At the Crystal Empire it was a peaceful wake up call for all the crystal ponies...Well it was until there was a loud shout.
"GOOD MORNING CRYSTAL EMPIRE" It said. The Crystal ponies were all shocked by the yelling and turned to the source to see Pinkie Pie with a megaphone. Manic covered hi ears and then turned to her. "Pinkie...Was that really necessary?" He asked her. Pinkie then gave a wide smile as she turned to Manic. "Yes Manic. It's a nice way to wake everyone here."
"I think that even Canterlot could hear you shout?" He said as he relieved his hands from his ears. He then turned to the crystal ponies who were confused by Pinkie's actions for a bit, but then just shrugged it off and went back to their normal daily activities. Manic then sighed in relief that the ponies didn't decide to come after them. That's when he and Pinkie were heading for the castle.
However along the way Manic heard someone call out to him and Pinkie. "YO MANIC! PINKIE!" The two then turned to spy it was no other then Manic's brother Sonic, Twilight, and Sally. Pinkie then gives a huge smile as she runs from Manic and tackles Twilight. "TWILIGHT!" She yelled as she jumped Twilight with a hug. However Twilight had used her Magic to hold her in place and set Pinkie down as she went up to them and giggled. "Hi Pinkie. Glad to see you haven't change much." She said as she smiled. Pinkie though still hugged her as she was showing she was pleased to see her old friend. Sonic and Sally approached Manic with Sonic and Manic giving each other an arm wrestle position
"Good to see ya bro." Manic said. Sonic smirked. "You too." Manic then turned to Sally. Manic had heard about her actions back in Appleousa from Sonic so he wasn't exactly pleased to see her at first. Sally looked away thinking the same, but then Manic held out his hand in an arm shaking position. Sally turned and looked a little surprised, but took the hand and shook it. "Haven't seen ya for a long time Sally. Nice to see ya again." He said as he smirked. Sally then smirked back.
"You too. You know before Sonic I recall that you tried to make a few moves on me. Guess you've really found someone else eh?" She said teasing Manic. Manic then gave a nervous chuckle as he had a sweatdrop and was scratching the back of his head. "Ehehe Yeah, but that was back when we were kids. I didn't quite know any better." He said. Sally's smirk just grew. "Mmmhmm." She said with her mouth closed. Pinkie though then appeared right in front of Sally which spooked her and then Pinkie started to shake her hands really fast and spoke in her hyperactive voice.
"Hi! You must be Sally! Nice to meet you! Well at first it wasn't going to be considering what you put my friend and my BF's brother through, but hey you made up for it! Do you like parties? I love parties! Maybe I can throw you one back at Ponyvi-" Her sentence was cut short by Manic who put his hand over her mouth to get her to calm down and turned to Sally while Twilight came up beside Sonic. Sally was in a very confused state while the three gave an awkward smile. "Hehe sorry about that Sal. Pinkie can get a little too… what's the word?" Sonic asked.
"Rambunctious?" Twilight asked trying to provide the right word to him. "Yeah. Something like that." He said agreeing with his wife. Sally was still confused, but shrugged it off. Sally then had a thought. "So why are you two here anyhow?" She asked Manic and Pinkie. Pinkie had settled down as Manic released her mouth so she could speak.
"Oh well we're here to see Sonia. After all been a little while since we saw her. Just wanted to see how she's doing is all." Pinkie said in hyper tone. "What about you?" Sonic then turned to Sally and Twilight showing he was concerned with telling them. Though he looked at the two and he knew they wanted him to say something. "Well I'll tell you after we see Cadence and Armor." He said. Manic and Pinkie looked at each other confused, but then nodded and then turned to Sonic. "Alright bro it if you say so." Manic said. As they were walking inside Pinkie and Manic had explained what occurred back at Canterlot involving Scourge, but right when they mentioned Shadow getting shot that's when Sally turned to him.
"I-Is he all right?" Sally asked. Manic nodded. "Yeah he's fine, but he's lucky that none of his inner organs got any damage. He however has to stay in the hospital to recover." He said. Sally sighed in relief, but Sonic was more concerned about Scourge, "Scourge...well I should've figured if Fiona was here then Scourge wouldn't be too far behind, but why not come after me. It's me he has a grudge against? That doesn't make sense." He thought. Twilight looked at Sonic and saw his concern face and became worried.
"Sonic are you okay?" She asked him. Sonic was still in thought. "SONIC!" She shouted to get his attention. Sonic then got spooked but recovered and then turned his attention to her. "Yeah Twi?" He asked her. "I was asking you if you were alright. You wouldn't answer...Is there something bothering you?" She asked. Sonic looked away as he was closed his eyes. Lost in his thoughts. He then had flashbacks of his encounters with Scourge and how he tried to ruin everything for Sonic. Sonic then opened his eyes and said only one word. "Something." He said as he walked forward. Sally and Manic looked at each other as they both knew what was bothering Sonic. The group of five pressed onwards and then saw 2 familiar faces coming to them. "HEY SONIC! MANIC!"
The two looked to see Sonia who was wearing her usual outfit coming there way. The two then ran until they all met up. Sonia gave a hug to her two brothers and spoke. "Oh it's so good to see you two." She then turned her head to Sonic. "When I heard you and Twilight went off on your honeymoon I was quite surprised." She said. Sonic then brought his finger up and swayed it like he usually does when he teases his enemies. "Eh well Sis that's just how I work." He said. Sonia then just giggled at her brother. Though Flash then hovered down and landed and spoke. "Greetings Sonic and Manic. I assume you are here to see Sonia?" He presumed, but Sonic shook his head. "Well not just Sonia. Me, Twilight, and Sally came to talk with Cadence and Shining." He said. Twilight then approached Flash.
"Are they busy?" She asked him. "Well actually Shining is on the training grounds right now. I can go request a meeting with you." He said. Sonic and Manic then approached him. "We'll come with ya. I always wanted to know how my brother-in-law does things around here." Sonic said. Manic nodded in agreement. "Very well come on. I'll show you to the training grounds." Flash said as he walked forward. Sonic and Manic nodded, but then turned to the girls. "Sonia you go ahead and take them to see Cadence. We'll meet you there." He said. Sonia nodded and then Manic and Sonic turned to go and catch up with Flash. Sonia then turned to Sally, Twilight, and Pinkie. "Right so shall we head on over to the throne room?" She asked. The three nodded in agreement and were off.
In the training grounds you can see Shining Armor using a spear against two soldiers. As he was readying himself he turned to a new batch of candidates of soldiers. "Alright now listen up. Today's lesson will involve 2 on one battles. I want you to pay close attention as you may encounter situations like this in the future." He then signaled the two to come at him. At which they did. Sonic, Manic, and Flash came just in time to witness what happened next. Shining was actually deflecting both the spears, but didn't attack them. "You see the key is to focus on one, but to keep your guard up at all times." He said as he knocked the spear away and pinned one of them, but the other came right at him. He thought jumped into the air and knocked the guard down. He then landed and helped the two up and then turned to the candidates. "Study your opponents moves, Keep your guard up at all times, and subbed due one before going after the other. If you can manage that you'll be able to handle these types. Now I want you all to divide into groups of three and practice what we just discussed. DISMISSED!" He shouted. The candidates saluted and then got in there groups. That's when Armor turned to Sonic, Manic, and Flash and smirked. "Well if it isn't one of my best soldiers and my two brothers in law. How are you Manic and Sonic?"
"Doing pretty good Armor thank you for asking." Manic said as he gave an overconfident look. Flash then went up to Armor and stood tall. "Captain! Princess Twilight and Prince Sonic request an immediate audience with you and Princess Cadence." He said. Shining hearing this turned to Sonic who was for the first time Shining could see was giving a serious look he though only could be seen from Shadow. The minute he saw this he knew it had to be serious. He then approached Sonic. "I assume this has something to do with the letter we got from Luna.?" He asked. Manic nodded while Sonic was confused. "What letter?" He asked though Armor just turned away. "Let's go to the throne room. We'll talk more there." He said as they then walked out of the training grounds and go into the hallways of the castle.
They continue walking until they reach the throne room where the princess of the Crystal Empire/husband to Shining Armour, Cadence was busy talking with an official. That's when the doors opened and in came Sonia with Twilight, Pinkie, and Sally. She then stood from her throne. "Twilight!" She said with excitement. Twilight smiled as she approached her. "Cadence!" She said. The two then came face to face and then did their ritual. "SUNSHINE, SUNSHINE, LADYBUGS AWAKE. CLAP YOUR HANDS AND DO A LITTLE SHAKE!" They said as they back away and laugh. Sally though was confused and turned to Pinkie and Sonia as they approached the two.
"What was that?" She asked them. Pinkie and Sonia smiled and then Sonia spoke. "Oh that's just a little dance they do when they see each other. It's their thing." Pinkie then continued. "Yea. You see Cadence was Twilight's foal-sitter, and this was what they did back then. They are actually sisters in law since Shining Armor married Cadence, but you probably knew that already right?" She asked. Sally however was a little shocked to hear of that since she actually didn't have a clue about that. A few minutes passed as introductions came and went, but that's when Armor showed up with the guys in tow. As they came at the approach Cadence smiled.
"Ah Sonic, Manic. To what do I owe the pleasure from this visit?" She asked. Sonic then spoke. "Well Cadence me, Twilight, and Sally wanted to talk with you if now would be a good time?" He asked. Cadence then smirked. "Sonic I may be the ruler of the Empire and Shining may be the captain of the guard here, but you should realize we always have time to talk with our subjects. Especially family." She said with a smile. Sonic then smirked a little at her comment, but then the smirk started to fade as he spoke. "Ok so first of all from what Armor tells me you received a letter from Luna about the events from Canterlot?" He asked. Cadence nodded immediately in response. "Yes the news of that was most devastating. I am pleased that Shadow is making a full recovery however." Shining then spoke.
"I had more guards dispatched there just in case they decided to make another move." He said, but Sonic then frowned as he had his eyes closed. "Yeah...well I don't think it's just Canterlot their after…" He said. Cadence and Armor were confused by this. That's when Sonic then proceeded and explained what happened back at Rainbow falls with Fiona. Though as Sonic explained Twilight was becoming nervous. Sonic was able to get a quick glance and noticed twilight's fear of telling them about the "incident" at the cave. Sonic found a way to work around saying Twilight and Sally were able to overcome Fiona by working together and gave her the boot. Twilight sighed in relief quietly while Sally noticing just gave her a nudge with her elbow. After Sonic was finished explaining everyone was quiet. That's when Pinkie then spoke first.
"Whoa that sounds cranagerous." She said. Everyone turned to her and looked confused, but she then explained. "Crazy and dangerous." Sonia then grew concerned. "Well I'm glad your okay, but if Fiona was able to do that to Twilight we would all have been in trouble." She said. Manic then growled a little.
"Ergh unbelievable. I mean it's one thing to kill someone, but coming after us… This is the last straw. I say we gather the others and go hunt down Scourge and his gang post haste." He said. Cadence however shook her head. "Manic we don't know where they could be hiding and even if we did know they would probably be waiting for us." Cadence stated. Sally then spoke. "She's right Manic. The best thing we can do is first try to find out where they're hiding and come up with a plan." She said. However as they were talking in another room in the palace was filled with old items including a horseshoe shaped mirror. The mirror however was reacting as it turned into a liquid state and then something popped out. It had the silhouette of an Anthro pony. She was wearing blue jeans, black shoes, a light yellow/green shirt with a black jacket and in the center of the shirt was a yellow and red sun. She had a yellow and red ponytail as well as a mane with the same color scheme. She however was a unicorn as she used her magic to then teleport before a guard came in and looked around only to see no signs of the pony.
Back at the throne room everyone was trying to think of a plan. Of course it was getting nowhere. However Shining came to a conclusion. "Well I think we need sometime to try and take this in. Twilight why don't you take Sally on a tour of the Crystal Empire to get her familiarised with the town. I'll have a discussion with the generals. Flash!" He said as he turned to Flash who stood tall. "I need you to fetch the generals and then make sure they are ready for the meeting." He said. Flash nodded. As he proceed to leave. Twilight then turned and grabbed Sally. "Come on Sally I'll show you around town." She said as she smiled. Sally then smiled back "I would really enjoy a tour. It was nice to meet you Princess Cadence and Prince Armor." She said. With that the two left however Sonic then ran after them. "Hey you're not leaving me out of this one" He called out as he chased after the two.
Twilight had brought Sonic and Sally to the middle of town where they were taking in the sights. Twilight then pointed to different areas "Over there is where the markets are. You can get anything you need from the Crystal Empire from there." Sally then spotted what looked like a crystal statue of Spike with a heart in his hand. This of course raised questions in Sally's mind. "Um hey Twilight. Who's that?" She asked. Twilight and Sonic looked at where she was pointing and then smiled. "Oh that's Spike. My assistant. He actually helped save the Crystal Empire when he brought the crystal heart back to the center of the Empire." She said. Sonic of course chuckled. "Yeah, but he's so full of it he won't stop bragging about it. I kid you not." He said. Twilight then giggled. "Of course how could I forget." She said. That's when the both chuckled and Sally found it amusing as well. That's when Sonic turned to a cafe and then pointed to it.
"Hey why don't we grab a quick bite?" He suggested. Twilight and Sally nodded in agreement, but then Twilight turned and looked at the cafe. That's when she approached it to get a better view while Sonic was a little concerned. "What's wrong Twilight?" He asked her. Twilight was getting a closer look and saw a pony at the window who looked familiar. "It can't be… Can it?" She thought, but that's when she recognized her which makes her gasp and smile happily "SUNSET!" Sonic said as he looked at his watch "Twilight it's two pm. It's still too early for a sunset." He pointed out, but Twilight just sighed. "No not that kind of sunset. I'm talking about the pony in the window" She said as she pointed at the window showing the pony from before who was in the room with the mirror. She then ran for the cafe which caught Sonic and Sally off guard as they ran after her. Twilight then entered the cafe and found the table the pony was at. She then called out. "Sunset Shimmer!" Sunset almost spit out her drink, but then turned to see Twilight.
"Twilight." She said as she got up from her table and ran to her. The two then envelope each other in a hug. After they relieved each other Sunset spoke. "It's so good to see you again Twilight." She said. Twilight smiled. "You to Sunset." That's when Sonic and Sally entered the cafe.
"Twilight can you please not run off like that." Sonic said. That's when Sunset turned to him. "Well well if it isn't the great hedgehog himself" She said, prompting Sonic to grin smugly and standing in a superman pose, "The one and only!" He said as his voice exploded with coolness and awesomeness. Sunset of course rolled her eyes at Sonic while Sonic kept grinning, but Sally was confused. "You three know each other?" She asked. Sonic, Sunset, and Twilight turned to Sally and then Sonic spoke. "Oh yeah. Sunset Shimmer meet Sally Acorn. Sal this is are friend Sunset. Met her a while back… well Twilight was the first to meet her." Sally was confused. Twilight could see it and then sighed. "Why don't we sit down and explain how we met." She suggested. "Yes that would work." Sunset said.
The group sat down as they ordered some drinks. Twilight had explained when she first met Sunset when Sunset stole her crown to use it as her own and conquer Equestria, but after defeating her did Sunset learn her mistakes. This surprised Sally as she spoke. "I see. So you wanted Equestria for yourself?" She asked which made Sunset look away in shame. "... *Sigh*... I'm not proud of myself for it. I had to really make up for the damage I did and it was no easy task, but it's thanks to Twilight and the others for helping me through tough times." She said Sally smiled and then turned to Sonic. "So how did you find out about Sunset Sonic?" She asked him. Sonic then scratched his head in embarrassment. "Well you see eheh Twilight had a while back built a portal to get to that world, but when I found it I might have accidentally activated and destroyed it." He said. Sally then gave a grin as she gave him a nudge in a left shoulder, "Why am I not surprised?" She asked him, as she decided to shrug it off. "Do I want to know how you managed it?" She asked him.
Sonic then had a flashback to when he found the portal and activated it. Once the device was powered up Sonic smirked. "Well this is new. Well time to see where you go. Let's do it to it!" He then ran, but that's when a cord caught him and he tripped and started flipping around like a ball. The cord however broke off with electricity coming from it. Sonic was trying to bounce off the wall, but then got caught and was electrocuted, but then as he was trying to recover that's when the portal started to react and suck him in. He then tried to get away and grabbed the shelf, but was hit in the face by about 10-20 of the books on the shelf. After that he then lost his gripped and was pulled through however that's when the bookshelf timbered and fell right on top of the portal Twilight made and smashing it to pieces. When he popped out he hit the ground and then turned to see Sunset right in front and Sonic had his hand behind is head. "Hi how are ya." The flashback ends and then he had a sweatdrop. "Um no you don't" He said. Sally then rolled her eyes and then turned to Sunset again. "So Sunset what else can u tell me about this other world and how things are done there?" She asked.
However as they were talking back at the castle two guards passed by a window, but as they passed by two elite changelings slipped in and so did a third, but this one was not only female, but wearing a special changeling outfit. It was a commander. She then turned to the other two changelings and nodded. The two then stood and used their shapeshifting powers to turn into guard ponies that's when the commander had a flashback to when they were in the cave.
"I have a little assignment for you. According to Chrysalis you're one of her top commanders so that's why I trust you to do this. You must secure this." He said as he turned to his monitor showing an image of the mirror that Sunset came through. "Obtain this by any means necessary. Is that understood?" The changelings acknowledged by bowing to him and the commander spoke. "Oh don't worry. In the name of Chrysalis we will not fail you." The flashback ends with her starting to shapeshift into a regular pony and then turned to the two elite changelings in disguise. "Now remember you two we must secure the artifact. Do whatever means necessary. Is that clear?" She asked giving them an evil eye to make sure the two wouldn't crack. The two then saluted and spoke simultaneously. "YES MA'AM!" They said.
Meanwhile Sonia was coming up on Flash. "Hey wait Flash. I'll join you." She said as she caught up to him in the hall. Flash then placed his helmet on his head. "Sonia you know you don't have to follow me wherever I go. I can take care of myself." Sonia however just smirked as she got in front of him. "What? Are you saying there's a rule where a girl can't follow his boyfriend even though he's a guard?" She said as she scratched his chin. Flash though was a little stammered. "No.. but I do have a job to do and I don't want you to be bored with just walking around and-" Flash though was interrupted by Sonia just placing a finger on his lips. She then gave a seductive smile. "You know how much I love a man in uniform." She said. Flash smiled at this and that's when Sonia gave him a quick peck on the lips. After that she backed off and then spoke. "So shall we be on our way?" She asked. Flash smirked. "Alright your majesty of course." He said as they made their way through the hallways.
On there way they spot two guards and a regular crystal pony walking towards them. "Hello Captain Sentry Sir!" One of them said as the two bow to him with respect as he then felt nervous from this.
"Guys, take it easy." He said as they then got up.
"Sir, we need to ask you something." He then turned his attention to the pony next to them. "We were trying to escort this tourist to see Princess Cadence and wants to talk with her." He said as the pony was nodding to conform this.
Sonia was confused from this and decided to speak out. "Wait, last I check Cadence never gets visits…. At least never this quickly." She said whispering that last part. Then she thought more and then realized something as she sees the pony tourist. "And wait, aren't you a crystal pony, don't you already know Cadence?" She asked. The commander though was prepared. "Yes I never met her personally. I only know her by her title around here and from seeing her from when she first came to the Empire." She said covering up her true intentions. Sonia then wondered about something. "Hey wait, why would you let an unknown citizen just walk in here? Flash do you guys do that?" She asked him as he was quick to respond.
"Well no, not unless they do have a reason to be here or if they inform others." He then looked at the two guards though one of them then goes and kicks Sonia's head as she then falls to the floor. Flash was surprised by this and was about to answer to why did he do that, the other one tried to kick him, though Flash caught it and stopped it from reaching his head. But as he tries to fight back he was pinned down by the tourist pony and then knocks him out and then gets back up.
"Quickly we must find the mirror before our cover is blown, and before these two wake up!" The changeling commander said to the two transformed changelings as they nodded. They ran through the hallway but not before over the corner of the hallway Manic looked over and heard all the noise and turned to Pinkie. "Did you hear that?" He asked. Pinkie turned to him and then let her ears open wide to try and listen. "Um no sorry Manic." Manic however was a little suspicious and turned to see a shadow running down the hall. Manic then developed a frown. "Hey Pinkie I'll be right back alright. I need to check on something." He said. Pinkie was a little suspicious of this, but then spoke. "Alright if you say so." She said. Manic then started to walk down the hall the changelings went.
They then stopped in front of a door and the commander smiled as she opened it. They then approached the mirror as the commander shapeshift back to her changeling form. "Here it is. Come… quickly before.-"
"Before someone catches you?" Manic said as the changelings then turned their attention to him standing in front of the chamber door. The changelings were surprised as they didn't show signs of giving up. Manic however smirked. "Alright boys we can do this one of two ways. One you surrender peacefully or two I give you guys the beat down of the century." The Changelings however were in a triangle formation. Manic's smirk then grew. "Alright if that's how you want to play. Then let's shake things up." He said as he touched his drum necklace.
Sonic, Twilight, Sally, and Sunset got out of the cafe after a nice round of coffee, but as they were talking that's when there was a huge rumble that shook things up. "An earthquake, but that's impossible." Sunset said. Of course though Sonic had a theory. "No, I know this sort of tremor before, usually my brother can summon drums that can do stuff like that, though he usually does that when he's facing enemies." He said as Sunset was perplexed as to what he said though didn't say anything.
"We might need to check it out and see what's up." He asked as he then got ready to make a run for the castle. The girls agreed and like that they made a run for the castle. As they got there they saw guards running for down the hall. "Where there are guards usually means that's where the trouble is." Sally pointed out. Sonic nodded in agreement with her. Twilight though was able to catch one of the guards.
"Guard what's going on? Tell me." She said. The guard then saluted. "There has been a breach your majesty." He said as he saluted and then made a run. Twilight turned to the others and then followed the guards to the source of the trouble. They then arrive at the mirror room to find it completely trashed. The four were in shock, but that's when Pinkie walked up to them looking very sad. "Pinkie what happened here?" Twilight asked. Pinkie just looked as surprised as Twilight was "I'm not sure, but I heard Manic's drums and I got worried when I got here this is what I saw." She said. They looked around for any signs only to find Manic laying on the ground as he was beaten down to a pulp. Pinkie saw this and goes to him looking distressed.
"Manic! Are you ok, sweetie please speak to me!" She said worried. Manic then stirs and opened his eyes slowly, as he groaned weakly. He then smiled when he saw his girl's blue eyes and chuckled himself awkwardly. "Yeah I'm ok baby." He said with a sarcastic tone. Pinkie smiled and gave him a big hug of course he yelled as he was still in pain. After a few seconds Pinkie let go and then Manic looked at Sonic. "Oh hey bro." He said.
Sonic though gave a serious face, "Manic what happened?" Sonic asked. Manic then sighed. "Changelings happened bro." He said. Sunset however looked at where the mirror was and then went wide eyed. "Its….It's gone!" She whispered. Twilight then turned to her. "What is it Sunset?" She asked. Sunset though pointed to the section of the mirror however when Twilight looked there was no sign of it whats so ever. Manic then groaned as he struggled to get up while Pinkie tried to make him sit down. "Manic don't you're still hurt." She said.
"Sonic listen. While I was barely conscious I heard about a rendezvous point somewhere in the snowy plains outside of the Crystal Empire. You might still be able to catch them if you hurry." Sonic nodded. This of course interested Sunset as she wanted the mirror back so she could return to that other world. "Alright Manic. Don't worry I'll catch them faster than you can say Sonic Boom."
"Sonic Boom." Manic said sarcastically. To which made him and Sonic laugh a little. He then turned, and was about to run, but Twilight grabbed him. "Hold on Sonic. Maybe we should come with you. The changelings are pretty tough and are known for their tricks. We can be useful for you." She said with a confident tone in her voice. Sonic was only about to grin at his wife as he took her hand and spoke with her, "Well I considered your offer for you to go with me, but if you suggest it yourself, then... *shrug*... Let's find them and kick their asses." He said with a coolness in his voice. Twilight was staring at him with a blank look on her face, as she didn't expect a words like this from him, and then she raised her left eyebrow and became skeptical.
"Well… Kick their… ahem… backs sounds like a good idea, but do you even know about where they are in the plains?" She asked him by sounding skeptical. Sonic was ready to answer, but before he could say at least one word, he sighed wordlessly and shook his head as all of his enthusiasm now gone. Twilight nodded at him and crossed her arms by becoming really bossy.
"Very well. Then why don't you run ahead and scout things out, but…" She said as she got stern. "Don't engage them until we get there got it?" She said. Sonic then groaned. "Oh come on Twi it's just 3 changelings" He said, but Twilight gave one of these *I'm serious* look, to which Sonic had to give up. He then nodded at her by implying that he will do what she says. He then turned away from her and started to grimacing himself as if mimicking Twilight's facial expression and her words, "Be-be-be…" He whispered himself quietly before he dusted off. On running he had only one idea in his mind, "Man, this marriage wasn't that awesome like in those movies."
Twilight then sighed when he was out of sight. "Alright come on we better gear up and Sunset if you-" She turned to see Sunset, but Sunset was nowhere in sight. "Hey where did Sunset go?" She asked.
In the meanwhile Sonic had arrived in a part of the plains and came to a stop. He then felt a breeze hit him and he shivered a little. "Man this place reminds me a lot of the Icecap zone back on Mobius." He said. "What's the icecap zone?" A female voice asked. Sonic turned around to see Sunset having her arms crossed which of course made him to groan in annoyance. "Oh great a stow away. Just what I need." He thought. He then turned completely around and faced her.
"Sunset what are you doing here?" Sonic asked. Sunset was shivering a little, but spoke. "I..c-c-came to help you." She said. Sonic then sighed. "Sunset look at you. Your shivering like crazy. Your not use to the cold weather. I've ran in area's like this all the time back home." He pointed out. "It might be best if I take you back-"
"NO!" Sunset shouted which surprised Sonic as he backed away a little frightened by Sunset. Sunset then calmed down and spoke to him calmly. "Sigh I'm sorry, but that mirror…As you know it's the only other way back to that world." She said, but this confused Sonic. "Well yeah, but… from what I hear this is where you were from originally… I thought you would want to come back here after so long." He said.
"Well it's just… while that is true I've grown more attached to that world then I do here. In a way it's… Like my real home." She said. This of course made Sonic go into a though as he never thought it would mean that much to her. He then came out of his thought and then smirked as he shrugged. "Alright then Sunset. Whatever it takes we will get that mirror back. That's a Sonic promise." He said as he gave a thumbs up. Sunset nodded in agreement and the two set out across the plains.
It had been about a good 10 minutes since they've been in the plains, but lucky for then there wasn't a blizzard so they could see perfectly. That's when they heard some noise and Sonic along with Sunset dove right behind a bush to hide and they spotted the three changelings the two guards in front of the mirror guarding it while the commander pulled out a crystal orb that spewed out some green smoke. Sonic and Sunset were observing from a good distance so they could hear, but be unseen.
"Your majesty we have successfully secured the mirror." The commander said. This of course pleased Chrysalis. "That's good commander now hurry and bring it back here before those rotten ponies discover your location." She said. The commander bowed and then the smoke faded from the orb. Sonic then turned to Sunset. "Was that who I think it was?" Sonic asked. "Yes I do believe so… but it was to hard to tell from this distance." Sunset said confirming his suspicions. "But what I'm trying to figure is… why the mirror?" She asked. Sonic had an idea
"Well it does open a portal to another world right?" He asked. Sunset gave it a thought and then went wide eyed as she knew what Sonic was getting at. They then turned to see the changelings picking up the mirror. "Come on you two pick up the pace before were spotted!" She shouted. Sonic then smirked.
"This is perfect we'll follow them right to their hideout and then we can jump Chrysalis." He said as he was about to take off, but then Sunset grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back before the changelings notice him. "Hold on Sonic. Twilight said just to watch. I do agree we follow them, but we should probably wait and get some more information." She said. Sonic gave it a thought and sighed "But this is our one chance to take down!" He pointed out, but Sunset was still lenient. "Sonic come on. If we know what Chrysalis is up to we can sabotage it before it can come into effect." Sonic wanted to argue more, but figured it was pointless at this point and then sighed in defeat. "Alright Sunset we'll do this yours and Twilight's way" He said. The two stayed behind the snowy trees watching carefully as the changelings were walking with the mirror in tow. As they were hiding behind the trees they never realized the commander already knew of their presence. The two had been following the changelings for some time until they spotted them going in a small cave. Sonic and Sunset turned to each other and nodded as they proceeded into the cave. As they proceeded they were having a rough time getting through considering they were in the dark and had no source of light.
"Urgh it's really hard to see where we're going." Sonic said as he was holding his hands out so he could feel any surface pop up. Sunset then sighs. "Here allow me." She then powered up her horn and like that a light was shined and lit up the way. The two had been walking for a good long while, but found no signs of the changelings. "Man did we really lose them...I mean they have to be as lost as we are." He said. Sunset however just kept looking ahead. "No changelings have a unique way of seeing in the dark. So they know where they're going." She said to him.
Sonic was only about to sigh in response, his face showed a signs of jealousy, "I'd love to have the ability of seeing in the dark man." He muttered as his eyes went narrowed. Sunset chuckled slightly over his words and shook her head, knowing that he was right somehow. The two overtook almost a half of the way down to the caves, and stopped their track when they reached a divarication contains of three different caves. The two looked at the cave holes questioningly not knowing where did changelings go.
"Hmmm… Where to go now?" Sonic asked. Sunset scanned the holes, before looking to the ground to see the traces. But there was no traces. Sunset then frowned in annoyance and the two returned their attention to the cave holes.
"Well that's just great!" She grunted in annoyance, "How do we know where they're going now?" Sonic though just perked up to the sound of talking. That's when he smirked and pointed. "This way." He said. Sunset turned to him and gave a confused look. "How do you know?" She asked. Sonic smirked. "It helps to have good hearing." Sunset rolled her eyes at his comment. Sonic and Sunset went in and the whispers were now loud enough for Sunset to hear as they got close. "Ok must admit you've got some good listening skills." She said. Sonic just turned and winked at her. As they did they entered a large cavern however that's when the whispering ceased. Sonic then felt a chill hit his quells.
"Sunset?" He said. "Yes Sonic?" she asked as they looked around a bit. "You ever get the feeling you're being watched?" He asked her. "Actually now that you mention it yes I do." However that's when Sonic looked up and then went wide eyed. Sunset turned to him and looked confused. "What whats wrong?" She asked. Sonic's face twisted to angry as he suspected that there was something wrong, "I have this feeling now." He said quietly and coldly, "I could feel that someone's watching us both." He then turned around to see if his feelings were true. But except the dark corridor he saw nothing in there. Still he didn't felt himself relief, and vice versa, he felt even more worried as he heard the whispers again only they were much closer. Sunset grew worried as well, as she heard the whisper as well.
"What is that?" She asked concerned.
"I don't know, but I think we better to get out of here." Sonic stated.
At the moment when the two were ready to make their way to the exit, three changelings jumped out of the darkness from behind their backs. Sonic and Sunset turned around sharply, and saw their attackers. Sonic reacted first and before changelings rushed at the two. He was able to jump over and used a spindash to knock them down, but as he did 3 more took their place. Sonic of course growled. "Urgh should've figured there wouldn't just be a few." He then rushes at them and then starts to homing attack each one. Meanwhile Sunset is cornered by about 10 changelings. They thought it was going to be an easy win for them, however Sunset noticed some loose rocks behind the changelings. She then used her magic and pulled the rocks right at the back of their heads with some strong force. Due to the impact the changelings were knocked unconscious. The two kept fighting off the horde of changelings, but then they spotted an exit and nodded. They then started to make a run for it until they saw someone come by. It was Twilight. Sonic then smirked
"Oh good it's just you Twilight." Sonic said as he approached her. "We thought you were a changeling. Listen thought we need your help." Sunset however was suspicious of how Twilight got here so easily and where the others were. Twilight then smirked. "Really? You don't say… Sonic!" She then zapped him with her magic and knocked him unconscious. Sunset saw this and then went in a fighting stance. "I knew it. Changeling!" 'Twilight' then smirked and shapeshifted to the female commander from before who just smirked. "Very good observation. However…" one of the elite changelings sneaks up right behind Sunset which is unknown to her, but not the commander. That's when the commander smirked as she finished her sentence. "Not good enough" Sunset then turned behind her and the last thing she saw before it went dark was the elite changeling. Sunset then slowly began to stir awake as she groaned.
"Well nice to see you awake sleepy head." Sonic's voice said. Sunset looked around and saw they were surrounded by changelings and tied up. The commander then approached them with the crystal orb in her hands. "Our majesty wishes to speak with you." She said and placed the orb on the stone next to Sonic. Orb then activated itself and shone with acid green light. Sonic's eyes grew wide as he fixed his eyes on orb and was wondering about what is this thing, and what this thing is doing. But the answer came on its own, as the orb then showed the image of dark green mare, with a horn on its forehead. Her face was pale green in color. She was staring right at the two with a smirk on her face.
"Sonic the Hedgehog, as I might guess." She spoke to him, by having a vicious tone in her voice. Sonic, though, was confused, "Who are you?" He asked.
"Oh, you never heard of me from your dearest wife?" The mare asked him again. Sonic then gave a stern look after getting a better look at the mare. "Oh yeah. Now I remembered. The changelings queen… Chrysalis." He said as the fog revealed her face. "Have to say your a lot uglier in person than I imagined, to be honest." Chrysalis however chuckled evilly over his words, as she always took her enemies insults as the attempt to save their lives.
"Oh, why must you be so harsh big boy?" She said, as if teasing him, "I only wish to speak with you. However I am most disappointed I thought you would put up more of a fight then that." Sonic then smirked. "Well if you want I can give you a better show if you would like?" Chrysalis though chuckled as she passed her fog hand on him. "Hmm as much fun as it would be to see a handsome devil like yourself try. I have much bigger plans for you." She said as she smirked a devilish smile. She thought decided to play with his mind a little. "Though you seem like a reasonable man. So maybe if you just come with me and cooperate for some time. I need your help with one thing…" She said as she lowered down to her trying to seduce Sonic. Sonic was just keeping a smirk face. "Wow I've never known you to be so...so-" Chrysalis however interrupted him by placing a finger on his mouth. "Were you about to say the word sexy big blue?" She asked, but Sonic just gave a smirk as he looked confident. "Sexy doesn't always mean beautiful Chrysalis." He said by trying to teasing her. But Chrysalis knew these kind of games and chuckled simply, before speaking with him again.
"Oh you really love to play hard to get don't you." She asked. Sonic however was able to find a sharp edge on the walls surface and began cutting the rope. "Only when I have to." He said. Chrysalis then winked at him, "You know? I like your spirit. I think you can be useful for us." She said before she turned away as her fog just started to fade into the sphere, "Bring me the hedgehog, and the mirror. And the other one..." She then looked at a confused Sunset, and her lips formed an evil half smile, "You can do with her whatever you want." She then looked back at her warriors, "But do not take it for long.", Her guards bowed solemnly to their Queen, "Yes, your majesty." They said in union, before the fog faded away. The changelings then turned at their prisoners and headed at them by wearing a sinister expressions on their faces.
Sonic however noticed that the ropes of his snapped finally and then he smirks. He then jumps at the changelings bonking them on the heads knocking them out. He then lands right beside Sunset and quickly unties her. "Not too bad Sonic." She complimented him. Sonic then smirked. "Thanks Sunset. I am known for my surprises." He said as he helped her up. The two then turned to the horde of changelings approaching them. They got into a fighting stance readying themselves for them, but as they approached two pink lasers shot down and knocked the horde back a bit. Sonic took a look up and saw Sonia with her keytar on and Twilight as he horn was glowing as well as Manic and Sally. The four then jumped down and landed.
"Guess we got here just in time huh Sonic?" Sonia asked. Sonic then smirked. "Nice timing you two." He said as he gave a thumbs up however Twilight wasn't too pleased to see him. "I ask you to do one simple thing Sonic, but you didn't listen did you?" She asked in a mad tone. Sonic groaned at her in annoyance as he smacked himself on the face. He then frowned at her and placed his both hands on his waist.
"Hey for the record I never engaged them. They snuck attacked me and Sunset." He said with a tone completely displeased and irritated, that his wife is mad at him again. Twilight however just gave a *oh really?* look, and of course Sonic sighed in annoyance as he's not wanting to deal with this. He then gave her a tired look and slouched.
"Look can we argue later and just take care of the changelings." Sonic asked as he was showing he was serious. "Alright then." She sighed as she and the others as well though Sunset was quick to see something happening while they were talking. The commander and her two elite guards were slipping away with the mirror. Sunset then gave a stern look as she then just yelled. "HEY STOP!" She then just ran and teleported beyond the changelings and after the 3 elites Sonic notices this and speaks to the others. "Guys we need to take care of these minions and help Sunset." Sonic said. That's when Twilight took her his shoulder. "We'll clear a path for you. Once it's clear you go after Sunset." Sonic then turned to her. "You guys sure?" Manic smirked. "Relax bro we can handle it." Sonic then gave it a quick thought and then nodded. Manic then summoned his drums as he and Sonia looked at each other and gave each other a smirk as they then started to play causing a wave of rocks to come crashing down on the changelings giving a clear path in the middle. Sonic then made a run for it and ran through the center while Twilight, Sally, Sonia, and Manic held the changelings from catching up with him.
In the meantime Sunset had catched up to the commander and her elites. Sunset then just growled at them and shouted "HEY!" The three turned to see her for a short second and then Sunset teleports to block them. "You three aren't going anywhere with that mirror." She said. The commander then smirks. "Really you think you can take us?" She asked as they placed the mirror down. Sunset then readies herself has the three surround her and then one of the elites dive straight at her. Sunset however teleports from this and appears behind the changeling and gives him a good round house kick to his head. The changeling recovered, but Sunset then charged up a magic punch and got him right between the eyes to which the elite goes flying and slams into the wall and falls leaving him unconscious. Sunset pleased with this failed to notice the commander who grabbed her and pushed her against a wall. "You are most annoying. You have interfered for the last time." She said as she then grabbed Sunsets throat and started to take her to a deep deep hole. Sunset struggled to get out, but was helpless as she thought it was over.
That's when there was a sonic boom and like that Sunset was grabbed out of the commanders grips and was set down by the blue blur. The commander turned to see Sonic smirking as he waved his finger back in forth as if telling her *I don't think so*. "Nice try, but I won't let you do that to any of my friends." He said. The commander then hissed as the other elite changeling got behind them. Sonic turns to it as Sunset looks at the commander and like that it's a double battle. Sonic was throwing kicks left and right, but this was no problem for the changeling as he dodges them, but Sonic starts to pick up speed, but then the elite changeling then stops and shape shifts into Sonic. He then smirked, but Sonic then smirked. "Heh not a bad look for ya. It's almost a shame I'm gonna have to wipe that smirk on your face." He said. The two then ran and collided, but the fake Sonic was pushed back , but caught his grip as he was on his feet. Sunset and the commander were in a hand to hand combat as Sunset was doing her best to get at the commander without getting hit herself. The commander however was able to land a nice 360 on Sunset knocking her back. Sunset then hit the mirror to which it was at the edge. The two then got a view as the mirror was tipping. Sunset and the commander then ran to try and stop the mirror, but as it went over Sunset tumbled and went over the edge. She was able to grab a rock sticking out, but she couldn't hold on for too long. The Commander however hover thanks to her wings and laughed at Sunset's predicament.
"Oh how funny it is. That you are stuck where I was going to throw you. Now as much fun as I would watching you fall. I have a mission to complete" She said as she noticed the mirror hanging on a ledge. She then smirked as she went right for it. It looked like she was going to succeed, but that's when a hard rock pelted her right in the head knocking her out. As she lost consciousness her wings ceased to flap and she was falling, but not before her hand got the mirror and took it with her as they fell into the hole to who knows where. Sunset watched as the mirror fell. Her only way back was gone. She then started to shed a tear as she felt she lost everything, but that's when her grip started to go. She tried to pull herself up, but couldn't. She looked up and didn't see anyone. Eventually she lost her grip and started to fall. She started to shout as she was starting to fall, but it was cut short when she closed her eyes. She then reopened them to see she wasn't falling. She then looked up and spotted Sonic who had caught her arm and was grunting.
"I got you Sunset." He said as he grunted and started to pull her up. Sunset was at first shocked, but then started to smile showing she was happy her friend came to her rescue. Sonic had pulled her all the way up. Sunset then looked away not as the smile slowly faded. "Thank you Sonic. For saving me." She said as she looked back at the hole. She then looked down hoping to see any signs of the mirror, but there were no signs. She then eventually accepted the possibility that it was gone for good. Sonic though noticed Sunset's sadness and sighed. "Sunset." He said. Sunset then turned to him responding to her name. "I'm...I'm sorry. I made a promise to you… I said I would get the mirror back… but I failed in getting the mirror back… I wish I could get it back, but…" He then looked down sad a little for his failure. For a moment there was silence as Sonic and Sunset were trying to figure out each other's thoughts. Sunset then broke the silence and spoke. "It was them" She said. Sonic however was confused by her choice of words, but then Sunset started to explain. "My friends in that world… It was them that I was more worried about. See I don't know anyone in this world… I don't have any friends in this world… In that one I have many friends. People I can trust. People I care about, but now… I have no way to get back now… I can never go back to them… I'm all alone Sonic… I don't have anyone here." She said as she started to go to tears. She felt so alone as if she had been abandoned. Sonic then looked at her and then sighed as he felt bad for her. It wasn't fair to her that she had to suffer a price. Sonic then went to her and spoke.
"Sunset… Smile." He said. Sunset looked at him with her face filled with tears as she was confused by seeing Sonic smirking at her, "Look you think you're alone, but you're not… You have me, Twilight, Spike, and many others here. You think we wouldn't accept you, but you're very wrong. Listen I get it's hard… To be away from your friends, to think your alone in a strange world, and how do you think Twilight felt when she first went to that world to stop you?" He asked her. "I'm sure she felt the same way you do now, but she didn't give up and look what happened. So my question to you is are you going to let this get to you? Or are you gonna stand up and walk it off?" Sunset looked at Sonic and then smiled as she wiped away her tears. "Y-You're right Sonic. It's not going to help if I beat myself down. All I can do is move forward." She said. She then unexpectedly gave him a hug. Sonic was caught off guard by this, but Sunset spoke. "Thank you Sonic." She said. Sonic then hugged her back. "Anytime." After they relieved each other Sonic then pointed to where they came from.
"Come on let's get out of here and go find the others." Sunset nodded and the two left the cavern. A few minutes later after hooking back up they returned to the castle and reported the events to Cadence and Armor. This however made Cadence most disturbed. Flash then bowed to Cadence. "Forgive me your majesty. I was careless. If i hadn't let my guard down I could've stopped them from taking the mirror in the first place and none of the events would've transpired." He said. Sonia though spoke. "It wasn't all you. I got in your way as well. I made you drop your guard. I should never have interfered with your job."
"Enough!" Cadence called out. "Regardless of whose fault it is the events have already transpired. There's no use getting mad over it. However to you Sunset… my dear friend. I'm sorry we could not recover the mirror. Please accept my apologizes." Sunset smiled and shook her head. "It's not your fault. You all did your best." She said. Cadence then nodded. That's when a crystal pony guard came in and went to Armor. "Captain Armor. I'm afraid to report that-" He was cut short when Armor held his hand out and closed his eyes looking away for a second. He then speaks. "Let me guess. They got away didn't they?" He said as he turned back to the guard and opened his eyes. He then grunted in a little to which this just made Manic a little shocked. "Wait hold on. How can an entire Changeling army just vanish? That is impossible!" He said, but Shining then turned to him. "They have there ways Manic." Manic then sighed as was everyone wasn't pleased about this.
Much later at the train station Sonic, Sally, and Twilight were at the train station with all their stuff packed and ready to go. Sonic was talking with his brother and sis while Twilight was giving her brother, sister in-law, and Pinkie a farewell hug. "You sure you can't stay for another few days bro?" Manic asked Sonic. "Sorry Manic, but we just gotta move on. It was though great seeing you again." He then turned to Sonia. "You too Sonia." Sonia then gave him a nice hug. "Good luck Sonic. Try not to end up dead while traveling around." She said. Sonic then smirk. "I'll try not to sis."
"Now Twily remember if you ever need anything…" Shining said. Twilight rolled her eyes and then smiled finishing what Shining was going to say. "I know give you and Cadence a shout." Shining smiled as he fluffed up his sister's hair. Twilight then snickered as her brother fluffed her hair. That's when the whistle blew letting everyone know the train was departing.
"Alright everyone, let's g-" Sally called out though she was interrupted by someone shouting, everyone looks and see Sunset coming to them though she actually looked excited as she called out. "HEY WAIT!" She said. She then stopped as she was catching her breath. Sonic then approached her. "Sunset what are you doing here?" He asked. Sunset then smirked. "I've decided to come along with you guys… It has been a very long time since I've seen my home. I thought I would take the chance to see how much it's changed since I was last here." She said with a smile.
Sonic, Twilight, and Sally each look at each other as Sunset was putting in her suitcase near the train. But as Twilight was about to talk with her Sonic was the first to talk. "That's great, we'd be honored to have you with us!" Sonic said which Twilight and Sally smiled and nodded in agreement. That's when the train whistled again and the conductor called out. "LAST CALL! ALL ABOARD!"
"Oh that's our cue. Let's go." Sunset said as she hopped on. Sally and Twilight followed with Sonic bringing up the rear. He then turned to the others as he waved farewell. "Don't worry we'll be careful. Just watch out for any other surprise guests alright?" They all nodded and like that Sonic disappeared into the train car and the train was off for their next destination.
Meanwhile at the cave Chrysalis was with the two elite guards as they reported to her. She then looked at her fingernails as she heard this. "So from what I hear you both failed in your mission to seize the mirror. Am I wrong boys?" She asked them to which they nod and say nothing. Chrysalis then place her hand down on the arm of the chair she was in and then closed her eyes. "That is most displeasing to hear especially from two of my top elite changelings." Then Mephiles walks in to see what was happening.
"So, they've come back empty handed eh?" He then walks to them, they're looking scared as they felt his presence. "I guess we should see some punishment for them are in order?" He suggested to which Chrysalis then had an idea.
"You know Mephiles if a lady is going to be staying here, you really need to clean this place up a bit." She said as Mephiles was thinking off a punishment. Seeing this as an opportunity Mephiles then turned to the two and then pointed to them. "You two… due to your failure your punishment will be to tidy up this place." He then shows them brooms, they nodded as they both walked to the door with the brooms in their claws. The changelings then got to work and both Chrysalis and Mephiles looked at each other. "So I assume your most disappointed?" Mephiles asked.
"Yes but more of in the lose of my commander. She was one of my best… but this blue hedgehog." She said as she held an orb that showed Sonic's face. She then brushed the orb smiling evilly. "This big blue is the perfect one for me and my children to feed off of… he may even be so useful to join me...He is definitely what I have been waiting for." She said looking at the orb menacingly though as she was doing this Mephiles walks into his chambers as he ponders to himself about these events. He then smirked as everything was going to plan that's however when he felt something that made his quells stand on end. "Wha..wha...what is this? That power… There's only one being I know with that kind of power, but… is it really possible?"
Meanwhile in the middle of a forest located near the dragons volcano a orange sphere appeared. At first it didn't do much, but then flames started to surround it and then it took a shape of a hedgehog. This hedgehog was orange fur, with quells somewhat like Shadow and Silver's with yellow streaks on the top and red on the bottom. His gloves were like silvers except orange with yellow lines, his shoes were black with spikes sticking out on the strap. He then landed and then opened his eyes. He got a good look around and saw a phoenix flying by, but then he reached out and grabbed it. Like that he produced an aura and like that the phoenix was dying. He then dropped the ashes except the phoenix never reformed and stayed ashes. The creature then turned to the dragons home and smirked.
"Burn." Is all he said before vanishing.
NSH: And there's chapter 17. So now we have Sunset finally in the circle and this mystery hedgehog in the mix. That is crazy
TOG: Yeah, it is I do wonder who is this guy?
NSH: Whoever he is. He killed that phoenix like it was nothing and now he's heading for the dragons home. Anyways hope you guys did enjoy the chapter. Thanks to TOG and BHG for there help.
TOG: You're welcome man, though I was busy with stuff and finals are next week, so I didn't do a lot, but I tried.
NSH: It's ok anyways thx again you guys for reading. As always R.F.F for more and to keep updated. If you having any ideas leave something in reviews or PM me for more. Thanks again guys so until next time this is NSH and TOG Signing off
TOG: Indeed, we'll see you guys NEXT time!