My Brave Pony: Starfleet Magic [The Unauthorized Revision]

MY BRAVE PONY STARFLEET MAGIC: The Unauthorized Revision

EPISODE ONE

(Part one)

Across the vast territory that comprised the kingdom of Unicornicopia were several towns and cities and even a few metropolises, each with their own history and unique culture. What stayed the same was that every populace consisted of all winged unicorns, but spanning different colors of coats and manes and personalities.

Those unicorns too young for work went to school and played all day while the older ponies had taken on the responsibilities of work but still managed to have fun in their free time. The children helped their parents by doing chores and the parents helped their kids to prepare for adulthood by teaching them responsibility and discipline, and all unicorns remained friendly and helpful to everyone else; their family, friends and strangers alike.

Lightning was settling into his new house in White Village, and had just finished unpacking his things, with Krysta's help. Even though Krysta was small, her fairy magic actually allowed her to move things that were hundreds of times her own weight. The miniature pony, with her clear wings fluttering quickly, was able to lift at least five big books without breaking a sweat when her two antennae glowed their characteristic pink, like that of her frilly skirt.

Placing the last item—a dollhouse she and Lightning found in a nearby shop—on the table next to Lightning's bed, the two of them were officially moved in.

"Well, that's all of it." Lightning declared. He watched with a smile as Krysta happily flew into the dollhouse to inspect her home-within-a-home and couldn't help but chuckle at the sound of the fairie's delighted giggles.

As soon as she emerged and landed on her favorite spot atop Lightning's head, the two of them made their way out the front door. As they emerged into the village street, Lightning remembered the conversation he had from his master before they left the palace…

Standing before his master, Lightning resisted the urge to let out a frustrated sigh.

Even if the two of them were in the privacy of the Grand Ruler's study, it wouldn't have been becoming for a mere apprentice to show such disrespect toward his mentor.

"Once you settle into your new home, I want you to venture out and meet some of the populace. Staying here at the palace will no longer do you any good.” The Grand Ruler of Unicornicopia began to say. “In addition to the arrangements made, I have already sent word of your arrival and the local Star Fleet representatives will meet with you.”

“Master...” Lightning looked toward the tri-horned alicorn sitting a few feet away and spoke out in a deferential tone, without fear of repercussion for what normally constituted as speaking out of turn. “...while I have nothing to say about your wish for me to leave the palace...I don't understand how you can just give me a Star Fleet vest when I can't even do basic magic, not to mention summon weapons or perform combat spells! I don't even qualify for basic training, much less graduation. Doesn't my appointment completely disregard the whole reason for Star Fleet's existence?”

As he admitted his worries, Lightning remembered seeing a small grin appear on his master's face, something he only saw on a few rare occasions. “My student...while it is good that you feel so strongly about this that you can confide in me, maybe you could benefit from reading the histories once more, so you can better understand what it is that makes someone worthy of being called a warrior of Star Fleet. Haven't I always taught you to know as much about a situation as you can before making a decision or stating an opinion?”

“I am well versed in the histories and rules of Star Fleet despite never attending the Academy, just as you instructed me to when you first took me as your apprentice...” Lightning quickly responded in a calm manner. As he spoke, the unicorn let his face slip into a frown for a moment before catching his mistake and stilled himself into a neutral look, causing the Grand Ruler to let out a small chuckle.

“So you do.” The Grand Ruler said while nodding his head in approval. After a moment of silence, he spoke again, his voice a more relaxed tone. “Don't be so anxious, Lightning, I'm sure you and the Star Fleet representatives will get along just fine. Good luck my student."

Lightning let out a huff at the memory, disliking how his mentor gave him this assignment without fully explaining its relevance to his training or studies. As he flew, Krysta held on tight to his golden horn while perched upon his head.

Soon enough, they arrived at their destination. The central town at the very center of the kingdom was known as Rainbow City Central; the biggest and busiest city that would be more accurately called a true metropolis. Tall buildings and other large structures that were unheard of in the smaller towns dotted the landscape, housing the various business places and companies responsible for stores, restaurant chains and other sorts of trade.

A sea of unicorns walked along the streets, going about their business, going to work, walking their foals to school. Less denser flocks of unicorns flew about, entering the city limits or heading to other parts of the kingdom.

Krysta and Lightning couldn't stop admiring the nonstop movement, awed by the sights and sounds of so many unicorns gathered together. Beyond being told to go to Rainbow city Central, the two of them were unsure of where they were supposed to meet the representatives. Lightning descended to street level, following the sanctioned flow of traffic designed to limit accidents in order to gain his bearings in this huge city.

After an hour of exploring, they walked along an avenue in a quieter part of the city, where the noise was much less as there weren't so many ponies in the area. Krysta was the first to spot a large garden and excitedly flew closer to admire all the kinds of plants, vegetables, and beautiful flowers that populated it.

"Wow!" exclaimed Lightning as he arrived near a patch of lovely red, blue and yellow flowers.

"Double wow!" added Krysta, fluttering around and sniffing loudly and deeply the many sensational smells the drifted along a soft breeze. "Mmm! Smells like… like…" She started to say while engrossed in the scent of a flower leaning toward her, but then her little nose began to twitch and there soon was an itch. "Ah… Ah… Ah-AH…!"

"Krysta…?" Lightning blinked and stood up from poking at a ripe squash to see his fairy friend stretch her head upward in the telltale signs of a- "Krysta, no!" He leaped toward the fairy but before he could lift her away she had already sneezed.

"AH-CHOO!" Betraying her little size, the force of that single sneeze caused the flower that was unfortunate to be in front of her to be knocked back then quickly keel over and even lose all its petals. "Oh...oh no!" cried Krysta in pure dismay. She and Lightning exchanged worried glances between themselves and the victimized flower.

That's when a red unicorn came dashing over.

"Sheesh, again?" The red unicorn groaned as he gently scooped the fallen flower out of the soil and into a pot he floated in from the nearby display.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!” Krysta buzzed about the unicorn and the pathetic-looking stem placed into a pot. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!” She continued to repeat the apology and followed after the red unicorn as he walked over to a table and floated the pot on top of it. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so-” but then Krysta froze mid-air and covered her mouth with her hooves when the unicorn turned his attention toward her.

The fairy pony trembled as the seconds passed when the unicorn finally said “They always keel over when they make someone sneeze.” Krysta stared blankly, still too traumatized to appreciate what he just said. “It's alright, miss. I'm not angry at you! I can fix it, no problem. There's no better gardener than me!"

Lightning was amazed hearing this as he trotted closer. "Did you grow all of this, yourself?" he asked while scooping Krysta into his hoof like the other unicorn did with the plant and placed her onto his head.

The other unicorn watched this in amusement and nodded in reply. "That's right! My name's Buddy Rose, and I'm the caretaker of the community garden. I can handle any flower, tree, weed—anything that grows, actually!"

Despite hearing this, Lightning couldn't help but eye the bald flower stem with embarrassment. “I know Krysta's said it enough times to make your ear fall off, but I'm sure that she's really sorry about your flower, Buddy!”

“Like I already said, friend, it's not a problem at all! Heck, you should see the state of the garden when the colts and fillies pass by after school!” The red unicorn turned toward the stem and floated in a watering can, tipping it just enough for a short shower of water poured out before setting the can back where he found it. Lightning watched in curiosity (and felt Krysta on top of his head lean forward in anticipation as well) as Buddy mumbled something toward the stem and patted it with his hoof.  And sure enough, in no time at all, the flower Krysta had ruined was standing upright again, although still without its petals.

"That's...that's amazing!” Lightning stood on his hind legs for a moment before dropping back onto all four feet. “Aren't you glad, Krysta?” He glanced up at his fairy friend, who was now hanging off his bang as a result of Lightning's sudden movement. Once she began to flutter about, Lightning was turned his attention once more to Buddy. “Did you do that without magic? Wow! Oh, where are my manners? You already know my friend Kyra...”

“How do you do?” The fairy zoomed close and curtsied much to the red unicorn's enjoyment.

“Pleasure to meet you, lil' miss.”

Happy that there was no ill will, Lightning continued speaking “I'm-"

"-Lightning Dawn? Yeah, I know." Said Buddy, matter-of-factly. "The Grand Ruler told everyone to expect you."

"He...did?" asked Lightning in surprise. 'Maybe the news spread all over so it'd be easier for the Star Fleet representatives to find me?' Before Lightning could confirm that thought, he was interrupted by the other unicorn.

“Oh, darn!” Buddy exclaimed then glanced toward Lightning. "I'm really sorry to impose, but could you do me a big favor?" He asked while giving the white unicorn a small basket of vegetables. “If you do it, we're even-stevens for the flower!”

“Wait, didn't you just say that it was-ugh!" Lightning was interrupted when the basket handle popped into his mouth and once the glow of Buddy's magic dispersed from around it, rested on his lower jaw, preventing him from speaking.

"I got a big order of vegetables I have to deal with and watering to do and such. Could you take that basket to the Rainbow Dish Inn, on 48th street? Please?" Before Lightning could answer, Buddy had already turned and gone off, saying, "It's just a couple of blocks down! Thank you!" Then disappeared around the corner.

"Huh..." Lightning scoffed softly to himself.

The soft flapping of Krysta's wings sounded out as she hovered next to Lightning at his eye level. "Ok… that was weird..."

…

Refusing to keep the basket in his mouth for the entire period of the random errand, Lightning had placed the wicker basket full of vegetables on his back. It proved to be a smart move since they ended up getting lost looking for the address Buddy told them to find. But by the time he had realized (read: Krysta pointed out that) they were lost, there were no unicorns nearby and Lightning was too stubborn to backtrack just to look for anyone. "I'm pretty sure we'll run into someone eventually..." He said to try to rationalize the situation.

Krysta looked at her friend with concern and fluttered in front of his face to cause him to stop. "Lightning, why don't you sit and rest?" She tried suggesting.

As though waiting for an excuse, Lightning immediately dropped onto his stomach and let out a relieved exhale, the basket somewhat balanced on his back. “Yeah. That feels good." Lightning panted out and wiped his forehead with a foreleg.

Krysta giggled at the sight of the unicorn being too tired to sit on the bench just a few feet away. Stretching out her hooves, the fairy fluttered and began trying to push Lightning forward, predictably without success. “Come on, you lazy...bum...”

“Argh! Ugh-ragh!” Lightning playfully protested with growls against Krysta's efforts, but nonetheless stood up and took the last few steps—albeit sluggishly—forward then slumped down on the bench that happened to be by a fountain, almost dropping the basket in the process. "Ohhh! My poor hooves!" Lightning complained even louder. If Krysta wasn't so tired from her efforts to nudge Lightning, she would find it funny. Like her unicorn friend, the fairy haggardly dropped herself on her favorite spot, which was atop Lightning's head.

With the splashing sounds of the fountain, mixed with the simple fatigue of the unicorn and the fairy, respectfully, the two were almost led to believe that the bench they found themselves on was the perfect spot to just take a nap.

With his eyes closed, and mind ready for sleep, Lightning growled when suddenly someone said, "Excuse me…?" Opening a single eye, Lightning saw an orange unicorn, wearing a red beret, right across from him, poking his head from behind an artist's canvas. The two of them stared at one another before the orange unicorn spoke up again. "…you kind of walked into the way of the scenery."

"Did I, now?" Lightning mumbled in reply and closed his eye once more.

“Sir? I tried to ask you politely but now it looks like I must ask you in a much sterner manner. Please, vacate the area of my scene, forthwith!”

“Hmmm...Krysta, do something about it...” Lightning said in a groggy manner, patting around his head with his forehoof to find out where the fairy was.

“You do something about it...” Krysta sleepily countered and smacked the hoof away.

While watching from behind his canvas, the orange unicorn's wings flared out in surprise at the sight of the Krysta trying to sleep. "Is that a…fairy…?" His eyes lit up as brightly as the sun. "I'm feeling...inspired! H-hold still, please!" The unicorn said excitedly, going so far as to knock away the painting he was working on to place a fresh canvas on the stand. “Yes! Yes! So wonderful! Magnifique!”

Krysta grumbled at the constant shouting, furrowing her eyebrows and rolled over in her makeshift-bed atop Lightning's head. “What!? Oh...oh well, no matter, I am still feeling inspired! Yes, yes! This shall be my masterpiece!”

“ARGH!” The little fairy sat up, with dark circles under her eyes and an infuriated look on her face at the noise interrupting her sleep. She huffed out an irritated nicker and buzzed over to the noisy artist. “Hey, Pony Picasso! I know you wanted me and my friend to leave, but being rude isn't the way to...” She stopped in mid-air when the artist used his magic to turn around the canvas, showing her the painting. “W-wow!”

"Do you like it, my muse? I shall call it Fairy Fountain."

“M-muse?” Krysta blinked when she heard he title, and stared in awe at the paint strokes and various colors used to depict her sleeping on what looked to be on top of a cloud. Simply put, it was incredible. It looked so real almost as if it were a photograph. Or quite possibly even a window. “I like painting.” She blurted out dumbly, to which the orange unicorn smiled.

“It's nice, I guess...” Lighting stated after walking over from the bench.

The orange unicorn's smile disappeared and his eyes narrowed at Lightning's comment. "I do not consider myself a rude unicorn, so I shall introduce myself first. I am Artie: painter, sculptor, and drawer extraordinaire. Now pray tell, who are you?" The unicorn regarded Lightning in a less-than-friendly manner.

“Hi, nice to meet you. I'm the guy that's been carrying a basket of vegetables around for the last hour, despite not having anything to eat since this morning, and who was just woken up by some loudmouth jerk in a stupid-looking hat!” Lightning growled back in response, as the dark circles under his eyes were more prominent thanks to his white coat.

“Mon beret is not stupid-looking!”

“Guys, guys! Settle down!” Krysta flew between the two unicorns before they got any closer to each other, as it was obvious they were far too gone to keep their argument to words. First she turned to Lightning. “Just because you're hungry and tired, it doesn't make it right to take your anger out on someone you don't even know! Please don't do this, Lightning?” She then turned to face the other unicorn, Artie. “And please forgive my friend here, Artie. You see, we're running an errand at the moment and he's just a bit grumpy right now. He's really a nice guy once he gets some food in him. One of the nicest, honestly.”

She turned back toward her friend. Lightning nodded and grumbled, one of the better responses that she could get when he was at this state. Krysta was thankful enough for that when Artie spoke out. “If the mademoiselle requires it of me, then I shall stand down.” Her eyes lit up at the term and she nearly swooned. "Thank you, Artie." She said in a gleeful voice.

"Yeah…thanks, Artie.” Lightning said quietly under his breath, but loud enough for Krysta to hear him. She pouted at her friend's immaturity and couldn't help but feel embarrassed. With a sigh, she addressed the orange unicorn once more.

“Again, thank you for being so understanding, Artie. And thank you so much for painting. It's a really nice gesture.”

“Why of course, my muse.” Artie said with his chin raised high. “I am not one to disregard such wondrous inspiration even if it were but for the shortest moment.”

At that point, the size of Krysta's smile was in direct proportion to Lightning's frown. He snorted and walked off to bench, taking the basket of vegetables in his mouth.

“If it is a delivery of vegetables, then you must be heading for the Rainbow Dish Inn, n'est pas?”

“I have no idea what that last part means but please, go ahead.” Krysta giggled girlishly.  She then yelped when Lightning appeared from behind and scooped her up in his right wing.

"'et's 'o, 'rysta!" Lightning said with the basket handle in his mouth and he began to run off with the fairy in tow, much to Artie's confusion.

...

“What are you doing, Lightning!?” Krysta exclaimed angrily and stomped as hard as she could against the unicorn's side. The power of her attack felt more or less like a flick, which he managed to ignore when he slowed his run into a walk. “Not only was that rude, but Artie was just about to tell us where to find the restaurant!”

To this, Lightning openly scoffed. After unfurling his wing, allowing Krysta to fly up and kick him in the back of the head (again, no worse than the power of a heavy flick), he placed the basket onto his back in order to speak clearly once more.

“I can find it, just fine.” Lightning announced to the skeptical fairy flying around his head. “We don't need directions from...a guy with a stupid-looking hat, anyways.”

“Now, now, Lightning. No need to be jealous!” Krysta in a preachy manner, patting Lightning's short brown mane with her small hoof. “It's not everyday that a unicorn gets to meet a fairy, after all!” Her more chipper sounding words, to which was followed by a giggle, helped to lift Lightning's mood somewhat. “So can you blame a girl for liking a little attention as a result?”

“Hmph...” Lightning glanced away, although not feeling sincerely upset. Krysta smirked when she spotted the tell-tale sign of her friend trying to hold back a smile, so decided to play along. She moved to hover in front of the unicorn as he continued walking and crossed her hooves in front of her chest. “If you're so against it, all you have to do is say something nice to me every now and then. It's that simple.” The fairy said with her own exaggerated pout.

“Fine.” Lightning chuckled and smiled first, shaking his head knowing that he lost their impromptu game. Krysta giggled as well, but remembering what she was supposed to be doing, returned to her act of feigning a pout. “Uh, let's see...” He began to ponder and glanced at his fairy friend, looking at her miniaturized pony features for something that she'd appreciate to have pointed out. “...I guess I really like your-”