Hope for the Holidays Part 5

Princess Twilight Sparkle led Pipp Petals, Zipp Storm, Misty Brightdawn, Queen Haven, and Yukon Cornelius through the labyrinth underneath New Ponyville. Next to the alicorn was Abigail Albright.

“So Princess,” Pipp Petals said. “What’s great about this anti-earthquake system that Wanda developed?”

“Well she only supervised the whole thing,” Twilight said. “And she was only one individual who helped put the whole system together. It took a lot of us to do just that.”

“I know,” Misty said. “I was there when it happened.”

“But enough of all that talk,” Queen Haven said. “Where is this system?”

“Your majesty,” Twilight Sparkle responded. “Just follow me through these doors.”

As Twilight Sparkle led the rest of the group through the doors, they looked up at their surroundings. Numerous pillars were placed in specific spots on the ground floor. In between the top of the pillars and the ceiling were a number of metallic pendulums attached to both ends. Next to the concrete pillars was a metallic floor that shined in the dark room.

“What are they?” Zipp Storm asked.

“These are the seismic base isolation pillars,” Twilight Sparkle explained. “These specialized isolators attached to the pillars would absorb the ground moving should the land shift left and right. And while the pillars are made of concrete, they’re reinforced with Canterlotian steel and buried hundreds of feet underground.”

“And what if the land goes up and down?” Pipp Petals asked.

“Good question,” Twilight said as she pointed to another set of isolators. “Those were designed to absorb earthquakes by utilizing rubber and steel discs to absorb the shocks from that kind of movement.”

“Which does remind me,” Yukon Cornelius said, pointing to the floor below. “What do you think of this little beauty?”

“A metal floor?” Queen Haven said. “What’s the purpose?”

“Oh that?” Twilight said. “That’s to help block any rock from breaking through the floor and messing up the system. Neat, huh?”

“I’ll say,” Zipp said, looking down at the floor. “It does look shiny as well.”

But when Abigail turned her head to her left, her eyes popped out a bit before she rubbed Twilight’s arm.

“Abigail,” Twilight said “Something up?”

“There is,” Abigail said, pointing to her right. “Who would leave camping supplies and food in this underground system?”

Heeding Abigail’s words, Twilight Sparkle ran to her left, spotting the items that the kitty cat described.

“That’s strange,” Twilight Sparkle said. “I don’t recall homeless ponies camping out here.”

“Either that or you-know-who is making her home here,” Misty said.

Misty’s words were enough to cause Twilight Sparkle to pause for a moment.

“Misty,” Twilight said. “I think you might be right. By any chance, did you run into Suri Polomare and her stooges?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Misty said, turning her head away.

“Those creeps were giving Misty a hard time, trying to break an ornament that belonged to her,” Zipp said. “Thanks to Sunny’s intervention, we were able to shoo them off.”

Twilight Sparkle let out a sigh before she picked up what appeared to be a sleeping bag.

“Those three have been giving us a hard time since we were forced to lift their ban from New Ponyville,” Twilight Sparkle said. “We’ve tried everything to punish them. Jail, community service, you name it. Nothing worked.”

“I heard about that and I was amongst the few who voted against lifting the ban,” Queen Haven said. “Your mentor, Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna followed suit as well.”

“Santa Claus was also one who opposed lifting the ban,” Yukon Cornelius said. “He said something about those three being on the permanent naughty list.”

But to see so many nations across the Earth vote in favor of undoing New Ponyville’s ban just frustrated all of us,” Queen Haven said. “In fact, they forced you to keep them confined in your city.”

“I know,” Twilight Sparkle said. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if those goons were going to pull a fast one as I speak.”

“That is what I’m afraid of,” Misty said.

But outside of the castle, deep within the town of New Ponyville, Posey Bloom was pruning some poinsettias in her booth with a small set of shears. She took a good smell at them before breathing out a small hint of confidence in her voice. But her moment of peace came to an end when she heard the sound of hooves running behind her.

“Oh no,” Posey Bloom said. “Not now.”

Speeding down past her was Pinkie Pie, who shouted “Good afternoon, Ms Bloom.” Posey Bloom quickly ran under the booth as the pink pony sped past her.

“YOU CRAZY MANIAC!” Posey Bloom shouted as she waved her hoof in frustration. “WATCH WHERE YOU’RE RUNNING!”

“AFTERNOON TO YOU TOO, POSEY!” Izzy Moonbow ran past the booth in a hurry, causing Posey to hold onto the booth’s leg in a panic.

“AND THAT GOES DOUBLE TO YOU TOO, IZZY MOONBOW!” Posey yelled as she shook her hoof again.

Posey Bloom slowly pulled herself out from under the poinsettia booth and stared down at where Pinkie Pie and Izzy Moonbow ran down. She turned to the flowers with the shears in her hoof and reached down to one of the plants.

“At least I don’t have anything else to worry about besides those two,” Posey Bloom said in a huff.

Suddenly, the far end of the booth tipped into the air before falling towards Posey Bloom. The earth pony with pink hair and a yellow mane screamed loudly before the whole stand fell right on top of her, spreading the poinsettias atop her and onto the ground. Posey Bloom was steaming mad as she struggled to get the booth and flowers off of her.

“WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD PULL A STUNT LIKE THIS?” Posey Bloom yelled.

As Posey Bloom pushed the wooden booth off of her, she looked up to see Suri Polomare, Ace and Blue Monsoon grabbing each and every poinsettia from the ground before placing it in a bag.

“You’ll thank us later for the stunt we’re going to pull, Pouty Bloom,” Suri Polomare laughed.

Posey Bloom swung her right hoof at Suri Polomare, only for the smug earth pony to dodge the punch. She laughed as she grabbed the last poinsettia and ran off with Ace and Blue Monsoon following from behind.

“COME BACK HERE YOU BIG MEANIE!” Posey Bloom yelled. “YOU’RE GOING TO PAY FOR THAT!”

Posey Bloom yelled really loud in the air before smashing her head on the booth, smashing part of it into pieces. She threw herself on the ground before crying in silence. But nearby, Starlight Glimmer stood there, horrified by what happened.

“I don’t believe what they just did,” Starlight Glimmer said. “A waste of all those poinsettias. And to think they had their ban reversed because of that horrible stunt they pulled months ago. Some ponies don’t respect the hard work we put into the holidays.”

Starlight Glimmer ran up to the sobbing Posey Bloom before holding her hoof out. Posey slowly looked up at Starlight’s heart-warming smile and held-out hoof.

“Allow me to help you out,” Starlight said.

Posey Bloom slowly placed her hoof on Starlight’s before slowly getting up.

“T…Thank you,” Posey cried before she dove her head into Starlight’s chest and cried.

“It’s okay,” Starlight said, stroking Posey Bloom on the head. “I don’t want anyone to be sad on Christmas.”

But in another part of town inside a dentist office, Applejack emerged from the back door of the lobby alongside Hermey the Elf.

“I can’t say I enjoy these check ups, as I’m not fond of having my mouth cleaned out,” Applejack said. “But you did a great job today, Hermey. Minuette will appreciate you taking over while she’s on vacation.”

“It is my specialty, Applejack,” Hermey said. “Besides, it was also Santa’s insistence for me to take over this job temporarily just because of what your friends have done to help him out.”

“Oh you don’t need to thank me,” Applejack said. “Besides, we were just setting up our trees at the beginning of the year.”

“Oh that’s right,” Hermey said. “You, Apple Bloom, Big Macintosh and Granny Smith. And you’ve been providing New Ponyville with plenty of apples to go around.”

“Well it was time for us to move on from Canterlot,” Applejack said. “Big Mac wanted some place a bit more down to earth. And New Ponyville was just the place.”

Suddenly, the front door opened in a hurry as Sunset Shimmer entered the office.

“Sunset,” Hermey said. “You’re early for your appointment.”

“I know,” Sunset said. “But first things first.”

Sunset Shimmer walked up to Applejack, who was quick to notice a look in the alicorn mare’s eyes.

“Sunset, you look as giddy as a pair of gophers in a carrot patch,” Applejack said. “Is there some kind of surprise going on?”

“Sunny Starscout and her friends have met a filly who hailed from Centauria,” Sunset said.

“Centauria?” Applejack said.

“Yes,” Sunny said. “And we want to invite her brothers down for a celebration. We need as many apple products as possible, and we know you’re the pony for the job.”

“Of course I am, sugarcube,” Applejack said as she pulled out some coins. “Soon as I take care of my bill, I’m on it.”

“But Applejack,” Hermey said. “I don’t need all that cash.”

“Well consider this an appreciation gift,” Applejack said, placing the coins in Hermey’s hand.

As Applejack ran out the front door in a hurry, Sunset Shimmer turned to Hermey with a smile on her face.

“Ever have one of those days?” Sunset asked.

“Oh you have no idea,” Hermey laughed. “You ponies are some of the kindest folks I’ve met. Well except for that Suri jerk. Makes my former boss look far nicer.”

“Anyway,” Sunset said. “Since I’m here, think you can get me checked out right away?”

“Since I don’t have any other patients at the moment, why not?” Hermey said. “Come along and I’ll get your teeth checked out.”

Sunset nodded as she followed Hermey through the back doorway and into one of the rooms with a dentist chair ready for the alicorn to sit down on.

Meanwhile, at another part of town inside a boutique, Golden Lace stood on top of a platform as one by one, socks slipped onto her arms and legs. Nearby, Rarity used her magic to move the socks while Minty was drawing out some designs on a sketchbook.

“I wonder where Starlight is right now,” Minty said. “I’m worried about her.”

“Oh don’t you worry,” Rarity said. “It’s not like she’ll break the Christmas tree by accident with a big sneeze.”

But when Minty stared right into Rarity, the white unicorn grinned embarrassingly.

“Oh, right,” Rarity said. “That was last year. Sorry, dear”

As soon as Rarity fitted the socks on Golden Lace’s arms, both ponies heard the sound of the door being knocked.

“Hey Rarity,” Golden Lace said. “I wonder who would be knocking at the door at this moment?”

“Must be Pinkie Pie,” Rarity said as she made her way to the front door. “I wonder why she’s here at the moment.”

But as Rarity opened the door, she looked outside to see Pinkie Pie and Izzy Moonbow stand there with smiles on their face.s

“Pinkie, Izzy,” Rarity said. “I honestly expected you two to be bouncing around like something exciting was going to happen.”

“Oh, but something is,” Pinkie Pie said with a calm look on her face. “We made a new filly friend who happens to be a sister to centaurs.”

“Centaurs?” Rarity said. “Are you talking about the centaurs of Centauria?”

“Well, where Centauria used to be,” Izzy Moonbow explained. “We learned that there was a major earthquake in Centauria, and only a few were able to escape.”

“That’s horrible!” Golden Lace overheard everything Izzy Moonbow said before she and Minty ran to the front door and stood next to Rarity. “Is there anything we can do about it?”

“Well, we’re thinking about throwing a party for the survivors of Centauria to make them feel welcomed in New Ponyville,” Pinkie Pie said. “And I was wondering if any of you would be willing to pitch in.”

“Are you kidding me?” Golden Lace said. “I always wanted to meet a centaur in person, as I heard legends of their power. Please invite me in.”

“Oh Lacey,” Pinkie giggled. “You’re always welcome to join us for the party.”

“Alright,” Golden Lace said, cheering loudly. “I get to meet a centaur in person.”

“Well what Lace wishes to do, I’ll do it as well,” Rarity laughed. “After all, it would a challenge to design clothes for a centaur, and a challenge has been accepted.”

“Me too,” Minty said. “I wonder what size socks centaurs like to wear.”

“Well that’s a good question,” Izzy said as she put her hoof to her mouth. “But first, we still have to find Rainbow Dash and…”

Suddenly, a loud boom startled Izzy Moonbow, causing her to scream in horror. She jumped onto Pinkie Pie, shaking nervously.

“It’s the earthquake,” Izzy shook. “The whole town is going to go down.”

“Oh that was no earthquake, Izzy,” Pinkie laughed. “It was just Rainbow Dash leading her Wonderbolts.”

Izzy barely turned her head to the outside, where she saw Rainbow Dash, Thistle Whistle and Starcatcher decked out in Wonderbolt uniforms, all posing as if they made a three point landing.

“How’d we do, Rainbow?” Star Catcher asked.

“Ten seconds flat,” Rainbow Dash said. “And I do mean it.”

Rainbow Dash flicked his mane as fast as possible before turning towards Pinkie Pie and Izzy Moonbow, all while noticing Rarity, Golden Lace and Minty nearby.

“Looks like we got ourselves a small audience for today,” Rainbow Dash said. “What’s the pleasure?”

Before Pinkie Pie could answer, Golden Lace ran up to Rainbow Dash in a hurry.

“I was told the princesses are going to host a set of survivors from Centauria,” Golden Lace said, excited.

“Centauria?” Thistle Whistle said. “Is that the place where the centaurs reside?”

“Was the place,” Pinkie Pie said as Izzy Moonbow got down from her arms. “Recently, there was an earthquake that brought that place down like it did to Zephyr Heights.”

“Are you kidding me?” Rainbow Dash complained. “First Zephyr Heights and now this…Centauria? What is this world coming to when our homes are wrecked by these unnatural tremors going on?”

“So I was wondering if you are able to pitch in for the party?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Of course I am,” Rainbow Dash said. “Anyone who’s a victim of an earthquake deserves to be welcomed with open arms.”

Rainbow Dash turned towards Thistle Whistle and Star Catcher, who quickly saluted the leader of the Wonderbolts.

“Okay you two,” Rainbow Dash said. “Call on the other Wonderbolts of New Ponyville. Tell them we have a party to plan, this instant!”

“ROGER THAT, CAPTAIN!” Thistle Whistle and Star Catcher saluted.

In an instant, Rainbow Dash took off into the stratosphere with Thistle Whistle and Star Catcher following from behind, leaving Minty, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Izzy Moonbow and Golden Lace behind.

“You didn’t tell them that one of the survivors is a pegasi filly who was raised by the centaur,” Izzy asked.

“Oops,” Pinkie blushed. “Silly me.”

“That’s okay,” Minty said. “When Rainbow Dash sees them, she’ll understand why.”

“Though I wonder why a pegasi filly wound up as a citizen of Centauria,” Rarity asked. “Makes me question her biological mother’s reason.”

“That, I’ll have to agree on,” Minty responded.

But in another part of town, Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer were helping Fluttershy scrub down Harry the bear, who was enjoying a bubble bath in a giant wooden tub.

“Now isn’t that the sweetest thing you’ve gotten today?” Fluttershy asked.

Harry responded with a confident growl, just as the bubbles formed on his back.

“What is it that big guy rolled in?” Sunburst asked. “A mud patch?”

“Oh not really,” Moondancer said. “Some pony had the audacity to dump a bucket of chocolate on Harry when no one was looking. Three guesses who it is and the first two don’t count.”

“I mean, that’s not nice,” Danged Spell said. “Not only did that drive this beast crazy, but that was also a great waste of food. You could say that this was…un-bear-able. Get it?”

“Uggh, Danged Spell,” Moondancer groaned. “Why’d you have to ruin the moment?”

“Oh come on,” Danged Spell laughed. “I just wanted to lighten the mood.”

“Well I thought it was a funny pun,” Fluttershy laughed as she pulled a towel out. “In fact, I think we should paws for a good laugh.”

“Paws,” Danged Spell laughed. “That’s a good one, Shyster.”

But as Danged Spell and Fluttershy laughed, Sunburst and Moondancer turned towards each other.

“I’m beginning to think Fluttershy’s adapting Danged Spell’s humor,” Sunburst said.

“Well as long as it helps Fluttershy branch out a bit, I don’t see much wrong with it,” Moondancer said. “Though I don’t mind groaning at Danged Spell’s puns. Besides, I can take the pun-ishment.”

As Sunburst placed his hoof on his face before turning away, his ears picked up the sound of a familiar voice.

“Is that Hitch Trailblazer?” Sunburst asked as Harry the bear got out of the tub.

“That is him,” Fluttershy said as she began to dry off Harry with a towel.

Immediately, Hitch Trailblazer ran up from behind Moondancer, catching everyone’s attention.

“Hitch,” Fluttershy said. “Something up? And where’s Sparky Sparkaroni?”

“Sparky is with Sunny, Spike and Princess Wanda,” Hitch said. “But that’s not the only news I have, guys. You’re not going to believe what the princesses are planning.”

“Princess Sunset Shimmer finally decided to host a Power Rangers marathon?” Danged Spell asked.

“No, not that,” Hitch said. “Even better. She’s going to plan a party for some survivors of Centauria.”

“Survivors?” Danged Spell said. “What happened to them, Hitch?”

“Word has it that an earthquake occurred in Centauria, much like what happened at Zephyr Heights,” Hitch explained. “Only a few individuals escaped, which includes a pegasi filly that had been residing there.”

“A pegasi filly?” Sunburst said, placing his scrubbing brush down as he was confused by Hitch’s words. “That doesn’t make any sense, whatsoever. What would a pegasi filly be doing living in Centauria?”

“She was adopted by their king and queen,” Hitch explained. “Now, she’s an orphan once more.”

“Poor kid,” Moondancer said, placing her scrubbing brush down while Fluttershy dried off Harry. “To be taken into a kingdom by a different species, only to lose them because of this…earthquake. What is this world coming to?”

“No kidding,” Danged Spell said, turning his head to Hitch. “Tell me what we need to do about this party.”

“But Spell,” Fluttershy said. “What about all the animals of the zoo?”

Before Danged Spell could react, Harry picked up Fluttershy and whispered something in her ear.

“You want to do that?” Fluttershy responded, getting nothing but Harry nodding to her.

“What did he say?” Hitch asked..

“Harry said he wants to have his animal friends pitch in for throwing a party for the guests,” Fluttershy said. “But I’m not so sure about…”

But the only thing Harry did was cover Fluttershy’s mouth before whispering in her ear again. As soon as he pulled his muzzle from Fluttershy’s ear, Harry removed his paw from Fluttershy’s mouth.

“Oh alright,” Fluttershy said. “Let’s gather who we can and meet them downtown where our guests will be.”

As Harry sat Fluttershy back on the ground, Hitch walked over to the yellow pegasi and took off his sheriff hat.

“Must be that complicated to be the head pony of the New Ponyville Zoo,” Hitch asked.

“Not at all,” Fluttershy responded. “I’m just concerned about the animals’ well-being.”

“Well,” Hitch said. “We’ll see if they are a big help to us.”

Meanwhile, Cozy Glow flew up the side of the mountain with Spike by her side, carrying Sparky Sparkaroni in his arms. Behind them, Sunny Starscout leaped from cliff to cliff upwards while Wanda ascended up the mountain, climbing with what appeared to be metal tentacle-like arms that emitted out of the back of her dress.

“How long until we make it up the mountain, Cozy?” Spike asked, holding Sparky tight.

“It’s not that long,” Cozy Glow shouted. “Only a few more feet until we reach the summit cavern.”

“How is it that we’ve never heard of this place before?” Wanda asked.

“Not sure,” Sunny responded, looking up at Wanda. “And I’m not so sure why you have those things on your back.”

“I’ll explain why when we reach our destination,” Wanda responded with a wink. “Promise.”

“Promise it is, Wanda,” Sunny responded.

Cozy Glow continued to fly upwards in the air while Sparky blew fire into the falling snow, still being carried by Spike the Dragon.

“You doing okay, Sparky?” Spike said.

But Sparky responded with a cheerful giggle, all while continuing to blow dragon fire at the snow.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Spike laughed.

At the top of the mountain, Cozy Glow landed on the snow with Spike landing next to her, releasing his grip on Sparky Sparkaroni. The smaller dragon baby ran around the snow before landing on his back and proceeded to fan out his arms and legs back and forth.

“You really like that baby dragon,” Cozy Glow asked.

“He may be Hitch's son,” Spike said. “But I see him as a surrogate brother. Mainly because he's the only other dragon of New Ponyville.”

As Sparkly picked himself up, Sunny Starscout reached the top of the summit and landed next to Spike and Cozy Glow. Behind them, Wanda Young made her way up to them, climbing to the top with her mechanical tentacle arms.

“Wanda,” Cozy Glow said, a bit horrified by the size of the arms. “How….exactly…..did you make those?”

“An advancement in my nanotech,” Wanda said as the arms lowered her to the ground. “You like?”

“Don't you have something that's less…..scary?” Cozy Glow asked.

“Actually, I do,” Wanda said. “Get a load of this.”

Wanda tapped the ring on her right ring finger. Her mechanical arms glowed brightly before they slowly transformed into a pair of large insect wings. Once the transformation was complete, Wanda jumped upwards before she flapped her new wings to keep herself airborne.

“Amazing,” Cozy Glow said.

“I'll say,” Sunny said. “For an individual who has no magic, you sure know how to get around that.”

“I know,” Wanda said. “It was my fascination in magic that taught me how to create nanotech.”

Suddenly, everyone paused when they heard someone in the cave yell out. “COZY GLOW. WHO ARE THE GUESTS THAT YOU BROUGHT WITH YOU?”

“Who…..who is that?” Sunny Starscout said, cowering in fear.

“Oh that’s my older brother Tirek,” Cozy Glow responded. “He and Amadeus must be back from a hunt.”

“A hunt?” Wanda asked. “I take it they eat meat like you do.”

“Oh golly yes” Cozy Glow said. “Won't you come in?”

Wanda and Sunny took a deep breath before facing the little pegasi filly.

“Okay,” Wanda said. “We'll do it. But we may be a bit disgusted by any meat they'll eat.”

“Fair enough,” Cozy Glow said. “Follow me.”

Cozy Glow led Wanda, Sunny, Spike and Sparky down the path into the cavern. Sparkly looked around for a moment before hiding behind Spike.

“You okay, Sparky?” Spike asked.

But all Sparky Sparkaroni could do was cry in fear.

“Oh I know what that's like,” Spike said before he turned around and held Sparky close. “As long as I have you by my side, I won't let you go. Promise.”

Sparky Sparkaroni looked up at Spike as the slightly older purple dragon picked him up and carried him behind Sunny, Cozy Glow and Wanda.

But deeper within the cave, a gigantic haunch of meat was spinning on a makeshift spit over an open flame. Next to it sat Tirek and Amadeus, who were eating smaller pieces of meat, while Tirek slowly span the spit.

“Well at least that takes care of the food,” Amadeus said. “And what a delicious meal.”

“Yeah,” Tirek said. “Almost like the meal we had before the earthquake.”

But as the duo relaxed from their food, Amadeus turned his attention to the back of the cave behind Tirek.

“You alright, Scorpan?” Tirek asked.

“No,” Amadeus said. “I miss mom and dad.”

“I know how you feel,” Tirek said, patting Amadeus on the head. “They were the best people we've ever known, alongside our little sister.”

“But I can't believe they're gone like that,” Amadeus said with a finger snap. “One moment, they're there with the rest of the Centaur, the next moment they're all gone because of that stupid earthquake.”

“That I agree with,” Tirek said. “But we have to be strong for their sake.”

“Even more so, I don't know about trusting the ponies of New Ponyville,” Amadeus said. “I mean, we can trust Cozy Glow. But I don't know about those other guests that you had to yell about. What if they're hostile?”

“Hostile?” Tirek laughed. “Hah. What could those ponies do to threaten us?”

“I’m just concerned,” Amadeus said. “A bit on edge ever since the earthquake.”

“Maybe you should ask them yourself,” Tirek said with a smirk on his face, pointing behind Amadeus.

Amadeus got up on his two legs and turned his body around, where he saw Cozy Glow standing behind him. Right next to the pegasi filly were Sunny Starscout, Spike the Dragon with Sparky Sparkaroni, and Princess Wanda Young.

“I heard you have your concerns with us,” Wanda said. “Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”

But as Amadeus stared at Wanda, his eyes widened slightly and his mouth slowly opened up.

“Y…yes, I mean….no,” Amadeus said in hesitation. “Not at all.”

“Brother?” Cozy Glow said. “Is something wrong with you?”

“Uhh, nothing’s wrong with me,” Amadeus said, blushing embarrassingly. “Nothing at all, sis.”

Sunny stared at Amadeus with an awkward look on her face before turning to Tirek. One look at the meat being cooked on the spit caused her to gag for a bit.

“What’s wrong?” Tirek said. “Not used to seeing meat?”

“Unfortunately….yes,” Sunny Starscout said. “I happen to be a vegetarian.”

“Well that’s a shame,” Tirek said. “I was hoping to meet more ponies who are capable of eating meat. By the way, I am Tirek Highstaff, Prince of Centauria. The human you see is my brother, Amadeus Highstaff, who I also refer to as Scorpan.”

“Nicknamed after the legendary Scorpan the Wise, huh?” Spike said. “Interesting.”

“Nice to meet you,” Wanda said, bowing with a curtsy. “I am Wanda Young, one of the three princesses of New Ponyville. My companions are Sunny Starscout, the apprentice of Princess Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon and Sparky Sparkaroni the Dragon.”

“Uhh, nice to meet you as well,” Amadeus said in an awkward tone.

Wanda looked closely at Amadeus, who slowly turned his head away while his face blushed a bright red.

“Is something wrong with you?” Wanda asked Amadeus. “You look rather odd.”

“Uhh, nothing,” Amadeus said. “Just nothing.”

“You sound a little silly,” Sunny said, walking up to Amadeus. “Are you a bit twitterpated?”

“NO!” Amadeus said. “I AM NOT!”

But in an instant, Amadeus lost his footing and tumbled backwards before slamming his back into the staff with the crystal stuck on top. The staff fell down before landing next to the youngster, startling him a bit and catching Wanda’s attention.

“Say,” Wanda said, walking up to the staff. “I think I’ve seen this before.”

Wanda bent down and picked the staff up from the ground before she held it in her two hands.

“Twilight and Sunburst told me that this was the legendary Staff of Sacanas,” Wanda said, looking down at the staff. “It was said to have been wielded by the late Scorpan the Wise. But what is it doing here?”

“I was told by my father that Scorpan once resided in this cave, long after his great victories alongside Megan Williams against the evils of the world,” Tirek explained. “Grogar, Levan, Hydia, Serpentor and Sentinel Prime to name a few.”

“What an amazing place,” Sunny Starscout said. “I wish we knew about this sooner.”

“That, I agree,” Wanda said. “I just still wonder why we weren’t aware of this place to begin with.”

Suddenly, Wanda felt a tug on her dress. She turned to her right to see Spike look up at her.

“Wanda,” Spike said. “Didn’t you come up here to invite them to our party?”

“Party?” Amadeus said, shaking his head out of his stupor. “What party?”

“Thanks for reminding me, Spike,” Wanda said before turning to Tirek and Amadeus. “We heard about what happened in Centauria, and it looks like you two and your sister Cozy Glow are the only survivors of that incident.”

“That is an understatement,” Tirek said. “The ground pulled everything into the ground. Buildings, citizens, you name it, it took it away. We were the only ones who got out, and we still miss all of them. Especially our mother and father.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Wanda said. “I wish I got to meet King Vorak and his wife Queen Lillian, just like how my adopted mother Princess Celestia got to meet them.”

“Yeah, I know,” Tirek said. “Besides Cozy Glow, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were the only ponies I’ve known, until now.”

“So that leaves us this question,” Wanda said, holding her hand out. “Would you like to join us at New Ponyville and celebrate? I think you’ll like it.”

Tirek paused for a moment before he took a bite out of the meat in his hand. After swallowing, he turned to Wanda and Sunny.

“Might as well,” Tirek said. “If we’re going to be without our family, friends or anyone else, I’m game.”

“Uhh, I’m game as well,” Amadeus said.

Hearing the words from her brothers, Cozy Glow flew up in the air and cheered loudly.

“That’s the bestest best news I have ever heard in my life,” Cozy Glow yelled. “Now we can have new friends so that we won’t be alone.”

But everyone stared at Cozy Glow like she was completely weird. The little filly looked around and slowly fell downwards before she landed her four hooves on the surface.

“Oops,” Cozy Glow laughed. “My bad.”

As Tirek got up, he swallowed the last bit of meat in his paw. Then he turned his attention towards the entrance that Wanda, Sunny, Spike and Sparky came from.

“You’ve got yourself a deal,” Tirek said. “Now, when shall we head towards your village?”

“We can go right now,” Sunny Starscout said. “In fact, I think they’re preparing for the party as I speak.”

“She’s got a point,” Wanda said. “If you hurry, you can make it before sundown.”

Tirek flexed his legs for a mere moment before cracking his neck for a mere moment. He scraped his hoof on the ground before combing his hair with his claws.

“Lead the way,” Tirek said.

To Be Continued

Author's Note

Part 5 stands as my longest part of the fanfic, and for good reason. To re-establish the characters. To prep for what the next couple of parts will bring, and to build up some tension.

Some.

Next part will finally allow Tirek and Amadeus to meet with the ponies of New Ponyville. Stay tuned.