Disclaimer: I do NOT own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. All rights reserved to Lauren Faust and Hasbro Entertainment.
WARNING: The following may contain scenes and projected images not suitable for those under the age of 18. Reader discretion is advised.
New York City, Manhattan Island, Apartment 422
A man was sitting in his apartment, looking over the city while drinking coffee. He sighed, bored out of his mind. When he got up to get another cup of coffee, he got a call on his phone.
"McGarrett." The man said, answering it.
"Hey," a voice said, "it's me. Get your things and pick me up. We're getting the Hell outta here, Stan."
"What's going on, Sunset?" Stan asked, pouring coffee into a thermos.
"Armageddon." Sunset said. Stan's eyes went big and he almost dropped his phone into his coffee. He looked outside and saw the sky turning bright orange.
"Stay put," Stan said, "I'll be there in 20." He then hung up, put his suit jacket on, grabbed his keys, grabbed his wallet and SIG Sauer P226, grabbed his overnight bag, put a change of clothes inside with some hygiene supplies, grabbed his tactical gear, looked at the table at the entryway and grabbed his badge. He then put his stuff in the back of his SUV and sped off to pick up Sunset. When he got there, he saw Sunset with her stuff packed.
"Hope there's enough room." Sunset said. Stan grabbed some of her stuff and put it in the back.
"It's a Chevrolet Tahoe," Stan said, closing the hatch and looking at Sunset, "you'd be surprised." They both got in and Stan drove off, going into the woods. He stopped driving when he reached an abandoned shed.
"Better hope there's still room for this stuff." Sunset said.
"There's still room." Stan said. They then got everything in the SUV and got in. Stan then backed out of the driveway to the shed and sped off deeper into the woods. Little did he know, he was about to experience a new type of world, but the same types of crimes. However, some of them were in a different form.
Stan's POV
My name is Stan McGarrett. I was a Captain for the NYPD, the key word being "was." The world had gone to shit, so I got the fuck outta dodge with my partner, Sunset Shimmer. I don't know why, but something seemed off. I looked at her and saw she had a horn on her head. Wait, WHAT THE FUCK?! I slammed on the brakes and stopped the SUV, scaring the fuck outta Sunset. However, it was a good thing I did. I looked in front of me and saw a German Shepard all alone, stranded with a wounded paw. I got out and picked it up. It silently whimpered as I did so. Sunset got out and approached me.
"Is it okay?" She asked.
"No," I said, "it's paw is wounded. Looks like a knife wound." Sunset looked around and saw a figure moving towards us.
"We've got company." Sunset said. I then looked in front and saw a figure approaching us as well.
"We're not on Earth anymore," I said, "and the reason is simple. Earth is gone." When the figure was in the light, I saw it was wearing armor and had a sword. There was also a horn on the figure's head.
"Identify yourselves." The figure said. I showed my badge and Sunset showed hers.
"Captains Stan McGarrett and Sunset Shimmer," I said, "NYPD. You?"
"Captain Shining Armor," the figure said, "Royal Guard. Why are you in the Everfree Forest this late at night?" That name sounded familiar and Sunset looked at me.
"You know where we are," Sunset said, "don't you?" I nodded and looked at Sunset.
"We're in Equestria," I said, "and that means my home is gone."
"Wait," Captain Armor said, "your home? You're not from Equestria?" I looked at him and sighed.
"No," I said, "I'm not. I'm here as a foreigner, but I mean no harm." Sunset looked at Captain Armor and nodded.
"You can trust him, Captain Armor," Sunset said, "he's been my partner for years. He's a good guy."
"That doesn't matter though," I said, "we need to get this pup to a vet. There's a knife wound on its paw."
"Follow me," Captain Armor said, "I'll take you to Princess Celestia."
"I have a means of transportation," I said, motioning towards it, "we can use that."
"As you wish," Captain Armor said, "but there's heavy traffic out tonight."
"This is equipped to handle that." I said.
"Just trust him," Sunset said, "he knows what he's doing." Captain Armor then picked the pup up and the three of us got inside the SUV. I then drove forward and saw a crowd of ponies celebrating something.
"Told you." Captain Armor said. I turned the lights on in the SUV and got a serious look on my face.
"Hold on to your butts." I said. I then punched the gas pedal to the floor and turned the siren on. A pink pony saw us coming and gasped.
"GET OUTTA THE WAY!" The pony yelled. The entire crowd then scattered around, just in time for me to drive through them without anyone getting hurt. I kept the full ELS (Emergency Lighting System) going until Sunset nodded and turned it off.
"We're close to Canterlot," Sunset said, "and we got to this point a lot quicker than by walking or by a train."
"I must say," Captain Armor said, "this is pretty cool. What is this thing?"
"It's a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe with a Police Interceptor HEMI engine." I said.
"In short terms," Sunset said, "a police car." After Sunset said that, Captain Armor looked at her in shock.
"We have regular cars," Captain Armor said, "but we've never heard the concept of police cars. This is amazing technology."
"You haven't seen anything yet." I said. I then saw a checkpoint and slowed to a stop. Captain Armor got out and approached his men.
"Grant them passage to see Princess Celestia," he said, "it's of the utmost importance." The two nodded and let me through. I drove past them and Captain Armor then got back in. I then drove to the castle, taking in the sights as I go. When I got to the castle, I saw guards incapacitated on the ground.
"Oh, shit!" I said, parking the SUV. The three of us then got out and checked the pulses of them. Nine of them were dead, three were nearly so, and the others were unconscious. I looked at Sunset and Captain Armor.
"I count five dead." Captain Armor said.
"I got four." Sunset said.
"That's nine guards dead," I said, "three of them are near death, the rest are unconscious. There's a security breach in the castle."
"We'd better gear up." Sunset said. The two of us then went to the back of the SUV, grabbed our tactical gear, and put it on. I then grabbed a spare vest and pistol, closed the hatch, and approached Captain Armor.
"Put this vest on," I said, "and take this pistol. You're about to experience what Sunset and I did on a daily basis."
"Judging from the size of the carnage," Sunset said, "I'd say there's at least five inside, possibly more."
"We need a plan." Captain Armor said.
"This is the plan." I said. We then approached the entrance to the castle and I saw the door cracked.
"Door's open." Sunset said. Sunset and I drew our SIGs and took up positions on the sides of the doors. Captain Armor walked up to it and opened both. Sunset went to the left while I went right.
"Clear." I said. Captain Armor looked over the center and didn't see anything.
"Clear." Captain Armor said.
"Clear." Sunset said.
"Ground floor is clear." I said. The three of us then heard something from the floor above and looked in that direction.
"Movement above." Sunset said. I then aimed at the door and Captain Armor looked at me.
"Why are you doing that?" He asked.
"To make sure none of us get attacked from behind." I said.
"He's pulling rear security," Sunset said, "otherwise known as 'providing cover.' He's covering our backs while we move up to the next floor, then he'll follow us. Also, you might want to have two hands on that weapon."
"I don't know how to hold this properly," Captain Armor said, "I haven't been trained in firearms yet." Sunset then gave a quick lesson to Captain Armor and he knew what to do.
"Go," I said, "more time to talk later." The two nodded and went upstairs. I followed them, still pulling rear security as they cleared the floor.
"Clear left." Captain Armor said, finally getting the hand of it. Just then, we heard something break in a room down the hall to the right.
"Movement right," Sunset said, "inside that room."
"That's the throne room." Captain Armor said.
"Move up." I said. We then got in position on the door and I listened in.
"I won't tell you again," a voice said, followed by a revolver being loaded, "give me my money and no one else gets hurt."
"On my go," I whispered, "we bust these doors down. Sunset, you take the left side. Captain Armor, take the right. I'll take dead center." The two nodded and I continued to listen.
"I'm not giving you anything," another voice said, "because you have nothing to be given."
"Wrong answer." The first voice said.
"Now!" I said. Captain Armor then kicked the doors in and went right. Sunset went left and I went straight down the middle.
"POLICE," Sunset yelled, "DON'T MOVE!"
"ON THE GROUND," Captain Armor yelled, "NOW!"
"DROP YOUR WEAPONS!" I yelled. I looked around and saw seven ponies with weapons aimed at me, Sunset, Captain Armor, and the hostage.
"There's seven of us," the leader said, "and only three of you."
"That may be true," I said, "but we can still take you all down without a sweat. Make it easy on yourselves and give up!" The seven saw the look in my eyes and knew I was serious. They then dropped their weapons and seven guards came in and subdued the suspects. Captain Armor then approached the hostage and checked their vital signs.
"Are you alright, Princess?" Captain Armor asked. The Princess nodded and looked at me.
"What is your name, human?" She asked. I looked at her, revealing my badge.
"Captain Stan McGarrett," I said, "NYPD." Just then, a guard came in with a female unicorn in restraints.
"Your Highness," the guard said, "I caught this one using forbidden magic to remove the Cutie Mark of a fellow student. Would you like to punish her now or at a later date?"
"Place her in a chair on my left side," the Princess said, "I'll deal with her later." The guard then placed her in a chair on the Princess' left side and stood by her. Captain Armor then approached me and smiled.
"I'll give the vest and weapon back after you talk with the Princess." Captain Armor said. I nodded and everyone else left. The Princess then got up and walked towards me.
"My name is Princess Celestia," she said, "and I am one of this worlds many rulers. Perhaps you'd like to explain what happened to your world, and why you're here." I did just that and Sunset stood next to me.
"Your Highness," Sunset said, "I now know the error of my ways, and I am willing to become your student again. That is, if you'd allow me." Princess Celestia looked at me and smiled.
"It appears you've proven yourself worthy to live here," Princess Celestia said, "but your old job no longer exists. Perhaps you'd like for me to change that."
"If you're suggesting that I run a task force," I said, "I've already done that three times."
"A federal agency then?" Princess Celestia asked.
"That'll work," I said, "and I have the perfect name for it."
"What would that name be?" Princess Celestia asked. I then holstered my SIG and looked serious.
"Five-0." I said. Princess Celestia then smiled and got a piece of paper. She handed it to me and nodded.
"Write down your specifications," Princess Celestia said, "and I'll make sure that it happens." I nodded and got to work. I then wrote down all the specifications for it and gave it back. Princess Celestia looked at the list and nodded.
"Now then," I said, looking at the mare in restraints, "what's your name?"
"Starlight Glimmer." The mare said.
"Okay," I said, "why did you use forbidden magic to take the Cutie Mark of a fellow student?"
"That bitch had it coming," Starlight said, "and I have a good reason to say that. Said student was bullying me during lunch, claimed that my art stinks, and said that I should be homeless."
"That seems like a valid reason to take away ones Cutie Mark," Sunset said, "right?"
"True," Princess Celestia said, "so true." That's when I had an idea.
"How would you like to join the agency that's being formed right now?" I asked. Starlight looked at me seriously and nodded once.
"I accept." Starlight said. Just then, three guards ran in.
"Princess," a guard said, "we have a situation."
"What's going on?" Princess Celestia asked. I knew what was wrong from the look on the guard's face.
"Someone was just taken hostage." I said. Sunset and I then left with Captain Armor, Princess Celestia, and Starlight Glimmer in tow. We then followed the guards and they led us to a lab. I saw a mare worried as a stallion held... wait, is that a dragon? Why is a stallion holding a dragon hostage?!
"Stay back," the suspect said, "or I'll kill him. I swear!"
"Hey," I said, "calm down!" The suspect looked at me and looked confused.
"Who are you?" The suspect asked.
"My name is Stan McGarrett," I said, "I'm a federal agent. Just calm down and we can talk."
"You're not from here." The suspect said.
"Nice deduction." I said.
"Get me someone else." The suspect said.
"How about someone who knows this place like the back of her hand?" Sunset said, making herself known. The suspect slowly got scared and looked at Sunset.
"You're supposed to be dead." The suspect said.
"Guess you did a bad job of framing me, asshole." Sunset said. The suspect aimed at her and I ran to the suspect so fast he couldn't fire off a shot. Wait, what just happened?!
"What the Hell did I just do?" I asked.
"It appears there's a reason you're in Equestria," Princess Celestia said, "and why you were able to move that fast. You have magic, Stan. You're what we call a Sorcerer, and you've just tapped into your power. Over time, you will gain abilities unlike any other. That said, I think you need a shower."
"Yeah," I said, "I agree."
"Try teleporting back to your SUV." Sunset said.
"How?" I asked.
"Just improvise." Princess Celestia said.
"What would I use? Hand signs, a spell, a freaking machine from Team Fortress 2? How can I teleport?!" I asked.
"Try using the signs Boar, Dog, Ox, and Ram to start. If that doesn't work," Princess Celestia said, "then you walk back." I sighed and cleared my head, trying to process all of this. I then used the hand signs in the order I was told.
'Boar, Dog, Ox, Ram.' I thought. I then teleported away from the location and to my SUV.
"Okay," I said, "that is something I'll need to get used to." I then grabbed my bag from the back of my SUV and went inside the castle to look for a shower. I found the male locker room and took a shower in there. Once I was finished, I dried off, got dressed, went back to my SUV, put my bag back inside, grabbed my thermos, and sighed.
'What I wouldn't do for a cup of coffee.' I thought. Just then, the mare from the location approached me with the dragon and they smiled brightly.
"We wanted to thank you, Mr. McGarrett." The mare said.
"No thanks necessary," I said, "just doing my job." The mare then held out her hand.
"I'm Twilight Sparkle," the mare said, "and this is my assistant Spike." I shook Twilight's hand and Spike held out his claw.
"Pleasure to meet you." Spike said. I shook Spike's claw and smiled.
"Pleasure's all mine," I said, "but you need to be careful."
"We know," Twilight said, "but I'm worrying about something else right now."
"Okay," I said, "what's on your mind?"
"We know you just got to Equestria," Spike said, "but we need your input on something."
"You think someone Princess Celestia locked away years ago is going to return." I said.
"Yeah," Twilight said, "specifically Nightmare Moon."
"According to some legend Twilight found," Spike said, "it's said that on the thousandth day on the longest day of the year, the stars will aid in Nightmare Moon's escape from the moon, and she will bring about nighttime eternal. I say it's all just a myth."
"It's not a myth," I said, "and it's not a rumor either. I knew I wasn't seeing things."
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.
"Last night," I said, "I swear four stars were closing in on the moon."
"You're kidding, right?" Spike asked.
"Nope," I said, "I'm not. Over 1,000,000,000,000% sure."
"We need to tell Princess Celestia," Twilight said, "she's the only one who can stop her."
"Just because Nightmare Moon's her sister," I said, "doesn't mean she can stop her. It's no longer a sibling rivalry, it's a matter of life or death. I'll handle this." As I said that, Princess Celestia walked towards me.
"Is something wrong?" She asked. I looked at her seriously.
"Yeah," I said, "Nightmare Moon's going to return. Don't even think about saying it's not true. I know she's your sister." Princess Celestia looked down and sighed.
"So," she said, "you saw it, too."
"Yeah," I said, "I did. I might know something that can stop her, but I'll need to investigate to find it." Princess Celestia looked at me and smiled.
"Good thing I need your help preparing for the Summer Sun Celebration," she said, "and it's in a town you drove through to get here."
"Ponyville," Sunset said, walking up to us, "and I know the way." Starlight then walked up and had someone with her.
"Who is he?" I asked.
"This is Flash Sentry," Starlight said, "a cadet in the Equestria Royal Guard. He has some information he'd like to share."
"Let's hear it." I said.
"The only thing that can stop Nightmare Moon are these things called the Elements of Harmony," Flash said, "but there's nothing as to where they are. All I've heard is that they're near Ponyville." I look at Princess Celestia and she nodded.
"Pack your bags, Flash," I said, "you're no longer in the Equestria Royal Guard. Welcome to Five-0."
"Wait, what?!" Flash asked.
"You heard me," I said, "you're now a federal agent."
"We're gonna need more vehicles." Sunset said.
"Way ahead of you." Princess Celestia said. We heard cars driving up and looked. I smiled and nodded.
"Smart choice." I said. Sunset smiled as a Chevrolet Impala pulled up with a Chevrolet Malibu. Each had their own ELS and I smiled.
"Dibs on the Impala." Sunset said.
"I'll take the Malibu." Flash said.
"Alright," Princess Celestia said, "I'll put a rush order on the badges." Flash went to the Malibu and got the keys from the one driving it, who just so happened to be Shining Armor.
"Good luck with your new job, Flash." Captain Armor said.
"Thank you, Captain." Flash said. He got in and drove off, going to his house. Sunset smiled as a guard handed her the keys to the Impala and I nodded.
"I'm surprised you already had the badges getting made, Princess." Twilight said.
"Well," Princess Celestia said, "can you blame me? They'll need them to investigate. I'll also work on getting a building for them to use as a headquarters."
"Keep that design handy," I said, "there might be more joining, and we might add field offices throughout Equestria and neighboring countries."
"That's a good idea." Sunset said.
"I know." I said. Flash then came back with his stuff in his Malibu.
"I'll need a gun." He said.
"You mean something like this?" I asked, opening the hatch of my Tahoe. Starlight, Flash, Twilight, Princess Celestia, and Captain Armor's jaws dropped.
"How many guns do you have?!" Starlight asked.
"An entire arsenal." I said.
"There's enough weapons here to arm half of Equestria!" Captain Armor said.
"He was military before joining the NYPD," Sunset said, "United States Navy SEALs."
"He's not a seal," Spike said, "he's a human."
"It's an acronym, Spike," I said, "an abbreviation. It's broken down into three parts. SEa, Air, and Land."
"Wait," Captain Armor said, "are you talking about Special Forces?"
"That's it," Sunset said, "you catch on quick."
"He was military Special Forces?" Twilight asked.
"Yup," I said, "I was. That's what the SEALs are, Navy Special Forces. They get their orders from the Joint Special Operations Command, or JSOC."
"I take it the military where you're from uses a lot of acronyms." Captain Armor said.
"Yup," I said, "they do. More than here. If I went through all of them, you'd be Lima Lima Mike Foxtrot."
"Huh?" Flash asked.
"What?" Starlight asked.
"Eh?" Captain Armor asked. Twilight, Sunset, Princess Celestia, Spike, and I groaned.
"Lost like a motherfucker." We said.
"Oh," Captain Armor said, "you were using phonetics."
"Yes," I said, "I was."
"Anyways," Twilight said, "we'll need guns and body armor. Especially since we're dealing with Nightmare Moon."
"There's gonna be a high chance she'll be after the Elements of Harmony like we are," Starlight said, "so we'll have to find them before she escapes."
"We'll use the preparation for the Summer Sun Celebration as a cover." Sunset said.
"We'll need the badges before we start anything." Flash said. I sighed and went to the driver's side of my Tahoe and looked at my phone. I saw that I still had signal, but the only thing different was that it was showing me the weather for Canterlot.
'They must have cell phones here,' I thought, 'it's the only explanation I can come up with.' I looked through my contacts and deleted all the numbers inside except for Sunset's. I put it in my pocket and saw Captain Armor looking around.
"Something doesn't feel right." Captain Armor said. I grabbed a M21 Sniper Rifle out of my Tahoe and looked around, seeing a figure on a building then seeing a flash from that figure.
"Sniper!" I said. Everyone rushed to cover and I aimed at the sniper. The shot was at least 5,000 yards away, the length of 50 football fields. I took a deep breath and let it out. I took another one and shot one round into the sniper, killing him instantly.
"Nice shot." Captain Armor said.
"I'm an expert marksman," I said, "what can you expect?"
"True," Captain Armor said, "true."
"Anyways," I said, "I'll need your cell numbers so I can contact you if we find something."
"Of course." Princess Celestia said.
"I'll send mine after the Princess sends hers." Captain Armor said.
"Sunset," I said, "help Twilight and Spike pack. They'll ride with you. Go to the location Princess Celestia set up for us to stay at and don't move until I get there. Flash, go with them. I'll meet up with you after the badges are done. Then, we can get to work."
"Got it." Sunset said. Minutes later, Princess Celestia came to me with her number and I put it in my phone. I sent her a message so that she would have my number and she smiled.
"I should have known." Princess Celestia said.
"Should have known what?" I asked.
"That you'd have a number similar to mine." Princess Celestia said.
"What?" I asked, confused. The number she gave me was a four digit number. The number I had was a 10 or 11-digit number.
"In Equestria," Princess Celestia explained, "everyone has a four digit number. When you sent me a message, your number showed up. I don't know how it worked where you lived, but I got a four digit number from you."
"Where I lived everyone had a 10 or 11-digit number." I said.
"Interesting." Princess Celestia said.
"Guess it's my turn now," Captain Armor said, "and I'll get your number from Princess Celestia. I'll get your number first then send you a message so you can have mine." As he got the number, I had gotten a message from Sunset on my phone.
From: Sunset
We're heading to Ponyville now, Stan. I'll let you know when we get to the location of our tentative HQ.
I sighed and shook my head, sending a message back.
To: Sunset
Very funny, Twilight. Sunset doesn't talk that way unless she's around a superior. You're a friend.
I felt Twilight mentally curse and smiled. I then got a message from Captain Armor and put his number in my phone. A guard then gave me a box with the badges and wallets. I nodded and got in my SUV.
"Be careful, Director." Princess Celestia said.
"I always am." I said. I then drove off and started heading for Ponyville. I looked at where Sunset was and drove to her location. It was a library. I parked in front of it and went inside. Sunset smiled and Twilight glared.
"How did you know it was me?" She asked.
"Because Sunset was driving," I said, "and she rarely uses the word 'tentative' in a sentence."
"So," Flash said, "you got them?" I held up the box and set it on the table. I opened it and pulled out a badge.
"You tell me." I said, tossing it to Flash. He caught it and smiled. I gave one to the others, except Spike, and gave them wallets.
"We'll need picture IDs for the wallets." Starlight said.
"I know." I said.
"We'll deal with that after this investigation." Sunset said.
"Right," Twilight said, "on to business. We need to find the Elements of Harmony so we can stop Nightmare Moon."
"There should be a book here that tells the location." I said.
"How about this one?" Spike asked, holding up a book. The title of it read Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.
"Good work, Spike." I said. Twilight took the book and opened it.
"According to this," Twilight said, "the Elements of Harmony are located at the Castle of the Royal Sisters within the Everfree Forest."
"Alright," I said, "Sunset and I will get them. Flash, you and Starlight are holding down the fort. Twilight, see if you can gain some information about the town. Talk to some of the citizens, interact with them. Use the preparation for the Summer Sun Celebration as a cover. Just trust me on this."
"Alright." Twilight said.
"I heard that there's a party planner here," Flash said, "what if she tries to get in to set up a party?"
"Tell her to leave," I said, "otherwise she'll be arrested for trespassing."
"Understood." Flash said.
"Let's get to work." I said. Sunset and I got in my SUV and drove into the Everfree Forest while Twilight and Spike went to do some recon, and Flash and Starlight made sure no one went into the library. As I drove, I saw the pink pony from earlier and slowed to a stop.
"What are you-?" Sunset asked.
"Just trust me on this." I said, rolling my window down.
'Don't do anything stupid.' Sunset thought.
"Hey," I said, getting the pink pony's attention, "if you even think about setting up a party at the library, you'll be arrested for trespassing and interfering with a federal investigation. I know you're the party planner in town, so don't try it unless you want an arrest record."
"Wait," the pony said, "you're that guy from last night! You could have hurt a LOT of ponies with the way you were driving! It was reckle- wait... you said the library?"
"Yeah." I said.
"Dang it," the pony said, "and here I was hoping you hadn't arrived yet! So much for a Ponyville welcome."
"Relax," I said, "it's only temporary. Unless Princess Celestia says otherwise, I'm headed to Canterlot after this."
"Can you tell me your name at least?" The pony asked.
"The name is Special Agent Stan McGarrett," I said, "and I'm not saying the name of my agency until after the celebration."
"Understandable," the pony said, "especially since you're afraid everypony will act differently since you're a human. By the way, if you're headed to the Everfree Forest, take the same path you did while passing through the first time."
"Thanks for the tip, Ms... what's your name?" I asked.
"The name's Pinkie Pie," the pony said, "Ponyville's resident party planner, but everyone just calls me 'Pinkie.' Nice to meet you, Agent McGarrett."
"You as well, Pinkie," I said, "and thank you again for the tip."
"No problem." Pinkie said. I then rolled up my window and drove off after driving past the entrance, I had entered the Everfree Forest. I kept driving until I saw a bridge that was out. I slowed to a stop and parked. Sunset and I both got out and I sighed.
"We'll need to find another way." I said.
"Or we could just put the bridge back." Sunset said. I smiled and nodded. The two of us then got started and fixed the bridge. I then saw something inside the ravine.
"What's that glowing over there?" I asked. Sunset looked as well and shrugged.
"I don't know." She said. I saw some steps and walked down them to the bottom of the ravine and walked towards the light. Sunset had followed and we both saw some sort of tree that was glowing.
"What is this?" I asked.
"The Tree of Harmony," Sunset said, "where the Elements originated before they were used to seal Discord. I read about it, but I didn't think it existed here in the Everfree Forest."
"There's strange vines growing at the bottom," I said, observing the area, "they could be the product of a seed of some sort."
"Plunder seeds," Sunset said, "meaning there's a chance they'll grow even more after Nightmare Moon returns. Only the Elements of Harmony can destroy them. If we find them, we'll need to put them back to destroy the vines."
"We'll also need them to stop Nightmare Moon," I said, "and this Discord character if he escapes again."
"It's a Catch 22," Sunset said, "and it's also a Sophie's Choice. We could give the Tree of Harmony the Elements back, but then we wouldn't be able to use them again. However, if we used them to stop those threatening Equestria, we'd be giving the vines time to grow until it was too late to return them."
"I hate decisions like these." I said.
"I know." Sunset said. Just then, we both heard rustling and drew our pistols. We aimed to where we heard it and saw a cyan colored pony, who put it's hands up the moment we aimed.
"Take it easy," the pony said, "I was told to follow you by Twilight."
"Identify yourself!" I ordered.
"My name is Rainbow Dash," the pony said, "I'm in charge of the weather here in Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration. I'm on your side. I just want to know why a bunch of federal agents are in Ponyville looking for the Elements of Harmony."
"You wouldn't believe us if we told you." Sunset said.
"If it has to do with Nightmare Moon," Rainbow said, "I'll believe anything. I want to be in the Wonderbolts, an elite flying team. I'm a Pegasus."
"How do you know about Nightmare Moon?" I asked.
"I overheard the Wonderbolts talking about it," Rainbow said, "and they mentioned some federal agents looking for the Elements of Harmony to deal with something. Wait, do you think she's going to return?!"
"You don't need to know." I said.
"Listen to me," Rainbow said, "I already met with Twilight and she told me to find you! She had a feeling you were stuck on deciding something. She wants me to help. Let's just lower the guns, calm down, and talk." Sunset glared and put a finger on the trigger.
"I'm not falling for it, Chrysalis." She said. A laugh echoed through the ravine. Just then, a black, bug-like pony appeared with several others.
"What the Hell is she?" I asked.
"A Changeling." Sunset said. Rainbow then jumped next to us and I glared.
"I knew something was off." I said.
"Your gut again?" Sunset asked.
"No," I said, "the atmosphere. When she was talking, Rainbow was already tense. She was persuaded by Chrysalis to lead her to us so she can force me to breed with her. I've got news for ya, it's not gonna happen."
"Then I'll just have to kill you." Chrysalis said.
"Not gonna happen either." I said. Chrysalis was about to yell for her minions to attack, but I never gave her the chance. I shot her three times, each shot hitting a vital point. She then fell backwards and collapsed on the ground, dead. Her minions then fell dead, shocking Rainbow.
"How is that-?" Rainbow asked.
"Changelings work like bees," Sunset said, interrupting her, "and are nearly similar. If you kill the queen, the hive will die." The two of us then holstered our pistols and I poured gas on the bodies. Sunset and Rainbow piled them up and I put more gas on them. I then pulled out a book of matches, struck a match, then threw it on the bodies. They were then engulfed in flames and the vines near the Tree of Harmony started to disappear. Just then, the tree started glowing brighter and I was engulfed in it.
"What the?!" Rainbow asked.
"Stan!" Sunset yelled. I rose my right hand and closed my eyes. I then felt a course of magic rushing through me, into all parts of my body. Once it stopped, I felt something go onto my wrist. I opened my eyes and saw a bracelet on my wrist, but I was in a different plane of existence. I then saw something from the outside, it was Sunset and Rainbow. They had shielded their eyes from the light. That's when I realized it. I was INSIDE the Tree of Harmony.
'This is too weird.' I thought. I then looked around more and saw a box. I went to it and saw it needed a key. I pulled my keys out and saw a key that was similar to the lock on the box. I put the key inside and it unlocked. The box then opened and I saw something unexpected. It was the same bracelet I had on my wrist, but golden. I figured it was a test, seeing if I would take it for myself. I didn't fall for it, and I closed the box. The box then glowed brightly, causing me to shield my eyes. I then saw my bracelet turn gold and I knew I had passed. The inside of the tree then glowed as bright as the box did and I closed my eyes. When I opened them again, Sunset and Rainbow were looking at me in shock.
"No way." Sunset said.
"What?" I asked, confused as to what's going on.
"Look for yourself." Rainbow said, holding up a mirror. I looked in it and- WHAT THE HELL?! Why is my hair short and black?!
"How did my hair get this way?!" I asked.
"Not sure," Sunset said, "but I know one thing for sure. The vines around the tree shrunk tremendously. However, we'll still need to decide what to do afte-"
"We'll return the Elements after sealing Nightmare Moon again," I said, interrupting her, "if Discord escapes next, I'll bring him down with my own two hands."
"Okay," Sunset said, "let's just get the Elements and go."
"You'd best leave, Rainbow," I said, "we don't want you getting hurt."
"Say no more," Rainbow said, "I'll see you both at the Summer Sun Celebration." After leaving the ravine, we walked the rest of the way there and arrived at an old castle. I then saw some stones and nodded.
"Those are the Elements," I said, "but they're not complete. There's still one more we need to get."
"So these are the Elements of Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness, Generosity, and Laughter." Sunset said.
"Yup." I said.
"That just leaves the Sixth Element," Sunset said, "the Element of Magic. Where is it?"
"Hidden," I said, "and I know why. In order for the Sixth Element to appear, a spark must be made within someone."
"So," Sunset said, "what's this spark?"
"The Spark of Friendship," I said, "and I know three of the Elements are ponies we already know."
"What are you thinking?" Sunset asked.
"You'll see." I said. We then brought the Elements to my SUV and drove out of the Everfree Forest. When we got back, I saw Twilight with Pinkie, Rainbow, and three others.
"What's going on?" Sunset asked.
"Not sure." I said. I pulled up and all six looked at me and Sunset.
"Well?" Twilight asked.
"We found five," I said, "but the sixth is still hidden."
"How can it appear?" Twilight asked.
"You'll see." I said.
"Anyways," Sunset said, "we already know two of you. The remaining three, identify yourselves." An orange pony stepped forward, wearing a cowboy hat.
"Ah'm Applejack," the pony said, having a Southern accent, "a farm pony. Ah live here in Ponyville at Sweet Apple Acres. It's also where Ah work." A pure white pony then stepped forward.
"My name is Rarity," the pony said, being sophisticated, "I'm a clothing designer and work at Carousel Boutique." A yellow pony then stepped forward.
"I-I'm Fluttershy." The pony said, her voice trailing at the end.
"What was that?" Sunset asked.
"She said her name was Fluttershy," I said, "and she's living up to her name."
"You could hear that?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'm trained to hear even the faintest sounds so that I can keep the peace." I said. Just then, Flash came running out the door.
"We're gonna be late for the ceremony!" He said. We then made our way there and looked for a place. I then saw that ponies were still outside talking and I took the opportunity.
"Twilight," I said, "I need you to do something for me."
"What is it?" Twilight asked.
"I need you to make a seal on the floor," I said, holding up a piece of paper, "and it needs to look exactly like this."
"Why the hay are ya doin' THAT for?!" Applejack asked.
"Trust me on this." I said. Twilight nodded and Rarity started to help. Within moments, the seal was done and Rarity looked above.
"We should put it on the ceiling, too." She said.
"Good thinking." I said. After they finished, I nodded to Sunset. She went to my SUV and brought in the Elements of Harmony that were there. Twilight looked on in shock and then looked at me.
"This is alchemy, isn't it?" Twilight asked. I nodded.
"It is," I said, "and you'll see what I'm going to do if my hunch is correct." After a few moments, everyone that was outside was inside and the seal was covered. I looked at the moon and saw the stars closing in on it even faster. The Mayor of Ponyville then started her speech and the stars had gone completely behind the moon.
"Stan," Sunset said, "she's about to return, isn't she?" I looked at an empty balcony and saw that Princess Celestia wasn't there. I then saw blue mist and glared.
"She already has." I said. Just as I had said that, the blue mist had transformed into Princess Celestia's sister.
"Hello, my loyal subjects." She said.
"Who are you?!" The Mayor asked.
"Do you all not know who I am?!" Nightmare Moon asked.
"I know." I said, causing everyone to look at me.
"Enlighten them." Nightmare Moon said.
"You're the Mare in the Moon," I said, "and the Sister of Princess Celestia. You're Nightmare Moon, and you're here to bring about eternal night." I then stood in the center of the seal and glared.
"Very good," Nightmare Moon said, "but I don't consider myself as a relative of Celestia. I see her as my enemy, just as I see you." She then transformed into blue mist and I held my right hand up, showing my bracelet. Her attack was then stopped as she stood in front of me, frozen solid.
'Gotcha, bitch.' I thought.
"What did you do?" Nightmare Moon asked. I backed out of the seal and a pony looked on the ground.
"There's something written on the floor!" The pony said. Everyone except for Nightmare Moon backed away and the seal was revealed.
"No way," the Mayor said, "that's alchemy!" Twilight and the others then stood next to me.
"We won't let you harm Equestria." I said.
"What are you going to do?! Alchemy of this scale doesn't work without a second seal!" Nightmare Moon said.
"Look up." I said. Nightmare Moon looked up and saw the same seal on the ceiling.
"What?!" Nightmare Moon asked, shocked. She then looked at me and I glared intensely.
"I thought you were a Sorcerer!" Spike said.
"I know the truth," I said, "because I read between the lines. That teleportation thing was only temporary."
"You mean you knew?!" Sunset asked, shocked.
"I knew from the moment I saw the Tree of Harmony." I said. Twilight smiled and the Elements started glowing.
"WHAT?!" Nightmare Moon yelled.
"No way!" A pony said.
"The Elements of Harmony!" Another said.
"They can't work," Nightmare Moon said, "they don't have the sixth!"
"You mean the one above you?" I asked.
"What?!" Nightmare Moon asked, looking up. Sure enough, the Sixth Element was above her. The other five rose up and Twilight was shocked. The six Elements then went to Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight.
"So that's what you meant." Sunset said, figuring it out.
"These six ponies symbolize the Elements of Harmony. The Elements of Honesty," I said, "Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, Laughter, and Magic. These six Elements can only come together when someone experiences friendship. So now, these six ponies will join together to bring back the TRUE Princess of the Night!" The Elements then went to where they originally placed, but the sixth went to the center.
"What's going on?!" The Mayor asked.
"Girls," I said, looking at the Mane Six, "go to your Elements. Once there, don't move an inch. Trust me on this." They nodded and went to their respective Elements.
"What are you doing?!" Nightmare Moon asked.
"Returning you to normal, Princess Luna." I said. I then clapped my hands together and placed them on the seal. When I did that, the seal started glowing and the one on the ceiling did the same. The Elements then started glowing and rose up. The girls rose up as well and they were engulfed in a bright light.
"NO," Nightmare Moon yelled, "THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!" The Elements then activated, and it amplified the seal. Nightmare Moon then grunted in pain as a rainbow swirled around her.
"Stan," Sunset said, "what are you doing?! You're going to kill her!"
"Just trust me, Sunset! I know what I'm doing!" I said. Nightmare Moon then glared at me and snarled.
"Damn you," she said, "you bastard. Damn you to Hell!" The rainbow then started to engulf her as she struggled.
"The struggle is pointless." I said.
"NO," Nightmare Moon yelled, "THIS CAN'T HAPPEN! DAMN YOU, CELESTIA!" The rainbow started to engulf her more.
'Twenty-five.' I thought.
"DAMN YOU, ELEMENTS!" Nightmare Moon yelled.
'Forty-two.' I thought. The rainbow nearly engulfed her and she screamed in pain.
"DAMN YOU, ALCHEMIST!" Nightmare Moon yelled.
'Seventeen.' I thought. The rainbow then completely engulfed her and started to split in two.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Nightmare Moon yelled.
"TASTE THE RAINBOW, MOTHERFUCKER!" I yelled. The rainbow then split in two and a bright light swept over the room. When the light dimmed down, Twilight and the others were back in their original spots. Sunset looked on in shock and I grinned. Standing before everyone there were two ponies. The Princess of the Night, Luna, and her evil half, Nightmare Moon.
"Damn you. DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!" Nightmare Moon yelled.
"What?!" Twilight asked.
"She's still there!" Rainbow said.
"She's her own pony now." I said.
"So that's what you did," Sunset said, looking at me, "you separated their bodies! Instead of using the Elements to destroy Nightmare Moon, you used the Elements power to amplify your alchemy and separate them! A Soul Separation!"
"I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourself, Nightmare Moon." I said.
"How so?" Nightmare Moon asked.
"Become part of my federal agency," I said, "and use your powers for justice. Vengeance only leads to more vengeance. I'm giving you a chance to be part of something bigger, something that makes a difference."
"Power Rangers S.P.D. much?" Sunset asked.
"Can it," Pinkie said, "let him finish."
"Please," I said, "think about it. Either serve time in prison until you die, or be the one to put others there in your place. I can make a deal with Princess Celestia. Because of what you did, she might be hesitant. However, she'll look at the benefits of it rather than the consequences. Just remember, you reap what you sow." Nightmare Moon thought about it and clenched a fist.
"Where is she?" Nightmare Moon asked.
"Right here." Princess Celestia said, appearing behind her. Nightmare Moon turned around and looked her in the face.
"You've heard his offer," Nightmare Moon said, "would you allow it if I accept?"
"I would," Princess Celestia said, "because I know you won't mess up again." Nightmare Moon looked at me and clenched both her fists.
"What's your name?" She asked.
"Stan McGarrett." I said. Nightmare Moon then stood at attention and shed a tear.
"When do I start, boss?" She asked. I tossed a badge to her and she caught it.
"After you complete your training." I said. She looked at the badge and saw that it was silver.
"When do I start training?" Nightmare Moon asked.
"First thing tomorrow morning." I said, knowing the sun was up.
"Thank you," Nightmare Moon said, "for giving me this chance. I won't let you down."
"Now then," Princess Celestia said, looking at her sister, "I need to deal with you."
"Don't say it," I said, "she knows." Princess Luna ran to Princess Celestia and hugged her, tears flowing down her face.
"I'm so sorry," Princess Luna said, "for everything! For damaging our old castle, for threatening the lives of our subjects, for hurting you! Please forgive me, big sister!" Princess Celestia hugged Princess Luna and dried her tears.
"I already have." She said. I smiled and nodded to Pinkie.
"Now we can party." I said. Pinkie smiled.
"I know just the place!" She said. Moments later, we were all in town and having fun. I was standing in a corner with Sunset and Nightmare Moon. The others were having fun and interacting. Princess Celestia then walked up to me and handed me a badge of my own. I smiled and placed it around my neck. After the party ended, Twilight was talking with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I didn't care what it was about, but I knew she wanted to stay in Ponyville with her friends. Just then, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked behind me and saw Princess Celestia.
"Where will you stay now that all this is over?" She asked.
"I think I have an idea." I said. I walked over to a field and saw some trees.
"You're about to use alchemy," Nightmare Moon said, "aren't you?"
"Nope," I said, "I won't use it unless needed. Just like you shouldn't always rely on magic for everything. Get me some blueprints." A construction pony then handed some blueprints for me and I started sketching.
"You're going to BUILD your own house?!" Twilight asked.
"Cheaper to do it yourself than hire someone to do it." I said.
"Well," Sunset said, "you'll need help."
"That's why I'll be funding it," Princess Celestia said, "you just do the sketching, Stan."
"Done." I said. I showed the blueprints to Princess Celestia and she smiled.
"I'll have them get right on it." The Mayor said.
"This means you're starting over from scratch, huh?" Sunset asked.
"Don't have a choice," I said, "no available apartments, and I don't want to stay in a place where I might get kicked out at the drop of a hat."
"Good point." Sunset said. Twilight smiled and stood next to me. The others did the same and I held out five more silver badges. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie took them without hesitation.
"Starting tomorrow," I said, looking at the castle in Canterlot, "we start your training to become federal agents." The sun then rose further over the horizon, causing our badges to shine brightly.