Growing Pains
North was seen walking with Zipp and Pipp as he finished eating an apple as he tossed the core away.
Pipp: I can't believe Nemesis gave me a Driver!
Zipp: All because you wouldn't leave him alone.
North Star: Is it what Hitch said about how he would be stronger than you and Izzy?
Pipp: Perhaps. Though for Izzy, Nemesis said something about taking a satellite and taking its programming and putting it into the Driver.
Zipp: Why does he need a satellite for?
Pipp: No clue.
North Star: Just leave it as it is. Nemesis is hard to figure out at times.
North's ears then started to move around where he looked down Mane Street and saw Hitch sitting down as he was covered in berry juice.
North started to laugh where Zipp and Pipp saw Hitch and started laughing.
North Star: What happened to you?
Hitch: I don't want to talk about it. Okay? This morning is already messy enough as it is.
Pipp: Well *chuckles* how about instead of sitting there, you go home and wash off.
As Hitch was getting up, Blaze was walking by where he stopped only to laugh as he walked off.
North's phone started to ring when it started to play Glowin Up.
Pipp: Aw… That's the song I sang when we first met.
North just blushed as he answered it.
North Star: Hello? Oh, Nemesis. Yeah…alright. Yeah, I'm on my way.
North hung up as he stretched his wings out.
Zipp: What's going on?
North Star: Nemesis wants me to meet him. Something to tell me personally.
North flew off as he headed towards New Canterlot. Formerly known as Canterlogic.
North then saw a giant berry plant which he figured was what got Hitch covered in berry juice where he saw the Denliner parked behind as he flew towards it.
When North got behind the building, he saw Nemesis along with Shadox and Amore boarding the train as he landed.
North Star: You wanted to talk?
Nemesis: Yes. Me, Shadox, and Amore are going to Zephyr Heights to discuss something important with Queen Haven. Until we get back, you're in charge. Don't worry about the papers and files. We already got that covered.
Shadox: And by "We", he means I stayed up all night to do it.
North Star: I thought you don't get tired. Let alone sleep.
Shadox: Yes, but, it feels good to relax.
Nemesis: You can relax on the train.
Shadox helped Amore board as he and Nemesis got on.
Nemesis: If you need anything, just talk to Nyx. But if it's important that requires my attention, call me.
The doors closed as the Denliner went off towards Zephyr Heights.
North Star: I'm… in charge…
North was now seen in front of New Canterlot with Nyx.
Nyx: Don't worry. You just need to keep the others in line and make sure everything around town is going smoothly.
North Star: But nothing seems to be going wrong. And the team is behaving fine. Blaze is visiting Fifi at Zephyr Heights, and the others are just roaming town.
Nyx: You'd be surprised how a normal day can turn into a day to be saved.
North Star: What makes you say that?
Nyx: You do not want to know how crazy things got back then when magic was around for all of us.
Before North could say anything, he saw Sprout walking up with Hitch and Sunny. And Hitch was still covered in berry juice.
Nyx: What happened to you?
Hitch: Don't ask.
North Star: I bet it's the giant fruit.
Hitch: Alright Sprout, explain.
Sprout: I swear I don't know what happened! All I did was stomp like this.
Sprout tapped his hoof a few times as it sparkled green where the giant berry plant was growing even bigger.
Hitch: Stop the stomping!
Sprout stopped as he looked back and saw the plant where he sheepishly faced the others.
Hitch: First, when Maretime Bay was shook up with magic, and I said nothing.
Sunny: Uh, that's not true. You actually said a lot.
Hitch: Then Earth Pony magic came! Now I'm saying something. I keep this place safe and it's too dangerous without rules!
Sunny: But if our magic can produce, produce this perfect, there might be no limit to what we can do! We can't cut off a whole planet of possibilities!
Hitch: More like a cosmos of calamities.
Sunny: *Groans* But how are the Earth Ponies gonna grow and learn… and learn to grow with restrictions?
Sprout then sneezed which caused his magic to go off and make the berry plant grow more.
Sunny just let out an awkward chuckle.
Sunny: Uh, just consider what I'm saying before you jump to any conclusions.
Hitch: *Sighs* I'll think about it. But the safety of ponies in Maretime Bay is my top priority.
Sunny took a bit the berry juice off Hitch as he walked away and licked it.
North Star: Hitch! If you try and do anything, I won't hesitate to stop you.
Hitch continued to walk off as Sunny brought out her mirror to get any juice off her face where North walked up only for Sunny to take a bit of the berry juice and put it on his nose as both of them laughed as North licked it off.
But this got the watcher's attention.
Opaline: *Gasps* Misty, quick! That Alicorn is using the mirror we gave her! Soon her magic will be–
Sunny then closed the mirror where she and North walked off from New Canterlot.
Opaline: Teasing us as it trots away. Why has she barely used it? If it was me, I'd have checked my pout every minute on the minute!
Misty: And what a pout it is, Opaline! Equal parts chilling and charming!
Opaline: Don't pander to me, Misty.
Opaline then looked at her reflection.
Opaline: Even though you are right. Well, now it's time for me to tell you to do something else.
Opaline lit up the pool of water which got Misty nervous.
North was seen doing target practice on the beach with Des as Zipp was watching them.
Desna: So let me get this right, Hitch wants to make rules so he can have better control on magic and make it more safe?
North Star: Pretty much.
North took his Magnum as Geats where he used its Rifle mode and shot down a watermelon.
Zipp: Sounds like his heart is in the right place but…
Desna: His brain is in the wrong place.
Desna was Kamen Rider Birth where he took his blaster and fired as a pumpkin blew up.
North Star: I warned him if he steps out of line, I won't hesitate to stop him.
Desna: How?
North Star: You're looking at.
Des eyed North who was Geats as the Dragon Prince shot an apple.
Desna: I get the point, but try not to go full on dragon on him.
Zipp then appeared as Kamen Rider Drive and shot down a pear.
Zipp: Well, I know deep down you'll do the right thing.
Zipp just rested her head on North's shoulder as he placed his head on Zipp's and wrapped his free arm around her.
Desna: You know the Brighthouse is just there.
North just aimed his weapon at Des and blasted him as the kirin was knocked on his back.
Desna: Yep. Should've seen that coming.
North Star: So, enjoying this Rider promotion?
Zipp: You bet I am. Now, how about we see how Pipp can handle her Rider Promotion.
North and Zipp headed to Mane Melody leaving Des by himself
Desna: Yep. Leave me here with the mess to clean.
At Zephyr Heights, Nemesis and the others were in the throne room with Haven.
Haven: So these plans of yours, are you sure they're safe?
Nemesis: We actually wanted to discuss it with you. We might have the plans, but we lack the supplies. So we figured the advanced tech here in Zephyr Heights could help.
Haven: Well, don;t you think making Kamen Rider Soldiers seem to be extreme?
Nemesis: Haven, what I'm about to tell you is classified info that I haven't even told the others. Not even North knows.
Haven: Not even, North? What is this classified info?
Nemesis took a deep breath.
Nemesis: The pony responsible for separating all ponykind and making us lose magic, she's alive.
Haven: What?
Nemesis: Her name is Opaline. She's the reason everything happened. What's worse, she's an alicorn.
Shadox: Luckily, Twilight put a forcefield over Equestria to protect us. But we discovered that the forcefield is gone.
Nemesis: But according to Shadox, Twilight took Opaline's magic and sealed it away.
Haven: So she's weak then.
Nemesis: For now. But I want to keep ahead of her and be ready.
Haven took a moment to think and decided.
Haven: Very well. The Rider Army program will have my support.
Nemesis: Good, and keep Opaline a secret. I want North and the others to be ready when the time comes.
Haven: I understand.
Haven's phone went off where it turns out Pipp was doing a livestream.
Nemesis: Why would Pipp be doing a livestream now?
Haven tuned in on the livestream only to see a Kamen Rider with a cat mask with golden outlines with golden headphones.
Pipp: Hi, Pippsqueaks! It's me, Pipp! Coming as Kamen Rider Na-Go!
Nemesis: When she and Izzy pestered me for Drivers, this is not what I had in mind.
Haven: You what?!
Momotaros: I actually heard Hitch saying he is a better Rider than Izzy and Pipp. Even saying he is stronger than them.
Nemesis: When was that?
Kintaros: The incident with those childhood bullies of North and Blaze.
Nemesis: That stupid sheriff…
The livestream then showed Geats North and Drive Zipp.
Zipp: When I said to show off your skills as a Kamen Rider, this is not what I had in mind.
Pipp: Come on, I'm more dancer than fighter.
North Star: You know back then, Star, Nemesis, and Iceberg combined dancing with fighting.
Pipp: They did?! Teach me everything!
Nemesis just looked away embarrassed as the others laughed.
Pipp: Well then Pippsqueaks, when the time comes, I'll livestream how well my dance fighting skills on another livestream! Squeak you later.
The livestream ended as Haven just glared at Nemesis.
Nemesis: Hey, she pestered me!
Outside of Mane Melody, North was back to normal as he stretched his scarf out a bit.
North Star: Was getting stuffy in that thing.
Zipp and Pipp exited out as they both kissed North on the cheek where Sunny walked up to them.
Sunny: Hey guys, I saw the livestream. So…you're going to teach Pipp how to dance-fight, North?
North Star: Uh, well, I….
Sunny: *Giggles* I'm just messing with you. But you three have to come with me. It's Hitch.
Sunny led them outside the Sheriff's Office where Hitch was behind a podium with a mic where Des walked up to them.
Desna: It's bad.
North Star: What do you mean "bad"?
Desna: Just listen.
Hitch: Hello… I know we started the day with a pretty disastrous– I mean, magical morning. *Clears throat* After surveying the recent magical changes in Maretime Bay and the messy ways they've disrupted our daily lives, I have decided there will be… nouse of Earth Pony magic…
The ponies all gasped in shock.
Hitch: Whatsoever.
The ponies gasped again.
Hitch: Until I've collected enough data from all of you to form proper regulations and guidelines!
The ponies gasped again where a stallion fainted.
Hitch: I assure you, this is all for your own safety. We don't know what's possible with Earth Pony magic yet. Until I've taken proper inventory of every flight, float, flora, and fauna power, magic is off limits. That is all.
Before Hitch could step down, a gunshot was heard as a bullet destroyed the mic.
All ponies looked and saw North as Geats with Magnum as he just stared at Hitch.
Hitch: Y-You tried to shoot me?!
North Star: And I missed on purpose.
Sunny grabbed North's shooting arm and looked at him which was her way of saying calm down as the ponies groaned and walked away.
North just sighed and turned back to normal as the group walked up to Hitch where Des' mane was forming smoke.
They eventually caught up to Hitch and they were all mad at the sheriff. Des wanted to do nothing but ignite the stallion into flames.
Sunny: I thought you said you weren't gonna do anything drastic!
Hitch: No, I said I would think it over. And my thoughts are telling me it's bad and it's only gonna get worse if I don't step up!
Sunny: Ugh, but Earth Pony magic is powerful!
Hitch: Exactly! What's gonna happen if we have more mishaps? It's my job to make sure everypony is safe!
North then got up in front of Hitch and got everypony to stop walking.
North Star: And it's my job, to protect Equestria AND Magic itself. And right now, you are posing a threat to magic. If you won't stop, then I will stop you myself. By any means necessary.
Hitch: Really? And what are you gonna do?
North Star: Either you deal with me, or I call Nemesis and you try explaining it to him.
Hitch then took it all back. He knew Nemesis would eat him alive and chew him out. Making a fate worse than death.
But Hitch just brushed it off and walked past the Dragon Prince as the latter and others followed
Sunny: Besides, Earth Ponies need to practice. Like the Pegasi and Unicorns had to!
They then stopped where they saw Seashell, Glory, and Peach Fizz stuck in a tree Seashell grew as they giggled.
Sunny: Growing pains! They'll get it.
Hitch: Guessing you ponies were too tied up for the town hall earlier? Just a little reminder of the new rules!
Hitch brought a sticker with a magic swirl on it with a red cross over it as he placed one on each of the Pippsqueaks' hooves.
This made the fillies groan as they were upset.
Zipp: Sunny has a point, Hitch. It's too early to know if Earth Pony magic is anything to worry about.
Hitch: Look, I'm part of the reason Earth Pony magic is here now. What if I become the reason Earth Ponies get hurt?
Gaia then manifested out of North and slapped the sheriff as she went back into North.
North Star: I think that was Gaia's way of saying, "Shut up, and deal with it." Also, she's getting really mad.
Hitch: Well, as Sheriff, I can't let that happen!
Hitch walked off where North removed the stickers off the Pippsqueaks and destroyed them where he winked and walked off.
North then called Nemesis.
Nemesis who was going over plans with Haven heard his phone rang and answered.
Nemesis: Hello? North, this better be important.
North explained the situation to Nemesis who….
Nemesis: WHAT?!
…was mad beyond reason.
Nemesis: Either you MAKE that stupid sheriff listen, or else by the time I get back, I will take that so called perfect mane of his, and force it down his throat!
Nemesis hung up as the others looked at him in shock.
Nemesis: That stupid sheriff Hitch is trying to put regulations on magic.
Shadox: What?! You can't regulate magic! It's a force of nature! Wild and untamed! You can't make rules and control it!
Nemesis: Which is why I'll do what I yelled out earlier unless North stops him.
Amore: I hope Hitch comes to reason.
Nemesis: He better. Or else he's eating his own mane for lunch.
Back in Maretime Bay, North, Des, Sunny, Zipp, and Hitch were at Dahlia's for an experiment as Zipp was recording everything on her phone.
Zipp: This is a controlled magic experiment to collect data, Dahlia. Just muster your magic in a little burst…
Dahlia nodded as her hooves sparkled green as she gently tapped the ground where a bright green flash blinded them.
Hitch: Whoa! Dahlia? Where'd you go?
Dahlia was then seen covered in flowers.
Dahlia: Is now the time I mention I'm allergic to gardenias?
Desna: I thought you were a florist.
Dahlia's only response was a sneeze where Hitch just shook his head and placed one of those stickers on her hoof where Sunny just groaned.
Later, they were with a stallion who had a watermelon slice with him.
Zipp: And what's your magic?
The stallion's hoof glowed as he touched a watermelon seed where it grew into a fully grown watermelon.
North Star: Wow. That looks good enough to eat.
The stallion passed Zipp the watermelon slice where his hoof glowed again as it caused the other seeds in the slice to burst out as watermelons as one landed on Hitch's hoof as he fell over in pain.
Desna: Still good enough to eat?
Hitch got up as he was not amused.
Hitch: Perfect, great. Don't do it again.
Hitch placed a sticker on the stallion's forehead.
They then found another stallion tangled in vines.
Hitch: Don't do it again.
Hitch placed a sticker on the stallion's hoof.
Hitch then started placing stickers on every Earth Pony they came across.
When Hitch placed a sticker on Posey, the others saw something Hitch was ignoring.
Zipp: Look at their hooves!
Sunny: They're all glowing!
North Star: How though? They're not using their magic.
Desna: Well it also looks like their fizzing.
Out on a field, one stallion made a vine grow out the ground where another touched a tree where it started turning different colors.
Pipp and Jazz walked up confused about what was going on.
Jazz Hooves: Okay… This is officially getting weird!
Jazz's hooves started to glow as a tree grew under her and Pipp as they were now stuck on top of a tree.
Jazz Hooves: Eh? I didn't even want to do that!
Pipp and Jazz then took a selfie.
Down at Mane Street, Hitch felt proud of himself where North and Des were fuming with rage.
Hitch: See? I just need to plan and plot out a perfectly thought-out list of precautions all before you ponies can say, "Presto"!
Desna: I'm this close from turning into a Nirik.
North Star: But all you're doing is making the Earth Ponies miserable. And if you don't stop, Nemesis is going to feed you your own mane.
Hitch: I like to see him try.
Nyx then walked up to them.
Nyx: When my uncle makes a threat, he sees it through. You better stop before he even gets here.
Hitch: Come on, he'll probably thank me for keeping MAretime Bay safe.
Hitch spoke too soon where behind him, Mayflower and Posey's magic went off as they grew more plants.
Everypony except Hitch: Presto! Presto!
Hitch: Ha-ha. I didn't mean literally.
Sunny: No, Hitch, the ponies, they're–
Hitch: Safe and protected now that we've put a stop to this. You'll see–
Nyx grabbed Hitch's head and turned him around as Pipp and Jazz went up to them.
Jazz Hooves: Magic is out of control again!
Pipp: And I have video proof!
Pipp showed them the color changing tree in a filter with sunglasses.
Pipp: In a sassy-sparkle filter, too! I know, the sunglasses are a great touch, right? The Pippsqueaks made it just for me.
Hitch: Why didn't you try to tell me?!
Zipp: We think it has something to do with the glowing hooves!
Nyx: I'll phone Blaze and get him back here and inform the others, the rest of you, fix this!
Nyx teleported leaving the group where Jazz's hooves started to glow again.
Pipp: Not a good look, Jazz!
Hitch then tapped his chin only to notice his hooves were glowing.
Hitch: *Shrieks* What does this mean?!
Zipp: It's gotta be the built-up Earth Pony magic! I don't think you're supposed to keep it all in!
Gaia then manifested again and she was not happy.
Gaia: See what your regulations did, Hitch?! You just created more trouble for all of Equestria!
Hitch then walked past her.
Hitch: I was wrong, I shouldn't have put a pause on Earth Pony magic.
Sunny: Oh, I'm so happy to hear you say that. I've been trying to tell you–
Hitch: I should've gone straight to the Unity Crystals! When ponies united and the unity crystals were created, every pony got their magic. Maybe if we remove the Earth Pony one…
Sunny: What?! No, that's not what I meant!
Hitch: You were right, Sunny! Earth Pony magic IS too powerful TOO powerful! We never had it before, why do we need it now? Come on!
Before Hitch could run off, somepony gave him a powerful kick to the back of his head and sent him towards the ground.
Hitch: Who did that?!
Hitch then saw North as Geats with Boost and Magnum.
North's Driver: READY, FIGHT!
North Star: This nonsense ends now…
Hitch got up where he brought out his Driver and placed it around his hip as he took the Faiz Phone and dialed in 5-5-5.
Faiz Phone: STANDING BY…
Hitch: HENSHIN!
Hitch placed the Faiz Phone into the Driver.
Hitch's Driver: COMPLETE
Hitch turned into Faiz and charged towards North who just uppercutted the sheriff who fell on his back.
Blaze, Saber, Obsidia, and Duke appeared where the Denliner drove by right above as Nemesis, Vice, and Shadox got off as Kamen Riders where Nyx appeared.
Nyx: Thank hoofness you all came! We need-
Then they saw North and Hitch fighting.
Obsidia: What's happening?
Sunny: Hitch was going to remove the Earth Pony crystal like it was a flip of a switch, but then North just attacked. Now it's led up to this!
Saber Fruit: What do we do, Nemesis?
Nemesis: Nothing. North is doing what I told him. If Hitch won't listen, make him listen.
The ponies just watched when Izzy walked up to them.
Izzy: Hey everypony!
Desna: Where were you all day?
Izzy: Babysitting Sparky. He's taking a nap! So, what's going on?
Vice just pointed at the fight where Amore, Crystal, Blood, the Taros, and all Maretime Bay were seeing the fight happen.
Hitch tried his best to land a punch but none of them connected where North was either blocking or redirecting them as he punched Hitch back.
North then grabbed Hitch by the head and landed a powerful headbutt where the metal of their helmets made a very loud clang.
Hitch was stun where North activated the magnum barrels on his legs and kicked Hitch where the magnum barrel fired and shot Hitch.
North then kicked Hitch again as another shot was fired as he got on both hands and spun around kicking Hitch several times as the magnum barrels fired every time they hit.
Pipp, who was livestreaming, knew what that was.
Pipp: *Gasps* That was dance fighting just now!
North then used his arms to spring himself into the air and kicked Hitch right in the face as the magnum barrel fired.
Hitch tripped back as he fell on his flank.
Hitch: I'm doing this for Maretime Bay and it's safety!
North Star: Oh really? Look at them, Hitch! Are they happy or even grateful?!
Hitch looked around and saw how miserable the Earth Ponies were because of his regulations.
North's Driver: REVOLVE ON!
North's body then transformed where Magnum was the upper half and Boost was the bottom half.
North then drew out the Magnum Shooter and fired where Hitch dodged and brought out the Faiz Phone and dialed 1-0-6.
Faiz Phone: BURST MODE.
The Faiz Phone became a blaster as both sides started to fire at each other.
Nemesis: What are you ponies doing too close to a battle?! Tame these plants until we have a solution!
The ponies scattered where Hitch fired again only for North to slide on his knees and activated the Magnum Shooter's Rifle mode.
North then aimed the gun point blank at Hitch's chest and fired where the sheriff was blown back.
Hitch got up where North removed the Magnum Buckle and placed on his new Raiser Buckle, Ninja.
North then pulled the string on the buckle as a green armor was placed on.
North's Driver: DUAL ON! GET READY FOR NINJA AND BOOST! READY, FIGHT!
North brought out the twin bladed Ninja Dueler and charged towards Hitch who placed the Faiz Phone back in his Driver as he drew out the Faiz Edge.
Both clashed blades only for North to split the Ninja Dueler into two separate blades.
North used the larger blade to hold back Hitch as he took the smaller blade and slashed Hitch in his midsection.
Hitch staggered back as he attacked North who used the twin blades to redirect the Faiz Edge and slash Hitch again.
Sunny: Hitch, just stop! That's North you're fighting, you can't beat him!
Hitch: Yes I can! Just watch!
Hitch tried to attack North only for the latter to jump up and slash down.
Hitch was in pain as he dropped the Faiz Edge.
North placed the Ninja Dueler on his back where he activated both Buckles on his Driver.
North's Driver: BOOST TIME!
THe exhaust pipes on his legs ignited where his own Boostriker motorcycle drove itself and turned into a fox.
The exhaust pipes flipped themselves upside down as North used them to fly up as the fox followed him up.
Hitch grabbed the Faiz Pointer and placed it on his right leg as he opened up the Faiz Phone and pressed Enter.
Hitch's Driver: EXCEED CHARGE
The Faiz Pointer fired a drill out towards North as Hitch did the Rider Kick Finisher.
North who was flying above landed on the back of the Fox Boostriker where he revved up the Boost Buckle again where the exhaust pipes which were the tails of the fox shot out flames as they charged towards Hitch.
North's Driver: NINJA BOOST! GRAND VICTORY!
North lunged off the Fox Boostriker as the exhaust pipes on his legs reverted back to their original angle as they jetted him towards Hitch as the Fox Boostriker was now on fire as North kicked his leg out as the Geats Insignia formed in front of his foot.
Both Rider Kick finishers collided only for North to overpower Hitch easily as he powered through the Faiz Finisher as he rammed Hitch down like a living meteor.
North and Hitch crashed into the ground which formed a fiery explosion which sent Hitch flying back as he bounced off the ground several times and hit the railings at the ledge of the pathway.
North walked up to Hitch and grabbed him and made the sheriff face out into the ocean.
North Star: What do I see?
Hitch: Th-The ocean?
North punched Hitch in the side of his guts.
North Star: Wrong! Guess again.
Hitch: Uh, it's, uh, Nature?
North Star: Exactly. And magic….
Hitch: Is a force of nature?
North then brought Hitch up and looked him straight in the eyes.
North Star: You cannot control a force of nature. And a force of nature, is as wild as nature itself.
North dropped Hitch as he headed towards the Brighthouse.
Nemesis: And where are you going?
North Star: To take a look at the crystals. I still want to know what caused the Earth Pony magic to go nuts.
North turned back to normal where Sunny, Zipp, Pipp, and Izzy went up to him where Sunny hugged his head into her chest.
Sunny: It's okay. You had no other choice. What you did does not change our feelings for you.
North Star: ….
The mares hugged North where Nemesis walked up to Hitch and took off his Driver and forced him back to normal.
Nemesis: You're getting a Rider Demotion. And you won't be getting this back until I say so.
Nemesis placed the Driver over his shoulder.
Nemesis: Kid! You and the others check out the crystals. The rest of us will take care of the mess down here.
At the Brighthouse, North and his team along with the Mane 5 were examining the crystals as they floated in the Prisbeam.
Hitch was seen all bruised where he had a bloody nose and was covered in bandages.
Hitch: Can't you use your healing poison, Obisidia?
Obsidia: After what you did? Forget it.
Hitch just sighed.
Hitch: Look, I'm sorry you guys. Guess I'm just scared and unsure. Magic doesn't operate by any rules! Rules are what I know! What if I can't be the sheriff everypony needs now?
Sunny: You'll always be a strong Sheriff, Hitch. Because you care.
Gaia: But trying to control a force of nature? That's something you can't do. Nature is wild and can't be tamed no matter what you do.
Hitch: I'm sorry, everypony. I just love Maretime Bay so much. But maybe having less magic isn't the answer.
Zipp: But we're going to find out what is the answer. Right?
The others agreed as all their cutie marks glowed as the sparkle from them were absorbed by the crystals.
Sunny: Our cutie mark magic is… combining?
Then all of a sudden, the crystals formed a hologram of none other than Twilight Sparkle.
Pipp: What filter is that?!
Zipp: It's not a filter, it's…
North Star: Ancestor Twilight?
Hologram Twilight: If you're seeing this, magic is now more powerful than it's ever been… and Earth Pony magic has been activated for the first time in the history of Equestria! Magic is alive. Always changing, growing stronger.. There are evil forces out there who will want to exploit it. Once a pony tried to steal all magic in Equestria for herself and almost succeeded. I did all I could to protect it from…
The hologram started to go static making the identity of the evil pony a mystery.
Hologram Twilight: …by summoning all of my magical strength to achieve placing the magic in the crystals and the… *static* But the spell is broken! You are exposed to the world once again. You must watch out for Op–*static* Before she op–*static* I'm with you.
The hologram died out where Nemesis was seen behind them.
Nemesis: Twilight….
North Star: Nemesis, what was she talking about?
Nemesis was quiet.
North Star: Don't lie Nemesis. We all know you were there, so talk.
Nemesis just sighed.
Nemesis: Right now, you're all learning and growing with magic as it evolves. Until you are ready, I won't say a thing.
The ponies got upset.
Nemesis: I said when you are ready. Right now, you ponies are not ready. But I promise, I will tell you all when the time comes. For now, we got a bunch of weeds to cut down.
Nemesis formed his wings and flew off.
Zipp: Great. The only one who has answers, and he says we're not ready for them.
North placed on his Driver as he brought out the Zombie and Ninja buckles.
North Star: Guess we just got to grow and be ready so he will tell us. For now, let's cut down some weeds
North placed on both buckles and jumped off the balcony.
North's Driver: DUAL ON! GET READY FOR ZOMBIE & NINJA!
North landed safely on the ground as he got up with the Zombie Breaker in hand.
North's Driver: READY, FIGHT!
Obsidia just rolled her eyes.
Obsidia: Ever since he got those eyes, he's been a bit of a showoff at times.
Pipp: Well we think it suits him just fine.
Back at Opaline's castle…
Misty: Uh… Opaline?
Opaline just walked by as Misty was watching through a projection of what was happening down at the bay.
Opaline: Ugh. If it's another compliment on my hooves, Misty, hooftastic isn't a word and I refuse to acknowledge it.
Misty: No, look. The Earth Pony magic is getting worse!
Opaline: Magic isn't getting worse.
Opaline started to walk around the projection as she saw the Earth Pony magic getting wild.
Opaline: It's growing into something it never has before.
Misty: But if it's growing this fast, how're we gonna stop it?
Opaline then walked up to Misty.
Opaline: Oh no, no, no, no, we won't be stopping anything, Misty. In fact, we're gonna let it thrive. So that when we pluck it, it will be the most powerful it has ever been!
Opaline started to do an evil laugh where Misty tried to do an evil laugh but it was more forced where Opaline just stopped.
Opaline: Igh, if you're going to maniacal laugh with me, Misty, at least be in sync. Ready? And…
Both Opaline and Misty did an evil laugh where back in Maretime Bay, everypony was doing their best to keep the plants at bay.
Shadox was controlling the shadows as he was slicing down each one he caught but more kept growing back.
Nemesis came running back where he saw Vice.
Nemesis: Vice!
Vice headed towards his partner as the two fused together into a t-rex as they started to make do with the more bigger plants where the others followed.
Hitch" Forget what I said earlier, use your magic! As much as you can!
Sunny: But also focus and guide your magic!
A giant venus flytrap then formed above the ponies.
Blaze Chaser: A venus flytrap?!
The plant then attacked Sunny and Pipp only for North to slash it with the Zombie Breaker.
North Star: What would you do without me?
Sunny just chuckled as Pipp giggled where the Earth Ponies started to remove the stickers on their hooves as they focused their magic.
The plants started to shrink until they were gone which made them cheer with joy.
Izzy: Express yourselves! Let your freaky fun flags fly!
The Earth Ponies used their magic more as everything was calming down and turning back to normal.
Hitch: That's right! Listen to Sunny and… Izzy?!
Saber Fruit: You just now realized she was here?!
Desna: Yeah, his brain is not up there.
Hitch: Where's Sparky?
Izzy: Uh… He's back at the station dragon-napping!
Hitch: Oh, okay then. Wait. Did you say napping?! He's going to be up all night now!
Nemesis appeared behind him back to his normal self and punched Hitch on the back of his head.
Nemesis: He's a baby dragon, you stupid excuse of a sheriff! And babies in general need naps!
Hitch: How do you know how to raise baby dragons?
Nemesis: Star and Iceberg helped raise five. While living in a cave hidden in a mountain.
Nemesis walked off as North turned back to normal.
North Star: I'd be careful of what you do from now on. You're already on his bad side as it is.
Hitch: Does he even have a good side?
Back up at New Canterlot, Sprout was seen taking the sticker off his hoof where he used his magic to cause the berry plant to shrink down until it was gone.
Except Sprout was not being careful where a bigger berry plant grew behind him as a giant berry was over his head.
The berry broke from its stem and fell where Sprout ran off in a panic as the berry rolled down the hill.
The others were down at Mane Street where everything has calmed down where Pipp saw the giant berry rolling towards them.
Pipp: Babe, look! Giant glimmer berry, coming again, six o'clock!
North turned around and went wide eyed.
Hitch: But it's only 2:15!
Desna: Not that, you idiot!
Des turned Hitch's head around where they all saw the giant glimmer berry where they saw the Pippsqueaks get stuck in a tree again as they were now in the path of the giant berry.
Pipp: My Pippsqueaks!
The group ran up in front of the Pippsqueaks as they saw the berry rolling towards them.
Hitch: Link hooves just like we did around the Unity Crystals! Our powers are always stronger together, right?
As the berry got closer, the ponies linked hooves as Hitch's hooves started to glow.
Hitch was starting to get nervous.
Sunny: Relax, Hitch. All you have to do is trust yourself. You;ve got everything you already need.
Hitch remained calm as he focused where his and everypony else's cutie marks started to glow.
With the combined magic, Hitch grew a big tree that had different colored flowers as it was sparkling right in front of them.
Hitch: The tree's right in the berry's path! We're protected! We're gonna save the ponies! We're actually gonna do it!
The berry hit the tree where it exploded into juice that went flying over the tree.
The others gasped in shock as they ducked their heads down.
Hitch: Oh no…
Hitch then ducked his head down as the juice of the berry splattered all over them.
Sunny: Hey, look! We're a friendship smoothie.
North just licked the berry juice off his face where Pipp tasted it.
Pipp: Hmm, the perfect blend!
Everypony just laughed as Maretime Bay cheered.
Sunny: Told ya, Earth Pony magic is something else. Who knew you had the power to grow magical trees?
Pipp and Zipp then brought out their phones.
Pipp: Speaking of, have you seen this thing? It's like five sparkle filters combined!
Zipp: Zipp File number 3-1-0: Flowers on magical tree look strangely familiar somehow. Must investigate.
Hitch: North, Sunny, you two were right. I shouldn't have tried to control all that magic, especially my own.
There was then a loud crash where it came from the Sheriff's Office.
Duke Venture: What in Equestria was that?!
North Star: That sound came straight from the station.
Hitch: *Gasps* Sparky!
Hitch ran into the station in a panic.
Hitch: Izzy, I thought I told you not to let Sparky make a mess…
Hitch then saw there was nothing wrong with the station where everyone else followed inside.
Hitch: That is entirely cleaned up.
Sparky then ran up to Hitch all cheerful as he hopped on Hitch's back.
Hitch: Wow! I've never seen Sparky this happy. Did you follow the safety schedule?
Obsidia: Safety schedule? I knew you were a control freak but now it sounds like you need help.
Izzy: Nope, nope, and… nope! I tried that at first, but soon found out that ditching all the rules and letting Sparky run free was just what the dragon ordered! Isn't that right, little cutie?
Sparky just purred as he grabbed onto Hitch's harness.
Hitch: Thanks, Izzy. I… may have over-thought it a bit.
Heroes: A bit?
Hitch: Well I'm trying to work on that. I mean, he's just a little dragon, what's the worst that could happen?
Sparky then out a sneeze where a burst of magic turned most of the things in the office into balloons and party hats.
Hitch: And… there it is.
Desna: Never say "What's the worst that could happen", because it will happen.
Sunny: Woah! Sparky has magic?
Izzy: What you didn't know?
Hitch just bopped a balloon away.
Hitch: We'll clean that up later, buddy. And North, question, what did Nemesis mean by a Rider Demotion?
Out of nowhere, a Driver was thrown into Hitch's face.
Nemesis: Enjoy the prototype model for the Faiz Driver.
Hitch: Of course.
After cleaning themselves up, everypony gathered around Mane Street as they looked at the sparkling tree in awe.
Sparky ran to the tree and touched it where the swirls on his horns started to glow as the tree itself started to glow itself.
Hitch then walked up to Sparky and put him on his back.
Hitch: Okay Sparky, that's enough magic for today.
Nemesis who looked outside from New Canterlot saw the tree and what Sparky did.
Nemesis: That dragon…
North was with his mares as they eyed the tree.
North Star: Whatever obstacle that comes our way, we'll always get by, as long as we have each other.
