MLP G5 Sunset: IDW Comics: The Storm of Zephyr Heightsby JesusG0987ChaptersIssue 1:Issue 2:Issue 3:Issue 1:Issue 1: In Zephyr Heights, the Pegasi are going about their day as the Zephyr Heights Royal Palace is shining bright at the kingdom while having a peaceful moment of silence together. Until… “But Moooom--” Zipp’s voice spoke up from inside the palace. Inside the palace in Queen Haven’s room, Queen Haven was packing some things, well her maiden is, as Zipp was in the room with her mother as Haven was looking at her closet. “Now, Princess Zephyrina Storm! Don’t you ‘But Mom’ me.” Haven said firmly to her daughter. “We’ve been talking about this for weeks.” She reminded. “Yeah, but I didn’t think you were serious.” Zipp said to her mother. “When have you ever known me to not be serious?” Haven questioned her daughter while looking through her gowns. “I am the Queen of Zephyr Heights. It’s my duty to be serious.” She stated while Cloudpuff watches while coughing out a piece of dog food that was in his throat , which Zipp gave a disgusted look as Cloudpuff whistles innocently as he kicked the piece away as Haven pick out a gown. “No, no, no. That’s the Amethyst Royal Traveling Gown. I need the wisteria one.” Haven said to the maiden, who gave a tired look. “Can you imagine me showing up in the Maredives in an amethyst gown? Hahahahahah.” She laughed in her phony laughter since her maiden is here. Soon, Zipp and her mother are walking down the hallway while the maiden pushes the suitcases. “Are you seriously going to abandon Zephyr Heights for a whole week?” Zipp questioned her mother. “Abandon? Darling, you’re so dramatic.” Haven said to her daughter. “It’s called a vacation, and it’s about time Alfie and I got to spend some time alone together.” She stated, since she and Alphabittle have made vacation plans together “You don’t take vacations! You’re the Queen of Zephyr Heights” Zipp pointed out, still having a hard time getting her head around this. “That one time when Pipp and I were fillies, you took a long bath and the whole government almost collapsed!” “Well, that is true.” Haven nodded, remembering that time. “I suppose I’ll need to appoint a queen regent for the week.” She said as she took off her crown and looked at it. “Who could possibly take that much stress and hold the kingdom together for an entire week?” She started before she gave a smirk and tossed it as it landed on Zipp’s head. “Oh, I know! You!” “WHAT?!” Zipp exclaimed in complete shock while Haven kept her smirk at her daughter’s reaction. “Oh com now, Zephyrina.” Haven said with a small smile as they entered the throne room. “We’ve gone round and round about this. You are the next in line for the throne, and you are going to be an excellent Queen.” “You’re right, we have talked about it. And I think I can be a good queen…” Zipp started off with a frown. “...someday! Many, many, years from now when you’re an old gray mare and I’ve solved all the mysteries and flown all over the world.” She then panicked as she shook her mother, which made Haven yelp. “But not today! Not for a whole week! I don’t know what I’m doing! Don’t you remember that time I cut my own mane?! It’s gonna be like that!” She exclaimed in panic. Soon Zipp stopped shaking her mother as Have gave a dizzy look from the face. “I do remember that time. I also remembered that’s how you ended up with your little mohawk puff thing.” She said dizzily. “It’s never something I would have chosen for me, but it’s perfect for you, and as Aquen, I expect you to make just those sorts of decisions.” “Mom, you can’t leave me in charge of all this alone.” Zipp complained with a groan. “Well then, good thing she called in some reinforcements.” Pipp’s voice spoke up as Zipp perked up and turned with a smile as she saw her friends walk in. “I mean, tha haircut works for you, but we wouldn’t want all of Zephyr Heights to end up with it.” She joked. “Oooh!” Izzy said in excitement. “Can I get it, though? I think I’d look cool with a mohawk!” She excitedly said. “No, Izzy. You really wouldn’t.” Sunset said with a chuckle. “Pipp! You’re in on this too?” Zipp asked her sister in surprise. “In on it? No.” Pipp answered with a smile. “I made her promise that if I helped, she wouldn’t call him Alfie in front of me for at least a month.” She said with a smile before she walked up next to her sister. “Besides, I know my big sis can handle anything.” She added as she used her wing to nudge her sister on the side. “So, I just signed up to spend a week taking advantage of Mom’s spa package.” “And if something does happening, I think the eight of us have proven we can pretty much anything together.” Sunny said with a confident smile. “I even got a babysitter for Sparky for the week.” Hitch said with a smile. “That way, I can lend a hoof and he won’t… you know… blow anything up.” He said with a sheepish chuckle. “I brought all my crafting supplies!” Izzy cheerfully said as she brought out a box. “By the time Haven gets back, we’ll have redorated the whole city.” “And Twilight and I can help out with some extra royal duties if you’re being a bit overwhelmed.” Sunset said with a shrug. “Well, mostly me. Because I have the most experience of royal duties.” Twilight said with a smile and a shrug. “Yeah, you do.” Sunset said with a smirk and a chuckle. “And you probably don’t need my help with anything.” Misty said to Zipp with a smile. “Because you’re so awesome but if you do, I’m here!” Zipp then looked at her friends’ support as she gave a smile and she adjusted the crown on her head. “You know what? You guys are right. I mean, heck, we’ve saved all the world’s magic together a bunch of times. We can keep one city from falling apart long enough for my mom to take a break.” She said with a smile. “Oh, Zephyrina, thank you.” Haven said to her daughter with a proud smile while feeling touch. “Besides, my Mom works really hard and deserves to spend some time with her… Alphie.” She added. Just then, Haven gave a disgusted look. “It really does sound just… disgusting when you say it, though. You should probably just call him Alphabittle.” She said naturally. “You’re right.” Zipp said in a dull look. “I heard it, and it was just… gross.” She said as Izzy, Sunset, Twilight and Misty shared a small laugh from that. Haven and the maid then began to walk off. “Well, I have to be going, my dears. NBut I haven’t a single worry. I know the kingdom is in good hooves.” She said as she blew a kiss to her eldest daughter. 30 minutes later. After Haven left, Zipp was finishing up writing on a paper and putting them on an envelope mail. “Okay, and that should wrap up all the signing of Royal Get-Well Cards.” Zipp said with a smile as her friends watched while also helping her. “Really great job, sis.” Pipp complimented her sister. “Wow, you’re such a good queen!” Misty cheered with a smile and her hooves raised. “Very impressive, Zipp.” Twilight complimented with a smile at how Zipp handled the royal work. “I really think you should have let me put googly eyes on it.” Izzy said with a smile while eyeing one of the envelopes. “Yeah, not really how that works, Izzy.” Sunset said with a chuckle. Zipp then turn to the others. “Okay, guys, I really do appreciate the support but… you don’t have to stay with me the whole time. I’m just doing paperwork.” She said to them. “No problem. What can we do to help?” Hitch asked with his signature smirk. “Should I run security? Check the castle for structural weaknesses?” Zip then have a thought. “Actually, why don’t you guys have a good time. Pipp, got any ideas?” She asked her sister with a smirk. “Do I?!” Pipp asked as she leaned against the wall with a smirk while using a toothpick. A bit later, the seven ponies are walking through the palace hallway while walking to a studio with Pipp’s Cutie Mark symbol at the entrance. “If you look to your left, you will see the Royal In-House Recording Studio. This studio has been home to the recording of Princess Pipp’s first five singles and countless videos.” Pipp said with a proud smile. “Heh, no surprise there.” Sunset said with a chuckle. “Pipp, not that I don’t appreciate the tour, but is it really necessary?” Sunny asked with a smile while Pipp gave a natural look. “We’ve been coming here for a long time. And sure, maybe we haven’t discovered all---” She trailed off as they stopped at a room with many books around them, which surprised the group, but two certain ponies were shocked by this. “Ooooh!” Both Twilight and Sunny exclaimed in unison with their jaws dropped by the amount of books. “Oh boy. Here we go.” Sunset said with a smirk, while surprised by the amount of books but knowing how her two friends are gonna be. “And this is the totally dusty old shelf full of history books of our historians dug out of an archive or something.” Pipp said with a smirk. “Seemed like both your kind of things, Sunny and Twilight.” Then Sunny and Twilight then quickly zoomed towards the book shelf closest and started grabbing tons of books as fast as they could as Sunset gave a chuckle. “You really know how to make them excited, Pipp.” Sunset commented. “Oh, knowing Twilight and Sunny for so long, I knew they would go for something like this.” Pipp said with a smile as the other ponies started spreading out to check the library while Izzy laughed as she was riding the ladder side to side. “Maybe I can find some spell books!” Misty said with a smile. “Might as well search for something that piques my interest.” Sunset said as she walked off to search for a book. “Just remember, we’re meeting up at the spa in a few hours.” Pipp said with a smile to her friends while Twilight and Sunset are reading a book that has Twilight’s face on it that said. ‘Live at Twilight’. “ OKay, yeah, sure.” Sunny said to Pipp while she and Twilight read the book. “We promise, Pipp.” Twilight assured. “Oh! Wait, I’ve never heard of Flash Magnus!” Sunny said with a smile. “Twilight, you know this pegasus?!” “One of the legendary pillars of Equestria, met him in person with the others.” Twilight said with a smile. “Mind telling me more in case this book doesn't have many details?” Sunny asked with an exciting smile. “Sure thing, Sunny.” Twilight said with giggles. Pipp then opened another door with Izzy beside her, and she gasped in excitement with sparkles in her eyes when she saw many crafting supplies as far as the eye can see. “This is my mother’s royal craft room. “Aaah!” Izzy squealed in excitement as she tackled the supplies while Misty watched as she giggled while Pipp walked off with a smirk. A bit later, Pipp was guiding Hitch out of the palace and into a gate outside. “Okay, you got them figured out. But I have important work to do keeping order.” Hitch bragged with a smirk while Pipp kept a smirk. “There’s not some room in this castle where you can distract me from--” Pipp then opened the gate with a smirk as she showed a bunch of creatures around him, and a couple of Breezies who were enjoying the animals’ company. “The Zephyr Heights Royal Gardens.” Pipp said with a smirk while Pipp booped a bunny’s nose. “OH MY GOSH!” Hitch cheered in excitement as the animals all crowded around him. “Have fun. Don’t forget, we’re heading to the spa in a few hours.” Pipp said with a smirk to Hitch as she walked off to let Hitch enjoy the animals. “Who’s a fluffy boy? Yes, you are!” Hitch cheered as he rubbed a tiger’s back, which made the tiger give a brow from that. Back at the library, Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight are still reading a ton of books, which some are piled up as Sunset and Twilight are reading their own books while Sunny was reading a book of ‘A History of the Party Cannon’. “Okay, this can’t be everything. This doesn’t make sense.” Sunny said in confusion. “Uh, yeah. I think that book was written by Pinkie Pie, Sunny.” Sunset said with a small smirk at the book. “Really?” Sunny asked in surprise. “How can you tell?” Because the only pony who uses party cannons is Pinkie.” Twilight said with a smile. “That, and her signature is written in dried frosting.” She said while pointing to a pink frosting name on the book, which dried out over time that said ‘Written by Pinkie Pie’ with hearts around it. “Oh, right. Didn’t see that.” Sunny said with a smile as the three ponies shared a small laugh. Then Zipp walked into the library as she looked around. “Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, are you girls still here?” She asked as she looked around for them. “Oh, right here, Zipp!” Sunny called as she raised her hoof from the pile. “Turn right at fashion history, then left at culinary history.” “And then you’ll find a ton of books stacked together.” Sunset added as Zipp followed the instructions until she found them. “Whoa, you three have been busy.” Zipp said in surprise at the amount of books. “Oh, we have only scratched the surface of these books.” Twilight said with a smirk. “Yeah!” Sunny said as she held up a book that ‘The Sombra Saga, Vol 37’. “We look at all this and we can’t help but think, what if my dad had access to all this? There are answers to many of his biggest questions right here!” She cheered with a smile. “Though some of these are not real because some of them are a bit strange. Even for me.” Sunset said with a brow as she held up a book that showed a picture of Celestia and a good version of Sombra kissing each other, which made her cringed weirdly. “Seriously, this is weird.” Sunny then realizes something. “Oh, wait! Do you need our help with something? Is there an emergency?” Sunny asked Zipp in confusion about what Zipp is here with them. “You need help with something, Zipp?” Twilight wondered as she and Sunset thought the same way. “Oh, no.” Zipp shook her head. “I just…” She trailed off as she thought for a moment. “Okay, remember the first time we met? Sunset and I let Sunny and Izzy out of prison while Sunset snuck in because there was something I wanted to show you?” She asked as they remembered that as she remembered the old station before it was restored. “There was an old station that hadn’t been used in years. And it had this poster in it… I really wanted to know about it. I felt like it was something important.” She added as she remembered the Wonderbolts poster that used to be in the old station. “I kinda got distracted with magic coming back and getting my flight and the Brighthouse and all… but thinking about being queen, that was one mystery I always wanted to solve that I haven’t figured out.” Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight looked at each other and wondered what Zipp said as Sunny went to a bookshelf. “Okay, I’m glad you brought that up because we were gonna ask you.” Sunny said to Zipp. “There’s a lot of recent history here. Then there’s a lot of myths and old mares’ tales. But…” She then gestured to a gap between some books with cobwebs around. “But everything from around Twilight and Sunset’s time is missing. We know from when you told us much and some reading about that Pegasi had history books, Twilight.” “I did.” Twilight nodded. “But after so many generations, I’m surprised that books from around our times are missing.” “So… where are they exactly, Zipp?” Sunset asked the pegasus. “No pony really knows.” Zipp answered with a shrug. “We know that before Zephyr Heights, we lived somewhere else. But Archaeologists have never been able to find the Pegasus Homeland.” “Oh, you’re talking about Cloudsdale.” Sunset said in realization. “Yeah, there’s a book about it right here.” She said as she brought out a book that tells about Cloudsdale. “Cloudsdale, I haven’t heard that name in a long time.” Twilight said with a smile. “Cloudsdale?” Pipp’s voice spoke up as the four mares turned and saw Zipp entering. “You’re talking about a city built in the clouds? A magical city where they train the fastest flyers?” She questioned, having heard about Cloudsdale as well as she walked up to them. “That’s an old mares’ tale. How would that even work? Zipp was obsessed with that myth as a kid. That’s just a bunch of Daring Do stories.” “Pipp, are you forgetting two ponies who were once thought to be myths?” Sunset questioned with a brow, gesturing to herself and Twilight. “And newsflash, Cloudsdale is really real.” “Wait, for real? Pipp asked with a surprise look. “As real as Daring Do, Pipp.” Twilight said with a smirk. “So it is real.” Sunny said with a smile. “My Dad’s old books about you two talked about it like it was a real place.” She said to Sunset and Twilight. “But, was it real and just not in the clouds?” Pipp suggested. “Maybe it was just on a mountain, so it seemed like it was.” “Uh, no. It really was a city entirely made of clouds, Pipp.” Sunset said with a brow as Twilight nodded. “Rainbow Dash lived there her whole life before moving her house close to Ponyville.” “So, it really was real.” Zipp said with a hopeful smile before she frowned. “But, what happened to it?” “Yeah, I’ve been wondering that myself.” Sunset said as she turned to Twilight. “Twilight, what happened to Cloudsdale?” “To tell you the truth, I have no idea.” Twilight said with a frown. “I mean, it has been generations since I was last seen in Equestria. And everything has changed that the places I knew are either not what they used to be or in ruins. And after seeing the conditions Canterlot was in, and the Crystal Empire before it was restored, I’m afraid of what happened to Cloudsdale compared to those two. It could be either in ruins or somewhere in Equestria high above us.” “Well, it is a city in the clouds.” Sunset said with a shrug. “I spent so much time in Equestria, I can’t even find Cloudsdale anywhere, or up high from where we flew by by wing or Marestream. So it could be anywhere by now.” “If it is still out there. Right, Zipp?” Pipp asked her sister, who gave a thoughtful look. “Yeah, totally.” Zipp said with a sigh. Pipp then started pushing her sister forward. “But we can talk about myths, legends, and mysteries later. Right now, we have a queen-size spa appointment to make.” She said to them with a smile. “Pipp, what’s the big deal? You run a spa!” Sunny reminded her with a smile. “Yeah, what’s so different about one spa salon over another?” Sunset wondered with a brow. “Oh, but not like this spa.” Pipp said with a smirk before she brought her three friends together with sparkles in her eyes. “This spa has lavender-scented waterfalls and mineral pools from real natural hot springs. This is the spa other spas go to when they’re stressed out. And because it’s my mom’s appointment, there will be an army of the best spa ponies waiting on us. Imagine it! It’ll be enough to calm Misty down and destress Hitch! Don’t you want to see that?” She asked the three with an exciting smile. “Actually, I do.” Sunny said with a smile, wanting to see her coltfriend destress. “That would be interesting.” Sunset said with a shrug and a smile. “I’m looking forward to this spa now.” Twilight said with a smile. “You’ve sold me on going to the spa!” Zipp said with a smile as they walked towards the exit. “What do you even think a Hitch that isn’t high-strung looks like?” She wondered. “I don’t know! But I’m excited to find out!” Pipp said with an exciting smile. “SPA TIME!” Pipp cheered as she and her friends regrouped and were in front of a Spa Building while the big TV screen showed Skye showing the news. “And great news for all of you colts and fillies out there, it’s looking like clear warm weather all this week.” Skye announced with a smile. “But make sure you get your playing in new because it looks like we have a bit of a storm system coming in for next week.” He advises while showing a lightning bolt that looks like a familiar Cutie Mark to Sunset and Twilight. “Was that Rainbow’s Cutie Mark they’ve shown?” Sunset asked Twilight in surprise. “I think they did.” Twilight said with a small chuckle. “Even after all these years, Rainbow’s legacy finds some way to handle the weather.” “True that.” Sunset said as the two Alicorns shared a chuckle. Zipp took a breather with a smile. “Perfect! I can spend the whole week being Queen of the nice warm summer.” She said as Misty turned to her in wonder. “Then my mom can come back and deal with telling PEgasi they can’t fly because they might get struck by lightning.” She commented. “Whoa. Does that happen?” Misty asked in surprise. “Not as much now, but when magic came back, it happened all the time!” Zipp stated to her. “Pegasi were really bad at flying between buildings, so everybody tried to fly above the city. So, when it stormed, they were at the highest things and--ZAP!” She exclaimed while smashing her hoof together, which startled Misty from that. “Whoa.” Misty muttered in shock by that while cringing a bit. No sooner, the Mane 8 are inside the spa Pipp was talking about, which is most luxurious and amazing on the inside, Pipp was having a mud bath while listening to soft music next to a waterfall, Zipp was having a bubble bath with a waiter feeding her grapes, Misty had trouble with relaxing as she was wrapped in towels while having two kiwis on her eyes, Izzy was having her mane and tail being magazine while reading a magazine, Sunny and Hitch were being massage, but Sunny was sitting on her coltfriend to keep him still while the spa mare was rubbing his hoof, which made him tickless as Sunny was eating an able while keeping Hitch down while Sunset and Twilight were having their hooves done as they sighed in relief. “Wow, Pipp was right.” Sunset said with a relaxing smile. “This spa really is amazing then the other ones we went to.” “This is more impressive than Ponyville’s old spa.” Twilight said with a sigh. “Maybe I should come here more often.” “Don’t let Pipp hear ya. She might have competition.” Sunset joked, which made Twilight giggled. “Touche.” Twilight said as the Mane 8 continued to relax. Then after a nice relaxation, Izzy hopped out of the spa with a cheerful smile. “I love spa days!” She cheered as the others followed, but when they got out, it was cloudy and shockingly, it’s snowing as snow landed on Izzy’s muzzle. “Ooh, what’s this? Cold white stuff? Is this a normal part of spa days?” She asked with a smile. “Snow?” Pipp asked in shock as the rest of the Mane 8 looked up. “But it doesn’t snow here in the summer.” “It doesn’t snow at all in the summer, Pipp.” Twilight said to her. “And it’s a little early for Winter Wishday, that’s for sure.” Sunset said with a brow. “And we made sure that every Unicorn knows not to say the snow spell.” “This is strange!” Sunny said as she and the others looked up. “You don’t think this could be the storm that--” “Gotta go!” Zipp cried out as she flew off with a panicked look, which surprised the others. “Zipp! Zipp, wait up! We can help!” Pipp called out as they watched Zipp go at high speed. “Wow, she’s more worried for her kingdom than you used to, Twilight.” Sunset commented. “It’s a royalty thing.” Twilight said with a sheepish shrug. Zipp flew around Zephyr Heights as the snow kept falling while some Pegasi were having some fun in the snow. “I knew it! I knew I shouldn’t have relaxed and had fun. I know I wouldn’t be ready for something!” She cried out in panic as she flew back to the castle. “Your majesty! Your advisors are looking for you!” A Pegasis guard called out to Zipp as she quickly flew back into the palace and into the room where her advisors are. “I’m here! Tell me what’s going on!” Zipp exclaimed with a worried look as she landed on the ground. “It’s this torm, your majesty! It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen!” A stallion with glasses said to her. “I thought it wasn’t supposed to hit for a week!” Zipp said in shock. “It wasn’t. But look!” The stallion said as he gestured to the monitor that showed the storm above Zephyr Heights, with the temperature at 12 degrees below. “It grew to triple the original size and intensity, and it moved much faster than expected. Now it’s slowing down and it seems to be settling right over Zephyr Heights.” He explained. “You’re telling me that this is going to get worse?” Zipp asked with a worried look. “Much worse.” The stallion confirmed as the mare next to him held out a huge poster that titled ‘Evac Plan’. “We need to get everypony out of here.” Zipp then grabbed the stallion’s lab coat and brought him close to his face. “You’re telling me that on my first day as queen regent of Zephyr Heights, we need to evacuate the whole city?!” She exclaimed in shock. “That is what I’m saying, you’re majesty, yes.” The stallion said with a nervous look. Just then, the rest of the Mane 8 rushed into the room while having some snow on them as they shook them off. “There you are! It’s getting really bad out there.” Pipp said to her sister after seeing her and the two ponies. “Wait, what’s going on? Sis, what’s happening?” “How can we help?” Sunny asked next. “We can help!” Izzy cheered. “We can lend a helping hoof.” Twilight offered. “What’s the game plan?” Sunset added. “Just tell us what you need.” Misty said with a smile. “We’re here for you, Zipp.” Hitch said with a smile. Zipp then gave a determined look. “We need to evacuate Zephyr Heights. Here’s what we’re gonna do.” Zipp said with a determined look as she looked at the others. “Pipp, Sunset, Sunny, Twilight, youi guys fly to the outskirts of the city and work your way in. Make sure we alert everyone.” She instructed. “On it!” Pipp said with a smile as Sunny brought out her Alicorn form and gave a horn to Pipp on her head. “Can do.” Twilight nodded as Sunset gave a salute. “Misty and Izzy, I need you two to use your magic to direct ponies and dig out a clear path down the mountain.” Zipp instructed to the two Unicorns. “Gotcha!” Misty said with a smile as Izzy nodded. Zipp then turned to Hitch. “Hitch, you get the creatures from the garden and work with them on crowd control. Ponies are going to be worried. They need you to show them the way.” She instructed. “Sounds like a plan.” Hitch said with an approving smile. “I’m going to ge to the TV station and let everyone know what’s happening.” Zipp said as she opened the gates and exited with a smile, not noticing the shocked and horrified look on her friends’ faces. “This is the biggest emergency in the history of Zephyr Heights. But together, the eight of us can handle--” She trailed off as Twilight slowly turned her head and looked ahead as Zipp looked on in horror. “Anything?” She finished in complete shock. What they’re seeing is Pegasi flying around from the strong winds and snow as they can’t control their wings or flight. “This might be tougher then we thought.” Sunset muttered, seeing that things just got more complicated for them. End of Issue 1. Author's Note First chapter issue of the storm, and don't worry, I'll continue work on this, just be patient because I have a ton of things these days, but know I will continue on. And enjoy the first issue of this comic series Issue 2:Issue 2: After finding out about the unusual danger storm that has suddenly appeared in Zephyr Heights, Zipp had to think fast as she and her friends scrambled around to try and control the chaos that was happening around as snow continued to pile on the Pegasus Kingdom as Zipp was on the broadcast screens. “Again, this is a message to everypony in Zephyr Heights from acting Queen Zephyrina. Due to the extreme strength and unpredictability of this storm, we are evacuating Zephyr Heights immediately.” Zipp spoke up to everypony in Zephyr Heights to spread the word of the evacuation attempt. “Palace guards and my friends are working right now to clear the way so you can get out as quickly as possible. Please stay calm and look out for your fellow pegasi in this dangerous time.” “Come on, honey!” A pegasus mother said to her filly flying behind her as they flew past the broadcast Zipp was on. “I'm coming, mommy!” The filly said as she tried to fight against the storm. “It’s just that the so--” She was then hit by a strong wind that was pushing her to the broadcast screen. “MOMMYYY!” She cried out. “Sweetie!” The mother cried out as she tried to save her daughter, but the wind kept her away. “Sompony help us!” She cried out. Just then, Sunny flew in while in her Alicorn form and caught the daughter before she hit the screen. “Gotcha!” She called with a smile as she flew down to ground level as Sunset and Twilight came in and flew down. “Got another.” Sunset said while carrying a foal. “I got four.” Twilight said as she levitated some foals with her magic as Pipp flew in with two Pegasi. “Great job, girls!” Pipp said to the three Alicorns with a smile as she turned to the two foals she was holding. “You two okay?” “Wow, I can’t believe we got saved by the Princess Pipp Petals.” The colt that Pipp was carrying said in amazement with sparkles in his eyes as Pipp placed the two foals down. “Okay, you two, follow the evacuation route and stay on the ground, okay?” Pipp instructed them. “The wind is really strong, even for an experienced flyer like me.” She stated. “Oh, thank you so much, Sunny!” The mother said as her daughter was up to her. “I thought I’d lost her!” “I’ve crashed while flying before, Mom! I would have been fine.” The filly assured her with a smile. “Yeah, I don’t think it’s the same thing from what could’ve happened.” Sunset said with a cringed as Twilight nodded in agreement. “We’re sure you’re a great flier, but with the wind like this, we need you all to stay on the ground and follow those signs.” Sunny instructed while gesturing to the arrow sign behind them that is pointing to the direction. “Our friends, Izzy, and Misty, are clearing the way out so everypony can evacuate.” “So for now, stay close and stay on ground level and follow the path. No flying.” Twilight added as the two Pegasi nodded. Sunset then turns to Pipp. “Pipp, do you think that’s everypony here?” She asked. “Just about.” Pipp nodded. “I hope Hitch is having as much luck.” “Knowing Hitch, I think he got that part covered.” Sunny assured with a smile, knowing her coltfriend got things covered. In the middle of the palace garden, Hitch was standing on a fountain as he looked at the critters gathered around as he looked at them. “I want everyone holding two paws. We’re gonna form a chain so we make sure we all get there. The storm is bad, but we’ve been through worse and we’re gonna get out of this together, you guys!” He announced as the critters listened to him. “Now, if you lose contact with the creature behind you, you let the rest of the line know and we’ll stop and find them.” He instructed. “Are you ready?!” He called out. The critters looked at each other and nodded. After a few minutes, they formed a line while one of the birds held Hitch’s tail while the rest held each other in a line as Hitch led. “You’re doing great! I see the unicorn signs up ahead!” He called out to them. “Just stick together and we’re gonna be out of here in no time!” As he kept leading, Zipp flew over Hitch. “Hitch, how’s it going? You need any help?” She asked. “We got this, Zipp.” Hitch assured her. “Just as long as Misty and Izzy have the route cleared.” “Great! I’ll go check on them!” Zipp called out as she flew ahead as Hitch covered his face from Zipp’s whoosh and the strong way. Zipp then flew towards where Izzy and Misty were as she saw Izzy placing the signs down as Zipp noticed the Pegasi were still here. “Uh-oh, this doesn’t look good. These pegasi should already be out of here.” Zipp said to herself in worry as she landed in front of Izzy. “Hey, Izzy, is everything okay? Why are all these pegasi still here?” “Misty is trying to get through, but she says the storm won’t let her.” Izzy explained to her. “Won’t let her?” Zipp asked in confusion. “Okay, I got this.” She said as she then flew off. “Excuse me! Look out! Queen coming through!” She called out as she flew past the ponies. “Everypony stay calm. We’re gonna figure this out.” “Look out!” Misty called out as Zipp saw her tumbling towards her. “Misty?” Zipp asked before Misty crashed into her as Misty was on top of her after skidding on the snowy floor. “Misty, what’s going on? Why can’t you get through?” She asked while rubbing her head from the crash. “Okay, just hold on.” Misty said to her. “I’m gonna get it this time! I promise!” She declared as she stood up and focused her magic, making snow prowls on them that blocked the wind and snow. “Misty?! What are you--” Zipp tried to ask in surprise. “It’s okay. I got it, Zipp!” Misty called out as she kept blocking. “I can get the--” She was cut off when a strong wind flew in and hoisted Misty away, sending her flying. “Aaaahhh!” She screamed. “Misty!” Zipp cried out as she flew up to her and quickly caught her. “Ooph!” She grunted after catching Misty. “Oh, thank goodness.” Misty said in relief. “I thought I was gonna crack my horn!” She added as Zipp placed her down on the ground. “What happened?” Zipp asked the unicorn. “Okay, please don’t be mad at me, but I think this storm is magical.” Misty said to her. “There’s like, this wall of wind that nopony can get through right at the edge.” She explained. “Nopony, huh?” Zipp asked with a smirk as she was about to fly off, but she saw Izzy and the other pegasi freeing from the cold. “No… wait. What would a good queen do? What would mom do?” She asked herself before she had an idea. “Okay, Misty and Izzy, new plan. These ponies can’t get through the storm wall, and they’re the most important thing.” She stated as she rubbed her chin. “We can’t just send them back to their homes, it’s too dangerous out here.” “What about the castle?” Misty suggested. “It’s big, and it has all those giant fireplaces.” Zipp smiled at the idea. “Great idea, Misty!” She said while placing a hoof on Misty’s back. “Really?!” Misty asked with a smile. “Yes!” Zipp nodded with a smile. “Let’s use those signs to get everybody back to the castle instead. We can keep them warm and safe for now.” She added. “You got it, your highness!” Misty said with a smile as she and Izzy then started redirecting the signs to where the palace is. Zipp then turn to the pegasi. “Everpony, follow those unicorns!” She called before she then took to the air and flew off. “I gotta let Pipp, Twilight, Sunny and Sunset know!” She added. But as she fly, she stopped when she saw the four said ponies in front of her with the Pegasi behind them. “Zipp, where’d the evacuation sign go?! I don’t see it anymore!” Pipp asked in worry. “We got Pegasi to get out of the city and in need of shelter!” Sunset stated. “The storm is getting stronger!” Twilight added. “Are Izzy and Misty okay? What’s going on?” Sunny asked in worry. “Everypony is okay, but we can’t get out. The storm wall is too strong.” Zipp explained to them. “That’s an issue.” Sunset said in worry. “Then what do we do?” Pipp asked. “We told these ponies we could get them to safety.” “We’re evacuating everyone to the castle instead.” Zipp said to them. “You guys lead the group there and stay. I’ll meet you there.” She instructed. “Sounds like a great idea.” Twilight nodded in approval. “But what about the Pegasi who are still in danger out there?” Pipp asked in concern. “Yeah, Zipp. There are still Pegasi who are in need of rescuing.” Sunset added, knowing that there are still ponies out there in need of saving from the storm. “Don’t worry, girls.” Zipp said with a determined smirk. “I got this.” She added as she flew off. “I hope Zipp knows what she’s doing.” Sunset said in concern. “You and me both, Sunset.” Pipp added. Zipp then flew around all over Zephyr Heights as she blocked some falling heavy snows from foals, she picked up a foal from underneath a bridge, she cleared the snow away for the pegasi from a building to get out, and she went to a couple of ponies who are taking cover. “Take my hoof!” Zipp called out to them as they nodded as she then guided the pegasi she saved behind her. “Follow me!” She called out as she spent time saving as many pegasi as she could while fighting against the storm. Zipp was then about to go forward, but then she saw a big pile of snow about to bury her while she was distracted, but then a blue blur rushed to her. “Look out!” It said in a male voice as the blur tackled Zipp away from the pile as they tumbled to the ground. “Are you alright, Princess?” He asked as Zipp looked up and saw it was none other than Cloud Breaker. “Cloud?” Zipp asked in surprise as she gave a chuckle. “I am fine. But surprising seeing you here.” “Yeah, well, I was about to join the other Pegasi in the evacuation, but then I saw you flying by and was about to get buried under a pile of snow.” Cloud explained as he helped Zipp up, which she accepted. “And being acting queen of Zephyr Heights might be a lot of work.” “Well, it was simple at first, but due to this storm, it’s not as easy as it seems.” Zipp said as the storm got stronger. “Speaking of which, we should really get to the castle. It’s the only place that’s safe.” “Agreed. Lead the way.” Cloud nodded as he and Zipp flew off to the castle as the storm got stronger. After a bit of flying through the storm, Zipp and Cloud made it to the castle after Zipp cleared the way for the other pegasi as the two entered the throne room as Pipp was out of breath as she took a breather. “There…” She muttered as she went to the throne and sat next to it. “Wow. You must be really tired from all this.” Cloud said with a concerned look. “Oh, you have no idea.” Zipp nodded as the rest of the Mane 8 entered the throne room. “Oh my hoofness!” Misty said in concern. “Sis, are you okay?” Pipp asked in concern. “She looks exhausted.” Sunny said in concern. “And who is this?” Twilight asked as the others noticed Cloud. “I’m okay. Just give me a second.” Zipp said to them after she caught her breath as she stood up. “Everypony, this is Cloud Breaker. He’s a friend I made who helped me found my bravery when I was afraid to fly after the crash.” “Hello.” Cloud said with a wave. “Oh, so you’re who my sister was talking about, huh?” Pipp said with a teasing smirk. “We heard about her, but never got to meet you.” Sunset said with a smile. “I’m--” “I know who you all are.” Cloud said to them with a smile. “Aside from Zipp and Pipp since they’re most noticeable in Zephyr Heights. You are the rest of their friends and heroes of Equestria. Sunset Shimmer, Sunny Starscout, Misty Brightdawn, Hitch Trailblazer, Izzy Moonbow, and the legendary Princess Twilight Sparkle. Zipp spoke highly of you ponies and for all you’ve done to Equestria.” He said, which surprised the group. “Whoa, somepony’s been doing their homework.” Hitch said with a smirk. “Is he physic?!” Izzy asked with an exciting smile. “He’s not a Unicorn or an Alicorn, Izzy. And we already established that unicorns don’t read minds.” Sunset said with an amusing smile. “Only certain ones like myself.” She muttered quietly since she’s the only one who can read memories thanks to her geo. “Nice to meet you, Cloud.” Twilight said as she and Cloud shook hooves. “But I think we’ll save the introductions later in this time of crisis.” “True enough.” Cloud said with a nod. “We need to either find a way to get everyone out of here or to get help.” Zipp said to them, getting back on track with the storm that is happening right now. “Well, everypony is safe and warm in the castle right now.” Pipp said to them. “Maybe we just stay here?” “Yeah, the storm has to end eventually, right? Sunny asked. “I don’t think it will stop anytime soon, Sunny.” Sunset said to her. “Agreed. It looks like it’s gonna get stronger out there.” Twilight added. “Well, if it stays this bad, we’re not gonna have heat for long. The power might go out.” Hitch pointed out. “And we don’t have enough wood to keep all these fireplaces burning for long.” “And sorry, but I don’t think this is a normal storm.” Misty spoke up as they turned to her. “It got here really fast, and then it just stopped. And when I tried to walk out, it blew me right back in.” “She’s right. This storm is definitely like the time with Wishday with those snow spells, ponies. This is unusual, even by Wishday standards.” Sunset said, seeing Misty’s point. “I haven’t seen a storm this big during the tales of when Equestria was founded and the Windigos, but we know it’s not one of those.” Twilight said, knowing this isn’t one of the Windigos. “There hasn’t been disharmony from Maretime Bay Day from what you all told me. And it got to the point where flying or walking out of Zephyr Heights won’t work if we keep getting blown back.” “We need something heavier, like a… boat for the air.” Misty said in thought, which made Pipp spoke up. “Misty, you’re a genius!” Zipp said to her with a smile. “Oh, okay…” Misty said while looking a bit surprised by what Pipp just said. “Uh, what are you ponies talking about?” Cloud asked with a confused look. A bit later, the ponies are brought down to the station where they first discover about the Unity Crystal on their first adventure. “I found this place back before I met you guys.” Zipp explained to Misty, Hitch, Twilight, and Cloud. “Whoa!” Misty exclaimed. “Sooooo cool!” She cheered in excitement. “Impressive place.” Cloud commented, since he hadn't seen the station down in the castle before. “What is this?” Misty asked in wonder. “Where are we?” Twilight asked in surprise. “Oh, I remember!” Izzy said as she smiled at the station as she walked up to the Wonderbolt’s poster. “Zipp showed Sunny, sunset and me this place after she broke us out of prison that time! It’s some kind of old station pegasi used to fly out of.” “And the station that held remnants of ancient Equestria.” Sunset added as she showed Twilight the Wonderbolt picture. “You remember the Wonderbolt’s, Twilight?” “Of course I do. I met them every time and Rainbow was part of it and couldn’t stop talking about them.” Twilight said with a smile as she looked around the station while also seeing her Cutie Mark where the two stained glass of the Unicorn and Pegasus Crystals are shown while the window outside in the middle was still bare. “And I see you ponies shape things up here as well.” “Hey, we gotta make a legacy remembered.” Sunny said with a smile. “Gotta keep history alive.” Hitch added with a smile. “And impressive.” “Very impressive.” Cloud added with a smile as he looked around. “And spaces.” “And not just the Pegasi.” Zipp said as she led the group forward as she placed her hoof on a lever. “I think all sorts of ponies used to fly out on…” She then pulled the lever. “This!” Then lowering down was a mini airh ship, which the Mane 8 and Cloud looked in awe. “Is that…” Sunset started as she and Twilight recognized it from their time. “Amazing.” Twilight said with a wide smile. “Oh man, that looks cool!” Zipp said as the zeppelin lowered down in front of them. “What is it?” She asked Zipp. “It’s a bot for the air.” Zipp answered with a smile as Misty looked at her with sparkles in her eyes. “Wait, really?!” Misty asked in excitement. “Actually, Zipp, what you have there is actually a mini airship.” Twilight revealed, which surprised them. “Wait, airship?” Cloud asked in surprise. “You mean there were vehicles that fly?” “Yeah. We used to have these back in our time.” Sunset added with a smile. “Hey, I remember reading about them, but I have never seen one before!” Sunny said with a smile. “Is this what they look like?” She asked while gesturing to the airship. “Similar features, but different designs.” Twilight said with a smile. “And we also had hot air balloons for flight, but the airships are more roomy and spaces.” She explained as she inspected the airship. “And I’m surprised this one is still in good condition after generations.” “Zipp, has this airship been hanging above us in the station this whole time?” Sunset asked Zipp with a smile. “Yeah, it was here when I first found this place.” Zipp answered with a smile. “The thing is, I never got it to work.” “From how long it’s been, that’s hardly a surprise.” Twilight noted. “Ummm… Zipp?” Misty spoke up as she gave an exciting smile. “Can I try?” “That’s exactly what I was hoping you’d ask.” Zipp said with a smile. “Misty, do you even know how to fix up an ancient airship?” Sunset asked with a brow. “I had a lot of time when I was with Opaline while being cooped up in her castle.” Misty explained with a smile. “Reading and studying old schematics of ancient Equestrian items were my favorite.” “And I can help her out with my creativity!” Izzy cheered while raising her hoof. “Sounds like a plan.” Zipp said with a smirk. “Sunny, Twilight, Sunset, Pipp, Cloud, follow me. I got a different mission for you.” “Oh!” Sunny said in understanding. “Sure thing, Zipp.” Cloud said as they walked off, leaving Misty, Izzy, and Hitch with the airship. “What is it, Zipp?” Sunset asked, wanting to know what Zipp had in mind. “I want to leave the three of them to work on the ship, but I don’t even know if it will work.” Zipp said with a serious tone to them. “So we’re going to be working on the backup plan to save the city.” She explained. “What kind of backup plan?” Twilight asked. “Cloud, I need you to stay here and help our friends with the airship to try and get it working and help around to guide them through the city if possible, if you want that is.” Zipp said to him. “Well, I can try to help them as best I can.” Cloud said in understanding. “What about the rest of us?” Pipp asked. “The four of us are four of the strongest fliers in the city.” Zipp stated, gesturing to herself, Pipp, Sunset, Twilight, and Sunny, “If that ship can’t get through, we will need to get somepony through to get help. That’s what we’re gonna try to do.” She explained. “Me? One of the strongest fliers? I don’t think so.” Sunny said doubtfully, while she may be an Alicorn, she’s not sure if she’s the strongest flyer. “I saw you out there saving ponies today, Sunny.” Zipp said to her. “When ponies need you, you’re better than any of those kids from my old flying school.” She encouraged me. “And not to mention that you spent a bunch of time training and you can fly so fast that you actually broke the sound barrier that one time.” Sunset noted, reminding Sunny of when she did her Alicorn lessons, she actually broke the sound barrier. “They’re right. You are the strongest flyer when you're an Alicorn, Sunny.” Twilight said with a smile. “Even Alicorns can be the strongest fliers after some flying lessons. Which you clearly have mastered.” Sunny gave a small smile from their words. “Well, I guess that’s true.” She said with a smile. “I’m not anywhere near as good as you, big sis.” Pipp said to Zipp, since she knows her sister is a better flyer than her. “But if this is what you need me to do, I’ll do my best.” “Normally, I’d just do it myself, but I think it’s better if we work as a team.” Zipp said with a smile as she nuzzled her sister’s cheeks, which made Pipp smile in response as she returned the gesture. “I think that’s what a queen would do.” “Hey, you’ve been amazing today.” Pipp said with a smile. “You're gonna be a great queen someday.” “I’ll take that bet.” Cloud said with a smirk. “You ponies go on with your backup plan. I’ll stay and help your friends out while keeping an eye on things.” “Thanks, Cloud.” Zipp said as Cloud nodded and walked off to the others. A bit later, Twilight, Sunset, Sunny, Pipp, and Zipp were back in the palace as they equipped themselves with a snow hat and goggles while tying themselves in ropes while they were at one of the doors as Zipp turned to her friends. “The weather is really bad out there, and you can’t see very far in the air.” Zipp said to them. “I’m gonna tie us together so we don’t lose one another. “I’m with you, sis.” Pipp said after tying herself up. “You know I’m in.” Sunset said as she tied herself next. “It’s better than being blown away.” Twilight added while tying herself up next. “Okay, we got this, right? Sunny asked in concern after tying herself up. “Don’t answer that!” She quickly said. “We got this. We’re gonna do great. It’s gonna be fine.” She said while trying to be brave. “Sunny, it’s gonna be okay.” Zipp assured her. “If we can’t make it through, we’ll come back here and figure something else out.” She said to her. “Yeah, at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” Twilight said optimistically. “And don’t worry, Sunny. We’ll be with you every step of the way.” Sunset said as she gave Sunny a nuzzle, which calmed her as she smiled back with a chuckle. “Just take a deep breath, feel your wings, and…” Zipp started before she stepped out into the door with a smirk. “...try to keep up!” She called as she flew off at high speed, which she dragged the others along as they yelped in surprise by what Zipp just pulled. “This is way too fast!” Sunny screamed in worry. “Whoa, a little warning next time, Zipp!” Sunset called out. “Zipp, where are you going?!” Pipp called out to her sister. “I thought we were going the other way! Are you just enjoying dragging us around?!” She questioned. “We are going the other way!” Zipp called out to them. “I just wanted to make sure we had plenty of room to speed up! Let’s gooooo!” She called out as she flew ahead, which made the other three fliers scream as they were being dragged along at high speed. “Okay, she seriously got Rainbow’s attitude for speed!” Twilight called out. “Is she really related to her?!” “I ask myself that many times but it does have a proof!” Sunset called out as they kept being drag along. “Com on!” Zipp called out before a big wind bushed her back, which caused the others to yelp after they were pulled along with her before they were left dangling while Zipp kept flying. “Shoot! Let’s try the otherside.” She said to them. “Okay, just--” Pipp tried to say before Zipp flew ahead, which she pulled the others as they gave startled screams again as another wind hit them as they were blown back before they fell to the snowy floor as they tried to regain their bearings. “We have to try again! We can do this!” Zipp called out. “Zipp, wait!” Pipp called out. “Will you stop for one second please!” Sunset exclaimed, which startled Zipp from the outburst. “You flew off without even giving us a second to react together.” Twilight said with a frown. “And we’re not even close. There’s no way.” Pipp added while gesturing to Sunny, who was looking dizzy. “Look at poor Sunny! You’re going to break her!” “Seriously, she was already worried before, but you’re gonna traumatize her if you keep flying off out of nowhere without even giving us the heads up.” Sunset added with a firm look while she comforted Sunny as she held her. “Not to mention, we weren’t ready for flight yet.” “We have to do this!” Zipp stubbornly said to them. “Mom left the kingdom in my hooves. I can’t… I can’t fail!” She said with a frown, which made them look at her in concern as she realized how stressed she is while in charge in Haven’s place as Pipp walked up to her sister and gave her a hug. “I understand. It’s a big deal. And I’ll do whatever you need me to do.” Pipp said to her sister comfortably. “But right now, you're just running into a wall. We have to come up with something else.” “Yeah, Zipp. Being a ruler is more than just taking one route, you need to know that there are other routes you can use to find a solution.” Twilight said, having experienced this kind of thing before.” “And you just need to find a new angel instead of just one, Zipp.” Sunset added with a small smile. Zipp thought for a moment before she sighs. “You’re all right. Gotta come up with something else.” She said as she rubbed her chin while trying to find another way before she looked up at the clouds above them. “Hmmmm… up?” She thought for a moment before she had an idea. After a couple of minutes for Sunny to recover, the four fliers flew up as Zipp took the lead. “Wait, explain to me what we’re doing again!” Sunny called out to them, wanting to know what the plan was. “We’re just fine flying through the wind in the city, but when we get outside3, it’s like we’re hitting some kind of wall of wind.” Zipp said to them as they listened. “We know that wall of wind goes all the way around. What we don’t know is if it goes over the city.” She stated, which they got what she was saying. “Oooh! So we fly straight up and come out the top of the storm. That’s smart!” Pipp called out with a smile. “An excellent plan, Zipp!” Twilight said with a smile. “If we get above the storm clouds, we could fight off the wind and break free!” “Which will give us the chance to go get help!” Sunset added. “I just need you guys to hang in there as long as you can!” Zipp said to them with a concerned look. “I don’t know if I can carry you up!” “We’ve got you!” Sunny called out with a smile. “With you all the way!” Pipp added “You know we’re always with you!” Sunset said with a smile. “Together, we can push through!” Twilight added with a smile. “Then let’s go!” Zipp called out with a determined look as she flew up with Sunny, Sunset, Pipp, and Twilight flew after her to pick up speed. As they flew up higher, they were passing through the storm as Zipp kept pushing on with the others following, but then a lightning strike, which startled Sunny as hail began to fall on her. “Ah! Ice balls!” Sunny called out as she got hit in the head a couple of times, which caused her to lose her flight as she was pulled down. “Sunny!” Sunset called out as she got distracted and was pulled down as well, tugging the rope down as well. Pipp saw them before the hail began to freeze up her wing. “My wings are freezing! The air is too cold here!” She cried out as she was pulled down as well due to her wings freezing up. Twilight grunted from the weight as she held onto the rope as she struggled to keep them up as she looked up at Zipp. “Zipp! The others are lagging! I don’t know if we can keep up much longer!” She called out as she struggled to keep flight and holding the rope. “Just a little bit father!” Zipp grunted as she flew as strong as she could from her friends’ weight. “Gotta save everypony!” She added as her Cutie Mark then glowed, which gave her the speed and strength she needed as she flew up high as she managed to break through the clouds. “Yes!” She cheered. Zipp then suddenly landed on a platform, which surprised her as her friends lay back and took relief breaths as they managed to get out of the storm. “Phew, we made it.” Sunset said in relief. “Haven’t flown through a storm that bad since my fight with the Storm King.” Twilight panted while wiping a brow. “Whoa! Where are we?” Zipp asked in amazement. “What do you mea--” Sunset tried to ask before she gasped as her eyes widened in shock at what she was seeing. “What’s wrong?” Sunny asked as she, Pipp and Twilight looked at the two in confusion before they looked ahead and gasped in shock at what they were seeing. “Sweet Celestia!” “No way.” Pipp muttered. “I-It can’t be.” Twilight muttered in shock. “It is, Twilight. It really is.” Sunset said in amazement while having a smile form on her face, which Twilight followed along. “You two know this place?” Zipp asked in wonder while she can’t keep her eyes off of what she’s seeing. “Oh, we know it very well, Zipp.” Sunset said with a smile. “We thought it was lost forever.” Twilight added as she and Sunset stepped forward with their friends following. “It-It-It-It-It…” Pipp muttered while raising her hoof shakingly it. “It’s Cloudsdale!” Both Sunset and Twilight exclaimed in huge joy, what the ponies are seeing was none other than Cloudsdale, the ancient Pegasus city from ancient Equestria, surprisingly still in complete condition and still the same Cloudsdale that Twilight and Sunset remembered as it remained untouched by the passage of time as the sun shines bright in the ancient pegasus city. A bit later, the storm in Zephyr Heights got worse as the snow and ice began to pile over the city as the whole place looked deserted as a cloaked figure walked to a hanger. “Zephyr Heights, the capital city of the modern Pegasi. Usually, these streets would be abuzz with multi-tiered activity, as hooves galloped through the streets and wings carried the pegasi through the air.” The figure said in a familiar voice as he narrates the outcome. “But today, no pony dares set hoof in the streets. Each and everyone is covered in feet of snow. Gusts of wind whistle between abandoned high-rises, so strong and so sharp they could turn back a dragon.” “Acting Queen Zephyrina Storm has ordered all citizens to seek shelter at the castle, where they can conserve resources and keep everyone warm and dry.” The figure continues. “It has been hours since the storm started, but it shows no sign of movement. No Pegasi have been able to leave the city though the impenetrable storm wall. There’s only one pony who dares defy the weather. Wrapped head to hoof in warmest vestments that could be found. For this pony carries a heavy load. In these saddlebags rest the future of all Zephyr Heights.” The figure then walked up to the hanger, specifically hanger 4, and knocked on the door. “And the future has reached its final destination.” Then opening the door were a group of ponies inside as an Earth Pony mare took the saddle bag as the figure removed his scarf and hoodie, revealing to be Hitch. “Did you get it?” He asked the ponies. “Sorry, what?” the Earth Pony mare asked in confusion. “Uh, never mind.” Hitch waved off, since he knew they didn’t hear what he said on his way here. “How are things going? Any word from Zipp, Pipp, Twilight, Sunset or Sunny?” He asked an Earth Pony stallion. “Nothing yet, sir.” The stallion answered. “Well, hopefully no news is good news. I’m gonna--” Hitch tried to say. “Hitch!” Izzy called out with her hoof raised with some other ponies with her as Hitch turned to them while they were going through his saddle bag as Izzy took out a Manedryer. “You got them!” She cheered. “Yep, 27 mane blow-dryers just like you asked.” Hitch nodded to her. “What are they for?” He wondered. “Oh, they’re a very important part of the plan.” Izzy said with a smile before she gave a yell and smashed the manedryer to pieces, shocking Hitch. “Then why are you smashing them?” Hitch questioned uneasy. Izzy then picks up a heat coil. “Heating elements! We need a lot of hot air.” She answered. “Don’t worry, I’ll recycle the rest into a sculpture later.” “Okay, but where are you putting the heating elements?” Hitch asked. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m just the unicycler. You’ll have to ask the engineer.” Izzy said naturally as she levitated the part up to the airship above them that was being repaired. “OH, ENGINEER!” She screamed before she smiled calmly.” Hitch got your parts.” Misty then pokes her head out with a welding mask and some gloves on. “Excellent! These are exactly what I need!” She called out with a smile as Izzy gave her a part. “Now get me the other 26! We’re about to defy the laws of physics!” She cheered as Cloud came in with a wrench while covered in grease. “Yeah, because soon she’ll fly and maybe get through this storm.” Cloud said with a smile before he then raised a brow as he saw Izzy walking past them with a toolbox as he noticed Izzy next to Hitch, which made him look between the two as he was thrown in a loop as he turned to Misty. “Uh, Misty, why are there two Izzy’s?” “What do you mean, Cloud?” Misty asked in confusion. “There is a second Iz--” Cloud tried to ask before he noticed the second Izzy was gone, which confused him even more. “But how did… I mean, is that even… who was…” He stammered while giving a shocked look by what just happened. “I think you might be seeing things, Cloud.” Misty said with a small smile as she went back to work as Cloud stood there with a weirded out look. “These ponies are weirder than I thought.” Cloud muttered to himself as he shook his head while forgetting what he just saw. Above the clouds, Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, Zipp, and Pipp were walking around Cloudsdale, as they were amazed that they were actually standing on Cloudsdale while Sunset and Twilight were looking around in joy that they actually found Cloudsdale and it was still the same as they walked close to Fluttershy’s old parent’s house close by, which Twilight recognized. “We’re defying the laws of physics right now! It doesn’t make any sense!” Zipp called out in amazement. “A city in the clouds… we’re… we’re really here?” Pipp stammered as she had a hard time processing it. “I knew it! I knew it had to be real!” Sunny said with a wide smile as she picked up a piece of cloud as she turned to Twilight and Sunset. “Twilight, Sunset, is this really Cloudsdale?!” “It most certainly is, Sunny!” Sunset said with a wide smile. “We’re actually standing on Cloudsdale soil! We finally found Cloudsdale!” “And everything here is still the same Cloudsdale I remember!” Twilight added as she flew around and saw the stadium ahead. “Look, there’s the Cloudsdale’s Cloudeseum! That’s where Rainbow Dash performed her Sonic Rainboom to save the Wonderbolts and Rarity from falling!” She added before she saw Fluttershy’s old house. “And that’s Fluttershy’s parents’ old house! She took me here to meet her parents, and it’s still here, everything in Cloudsdale is still the same as I remember!” She cheered in excitement, feeling happy to see that Cloudsdale remained the same as she remembered. “Heh, glad to see some things haven’t changed.” Sunset said with a smile, having the same feeling as Twilight as she took a sniff of air. “Ah, gotta love the old Equestrian air in a familiar place. I’ve missed this.” “I’m glad you two are happy to see this.” Sunny said with a smile, seeing that her two idols are happy to be standing in another familiar place from their time unlike how Sunset did with Canterlot before she gave a brow as she looked around. “It’s abandoned. It looks like everypony left in a hurry.” She noted the lack of population around. “What did you expect?” Sunset asked with a brow. “With how ponies of today’s era don't remember much of Ancient Equestria, I doubt anypony would still be living here. Look at what happened to Canterlot.” “Okay, fair point.” Sunny said in understanding as Zipp looked through a building that said ‘Wing Wax’. “It’s creepy!” Pipp called out as she still looked around. “If nopony has been here all these years, why aren’t things more broken down like Canterlot? It looks like they left yesterday.” She added as she saw that Cloudsdale is still in perfect condition unlike Canterlot. “Well, being up here above the clouds, you wouldn’t have to worry about any wear from weather.” Sunny guessed as she was next to Somnambula’s Snack Sphinx. “Cloudsdale is a cloud city.” Twilight stated. “With it being up here, the humidity doesn’t affect clouds or any cloud related buildings unlike Canterlot.” “One of the benefits of being up high above the clouds.” Sunset added with a shrug. “But how Cloudsdale got here, it’s a mystery.” She turned to Twilight. “Didn’t you say that Cloudsdale was always positioned close to Ponyville?” “Yeah. It never really moved from Ponyville before. How it is over Zephyr Heights is beyond me.” Twilight said with a frown, knowing that Cloudsdale is a long way from where Ponyville once stood. “They left so much behind. Do you think they meant to come back?” Pipp wondered as she looked around as she walked. “Oh my gosh, what if this is us? What if this storm doesn’t go away and we have to leave Zephyr Heights behind? That would be--” She then got blocked by a cloud. “Hey!” She yelled with a look before she gave a brow as Zipp, Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight turned to her.. “This cloud is really hard. What’s wrong with it?” She questioned in confusion. “Hard cloud?” Twilight questioned with a brow. “Clouds don’t be hard. They’re supposed to be soft.” “All clouds are supposed to be except for solid cloud buildings up here.” Sunset added, knowing how clouds work in Equestria. “Why is this one hard?” She questioned. The cloud then started moving as it began to open up, shocking the five mares. “Oh my gosh! This cloud is opening.” Pipp said in shock. “Pipp, get back!” Zipp called out in panic, but then the cloud completely opened, revealing to be a small brown boar-like creature with antennae and cloud-like wings as it stretched and yawned as the mares looked at it in surprise. “OMP! Would you look at him!” Pipp called with a wide smile while she and Zipp smiled at the creature. “He’s a cute little flying hog!” “Huh, I’ve never seen an animal like that before.” Zipp said with a smile. “You know who would like him?” She asked. The two sisters then turned to each other. “Mom!” They both exclaimed with smiles as the boar creature gave a tired look while picturing a bed. “What kind of creature is that?” Sunset asked as she turned to Twilight. “Twilight? Do you know this creature?” “No. I have never seen this kind of critter before.” Twilight said in wonder. “I’ve been to Cloudsdale many times and I knew many creatures in Equestria thanks to Fluttershy, but never seen that creature before.” “I think they’re called Arkan Sonney.” Sunny spoke up, which made Twilight, Sunset, and Zipp turn to her as she was looking at a notice paper on a windowsill. “What’s that?” Zipp asked in surprise. “Care to explain more, Sunny?” Twilight asked in curiosity. “Oh, it looks like…” Sunny started as she was having a hard time reading some of them. “I don’t know if they were pets or pests, but there’s a whole list of dos and do not’s.” She noted. Pipp then held the Arkan Sonney in her hooves as she took out her phone. “You are so cute, little guy. All my followers are just going to love you!” Pipp said with a smile. “Wow, there sure are a lot of rules for a cute pet.” Zipp commented. “Not every pet can be cute. Looks can be deceiving. Trust me.” Twilight advised. “They must’ve had these sometime before they deserted Cloudsdale.” Sunset noted. “But why so many rules for one little critter?” “I guess they must have had some problems with them.” Sunny guessed with a shrug as she read the rules. “Don’t feed them. Don’t hit or kick them. Don’t get them wet.” “That didn’t turn out. Too much shadow on that.” Pipp said while looking at her phone with a frown as the Arkan Sonney was sleeping. “Let’s turn the flash on.” “And whatever you do, don’t expose them to bright flashes of ligh--” Sunny trailed off as she, Zipp, Sunset, and Twilight eyes widened in panic as they turned to Pipp. “Smile!” Pipp said with a wide smile as she aimed her phone at herself and the Arkan Sonney. “PIPP! NO!” The four mares exclaimed. “Say, ‘Pipp’s new pal’!” Pipp called as she used her camera phone, which made a bright flash while awakening the Arkan Sonney with wide eyes as Pipp put the critter down and looked at her phone. “Oh, that one came out nice! You’re very photogenic. And look, I have service up here!” She added with a smile as the Arkan Sonney walked around blindly. “Oh, this will give my poor followers something to watch while they’re sheltering!” She added with a smile as she turned to her friends, who gave panicked expressions after what happened. “I should live stream so they know their princess is safe!” She added with a smile, oblivious to her friends’ expressions. Zipp then quickly grabbed her sister’s tail, while Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight held her hooves as Zipp tried to pull her sister away. “Pipp, slowly and quietly come over here and away from the Arkan Sonney.” Zipp whispered nervously. “Why are you whispering?” Pipp asked her sister with a smile. “He’s like, the cutest thing ever.” She then went back to her phone. “You know what, it’s too good an opportunity not to live stream.” “Sis, no!” Zipp said in a whispered tone. “Don’t do it!” Twilight whispered anxiously. “Sssh! You’re gonna mess up my video!” Pipp said to them. “Nonono! Come on! Pipp!” Sunset whispered harshly before Pipp then started livestreaming as she pointed her phone to herself and the Arkan Sonney. “Hey there, Pippsqueaks! I have an extremely special guest I wanted you to meet!” Pipp said with a smirk as the Arkan Sonney flinched a bit. “He’s the absolutely cutest--” But when she turned around, the Arkan Sonney turned to her while bearing its teeth and had red eyes and gave an angry squeal, which made Pipp screamed in shock. The four mares looked at Pipp as Zipp gave an angry look at her sister. “Good job, you turned the world’s cutest creature into a bloodthirsty monster in 30 seconds.” She sarcastically said. “What did I do?” Pipp asked as she looked at her phone. “I was just trying to show everyone how cute he is!” She added in defense. “They don’t like bright lights.” Sunny said in fear. “And you caused it to be aggressive.” Twilight added with a look. “Just because you wanted a picture and live stream.” Sunset finished with a look as well. Pipp then turned to the Arkan Sonney. “‘I’m kind of a celebrity, little guy, so I know exactly how you feel.” She said with a small smile. Look, we can still be--” She trailed off when the Arkan Sonney sprouted quills behind his back as it gave another shriek. “That’s not good.” Twilight said in fear. “Look out! He’s not a little hog--” Sunny cried out before the Arkan Sonney then fired quills at them, which made the four fliers fly off while Sunny trotted behind them. “--he’s a little hedgehog!” “And he’s gonna turn us into pincushions!” Zipp exclaimed in fear. “Where’s Sonic or Hitch when you need them!” Sunset exclaimed as they ran/flew as fast as they could away from the Arkan Sonney chased after them as it kept shooting its quills as they ran across Cloudsdale. Meanwhile, back in cloudsdale, the storm kept getting worse as it was hailing down. “Hail?!” Hitch questioned in shock from seeing this. “Can this weather get any worse?” He questioned before a lightning strike hit a couple of buildings as one of them were lit on fire. “You know what? Never mind.” “Don’t jinx it, Hitch.” Cloud said while taking out a part. “We were lucky that this hanger is going.” “Yeah, you got a point.” Hitch said in understanding as he turn to the other ponies taking some parts out. “Okay, everypony, you’re doing great.” He said with a smile. “We need a couple of ponies to help Izzy with--” He was cut off when the power goes out, startling them. “Uh-oh.” He muttered. “Dang it, the storm is getting so bad, the power is giving out.” Cloud said in worry. “Everypony, just stay where you are. Hopefully the lights will come back.” Hitch said to them, then after a moment, the power went back on. “Phew. Okay, keep working. We’ve got this!” He encourage. Cloud then turns to Hitch. “Hitch, this storm is getting worse, we barely have any power left. And the firewood in the castle is really low. We’re not sure how much we have left.” He stated. Hitch then nodded in understanding. “You’re right, Cloud. I’ll go tell Izzy and Misty about it.” He said as he went to the airship as he saw Misty and Izzy inside while Misty was welding a part. “Guys, I’m starting to think we don’t got this. And Cloud said the power could go out any moment and the firewood supplies are low. How much longer will this take?” He asked in concern. Misty then turn to him while lifting her mask up. “Funny you should ask.” She said with a smile. “Hahahah, you asked!” Izzy called through a laugh before she gave a confused look. “Wait, why is that funny?” “Because I think we’re ready to test the engine.” Misty answered with a smile. “I don’t get it.” Izzy said with a confused look.; Misty then put on her goggles as she went to the power lever. “Everpony, cross your hooves. Here goes nothing!” She called with a huge grin as she pulled the lever, which crackled electricity as the airship then started to power up as it began to take off in the air. “It’s alive!” She called with a dramatic voice. “Misty, you did it!” Hitch cheered while he and Misty are giving side hugs in victory. “I always knew Opaline forcing me to do things without giving me any resources would come in handy.” Misty said with a proud smirk, but then the engine of the airship started sputtering before it completely burned out as it landed back on the platform. “Wait, what happened? Why isn’t it working anymore?” Hitch asked in worry by what just happened. “Oh, that was just a test.” Izzy said to him. “It still needs a few more parts to stay afloat.” “We have everything we need except for a power source.” Misty said to them after lifting her goggles up. “Oh, if only Twilight or Sunset stayed with us, this could’ve been solved faster.” Hitch said with a groan, seeing that two ancient Equestrians with knowledge on airships could really be useful right now. “They have their mission and we have ours, Hitch. We just need to solve this without them.” Misty said to him. “You don’t know where we can get a big jolt of electricity around here, do you?” She asked her two friends. Then suddenly, a big lighting was heard as it hit Hanger 4, which caused the power to go out again. “I might have a really really bad idea.” Hitch said with a nervous tone. “Yay!” Izzy cheered with a smile. Meanwhile back in Cloudsdale, the five ponies are still running from the Arkan Sonney as it was still aggressive as it kept shooting its quills at them. “Great job, sis! We’re about to be turned into sieves by the cutest thing you’ve ever seen!” Zipp yelled while giving her sister a look. “I just wanted to be friends! Is that a crime!?” Pipp questioned in defense. “Yeah, well, maybe for once you should--” Zipp was about to rebut but she tripped on another cloud with a yelp, which turned out to be another Arkan Sonney as it unwrapped itself and gave a shriek. “Oh, come on!” She exclaimed as they ran and now they have two Arkan Sonneys behind them. “Another one?! Seriously?!” Sunset questioned in disbelief as they ran through an alley. “Ha! That one was your fault!” Pipp taunted her sister as they kept running. “We can’t keep running from them! We need to take shelter in one of these buildings!” Zipp exclaimed. “Easy for you to say since most of these buildings are locked!” Twilight called out. “We don’t know if one is open or not!” They then stopped at the end of an alley as more Arkan Sonneys were in front of them as they immediately got aggressive. “There’s even more of them over here!” Zipp exclaimed. “Seriously, how many of these things are there?!” Sunset questioned as she and Twilight quickly shielded the firing quills with their magic. “We need to find a place to take shelter before we’re pincushions!” Twilight called as they kept blocking the quills. Sunny looked around before seeing a big building from a corner. “Quit, let’s try that big building over there!” She called out as they followed Sunny to the building as more Arkan Sonneys were pouring in. “I really hope this one’s open!” Pipp called out in worry as Sunny quickly opened the door. “I got it! Get inside!” Sunny called out to her friends. “You don’t have to tell me twice!” Zipp called as they flew in as Sunny quickly shut the door to prevent the Arkan Sonneys from getting in as they all took a breather from the chase they were in. “Phew, that was close.” Sunny said in relief. “Okay, it’s official, I hate those things.” Sunset said in exhaustion. “I was so glad they weren’t around in my time.” Twilight said with a breather. “Now, let’s hope there’s something in here that can help move this city or the storm it’s making.” Zipp said with a frown. “Where are we anyway?” She questioned as the five mares looked around and noticed that they were in a library. “We’re in the Cloudsdale’s Library!” Twilight said with a wide smile at seeing the library. “Yes! You can always count on the library!” Sunny cheered with a wide smile. “Heh, no matter where we go, there’s always a library.” Sunset commented with a smile. “And perfectly organized too.” She added, seeing how clean and organize the library is. “Wow, Zipp! Twilight and Sunset are right. It really is Cloudsdale! Can you believe it?” Pipp asked with a smile as Zipp look around with smiles. The five mares look around the library. “Okay, this is good. There has to be information here about this place.” Zipp said in thought. “Spread out and try to find something that will tell us about the storm.” She added. “Wow! Do you all know what this is?” Sunny asked in excitement as she saw the statue of Somnambula, one of the ancient pillars in Equestrian history. “This is an enormous source for new information about Pegasi culture. I mean, look at this statue! Her name is Somnambula. I’ve never heard of her.” She added with a smile. “We know, Sunny. We’re one of those ancients.” Sunset said with a smirk while gesturing to herself and Twilight about ancient Equestrian cultures. “Oh, right. Sorry, I just got excited.” Sunny said with a sheepish smile. “It’s okay. I will be like that too.” Twilight said with a smile as she looked at Somnambula’s statue. “And Somnambula is one of the Pillars of Equestria, ancient heroes who unite to stop the ponies of shadow. In her story, she saved her village by standing up to an evil sphinx by correcting some riddles. Which is toward Hisan across a narrow bridge, blindfolded and without flying, which she succeeds with a leap of faith.” She explained with a smile. “Wow! She must’ve been a legend!” Sunny said in amazement. “Oh, she was.” Twilight said with a smirk. “I met her.” She added, which made Sunny's eyes widened even more. “You met a hero of ancient times!?” Sunny asked in amazement. “All seven of them. But it's a long story.” Twilight said with a smile. “Right now, let’s focus on finding a way to stop this storm.” “Right, right. Focus.” Sunny said with a determined smile as they searched around the library for any intel. Zipp looked around as she saw the Cloudsdale name on a sign as she gave a thought as Pipp turn to her sister when she noticed her behavior. “Sis, we’re in Cloudsdale! The real Cloudsdale! And sure, we're being chased by very mean flying hedgehogs, but you used to play pretend about coming here! Why are you so glum?” Pipp asked her sister in concern. Zipp then turns to her sister while gesturing to the sign. “You mean aside from that fact that I’ve been queen for half a day and our whole city is about to be destroyed?” She questioned with a worried look. “It’s just.., I mean… It’s because I used to dream about coming here.” She said as she then had a vision about the legendary Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts she heard from Twilight and Sunset. “I imagined that I’d find the city one day and that it would be like a whole lost civilization. That it would be full of incredible, fast-flying warrior pegasi like mom’s old stories and from how Twilight and Sunset describe them.” Zipp continued on. “Every time I didn’t fit in the way you did or I wasn’t happy sitting on the throne and going to endless parties… I imagined that Cloudsdale was out there somewhere and it was full of Pegasi like me, who wanted to fly fast and go on adventures.” Twilight and Sunset heard this as they saw how much Zipp dreamed about Cloudsdale and how she pictured it while wanting to be the best of the best like the Pegasi they knew back in their time as they gave a frown. “But by the time we got our flight back, I didn’t really believe in Cloudsdale anymore. But I still thought about it.” Zipp said with a frown. “And when Sunset and Twilight talked about it, it brought my hopes up higher that it really is out there, and I hoped we would find it after we discovered Canterlot. But this is worse. They just… left it. There’s nopony here. No hidden world.” She said hopelessly. Pipp, Twilight, and Sunset looked at Zipp with sympathy, knowing that this isn’t the Cloudsdale Zipp has picture as Twilight spoke up. “Zipp, Cloudsdale was home to some of the greatest Pegasi warriors, my friend Rainbow Dash was one of those.” She said with a frown. “And while Cloudsdale may still be the same as I remember, without any Pegasi or any other friendly flying creatures around, it’s not the same, which I can understand, but you have to remember that it’s been generations.” “Yeah, Zipp.” Sunset said with a nod. “I mean, not everything can remain the way it is. Cloudsdale may look the same, but just like Canterlot, it is deserted because ponies have forgotten about them and nopony was there to carry on their stories or keep them in perfect condition. And it was thanks to Opaline, they were lost to the passage of time.” “But it can be different now!” Pipp said with an optimistic smile. “You, Twilight, Sunset, and I can bring it back. All we have to do is to stop the storm.” “And once that’s over, we’ll put Cloudsdale back on the map.” Sunset added with a smile. “And it will be populated and the legacy of the pegasi from the past will be remembered once more.” Twilight said with a smile. “You did say that some places in Equestria are getting a bit too crowded lately.” She added with a giggle. “Yeah, and Cloudsdale can be like how it was in ancient times.” Pipp added with a smile. “That’s not going to…” Zipp tried to say as she tried to find the right words. “We have no idea how to stop this storm!” She stated before they heard a bing, which caught the group’s attention as they turned and saw a monitor on the desk. “Information Desk Activating…” The computer said, which surprised the group. “What the--” Sunset tried to ask before the monitor brought out a hologram of a familiar ancient pegasi that Twilight once knew. “Hellow, inquisitive young pegasi. My name is Flash Magnus, hero of Cloudsdale.” The hologram Flash said, which shocked the group, especially Sunny since this was another one of the ancient Pillars of Equestria as Flash then explained the history of Cloudsdale. “And I’m here to answer all your questions about the history of Cloudsdale. For years, Pegasi lived in isolated towns and cities throughout Equestria. We preferred elevated areas that were hard for other creatures to reach. Heights, mountain ranges, even aeries like gryphons. Can you imagine?” He started as they watched how Pegasi used to live in different areas before they saw some Pegasi moving some clouds after finding out they could touch them. “Eventually, other ponies began to recognize the unique and valuable magic that pegasi possessed.” Hologram Flash continued. “Not just flying but cloud building, and weather control. We could promise a clear day for a parade or direct a rainstorm to a desert that needed it.” The scene then showed the Pegasi using the clouds to build Cloudsdale. “What we didn’t have was a way to create weather. We had the technology but no way to get it from place to place. So, the seven great cities of Pegasi came together to shape the greatest achievement in Pegasi History. Cloudsdale. A new capital city for all Pegasi, shaped with pegasus magic and centered around the device that helped Pegasi change the world.” Then the hologram showed the picture of a place Sunset and Twilight recognize very well, “The Cloudsdale Weather Factory. This factory keeps winter on time. Keeps the Everfree Forest watered, and make sure it’s always sunny in Fillydelphia.” Hologram Flash explained. “That’s it! The Weather Factory!” Zipp called out before they head thunder, seeing the Weather Factory just outside the window from where they’re out as they saw dark storm clouds producing from out of it’s tube. “Oh, sweet Celestia! Of course it was the factory!” Twilight facehoof herself, completely forgotten about the Weather Factory. “That must be what’s making the storm.” Sunny added in realization. “I’m just guessing here, but it doesn’t look like it’s working right.” Pipp guessed after seeing the storm outside. “No it isn’t.” Sunset shook her head. “But of all the times for the factory to react, why is it suddenly working now if nopony has been here for generations?” She questioned. “Twilight?” Sunny asked her idol. “I don’t know. I’ve never seen the factory do that before.” Twilight said with a frown. “Something must be wrong with it.” The hologram Flash then continues. “Keeping the factory working requires a mixture of technology and pegasus magic. Without magic, the factory wouldn’t produce weather. Without Pegasi know-how, it would be nearly impossible to control.” “That must be it! When magic came back, the weather factory started making weather again.” Sunny realizes as they kept looking at the factory. “And somehow the machines got turned on again.” “Which explains this sudden crazy storm we’re having. Which made it move the entire city over Zephyr Heights.” Sunset added with a frown. “Ugh, the past comes back to bite you, it’s always that.” She muttered. “Actually, it gets worse.” Twilight said with a frown as they turned to her. “Rainbow Dash told me the Pegasi helped control and maintain the factory, her included. Without the Pegasi, the Weather Factory is not in control of its weather producing! If we don’t shut it down again, it could make storms like this everywhere until it covers all of Equestria!” She said in worry. “And it will cause Zephyr Heights or all of Equestria to be buried in unpredictable snow.” Sunny added with a frown. “Yeah, we gotta shut down that factory before that happens.” Sunset said with an anxious look. “Well then that settles it.” Zipp said with a determined look as she and Pipp opened the doors, which knocked an Arkan Sonney down while one was sleeping on the steps while the rest of them were gone as Zipp gave a serious look. “We have to save Zephyr Heights from Cloudsdale.” She declared as the five mares nodded in agreement as they were going to shut down the Weather Factory and save Zephyr Heights before it was too late. End of Issue 2. Author's Note Sorry for the long wait, it took a while from busy things from the real world and how long this issue was, but I hope you enjoy issue 2. Issue 3 is still in progress but it will be worth it. Enjoy. And Happy New Year Issue 3:Issue 3: Meanwhile at Cloudsdale, the former Pegasi Kingdom was shining bright from the sun, despite there not being any Pegasi, it is still a beautiful place, but it wasn’t completely abandoned, it was infested with Arkan Sonneys, pegasi hedgehog creatures that roam the deserted city as they shriek and flew around. In an alleyway, a group of Arkan Sonneys flew off as Pipp peeked out from a corner. “Okay, girls, the coast is clear.” She informed as the rest of the mares, Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, and Zipp rushed off while Sunny was still in her Alicorn form. “These things are all over Cloudsdale.” Twilight said with a frown. “And they travel in packs and are hard to get by.” “And we don’t have time to deal with these hedgehogs.” Sunset said with a serious look. “The more we wait, the more storms the Weather Factory makes.” “The only sure way to get around the Arkan Sonney is to split up.” Zipp said to them seriously. “That way if they chase or bite one of us, the others can slip away to the Weather Factory!” She stated. “Got it.” Sunny nodded. “Great plan.” Sunset added. “A very logical one.” Twilight finished with a nod. “Once we get to the factory, we can stop the storm and save our city!” Zipp declared with determination. “Then mares, split up!” Sunset declared as the five mares spread out into five different locations. Pipp kept running in a corner, but then she heard some Arkan Sonneys coming this way as she looked around and she quickly hid behind some trash bins as the Arkan Sonneys flew by her, which she sighs in relief before she turns and notices the trash bins are still filled with garbage. “Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew!” Pipp quietly said in disgust since she can smell the stench of the garbage for who knows how long it’s been there since Cloudsdale was abandoned. With Sunny, she was hiding behind some clouds as some Arkan Sonneys were standing by before she picked up a rock and tossed it in a direction, which made the two critters scurried away. “Phew.” Sunny said in relief while wiping her brow. With Sunset, she was rushing around while staying out of sight as she saw some Arkan Sonneys moving by as she then flew up beside a corner as she stood quiet as the critters scurried away as Sunset sighs in relief. “These things are just as bad as Parasprites and old rats.” Sunset muttered in annoyance. “Why couldn’t they just be flying bunnies?” She muttered as she kept going. With Twilight, she was looking through an alleyway and used her magic to cloak herself from the Arkan Sonneys that went by her as she quickly took to the air while keeping a low profile, seeing that Cloudsdale hadn't changed much, she knew her way around and noticed the perfect hiding spot. “I always wondered if any other part of Equestria remained the same, but with fewer pests to deal with. Not even Canterlot has those kinds of infestations like these flying hedgehogs.” Twilight muttered to herself while she kept making her way to the Weather Factory while remaining out of sight. In another part of Cloudsdale, some Arkan Sonneys are shrieking while looking around, what they didn’t see was Zipp was traveling on the rooftop right above the Arkan Sonneys as she looked down at them. “That’s it, keep not looking up, little Arkan Sonney.” Zipp whispered. “Zipp’s just gonna walk right--” She trailed off before she saw the clouds above moving and showing the sun. “Uh-oh.” She muttered. On the ground, Zipp’s shadow was showing, which got the Arkan Sonneys attention as they turn and looked up and saw Zipp on the roof. “Oh great.” Zipp muttered as she then took off running as the Arkan Sonneys as Zipp ran as fast as she could. “Somepony help m--” She was cut off when a purple blurr tackled her. “Oof!” She grunted as she crash into some trash, which made the Arkan Sonneys stop in surprise while Zipp rubbed her head. “What just…” “You know, they say that music soothes the savage beast.” Pipp’s voice spoke up, which made Zipp turned and saw her sister in front of her. “Well, you’re in luck!” She then pulled out her microphone and started signing. “Because you got the siiiiiiiiingingest princess in all Equestria! I saw this in a nature documentary. I hope this works!~” She sang before she gave a nervous smile while turning to her sister. “Go! You got this!” She whispered to her sister. “Be careful.” Zipp said to her sister before she trotted off. “Alright, time to get to that Weather Factory so we can stop the storm and save Zephyr Heights!” She declared. “Heads up!” Sunny’s voice yelled out. “Coming through!” Sunset yelled out. “Look out!” Twilight yelled out as they ran beside Zipp. “Whoa!” Zipp yelped when the three Alicorns went beside her. “These cute little pincushions are everywhere!” Sunny cried out. “They’re really are a lot of them! And they have good aim!” Sunset added. “Keep going! We’re only a few more blocks to the factory!” Twilight yelled out, seeing how close they were to the Weather Factory. “Now hurry!” “Wait, where’s Pipp?!” Sunny asked, seeing one Pegasi missing as the four ponies turned a corner and out of the alley. “She rescued me by singing to a bunch of the Arkan Sonney.” Zipp answered. “Seems like they love music.” “No surprise there! Some reason, a lot of critters love Pipp’s singing!” Sunset stated, knowing how Pipp music can affect a lot of creatures. “Good to know. You got any songs in them?” Sunny asked them as they kept running. “Come on, Sunny. I can sing, but I’m not my sister.” Zipp pointed out. “I can’t just make these things up on my own.” She stated. “I may have been in a band, but I hardly knew anything to soothe an Arkan Sonney.” Sunset added. “And I’m a bit rusty with songs.” Twilight finished as Sunny skidded to a stop with a frighten look. “Well, it would be a great time to start.” Sunny said to them as the rest of the three mares skidded to a stop when they see a group of Arkan Sonneys in front of them. “Shoot!” Zipp exclaimed. “Oh, come on!” Sunset exclaimed in annoyance. “Just how many of these critters are there?!” Twilight questioned as the Arkan Sonneys growled at them. “Uuhhh, girls…” Sunny said to them as they slowly backed away from the feral hedgehogs. “I have an idea, but it might not work.” She said to them. “Well, anything that might not end with us pulling spines out of our rumps sounds like an improvement right now.” Zipp said to her. “Same.” Sunset nodded. “Agreed.” Twilight added as Sunny then turned around. “Stay here and keep them distracted!” Sunny called out as she trotted off. “Wait, what?!” Sunset called out. “Sunny, wait!” Twilight exclaimed. “Where are you--” Zipp trailed off as she, Sunset, and Twilight looked at the Arkan Sonneys surrounding them while giving growls as the three mares gave nervous looks. “Hey, do you guys like jokes? Oh, that’s okay. I can’t think of any anyway.” She nervously said. “Uh, Twilight, do you have anything?” Sunset muttered through her teeth. “Well, aside from magic blasts, nothing much.” Twilight muttered as well. “Oh creatures!!!” Sunny’s voice yelled out as they turned and saw Sunny was in Flock’litt Shoppe. “Come and get your smoothies! Nice cold smoothies!” She announced. “How?!” Zipp exclaimed in shock, wondering how can the food be still good from how Cloudsdale been abandoned as the Arkan Sonneys rushed up to Sunny, who waved with a smile as Zipp turned to Sunset and Twilight, wanting explanations as the two Alicorns raised their hooves to answer, but Zipp spoke up. “You know what, I’m not gonna question it.” “Good call.” Sunset nodded as she turned to Sunny. “Stall them as long as you can, Sunny!” She called out. “I will, you three get going!” Sunny yelled out with a nod. “Okay, let’s go!” Twilight yelled as they followed her as they are then crossing a long bridge. “We gotta get to that factory before it’s too late.” Zipp said, knowing that Zephyr Heights won’t last long. “We get that, and we don’t know how long Pipp and Sunny will keep those hedgehogs off our backs.” Sunset said in concern. “Lucky for us, the factory is just up ahead.” Twilight said as they got closer with the Weather Factory just in front of them as it continued to make the storm. Back in Zephyr Heights, the storm was getting worse and stronger as the castle was being buried in more snow while some started entering the smoke chimneys as the wind blew into it. Inside the palace, the ponies of Zephyr Heights are trying to stay warm while some are wearing snow gear while the fireplace is still lit. “The storm sounds scary, mommy.” The filly said to her mother. “It’s okay, my darling.” The mother said with a smile. “The princesses and their friends are out protecting us from the storm right now.” But then, the strong wind blew through the fireplace, causing the fire to go out and cover some of the ponies in soot. “Oh no, mommy! The fire! What do we do?!” The filly cried out in fear. “I don’t know, honey. Stay close.” The mother said as she held her daughter close. Just then Hitch came into the room with two royal guards behind him. “Everypony, stay calm. We’re getting you out of here! We’re gathering everyone down at the station.” He informed as he guided the group out of the room as he yelled out. “I think that’s the last of them! Let’s get everyone downstairs and hope Misty, Izzy, and Cloud have gotten that zeppelin running! This way!” He called out as everyone was then guided down the palace to where the station was. At the station below, ponies are gathered around while the Zeppelin is near completion as Hitch goes up to Cloud. “This is everypony. Where are Misty and Izzy?” Hitch asked him. “They’re in the ship, Hitch.” Cloud said to him. “I’ve been busy trying to get the ponies to settle down, so, you might want to go on in.” He advised as Hitch nodded and rushed up to the zeppelin. “The storm blew out all the fireplaces.” Hitch said to the two mares. “We can’t keep ponies in the castle any longer. I’m hoping you’ve got some--” He trailed off when he saw the parts are still scattered while Izzy is hammering a nail and Misty is welding some parts together. “Oh no! This looks worse than when I left! These pieces were all together! Now they’re all over the place! This is a--” “Hold on!” Misty called out as she moved her mask up and went to Hitch with a smile. “I’m sorry, little sheriff friend. There is engineering going on over here, so…” She then gave a paper back to Hitch. “...If you’re gonna have a panic attack, you can just do it right over here?” She suggested as Hitch turn a corner and started breathing in the bag. “Okay, Izzy, grab that blow torch. I think we’re about ready!” She called out. “I’m gonna be frozen here. They’re gonna have to chip me out of an iceberg.” Hitch muttered in panic while still breathing in the paper bag frantically. Then Misty started using her magic to move the pieces around. “Okay, now this is a lot of pieces for me to hold in place. And we need them just right so…” Misty tried to say. “I’ll be quick!” Izzy assured as she lowered her mask and ready her blow torch as Misty moved some parts around. “There! I’ve got it! Izzy, you’re on!” Misty called out as she then held the pieces in place. “This is what I nwas born for! Crafting for our lives!” Izzy called as she quickly moved around the part of the engine as fast as she could while welding the parts in place. “Can’t hold it much longer…” Misty strained as she focused her magic as hard she could. “Almost there!” Izzy yelled out as Hitch watched in anxiety, when suddenly the engine started whirling to life as the zeppelin then started to take off. “Woohoo!/Yeah!/Lift off!/Whoo!” The crowd cheered at seeing the Zeppelin finally taking off. The two unicorns then wipe their foreheads with a smile, glad they got the zeppelin working as Hitch then grabbed Izzy and Misty in a hug and huge relief. “You did it! You did it!” Misty, I don’t understand how you did it, but you did it!” Hitch cried in joy as some tears fell. Misty then gestured to the engine. “I mean, it’s pretty simple when you get right down to it. The chronoton manifold was overloading the flux capacitor, so I had to invert the polarity of the power coupling allowing it to synchronize with the wankel kkm cycle and--” She stated while she stopped while seeing Hitch’s brain going dizzy from the smart talk. “You look lost…” She commented. “Um… will it fly?” Hitch asked while trying to process what Misty just said. “Probably!” Misty cheered with a hoof raised. “Close enough!” Hitch smiled at the simple answer he was giving. “Let’s get ready for takeoff!” Back at Cloudsdale, Sunny was still at the smoothie stand while making a lot of smoothies to the Arkan Sonneys with the fruits that were still edible and fresh in the shop. “And here you go, sir. One cloudberry smoothie just as requested.” Sunny said with a smile as she gave a smoothie to said critter. “Now, I’m gonna take a short break to--” Sunny was cut off when an Arkan Sonney shrieked while gesturing to the one happily sipping its smoothie, telling Sunney that he wants his now. “Fine! I won’t take a break!” Sunny exclaimed a bit fearfully as she gave a nervous smile. “Hopefully Pipp, Zipp, Sunset and Twilight have got this under control.” She muttered, hoping the others were having better luck. With Pipp, she has just finished singing another song as the Arkan Sonneys all clapped to her. “Thank you, Cloudsdale! You’re such a wonderful audience.” Pipp said with a smile before her phone started ringing as she gave a nervous one. “Now here's my new hit single, ‘Calling my Sister’.” She declared as she answered the phone. “Hey, Zipp. Well it seems like forever, since you went away. I’m struggling but doing my best here. Hope you’ve got something to say!” Pipp sang while the Arkan Sonneys held up their phones and snapped pictures of Pipp. With Zipp, she, Sunset, and Twilight made it inside the Weather Factory before the two Alicorns stood frozen as they saw something in front of them while Zipp talk to her sister. “Hey, sis. Twilight, Sunset and I made it to the factory. And we definitely found the problem. We just don’t know how to deal with it without getting cooked.” Zipp explained. “Cooked, you mean electrocuted.” Sunset muttered while in front of them was a giant blue bird creature that is shooting lighting around the factory while it’s birdies are close to it. “There’s some sort of lightning bird up here, and it built a nest on the Weather Machine.” Zipp added to Pipp on her phone. “It must’ve settled down here when Cloudsdale was abandoned. And at the worst spot I say.” Twilight added. “Giving it on top of the machine that we need to shut down, yep.” Sunset nodded. “We need to get it off, but there are baby birds and it’s not going to let us get close without getting shocked.” Zipp continued. “And given the fact that if we attack it, it will make things worse.” Twilight added, while knowing that fighting it will only make things much worse. Pipp started dancing around as she sang while trying to talk. “Well, we need to get it shut off, so you better say please. If we don’t fix the weather, then our homes is gonna freeze.” She sang. “Wait, Pipp, that’s it!” Zipp called as the electric bird lowered down and calmed down with the baby birds as well. “Your singing is calming the mama bird down. You’ve gotta keep singing.” She urged. “Songs somehow soothe the beast.” Twilight commented with a smile. “It really does, everytime.” Sunset added with a smirk. With Pipp, she kept dancing around. “You three say that like it’s easy. And I know I make it look that way. But it’s not so easy rhyming everything I gotta say.” Pipp sang as her hind hoof accidentally hit one of the Arkan Sonney. “You sang on a daily routine, Pipp. It’s hard to tell if you make it easy.” Sunset said with a brow. “But true, making songs can be a bit hard.” Twilight said, knowing how hard it was to write a song, especially a magical counterspell song when she and the Rainbooms faced the Sirens. The electric bird and its baby birds started to fall asleep. “Okay, good birds. Just stay calm and don’t electrocute us.” Zipp said calmly as she and her two alicorn friends slowly walked towards them. “We’re just gonna pick up the whole nest and move you all together.” “But we’re gonna keep those birdies calm. Don’t wanna hit a note wrong.” Pipp sang through the phone. “So please stay happy little birds. And I’ll keep finding rhyming words.” Pipp sang before the Akan Sonney that she accidentally kicked shriek and fired a quill, which pierced through her phone. “Ahhh!” She screamed in fright. At the same time, Zipp, Sunset, and Twilight flinched when they heard the pierce through the phone as the call ended. “Pipp? Pipp, did you stop singing?” Zipp asked while trying to reach her sister while she, Sunset, and Twilight were carrying the nest. “I don’t think that was it.” Sunset said in worried. “I think her phone must’ve got pierced. And at a worse possible time.” Twilight said with a cringe. “Come on, girls. They can’t wake up right now. We’ll be shocked for sure.” Zipp said in fear as the electric birds slowly started to wake up and look at the three ponies as the adult one gave a squawk. “No, no. Everything’s fine, just go back to sleep.” She nervously said. But the adult electric bird gave a loud and angry squawk as it produced electricity. “I don’t think it’s in the mood to sleep right now!” Twilight exclaimed in panic. “Zipp, try and sing something to calm it down!” Sunset exclaimed in panic. “I’m too nervous to think up anything to sing!” Zipp exclaimed in panic. “Well, unless we find a way to keep these birds still and not get shocked, we’re never gonna shut down the factory!” Sunset exclaimed, which made Zipp realize something. “...Stay still…” Zipp muttered before she remembered a specific song. “Wait! I do know the perfect song!” She called as she turned to the birds. “Don’t move.” “What?” Twilight and Sunset asked what she meant by that as Zipp began to sing. “It’s easy to smile with you by my side.” Zipp began to sing the song she and her mother and sister sang on Portrait Day, which made the electric birds stop making electricity as Sunset and Twilight looked surprised as they began to rush out of the factory. “Don’t blink. Big smile. Just being with you, my heart opens wiiide.” She continued as the electric birds began to fall asleep, which Sunset and Twilight noticed as they smiled as they nodded to Zipp, telling her it’s working as they come up to the weather exhaust port of the factory. “As it all comes clear to me. You’re my best friend, my family. I wanna capture this moment as hit our stride. With you by my side.” Zipp sang as she, Sunset, and Twilight gently placed their nest on the side corner as the electric birds slept peacefully. “There! You’re safe!” She said with a smile. “And away from sight and important equipment.” Sunset said with a smile. “Nopony will bug you here.” Twilight added before the three ponies then flew off. “Okay! Now to get this thing shut off!” Zipp called out as she turned to Sunset and Twilight. “Twilight, Sunset, is there an off switch somewhere?!” She asked. “I never been to the Weather Factory that often, so I don’t know!” Sunset said with a shrug. “Twilight, you know Rainbow used to work here, so you must know how to shut it off!” “Well, there is an off lever! It’s in the main factory room!” Twilight called out. “Then let’s shut it off!” Zipp declared as they flew back into the factory as they saw a big lever in the middle of the room. “There it is!” Twilight confirmed while pointing at the lever. “Then let’s shut this factory down!” Sunset declared as she went up to the lever and tried to pull it, but it wouldn’t move as she grunted. “It’s stuck!” “All together!” Twilight called as she, Zipp, and Sunset then pulled together to pull the lever. “Yes of no usages, old gears got stuck!” “We can tell!” Sunset grunted as they pulled harder. “Come on, you big stuck lever! Move!” Zipp exclaimed as the three ponies then pulled the lever completely, successfully shutting down the weather factory as the machines powered down. Outside, the Weather Factory shut down as the machine stopped making the uncontrolled weather as the Arkan Sonneys noticed this and turned their attention to it while Pipp and Sunny used this as their chance to sneak away from the flying hedgehogs and meet up with their three friends. Soon, Pipp Sunny met up with Zipp, Sunset, and Twilight at the entrance of the Weather Factory as they look over the reeling. “You all did it!” Pipp cheered. “You three saved Zephyr Heights!” Sunny cheered next, but the three ponies weren’t celebrating. “I don’t think so. Look.” Zipp said as she pointed down as they saw the storm still going below rhythm. “The factory stopped making more clouds, but the storm is already so big it’s still going.” “Get enough of clouds and that weather won’t stop until it’s used up.” Twilight stated in worry. “Which is why we had Pegasi help control them or get rid of them.” Sunset added. “Yeah, but it has to blow itself out soon, right?” Pipp asked them. “Not soon enough! Look!” Sunny pointed out as the five ponies looked down and saw the zeppelin in the middle of the storm. “Okay, lookie here! We’re airborne!” Hitch yelled out at the controls while holding the speaker with Cloud and the ponies onboard behind him. “I always wondered what it would be like to fly!” “Hitch! Focus here!” Cloud exclaimed while gesturing to the area they were in. “Right, sorry.” Hitch said before he got back on track. “The winds are too strong. I can’t get the engine to push us the right way! Misty, I need more power!” “I’m giving you all she’s got, captain!” Misty exclaimed as she kept working on the engine to keep it together and give it more power. “This is about to be a bumpy ride!” Hitch exclaimed as he try to get control of the ship as thunder clashed, which made the zeppelin to move around. “Everpony hold on!” He exclaimed as Misty then fell from the engine room and into the control room while she was on the ceiling as the ship was upside down while Cloud kept flight to stablize himself.. “Misty, what do I do?!” He panick asked. “Well, first, I would say try to get us right side up. And maybe steer with the storm and might be able to build enough speed to break through.” Misty fearfully said before the ship got right side up as Misty was about to fall, but Cloud caught her and gently put her back down. “Okay, I will try. Any other pointers?” Hitch asked. “Yes! Try not to let that lightning hit us!” Misty called while gesturing to the lightning outside. “If we get hit by lightning, we’ll probably crash!” “More like it will be!” Cloud exclaimed as the zeppelin shook a bit. “Oh, I hope Zipp and your friends are having better luck then we are!” Back at Cloudsdale, Zipp was looking through a periscope that was next to the factory that she used after putting two bits in it as she saw the zeppelin at a distance. “Oh no! This is all my fault!” Zipp cried out hopelessly. “Are you kidding me?!” Pipp exclaimed in exasperation. “You’ve been working your flank off to help everypony! This is bad luck, but you can't possibly think it’s your fault!” “The zeppelin was my idea. Coming up here was my idea.” Zipp said in despair before Pipp started shaking her sister. “And if you hadn’t had those ideas, we’d just be a bunch of ponysicles down there!” Pipp stated. “And from the amount of clouds that the factory has made, the storm won’t stop anytime soon.” Twilight added. “And I doubt anypony in that zeppelin can control that thing.” Sunset added while looking at the zeppelin. “It’s ancient and from our time. No one knows how to work it.” “Like this is any better?” Zipp questioned as she covered her eyes. “Now we get to watch a ship full of all our friends crash into the city?!” “Zipp, you gotta snap out of it!” Sunny called out with determination. “You can’t take the blame for everything that happens. “I can and I will! A queen supposed to know what to do!” Zipp called as she gave a serious look as she gave a huff. “I just wish somepony would give me some sort of…” She then trailed off as she remembered something. “Wait…” She muttered as she trotted off, which surprised the four mares. “What was that about?” Sunny asked her friends about what just happened. “I don’t know! Our whole lives, whenever she gets a big idea, she just rushes off like that.” Pipp said with a dull look, knowing how her sister can be. “Sometimes Twilight can be like that.” Sunset said with a shrug as Twilight gave her a brow. “Oh, you know it’s true. Even during your princess training.” Twilight gave a defeated sigh. “Point taken.” She muttered before turning to Zipp. “We should go after her.” The others agreed as they chased after Zipp. “Zipp, wait up!” Pipp called out. “We’re coming to help you!” Sunny added. “So try and slow down!” Sunset yelled out before Zipp came to a stop, which the others noticed as they saw Zipp was looking at something in awed. “Uh, Zipp?” “What is that? What are you staring at?” Sunny asked. “A sign. I got a sign.” Zipp muttered, which made them look up, and what they saw was the Wonderbolt poster, which Sunset and Twilight recognized as they gave a small gasp. “That’s very literal. Like, it’s an actual sign.” Pipp commented. “Uh, not just the sign, but what’s on it.” Sunset said as she and Twilight turned a corner and their eyes widened at what they saw. “You ponies need to see this.” Twilight added, while the rest of the mares turn, what they saw surprise them as it was a giant building that said ‘Wonderbolt Hall of Fame’ with a lightning bolt with wings icon symbol showing. “This is the Wonderbolt’s Hall of Fame building!” “Whoa!” Sunny exclaimed in amazement. “What’s a Wonderbolt?” Pipp asked, not knowing what a Wonderbolt is. “The Wonderbolts were the most talented fliers in Equestria! The elite squad of Pegasi who perform aerial acrobatics and demonstrations!” Twilight exclaimed with a smile. “My friend Rainbow Dash was one of them!” “Sounds like my kind of ponies.” Zipp commented with a smirk. “You have no idea, Zipp. The Wonderbolts were like, so awesome! They were known to everypony in Equestria!” Sunset added. “This museum might have info about them!” “Well, how about we find out more unless you two want to explain it?” Zipp suggested with a smirk. “Let’s get into the museum.” Both Sunset and Twilight said, wanting them to see it to believe it as they entered the building. “This is neat but… why are we here?” Pipp asked in confusion. “That poster of the Wonderbolts Twilight and Sunset talked about is the same poster from the station. The poster that made me want to learn to fly.” Zipp explained as they saw statues, pictures, and items that represent the Wonderbolts. “That poster is what made me help Sunset rescue Sunny and Izz from the dungeon. What brought us all together. And those Pegasi on that poster, they’re the wonders, I guess. Are they?” She asked Sunset and Twilight. “They most certainly are.” Twilight answered with a nod. “Same color scheme, uniform, yep, it's them alright.” Sunset nodded as they searched around for more. They soon found a history portrait of the past Wonderbolts, including Soarin in the end, but before him was a blank space. “Mmm, this display says prominent Wonderbolts in history. But I can’t read any of these descriptions.” Sunny noted. “The times of non proper care has caused the words to fade, it’s hard to read them.” Twilight stated. “And not to mention some of these are missing a few history. There’s a picture mission before the last one.” Sunset added while seeing a few of the Wonderbolts' history were missing. Pipp then looks at the masks. “Well, they had style, I’ll give them that. It says this uniform was designed by somepony named Flair D’mare.” She noted. “That doesn’t help me! I don’t need to know who made a costume!” Zipp yelled out in frustration. “All I want to know is who the Wonderbolts are!” “That’s a very cool question, but I’ll bet you the answer is at least twenty percent cooler.” A very familiar voice spoke up, which made Sunset and Twilight get stiff as their eyes widened. “I know that voice anywhere.” Sunset muttered. “I-Is that…” Twilight stammered before they slowly turned before they saw that it was a projection that was showing a familiar rainbow-maned blue pegasus that they knew very well. “That projection--That’s Rainbow Dash!” Zipp exclaimed in shock while shaking her sister as they all looked in shock at seeing the legendary Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty, part/leader of the Wonderbolts, member of the Guardian of Harmony, and friend of Twilight Sparkle. “Rainbow?” Twilight muttered as she and Sunset were more stunned to see Rainbow Dash in projection form as the projection began to tell history. “I wanted to be Wonderbolt from the first time I saw one. They were so cool!” Rainbow’s projection started out with Rainbow Dash getting promoted. “And I made it! I made it big time. I became the Commander of the Wonderbolts and opened this hall of fame!” It then showed Celestia and Luna overseeing the Wonderbolts in the sky. “A long time ago, the Earth, Unicorn, and Pegasus guard was created to protect the princess and keep the peace. And part of that was an elite pegasus flying force made up of only the fastest and strongest fliers.” She then picks up a dust cloud on her hoof. “All around you are the stories and pictures of the greatest wonderbolts to ever fly the skies. We protect Equestria. We deliver messages at the speed of light. Heck, we even control the weather.” “Wait! Tell me more about that part! Tell me about the ‘controlling the weather’!” Zipp frantically said to the Rainbow projector as her friends noticed dull looks. “What? I know you told us,” She said to Twilight and Sunset. “But I just wanted to be sure.” “You wanna learn more about weather controlling? Yeah, I can tell you about that!” Rainbow’s projection said while continuing. “The thing is, any Pegasus with enough speed can help control the weather, but the Wonderbolts are the best!” The screen then showed three other of Twilight’s friends, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy, the two former are screaming while falling through their respective clouds while Fluttershy slept peacefully on hers, much to Twilight’s embarrassment when she saw that. “While Earth Ponies and Unicorns just fall through clouds, Pegasus magic allows us to interact with clouds in special ways. Alicorns can even do it as well since they’re part Pegasus. We can sleep on clouds, ride a rogue storm cloud… heck, you even walked on clouds to get here.” The screen then changes to a Pegasus about to hit a storm cloud. “But if you wanna get clear skies for a festival or a game, you gotta learn how to cloudburst. You have to focus and concentrate your pegasus magic not to land on but to push right through the cloud.” She explained as the Pegasus on the screen got rid of the cloud. “Because they’re solid to us, instead of just falling through, when we concentrate, we can do a cloud burst. And there you go, clear skies. Isn’t it neat?” “And that’s how you control the weather.” Twilight finished after the information video had finished. “Now you get why I was confused about how the weather is changing on its own the first time?” Sunset asked Sunny and Pipp about that delta. “Yeah, now we get it.” Sunny said with a nod, now understanding why Sunset asked about that the first time when first seeing how Equestria has changed. “But that’s it, Zipp! That’s how we--” Pipp tried to say before noticing her sister was gone as they searched around. “Zipp?” “Where’d she go?” Twilight asked. “And uh, where wasn’t there a Wonderbolt uniform on display earlier?” Sunny asked while seeing the wonderbolts’ uniforms on display, but seeing that one of them was missing. “Oh no. She’s gonna do something stupid.” Sunset muttered while placing a hoof on her head. With Zipp, she was rushing out of the museum with the old Wonderbolt uniform she took on display as she took off as fast as she could. “Concentrate your pegasus magic and push right through.” She muttered to herself as she hastily started to put on the Wonderbolt uniform. “Come on, Zephyrina, this is it. Be a Wonderbolt. Save the day. Concentrate your pegasus magic…” She then finished putting on the goggles as she gave a serious look and took off into the air. “AND PUSH RIGHT THROUGH!” She yelled with determination as she took off to where the zeppelin was. With the zeppelin, it was taken many damages by the storm as lightning clashed and hit some parts of the zeppelin as one hit the side wall. “Hitch, straighten out! It’s coming apart!” Misty cried out as she, Izzy, Hitch, and Cloud were at the controls. “I’m trying! With the side ripped open, it’s hard to tell it to go anywhere!” Hitch cried out in panic. “We’re barely holding onto this thing as it is! And this airship is old, so yeah, it’s coming apart bad!” Cloud exclaimed. “Izzy, do you think you can patch that rip?” Misty asked Izzy. “Crafting to save the day?! You betcha!” Izzy saluted as she then took out her glue gun and started gluing the side hole. “Uh, ponies, the autopilot is flailing!” Cloud called while looking at the monitor that showed the autopilot was failing as the pilot balloon deflated, which made them fear even more. “Okay, things just got worse!” “How can it get any worse?!” Hitch cried out in fear. Izzy then saw something through the hole as she poke her head out. “Umm… You ponies aren’t gonna believe this. But there’s somepony else out there. Look!” She called as she pointed out, showing to be none other than Zipp as she flew around and flew through some of the clouds and took out a few around the zeppelin. The ponies inside saw her. “Is that… Zipp?” Misty asked in surprise. “Whoa, she just uncycled that cloud!” Izzy cheered in amazement. “And is wearing a cool suit.” Cloud said while eyeing Zipp’s Wonderbolt suit. “She’s amazing!” Hitch called out in surprise. Zipp kept flying around while taking out more clouds. “Push on through! Push on through! Push on through!” She said to herself before she heard something else. “What’s that sound?” She asked before she stopped when she heard hearing from the zeppelin. “Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp!” Zipp’s friends and all the other ponies on the zeppelin cheered after seeing her taken out the clouds. Zipp gave a heartfelt smile. “They’re cheering for me! I can’t let them down!” She declared as she then flew around the storm, channeling her inner Pegasus magic and taking out the clouds as a lightning strike nearly hit her by the tip of her mane. “Yikes!” She called before she then took out another cloud in front of the zeppelin. “Gotcha!” She declared. However, Zipp then stopped when she saw that there were more clouds than she could handle. “There are too many! I can’t keep up! If one of these lighting bolts hit the zeppelin--” She tried to say. “Maybe we can help!” Pipp’s voice called out as Zipp turned and saw her, Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight in Wonderbolt suits. “Cadet Pipp Petals, reporting for duty.” She said with a smile. “Cadet Sunny Starscout, reporting for duty!” Sunny said with a smile. “Cadet Sunset Shimmer, reporting for duty!” Sunset added with a smirk and a salute. “Cadet Twilight Sparkle, reporting for duty!” Twilight finished with a smirk as well. “There’s a reason why the Wonderbolts work as a team, Zipp.” “So if you go, we all go. Wonderbolt style!” Sunset declared with a smirk. Zipp looked at them with a tearful smile. “I love you guys.” She said to them as they smiled as they then took off. “Come on, let’s go save our friends and our city!” She declared as five flyers then flew around while focusing their magic to take out the clouds. “I always wanted to know how a Wonderbolt feels! And now I do and it’s amazing!” Sunset called out with a smirk as she took out a couple of clouds with a few kicks. “I’m starting to see why Rainbow Dash was so determined to become one!” Twilight added with a smile, still finding it amazing that she is acting like a Wonderbolt. “I gotta admit, I was a little nervous this wouldn't work for me, But I guess I have plenty of Pegasus Magic after all!” Sunny called with a smile as she flew around. “You’re not the only one who was worried.” Pipp said as she gracefully flew around. “I’m not exactly a high-speed flier like my sister. I think I’m mostly bursting these clouds with vibe.” “No, that’s pure Pegasus Magic, Pipp! Alicorns also have that ability! They can control the weather if they want to!” Sunset added with a smile. “We just don’t use it when the other Pegasi were doing that job!” Twilight added as she took out another cloud. “I can see that!” Sunny added with a smile. “Yeah, that’s true.” Pipp said with a smile. “I think we’re going to do this!” Zipp called as she took out another cloud. “The storm is calm enough now, they should be able to--” She was cut off when lightning struck, which shocked the five mares as they looked in horror as a lightning bolt hit the zeppelin. At the controls, Hitch held the wheel as it broke while he was covered in soot while his mane was sticking out. “Uh-oh.” Hitch muttered. “That’s not good.” Cloud said while seeing the power going out. Misty was in the engine room as she saw the engine breaking apart. “The engine is gone! We’re going down!” She exclaimed. The five mares outside heard it. “There’s no engine to keep that ship in flight! It’s gonna crash into the city!” Twilight exclaimed. “No! Save them! Stop them!” Zipp yelled out. “You heard her, ponies! Let’s go!” Sunset yelled out as the five mares flew down to the zeppelin while Zipp was a bit behind as they saw how close they are to the town. “I’m never gonna make it!” ZIpp exclaimed in worry. Pipp then went up to the right side wing of the zeppelin. “I’ve got this side. Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, can either of you--” She tried to say. “I got the top front!” Sunset called out as she got to the tip point of the balloon. “I got the top back!” Twilight yelled while at the rear end of the balloon. “I’m here!” Sunny yelled as she was at the left side of the balloon wing. “Maybe if we fly up…” She called as they tried to lift the zeppelin up. “It’s too heavy!” “There’s not enough of us!” Sunset yelled out. “And we’re going too fast!” Twilight added. “Zipp is too far away! She can’t get here in time!” Pipp exclaimed. Zipp flew as fast as she could as she was getting closer to the lower end of the zeppelin but was still pretty far. “I have to go faster! I have to go faster! Everypony’s depending on me!” She called with a serious and determined look as she then glowed, going into her Rainbow Form as she then pulled off a Sonic Rainboom with a yell to the zeppelin. With the other four mares holding the zeppelin, they yelped when they felt the zeppelin being straightened out. “Whoa, we straightened out! How did that--” Pipp tried to ask. “We still have to slow it down!” Zipp called out as her friends looked down and saw Zipp at the bottom of the zeppelin. “Push up and back as much as you can, but get away before it hits the ground!” She called. “Zipp, we’re getting close! You have to get out from under there!” Pipp exclaimed. “Even you can’t handle that impact!” Sunset yelled out. “Just need to slow it down a little more!” Zipp grunted as she held the zeppelin back with all her straight before she skidded on the ground once got close enough before she was flung out as the zeppelin landed, but Zipp skidded across the ground as her Rainbow Form faded as she stopped as everything went black for her. “Get me more pillows! I want her to have the finest pillows in the kingdom! I don’t care if she has 25 pillows already, my baby deserves more!” A voice called out as Zipp groaned as she started to come too before she saw her mother’s face. “Mom?” Zipp groaned, which got Haven’s attention. “My baby! My darling! Zephyrina, how are you feeling?” Haven asked in concern for her daughter. “I’m fine. How did you get here?” Zipp asked, while seeing she was in the medical room of the castle while her head is bandaged up while in a hospital clothing. “You’ve been out for a week, dear. I came back as soon as I heard about the storm.” Haven answered, which made Zipp look in shock. “A week?!” Zipp exclaimed as she hastily got out of the hospitable bed. “The zeppelin! The storm! Is Pipp okay?! What about Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, and the others?!” She cried out before Haven quickly picked up Zipp over her head. “Your friends are fine. In fact, other than a few snowball bruises, everybody in the kingdom is fine.” Haven said to her daughter with a firm look. “You literally put this whole kingdom on your back, my dear. That wasn’t very safe, even in your Rainbow Form.” She explained before tossing her daughter back in bed. “I just did what I knew you would do mom. Just, you know, faster.” Zipp said with frown as Queen Haven gave a smile as she continued. “Your sister, Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight went looking for a way to keep the cloud city in place. Which, thanks to Twilight, they know how thanks to her knowledge of it inside and out.” Haven spoke up to her daughter while at Cloudsdale, Pipp, Sunset, Sunny, and Twilight were there while they were working on the controls to keep Cloudsdale in place so it wouldn’t go anywhere. “They even planned on getting it back on the map and repopulating it, while also planning on making some restriction areas like that Weather Factory so that no one would mess with it until they figure things out. Sunny then pulled a lever that says ‘Emergency Cloudsdale Air to Ground Anchor’ while Sunset, Twilight, and Pipp were at the controls after moving Cloudsdale as an anchor fell from Cloudsdale and kept it secure. “I’m glad I insisted they fly it away from town first because… well, you’ll see.” Haven said as the anchor hit the ground while a bunny close to it flinched. ‘Well, there goes the neighborhood.’ The bunny thought to itself. At Zephyr Heights, Misty was with a construction working team to help make repairs of the zeppelin, knowing it will come in handy in the future. “Your other friends have been working on that big balloon ship of yours. It’s very impressive, but it’s causing a lot of traffic jams right now.” Haven stated. Around Zephyr Heights, the ponies are enjoying their time in the sun after the storm subsided and the snow melted away. “The snow and ice melted after a couple of days. Because of you, everypony in Zephyr Heights has been able to get back to normal.” Haven finished. “Back to normal, eh?” Zipp asked her mother. “Well, as normal as anything ever is these days.” Haven said with a shrug, knowing something interesting or surprising always happens around Equestria while Zipp gave a thought. “Excuse me, Mom, I gotta go check on one thing.” Zipp said to her mother. Later on, Pipp, Sunset, and Twilight were looking around Cloudsdale after hearing that Zipp was gone as they searched the Wonderbolts’ Hall of Fame. “Zipp?! Are you here?!” Pipp called out. “Come on out, Zipp!” Twilight called next. “We know you’re here!” Sunset finished. “How’d you three find me?” Zipp asked while in the other room. “Mom said you came up here. She’s worried about you, ya know.” Pipp said as they walk up to Zipp. “She doesn’t have to be.” Zipp assured them with a smile as they noticed that Zipp was in front of the history section of Rainbow Dash. “We see that Rainbow Dash has caught your eyes.” Twilight said with a smile at seeing a statue of her old friend. “Yeah, she just sorta, came to me.” Zipp said with a shrug. “Rainbow usually does.” Sunset said with a chuckle. “Zipp, you just slept for a week after crash-landing with a whole city full of ponies on your back.” Pipp said to her. “And that’s not even mentioning that you flew so fast, you made the Sonic Rainboom appear again while in your rainbow form.” “Yeah, Zipp. I think you need to get some rest after that little adventure.” Sunset said to her. “Even royalties know their limits when to step down and recover.” Twilight added, knowing from experience. “Trust me.” “I know. I also remember that you two told me that Rainbow Dash once tried it.” Zipp said while gesturing to the history board. “You think she and I could be related?” “Well, one thing for sure, you do have her attitude and love for flight.” Twilight said. “And the Sonic Rainboom is another.” “Which also got me to wonder, Pipp, do you know the family tree?” Sunset asked. “Well, I’ve never seen the family tree go down that far for generations. And the Sonic Rainboom was pretty scary at times.” Pipp said in concern. “I’m worried about you, too, ya know? You should rest.” She said to her sister. “I will. I just…” Zipp then gestured to the hologram buttons of Rainbow Dash’s history. “This place has the answer I’ve been looking for for years. And I found one message I could get to. But I think I got it now!” She then pressed a button. The hologram screen then showed Rainbow Dash, a bit older as Twilight remembered when she used to rule Equestria as Rainbow gave a slight sad look. “I don’t know why I’m doing this. This is silly, it’s just… this place… the Wonderbolts… this was my whole life for years.” Rainbow Dash said with a frown, which Twilight and Sunset rarely see this side of her before. “These days I spend more time at Sweet Apple Acres than here, but this still hurts. Twilight is sealing all the magic today. Which means I’m gonna lose my flight and… I don’t know how I can live with that.” She continued as the sun began to set as tears began to fall. “It’s not just magic for me. It’s freedom, it’s who I am. It’s my home here in Cloudsdale. It’s my life as a Wonderbolt. What does it mean to be a Pegasus if your wings don't work.” Rainbow continued tearfully. Twilight gave a sad look from hearing this. “Rainbow.” She muttered with slight tears coming out, feeling guilty for coming up with that decision to seal magic into the crystals to keep Equestria safe, since she never realizes how her friends would feel about it like how Rainbow felt when she couldn’t fly anymore. “We don’t know what will happen to Cloudsdale when the magic goes away, but I do know that someday the magic will be back.” Rainbow continued while trying to keep herself together. “So I’m recording this message for the next Pegasi who can fly. The next Pegasi who can find this city. This museum.” Rainbow then faced forward. “It’s your turn now. Bring back the Wonderbolts. You don’t have to call them that. But what we did was important. The world needs us. Whoever you are. It’s your turn to be awesome, okay?” She asked as the four mares looked moved by Rainbow’s words. “Okay, I think I can handle that.” Zipp said with an encouraging smile and a wink. “And Twilight, if you're watching this right now, since I know you might still be around trying to keep Equestria going, since you know, Alicorn and all.” Rainbow said, which surprised them as they listened carefully while Twilight was the most careful. “I understand why you have to do it, for the sake of Equestria, and the magic. That is why me and the others never really argue with you, because you always find a way to make things better, even at the worst or impossible times, even if you plan your plans in a triplet.” She joked with a soft chuckle, which the four mares shared. “Well, she’s not wrong there.” Sunset joked as Twilight just smiled as they continued. “And, while things might not be the same, I know, and the others do as well, that things will work out like they always do. Because you are Twilight Sparkles, Princess of Friendship, Element of Magic, you always planned things well.” Rainbow added as she continued. “And I just wanted to sat, I’m sorry I can’t be there for you anymore, but I hope that some other, though probably not as awesome as me…” She bragged a bit, which caused them to share a small laugh with her. “...Pegasus that is leaving you hanging. And know that no matter how many moons you go to, just remember, I, as well as our friends will always be with you.” She said with a warm smile. Twilight kept watching with Sunset, Zipp, and Pipp behind her as they felt touched by Rainbow’s words to Twilight. “And always remember, that no matter what changes, Equestria will always be the place we knew. And be sure to relay this history and teachings to the new generation.” Rainbow started before she gave a sigh and gave a brave look. “This is the last recording of Rainbow Dash, leader of the Wonderbolts, Element of Loyalty, a member of the Guardian of Harmony, a member Council of Friendship, bestest friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle. I was there to help my friends when they were having trouble, even when things got tough, and I will cherish those memories I have with them, I have no regrets. And remember, friendship is magic, always.” She finished as the message finished. Soon, the four mares stood there as they had some tears falling from their eyes from that touching message, while Twilight was the hardest as she whimpered as her wings fell as she tried to be strong, but failed. “Rainbow…” She weeped sadly as Sunset, Zipp, and Pipp gave her a comforting hug as she cried out her emotions as they stood that way for a moment until they calmed down and separated. “That was so touching of your friend, Twilight.” Pipp said while wiping her eyes a bit. Zipp wiped a single tear from her eyes as she tried to act tough. “Yeah, it was, great.” She managed to say. “That was the most emotional speech Rainbow has ever given.” Sunset sniffled as she wiped her nose. “She felt sad that I had to seal the magic away.” Twilight sobbed a bit as she wiped her eyes with her wings. “I-I-I wouldn’t have done it if I had known how my friends felt about that idea. I-I s-should’ve discussed it more with them instead of taking away the very thing that made them who they are.” She whimpered. “Don’t even think about blaming yourself, Twilight.” Sunset said with a calm look. “You did what you thought was best for Equestria after what Opaline did. This is not on you.” “Yeah, Opaline forced your hooves. You were only trying to keep Equestria safe.” Pipp added with a comforting smile. “And what did my friends feel about it?” Twilight asked with a guilty look. “I could’ve found another way. I should’ve prevented that from happening!” She cried out as she lowered her head in shame. Zipp then walked forward and placed a hoof on Twilight’s chin. “Twilight, Rainbow Dash and possibly the rest of your friends knew the risk you made when you sealed magic into the crystals. And they didn’t stop you from trying, did they?” She asked as Twilight gave a thought. “N-No?” Twilight answered. “Exactly.” Zipp said with a smile. “While it was a risky move and a sacrifice to make, they knew that it would turn out okay, and it did. I mean look around, magic is back, ponykind is united, and we even brought back two ancient cities of your and Sunset’s time.” She added. “Yeah, the Crystal Empire, and now Cloudsdale.” Sunset said while gesturing around. “This is a sign of good deeds from that choice you made, Twi.” “Yeah, I mean, if there was another alternative, Opaline would’ve gone her way.” Pipp added with a smile. “And this, this is better.” “So don’t ever think of it as a bad thing. Think of it as a miracle that you manage to help keep our homes safe and even leave behind its legacy to carry on, for the most part at first.” Zipp said with a smirk. “And we can still keep Rainbow’s and the rest of the girls’ memories alive, if we help carry on those times we had with them, and help keep their history alive.” Sunset said with an encouraging smile. “For them, for all of Equestria, wouldn’t you agree?” Twilight looked at them for a moment, feeling a bit better for what they just said to her as she gave a smile as she brought them in a warm hug, which they returned. “You ponies sure know to keep me going with joy.” She said with a smile as they separated the hug. “Well, we have our moments.” Pipp bragged with a smirk. “So, what do we do now?” Zipp wondered with a smirk. “Like Rainbow said, we help carry on the old Pegasi tradition and rebuild what was lost.” Sunset said while gesturing to the museum of the Wonderbolts. “It will take some time, but I know we will pull it off.” “I agree. Rainbow would want that.” Twilight said with a determined smile. “Then let’s get started.” Zipp declared with a smirk as Pipp nodded as the four mares walked off, ready to help get Cloudsdale back on track and honor Rainbow’s last wish to carry on the ancient Pegasi ways. The End. Author's Note The ending was a bit of an added heartfelt touch since you know, Rainbow and Twilight were friends
Issue 1:Issue 1: In Zephyr Heights, the Pegasi are going about their day as the Zephyr Heights Royal Palace is shining bright at the kingdom while having a peaceful moment of silence together. Until… “But Moooom--” Zipp’s voice spoke up from inside the palace. Inside the palace in Queen Haven’s room, Queen Haven was packing some things, well her maiden is, as Zipp was in the room with her mother as Haven was looking at her closet. “Now, Princess Zephyrina Storm! Don’t you ‘But Mom’ me.” Haven said firmly to her daughter. “We’ve been talking about this for weeks.” She reminded. “Yeah, but I didn’t think you were serious.” Zipp said to her mother. “When have you ever known me to not be serious?” Haven questioned her daughter while looking through her gowns. “I am the Queen of Zephyr Heights. It’s my duty to be serious.” She stated while Cloudpuff watches while coughing out a piece of dog food that was in his throat , which Zipp gave a disgusted look as Cloudpuff whistles innocently as he kicked the piece away as Haven pick out a gown. “No, no, no. That’s the Amethyst Royal Traveling Gown. I need the wisteria one.” Haven said to the maiden, who gave a tired look. “Can you imagine me showing up in the Maredives in an amethyst gown? Hahahahahah.” She laughed in her phony laughter since her maiden is here. Soon, Zipp and her mother are walking down the hallway while the maiden pushes the suitcases. “Are you seriously going to abandon Zephyr Heights for a whole week?” Zipp questioned her mother. “Abandon? Darling, you’re so dramatic.” Haven said to her daughter. “It’s called a vacation, and it’s about time Alfie and I got to spend some time alone together.” She stated, since she and Alphabittle have made vacation plans together “You don’t take vacations! You’re the Queen of Zephyr Heights” Zipp pointed out, still having a hard time getting her head around this. “That one time when Pipp and I were fillies, you took a long bath and the whole government almost collapsed!” “Well, that is true.” Haven nodded, remembering that time. “I suppose I’ll need to appoint a queen regent for the week.” She said as she took off her crown and looked at it. “Who could possibly take that much stress and hold the kingdom together for an entire week?” She started before she gave a smirk and tossed it as it landed on Zipp’s head. “Oh, I know! You!” “WHAT?!” Zipp exclaimed in complete shock while Haven kept her smirk at her daughter’s reaction. “Oh com now, Zephyrina.” Haven said with a small smile as they entered the throne room. “We’ve gone round and round about this. You are the next in line for the throne, and you are going to be an excellent Queen.” “You’re right, we have talked about it. And I think I can be a good queen…” Zipp started off with a frown. “...someday! Many, many, years from now when you’re an old gray mare and I’ve solved all the mysteries and flown all over the world.” She then panicked as she shook her mother, which made Haven yelp. “But not today! Not for a whole week! I don’t know what I’m doing! Don’t you remember that time I cut my own mane?! It’s gonna be like that!” She exclaimed in panic. Soon Zipp stopped shaking her mother as Have gave a dizzy look from the face. “I do remember that time. I also remembered that’s how you ended up with your little mohawk puff thing.” She said dizzily. “It’s never something I would have chosen for me, but it’s perfect for you, and as Aquen, I expect you to make just those sorts of decisions.” “Mom, you can’t leave me in charge of all this alone.” Zipp complained with a groan. “Well then, good thing she called in some reinforcements.” Pipp’s voice spoke up as Zipp perked up and turned with a smile as she saw her friends walk in. “I mean, tha haircut works for you, but we wouldn’t want all of Zephyr Heights to end up with it.” She joked. “Oooh!” Izzy said in excitement. “Can I get it, though? I think I’d look cool with a mohawk!” She excitedly said. “No, Izzy. You really wouldn’t.” Sunset said with a chuckle. “Pipp! You’re in on this too?” Zipp asked her sister in surprise. “In on it? No.” Pipp answered with a smile. “I made her promise that if I helped, she wouldn’t call him Alfie in front of me for at least a month.” She said with a smile before she walked up next to her sister. “Besides, I know my big sis can handle anything.” She added as she used her wing to nudge her sister on the side. “So, I just signed up to spend a week taking advantage of Mom’s spa package.” “And if something does happening, I think the eight of us have proven we can pretty much anything together.” Sunny said with a confident smile. “I even got a babysitter for Sparky for the week.” Hitch said with a smile. “That way, I can lend a hoof and he won’t… you know… blow anything up.” He said with a sheepish chuckle. “I brought all my crafting supplies!” Izzy cheerfully said as she brought out a box. “By the time Haven gets back, we’ll have redorated the whole city.” “And Twilight and I can help out with some extra royal duties if you’re being a bit overwhelmed.” Sunset said with a shrug. “Well, mostly me. Because I have the most experience of royal duties.” Twilight said with a smile and a shrug. “Yeah, you do.” Sunset said with a smirk and a chuckle. “And you probably don’t need my help with anything.” Misty said to Zipp with a smile. “Because you’re so awesome but if you do, I’m here!” Zipp then looked at her friends’ support as she gave a smile and she adjusted the crown on her head. “You know what? You guys are right. I mean, heck, we’ve saved all the world’s magic together a bunch of times. We can keep one city from falling apart long enough for my mom to take a break.” She said with a smile. “Oh, Zephyrina, thank you.” Haven said to her daughter with a proud smile while feeling touch. “Besides, my Mom works really hard and deserves to spend some time with her… Alphie.” She added. Just then, Haven gave a disgusted look. “It really does sound just… disgusting when you say it, though. You should probably just call him Alphabittle.” She said naturally. “You’re right.” Zipp said in a dull look. “I heard it, and it was just… gross.” She said as Izzy, Sunset, Twilight and Misty shared a small laugh from that. Haven and the maid then began to walk off. “Well, I have to be going, my dears. NBut I haven’t a single worry. I know the kingdom is in good hooves.” She said as she blew a kiss to her eldest daughter. 30 minutes later. After Haven left, Zipp was finishing up writing on a paper and putting them on an envelope mail. “Okay, and that should wrap up all the signing of Royal Get-Well Cards.” Zipp said with a smile as her friends watched while also helping her. “Really great job, sis.” Pipp complimented her sister. “Wow, you’re such a good queen!” Misty cheered with a smile and her hooves raised. “Very impressive, Zipp.” Twilight complimented with a smile at how Zipp handled the royal work. “I really think you should have let me put googly eyes on it.” Izzy said with a smile while eyeing one of the envelopes. “Yeah, not really how that works, Izzy.” Sunset said with a chuckle. Zipp then turn to the others. “Okay, guys, I really do appreciate the support but… you don’t have to stay with me the whole time. I’m just doing paperwork.” She said to them. “No problem. What can we do to help?” Hitch asked with his signature smirk. “Should I run security? Check the castle for structural weaknesses?” Zip then have a thought. “Actually, why don’t you guys have a good time. Pipp, got any ideas?” She asked her sister with a smirk. “Do I?!” Pipp asked as she leaned against the wall with a smirk while using a toothpick. A bit later, the seven ponies are walking through the palace hallway while walking to a studio with Pipp’s Cutie Mark symbol at the entrance. “If you look to your left, you will see the Royal In-House Recording Studio. This studio has been home to the recording of Princess Pipp’s first five singles and countless videos.” Pipp said with a proud smile. “Heh, no surprise there.” Sunset said with a chuckle. “Pipp, not that I don’t appreciate the tour, but is it really necessary?” Sunny asked with a smile while Pipp gave a natural look. “We’ve been coming here for a long time. And sure, maybe we haven’t discovered all---” She trailed off as they stopped at a room with many books around them, which surprised the group, but two certain ponies were shocked by this. “Ooooh!” Both Twilight and Sunny exclaimed in unison with their jaws dropped by the amount of books. “Oh boy. Here we go.” Sunset said with a smirk, while surprised by the amount of books but knowing how her two friends are gonna be. “And this is the totally dusty old shelf full of history books of our historians dug out of an archive or something.” Pipp said with a smirk. “Seemed like both your kind of things, Sunny and Twilight.” Then Sunny and Twilight then quickly zoomed towards the book shelf closest and started grabbing tons of books as fast as they could as Sunset gave a chuckle. “You really know how to make them excited, Pipp.” Sunset commented. “Oh, knowing Twilight and Sunny for so long, I knew they would go for something like this.” Pipp said with a smile as the other ponies started spreading out to check the library while Izzy laughed as she was riding the ladder side to side. “Maybe I can find some spell books!” Misty said with a smile. “Might as well search for something that piques my interest.” Sunset said as she walked off to search for a book. “Just remember, we’re meeting up at the spa in a few hours.” Pipp said with a smile to her friends while Twilight and Sunset are reading a book that has Twilight’s face on it that said. ‘Live at Twilight’. “ OKay, yeah, sure.” Sunny said to Pipp while she and Twilight read the book. “We promise, Pipp.” Twilight assured. “Oh! Wait, I’ve never heard of Flash Magnus!” Sunny said with a smile. “Twilight, you know this pegasus?!” “One of the legendary pillars of Equestria, met him in person with the others.” Twilight said with a smile. “Mind telling me more in case this book doesn't have many details?” Sunny asked with an exciting smile. “Sure thing, Sunny.” Twilight said with giggles. Pipp then opened another door with Izzy beside her, and she gasped in excitement with sparkles in her eyes when she saw many crafting supplies as far as the eye can see. “This is my mother’s royal craft room. “Aaah!” Izzy squealed in excitement as she tackled the supplies while Misty watched as she giggled while Pipp walked off with a smirk. A bit later, Pipp was guiding Hitch out of the palace and into a gate outside. “Okay, you got them figured out. But I have important work to do keeping order.” Hitch bragged with a smirk while Pipp kept a smirk. “There’s not some room in this castle where you can distract me from--” Pipp then opened the gate with a smirk as she showed a bunch of creatures around him, and a couple of Breezies who were enjoying the animals’ company. “The Zephyr Heights Royal Gardens.” Pipp said with a smirk while Pipp booped a bunny’s nose. “OH MY GOSH!” Hitch cheered in excitement as the animals all crowded around him. “Have fun. Don’t forget, we’re heading to the spa in a few hours.” Pipp said with a smirk to Hitch as she walked off to let Hitch enjoy the animals. “Who’s a fluffy boy? Yes, you are!” Hitch cheered as he rubbed a tiger’s back, which made the tiger give a brow from that. Back at the library, Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight are still reading a ton of books, which some are piled up as Sunset and Twilight are reading their own books while Sunny was reading a book of ‘A History of the Party Cannon’. “Okay, this can’t be everything. This doesn’t make sense.” Sunny said in confusion. “Uh, yeah. I think that book was written by Pinkie Pie, Sunny.” Sunset said with a small smirk at the book. “Really?” Sunny asked in surprise. “How can you tell?” Because the only pony who uses party cannons is Pinkie.” Twilight said with a smile. “That, and her signature is written in dried frosting.” She said while pointing to a pink frosting name on the book, which dried out over time that said ‘Written by Pinkie Pie’ with hearts around it. “Oh, right. Didn’t see that.” Sunny said with a smile as the three ponies shared a small laugh. Then Zipp walked into the library as she looked around. “Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, are you girls still here?” She asked as she looked around for them. “Oh, right here, Zipp!” Sunny called as she raised her hoof from the pile. “Turn right at fashion history, then left at culinary history.” “And then you’ll find a ton of books stacked together.” Sunset added as Zipp followed the instructions until she found them. “Whoa, you three have been busy.” Zipp said in surprise at the amount of books. “Oh, we have only scratched the surface of these books.” Twilight said with a smirk. “Yeah!” Sunny said as she held up a book that ‘The Sombra Saga, Vol 37’. “We look at all this and we can’t help but think, what if my dad had access to all this? There are answers to many of his biggest questions right here!” She cheered with a smile. “Though some of these are not real because some of them are a bit strange. Even for me.” Sunset said with a brow as she held up a book that showed a picture of Celestia and a good version of Sombra kissing each other, which made her cringed weirdly. “Seriously, this is weird.” Sunny then realizes something. “Oh, wait! Do you need our help with something? Is there an emergency?” Sunny asked Zipp in confusion about what Zipp is here with them. “You need help with something, Zipp?” Twilight wondered as she and Sunset thought the same way. “Oh, no.” Zipp shook her head. “I just…” She trailed off as she thought for a moment. “Okay, remember the first time we met? Sunset and I let Sunny and Izzy out of prison while Sunset snuck in because there was something I wanted to show you?” She asked as they remembered that as she remembered the old station before it was restored. “There was an old station that hadn’t been used in years. And it had this poster in it… I really wanted to know about it. I felt like it was something important.” She added as she remembered the Wonderbolts poster that used to be in the old station. “I kinda got distracted with magic coming back and getting my flight and the Brighthouse and all… but thinking about being queen, that was one mystery I always wanted to solve that I haven’t figured out.” Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight looked at each other and wondered what Zipp said as Sunny went to a bookshelf. “Okay, I’m glad you brought that up because we were gonna ask you.” Sunny said to Zipp. “There’s a lot of recent history here. Then there’s a lot of myths and old mares’ tales. But…” She then gestured to a gap between some books with cobwebs around. “But everything from around Twilight and Sunset’s time is missing. We know from when you told us much and some reading about that Pegasi had history books, Twilight.” “I did.” Twilight nodded. “But after so many generations, I’m surprised that books from around our times are missing.” “So… where are they exactly, Zipp?” Sunset asked the pegasus. “No pony really knows.” Zipp answered with a shrug. “We know that before Zephyr Heights, we lived somewhere else. But Archaeologists have never been able to find the Pegasus Homeland.” “Oh, you’re talking about Cloudsdale.” Sunset said in realization. “Yeah, there’s a book about it right here.” She said as she brought out a book that tells about Cloudsdale. “Cloudsdale, I haven’t heard that name in a long time.” Twilight said with a smile. “Cloudsdale?” Pipp’s voice spoke up as the four mares turned and saw Zipp entering. “You’re talking about a city built in the clouds? A magical city where they train the fastest flyers?” She questioned, having heard about Cloudsdale as well as she walked up to them. “That’s an old mares’ tale. How would that even work? Zipp was obsessed with that myth as a kid. That’s just a bunch of Daring Do stories.” “Pipp, are you forgetting two ponies who were once thought to be myths?” Sunset questioned with a brow, gesturing to herself and Twilight. “And newsflash, Cloudsdale is really real.” “Wait, for real? Pipp asked with a surprise look. “As real as Daring Do, Pipp.” Twilight said with a smirk. “So it is real.” Sunny said with a smile. “My Dad’s old books about you two talked about it like it was a real place.” She said to Sunset and Twilight. “But, was it real and just not in the clouds?” Pipp suggested. “Maybe it was just on a mountain, so it seemed like it was.” “Uh, no. It really was a city entirely made of clouds, Pipp.” Sunset said with a brow as Twilight nodded. “Rainbow Dash lived there her whole life before moving her house close to Ponyville.” “So, it really was real.” Zipp said with a hopeful smile before she frowned. “But, what happened to it?” “Yeah, I’ve been wondering that myself.” Sunset said as she turned to Twilight. “Twilight, what happened to Cloudsdale?” “To tell you the truth, I have no idea.” Twilight said with a frown. “I mean, it has been generations since I was last seen in Equestria. And everything has changed that the places I knew are either not what they used to be or in ruins. And after seeing the conditions Canterlot was in, and the Crystal Empire before it was restored, I’m afraid of what happened to Cloudsdale compared to those two. It could be either in ruins or somewhere in Equestria high above us.” “Well, it is a city in the clouds.” Sunset said with a shrug. “I spent so much time in Equestria, I can’t even find Cloudsdale anywhere, or up high from where we flew by by wing or Marestream. So it could be anywhere by now.” “If it is still out there. Right, Zipp?” Pipp asked her sister, who gave a thoughtful look. “Yeah, totally.” Zipp said with a sigh. Pipp then started pushing her sister forward. “But we can talk about myths, legends, and mysteries later. Right now, we have a queen-size spa appointment to make.” She said to them with a smile. “Pipp, what’s the big deal? You run a spa!” Sunny reminded her with a smile. “Yeah, what’s so different about one spa salon over another?” Sunset wondered with a brow. “Oh, but not like this spa.” Pipp said with a smirk before she brought her three friends together with sparkles in her eyes. “This spa has lavender-scented waterfalls and mineral pools from real natural hot springs. This is the spa other spas go to when they’re stressed out. And because it’s my mom’s appointment, there will be an army of the best spa ponies waiting on us. Imagine it! It’ll be enough to calm Misty down and destress Hitch! Don’t you want to see that?” She asked the three with an exciting smile. “Actually, I do.” Sunny said with a smile, wanting to see her coltfriend destress. “That would be interesting.” Sunset said with a shrug and a smile. “I’m looking forward to this spa now.” Twilight said with a smile. “You’ve sold me on going to the spa!” Zipp said with a smile as they walked towards the exit. “What do you even think a Hitch that isn’t high-strung looks like?” She wondered. “I don’t know! But I’m excited to find out!” Pipp said with an exciting smile. “SPA TIME!” Pipp cheered as she and her friends regrouped and were in front of a Spa Building while the big TV screen showed Skye showing the news. “And great news for all of you colts and fillies out there, it’s looking like clear warm weather all this week.” Skye announced with a smile. “But make sure you get your playing in new because it looks like we have a bit of a storm system coming in for next week.” He advises while showing a lightning bolt that looks like a familiar Cutie Mark to Sunset and Twilight. “Was that Rainbow’s Cutie Mark they’ve shown?” Sunset asked Twilight in surprise. “I think they did.” Twilight said with a small chuckle. “Even after all these years, Rainbow’s legacy finds some way to handle the weather.” “True that.” Sunset said as the two Alicorns shared a chuckle. Zipp took a breather with a smile. “Perfect! I can spend the whole week being Queen of the nice warm summer.” She said as Misty turned to her in wonder. “Then my mom can come back and deal with telling PEgasi they can’t fly because they might get struck by lightning.” She commented. “Whoa. Does that happen?” Misty asked in surprise. “Not as much now, but when magic came back, it happened all the time!” Zipp stated to her. “Pegasi were really bad at flying between buildings, so everybody tried to fly above the city. So, when it stormed, they were at the highest things and--ZAP!” She exclaimed while smashing her hoof together, which startled Misty from that. “Whoa.” Misty muttered in shock by that while cringing a bit. No sooner, the Mane 8 are inside the spa Pipp was talking about, which is most luxurious and amazing on the inside, Pipp was having a mud bath while listening to soft music next to a waterfall, Zipp was having a bubble bath with a waiter feeding her grapes, Misty had trouble with relaxing as she was wrapped in towels while having two kiwis on her eyes, Izzy was having her mane and tail being magazine while reading a magazine, Sunny and Hitch were being massage, but Sunny was sitting on her coltfriend to keep him still while the spa mare was rubbing his hoof, which made him tickless as Sunny was eating an able while keeping Hitch down while Sunset and Twilight were having their hooves done as they sighed in relief. “Wow, Pipp was right.” Sunset said with a relaxing smile. “This spa really is amazing then the other ones we went to.” “This is more impressive than Ponyville’s old spa.” Twilight said with a sigh. “Maybe I should come here more often.” “Don’t let Pipp hear ya. She might have competition.” Sunset joked, which made Twilight giggled. “Touche.” Twilight said as the Mane 8 continued to relax. Then after a nice relaxation, Izzy hopped out of the spa with a cheerful smile. “I love spa days!” She cheered as the others followed, but when they got out, it was cloudy and shockingly, it’s snowing as snow landed on Izzy’s muzzle. “Ooh, what’s this? Cold white stuff? Is this a normal part of spa days?” She asked with a smile. “Snow?” Pipp asked in shock as the rest of the Mane 8 looked up. “But it doesn’t snow here in the summer.” “It doesn’t snow at all in the summer, Pipp.” Twilight said to her. “And it’s a little early for Winter Wishday, that’s for sure.” Sunset said with a brow. “And we made sure that every Unicorn knows not to say the snow spell.” “This is strange!” Sunny said as she and the others looked up. “You don’t think this could be the storm that--” “Gotta go!” Zipp cried out as she flew off with a panicked look, which surprised the others. “Zipp! Zipp, wait up! We can help!” Pipp called out as they watched Zipp go at high speed. “Wow, she’s more worried for her kingdom than you used to, Twilight.” Sunset commented. “It’s a royalty thing.” Twilight said with a sheepish shrug. Zipp flew around Zephyr Heights as the snow kept falling while some Pegasi were having some fun in the snow. “I knew it! I knew I shouldn’t have relaxed and had fun. I know I wouldn’t be ready for something!” She cried out in panic as she flew back to the castle. “Your majesty! Your advisors are looking for you!” A Pegasis guard called out to Zipp as she quickly flew back into the palace and into the room where her advisors are. “I’m here! Tell me what’s going on!” Zipp exclaimed with a worried look as she landed on the ground. “It’s this torm, your majesty! It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen!” A stallion with glasses said to her. “I thought it wasn’t supposed to hit for a week!” Zipp said in shock. “It wasn’t. But look!” The stallion said as he gestured to the monitor that showed the storm above Zephyr Heights, with the temperature at 12 degrees below. “It grew to triple the original size and intensity, and it moved much faster than expected. Now it’s slowing down and it seems to be settling right over Zephyr Heights.” He explained. “You’re telling me that this is going to get worse?” Zipp asked with a worried look. “Much worse.” The stallion confirmed as the mare next to him held out a huge poster that titled ‘Evac Plan’. “We need to get everypony out of here.” Zipp then grabbed the stallion’s lab coat and brought him close to his face. “You’re telling me that on my first day as queen regent of Zephyr Heights, we need to evacuate the whole city?!” She exclaimed in shock. “That is what I’m saying, you’re majesty, yes.” The stallion said with a nervous look. Just then, the rest of the Mane 8 rushed into the room while having some snow on them as they shook them off. “There you are! It’s getting really bad out there.” Pipp said to her sister after seeing her and the two ponies. “Wait, what’s going on? Sis, what’s happening?” “How can we help?” Sunny asked next. “We can help!” Izzy cheered. “We can lend a helping hoof.” Twilight offered. “What’s the game plan?” Sunset added. “Just tell us what you need.” Misty said with a smile. “We’re here for you, Zipp.” Hitch said with a smile. Zipp then gave a determined look. “We need to evacuate Zephyr Heights. Here’s what we’re gonna do.” Zipp said with a determined look as she looked at the others. “Pipp, Sunset, Sunny, Twilight, youi guys fly to the outskirts of the city and work your way in. Make sure we alert everyone.” She instructed. “On it!” Pipp said with a smile as Sunny brought out her Alicorn form and gave a horn to Pipp on her head. “Can do.” Twilight nodded as Sunset gave a salute. “Misty and Izzy, I need you two to use your magic to direct ponies and dig out a clear path down the mountain.” Zipp instructed to the two Unicorns. “Gotcha!” Misty said with a smile as Izzy nodded. Zipp then turned to Hitch. “Hitch, you get the creatures from the garden and work with them on crowd control. Ponies are going to be worried. They need you to show them the way.” She instructed. “Sounds like a plan.” Hitch said with an approving smile. “I’m going to ge to the TV station and let everyone know what’s happening.” Zipp said as she opened the gates and exited with a smile, not noticing the shocked and horrified look on her friends’ faces. “This is the biggest emergency in the history of Zephyr Heights. But together, the eight of us can handle--” She trailed off as Twilight slowly turned her head and looked ahead as Zipp looked on in horror. “Anything?” She finished in complete shock. What they’re seeing is Pegasi flying around from the strong winds and snow as they can’t control their wings or flight. “This might be tougher then we thought.” Sunset muttered, seeing that things just got more complicated for them. End of Issue 1. Author's Note First chapter issue of the storm, and don't worry, I'll continue work on this, just be patient because I have a ton of things these days, but know I will continue on. And enjoy the first issue of this comic series
Issue 2:Issue 2: After finding out about the unusual danger storm that has suddenly appeared in Zephyr Heights, Zipp had to think fast as she and her friends scrambled around to try and control the chaos that was happening around as snow continued to pile on the Pegasus Kingdom as Zipp was on the broadcast screens. “Again, this is a message to everypony in Zephyr Heights from acting Queen Zephyrina. Due to the extreme strength and unpredictability of this storm, we are evacuating Zephyr Heights immediately.” Zipp spoke up to everypony in Zephyr Heights to spread the word of the evacuation attempt. “Palace guards and my friends are working right now to clear the way so you can get out as quickly as possible. Please stay calm and look out for your fellow pegasi in this dangerous time.” “Come on, honey!” A pegasus mother said to her filly flying behind her as they flew past the broadcast Zipp was on. “I'm coming, mommy!” The filly said as she tried to fight against the storm. “It’s just that the so--” She was then hit by a strong wind that was pushing her to the broadcast screen. “MOMMYYY!” She cried out. “Sweetie!” The mother cried out as she tried to save her daughter, but the wind kept her away. “Sompony help us!” She cried out. Just then, Sunny flew in while in her Alicorn form and caught the daughter before she hit the screen. “Gotcha!” She called with a smile as she flew down to ground level as Sunset and Twilight came in and flew down. “Got another.” Sunset said while carrying a foal. “I got four.” Twilight said as she levitated some foals with her magic as Pipp flew in with two Pegasi. “Great job, girls!” Pipp said to the three Alicorns with a smile as she turned to the two foals she was holding. “You two okay?” “Wow, I can’t believe we got saved by the Princess Pipp Petals.” The colt that Pipp was carrying said in amazement with sparkles in his eyes as Pipp placed the two foals down. “Okay, you two, follow the evacuation route and stay on the ground, okay?” Pipp instructed them. “The wind is really strong, even for an experienced flyer like me.” She stated. “Oh, thank you so much, Sunny!” The mother said as her daughter was up to her. “I thought I’d lost her!” “I’ve crashed while flying before, Mom! I would have been fine.” The filly assured her with a smile. “Yeah, I don’t think it’s the same thing from what could’ve happened.” Sunset said with a cringed as Twilight nodded in agreement. “We’re sure you’re a great flier, but with the wind like this, we need you all to stay on the ground and follow those signs.” Sunny instructed while gesturing to the arrow sign behind them that is pointing to the direction. “Our friends, Izzy, and Misty, are clearing the way out so everypony can evacuate.” “So for now, stay close and stay on ground level and follow the path. No flying.” Twilight added as the two Pegasi nodded. Sunset then turns to Pipp. “Pipp, do you think that’s everypony here?” She asked. “Just about.” Pipp nodded. “I hope Hitch is having as much luck.” “Knowing Hitch, I think he got that part covered.” Sunny assured with a smile, knowing her coltfriend got things covered. In the middle of the palace garden, Hitch was standing on a fountain as he looked at the critters gathered around as he looked at them. “I want everyone holding two paws. We’re gonna form a chain so we make sure we all get there. The storm is bad, but we’ve been through worse and we’re gonna get out of this together, you guys!” He announced as the critters listened to him. “Now, if you lose contact with the creature behind you, you let the rest of the line know and we’ll stop and find them.” He instructed. “Are you ready?!” He called out. The critters looked at each other and nodded. After a few minutes, they formed a line while one of the birds held Hitch’s tail while the rest held each other in a line as Hitch led. “You’re doing great! I see the unicorn signs up ahead!” He called out to them. “Just stick together and we’re gonna be out of here in no time!” As he kept leading, Zipp flew over Hitch. “Hitch, how’s it going? You need any help?” She asked. “We got this, Zipp.” Hitch assured her. “Just as long as Misty and Izzy have the route cleared.” “Great! I’ll go check on them!” Zipp called out as she flew ahead as Hitch covered his face from Zipp’s whoosh and the strong way. Zipp then flew towards where Izzy and Misty were as she saw Izzy placing the signs down as Zipp noticed the Pegasi were still here. “Uh-oh, this doesn’t look good. These pegasi should already be out of here.” Zipp said to herself in worry as she landed in front of Izzy. “Hey, Izzy, is everything okay? Why are all these pegasi still here?” “Misty is trying to get through, but she says the storm won’t let her.” Izzy explained to her. “Won’t let her?” Zipp asked in confusion. “Okay, I got this.” She said as she then flew off. “Excuse me! Look out! Queen coming through!” She called out as she flew past the ponies. “Everypony stay calm. We’re gonna figure this out.” “Look out!” Misty called out as Zipp saw her tumbling towards her. “Misty?” Zipp asked before Misty crashed into her as Misty was on top of her after skidding on the snowy floor. “Misty, what’s going on? Why can’t you get through?” She asked while rubbing her head from the crash. “Okay, just hold on.” Misty said to her. “I’m gonna get it this time! I promise!” She declared as she stood up and focused her magic, making snow prowls on them that blocked the wind and snow. “Misty?! What are you--” Zipp tried to ask in surprise. “It’s okay. I got it, Zipp!” Misty called out as she kept blocking. “I can get the--” She was cut off when a strong wind flew in and hoisted Misty away, sending her flying. “Aaaahhh!” She screamed. “Misty!” Zipp cried out as she flew up to her and quickly caught her. “Ooph!” She grunted after catching Misty. “Oh, thank goodness.” Misty said in relief. “I thought I was gonna crack my horn!” She added as Zipp placed her down on the ground. “What happened?” Zipp asked the unicorn. “Okay, please don’t be mad at me, but I think this storm is magical.” Misty said to her. “There’s like, this wall of wind that nopony can get through right at the edge.” She explained. “Nopony, huh?” Zipp asked with a smirk as she was about to fly off, but she saw Izzy and the other pegasi freeing from the cold. “No… wait. What would a good queen do? What would mom do?” She asked herself before she had an idea. “Okay, Misty and Izzy, new plan. These ponies can’t get through the storm wall, and they’re the most important thing.” She stated as she rubbed her chin. “We can’t just send them back to their homes, it’s too dangerous out here.” “What about the castle?” Misty suggested. “It’s big, and it has all those giant fireplaces.” Zipp smiled at the idea. “Great idea, Misty!” She said while placing a hoof on Misty’s back. “Really?!” Misty asked with a smile. “Yes!” Zipp nodded with a smile. “Let’s use those signs to get everybody back to the castle instead. We can keep them warm and safe for now.” She added. “You got it, your highness!” Misty said with a smile as she and Izzy then started redirecting the signs to where the palace is. Zipp then turn to the pegasi. “Everpony, follow those unicorns!” She called before she then took to the air and flew off. “I gotta let Pipp, Twilight, Sunny and Sunset know!” She added. But as she fly, she stopped when she saw the four said ponies in front of her with the Pegasi behind them. “Zipp, where’d the evacuation sign go?! I don’t see it anymore!” Pipp asked in worry. “We got Pegasi to get out of the city and in need of shelter!” Sunset stated. “The storm is getting stronger!” Twilight added. “Are Izzy and Misty okay? What’s going on?” Sunny asked in worry. “Everypony is okay, but we can’t get out. The storm wall is too strong.” Zipp explained to them. “That’s an issue.” Sunset said in worry. “Then what do we do?” Pipp asked. “We told these ponies we could get them to safety.” “We’re evacuating everyone to the castle instead.” Zipp said to them. “You guys lead the group there and stay. I’ll meet you there.” She instructed. “Sounds like a great idea.” Twilight nodded in approval. “But what about the Pegasi who are still in danger out there?” Pipp asked in concern. “Yeah, Zipp. There are still Pegasi who are in need of rescuing.” Sunset added, knowing that there are still ponies out there in need of saving from the storm. “Don’t worry, girls.” Zipp said with a determined smirk. “I got this.” She added as she flew off. “I hope Zipp knows what she’s doing.” Sunset said in concern. “You and me both, Sunset.” Pipp added. Zipp then flew around all over Zephyr Heights as she blocked some falling heavy snows from foals, she picked up a foal from underneath a bridge, she cleared the snow away for the pegasi from a building to get out, and she went to a couple of ponies who are taking cover. “Take my hoof!” Zipp called out to them as they nodded as she then guided the pegasi she saved behind her. “Follow me!” She called out as she spent time saving as many pegasi as she could while fighting against the storm. Zipp was then about to go forward, but then she saw a big pile of snow about to bury her while she was distracted, but then a blue blur rushed to her. “Look out!” It said in a male voice as the blur tackled Zipp away from the pile as they tumbled to the ground. “Are you alright, Princess?” He asked as Zipp looked up and saw it was none other than Cloud Breaker. “Cloud?” Zipp asked in surprise as she gave a chuckle. “I am fine. But surprising seeing you here.” “Yeah, well, I was about to join the other Pegasi in the evacuation, but then I saw you flying by and was about to get buried under a pile of snow.” Cloud explained as he helped Zipp up, which she accepted. “And being acting queen of Zephyr Heights might be a lot of work.” “Well, it was simple at first, but due to this storm, it’s not as easy as it seems.” Zipp said as the storm got stronger. “Speaking of which, we should really get to the castle. It’s the only place that’s safe.” “Agreed. Lead the way.” Cloud nodded as he and Zipp flew off to the castle as the storm got stronger. After a bit of flying through the storm, Zipp and Cloud made it to the castle after Zipp cleared the way for the other pegasi as the two entered the throne room as Pipp was out of breath as she took a breather. “There…” She muttered as she went to the throne and sat next to it. “Wow. You must be really tired from all this.” Cloud said with a concerned look. “Oh, you have no idea.” Zipp nodded as the rest of the Mane 8 entered the throne room. “Oh my hoofness!” Misty said in concern. “Sis, are you okay?” Pipp asked in concern. “She looks exhausted.” Sunny said in concern. “And who is this?” Twilight asked as the others noticed Cloud. “I’m okay. Just give me a second.” Zipp said to them after she caught her breath as she stood up. “Everypony, this is Cloud Breaker. He’s a friend I made who helped me found my bravery when I was afraid to fly after the crash.” “Hello.” Cloud said with a wave. “Oh, so you’re who my sister was talking about, huh?” Pipp said with a teasing smirk. “We heard about her, but never got to meet you.” Sunset said with a smile. “I’m--” “I know who you all are.” Cloud said to them with a smile. “Aside from Zipp and Pipp since they’re most noticeable in Zephyr Heights. You are the rest of their friends and heroes of Equestria. Sunset Shimmer, Sunny Starscout, Misty Brightdawn, Hitch Trailblazer, Izzy Moonbow, and the legendary Princess Twilight Sparkle. Zipp spoke highly of you ponies and for all you’ve done to Equestria.” He said, which surprised the group. “Whoa, somepony’s been doing their homework.” Hitch said with a smirk. “Is he physic?!” Izzy asked with an exciting smile. “He’s not a Unicorn or an Alicorn, Izzy. And we already established that unicorns don’t read minds.” Sunset said with an amusing smile. “Only certain ones like myself.” She muttered quietly since she’s the only one who can read memories thanks to her geo. “Nice to meet you, Cloud.” Twilight said as she and Cloud shook hooves. “But I think we’ll save the introductions later in this time of crisis.” “True enough.” Cloud said with a nod. “We need to either find a way to get everyone out of here or to get help.” Zipp said to them, getting back on track with the storm that is happening right now. “Well, everypony is safe and warm in the castle right now.” Pipp said to them. “Maybe we just stay here?” “Yeah, the storm has to end eventually, right? Sunny asked. “I don’t think it will stop anytime soon, Sunny.” Sunset said to her. “Agreed. It looks like it’s gonna get stronger out there.” Twilight added. “Well, if it stays this bad, we’re not gonna have heat for long. The power might go out.” Hitch pointed out. “And we don’t have enough wood to keep all these fireplaces burning for long.” “And sorry, but I don’t think this is a normal storm.” Misty spoke up as they turned to her. “It got here really fast, and then it just stopped. And when I tried to walk out, it blew me right back in.” “She’s right. This storm is definitely like the time with Wishday with those snow spells, ponies. This is unusual, even by Wishday standards.” Sunset said, seeing Misty’s point. “I haven’t seen a storm this big during the tales of when Equestria was founded and the Windigos, but we know it’s not one of those.” Twilight said, knowing this isn’t one of the Windigos. “There hasn’t been disharmony from Maretime Bay Day from what you all told me. And it got to the point where flying or walking out of Zephyr Heights won’t work if we keep getting blown back.” “We need something heavier, like a… boat for the air.” Misty said in thought, which made Pipp spoke up. “Misty, you’re a genius!” Zipp said to her with a smile. “Oh, okay…” Misty said while looking a bit surprised by what Pipp just said. “Uh, what are you ponies talking about?” Cloud asked with a confused look. A bit later, the ponies are brought down to the station where they first discover about the Unity Crystal on their first adventure. “I found this place back before I met you guys.” Zipp explained to Misty, Hitch, Twilight, and Cloud. “Whoa!” Misty exclaimed. “Sooooo cool!” She cheered in excitement. “Impressive place.” Cloud commented, since he hadn't seen the station down in the castle before. “What is this?” Misty asked in wonder. “Where are we?” Twilight asked in surprise. “Oh, I remember!” Izzy said as she smiled at the station as she walked up to the Wonderbolt’s poster. “Zipp showed Sunny, sunset and me this place after she broke us out of prison that time! It’s some kind of old station pegasi used to fly out of.” “And the station that held remnants of ancient Equestria.” Sunset added as she showed Twilight the Wonderbolt picture. “You remember the Wonderbolt’s, Twilight?” “Of course I do. I met them every time and Rainbow was part of it and couldn’t stop talking about them.” Twilight said with a smile as she looked around the station while also seeing her Cutie Mark where the two stained glass of the Unicorn and Pegasus Crystals are shown while the window outside in the middle was still bare. “And I see you ponies shape things up here as well.” “Hey, we gotta make a legacy remembered.” Sunny said with a smile. “Gotta keep history alive.” Hitch added with a smile. “And impressive.” “Very impressive.” Cloud added with a smile as he looked around. “And spaces.” “And not just the Pegasi.” Zipp said as she led the group forward as she placed her hoof on a lever. “I think all sorts of ponies used to fly out on…” She then pulled the lever. “This!” Then lowering down was a mini airh ship, which the Mane 8 and Cloud looked in awe. “Is that…” Sunset started as she and Twilight recognized it from their time. “Amazing.” Twilight said with a wide smile. “Oh man, that looks cool!” Zipp said as the zeppelin lowered down in front of them. “What is it?” She asked Zipp. “It’s a bot for the air.” Zipp answered with a smile as Misty looked at her with sparkles in her eyes. “Wait, really?!” Misty asked in excitement. “Actually, Zipp, what you have there is actually a mini airship.” Twilight revealed, which surprised them. “Wait, airship?” Cloud asked in surprise. “You mean there were vehicles that fly?” “Yeah. We used to have these back in our time.” Sunset added with a smile. “Hey, I remember reading about them, but I have never seen one before!” Sunny said with a smile. “Is this what they look like?” She asked while gesturing to the airship. “Similar features, but different designs.” Twilight said with a smile. “And we also had hot air balloons for flight, but the airships are more roomy and spaces.” She explained as she inspected the airship. “And I’m surprised this one is still in good condition after generations.” “Zipp, has this airship been hanging above us in the station this whole time?” Sunset asked Zipp with a smile. “Yeah, it was here when I first found this place.” Zipp answered with a smile. “The thing is, I never got it to work.” “From how long it’s been, that’s hardly a surprise.” Twilight noted. “Ummm… Zipp?” Misty spoke up as she gave an exciting smile. “Can I try?” “That’s exactly what I was hoping you’d ask.” Zipp said with a smile. “Misty, do you even know how to fix up an ancient airship?” Sunset asked with a brow. “I had a lot of time when I was with Opaline while being cooped up in her castle.” Misty explained with a smile. “Reading and studying old schematics of ancient Equestrian items were my favorite.” “And I can help her out with my creativity!” Izzy cheered while raising her hoof. “Sounds like a plan.” Zipp said with a smirk. “Sunny, Twilight, Sunset, Pipp, Cloud, follow me. I got a different mission for you.” “Oh!” Sunny said in understanding. “Sure thing, Zipp.” Cloud said as they walked off, leaving Misty, Izzy, and Hitch with the airship. “What is it, Zipp?” Sunset asked, wanting to know what Zipp had in mind. “I want to leave the three of them to work on the ship, but I don’t even know if it will work.” Zipp said with a serious tone to them. “So we’re going to be working on the backup plan to save the city.” She explained. “What kind of backup plan?” Twilight asked. “Cloud, I need you to stay here and help our friends with the airship to try and get it working and help around to guide them through the city if possible, if you want that is.” Zipp said to him. “Well, I can try to help them as best I can.” Cloud said in understanding. “What about the rest of us?” Pipp asked. “The four of us are four of the strongest fliers in the city.” Zipp stated, gesturing to herself, Pipp, Sunset, Twilight, and Sunny, “If that ship can’t get through, we will need to get somepony through to get help. That’s what we’re gonna try to do.” She explained. “Me? One of the strongest fliers? I don’t think so.” Sunny said doubtfully, while she may be an Alicorn, she’s not sure if she’s the strongest flyer. “I saw you out there saving ponies today, Sunny.” Zipp said to her. “When ponies need you, you’re better than any of those kids from my old flying school.” She encouraged me. “And not to mention that you spent a bunch of time training and you can fly so fast that you actually broke the sound barrier that one time.” Sunset noted, reminding Sunny of when she did her Alicorn lessons, she actually broke the sound barrier. “They’re right. You are the strongest flyer when you're an Alicorn, Sunny.” Twilight said with a smile. “Even Alicorns can be the strongest fliers after some flying lessons. Which you clearly have mastered.” Sunny gave a small smile from their words. “Well, I guess that’s true.” She said with a smile. “I’m not anywhere near as good as you, big sis.” Pipp said to Zipp, since she knows her sister is a better flyer than her. “But if this is what you need me to do, I’ll do my best.” “Normally, I’d just do it myself, but I think it’s better if we work as a team.” Zipp said with a smile as she nuzzled her sister’s cheeks, which made Pipp smile in response as she returned the gesture. “I think that’s what a queen would do.” “Hey, you’ve been amazing today.” Pipp said with a smile. “You're gonna be a great queen someday.” “I’ll take that bet.” Cloud said with a smirk. “You ponies go on with your backup plan. I’ll stay and help your friends out while keeping an eye on things.” “Thanks, Cloud.” Zipp said as Cloud nodded and walked off to the others. A bit later, Twilight, Sunset, Sunny, Pipp, and Zipp were back in the palace as they equipped themselves with a snow hat and goggles while tying themselves in ropes while they were at one of the doors as Zipp turned to her friends. “The weather is really bad out there, and you can’t see very far in the air.” Zipp said to them. “I’m gonna tie us together so we don’t lose one another. “I’m with you, sis.” Pipp said after tying herself up. “You know I’m in.” Sunset said as she tied herself next. “It’s better than being blown away.” Twilight added while tying herself up next. “Okay, we got this, right? Sunny asked in concern after tying herself up. “Don’t answer that!” She quickly said. “We got this. We’re gonna do great. It’s gonna be fine.” She said while trying to be brave. “Sunny, it’s gonna be okay.” Zipp assured her. “If we can’t make it through, we’ll come back here and figure something else out.” She said to her. “Yeah, at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” Twilight said optimistically. “And don’t worry, Sunny. We’ll be with you every step of the way.” Sunset said as she gave Sunny a nuzzle, which calmed her as she smiled back with a chuckle. “Just take a deep breath, feel your wings, and…” Zipp started before she stepped out into the door with a smirk. “...try to keep up!” She called as she flew off at high speed, which she dragged the others along as they yelped in surprise by what Zipp just pulled. “This is way too fast!” Sunny screamed in worry. “Whoa, a little warning next time, Zipp!” Sunset called out. “Zipp, where are you going?!” Pipp called out to her sister. “I thought we were going the other way! Are you just enjoying dragging us around?!” She questioned. “We are going the other way!” Zipp called out to them. “I just wanted to make sure we had plenty of room to speed up! Let’s gooooo!” She called out as she flew ahead, which made the other three fliers scream as they were being dragged along at high speed. “Okay, she seriously got Rainbow’s attitude for speed!” Twilight called out. “Is she really related to her?!” “I ask myself that many times but it does have a proof!” Sunset called out as they kept being drag along. “Com on!” Zipp called out before a big wind bushed her back, which caused the others to yelp after they were pulled along with her before they were left dangling while Zipp kept flying. “Shoot! Let’s try the otherside.” She said to them. “Okay, just--” Pipp tried to say before Zipp flew ahead, which she pulled the others as they gave startled screams again as another wind hit them as they were blown back before they fell to the snowy floor as they tried to regain their bearings. “We have to try again! We can do this!” Zipp called out. “Zipp, wait!” Pipp called out. “Will you stop for one second please!” Sunset exclaimed, which startled Zipp from the outburst. “You flew off without even giving us a second to react together.” Twilight said with a frown. “And we’re not even close. There’s no way.” Pipp added while gesturing to Sunny, who was looking dizzy. “Look at poor Sunny! You’re going to break her!” “Seriously, she was already worried before, but you’re gonna traumatize her if you keep flying off out of nowhere without even giving us the heads up.” Sunset added with a firm look while she comforted Sunny as she held her. “Not to mention, we weren’t ready for flight yet.” “We have to do this!” Zipp stubbornly said to them. “Mom left the kingdom in my hooves. I can’t… I can’t fail!” She said with a frown, which made them look at her in concern as she realized how stressed she is while in charge in Haven’s place as Pipp walked up to her sister and gave her a hug. “I understand. It’s a big deal. And I’ll do whatever you need me to do.” Pipp said to her sister comfortably. “But right now, you're just running into a wall. We have to come up with something else.” “Yeah, Zipp. Being a ruler is more than just taking one route, you need to know that there are other routes you can use to find a solution.” Twilight said, having experienced this kind of thing before.” “And you just need to find a new angel instead of just one, Zipp.” Sunset added with a small smile. Zipp thought for a moment before she sighs. “You’re all right. Gotta come up with something else.” She said as she rubbed her chin while trying to find another way before she looked up at the clouds above them. “Hmmmm… up?” She thought for a moment before she had an idea. After a couple of minutes for Sunny to recover, the four fliers flew up as Zipp took the lead. “Wait, explain to me what we’re doing again!” Sunny called out to them, wanting to know what the plan was. “We’re just fine flying through the wind in the city, but when we get outside3, it’s like we’re hitting some kind of wall of wind.” Zipp said to them as they listened. “We know that wall of wind goes all the way around. What we don’t know is if it goes over the city.” She stated, which they got what she was saying. “Oooh! So we fly straight up and come out the top of the storm. That’s smart!” Pipp called out with a smile. “An excellent plan, Zipp!” Twilight said with a smile. “If we get above the storm clouds, we could fight off the wind and break free!” “Which will give us the chance to go get help!” Sunset added. “I just need you guys to hang in there as long as you can!” Zipp said to them with a concerned look. “I don’t know if I can carry you up!” “We’ve got you!” Sunny called out with a smile. “With you all the way!” Pipp added “You know we’re always with you!” Sunset said with a smile. “Together, we can push through!” Twilight added with a smile. “Then let’s go!” Zipp called out with a determined look as she flew up with Sunny, Sunset, Pipp, and Twilight flew after her to pick up speed. As they flew up higher, they were passing through the storm as Zipp kept pushing on with the others following, but then a lightning strike, which startled Sunny as hail began to fall on her. “Ah! Ice balls!” Sunny called out as she got hit in the head a couple of times, which caused her to lose her flight as she was pulled down. “Sunny!” Sunset called out as she got distracted and was pulled down as well, tugging the rope down as well. Pipp saw them before the hail began to freeze up her wing. “My wings are freezing! The air is too cold here!” She cried out as she was pulled down as well due to her wings freezing up. Twilight grunted from the weight as she held onto the rope as she struggled to keep them up as she looked up at Zipp. “Zipp! The others are lagging! I don’t know if we can keep up much longer!” She called out as she struggled to keep flight and holding the rope. “Just a little bit father!” Zipp grunted as she flew as strong as she could from her friends’ weight. “Gotta save everypony!” She added as her Cutie Mark then glowed, which gave her the speed and strength she needed as she flew up high as she managed to break through the clouds. “Yes!” She cheered. Zipp then suddenly landed on a platform, which surprised her as her friends lay back and took relief breaths as they managed to get out of the storm. “Phew, we made it.” Sunset said in relief. “Haven’t flown through a storm that bad since my fight with the Storm King.” Twilight panted while wiping a brow. “Whoa! Where are we?” Zipp asked in amazement. “What do you mea--” Sunset tried to ask before she gasped as her eyes widened in shock at what she was seeing. “What’s wrong?” Sunny asked as she, Pipp and Twilight looked at the two in confusion before they looked ahead and gasped in shock at what they were seeing. “Sweet Celestia!” “No way.” Pipp muttered. “I-It can’t be.” Twilight muttered in shock. “It is, Twilight. It really is.” Sunset said in amazement while having a smile form on her face, which Twilight followed along. “You two know this place?” Zipp asked in wonder while she can’t keep her eyes off of what she’s seeing. “Oh, we know it very well, Zipp.” Sunset said with a smile. “We thought it was lost forever.” Twilight added as she and Sunset stepped forward with their friends following. “It-It-It-It-It…” Pipp muttered while raising her hoof shakingly it. “It’s Cloudsdale!” Both Sunset and Twilight exclaimed in huge joy, what the ponies are seeing was none other than Cloudsdale, the ancient Pegasus city from ancient Equestria, surprisingly still in complete condition and still the same Cloudsdale that Twilight and Sunset remembered as it remained untouched by the passage of time as the sun shines bright in the ancient pegasus city. A bit later, the storm in Zephyr Heights got worse as the snow and ice began to pile over the city as the whole place looked deserted as a cloaked figure walked to a hanger. “Zephyr Heights, the capital city of the modern Pegasi. Usually, these streets would be abuzz with multi-tiered activity, as hooves galloped through the streets and wings carried the pegasi through the air.” The figure said in a familiar voice as he narrates the outcome. “But today, no pony dares set hoof in the streets. Each and everyone is covered in feet of snow. Gusts of wind whistle between abandoned high-rises, so strong and so sharp they could turn back a dragon.” “Acting Queen Zephyrina Storm has ordered all citizens to seek shelter at the castle, where they can conserve resources and keep everyone warm and dry.” The figure continues. “It has been hours since the storm started, but it shows no sign of movement. No Pegasi have been able to leave the city though the impenetrable storm wall. There’s only one pony who dares defy the weather. Wrapped head to hoof in warmest vestments that could be found. For this pony carries a heavy load. In these saddlebags rest the future of all Zephyr Heights.” The figure then walked up to the hanger, specifically hanger 4, and knocked on the door. “And the future has reached its final destination.” Then opening the door were a group of ponies inside as an Earth Pony mare took the saddle bag as the figure removed his scarf and hoodie, revealing to be Hitch. “Did you get it?” He asked the ponies. “Sorry, what?” the Earth Pony mare asked in confusion. “Uh, never mind.” Hitch waved off, since he knew they didn’t hear what he said on his way here. “How are things going? Any word from Zipp, Pipp, Twilight, Sunset or Sunny?” He asked an Earth Pony stallion. “Nothing yet, sir.” The stallion answered. “Well, hopefully no news is good news. I’m gonna--” Hitch tried to say. “Hitch!” Izzy called out with her hoof raised with some other ponies with her as Hitch turned to them while they were going through his saddle bag as Izzy took out a Manedryer. “You got them!” She cheered. “Yep, 27 mane blow-dryers just like you asked.” Hitch nodded to her. “What are they for?” He wondered. “Oh, they’re a very important part of the plan.” Izzy said with a smile before she gave a yell and smashed the manedryer to pieces, shocking Hitch. “Then why are you smashing them?” Hitch questioned uneasy. Izzy then picks up a heat coil. “Heating elements! We need a lot of hot air.” She answered. “Don’t worry, I’ll recycle the rest into a sculpture later.” “Okay, but where are you putting the heating elements?” Hitch asked. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m just the unicycler. You’ll have to ask the engineer.” Izzy said naturally as she levitated the part up to the airship above them that was being repaired. “OH, ENGINEER!” She screamed before she smiled calmly.” Hitch got your parts.” Misty then pokes her head out with a welding mask and some gloves on. “Excellent! These are exactly what I need!” She called out with a smile as Izzy gave her a part. “Now get me the other 26! We’re about to defy the laws of physics!” She cheered as Cloud came in with a wrench while covered in grease. “Yeah, because soon she’ll fly and maybe get through this storm.” Cloud said with a smile before he then raised a brow as he saw Izzy walking past them with a toolbox as he noticed Izzy next to Hitch, which made him look between the two as he was thrown in a loop as he turned to Misty. “Uh, Misty, why are there two Izzy’s?” “What do you mean, Cloud?” Misty asked in confusion. “There is a second Iz--” Cloud tried to ask before he noticed the second Izzy was gone, which confused him even more. “But how did… I mean, is that even… who was…” He stammered while giving a shocked look by what just happened. “I think you might be seeing things, Cloud.” Misty said with a small smile as she went back to work as Cloud stood there with a weirded out look. “These ponies are weirder than I thought.” Cloud muttered to himself as he shook his head while forgetting what he just saw. Above the clouds, Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, Zipp, and Pipp were walking around Cloudsdale, as they were amazed that they were actually standing on Cloudsdale while Sunset and Twilight were looking around in joy that they actually found Cloudsdale and it was still the same as they walked close to Fluttershy’s old parent’s house close by, which Twilight recognized. “We’re defying the laws of physics right now! It doesn’t make any sense!” Zipp called out in amazement. “A city in the clouds… we’re… we’re really here?” Pipp stammered as she had a hard time processing it. “I knew it! I knew it had to be real!” Sunny said with a wide smile as she picked up a piece of cloud as she turned to Twilight and Sunset. “Twilight, Sunset, is this really Cloudsdale?!” “It most certainly is, Sunny!” Sunset said with a wide smile. “We’re actually standing on Cloudsdale soil! We finally found Cloudsdale!” “And everything here is still the same Cloudsdale I remember!” Twilight added as she flew around and saw the stadium ahead. “Look, there’s the Cloudsdale’s Cloudeseum! That’s where Rainbow Dash performed her Sonic Rainboom to save the Wonderbolts and Rarity from falling!” She added before she saw Fluttershy’s old house. “And that’s Fluttershy’s parents’ old house! She took me here to meet her parents, and it’s still here, everything in Cloudsdale is still the same as I remember!” She cheered in excitement, feeling happy to see that Cloudsdale remained the same as she remembered. “Heh, glad to see some things haven’t changed.” Sunset said with a smile, having the same feeling as Twilight as she took a sniff of air. “Ah, gotta love the old Equestrian air in a familiar place. I’ve missed this.” “I’m glad you two are happy to see this.” Sunny said with a smile, seeing that her two idols are happy to be standing in another familiar place from their time unlike how Sunset did with Canterlot before she gave a brow as she looked around. “It’s abandoned. It looks like everypony left in a hurry.” She noted the lack of population around. “What did you expect?” Sunset asked with a brow. “With how ponies of today’s era don't remember much of Ancient Equestria, I doubt anypony would still be living here. Look at what happened to Canterlot.” “Okay, fair point.” Sunny said in understanding as Zipp looked through a building that said ‘Wing Wax’. “It’s creepy!” Pipp called out as she still looked around. “If nopony has been here all these years, why aren’t things more broken down like Canterlot? It looks like they left yesterday.” She added as she saw that Cloudsdale is still in perfect condition unlike Canterlot. “Well, being up here above the clouds, you wouldn’t have to worry about any wear from weather.” Sunny guessed as she was next to Somnambula’s Snack Sphinx. “Cloudsdale is a cloud city.” Twilight stated. “With it being up here, the humidity doesn’t affect clouds or any cloud related buildings unlike Canterlot.” “One of the benefits of being up high above the clouds.” Sunset added with a shrug. “But how Cloudsdale got here, it’s a mystery.” She turned to Twilight. “Didn’t you say that Cloudsdale was always positioned close to Ponyville?” “Yeah. It never really moved from Ponyville before. How it is over Zephyr Heights is beyond me.” Twilight said with a frown, knowing that Cloudsdale is a long way from where Ponyville once stood. “They left so much behind. Do you think they meant to come back?” Pipp wondered as she looked around as she walked. “Oh my gosh, what if this is us? What if this storm doesn’t go away and we have to leave Zephyr Heights behind? That would be--” She then got blocked by a cloud. “Hey!” She yelled with a look before she gave a brow as Zipp, Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight turned to her.. “This cloud is really hard. What’s wrong with it?” She questioned in confusion. “Hard cloud?” Twilight questioned with a brow. “Clouds don’t be hard. They’re supposed to be soft.” “All clouds are supposed to be except for solid cloud buildings up here.” Sunset added, knowing how clouds work in Equestria. “Why is this one hard?” She questioned. The cloud then started moving as it began to open up, shocking the five mares. “Oh my gosh! This cloud is opening.” Pipp said in shock. “Pipp, get back!” Zipp called out in panic, but then the cloud completely opened, revealing to be a small brown boar-like creature with antennae and cloud-like wings as it stretched and yawned as the mares looked at it in surprise. “OMP! Would you look at him!” Pipp called with a wide smile while she and Zipp smiled at the creature. “He’s a cute little flying hog!” “Huh, I’ve never seen an animal like that before.” Zipp said with a smile. “You know who would like him?” She asked. The two sisters then turned to each other. “Mom!” They both exclaimed with smiles as the boar creature gave a tired look while picturing a bed. “What kind of creature is that?” Sunset asked as she turned to Twilight. “Twilight? Do you know this creature?” “No. I have never seen this kind of critter before.” Twilight said in wonder. “I’ve been to Cloudsdale many times and I knew many creatures in Equestria thanks to Fluttershy, but never seen that creature before.” “I think they’re called Arkan Sonney.” Sunny spoke up, which made Twilight, Sunset, and Zipp turn to her as she was looking at a notice paper on a windowsill. “What’s that?” Zipp asked in surprise. “Care to explain more, Sunny?” Twilight asked in curiosity. “Oh, it looks like…” Sunny started as she was having a hard time reading some of them. “I don’t know if they were pets or pests, but there’s a whole list of dos and do not’s.” She noted. Pipp then held the Arkan Sonney in her hooves as she took out her phone. “You are so cute, little guy. All my followers are just going to love you!” Pipp said with a smile. “Wow, there sure are a lot of rules for a cute pet.” Zipp commented. “Not every pet can be cute. Looks can be deceiving. Trust me.” Twilight advised. “They must’ve had these sometime before they deserted Cloudsdale.” Sunset noted. “But why so many rules for one little critter?” “I guess they must have had some problems with them.” Sunny guessed with a shrug as she read the rules. “Don’t feed them. Don’t hit or kick them. Don’t get them wet.” “That didn’t turn out. Too much shadow on that.” Pipp said while looking at her phone with a frown as the Arkan Sonney was sleeping. “Let’s turn the flash on.” “And whatever you do, don’t expose them to bright flashes of ligh--” Sunny trailed off as she, Zipp, Sunset, and Twilight eyes widened in panic as they turned to Pipp. “Smile!” Pipp said with a wide smile as she aimed her phone at herself and the Arkan Sonney. “PIPP! NO!” The four mares exclaimed. “Say, ‘Pipp’s new pal’!” Pipp called as she used her camera phone, which made a bright flash while awakening the Arkan Sonney with wide eyes as Pipp put the critter down and looked at her phone. “Oh, that one came out nice! You’re very photogenic. And look, I have service up here!” She added with a smile as the Arkan Sonney walked around blindly. “Oh, this will give my poor followers something to watch while they’re sheltering!” She added with a smile as she turned to her friends, who gave panicked expressions after what happened. “I should live stream so they know their princess is safe!” She added with a smile, oblivious to her friends’ expressions. Zipp then quickly grabbed her sister’s tail, while Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight held her hooves as Zipp tried to pull her sister away. “Pipp, slowly and quietly come over here and away from the Arkan Sonney.” Zipp whispered nervously. “Why are you whispering?” Pipp asked her sister with a smile. “He’s like, the cutest thing ever.” She then went back to her phone. “You know what, it’s too good an opportunity not to live stream.” “Sis, no!” Zipp said in a whispered tone. “Don’t do it!” Twilight whispered anxiously. “Sssh! You’re gonna mess up my video!” Pipp said to them. “Nonono! Come on! Pipp!” Sunset whispered harshly before Pipp then started livestreaming as she pointed her phone to herself and the Arkan Sonney. “Hey there, Pippsqueaks! I have an extremely special guest I wanted you to meet!” Pipp said with a smirk as the Arkan Sonney flinched a bit. “He’s the absolutely cutest--” But when she turned around, the Arkan Sonney turned to her while bearing its teeth and had red eyes and gave an angry squeal, which made Pipp screamed in shock. The four mares looked at Pipp as Zipp gave an angry look at her sister. “Good job, you turned the world’s cutest creature into a bloodthirsty monster in 30 seconds.” She sarcastically said. “What did I do?” Pipp asked as she looked at her phone. “I was just trying to show everyone how cute he is!” She added in defense. “They don’t like bright lights.” Sunny said in fear. “And you caused it to be aggressive.” Twilight added with a look. “Just because you wanted a picture and live stream.” Sunset finished with a look as well. Pipp then turned to the Arkan Sonney. “‘I’m kind of a celebrity, little guy, so I know exactly how you feel.” She said with a small smile. Look, we can still be--” She trailed off when the Arkan Sonney sprouted quills behind his back as it gave another shriek. “That’s not good.” Twilight said in fear. “Look out! He’s not a little hog--” Sunny cried out before the Arkan Sonney then fired quills at them, which made the four fliers fly off while Sunny trotted behind them. “--he’s a little hedgehog!” “And he’s gonna turn us into pincushions!” Zipp exclaimed in fear. “Where’s Sonic or Hitch when you need them!” Sunset exclaimed as they ran/flew as fast as they could away from the Arkan Sonney chased after them as it kept shooting its quills as they ran across Cloudsdale. Meanwhile, back in cloudsdale, the storm kept getting worse as it was hailing down. “Hail?!” Hitch questioned in shock from seeing this. “Can this weather get any worse?” He questioned before a lightning strike hit a couple of buildings as one of them were lit on fire. “You know what? Never mind.” “Don’t jinx it, Hitch.” Cloud said while taking out a part. “We were lucky that this hanger is going.” “Yeah, you got a point.” Hitch said in understanding as he turn to the other ponies taking some parts out. “Okay, everypony, you’re doing great.” He said with a smile. “We need a couple of ponies to help Izzy with--” He was cut off when the power goes out, startling them. “Uh-oh.” He muttered. “Dang it, the storm is getting so bad, the power is giving out.” Cloud said in worry. “Everypony, just stay where you are. Hopefully the lights will come back.” Hitch said to them, then after a moment, the power went back on. “Phew. Okay, keep working. We’ve got this!” He encourage. Cloud then turns to Hitch. “Hitch, this storm is getting worse, we barely have any power left. And the firewood in the castle is really low. We’re not sure how much we have left.” He stated. Hitch then nodded in understanding. “You’re right, Cloud. I’ll go tell Izzy and Misty about it.” He said as he went to the airship as he saw Misty and Izzy inside while Misty was welding a part. “Guys, I’m starting to think we don’t got this. And Cloud said the power could go out any moment and the firewood supplies are low. How much longer will this take?” He asked in concern. Misty then turn to him while lifting her mask up. “Funny you should ask.” She said with a smile. “Hahahah, you asked!” Izzy called through a laugh before she gave a confused look. “Wait, why is that funny?” “Because I think we’re ready to test the engine.” Misty answered with a smile. “I don’t get it.” Izzy said with a confused look.; Misty then put on her goggles as she went to the power lever. “Everpony, cross your hooves. Here goes nothing!” She called with a huge grin as she pulled the lever, which crackled electricity as the airship then started to power up as it began to take off in the air. “It’s alive!” She called with a dramatic voice. “Misty, you did it!” Hitch cheered while he and Misty are giving side hugs in victory. “I always knew Opaline forcing me to do things without giving me any resources would come in handy.” Misty said with a proud smirk, but then the engine of the airship started sputtering before it completely burned out as it landed back on the platform. “Wait, what happened? Why isn’t it working anymore?” Hitch asked in worry by what just happened. “Oh, that was just a test.” Izzy said to him. “It still needs a few more parts to stay afloat.” “We have everything we need except for a power source.” Misty said to them after lifting her goggles up. “Oh, if only Twilight or Sunset stayed with us, this could’ve been solved faster.” Hitch said with a groan, seeing that two ancient Equestrians with knowledge on airships could really be useful right now. “They have their mission and we have ours, Hitch. We just need to solve this without them.” Misty said to him. “You don’t know where we can get a big jolt of electricity around here, do you?” She asked her two friends. Then suddenly, a big lighting was heard as it hit Hanger 4, which caused the power to go out again. “I might have a really really bad idea.” Hitch said with a nervous tone. “Yay!” Izzy cheered with a smile. Meanwhile back in Cloudsdale, the five ponies are still running from the Arkan Sonney as it was still aggressive as it kept shooting its quills at them. “Great job, sis! We’re about to be turned into sieves by the cutest thing you’ve ever seen!” Zipp yelled while giving her sister a look. “I just wanted to be friends! Is that a crime!?” Pipp questioned in defense. “Yeah, well, maybe for once you should--” Zipp was about to rebut but she tripped on another cloud with a yelp, which turned out to be another Arkan Sonney as it unwrapped itself and gave a shriek. “Oh, come on!” She exclaimed as they ran and now they have two Arkan Sonneys behind them. “Another one?! Seriously?!” Sunset questioned in disbelief as they ran through an alley. “Ha! That one was your fault!” Pipp taunted her sister as they kept running. “We can’t keep running from them! We need to take shelter in one of these buildings!” Zipp exclaimed. “Easy for you to say since most of these buildings are locked!” Twilight called out. “We don’t know if one is open or not!” They then stopped at the end of an alley as more Arkan Sonneys were in front of them as they immediately got aggressive. “There’s even more of them over here!” Zipp exclaimed. “Seriously, how many of these things are there?!” Sunset questioned as she and Twilight quickly shielded the firing quills with their magic. “We need to find a place to take shelter before we’re pincushions!” Twilight called as they kept blocking the quills. Sunny looked around before seeing a big building from a corner. “Quit, let’s try that big building over there!” She called out as they followed Sunny to the building as more Arkan Sonneys were pouring in. “I really hope this one’s open!” Pipp called out in worry as Sunny quickly opened the door. “I got it! Get inside!” Sunny called out to her friends. “You don’t have to tell me twice!” Zipp called as they flew in as Sunny quickly shut the door to prevent the Arkan Sonneys from getting in as they all took a breather from the chase they were in. “Phew, that was close.” Sunny said in relief. “Okay, it’s official, I hate those things.” Sunset said in exhaustion. “I was so glad they weren’t around in my time.” Twilight said with a breather. “Now, let’s hope there’s something in here that can help move this city or the storm it’s making.” Zipp said with a frown. “Where are we anyway?” She questioned as the five mares looked around and noticed that they were in a library. “We’re in the Cloudsdale’s Library!” Twilight said with a wide smile at seeing the library. “Yes! You can always count on the library!” Sunny cheered with a wide smile. “Heh, no matter where we go, there’s always a library.” Sunset commented with a smile. “And perfectly organized too.” She added, seeing how clean and organize the library is. “Wow, Zipp! Twilight and Sunset are right. It really is Cloudsdale! Can you believe it?” Pipp asked with a smile as Zipp look around with smiles. The five mares look around the library. “Okay, this is good. There has to be information here about this place.” Zipp said in thought. “Spread out and try to find something that will tell us about the storm.” She added. “Wow! Do you all know what this is?” Sunny asked in excitement as she saw the statue of Somnambula, one of the ancient pillars in Equestrian history. “This is an enormous source for new information about Pegasi culture. I mean, look at this statue! Her name is Somnambula. I’ve never heard of her.” She added with a smile. “We know, Sunny. We’re one of those ancients.” Sunset said with a smirk while gesturing to herself and Twilight about ancient Equestrian cultures. “Oh, right. Sorry, I just got excited.” Sunny said with a sheepish smile. “It’s okay. I will be like that too.” Twilight said with a smile as she looked at Somnambula’s statue. “And Somnambula is one of the Pillars of Equestria, ancient heroes who unite to stop the ponies of shadow. In her story, she saved her village by standing up to an evil sphinx by correcting some riddles. Which is toward Hisan across a narrow bridge, blindfolded and without flying, which she succeeds with a leap of faith.” She explained with a smile. “Wow! She must’ve been a legend!” Sunny said in amazement. “Oh, she was.” Twilight said with a smirk. “I met her.” She added, which made Sunny's eyes widened even more. “You met a hero of ancient times!?” Sunny asked in amazement. “All seven of them. But it's a long story.” Twilight said with a smile. “Right now, let’s focus on finding a way to stop this storm.” “Right, right. Focus.” Sunny said with a determined smile as they searched around the library for any intel. Zipp looked around as she saw the Cloudsdale name on a sign as she gave a thought as Pipp turn to her sister when she noticed her behavior. “Sis, we’re in Cloudsdale! The real Cloudsdale! And sure, we're being chased by very mean flying hedgehogs, but you used to play pretend about coming here! Why are you so glum?” Pipp asked her sister in concern. Zipp then turns to her sister while gesturing to the sign. “You mean aside from that fact that I’ve been queen for half a day and our whole city is about to be destroyed?” She questioned with a worried look. “It’s just.., I mean… It’s because I used to dream about coming here.” She said as she then had a vision about the legendary Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts she heard from Twilight and Sunset. “I imagined that I’d find the city one day and that it would be like a whole lost civilization. That it would be full of incredible, fast-flying warrior pegasi like mom’s old stories and from how Twilight and Sunset describe them.” Zipp continued on. “Every time I didn’t fit in the way you did or I wasn’t happy sitting on the throne and going to endless parties… I imagined that Cloudsdale was out there somewhere and it was full of Pegasi like me, who wanted to fly fast and go on adventures.” Twilight and Sunset heard this as they saw how much Zipp dreamed about Cloudsdale and how she pictured it while wanting to be the best of the best like the Pegasi they knew back in their time as they gave a frown. “But by the time we got our flight back, I didn’t really believe in Cloudsdale anymore. But I still thought about it.” Zipp said with a frown. “And when Sunset and Twilight talked about it, it brought my hopes up higher that it really is out there, and I hoped we would find it after we discovered Canterlot. But this is worse. They just… left it. There’s nopony here. No hidden world.” She said hopelessly. Pipp, Twilight, and Sunset looked at Zipp with sympathy, knowing that this isn’t the Cloudsdale Zipp has picture as Twilight spoke up. “Zipp, Cloudsdale was home to some of the greatest Pegasi warriors, my friend Rainbow Dash was one of those.” She said with a frown. “And while Cloudsdale may still be the same as I remember, without any Pegasi or any other friendly flying creatures around, it’s not the same, which I can understand, but you have to remember that it’s been generations.” “Yeah, Zipp.” Sunset said with a nod. “I mean, not everything can remain the way it is. Cloudsdale may look the same, but just like Canterlot, it is deserted because ponies have forgotten about them and nopony was there to carry on their stories or keep them in perfect condition. And it was thanks to Opaline, they were lost to the passage of time.” “But it can be different now!” Pipp said with an optimistic smile. “You, Twilight, Sunset, and I can bring it back. All we have to do is to stop the storm.” “And once that’s over, we’ll put Cloudsdale back on the map.” Sunset added with a smile. “And it will be populated and the legacy of the pegasi from the past will be remembered once more.” Twilight said with a smile. “You did say that some places in Equestria are getting a bit too crowded lately.” She added with a giggle. “Yeah, and Cloudsdale can be like how it was in ancient times.” Pipp added with a smile. “That’s not going to…” Zipp tried to say as she tried to find the right words. “We have no idea how to stop this storm!” She stated before they heard a bing, which caught the group’s attention as they turned and saw a monitor on the desk. “Information Desk Activating…” The computer said, which surprised the group. “What the--” Sunset tried to ask before the monitor brought out a hologram of a familiar ancient pegasi that Twilight once knew. “Hellow, inquisitive young pegasi. My name is Flash Magnus, hero of Cloudsdale.” The hologram Flash said, which shocked the group, especially Sunny since this was another one of the ancient Pillars of Equestria as Flash then explained the history of Cloudsdale. “And I’m here to answer all your questions about the history of Cloudsdale. For years, Pegasi lived in isolated towns and cities throughout Equestria. We preferred elevated areas that were hard for other creatures to reach. Heights, mountain ranges, even aeries like gryphons. Can you imagine?” He started as they watched how Pegasi used to live in different areas before they saw some Pegasi moving some clouds after finding out they could touch them. “Eventually, other ponies began to recognize the unique and valuable magic that pegasi possessed.” Hologram Flash continued. “Not just flying but cloud building, and weather control. We could promise a clear day for a parade or direct a rainstorm to a desert that needed it.” The scene then showed the Pegasi using the clouds to build Cloudsdale. “What we didn’t have was a way to create weather. We had the technology but no way to get it from place to place. So, the seven great cities of Pegasi came together to shape the greatest achievement in Pegasi History. Cloudsdale. A new capital city for all Pegasi, shaped with pegasus magic and centered around the device that helped Pegasi change the world.” Then the hologram showed the picture of a place Sunset and Twilight recognize very well, “The Cloudsdale Weather Factory. This factory keeps winter on time. Keeps the Everfree Forest watered, and make sure it’s always sunny in Fillydelphia.” Hologram Flash explained. “That’s it! The Weather Factory!” Zipp called out before they head thunder, seeing the Weather Factory just outside the window from where they’re out as they saw dark storm clouds producing from out of it’s tube. “Oh, sweet Celestia! Of course it was the factory!” Twilight facehoof herself, completely forgotten about the Weather Factory. “That must be what’s making the storm.” Sunny added in realization. “I’m just guessing here, but it doesn’t look like it’s working right.” Pipp guessed after seeing the storm outside. “No it isn’t.” Sunset shook her head. “But of all the times for the factory to react, why is it suddenly working now if nopony has been here for generations?” She questioned. “Twilight?” Sunny asked her idol. “I don’t know. I’ve never seen the factory do that before.” Twilight said with a frown. “Something must be wrong with it.” The hologram Flash then continues. “Keeping the factory working requires a mixture of technology and pegasus magic. Without magic, the factory wouldn’t produce weather. Without Pegasi know-how, it would be nearly impossible to control.” “That must be it! When magic came back, the weather factory started making weather again.” Sunny realizes as they kept looking at the factory. “And somehow the machines got turned on again.” “Which explains this sudden crazy storm we’re having. Which made it move the entire city over Zephyr Heights.” Sunset added with a frown. “Ugh, the past comes back to bite you, it’s always that.” She muttered. “Actually, it gets worse.” Twilight said with a frown as they turned to her. “Rainbow Dash told me the Pegasi helped control and maintain the factory, her included. Without the Pegasi, the Weather Factory is not in control of its weather producing! If we don’t shut it down again, it could make storms like this everywhere until it covers all of Equestria!” She said in worry. “And it will cause Zephyr Heights or all of Equestria to be buried in unpredictable snow.” Sunny added with a frown. “Yeah, we gotta shut down that factory before that happens.” Sunset said with an anxious look. “Well then that settles it.” Zipp said with a determined look as she and Pipp opened the doors, which knocked an Arkan Sonney down while one was sleeping on the steps while the rest of them were gone as Zipp gave a serious look. “We have to save Zephyr Heights from Cloudsdale.” She declared as the five mares nodded in agreement as they were going to shut down the Weather Factory and save Zephyr Heights before it was too late. End of Issue 2. Author's Note Sorry for the long wait, it took a while from busy things from the real world and how long this issue was, but I hope you enjoy issue 2. Issue 3 is still in progress but it will be worth it. Enjoy. And Happy New Year
Issue 3:Issue 3: Meanwhile at Cloudsdale, the former Pegasi Kingdom was shining bright from the sun, despite there not being any Pegasi, it is still a beautiful place, but it wasn’t completely abandoned, it was infested with Arkan Sonneys, pegasi hedgehog creatures that roam the deserted city as they shriek and flew around. In an alleyway, a group of Arkan Sonneys flew off as Pipp peeked out from a corner. “Okay, girls, the coast is clear.” She informed as the rest of the mares, Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, and Zipp rushed off while Sunny was still in her Alicorn form. “These things are all over Cloudsdale.” Twilight said with a frown. “And they travel in packs and are hard to get by.” “And we don’t have time to deal with these hedgehogs.” Sunset said with a serious look. “The more we wait, the more storms the Weather Factory makes.” “The only sure way to get around the Arkan Sonney is to split up.” Zipp said to them seriously. “That way if they chase or bite one of us, the others can slip away to the Weather Factory!” She stated. “Got it.” Sunny nodded. “Great plan.” Sunset added. “A very logical one.” Twilight finished with a nod. “Once we get to the factory, we can stop the storm and save our city!” Zipp declared with determination. “Then mares, split up!” Sunset declared as the five mares spread out into five different locations. Pipp kept running in a corner, but then she heard some Arkan Sonneys coming this way as she looked around and she quickly hid behind some trash bins as the Arkan Sonneys flew by her, which she sighs in relief before she turns and notices the trash bins are still filled with garbage. “Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew!” Pipp quietly said in disgust since she can smell the stench of the garbage for who knows how long it’s been there since Cloudsdale was abandoned. With Sunny, she was hiding behind some clouds as some Arkan Sonneys were standing by before she picked up a rock and tossed it in a direction, which made the two critters scurried away. “Phew.” Sunny said in relief while wiping her brow. With Sunset, she was rushing around while staying out of sight as she saw some Arkan Sonneys moving by as she then flew up beside a corner as she stood quiet as the critters scurried away as Sunset sighs in relief. “These things are just as bad as Parasprites and old rats.” Sunset muttered in annoyance. “Why couldn’t they just be flying bunnies?” She muttered as she kept going. With Twilight, she was looking through an alleyway and used her magic to cloak herself from the Arkan Sonneys that went by her as she quickly took to the air while keeping a low profile, seeing that Cloudsdale hadn't changed much, she knew her way around and noticed the perfect hiding spot. “I always wondered if any other part of Equestria remained the same, but with fewer pests to deal with. Not even Canterlot has those kinds of infestations like these flying hedgehogs.” Twilight muttered to herself while she kept making her way to the Weather Factory while remaining out of sight. In another part of Cloudsdale, some Arkan Sonneys are shrieking while looking around, what they didn’t see was Zipp was traveling on the rooftop right above the Arkan Sonneys as she looked down at them. “That’s it, keep not looking up, little Arkan Sonney.” Zipp whispered. “Zipp’s just gonna walk right--” She trailed off before she saw the clouds above moving and showing the sun. “Uh-oh.” She muttered. On the ground, Zipp’s shadow was showing, which got the Arkan Sonneys attention as they turn and looked up and saw Zipp on the roof. “Oh great.” Zipp muttered as she then took off running as the Arkan Sonneys as Zipp ran as fast as she could. “Somepony help m--” She was cut off when a purple blurr tackled her. “Oof!” She grunted as she crash into some trash, which made the Arkan Sonneys stop in surprise while Zipp rubbed her head. “What just…” “You know, they say that music soothes the savage beast.” Pipp’s voice spoke up, which made Zipp turned and saw her sister in front of her. “Well, you’re in luck!” She then pulled out her microphone and started signing. “Because you got the siiiiiiiiingingest princess in all Equestria! I saw this in a nature documentary. I hope this works!~” She sang before she gave a nervous smile while turning to her sister. “Go! You got this!” She whispered to her sister. “Be careful.” Zipp said to her sister before she trotted off. “Alright, time to get to that Weather Factory so we can stop the storm and save Zephyr Heights!” She declared. “Heads up!” Sunny’s voice yelled out. “Coming through!” Sunset yelled out. “Look out!” Twilight yelled out as they ran beside Zipp. “Whoa!” Zipp yelped when the three Alicorns went beside her. “These cute little pincushions are everywhere!” Sunny cried out. “They’re really are a lot of them! And they have good aim!” Sunset added. “Keep going! We’re only a few more blocks to the factory!” Twilight yelled out, seeing how close they were to the Weather Factory. “Now hurry!” “Wait, where’s Pipp?!” Sunny asked, seeing one Pegasi missing as the four ponies turned a corner and out of the alley. “She rescued me by singing to a bunch of the Arkan Sonney.” Zipp answered. “Seems like they love music.” “No surprise there! Some reason, a lot of critters love Pipp’s singing!” Sunset stated, knowing how Pipp music can affect a lot of creatures. “Good to know. You got any songs in them?” Sunny asked them as they kept running. “Come on, Sunny. I can sing, but I’m not my sister.” Zipp pointed out. “I can’t just make these things up on my own.” She stated. “I may have been in a band, but I hardly knew anything to soothe an Arkan Sonney.” Sunset added. “And I’m a bit rusty with songs.” Twilight finished as Sunny skidded to a stop with a frighten look. “Well, it would be a great time to start.” Sunny said to them as the rest of the three mares skidded to a stop when they see a group of Arkan Sonneys in front of them. “Shoot!” Zipp exclaimed. “Oh, come on!” Sunset exclaimed in annoyance. “Just how many of these critters are there?!” Twilight questioned as the Arkan Sonneys growled at them. “Uuhhh, girls…” Sunny said to them as they slowly backed away from the feral hedgehogs. “I have an idea, but it might not work.” She said to them. “Well, anything that might not end with us pulling spines out of our rumps sounds like an improvement right now.” Zipp said to her. “Same.” Sunset nodded. “Agreed.” Twilight added as Sunny then turned around. “Stay here and keep them distracted!” Sunny called out as she trotted off. “Wait, what?!” Sunset called out. “Sunny, wait!” Twilight exclaimed. “Where are you--” Zipp trailed off as she, Sunset, and Twilight looked at the Arkan Sonneys surrounding them while giving growls as the three mares gave nervous looks. “Hey, do you guys like jokes? Oh, that’s okay. I can’t think of any anyway.” She nervously said. “Uh, Twilight, do you have anything?” Sunset muttered through her teeth. “Well, aside from magic blasts, nothing much.” Twilight muttered as well. “Oh creatures!!!” Sunny’s voice yelled out as they turned and saw Sunny was in Flock’litt Shoppe. “Come and get your smoothies! Nice cold smoothies!” She announced. “How?!” Zipp exclaimed in shock, wondering how can the food be still good from how Cloudsdale been abandoned as the Arkan Sonneys rushed up to Sunny, who waved with a smile as Zipp turned to Sunset and Twilight, wanting explanations as the two Alicorns raised their hooves to answer, but Zipp spoke up. “You know what, I’m not gonna question it.” “Good call.” Sunset nodded as she turned to Sunny. “Stall them as long as you can, Sunny!” She called out. “I will, you three get going!” Sunny yelled out with a nod. “Okay, let’s go!” Twilight yelled as they followed her as they are then crossing a long bridge. “We gotta get to that factory before it’s too late.” Zipp said, knowing that Zephyr Heights won’t last long. “We get that, and we don’t know how long Pipp and Sunny will keep those hedgehogs off our backs.” Sunset said in concern. “Lucky for us, the factory is just up ahead.” Twilight said as they got closer with the Weather Factory just in front of them as it continued to make the storm. Back in Zephyr Heights, the storm was getting worse and stronger as the castle was being buried in more snow while some started entering the smoke chimneys as the wind blew into it. Inside the palace, the ponies of Zephyr Heights are trying to stay warm while some are wearing snow gear while the fireplace is still lit. “The storm sounds scary, mommy.” The filly said to her mother. “It’s okay, my darling.” The mother said with a smile. “The princesses and their friends are out protecting us from the storm right now.” But then, the strong wind blew through the fireplace, causing the fire to go out and cover some of the ponies in soot. “Oh no, mommy! The fire! What do we do?!” The filly cried out in fear. “I don’t know, honey. Stay close.” The mother said as she held her daughter close. Just then Hitch came into the room with two royal guards behind him. “Everypony, stay calm. We’re getting you out of here! We’re gathering everyone down at the station.” He informed as he guided the group out of the room as he yelled out. “I think that’s the last of them! Let’s get everyone downstairs and hope Misty, Izzy, and Cloud have gotten that zeppelin running! This way!” He called out as everyone was then guided down the palace to where the station was. At the station below, ponies are gathered around while the Zeppelin is near completion as Hitch goes up to Cloud. “This is everypony. Where are Misty and Izzy?” Hitch asked him. “They’re in the ship, Hitch.” Cloud said to him. “I’ve been busy trying to get the ponies to settle down, so, you might want to go on in.” He advised as Hitch nodded and rushed up to the zeppelin. “The storm blew out all the fireplaces.” Hitch said to the two mares. “We can’t keep ponies in the castle any longer. I’m hoping you’ve got some--” He trailed off when he saw the parts are still scattered while Izzy is hammering a nail and Misty is welding some parts together. “Oh no! This looks worse than when I left! These pieces were all together! Now they’re all over the place! This is a--” “Hold on!” Misty called out as she moved her mask up and went to Hitch with a smile. “I’m sorry, little sheriff friend. There is engineering going on over here, so…” She then gave a paper back to Hitch. “...If you’re gonna have a panic attack, you can just do it right over here?” She suggested as Hitch turn a corner and started breathing in the bag. “Okay, Izzy, grab that blow torch. I think we’re about ready!” She called out. “I’m gonna be frozen here. They’re gonna have to chip me out of an iceberg.” Hitch muttered in panic while still breathing in the paper bag frantically. Then Misty started using her magic to move the pieces around. “Okay, now this is a lot of pieces for me to hold in place. And we need them just right so…” Misty tried to say. “I’ll be quick!” Izzy assured as she lowered her mask and ready her blow torch as Misty moved some parts around. “There! I’ve got it! Izzy, you’re on!” Misty called out as she then held the pieces in place. “This is what I nwas born for! Crafting for our lives!” Izzy called as she quickly moved around the part of the engine as fast as she could while welding the parts in place. “Can’t hold it much longer…” Misty strained as she focused her magic as hard she could. “Almost there!” Izzy yelled out as Hitch watched in anxiety, when suddenly the engine started whirling to life as the zeppelin then started to take off. “Woohoo!/Yeah!/Lift off!/Whoo!” The crowd cheered at seeing the Zeppelin finally taking off. The two unicorns then wipe their foreheads with a smile, glad they got the zeppelin working as Hitch then grabbed Izzy and Misty in a hug and huge relief. “You did it! You did it!” Misty, I don’t understand how you did it, but you did it!” Hitch cried in joy as some tears fell. Misty then gestured to the engine. “I mean, it’s pretty simple when you get right down to it. The chronoton manifold was overloading the flux capacitor, so I had to invert the polarity of the power coupling allowing it to synchronize with the wankel kkm cycle and--” She stated while she stopped while seeing Hitch’s brain going dizzy from the smart talk. “You look lost…” She commented. “Um… will it fly?” Hitch asked while trying to process what Misty just said. “Probably!” Misty cheered with a hoof raised. “Close enough!” Hitch smiled at the simple answer he was giving. “Let’s get ready for takeoff!” Back at Cloudsdale, Sunny was still at the smoothie stand while making a lot of smoothies to the Arkan Sonneys with the fruits that were still edible and fresh in the shop. “And here you go, sir. One cloudberry smoothie just as requested.” Sunny said with a smile as she gave a smoothie to said critter. “Now, I’m gonna take a short break to--” Sunny was cut off when an Arkan Sonney shrieked while gesturing to the one happily sipping its smoothie, telling Sunney that he wants his now. “Fine! I won’t take a break!” Sunny exclaimed a bit fearfully as she gave a nervous smile. “Hopefully Pipp, Zipp, Sunset and Twilight have got this under control.” She muttered, hoping the others were having better luck. With Pipp, she has just finished singing another song as the Arkan Sonneys all clapped to her. “Thank you, Cloudsdale! You’re such a wonderful audience.” Pipp said with a smile before her phone started ringing as she gave a nervous one. “Now here's my new hit single, ‘Calling my Sister’.” She declared as she answered the phone. “Hey, Zipp. Well it seems like forever, since you went away. I’m struggling but doing my best here. Hope you’ve got something to say!” Pipp sang while the Arkan Sonneys held up their phones and snapped pictures of Pipp. With Zipp, she, Sunset, and Twilight made it inside the Weather Factory before the two Alicorns stood frozen as they saw something in front of them while Zipp talk to her sister. “Hey, sis. Twilight, Sunset and I made it to the factory. And we definitely found the problem. We just don’t know how to deal with it without getting cooked.” Zipp explained. “Cooked, you mean electrocuted.” Sunset muttered while in front of them was a giant blue bird creature that is shooting lighting around the factory while it’s birdies are close to it. “There’s some sort of lightning bird up here, and it built a nest on the Weather Machine.” Zipp added to Pipp on her phone. “It must’ve settled down here when Cloudsdale was abandoned. And at the worst spot I say.” Twilight added. “Giving it on top of the machine that we need to shut down, yep.” Sunset nodded. “We need to get it off, but there are baby birds and it’s not going to let us get close without getting shocked.” Zipp continued. “And given the fact that if we attack it, it will make things worse.” Twilight added, while knowing that fighting it will only make things much worse. Pipp started dancing around as she sang while trying to talk. “Well, we need to get it shut off, so you better say please. If we don’t fix the weather, then our homes is gonna freeze.” She sang. “Wait, Pipp, that’s it!” Zipp called as the electric bird lowered down and calmed down with the baby birds as well. “Your singing is calming the mama bird down. You’ve gotta keep singing.” She urged. “Songs somehow soothe the beast.” Twilight commented with a smile. “It really does, everytime.” Sunset added with a smirk. With Pipp, she kept dancing around. “You three say that like it’s easy. And I know I make it look that way. But it’s not so easy rhyming everything I gotta say.” Pipp sang as her hind hoof accidentally hit one of the Arkan Sonney. “You sang on a daily routine, Pipp. It’s hard to tell if you make it easy.” Sunset said with a brow. “But true, making songs can be a bit hard.” Twilight said, knowing how hard it was to write a song, especially a magical counterspell song when she and the Rainbooms faced the Sirens. The electric bird and its baby birds started to fall asleep. “Okay, good birds. Just stay calm and don’t electrocute us.” Zipp said calmly as she and her two alicorn friends slowly walked towards them. “We’re just gonna pick up the whole nest and move you all together.” “But we’re gonna keep those birdies calm. Don’t wanna hit a note wrong.” Pipp sang through the phone. “So please stay happy little birds. And I’ll keep finding rhyming words.” Pipp sang before the Akan Sonney that she accidentally kicked shriek and fired a quill, which pierced through her phone. “Ahhh!” She screamed in fright. At the same time, Zipp, Sunset, and Twilight flinched when they heard the pierce through the phone as the call ended. “Pipp? Pipp, did you stop singing?” Zipp asked while trying to reach her sister while she, Sunset, and Twilight were carrying the nest. “I don’t think that was it.” Sunset said in worried. “I think her phone must’ve got pierced. And at a worse possible time.” Twilight said with a cringe. “Come on, girls. They can’t wake up right now. We’ll be shocked for sure.” Zipp said in fear as the electric birds slowly started to wake up and look at the three ponies as the adult one gave a squawk. “No, no. Everything’s fine, just go back to sleep.” She nervously said. But the adult electric bird gave a loud and angry squawk as it produced electricity. “I don’t think it’s in the mood to sleep right now!” Twilight exclaimed in panic. “Zipp, try and sing something to calm it down!” Sunset exclaimed in panic. “I’m too nervous to think up anything to sing!” Zipp exclaimed in panic. “Well, unless we find a way to keep these birds still and not get shocked, we’re never gonna shut down the factory!” Sunset exclaimed, which made Zipp realize something. “...Stay still…” Zipp muttered before she remembered a specific song. “Wait! I do know the perfect song!” She called as she turned to the birds. “Don’t move.” “What?” Twilight and Sunset asked what she meant by that as Zipp began to sing. “It’s easy to smile with you by my side.” Zipp began to sing the song she and her mother and sister sang on Portrait Day, which made the electric birds stop making electricity as Sunset and Twilight looked surprised as they began to rush out of the factory. “Don’t blink. Big smile. Just being with you, my heart opens wiiide.” She continued as the electric birds began to fall asleep, which Sunset and Twilight noticed as they smiled as they nodded to Zipp, telling her it’s working as they come up to the weather exhaust port of the factory. “As it all comes clear to me. You’re my best friend, my family. I wanna capture this moment as hit our stride. With you by my side.” Zipp sang as she, Sunset, and Twilight gently placed their nest on the side corner as the electric birds slept peacefully. “There! You’re safe!” She said with a smile. “And away from sight and important equipment.” Sunset said with a smile. “Nopony will bug you here.” Twilight added before the three ponies then flew off. “Okay! Now to get this thing shut off!” Zipp called out as she turned to Sunset and Twilight. “Twilight, Sunset, is there an off switch somewhere?!” She asked. “I never been to the Weather Factory that often, so I don’t know!” Sunset said with a shrug. “Twilight, you know Rainbow used to work here, so you must know how to shut it off!” “Well, there is an off lever! It’s in the main factory room!” Twilight called out. “Then let’s shut it off!” Zipp declared as they flew back into the factory as they saw a big lever in the middle of the room. “There it is!” Twilight confirmed while pointing at the lever. “Then let’s shut this factory down!” Sunset declared as she went up to the lever and tried to pull it, but it wouldn’t move as she grunted. “It’s stuck!” “All together!” Twilight called as she, Zipp, and Sunset then pulled together to pull the lever. “Yes of no usages, old gears got stuck!” “We can tell!” Sunset grunted as they pulled harder. “Come on, you big stuck lever! Move!” Zipp exclaimed as the three ponies then pulled the lever completely, successfully shutting down the weather factory as the machines powered down. Outside, the Weather Factory shut down as the machine stopped making the uncontrolled weather as the Arkan Sonneys noticed this and turned their attention to it while Pipp and Sunny used this as their chance to sneak away from the flying hedgehogs and meet up with their three friends. Soon, Pipp Sunny met up with Zipp, Sunset, and Twilight at the entrance of the Weather Factory as they look over the reeling. “You all did it!” Pipp cheered. “You three saved Zephyr Heights!” Sunny cheered next, but the three ponies weren’t celebrating. “I don’t think so. Look.” Zipp said as she pointed down as they saw the storm still going below rhythm. “The factory stopped making more clouds, but the storm is already so big it’s still going.” “Get enough of clouds and that weather won’t stop until it’s used up.” Twilight stated in worry. “Which is why we had Pegasi help control them or get rid of them.” Sunset added. “Yeah, but it has to blow itself out soon, right?” Pipp asked them. “Not soon enough! Look!” Sunny pointed out as the five ponies looked down and saw the zeppelin in the middle of the storm. “Okay, lookie here! We’re airborne!” Hitch yelled out at the controls while holding the speaker with Cloud and the ponies onboard behind him. “I always wondered what it would be like to fly!” “Hitch! Focus here!” Cloud exclaimed while gesturing to the area they were in. “Right, sorry.” Hitch said before he got back on track. “The winds are too strong. I can’t get the engine to push us the right way! Misty, I need more power!” “I’m giving you all she’s got, captain!” Misty exclaimed as she kept working on the engine to keep it together and give it more power. “This is about to be a bumpy ride!” Hitch exclaimed as he try to get control of the ship as thunder clashed, which made the zeppelin to move around. “Everpony hold on!” He exclaimed as Misty then fell from the engine room and into the control room while she was on the ceiling as the ship was upside down while Cloud kept flight to stablize himself.. “Misty, what do I do?!” He panick asked. “Well, first, I would say try to get us right side up. And maybe steer with the storm and might be able to build enough speed to break through.” Misty fearfully said before the ship got right side up as Misty was about to fall, but Cloud caught her and gently put her back down. “Okay, I will try. Any other pointers?” Hitch asked. “Yes! Try not to let that lightning hit us!” Misty called while gesturing to the lightning outside. “If we get hit by lightning, we’ll probably crash!” “More like it will be!” Cloud exclaimed as the zeppelin shook a bit. “Oh, I hope Zipp and your friends are having better luck then we are!” Back at Cloudsdale, Zipp was looking through a periscope that was next to the factory that she used after putting two bits in it as she saw the zeppelin at a distance. “Oh no! This is all my fault!” Zipp cried out hopelessly. “Are you kidding me?!” Pipp exclaimed in exasperation. “You’ve been working your flank off to help everypony! This is bad luck, but you can't possibly think it’s your fault!” “The zeppelin was my idea. Coming up here was my idea.” Zipp said in despair before Pipp started shaking her sister. “And if you hadn’t had those ideas, we’d just be a bunch of ponysicles down there!” Pipp stated. “And from the amount of clouds that the factory has made, the storm won’t stop anytime soon.” Twilight added. “And I doubt anypony in that zeppelin can control that thing.” Sunset added while looking at the zeppelin. “It’s ancient and from our time. No one knows how to work it.” “Like this is any better?” Zipp questioned as she covered her eyes. “Now we get to watch a ship full of all our friends crash into the city?!” “Zipp, you gotta snap out of it!” Sunny called out with determination. “You can’t take the blame for everything that happens. “I can and I will! A queen supposed to know what to do!” Zipp called as she gave a serious look as she gave a huff. “I just wish somepony would give me some sort of…” She then trailed off as she remembered something. “Wait…” She muttered as she trotted off, which surprised the four mares. “What was that about?” Sunny asked her friends about what just happened. “I don’t know! Our whole lives, whenever she gets a big idea, she just rushes off like that.” Pipp said with a dull look, knowing how her sister can be. “Sometimes Twilight can be like that.” Sunset said with a shrug as Twilight gave her a brow. “Oh, you know it’s true. Even during your princess training.” Twilight gave a defeated sigh. “Point taken.” She muttered before turning to Zipp. “We should go after her.” The others agreed as they chased after Zipp. “Zipp, wait up!” Pipp called out. “We’re coming to help you!” Sunny added. “So try and slow down!” Sunset yelled out before Zipp came to a stop, which the others noticed as they saw Zipp was looking at something in awed. “Uh, Zipp?” “What is that? What are you staring at?” Sunny asked. “A sign. I got a sign.” Zipp muttered, which made them look up, and what they saw was the Wonderbolt poster, which Sunset and Twilight recognized as they gave a small gasp. “That’s very literal. Like, it’s an actual sign.” Pipp commented. “Uh, not just the sign, but what’s on it.” Sunset said as she and Twilight turned a corner and their eyes widened at what they saw. “You ponies need to see this.” Twilight added, while the rest of the mares turn, what they saw surprise them as it was a giant building that said ‘Wonderbolt Hall of Fame’ with a lightning bolt with wings icon symbol showing. “This is the Wonderbolt’s Hall of Fame building!” “Whoa!” Sunny exclaimed in amazement. “What’s a Wonderbolt?” Pipp asked, not knowing what a Wonderbolt is. “The Wonderbolts were the most talented fliers in Equestria! The elite squad of Pegasi who perform aerial acrobatics and demonstrations!” Twilight exclaimed with a smile. “My friend Rainbow Dash was one of them!” “Sounds like my kind of ponies.” Zipp commented with a smirk. “You have no idea, Zipp. The Wonderbolts were like, so awesome! They were known to everypony in Equestria!” Sunset added. “This museum might have info about them!” “Well, how about we find out more unless you two want to explain it?” Zipp suggested with a smirk. “Let’s get into the museum.” Both Sunset and Twilight said, wanting them to see it to believe it as they entered the building. “This is neat but… why are we here?” Pipp asked in confusion. “That poster of the Wonderbolts Twilight and Sunset talked about is the same poster from the station. The poster that made me want to learn to fly.” Zipp explained as they saw statues, pictures, and items that represent the Wonderbolts. “That poster is what made me help Sunset rescue Sunny and Izz from the dungeon. What brought us all together. And those Pegasi on that poster, they’re the wonders, I guess. Are they?” She asked Sunset and Twilight. “They most certainly are.” Twilight answered with a nod. “Same color scheme, uniform, yep, it's them alright.” Sunset nodded as they searched around for more. They soon found a history portrait of the past Wonderbolts, including Soarin in the end, but before him was a blank space. “Mmm, this display says prominent Wonderbolts in history. But I can’t read any of these descriptions.” Sunny noted. “The times of non proper care has caused the words to fade, it’s hard to read them.” Twilight stated. “And not to mention some of these are missing a few history. There’s a picture mission before the last one.” Sunset added while seeing a few of the Wonderbolts' history were missing. Pipp then looks at the masks. “Well, they had style, I’ll give them that. It says this uniform was designed by somepony named Flair D’mare.” She noted. “That doesn’t help me! I don’t need to know who made a costume!” Zipp yelled out in frustration. “All I want to know is who the Wonderbolts are!” “That’s a very cool question, but I’ll bet you the answer is at least twenty percent cooler.” A very familiar voice spoke up, which made Sunset and Twilight get stiff as their eyes widened. “I know that voice anywhere.” Sunset muttered. “I-Is that…” Twilight stammered before they slowly turned before they saw that it was a projection that was showing a familiar rainbow-maned blue pegasus that they knew very well. “That projection--That’s Rainbow Dash!” Zipp exclaimed in shock while shaking her sister as they all looked in shock at seeing the legendary Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty, part/leader of the Wonderbolts, member of the Guardian of Harmony, and friend of Twilight Sparkle. “Rainbow?” Twilight muttered as she and Sunset were more stunned to see Rainbow Dash in projection form as the projection began to tell history. “I wanted to be Wonderbolt from the first time I saw one. They were so cool!” Rainbow’s projection started out with Rainbow Dash getting promoted. “And I made it! I made it big time. I became the Commander of the Wonderbolts and opened this hall of fame!” It then showed Celestia and Luna overseeing the Wonderbolts in the sky. “A long time ago, the Earth, Unicorn, and Pegasus guard was created to protect the princess and keep the peace. And part of that was an elite pegasus flying force made up of only the fastest and strongest fliers.” She then picks up a dust cloud on her hoof. “All around you are the stories and pictures of the greatest wonderbolts to ever fly the skies. We protect Equestria. We deliver messages at the speed of light. Heck, we even control the weather.” “Wait! Tell me more about that part! Tell me about the ‘controlling the weather’!” Zipp frantically said to the Rainbow projector as her friends noticed dull looks. “What? I know you told us,” She said to Twilight and Sunset. “But I just wanted to be sure.” “You wanna learn more about weather controlling? Yeah, I can tell you about that!” Rainbow’s projection said while continuing. “The thing is, any Pegasus with enough speed can help control the weather, but the Wonderbolts are the best!” The screen then showed three other of Twilight’s friends, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy, the two former are screaming while falling through their respective clouds while Fluttershy slept peacefully on hers, much to Twilight’s embarrassment when she saw that. “While Earth Ponies and Unicorns just fall through clouds, Pegasus magic allows us to interact with clouds in special ways. Alicorns can even do it as well since they’re part Pegasus. We can sleep on clouds, ride a rogue storm cloud… heck, you even walked on clouds to get here.” The screen then changes to a Pegasus about to hit a storm cloud. “But if you wanna get clear skies for a festival or a game, you gotta learn how to cloudburst. You have to focus and concentrate your pegasus magic not to land on but to push right through the cloud.” She explained as the Pegasus on the screen got rid of the cloud. “Because they’re solid to us, instead of just falling through, when we concentrate, we can do a cloud burst. And there you go, clear skies. Isn’t it neat?” “And that’s how you control the weather.” Twilight finished after the information video had finished. “Now you get why I was confused about how the weather is changing on its own the first time?” Sunset asked Sunny and Pipp about that delta. “Yeah, now we get it.” Sunny said with a nod, now understanding why Sunset asked about that the first time when first seeing how Equestria has changed. “But that’s it, Zipp! That’s how we--” Pipp tried to say before noticing her sister was gone as they searched around. “Zipp?” “Where’d she go?” Twilight asked. “And uh, where wasn’t there a Wonderbolt uniform on display earlier?” Sunny asked while seeing the wonderbolts’ uniforms on display, but seeing that one of them was missing. “Oh no. She’s gonna do something stupid.” Sunset muttered while placing a hoof on her head. With Zipp, she was rushing out of the museum with the old Wonderbolt uniform she took on display as she took off as fast as she could. “Concentrate your pegasus magic and push right through.” She muttered to herself as she hastily started to put on the Wonderbolt uniform. “Come on, Zephyrina, this is it. Be a Wonderbolt. Save the day. Concentrate your pegasus magic…” She then finished putting on the goggles as she gave a serious look and took off into the air. “AND PUSH RIGHT THROUGH!” She yelled with determination as she took off to where the zeppelin was. With the zeppelin, it was taken many damages by the storm as lightning clashed and hit some parts of the zeppelin as one hit the side wall. “Hitch, straighten out! It’s coming apart!” Misty cried out as she, Izzy, Hitch, and Cloud were at the controls. “I’m trying! With the side ripped open, it’s hard to tell it to go anywhere!” Hitch cried out in panic. “We’re barely holding onto this thing as it is! And this airship is old, so yeah, it’s coming apart bad!” Cloud exclaimed. “Izzy, do you think you can patch that rip?” Misty asked Izzy. “Crafting to save the day?! You betcha!” Izzy saluted as she then took out her glue gun and started gluing the side hole. “Uh, ponies, the autopilot is flailing!” Cloud called while looking at the monitor that showed the autopilot was failing as the pilot balloon deflated, which made them fear even more. “Okay, things just got worse!” “How can it get any worse?!” Hitch cried out in fear. Izzy then saw something through the hole as she poke her head out. “Umm… You ponies aren’t gonna believe this. But there’s somepony else out there. Look!” She called as she pointed out, showing to be none other than Zipp as she flew around and flew through some of the clouds and took out a few around the zeppelin. The ponies inside saw her. “Is that… Zipp?” Misty asked in surprise. “Whoa, she just uncycled that cloud!” Izzy cheered in amazement. “And is wearing a cool suit.” Cloud said while eyeing Zipp’s Wonderbolt suit. “She’s amazing!” Hitch called out in surprise. Zipp kept flying around while taking out more clouds. “Push on through! Push on through! Push on through!” She said to herself before she heard something else. “What’s that sound?” She asked before she stopped when she heard hearing from the zeppelin. “Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp! Queen Zipp!” Zipp’s friends and all the other ponies on the zeppelin cheered after seeing her taken out the clouds. Zipp gave a heartfelt smile. “They’re cheering for me! I can’t let them down!” She declared as she then flew around the storm, channeling her inner Pegasus magic and taking out the clouds as a lightning strike nearly hit her by the tip of her mane. “Yikes!” She called before she then took out another cloud in front of the zeppelin. “Gotcha!” She declared. However, Zipp then stopped when she saw that there were more clouds than she could handle. “There are too many! I can’t keep up! If one of these lighting bolts hit the zeppelin--” She tried to say. “Maybe we can help!” Pipp’s voice called out as Zipp turned and saw her, Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight in Wonderbolt suits. “Cadet Pipp Petals, reporting for duty.” She said with a smile. “Cadet Sunny Starscout, reporting for duty!” Sunny said with a smile. “Cadet Sunset Shimmer, reporting for duty!” Sunset added with a smirk and a salute. “Cadet Twilight Sparkle, reporting for duty!” Twilight finished with a smirk as well. “There’s a reason why the Wonderbolts work as a team, Zipp.” “So if you go, we all go. Wonderbolt style!” Sunset declared with a smirk. Zipp looked at them with a tearful smile. “I love you guys.” She said to them as they smiled as they then took off. “Come on, let’s go save our friends and our city!” She declared as five flyers then flew around while focusing their magic to take out the clouds. “I always wanted to know how a Wonderbolt feels! And now I do and it’s amazing!” Sunset called out with a smirk as she took out a couple of clouds with a few kicks. “I’m starting to see why Rainbow Dash was so determined to become one!” Twilight added with a smile, still finding it amazing that she is acting like a Wonderbolt. “I gotta admit, I was a little nervous this wouldn't work for me, But I guess I have plenty of Pegasus Magic after all!” Sunny called with a smile as she flew around. “You’re not the only one who was worried.” Pipp said as she gracefully flew around. “I’m not exactly a high-speed flier like my sister. I think I’m mostly bursting these clouds with vibe.” “No, that’s pure Pegasus Magic, Pipp! Alicorns also have that ability! They can control the weather if they want to!” Sunset added with a smile. “We just don’t use it when the other Pegasi were doing that job!” Twilight added as she took out another cloud. “I can see that!” Sunny added with a smile. “Yeah, that’s true.” Pipp said with a smile. “I think we’re going to do this!” Zipp called as she took out another cloud. “The storm is calm enough now, they should be able to--” She was cut off when lightning struck, which shocked the five mares as they looked in horror as a lightning bolt hit the zeppelin. At the controls, Hitch held the wheel as it broke while he was covered in soot while his mane was sticking out. “Uh-oh.” Hitch muttered. “That’s not good.” Cloud said while seeing the power going out. Misty was in the engine room as she saw the engine breaking apart. “The engine is gone! We’re going down!” She exclaimed. The five mares outside heard it. “There’s no engine to keep that ship in flight! It’s gonna crash into the city!” Twilight exclaimed. “No! Save them! Stop them!” Zipp yelled out. “You heard her, ponies! Let’s go!” Sunset yelled out as the five mares flew down to the zeppelin while Zipp was a bit behind as they saw how close they are to the town. “I’m never gonna make it!” ZIpp exclaimed in worry. Pipp then went up to the right side wing of the zeppelin. “I’ve got this side. Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, can either of you--” She tried to say. “I got the top front!” Sunset called out as she got to the tip point of the balloon. “I got the top back!” Twilight yelled while at the rear end of the balloon. “I’m here!” Sunny yelled as she was at the left side of the balloon wing. “Maybe if we fly up…” She called as they tried to lift the zeppelin up. “It’s too heavy!” “There’s not enough of us!” Sunset yelled out. “And we’re going too fast!” Twilight added. “Zipp is too far away! She can’t get here in time!” Pipp exclaimed. Zipp flew as fast as she could as she was getting closer to the lower end of the zeppelin but was still pretty far. “I have to go faster! I have to go faster! Everypony’s depending on me!” She called with a serious and determined look as she then glowed, going into her Rainbow Form as she then pulled off a Sonic Rainboom with a yell to the zeppelin. With the other four mares holding the zeppelin, they yelped when they felt the zeppelin being straightened out. “Whoa, we straightened out! How did that--” Pipp tried to ask. “We still have to slow it down!” Zipp called out as her friends looked down and saw Zipp at the bottom of the zeppelin. “Push up and back as much as you can, but get away before it hits the ground!” She called. “Zipp, we’re getting close! You have to get out from under there!” Pipp exclaimed. “Even you can’t handle that impact!” Sunset yelled out. “Just need to slow it down a little more!” Zipp grunted as she held the zeppelin back with all her straight before she skidded on the ground once got close enough before she was flung out as the zeppelin landed, but Zipp skidded across the ground as her Rainbow Form faded as she stopped as everything went black for her. “Get me more pillows! I want her to have the finest pillows in the kingdom! I don’t care if she has 25 pillows already, my baby deserves more!” A voice called out as Zipp groaned as she started to come too before she saw her mother’s face. “Mom?” Zipp groaned, which got Haven’s attention. “My baby! My darling! Zephyrina, how are you feeling?” Haven asked in concern for her daughter. “I’m fine. How did you get here?” Zipp asked, while seeing she was in the medical room of the castle while her head is bandaged up while in a hospital clothing. “You’ve been out for a week, dear. I came back as soon as I heard about the storm.” Haven answered, which made Zipp look in shock. “A week?!” Zipp exclaimed as she hastily got out of the hospitable bed. “The zeppelin! The storm! Is Pipp okay?! What about Sunny, Sunset, Twilight, and the others?!” She cried out before Haven quickly picked up Zipp over her head. “Your friends are fine. In fact, other than a few snowball bruises, everybody in the kingdom is fine.” Haven said to her daughter with a firm look. “You literally put this whole kingdom on your back, my dear. That wasn’t very safe, even in your Rainbow Form.” She explained before tossing her daughter back in bed. “I just did what I knew you would do mom. Just, you know, faster.” Zipp said with frown as Queen Haven gave a smile as she continued. “Your sister, Sunny, Sunset, and Twilight went looking for a way to keep the cloud city in place. Which, thanks to Twilight, they know how thanks to her knowledge of it inside and out.” Haven spoke up to her daughter while at Cloudsdale, Pipp, Sunset, Sunny, and Twilight were there while they were working on the controls to keep Cloudsdale in place so it wouldn’t go anywhere. “They even planned on getting it back on the map and repopulating it, while also planning on making some restriction areas like that Weather Factory so that no one would mess with it until they figure things out. Sunny then pulled a lever that says ‘Emergency Cloudsdale Air to Ground Anchor’ while Sunset, Twilight, and Pipp were at the controls after moving Cloudsdale as an anchor fell from Cloudsdale and kept it secure. “I’m glad I insisted they fly it away from town first because… well, you’ll see.” Haven said as the anchor hit the ground while a bunny close to it flinched. ‘Well, there goes the neighborhood.’ The bunny thought to itself. At Zephyr Heights, Misty was with a construction working team to help make repairs of the zeppelin, knowing it will come in handy in the future. “Your other friends have been working on that big balloon ship of yours. It’s very impressive, but it’s causing a lot of traffic jams right now.” Haven stated. Around Zephyr Heights, the ponies are enjoying their time in the sun after the storm subsided and the snow melted away. “The snow and ice melted after a couple of days. Because of you, everypony in Zephyr Heights has been able to get back to normal.” Haven finished. “Back to normal, eh?” Zipp asked her mother. “Well, as normal as anything ever is these days.” Haven said with a shrug, knowing something interesting or surprising always happens around Equestria while Zipp gave a thought. “Excuse me, Mom, I gotta go check on one thing.” Zipp said to her mother. Later on, Pipp, Sunset, and Twilight were looking around Cloudsdale after hearing that Zipp was gone as they searched the Wonderbolts’ Hall of Fame. “Zipp?! Are you here?!” Pipp called out. “Come on out, Zipp!” Twilight called next. “We know you’re here!” Sunset finished. “How’d you three find me?” Zipp asked while in the other room. “Mom said you came up here. She’s worried about you, ya know.” Pipp said as they walk up to Zipp. “She doesn’t have to be.” Zipp assured them with a smile as they noticed that Zipp was in front of the history section of Rainbow Dash. “We see that Rainbow Dash has caught your eyes.” Twilight said with a smile at seeing a statue of her old friend. “Yeah, she just sorta, came to me.” Zipp said with a shrug. “Rainbow usually does.” Sunset said with a chuckle. “Zipp, you just slept for a week after crash-landing with a whole city full of ponies on your back.” Pipp said to her. “And that’s not even mentioning that you flew so fast, you made the Sonic Rainboom appear again while in your rainbow form.” “Yeah, Zipp. I think you need to get some rest after that little adventure.” Sunset said to her. “Even royalties know their limits when to step down and recover.” Twilight added, knowing from experience. “Trust me.” “I know. I also remember that you two told me that Rainbow Dash once tried it.” Zipp said while gesturing to the history board. “You think she and I could be related?” “Well, one thing for sure, you do have her attitude and love for flight.” Twilight said. “And the Sonic Rainboom is another.” “Which also got me to wonder, Pipp, do you know the family tree?” Sunset asked. “Well, I’ve never seen the family tree go down that far for generations. And the Sonic Rainboom was pretty scary at times.” Pipp said in concern. “I’m worried about you, too, ya know? You should rest.” She said to her sister. “I will. I just…” Zipp then gestured to the hologram buttons of Rainbow Dash’s history. “This place has the answer I’ve been looking for for years. And I found one message I could get to. But I think I got it now!” She then pressed a button. The hologram screen then showed Rainbow Dash, a bit older as Twilight remembered when she used to rule Equestria as Rainbow gave a slight sad look. “I don’t know why I’m doing this. This is silly, it’s just… this place… the Wonderbolts… this was my whole life for years.” Rainbow Dash said with a frown, which Twilight and Sunset rarely see this side of her before. “These days I spend more time at Sweet Apple Acres than here, but this still hurts. Twilight is sealing all the magic today. Which means I’m gonna lose my flight and… I don’t know how I can live with that.” She continued as the sun began to set as tears began to fall. “It’s not just magic for me. It’s freedom, it’s who I am. It’s my home here in Cloudsdale. It’s my life as a Wonderbolt. What does it mean to be a Pegasus if your wings don't work.” Rainbow continued tearfully. Twilight gave a sad look from hearing this. “Rainbow.” She muttered with slight tears coming out, feeling guilty for coming up with that decision to seal magic into the crystals to keep Equestria safe, since she never realizes how her friends would feel about it like how Rainbow felt when she couldn’t fly anymore. “We don’t know what will happen to Cloudsdale when the magic goes away, but I do know that someday the magic will be back.” Rainbow continued while trying to keep herself together. “So I’m recording this message for the next Pegasi who can fly. The next Pegasi who can find this city. This museum.” Rainbow then faced forward. “It’s your turn now. Bring back the Wonderbolts. You don’t have to call them that. But what we did was important. The world needs us. Whoever you are. It’s your turn to be awesome, okay?” She asked as the four mares looked moved by Rainbow’s words. “Okay, I think I can handle that.” Zipp said with an encouraging smile and a wink. “And Twilight, if you're watching this right now, since I know you might still be around trying to keep Equestria going, since you know, Alicorn and all.” Rainbow said, which surprised them as they listened carefully while Twilight was the most careful. “I understand why you have to do it, for the sake of Equestria, and the magic. That is why me and the others never really argue with you, because you always find a way to make things better, even at the worst or impossible times, even if you plan your plans in a triplet.” She joked with a soft chuckle, which the four mares shared. “Well, she’s not wrong there.” Sunset joked as Twilight just smiled as they continued. “And, while things might not be the same, I know, and the others do as well, that things will work out like they always do. Because you are Twilight Sparkles, Princess of Friendship, Element of Magic, you always planned things well.” Rainbow added as she continued. “And I just wanted to sat, I’m sorry I can’t be there for you anymore, but I hope that some other, though probably not as awesome as me…” She bragged a bit, which caused them to share a small laugh with her. “...Pegasus that is leaving you hanging. And know that no matter how many moons you go to, just remember, I, as well as our friends will always be with you.” She said with a warm smile. Twilight kept watching with Sunset, Zipp, and Pipp behind her as they felt touched by Rainbow’s words to Twilight. “And always remember, that no matter what changes, Equestria will always be the place we knew. And be sure to relay this history and teachings to the new generation.” Rainbow started before she gave a sigh and gave a brave look. “This is the last recording of Rainbow Dash, leader of the Wonderbolts, Element of Loyalty, a member of the Guardian of Harmony, a member Council of Friendship, bestest friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle. I was there to help my friends when they were having trouble, even when things got tough, and I will cherish those memories I have with them, I have no regrets. And remember, friendship is magic, always.” She finished as the message finished. Soon, the four mares stood there as they had some tears falling from their eyes from that touching message, while Twilight was the hardest as she whimpered as her wings fell as she tried to be strong, but failed. “Rainbow…” She weeped sadly as Sunset, Zipp, and Pipp gave her a comforting hug as she cried out her emotions as they stood that way for a moment until they calmed down and separated. “That was so touching of your friend, Twilight.” Pipp said while wiping her eyes a bit. Zipp wiped a single tear from her eyes as she tried to act tough. “Yeah, it was, great.” She managed to say. “That was the most emotional speech Rainbow has ever given.” Sunset sniffled as she wiped her nose. “She felt sad that I had to seal the magic away.” Twilight sobbed a bit as she wiped her eyes with her wings. “I-I-I wouldn’t have done it if I had known how my friends felt about that idea. I-I s-should’ve discussed it more with them instead of taking away the very thing that made them who they are.” She whimpered. “Don’t even think about blaming yourself, Twilight.” Sunset said with a calm look. “You did what you thought was best for Equestria after what Opaline did. This is not on you.” “Yeah, Opaline forced your hooves. You were only trying to keep Equestria safe.” Pipp added with a comforting smile. “And what did my friends feel about it?” Twilight asked with a guilty look. “I could’ve found another way. I should’ve prevented that from happening!” She cried out as she lowered her head in shame. Zipp then walked forward and placed a hoof on Twilight’s chin. “Twilight, Rainbow Dash and possibly the rest of your friends knew the risk you made when you sealed magic into the crystals. And they didn’t stop you from trying, did they?” She asked as Twilight gave a thought. “N-No?” Twilight answered. “Exactly.” Zipp said with a smile. “While it was a risky move and a sacrifice to make, they knew that it would turn out okay, and it did. I mean look around, magic is back, ponykind is united, and we even brought back two ancient cities of your and Sunset’s time.” She added. “Yeah, the Crystal Empire, and now Cloudsdale.” Sunset said while gesturing around. “This is a sign of good deeds from that choice you made, Twi.” “Yeah, I mean, if there was another alternative, Opaline would’ve gone her way.” Pipp added with a smile. “And this, this is better.” “So don’t ever think of it as a bad thing. Think of it as a miracle that you manage to help keep our homes safe and even leave behind its legacy to carry on, for the most part at first.” Zipp said with a smirk. “And we can still keep Rainbow’s and the rest of the girls’ memories alive, if we help carry on those times we had with them, and help keep their history alive.” Sunset said with an encouraging smile. “For them, for all of Equestria, wouldn’t you agree?” Twilight looked at them for a moment, feeling a bit better for what they just said to her as she gave a smile as she brought them in a warm hug, which they returned. “You ponies sure know to keep me going with joy.” She said with a smile as they separated the hug. “Well, we have our moments.” Pipp bragged with a smirk. “So, what do we do now?” Zipp wondered with a smirk. “Like Rainbow said, we help carry on the old Pegasi tradition and rebuild what was lost.” Sunset said while gesturing to the museum of the Wonderbolts. “It will take some time, but I know we will pull it off.” “I agree. Rainbow would want that.” Twilight said with a determined smile. “Then let’s get started.” Zipp declared with a smirk as Pipp nodded as the four mares walked off, ready to help get Cloudsdale back on track and honor Rainbow’s last wish to carry on the ancient Pegasi ways. The End. Author's Note The ending was a bit of an added heartfelt touch since you know, Rainbow and Twilight were friends