinkie, “Maybe we should try this in our world.”

“That is… if we ever get home.” said Rainbow. She wasn’t kidding, she was really starting to feel homesick, and so was Pinkie.

From up high where they were, they could see so much below, until the clouds covered everything.

“I don’t know how much longer I can take this.” said Pinkie. “I mean, I’m doing good keeping my cover, but it’s getting so much harder to keep this secret.”

“Pinkie!” Rainbow said sternly, “You know how important it is, and this has to be one of those few times you don’t let up.”

Pinkie shrugged, but she still didn’t know how much longer she could hold out.

Fluttershy had finished her own duties, and all the animals that were supposed be hibernating were safely tucked in, burrowed in the ground, all toasty, warm, and snoozing away.

She thought they were so adorable, and yet she was very sad and worried. Like the others, she, too, missed home, especially since she and Rhymey were supposed to be getting married in two more days!

They couldn’t get married in this world, or even let people know who they really were.

“All our planning will go up in flames,
And we’re still stuck here playing games,

Pretending to be beings we are not,
And missing our real homes and familiar lot.

Oh, me, oh, my…
I think I’m going to cry!”

…And she did… she fell to her knees and began sobbing softly into her hands.

Rhymey was outside the cottage, still practicing his sword skills in the yard, while Angel was inside keeping Button Fly company.

“You, and me,
One, two, three.” the toddler cooed as Angel hopped and leapt over him.

Suddenly, Rhymey was heard giving a small shout from outside, forcing Angel to hop over to the window…

Rhymey had slipped in the snow after bungling a move, and he had nearly struck himself with his own sword, even if it was just a fake one, and could do no damage.

Reason being, just like Fluttershy, he, too, was feeling homesick, and worried that things were only going to horribly wrong-- not just for himself and Fluttershy, but everyone, including the counterparts.

That’s when Fluttershy came walking up to the house, still wiping tears from her eyes, and she saw him struggling onto his feet.

She ran up to him,

“Rhymey, I say…
Are you okay?”

“Yes, Yes…
I guess.” Rhymey cried, but the sadness in his voice was easily heard.

The couple embraced and had a small cry, much to Angel’s confusion.

Applejack and Buddy returned to the farm just in time for breakfast with their respective families.

“Good luck.” they both whispered to each other.

Applejack was seated at the table with the family, which still sent shivers up her spine, especially being near Pear Butter and Bright Mac, but no Granny Smith.

“Ain’t you going eat?” Bright Mac asked.

“Oh, sorry. I guess I over trained.” Applejack said, and she began to eat up. The pancakes tasted just like her Granny Smith’s cooking from back home.

“What were you training for so early?” asked Applebloom.

“Oh, um… just getting some exercise. You never know when more danger’s going to come rushing in, especially a few days before Christmas.”

The entire family looked confused.

“What did you say?” asked Pear.

Applejack suddenly realized her mistake. “Uh… Hearths Warming! I meant “Hearths Warming.” Then she thought to herself, “Silly…! Got to remember, it’s their holiday, not mine.”

Applebloom leaned towards Big Mac “I could’a sworn she just said “Christmas.”

“Eeyup, that’s what I heard.”

The family was growing more, and more suspicious of Applejack’s strange behavior…

…But not nearly so as Buddy’s family.

“So, how come I couldn’t come training with you this morning?” asked DD.

“Oh, uh… well…” Buddy had to come up with an excuse fast. “It was special training that only the gang and I could do. Remember, you’re still a cadet.”

DD wasn’t so sure he was being fully honest.

Tree Hugger was over at the sink, but instead of scrubbing the dishes, her eyes were shut, and she was so still and silent you’d think she was a statue.

“Mommy!” Seedling giggled from her highchair.

Tree Hugger didn’t even move, but she was heard humming very softly in a trance-like state,

“Tree Hugger…?” said Buddy, but he was starting to have a sick feeling from her humming like that, especially when her eyes snapped open, and she gasped softly. Then she looked him right in the eyes from over at the sink.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Buddy asked nervously.

Her eyes were like daggers piercing through his soul, and suddenly, Tree Hugger’s eyes went wide with shock, and she just fainted.

“Tree Hugger!” cried DD.

Seedling began to cry.

Buddy didn’t know which to help first, until DD comforted the toddler. So, he scooped up Tree Hugger and brought her to the living room and laid her down on the sofa.

“Mommy! Mommy!” cried Seedling.

“Shh… shh… Mommy’s just fine, honey.” DD said while stroking her little head.

Buddy felt Tree Hugger’s head, she had no fever, and she was still breathing very slowly.

“Okay! Don’t panic. Don’t panic!” he murmured, and then, remembering how she was just like his Tree Hugger back home, he knew one way that snapped her out of it whenever she fell like this, though he was hesitant to do it…!

He slowly leaned forward, gently pressing his lips against her forehead, almost like a Prince kissing his Princess to wake her up.

Tree Hugger awoke from her trance due to the warm feeling and the softness, but as she looked up at Buddy, she gasped, making him back away from her.

Tree Hugger got up swiftly, but carefully in her pregnant condition, but her eyes never left Buddy’s. “No way!” she cried in disbelief. “The waves don’t lie to me. They aren’t the same!”

Buddy gulped hard feeling her knew what she was going to say next, and just as DD came into the room to check on them after calming Seedling down in the kitchen. “What’s going on here?”

Tree Hugger pointed at Buddy and stammered, “So not… Totally wrong… Mass lie…”

“Wait! What?!” cried DD, and Tree Hugger finally managed to speak in proper English, “…He’s not Bud.”

All was silent and creepy, as DD slowly looked at Buddy, and the way he looked so nervous, sweating, and quaveringly softly-- DD remembered her Starfleet training to read body-language when someone was lying or hiding something.

Overcome with stress, shock, and a little rage, she angrily cast him in a magical energy field. “Who are you?! Tell me now!”

“Put me down!” Buddy wailed.

“Where is Buddy Rose!” DD demanded.

Buddy concentrated hard and broke her magical grip on him, for he was still stronger than she was.

DD was about to rush over and pound him to bits, “Wait!” cried Buddy. “Listen to me, both of you… I’m not who you think I am, but I’m on your side.”

The ladies decided to hear him out.

As for Artie, he was closing the art gallery now that the holidays were just around the corner, but Artie couldn’t help but walk down all the deserted halls and gaze at all the incredible paintings and sculptures and other fine pieces of art.

“Gee… maybe this is why I’m so gifted.” he joked to himself.

What fascinated him the most were all the different landscapes painted from intergalactic worlds General Artie had seen or were just inspired out of thin air to him. Some of the landscapes greatly resembled that of places on Earth… all the meadows, lakeshores, tropical scenes, and even metropolis cities.

“Oh, boy…” Artie sighed softly as he felt his homesickness catching up to him.

Then he came to General Artie’s private backroom, with a big sigh on the door that read “PRIVATE: NO ENTRY!”

Then again, Artie did have the key, and he chuckled, “We’re practically the same. I should be allowed in.”

So, he unlocked the door, and let himself inside, and what he saw nearly froze him with astoundment. The walls were loaded with many paintings of Sunset-- not his Sunset of course.

She looked so beautiful in each one of them…

-Sitting on a large clam shell…

-Wearing a white dress and holding a parasol at a French Café…

-Even as a mer-pony…

As Artie continued to gaze at the paintings, he began to hallucinate, seeing all the heads replaced with the images of the human images of his own beloved Sunset back home.

He could even swear one of them was calling to him in a soft voice. “Come home to me.”

Artie had to get out, and he rushed through the door slamming it, making an echo through the corridors.

Artie, with his back against the door and a hand over his face, softly slid to the floor. He clenched his other fist and shut his eyes tightly trying to fight the sadness and pain striking him, and even more so with the life he was living now.

He thought of Sunset-- the one he was living with-- and little Sun Stream.

“I can’t do this anymore.” he said to himself. “I can’t just keep lying like this. They’re not my family, and they should know the truth.”

The promise of not telling the secret argued with his conscience. “I know I swore I wouldn’t tell, but what’s worse-- Telling or Not? At least Sunset deserves to know.”

He got up and walked round the corner to the exit, only to run into none other than…

“…Sunset?”

He had forgotten she was with him too to close the gallery and take a last look around, and she brought the baby with her.

She gawked at him with extreme shock in her eyes.

“…Did you just hear me…?”

Still gawking at him, not even blinking her eyes, Sunset asked softly, and somewhat in horror, “…You’re… not… my husband?!”

Artie shook his head, “I’m from the Human World.”

Sunset fainted with a loud thud on the ground. All Sun Stream did was look down at her and go, “Boom.” Thank goodness she was too young to understand the incredible amounts of shock that were occurring.

Meanwhile, Cheerilee was having her usual Last Day of School Holiday Party. She, Mykan, and all the students were having a good day, drawing pictures, playing fun holiday games, partaking in snacks and drinks, and there were a few songs and dances to go with it.

*POV Resume*

I had invited Sci-Twi and Spike to come with me so they could visit an elementary school and see what it was like, and to give them something fun to do.

…Also, I gave them aliases so as not to use their correct names.

Sci-Twi was nicknamed “Cocoa Cream”, because her brown mane along with her beige coat made her look like a creamy hot cocoa.

And Spike, he was nicknamed “Sparky” to relate to how he used to be a dog, but we didn’t tell anyone that.

“How did you meet each other?” Cheerlie asked.

“Oh, uh…” I stammered and then came up with a quick story, “You see, Cocoa is interested in being a teacher herself. I… met her while studying at the library a week ago, and thought I’d invite her here to see what school is like… though I’m sure she already knew that.”

Sci-Twi, or “Cocoa” went along with it. “Yes, that’s right. I’ve… always had a fascination with children.”

Cheerilee didn’t seem to mind, “Well, any friend of Mykan’s is a friend of ours…” she paused and looked at Cocoa rather deeply, “Though, I must say… you seem rather familiar to me.”

Cocoa laughed nervously, and then changed the subject, “You have a very lovely school here.”

I sighed in relief that the secret was still safe.

Then Spike, or rather “Sparky” was pigging out on all the snacks and treats the children and Cheerilee had brought.

“So good!” he cried with his mouth full.

The students were a little appalled and grossed out, while others were confused.

“You’d think no one had ever cookies and cupcakes before.” they said to each other.

“Mmm… Oh! Are you kidding me?” said Sparky “Back where I come from, I can’t eat stuff like this.”

Now the students were shocked.

“You never eat treats like this?”

“Well, what do you eat?”

“Silly, he’s a dragon. They eat mostly rocks, and shiny stones.”

Sparky was grossed out to hear that, “Rocks, stones… Ugh’ll!”

The kids had never heard of a dragon that didn’t like stones. Sparky was careful not to mention what he really was like.

One little filly took a good long look at him.

“Yes…?” he asked.

“I was just thinking, you look like a dragon we all knew named “Spike” he used to look like you, only different.”

Sparky was starting to feel nervous, “Uh… “Spike” you say. Nah, never heard of him. Nope. Not me.”

Still, it was a wonderful party, and yet all the while I couldn’t help but have a shivering feeling that something bad was happening to the others while I wasn’t watching.

Act 18: Risky Confrontation

ACT EIGHTEEN

Applejack was sitting on a log in the fields by herself. She clutched herself, but not from the cold, from the intense feelings of guilt she had felt for keeping the secret.

The Apples had been so good to her, especially Pear Butter and Bright Mac, but only because they didn’t know the truth.

“I can’t do this no more.” she said to herself. “It’s time for this apple to polish up and let the truth shine forth.”

Just as she was about to get up, a letter magically appeared before her nearly making her fall backwards in fright.

“Dag-Nabit! I forgot about the strange mailing system here.”

She read the letter. It was from Mykan, and her eyes nearly lit up like the sun. “Yee-Haw!” she shouted with joy as she threw her hat up high. Then the winds blew it off and away.

“Ah, shucks! Come back here!”

She flew up after it, and caught it, and she landed… right before the family standing huddled together and giving her a strange look; the kind that could pierce through anyone’s soul.

Applebloom finally broke the silence, “You’re not Applejack, are you?”

Applejack didn’t know what to say, and that told the family enough.

“Ohh…” Pear groaned as she felt faint.

“Buttercup!” cried Bright Mac as he caught his wife and stopped her from passing out.

“Um… listen to me…” Applejack said, but she couldn’t bring herself to even take a step forward. “…I don’t know how to say this to y’all.”

“How about the truth.” said Buddy as he came along with DD and Tree Hugger who was holding little Seedling.

“You told them!” Applejack spat in disbelief, but Buddy assured her, “They saw through me, or rather Tree Hugger did; I had to tell.”

The Apples were shocked even more. “You’re not Buddy Rose?” asked Big Mac.

“No, he’s not.” DD answered. “He’s from the Human World,” and she looked over at Applejack, “…And so is she.”

“Hubba-Whaaaa?!” cried Applebloom.

“Eeyup, it’s true.” said Applejack

Through a long-story short, Buddy and Applejack came clean of everything, and Buddy held up a letter he had received just like Applejack.

“They found where the magic is, and it’s only a matter of time-- your Applejack and your Buddy Rose will come home very soon.”

“Daddy…” cooed Seedling. Thank goodness she was still too young to really understand.

While the Apples were relieved to hear this, they just couldn’t get over the shock they had just been through.

“Hey, come on,” said Tree Hugger “Everyone needs to take a chilling breather in and push out all the cold feelings.” She demonstrated this by taking a huge deep breath with her trademark noise "Ooouuuaaahh-eeeEEEeee!"

Little Seedling did the same thing, only hers sounded like giggles and coos.

“You mean you’re okay with all this?” asked Bright Mac.

Tree Hugger set her daughter down and waved her hands going “Ehh… so-so. My chakra’s still on the recovery-line, and I can’t take being lied to…”

Buddy hung his head in shame.

“…The point is,” DD said. “We get why they did it; they were acting like any Starfleet Fighter should. They were just trying to protect us all.”

Applejack and Buddy nodded.

“We wanted to tell you the truth, but we just couldn’t.” said Applejack.

“Believe us, we feel bad about lying to all.” added Buddy. “But like we said, it’ll all be okay soon. You’ll have your real friends back, and you’ll never have to see us again.”

The Apples were starting to feel a mix of emotions.

“You don’t really have to be so hard on yourselves.” said Applebloom.

Buddy and Applejack were confused.

“She’s right.” said Big Mac, “You may not our real friends and relatives, but well… I guess…”

Pear cut in for her son “…There’s no sense in beating round the bush. You still look like them, and in ways you are them, even if you ain’t.”

Bright Mac agreed, “We can’t just turn on you like a dog without its bone.”

If this wasn’t a way of showing forgiveness and understanding, nobody would know what was.

Applejack sniffled, “Now… that’s just doggone sweet.”

“Cut it out, or I may cry too.” said Buddy.

All the rest of the team received Mykan’s letters telling them to standby and be prepared to make it back to the gate chamber in the royal palace, and you can bet they were excited and happy with the chance to be going home…

But a lot of them kept quiet about it so as not to alert their so-called “pets”, “spouses”, or “children.”

Even Pinkie was quiet as a mouse about it, though she was shaking with joy in her and Apple Spice’s bedroom and doing her best not to burst out cheering.

“This is so cool!” she said softly. “I better see what affairs I can get in order.” and she rushed out of the room… foolishly leaving the letter behind on the floor.

Spice soon came along looking for his wife. “Pinke? Honey, are you here?”

There was no one in the bedroom, but he did find the letter on the floor, and upon reading it, the letter slipped out of his hand, and he just stood where he was completely frozen in total shock.

Pinkie then came back into the room, “There you are.” she chirped “There’s something I have to tell you.”

Spice didn’t move or even blink.

Pinkie waved her hand in front of him and snapped her fingers at him. “Helloooooo…?”

Still nothing, and then she noticed the letter on the floor. “Uh, oh…”

Artie had stayed in the gallery all by himself, having locked himself up in the private room with all the paintings of Sunset.

When Sunset herself had come to after fainting, she left with Sun Stream. Artie didn’t bother to head to their place, unable to face them and try to explain.

He had already received the letter, and it was about the only thing that brought even the slightest comfort. “At least I’ll be leaving soon. I won’t have to face her.” he said to himself.

He had never felt so ashamed himself in his life for the massive lie had been living, whether it was duty or not.

“How could I have put her through all that?” he kept asking himself. “And the baby…! Thank goodness she doesn’t understand!”

He sat curled up on the floor and buried his face in his knees, “And I miss my Sunset so much. At least she understands all this.”

There was a knock at the door, which surprised him because the gallery was closed and locked up.

Then came a small voice, “Artie? Are you in there?”

“Sunset?” he couldn’t believe it. “No, I’ve got to be crazy.”

He got up and opened the door, but Sunset was there, with Seeding in her stroller. He couldn’t believe it at all, especially when she held up a huge basket of food, “You didn’t come home and… I thought you might be hungry.”

Before long, they all had a small picnic on the gallery floors.

“I thought you were mad at me.”

Sunset couldn’t sugarcoat it. “I guess… I sort of am. I was completely shocked, but I’ve had time to think. I get why you did it…

…And I’m trying to see things from your view. You must miss your Sunset a lot, and you miss your home and your life.”

Artie nodded sadly, “It’s just… pretending to be someone else’s husband and father, I wasn’t all that up for it. It felt so wrong, but then again if I hadn’t done it…”

Sunset clenched her napkin holding back the feelings inside of her. “You know, you may not be my husband, but you sure are sweet like him.”

Artie blushed softly, and then he looked down at the letter again. “I just hope I’ll be home soon.”

Lightning and Starla read the letter with Krysta.

“This is awesome!” Krysta cried with joy, but Lightning hushed her and pointed over his shoulder at the children playing at the other side of the living room.

“So, when do we leave?” Krysta asked softly.

“The letter says to standby, and that’s all.” replied Lightning.

Starla looked through the window outside. “So, we’re going to leave here soon. I just hope nothing else happens before that.”

Lightning and Krysta agreed, and they watched as the children continued to play without a clue to anything.

Starla gazed at them too, and the thought of leaving them brought on a slight bit of sadness.

Though it had only been two days, it was amazing that these kids made her feel like this was all a real family.

She also noticed how Lightning was looking at the kids too, as if he felt the same way.

“We do have to leave the children.” Starla said in her mind. “They deserve to have their real parents back, and me and Lightning… what’s going to happen to us?”

As she gazed at him, she felt her love warming her again, and she began to hallucinate being back home in the Human world, and the children were with them, only they were now her kids with Lightning, and both human… like being a real family.

It made her sink into a loving daze and her cheeks were bright pink.

“Starla…?” Lightning called to her in what seemed like a cool, loving voice, only for reality to snap back. “Starla, are you alright?”

Starla snapped fully back to her senses. “Yeah, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Krysta knew why Starla dazed off, but she didn’t say anything; just felt disappointed that Lightning and Starla wouldn’t stop this resistance thing.

Suddenly, the alarms sounded.

Twinkle cried at the loud noises outside, and Shining Light comforted her.

“What’s going on now?” asked Lightning.

Krysta looked outside and pointed up into the sky, “I think… That is!”

It was getting dark outside when it was still only late afternoon, because something way up above was blocking the sunlight…

It was a gargantuan flying motorbike, like the one those punks from the other day had.

“It’s a UFO!” cried Starla.

All over the land citizens and soldiers saw the massive ship, and of course the Royal Palace in New Canterlot was already alerted and the soldiers were scrambling to their battle stations.

Luna was awoken by the alarms and was helping to gather the guards, then she stayed behind to comfort the children.

“What is that?” Celestia asked as she could see the massive ship from far, far away.

Celesto glared at the vehicle. “Whatever it is, it can only be trouble.”

He proven correct when large holographic images of a huge alien creature appeared on all four sides of the ship.

This creature resembled all the Mach-Riders, only he was much larger, stronger looking, and his hair was black with red edges, and his armor was gold with silver spikes. Not to mention he was carrying massive weapons five times the size of the other Mach’s weapons.

“Now hear this, Starfleet!” he bellowed. “The name is Mach-Dad, and as the probably suggests… you got it-- those are my kids you got locked away.”

Rainbow was standing on a cloud, “Those were his kids? Some family.”

Mach-Dad continued, “Now, I’m not usually one for this, but it is the holiday time, and there’s nothing more precious than families being together.

Get what I’m saying…?

You give me back my kids, or I’m going have to just ruin the holidays for everyone!”

The civilians began to shudder in fear while all the soldiers and fighters didn’t look the least bit amused.

“You have one hour, and then… it’s toasted Hearths Warming for you all.” he laughed, the images faded, and the ship took off up, up into the sky and out of sight.

“Celesto!” cried Celestia. “What are we going to do?”

Her husband didn’t see how to answer as he thought, “If we try to go into battle, our secrets will be exposed across the entire Planet. The beings will see that we are frauds.”

He envisioned all the beings scorning, hating, and shunning him and his friends.

“Fakers!”

“Liars!”

“We had faith in you, and you turn out to be a bunch of phonies!”

Then came rocks, torches, pitchforks and not a chance for redemption or forgiveness.

Celesto didn’t want that, but he knew, “If we don’t do something, then there will be destruction and chaos all over, and not only will the holidays be ruined, but worse fates could befall the beings.”

Captain Shaina came along. “Orders, your majesties?”

Celestia and Celesto hesitated.

“Orders, your majesties!” cried Shaina.

The couple looked at each other and they both agreed.

Celesto declared, “Prepare for battle!”

Meanwhile, it was starting to get dark as the sun began to set.

After Sunset had gotten the message from me that everyone was given word to standby, it was time to confront Swift, and everyone decided the best place to look was his apartment.

The light was on in his window, and this was perfect.

Sunset went inside and up to the door. She found her courage and knocked.

Swift answered almost instantly, but he was not very happy to see her. “What do you want?” he asked rather gruffly.

Sunset remained calm, expecting him to show hostility. “I need to talk to you.”

“Not interested.” Swift said quickly, and he prepared to shut the door right in her face, but Sunset used her magic to hold it in place. “I know you have the magic!”

Swift’s eyes widened.

“I need to talk with you about it.”

Swift quivered a little, unsure of what to say, but he finally agreed, “Not here. Let’s go somewhere else.”

They both headed down and exited the building and walked down the street towards an open lot where there were no people, and the area was wide open enough.

Swift had a sneaky feeling that he and Sunset were not alone…

…They weren’t! All of Sunset’s friends were hiding nearby in the lot; behind the fences and dumpsters, and some were hiding in the tall trees.

“Okay… so what’s so important?” asked Swift.

Sunset got straight to the point. “You need to give me that magic.”

Swift looked furious, and before he could respond, Sunset explained the situation of her friends, revealing, who they really were.

Swift was very surprised.

“So, that’s how it is.” said Swift. “I must say, you all fooled me pretty good. I never would’ve known the difference.”

“So, will you give it back?”

Swift looked down at his hands. “…No! I don’t have to give it back to you.”

“Yes, you do!” snapped Sunset. “That magic doesn’t belong to you. It isn’t yours to keep! We need it back.”

“Forget it!” yelled Swift. “Why should I give it back when I don’t have to? This magic is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me!

I tried to join up with you guys, but you snubbed me every time, all because I didn’t have magic like you.

And now, I finally have some, I’ve done good so far in helping people, saving lives, jobs, and other things, and now here you are wanting to take that away from me!

Just how miserable to you and your friends want me to be?”

Sunset didn’t like how he was chewing her out and making her sound like an enemy.

Her friends didn’t like it either.

“Why that dirty--” Rainbow growled softly.

“Shh!” said Artie.

Sunset decided to change tactics. “Look, Swift… just off topic here, but I know what you’re feeling, and I understand you.”

“Ha!” scoffed Swift. “You don’t know much about me at all.”

He turned his back to her, only to hear her say “…I know about your parents, and how they just left you.”

Swift felt struck as he slowly turned around, “…How do you know that?” but he remembered the clues in his apartment, and it all made sense “You and your friends were spying on me? Of course! That’s how you found out about the magic!”

Sunset remained calm, and then Swift calmed down. He began to look a little sad.

“I used to have it good…

I had good home, loving parents. They always told me they were proud of me, and loved me, but they would often tell unfunny jokes of what it would be like if they never had me, and how parents are always sacrificing and doing things for their kids.

They told me it was just a joke, and I laughed it off with them, but it still didn’t feel funny.

…They were just biding their time, waiting for the right minute.

Their chance came…

I was doing well in High School, I had good grades, I was doing well in P.E, and even was a member of the Chess Club, Science Club, and Art Club.

I was practically the big man on campus at 17, and I was looking into getting jobs.

That’s when my parents left me, claiming they were going to that so-called “Peace Conference” and that I couldn’t go with them because it was important I do not lose time at school.

They claimed they would miss me and write me every day. I would look out into the night wondering where they were and if they would come home soon.

I began to worry when their letters seem to come fewer, and fewer…

Then finally, on Christmas Eve of that year, I got that letter! I’ll never forget it, they wished me “Good Luck” and “Have a good life, we’re sure you can manage for yourself now. Don’t bother sending to us, it won’t find us.”

I couldn’t believe it! I tried to contact the Peace Corps, but they told me that my parents never joined them, which further cemented it in-- they just left me!

I never felt so hurt! So angry! So abandoned, I smashed up all the Christmas decorations.

How could they just up and abandon me like that?!

I couldn’t concentrate anymore. I could hardly think too straight, and it affected my schoolwork resulting in poor grades, and because of that I was kicked out of all my clubs.

All I did good in was Martial Arts, but that wasn’t good enough.

All I could get was a job in fast food and janitorial work. I couldn’t pay for my parents’ house on all that, so I was evicted, but at least I was able to get a low paid, single room, shabby apartment.

With my low grades and less than enlightening background, I couldn’t hope for much. Nobody would help me, nobody let me explain my troubles, and I grew madder, and madder every day, especially seeing how happier other people are and all the joys and comforts they have!

I wanted to get into Starfleet to help me forget my woes, a way to let my anger loose-- on criminals and bad guys. Most of all, I could help other people in a way that would benefit everyone, so they wouldn’t have to travel down the road I did.

So, I trained hard in all my spare time, I made weapons, and even a costume, but it was all for nothing!”

He remembered all the time Starfleet told him to stay out of their way, or not get involved in their business due to him not being trained enough in their eyes, having no magic, and refusing to let him have any kind of job at all.

Sunset felt a slight jerk of guilt getting her.

The fighters overheard the story, and Pinkie had tears in her eyes. She wanted to break out crying, but Applejack cautioned her not to.

“The poor dear…” sniffled Rarity.

Grand Ruler was still disgusted by Swift’s parents and their actions, but he knew, “His anger and hate are understandable, but his attitude and foolishness are far from justified.”

Swift glared at Sunset “You were right! I didn’t want to listen at first, and I was putting myself in danger, but now I finally have a chance to turn my life around, and you have the nerve to stand there and demand I give it all up just to help you and your friends?!”

“Swift, it’s not just about me and my friends!” protested Sunset. “We’re looking out for you too. You don’t realize how dangerous that magic is, and the longer you have it and use it, the worse it’s going to get.

Believe me, I know what I’m talking about!”

She reflected on her days of being spiteful, and how it led her to stealing magic and becoming a spiteful demon.

“I was alone, and I felt unappreciated, unwanted, and above all things… I was mad! I blamed everyone else for my problems and tried to punish them all for it…

…Until I was shown the better way, through Friendship and Forgiveness.

I turned my whole life around that day, and so can you-- It’s not too late.”

Swift only look angrier, and there was a nasty glow in his eyes, just as Sunset feared. The magic was getting more and more unstable and affecting his mind!

“Swift, I’m sorry if we were hard on you, and if my friends were here, they’d apologize too, but we were only trying to protect you and stop you from making big mistakes!

We can help you! We want to help you, but you need to help us too, by giving up the magic.”

Poor Swift felt his head aching again, with feelings of rage and a lust for battle. “I already told you I don’t have to give it back, but if you want it that bad… you’re going to have to take it from me!”

Sunset cringed deeply. “I hoped it wouldn’t come to that, Swift,” she paused “But if that’s what it takes to help my friends and you… fine.”

The two glared each other down furiously as their auras began to flare. This was going to be a rough one!

Author's Note

Taking a small Hiatus... I did not expect the fic to be this long

I really have to work on my Teen Titan Idol