The Adventures of the Power Ponies
#53-Eternal Bond Part 1
"WHAT," Radiance screamed. "How come our story isn't as popular as we hoped?"
"You're telling me," Zapp said. "The Christmas story has more views than us. Not to mention, the fans are still favoriting it... EVEN AFTER THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER!"
"All right, y'all," Mistress Marevelous said. "Let's not overreact. Maybe our story wasn't as epic as we made it out to be."
"It was a super-hero reenactment of our adventures," Hum Drum said.
"Hold on," Anar D said. "As it so happens, our writer happens to plan a sequel story for Power Ponies: Harmony Forever."
"Really," Saddle Rager asked.
"OH, BOY," Filli-Second shouted. "I CAN'T WAIT TO KICK IT AGAIN!"
"It's a super sequel," the Masked Matterhorn sang,
"We're going to make another
A tale that trumps the other"
"It's a super sequel," the Power Ponies sang,
"A second hero story
Now, our fans will never
Have to worry
It's a super sequel
Just one written work more
Come on and let's give the fans
What they asked for
After lots of thumbs up
We realize it's not enough
We've got to do it all again
Until the very end
We've got to show our friends
That we can do it all again
It's a super sequel
A new tale we're creating
Even if it won't have
The exact same rating
It's a super sequel
How bad can it be
We can't do any worse
Than Spider-Man 3
It's a super sequel
We're going to go through
While the people wait for Disney
To make the Incredibles 2
After lots of thumbs up
We realize it's not enough
We've got to do it all again
Until the very end
We've got to show our friends
That we can do it all again"
"Now, let's see what story plots we have," the Masked Matterhorn said.
"Got it," Apple Bloom said. "A tale about three little girls who get lost from home and have to team up with a wolf to go home."
"Apple Bloom, this is a superhero story," the Masked Matterhorn said.
"I know," Derpy Hooves said. "It's about 3 of your enemies bringing back an evil draconequus so that the Power Ponies would split up, when in secret, the draconequus has his own hidden agenda."
"Derp, that was in the last story," Zapp said.
"It's about..." Diamond Tiara said.
"NEEEEXT," Hum Drum shouted.
Suddenly, three human girls appeared. The leading on approached the Power Ponies.
"Hey, girls," Serena said. "How about the Power Ponies travel in search of new heroes?"
"THAT'S PERFECT," the Masked Matterhorn shouted.
"After lots of thumbs up," the Power Ponies sang
"We realize it's not enough
We've got to do it all again
Until the very end
We've got to show our friends
That we can do it all again
IT'S A SUPER SEQUEL
IT'S THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO
SO, FANS, GET READY
FOR THE POWER PONIES 2
IT'S THE POWER PONIES TOO
WITH THE POWER PONIES 2
IT'S THE... POWER... PONIES...
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"
The sun blandly shined on the prison in the mountain. Three guards in gold armor rode on top of a lifting platform.
"I'm getting a little nervous about this," one guard said.
"You must be new," another guard said. "There's nothing to worry about. This is the highest security prison in all of Equestria. Even if he does get past these walls, the mountain would be too steep to climb down. And the best part, our job is easy because there is only one prisoner."
"Yeah, but that prisoner is Darkmatter," the scared guard whispered.
Suddenly, the platform stopped and the guards were in front of a little entrance of a cell. They approached and a ragged, black unicorn was standing near the bars. He had green, glowing eyes and sharp teeth. Where his horn should be, there's a metal shell covering it.
"All right, Darkmatter," the leading guard said. "You know the drill."
"Yes, I get to the back of the wall while you give me my monthly food," the unicorn said. He then stepped away from the bars. "You know, if you just let me out of here, I can promise you a swift, painless fate."
"Don't make me laugh, Darkmatter," the lead guard said. "You can't escape and that blessed iron around your horn prevents you from using your powers."
"One day, I'll find a way out of here and I'll make you eat your words," Darkmatter growled. "And once I'm done with you, I'm finding the little monkey, Twilight Sparkle. And then, I'll..."
Suddenly, a loud screech was heard. The guards looked and gasped in fear. Suddenly, three large, pony-like beings flew from the sky and knocked back the guards. Darkmatter was interested and kept watching. The beasts then changed to three human, teenage girls. One girl had blue hair and a ponytail. Another had purple hair and a double-ponytail. The final one had big, orange hair.
"Humans," Darkmatter said. "Well, now, it gets interesting."
"Who are you," the head guard asked pulling out his sword.
"I am Serena," the orange haired girl said. "These are my sisters, Carol and Melody. And now, let's dance."
"Uh, Serena, I don't think we have time to dance," Carol said. "I think we should curse these guys. I'll dance with you later, though."
Ignoring what Carol said, the girls began to vocalize and the red gems around their necks began to glow. They blasted a red beam that covered the guards in light. When the light cleared, the guards were still and covered in stone. The girls turned to the cell and sang again. The door then suddenly opened and Darkmatter walked out.
"Darkmatter, it's a pleasure to be in your presence," Serena said. "We're all happy to meet you... except for Melody."
"I'm never happy," Melody said.
"Your magic came from your singing," Darkmatter asked. "You're sirens, aren't you?"
"Yes," Serena said. "And we have a special job that we need you for. Have you heard of Arcanus?"
Darkmatter widened his green eyes. "YOU WORK FOR HIM?!"
"I'm thinking he has heard of him," Carol said.
"I promise you, it will all be worth it," Serena said. She held onto Darkmatter's capsule covering his horn and sang. Suddenly, the metal broke into pieces revealing a black horn with a red tip. "After all, you've been locked up in here because of Twilight Sparkle. Now's your chance to get her. Well, all you have to do is play along with our plan and you get to have the girl alive and all yours. Word is, she has a powerful set of friends, so it's obvious you can't get her on your own now."
"Very well then," Darkmatter said. "I look forward to seeing the little monkey again."
Three weeks later, at the edge of Maretropolis, there was a forest that Hum Drum, the Masked Matterhorn's sidekick, would usually take the Power Ponies' pets out for their walk. One day, Saddle Rager's pet rabbit, Angel, mysteriously escaped from his leash. Hum Drum dragged the other pets through the forest looking for the bunny.
"ANGEL," Hum Drum shouted. "ANGEL, WHERE ARE YOU?! Oh, if I don't find that horrible hare soon, Saddle Rager will be angry with me. And when it comes to her, you DON'T want to make her angry." He sighed. "Look at this. I went from a big-time hero to a pet-sitter. That's just a smack on the head."
Suddenly, an acorn hit Hum Drum on his head. He looked up and saw the rabbit on a ledge up the rock mountain.
"How did you get up there," Hum Drum asked. "It doesn't matter. Get down here now!"
Suddenly, Angel disappeared in a flash of light and a popping sound. Hum Drum shook his head in shock.
"WHAT THE..." Hum Drum asked.
Suddenly, Angel reappeared in a similar flash of light. Hum Drum looked at the rest of the pets and he gasped when he saw the animals' new abilities.
Gummy, Filli-Second's alligator without teeth, changed into a hard metal and didn't move. He didn't even wag his tail. Opal, Radiance's cat, retracted her claws and swiped at the air. Light waves the shape of scratch marks went through a tree and it was scratched down. Wynona, Mistress Marevelous' dog, became more clear and her leash collar went through her. Tank, Zapp's turtle, started to fly, even with his propeller fan off his shell.
Finally, Owlolicious, the Masked Matterhorn's owl, spun his around and created a tornado like the Tasmanian Devil. Of course, Owlolicious was still attached to his leash, so Hum Drum spun with him. Hum Drum let go of the leash and hit the mountain very hard. He looked up and saw a pile of boulders shaking. Hum Drum was worried until he saw the boulders calm still.
"Whew," he exclaimed. He looked at the pets with confusion. "Since when did our pets get super-powers?" He sighed and bumped his head on the wall behind him.
Suddenly, he heard a rock break apart. He looked up and saw his error when the boulders above him begin to slide. Hum Drum covered his head with his arm and prepared for the worst. The rocks hit him and completely covered his body.
The pets looked at the rock pile. Angel cheered in excitement. The excitement ended when the large boulder on top of the pile begin to break apart. As soon as the rock was broken, Hum Drum was still standing.
Hum Drum looked at himself and gasped in bigger shock than before. His scales and costume were changed to a gem outline. He could feel the diamonds where his skin should be. He looked, and there was not one chip on his body. Then, his shiny layer changed to his usual scales and costume fabric. He was completely shocked, terrified, and confused at the same time.
"What's going on," Hum Drum shrieked.
The bankers at the First National Bank of Maretropolis were frightened when they tucked underneath their desks. Outside were two supervillains. There was a gryphon in a red outfit named Gryphon Galore. She can supercharge her fists to make her punches stronger. There was also a psychotic Earth pony with mutated, long, green mane called the Mane-iac.
"That's right," Gryphon Galore shouted to the bankers. "Now, some pony better open the vaults for us or else your friends get it."
"How about you mess with a different set of friends?"
The two villains looked and saw their enemies at the doorway: the Masked Matterhorn, Mistress Marevelous, Filli-Second, Radiance, Zapp, and Saddle Rager.
"Oh, no," the Mane-iac gasped. "Power Ponies!"
"Mane-iac," Radiance said.
"Zapp," Gryphon Galore growled.
"Gryphon Galore," Zapp said.
"Filli-Second," the pink hero declared.
"So we've got the crackpot who needs a mane-cut and a gryphon with anger management issues," the Masked Matterhorn. "There seems to be one pony missing in your Sisterhood of Evil."
"Not really," the Mane-iac said. "See, we left the Sinister Sorceress behind."
"Mane-iac," Gryphon Galore said sternly.
"A few weeks ago, she started talking nonsense," the Mane-iac explained. "She kept talking about how it's the end of us all. It got too crazy, even for me."
"Mane-iac," Gryphon Galore growled.
"So as soon as the chance came, GG and I left prison, but left SS behind," the Mane-iac continued. "Now, we call ourselves the Diabolical Duo."
"Except we shouldn't waste any time talking about our escape and spend it on fighting our enemies," Gryphon Galore said strictly.
"Oh. of course," the Mane-iac said.
And so, the heroes and villains charged at each other. They started their battle.
Gryphon Galore tackled Zapp and they struggled over the room. Meanwhile, Filli-Second ran really fast around the Mane-iac.
"I am here," Filli-Second said, "I am here."
The Power Ponies used their powers to throw down against the Diabolical Duo. During the battle, Hum Drum and the animals arrived and the dragon approached the Masked Matterhorn, who was fighting off a strand the Mane-iac's mane.
"Uh, Matterhorn, there's something I need to show you," Hum Drum said.
"Can't it wait," the Masked Matterhorn asked. "Gryphon Galore and the Mane-iac are back."
"Really," Hum Drum asked. "Then this is perfect! Throw me at them."
"I'm not throwing you at dangerous criminals," the Masked Matterhorn said. "I'll just head to the ceiling and take the height advantage."
"Please, you've got to trust me," Hum Drum said. "Look!"
Hum Drum closed his eyes and strained. Suddenly, his skin and costume changed into diamond. The Masked Matterhorn widened her eyes when she saw it.
"Hum Drum," she gasped. "How... What..."
"We'll talk about this later," Hum Drum said. "Right now, throw me!"
Confused, the Masked Matterhorn levitated Hum Drum and threw him toward the psychopath. When the Mane-iac looked and saw the diamond-skinned dragon, she couldn't react fast enough. Hum Drum rammed into her head and she toppled over.
"Hum Drum with superpowers," the Mane-iac said. "I've gone crazier than ever."
"You've got powers," the Masked Matterhorn shouted.
"THAT'S GREAT," Zapp shouted during her test of strength with Gryphon Galore. "THINK YOU CAN USE THAT TO HELP ME HERE?!"
"Right," Hum Drum said turning back to scales.
Hum Drum leaped up into the air and threw himself above Gryphon Galore. He changed himself to diamond and fell on Gryphon Galore's head. Mistress Marevelous used her rope to hogtie the two villainesses together.
"Well, looks like we're getting an extended time with our psychiatrists," the Mane-iac said. "I've been meaning to tell him about my middle-school days when my imaginary friend kept stealing my lunch money."
"Oh," Gryphon Galore groaned in annoyance.
The Power Ponies approached Hum Drum when he changed his skin back to scales.
"Hum Drum," Radiance gasped. "Where did you..."
"It's not just me," Hum Drum said. "The pets have powers too."
Suddenly, the pets started doing their powers also. Their owners were surprised when they saw it.
"Well, that's disturbing," Saddle Rager said.
"You see them too," Filli-Second asked.
Later on, in Power Tower, the Masked Matterhorn put Hum Drum and the pets through a few scans.
"This is astonishing," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Your powers seem to be imprinted into their cells. You can change your skin into diamond, Angel can teleport, Owlolicious spins around super-fast, Wynona can be intangible, Tank can fly without his copter, Gummy can change his skin into solid rock, and Opal can slash energy beams into the air. And I can't seem to tell the origin."
"Could it be some sort of side-effect from Discordant Convergence," Mistress Marevelous asked.
"Doubtful," the Masked Matterhorn said. "That was three months ago."
"Then it's obvious," Filli-Second said ominously. "This is all orchestrated by an evil demon that's capable of making us weak and making himself stronger. And once he's done with us... he'll destroy us all!"
"You and your wild imaginations," Zapp said.
"Hum Drum, how did you and the animals get these powers," Saddle Rager asked.
"I don't know," Hum Drum said. "Last night, I took the pets out for a walk, but I just lost track of the next few minutes."
"Something must have happened during that time," the Masked Matterhorn said. "We've got to figure it out as soon as possible and try to put a stop to it."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Hum Drum said, "And if you know where I'm going with this, whoa. Why would you want to stop this?"
"These new powers have an unknown origin, Hum Drum," the Masked Matterhorn said. "We still don't know if there are any downsides."
"I can change myself with diamond-hard skin and become indestructible," Hum Drum said. "And since I'm a dragon, I'm impervious to extreme heat. I can't be hurt. I see no downside. Come on. This is what I've dreamed of for years.
"I see it being time
For me to fight crime
That looks like a job for Hum Drum
A signal in the sky
Will show the criminals why
This looks like a job for Hum Drum
I used to be a super zero
But now, I put the "super" in superhero
Criminals better shake in fear-o
That looks like a job for Hum Drum"
"Hum Drum, be serious," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Think about it...
"If this gets stranger
We might be in danger"
"That sounds like a job for Hum Drum," Hum Drum sang.
"I still expect," the Masked Matterhorn sang,
"There to be some side effects"
"That sounds like a job for Hum Drum," Hum Drum sang.
"We just don't want to lose our oldest chum," Zapp sang.
"Calm down. Relax," Hum Drum sang,
"I'll do heroic acts
That's a job for Hum Drum
Any crime should beware
For if they cause despair
I'll stand up
If any bank is robbed
I will make it my job
To use my stuff
I'M GREATLY EXCITED
VERY SOON, I'LL BE KNIGHTED"
"THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOB FOR HUM DRUM," Mistress Marevelous sang nervously.
"SAVING EVERY TYKE," Hum Drum sang,
"NOW, THAT JUST SOUNDS LIKE
THE PERFECT JOB FOR HUM DRUM"
"WE DON'T KNOW IF THE WORST IS YET TO COME," the Power Ponies sang.
"PUSHED AROUND, NO MORE," Hum Drum sang,
"THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOB FOR
HUM DRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM"
"Look, Hum Drum," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Will you just allow us to at least figure out where your powers came from?"
"Eh," Hum Drum said. "I suppose that's fair."
"Good," the Masked Matterhorn sighed. "All right. Here's how it will go: Saddle Rager, you stay here and keep an eye on our... Power Pets."
"Don't worry, Matterhorn," Saddle Rager said. "You can count on me. And I can give you all appropriate super-hero names."
"Filli-Second, Zapp," the Masked Matterhorn said, "You two help escort the Mane-iac and Gryphon Galore to prison."
"I'd be glad to," Zapp said.
"I'm down with that, homie," Filli-Second said.
"Radiance, Mistress Marevelous, you and I will go with Hum Drum to retrace his steps," the Matterhorn said. "Maybe we can figure out where these powers came from. We'll contact each other when we're done."
"Right," the Power Ponies said.
"And remember," the Masked Matterhorn said, "We've got to be ready for any possibility."
Meanwhile, in a wide, empty field, there was a sound of electricity crackling. A light flashed and six figures appeared and dropped to the floor. They looked like Timberwolves, but their outer layer was made of metal and they were standing on their hind legs.
"We're back," the leading wolf said. "We're in Equestria."
"Ooh, while we're here, let's go on a roller coaster," another wolf said.
"We're not here to go on any rides, Masque," the leading wolf said.
"Don't be scared," Masque said. "I'll hold your claw, big baby."
"Devastate," the big wolf said.
"You're probably right, Devastator," Masque said. "We've got a mission and as the Mighty Machines, it's our mission to complete said mission."
"Let's just get to Canterlot and find Princess Celestia," the leading wolf said. "She has to be warned.".
Sealed doors opened wide and a squad of police officers entered through. Behind them, the Mane-iac and Gryphon Galore were pushed through in stretchers by Zapp and Filli-Second.
"I escaped before, you rainbow-maned lame-o," Gryphon Galore said. "No jail can hold me."
"Yeah, most prisons may not be wide enough to hold you," Zapp said, "But we've been preparing a special cell since you escaped. The bars are electrified with a force-field a few inches in the front. Only guards can get through with your food. As for the walls, it's laced with a titanium/platinum/osmium compound. You can't possibly break out."
"Uh, Ms. Zapp," a guard said, "Should you really be making the prisoner angry like that?"
"Don't worry," Filli-Second said. "Zapp does this a lot and a lot and a lot and..."
"I think they get the idea," Zapp said. "Tormenting Gryphon Galore is one of the best parts of my fued with her."
"When I break free, I shall..." Gryphon Galore said.
"Hey," Zapp interrupted. "Ever heard of the right to remain silent?! The Mane-iac is being silent."
"Actually, ma'am," another officer said looking at the Mane-iac, "I think she's just sleeping."
"What," Zapp asked. "Well, at least she has the silent thing down."
"AAAAAAAHHHHH!"
"What was that," Filli-Second asked.
"That must be the Sinister Sorceress," a guard said. "She's been acting up for a while now."
"May we see her now," Zapp asked.
"Go on ahead," the guard said. "She's right next to you."
The Power Ponies looked and saw an electrifying field with the Sinister Sorceress behind it. Her hooved were covering her head violently and she was yelling loudly.
"IT'S BREAKING," she screamed. "THE BALANCE IS BREAKING!" She opened her eyes and had fear gazing in them. "AND HE'S COMING!"
"Okay," Hum Drum said walking down the city street. "I got the pets on their walk and we stopped at the groomers for Angel. After that, we..." He stopped when he saw a singing club in the block corner. "We had a few minutes to kill, so we got into that club."
"Well, let's see what you did there," the Masked Matterhorn said.
The four approached the front door, but a large stallion appeared and held his hoof out.
"You're the Power Ponies," he said.
"Cool," Hum Drum said. "We're V.I.P.'s."
"No, you're not welcome here," the stallion said. "No one with super powers gets in. Club rules."
"Club rules," Hum Drum asked. "But I was in there last night. I remember walking through those doors."
"Only one entry per customer," the stallion said. "The Siren Sisters are strict on these terms."
"The Siren Sisters," Mistress Marevelous asked.
"Serena, Carol, and Melody," the stallion said. "They're humans and they've got the best voices in Equestria. In fact, they performed a little number for me before I decided to work for them." Suddenly, his eyes began to flash green. It creeped the Power Ponies out.
"Uh, all right," the Masked Matterhorn said. "We'd better go."
The gang walked away with wierded faces.
"Something's going on in that club," Mistress Marevelous said, "And we gotta find out what."
"But how," Radiance asked. "I don't know if you noticed, Marevelous, but they're not letting anyone near the front door."
"Then we go from above," the Masked Matterhorn said.
A few minutes later, the Power Ponies climbed up to the roof of the club.
"All right," the Masked Matterhorn said creeping forward. "We go in quietly and carefully."
"Matterhorn, look out," Hum Drum exclaimed.
Suddenly, the Masked Matterhorn bumped into something. She looked and saw a taller stallion with pegasus wings and a blue costume. He had a blue mask.
"Who are you," the Masked Matterhorn asked. "Have we met before?"
"Uh, no," the pegasus said. "My name is... uh... the Blue... Comet. That's right. The Blue Comet."
"Never seen you before," Mistress Marevelous said. "Are you a superhero like us?"
"Hero, yes," the Blue Comet answered. "Super, not even the slightest. I usually don't go into this costume, but a... friend of mine is investigating new superpowers popping up from all over town."
"What," Hum Drum gasped. "So it's not just me?"
"No," the Blue Comet said. "Apparently, a few dozen random ponies gained superpowers all of a sudden. The only thing they have in common is that they all came in here on the same night, but they don't remember what happened here."
"So that must be why they don't want super-powered ponies in here," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Whatever they're doing in there, it doesn't effect us if we already have superpowers."
"If I go in, I might not remember what happened," the Blue Comet said. "You four go on in. And tell me what happened after you're done."
"All right," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Come on, Power Ponies. Let's sneak in."
The four climbed on down and hid behind a pile of barrels. There were tables filled with ponies chatting. Behind the stage curtain, three human girls were preparing for a show. The leader, Serena, peeked through the curtain and chuckled.
"This is it, girls," Serena said. "The moment we've been waiting for all day."
"Dinner," Carol asked.
"No," Serena said. "We're going to do our enchanted performance."
"Ooooooh," Carol said.
"So we do the exact same thing we did last night," Melody said. "That's a lot more ponies than there were last night."
"Which only makes it better," Serena said. "When these ponies make Lord Arcanus strong enough, not even the Power Ponies can stop him from getting back."
"But we can still have dinner after, right," Carol said. "It's Pizza Friday."
"Just follow my lead," Serena said.
"Or my lead," Melody said.
"MY lead," Serena growled.
The Siren Sisters took their positions and listened to the host.
"Ladies and gentlecolts, here is the main event! Managed by Dr. Mark Tate, the beautiful, fabulous, and dazzling... SIREN SISTERS!"
The curtains rose up and the Siren Sisters began to vocalize. The ponies stared in amazement. The Power Ponies were confused when they watched. The band in the side was playing jazz music. The Siren Sisters stopped vocalizing and began to sing. Serena sang first.
"Hello, every pony here
In this world of heroes"
"Don't you wish that you were one," Carol sang,
"'Cause then, everything goes"
"For heroes can fly up high," Melody sang,
"While the rest of you crawl"
"You citizens can have that wish," they all sang,
"When you hear the Siren's Call"
"Don't you wish you had super speed," Serena sang,
"Or is it strength that you need"
"Do you want control over death," Carol sang,
"Or perhaps some super breath"
"Is telekinesis your desire," Melody sang,
"Or do you prefer control over fire"
"You can have powers," the Siren Sisters sang,
"And feel 10 feet tall
But only if you listen
To the Siren's Call
Whenever words fail
You don't have to fall
But only if you listen...
Only if you listen to the Siren's Call"
"Diamond-hard skin, you crave," Serena sang,
"When you know there's a day to save"
At that line, Hum Drum widened his eyes and remembered his powers.
"Invisibility can be for you," Carol sang,
"It's a power anyone can see through"
"Laser eyes for every one," Melody sang,
"FLY HIGH INTO THE SUN," the Siren Sisters sang,
"You can have powers
And feel 10 feet tall
But only if you listen
To the Siren's Call
Whenever words fail
You don't have to fall
But only if you listen
Only if you listen to the Siren's Call"
"Growing high must feel great," Serena sang,
"Yet, shrinking is no small trait"
"Changing shape can change your role," Carol sang,
"It's be mesmerizing with mind control"
"Teleport to any place," Melody sang,
"Disappear without a trace"
"THERE ARE MORE POWERS," the Siren Sisters sang,
"YOU CAN USE TO HAVE A BALL
SO SIT BACK AND LISTEN
TO THE SIREN'S CALL
WITH ALL THESE POWERS
YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL
SO SIT BACK AND LISTEN...
LISTEN...
LISTEN...
TO THE SIIIIIIIREEEEEN'S CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL"
The Power Ponies looked and all the other ponies had glowing green eyes. They stared at the Siren Sisters, who were floating in midair.
"Perfect," Serena said. "Now, for the big finish."
Suddenly, the Siren Sisters' hair grew longer and red, demonic wings came out of their backs. They then chanted a dark incantation.
"ARCANUS
ENCHANTUS
CHANGE ALL OF NATURE'S RULES
GO FROM INFERIUM
TO GRAND SUPERIUM
GIVE OUR GIFTS TO THESE FOOOOOOOOOOLS"
Suddenly, the Siren Sisters started to change form. They looked like pony phantoms. They flew around the room and circled the audience. The Power Ponies saw the ponies start to glow. As they turned and started to climb out of the room, they heard the Siren Sisters' evil laugh echo through the club.
"So the Siren Sisters actually are siren sisters," the Blue Comet asked. "Weird. The name should've tipped me off."
"But I've often read that sirens only sing to make other ponies fight making them stronger," the Masked Matterhorn said.
"Well, they've gotten a change in the natural order," Hum Drum said. "'Cause they're giving other ponies, like me, superpowers."
"But why," Radiance asked.
"I don't know," the Masked Matterhorn said. "But there's someone who may have the answers: Princess Celestia. Call up the rest of the Power Ponies. We're leaving for Canterlot immediately. Comet, you stay and protect Maretropolis while we're gone."
"Wait," the Blue Comet said. "Masked Matterhorn... be careful."
The Masked Matterhorn tried so hard to hide her blush. "You too."
The Blue Comet jumped and flew away. The other Power Ponies looked at the Masked Matterhorn with grins.
"Is it just me, or do you have a crush on the guy," Mistress Marevelous asked.
"Whaaaaaat," the Masked Matterhorn asked nervously. "No, no, no. You got it all wrong. It doesn't matter if he comes to me as charming and handsome and mysterious and..."
"AH-HA," Hum Drum exclaimed. "That's enough for us."
"Don't we have a trio of evil divas to expose," the Masked Matterhorn asked with nervousness.
In Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadence were looking out of the windows in worry.
"I don't know what is happening, sister," Princess Luna said. "These New Heroes have no memory of how they gained their powers."
"And it doesn't stop here," Princess Cadence said. "There are reports in the Crystal Empire as well."
"I'm getting worried," Princess Celestia said. "How can so many ponies gain powers so quickly? I'm about to send a message to the Power Ponies. Hopefully, they have something that can help us."
Suddenly, the door burst open and the Power Ponies ran in.
"What a coincidence," Princess Luna said. "We were just about to summon you."
"Your majesties, there are superpowers showing up all over Maretropolis," Hum Drum said. "A lot of folks have it, including me."
"It's not just Maretropolis," Princess Celestia said. "Canterlot. The Crystal Kingdom. Saddle Arabia. Thousands of ponies from around the globe are gaining powers. We just don't know where it came from."
"We do," the Masked Matterhorn said. "It was a trio of human girls calling themselves the Siren Sisters; Carol, Melody, and..."
"Serena," Princess Celestia whispered in shock. "Luna, the sirens have returned."
"That is impossible," Princess Luna gasped.
"You know them," Princess Cadence asked.
"I'm afraid so," Princess Celestia said. "10,000 years ago, Discordant Convergence struck. We were prepared for the worst, but nothing happened. There was no earthquake, no flash flood, and no hurricane. We thought there was nothing wrong. Suddenly, we found three young ponies radiated by Discordant Convergence. They were dying. Suddenly, a unicorn came out and cast a spell on the girls. The girls changed into humans."
"The Siren Sisters," Mistress Marevelous said.
"Exactly," Princess Celestia said. "We thought that was the end of it, but Discordant Convergence's effect wasn't done. At will, the sisters could change into sirens and change society with their singing. It had to stop. So, the unicorn that saved them opened a portal and they were banished to a realm with no one for them to harm. We thought it was the end of it... until now."
"Well, how did they escape," the Masked Matterhorn asked. "And why are they creating superheroes?'
"We don't know," Princess Luna said, "But it seems we're going to need some additional help."
"Like who," Saddle Rager asked.
"The very unicorn who banished the sirens in the first place," Princess Luna said.
"But that was thousands of years ago," Radiance said. "How can he still be alive today?"
"Because to this very day, that unicorn is..." Princess Celestia said, "Anar D."
The Power Ponies gasped.
"Anar D," Mistress Marevelous asked. "As in Anar D, Anar D."
"When he turned Serena, Carol, and Melody into humans, I offered to teach him magic," Princess Celestia said. "He declined, but said that his sister, Pandora, was more powerful. And when D banished the sirens, Luna and I saw him, Pandora, and their friends as the next Heroes of Harmony."
"Let me guess," the Masked Matterhorn said. "That Discordant Convergence that created the sirens was the same one with the bit of magic that D found that eventually made him into Anar D."
"Of course," Princess Celestia said. "And as long as they're here, the balance is in danger."
"Balance," Zapp said. "Wait, that's what the Sinister Sorceress said when we got in the prison."
"What," the Power Ponies asked.
"It's true," Filli-Second said. "She was all 'it's the end of the world' and we were all 'whatcha talking about, Willis'."
"We never said that," Zapp said.
"I was paraphrasing," Filli-Second said.
"Anyway," Zapp said, "The Sinister Sorceress said the balance is broken. When we asked how, her exact words were 'the creator is going to escape'. No pony understood what she meant."
"Creator," Princess Celestia asked. "I wonder..."
Suddenly, a hard knock echoed from the door. Princess Celestia summoned him, and he was revealed to be the Masked Matterhorn's brother and Princess Cadence's husband, Shining Armor.
"Shining Armor," Cadence exclaimed with joy. "What are you doing here?"
"We've got to get Twilight out of here," Shining Armor said.
"What," the Masked Matterhorn asked.
"Explain," Princess Celestia commanded.
"I just got word from the West Mountain Prison," Shining Armor said. "Darkmatter escaped."
"What," the princesses gasped.
"After some investigation, we discovered that he was released by sirens," Shining Armor continued.
"No," Princess Celestia gasped. "That's how they've been traveling so fast. We all know how powerful Darkmatter is alone, but working with sirens, he's unstoppable."
"WOULD SOME PONY INCLUDE ME HERE," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Who is Darkmatter and how am I in danger?"
The princesses and Shining Armor looked at each other and sighed.
"Very well, sis," Shining Armor said. "Shortly after you were born, you displayed phenomenal magic. As soon as you did, a black unicorn calling himself Darkmatter approached the princesses applying to be your magic teacher. But they saw darkness in his heart and refused. Enraged, Darkmatter claimed that he knew the secret of killing a princess. At first, we didn't believe him, but he seemed to sure. We then caught him trying to kill you, but we captured him. We tried to make him confess how to kill you, but he wouldn't crack."
"So that's why you've been protective of me," the Masked Matterhorn said.
"Wait a minute," Mistress Marevelous said. "At the siren's show, the host said their manager was named Dr. Mark Tate. Scramble the letters, and it says..."
"Market Dart," Filli-Second asked.
"No," Mistress Marevelous said. "Darkmatter."
"So he is working with the Siren Sisters," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Look, maybe if I try to talk some sense into Darkmatter."
"Absolutely not," Shining Armor said. "I'm sorry, but you can't reason with a madcolt. No one can change."
"Not true," a hysterical voice echoed. "I changed." Suddenly, Anar D appeared in a flash of light.
"Anar D," Princess Celestia said.
"Princesses," Anar D said.
"FILLI-SECOND," Filli-Second shouted.
"What are you doing here, Anar D," Zapp asked.
"Oh, wouldn't you believe it," Anar D said. "I was off on my investigation-you know, the one where I'm trying to figure out who the Changelings were working for-when suddenly, I came across this odd bunch who are looking for you, Celestia. One of them even claims to be an old friend of yours."
"A friend of mine," Princess Celestia asked. "Send them in."
Suddenly, the door opened wide. The Mighty Machines were standing there. The Power Ponies looked and they screamed in fear.
"See," Masque asked. "I told you this haircut was a nightmare, Dusk."
"I GOT THEM," Zapp shouted.
She charged straight at them until, suddenly, Anar D puled out a large bubble wand. Zapp flew through it and was surrounded by a bubble.
"Calm down, Zappy," Anar D said. "This is the odd bunch I just told you about. They're just as friendly as you Power Ponies are."
Zapp's bubble popped and Zapp flew back to her team.
"Celestia," the leading wolf gasped in joy.
"Do I know you," Princess Celestia asked.
"It's me," the wolf said. "It's Ricky."
All of a sudden, Princess Celestia widened her eyes and gasped in shock.
"Is it really you... after all these years?"
"You've got to be kidding me," Princess Luna said.
"What's going on," Radiance asked.
"Ricky there was a classmate of my sister in school," Luna explained. "One day, Discordant Convergence came, and multiple portals opened up to random places. Ricky fell through and he hasn't been heard from since."
"What happened to you," Princess Celestia asked.
"He has a new body," Anar D explained. "He's become a robotic werewolf; a 'wirewolf', to say."
"I can't explain how this happened," Ricky said. "I guess it must be a side-effect from crossing a portal created by Discordant Convergence. I was trapped in a Netherealm of eternal darkness. I guess I don't age there, either, cause I've been keeping this look for millennia. Over time, other wirewolves appeared out of nowhere. Together, we formed a peace-keeping team to protect the animals of the Netherealm."
"There are animals there," Princess Luna asked. "I always thought it was a barren wasteland."
"Discordant Convergence brought them there too," Ricky explained. "Since we became heroes, we got new names. For example, I am the Shadow Blot, able to create other creatures from my body as long as they're not too big. The one with the cider is Timberwolf, a healing multiplier that's a bit... accident-prone."
"I get blown up a lot," Timberwolf said. "Thankfully, my healing powers can put me back together.
"The one with the grin is Masque," the Shadow Blot introduced, "A shape-shifter who's part Changeling (don't ask). That one is Rodan. With his phoenix DNA, he can shoot fire and glow brightly. The scary guy is Dusk. Imagine a shadow version of Masque and Rodan combined. Last, but not least, the big guy is..."
"Devastate," the large one said.
"Rrrright," the Shadow Blot said. "This is Devastator. He can combine himself with other technology to augment himself. And if he has to, he'll swallow everything he sees."
"Devastate," Devastator said.
"What he said," Rodan said.
"But, he just said devastate," Saddle Rager said.
"Not really, kid," Timberwolf said. "Devastator has a very limited grasp on the English language. Devastate is pretty much the only thing he can say when it's not 'Devastator smash'. We wirewolves are the only ones who can understand him."
"Well, why have you returned, Ricky," Princess Celestia asked her old friend, "After all these years?"
"We're here to warn you," the Shadow Blot said. "Arcanus is coming! Equestria will perish!"
The Princesses paled in horror "No." whispered Luna, hoping against hope she had misheard, or that there was some mistake.
"Arcanus is coming," Princess Celestia asked in shock. "This explains so much. Now, all the pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place!"
"Uh, Princess Celestia," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Who's Arcanus? He sounds like a master of magic."
"More than that," Princess Luna said. "He's one of the creators of magic."
The room fell silent at the sound of that.
"Long ago," Princess Celestia said, "Before magic was created, there was a time of great darkness. Everyone relied on brute savagery. Our parents, the previous rulers of Equestria, consulted two strange brothers: Scorpio and Arcanus. Scorpio was happy to give his services, but Arcanus refused to get involved without a price. My parents promised them a place on the council. Satisfied, Scorpio and Arcanus collected many rare herbs and brewed up a concoction. The result let out a vapor that created magic and gave our parents their alicorn powers. And to ensure the peace, Scorpio materialized the elements for harmony and created the Harmony Gems. They were praised and the two brothers were given their places on the council. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to satisfy Arcanus. He attempted to take the magic from everything in Equestria. To stop him, our parents and Scorpio banished him far away from Equestria and chained him with the Harmony Gems. But before we sealed the portal, we heard Arcanus vow to return and plague Equestria with 1,000 years of darkness."
"I take it back," Filli-Second said. "THAT is the worst bedtime story ever!"
"Now, it all fits," Princess Celestia said. "Arcanus is the one who sent the Changelings to invade Equestria. It was all so that they could free him."
"And since Scynder failed, he's sending in his next team to free him," Princess Luna said.
"Of course," Princess Cadence said. "This is all orchestrated by an evil demon that's capable of making us weak and making himself stronger. And once he's done with us... he'll destroy us all!"
"My wild imagination, huh," Filli-Second scoffed at Zapp.
"There's still one thing I don't understand," Mistress Marevelous said. "How could the Sinister Sorceress know Arcanus was behind this?"
"Arcanus and Scorpio created magic," Princess Luna said. "With the Sorceress' augmented magic she gave herself to be more powerful, it must give her some kind of psychic connection to Arcanus' arrival."
"Did I miss something," Anar D said.
"Yes," Princess Cadence said. "Your old enemies, the sirens, they work for Arcanus and escaped."
"They're giving out superpowers to many ponies," Hum Drum said, "Including me and our pets."
"And they're enlisting the help of an evil unicorn who has the secret of killing an alicorn," the Masked Matterhorn said.
"I leave you all alone for a few months, and look what happens," Anar D said. "Everything's gone to pot."
"Anar D," Princess Celestia said. "You were tasked on discovering the secret of the Changeling invasion. Now, since you were the one who defeated the Siren Sisters before, you are to stop them from releasing Arcanus."
"Oh, sure," Anar D said. "No prob. It'll be a piece of cake."
"It's probably best if he has some supervision," the Shadow Blot said. "Timberwolf, go with him."
"Me," Timberwolf asked. "Uh, Ricky, are you suffering from oil loss? I'm accident-prone and Anar D is the almighty accident."
"Never been called that before," Anar D said.
"Why can't you just send Dusk or Rodan or anyone else," Timberwolf asked.
"Because I don't want to do it," Rodan said.
"Come on, Timby," Anar D said. "Are you afraid of divas?"
"I'm not afraid of divas," Timberwolf said. "I'm afraid of blowing up again."
"You're a superhero," Zapp said. "Isn't it your job to risk blowing up?"
Timberwolf sighed. "All right. Let's go."
"Hold on," Anar D said popping a book out of nowhere. "I almost forgot to give the Power Ponies this." He balanced the book on the Masked Matterhorn's horn. "This book chroniclized my whole trek over the past three months. Since I don't need it anymore, I hope you might find some good reading material from it. Let's go."
Suddenly, Anar D and Timberwolf disappeared.
"I'm starting to thik that the reformed Anar D is even more obnoxious than the old Anar D," Mistress Marevelous said.
"Your highness, what about us," the Masked Matterhorn said.
"You and the Mighty Machines are tasked with finding the New Heroes and send them here to Canterlot," Princess Celestia said. "We don't know why Arcanus wants them around, but we've got to protect them."
"We'll be happy to round up these New Heroes," the Masked Matterhorn said.
"Yeah," Zapp said. "Just wait until Arcanus eats dirt when his plan fails."
"For an... old friend, anything," the Shadow Blot said with hesitation in his voice.
Later that afternoon, Shining Armor brought the Power Ponies and the Mighty Machines to the hanger. There, the sunroof opened wide and everyone stared in amazement at the large, purple blimp with their logo on it.
"What is that," Mistress Marevelous asked.
"I call it the Harmony Wind," Shining Armor said. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had me and some other guards to commission this transport after the Changeling invasion. The only problem is, each passanger is only allowed to have one carry-on."
The Power Ponies turned to Filli-Second and saw that she had three suitcases and a surfboard on her shoulders.
"These airlines are out of control," Filli-Second said.
"And you're okay with letting us on," the Shadow Blot asked, "Even though we're... different."
"Here in Equestria, we don't care what you look like," Saddle Rager said. "It just takes some getting used to. I remember when I transformed for the first time."
Devastator sighed.
"And just in case we run into Darkmatter or the Siren Sisters," Shining Armor continued, "The princesses have already put the Harmony Gems on board." He turned to his sister. "Uh, Twilight, with Darkmatter out there with an obsession for your demise, it's only fair if I accompany you."
"Oh," the Masked Matterhorn said. She looked down. "All right. You all go on ahead. I'll catch up." She approached a window and looked at the city of Canterlot outside. She didn't see her fellow princesses approach her.
"Is something troubling you," Princess Celestia asked.
"Oh, it's just..." the Masked Matterhorn sighed. "...Well, I don't really feel like I make really much of a difference."
"How can you say that," Princess Cadence asked. "You're one of the greatest heroes in history. You're also a princess."
"Yeah, well, it's not hard for everyone to realize my secret identity now that I'm an alicorn," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Actually, I wasn't the one who saved Maretropolis from the Changelings; Anar D was. It wasn't me who brought the Power Ponies back together; it was Hum Drum. And now, there's a mad unicorn after me and everyone's trying to protect me. It kinda maked me question if I'm really worthy of my titles."
"My student, do you really believe that we're protecting you because we think you're not worthy of anything," Princess Celestia asked. "We're protecting you because we care."
"I know it doesn't seem like it, but you've played a big part when it always mattered," Princess Luna said. "You raised Hum Drum to care enough to get the team back together. You put the flame of friendship inside of Anar D."
"I didn't do that," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Saddle Rager gave him Pandora's Box."
"But who gave it to Saddle Rager," Princess Cadence said. "Your judgement in your friends makes you worthy of the crown. In a way, you made Anar D good."
"Really," the Masked Matterhorn asked.
"Indeed," Princess Celestia said. "My father always told me, 'as love has a place in every heart, you'll play your part'. And the only way you do that is if you keep your friends with you, no matter what.
"A great event that bonds two friends
Can be a large leap forward
Of being able to master
The battle against discord
And the friends that you have gathered
Would they all let you down
When it came to your struggles
That run you to the ground
So life has a way to test your bond
As you can plainly see
You will have your peace of mind
And then, you will find...
And then, you will find your destiny"
"La, lalala, lalala," ponies in the background sang,
"Lalalala, la, lalala
La, lalala, lalala
Lalalala, la, lalala
La, lalala, lalala
Lalalala, la, lalala
La, lalala, lalala
Lalalala, la, lalala"
"A loyal friend can get you out," Princess Luna sang,
"And honesty is true
When generosity is fortunate
Then, there's hope for you
If laughter has vanished from the world
Will it be broken in your mind
Or will you be able to repair it
Just by being kind
And that's why your friends belong together
That is how it should be
If you're imprisoned by your inner darkness
The greatest magic...
The greatest magic will set you free
And lead you to your destiny"
"And that's why your friends will not give up," Princess Cadence sang,
"And you can't give up also
For if you can't get up
They can help you go
Isolating yourself from everyone else
Isn't worth to try
If the elements of harmony thrive in you
Then you can really fly
YOU CAN REALLY FLYYYYYYYYYYYYYY"
"La, lalala, lalala," ponies in the background sang,
"Lalalala, la, lalala
La, lalala, lalala
Lalalala, la, lalala
La, lalala, lalala
Lalalala, la, lalala
La, lalala, lalala
Lalalala, la, lalala
LA, LALALA, LALALA
LALALALALA, LA, LALALA
LA, LALALA, LALALA
LALALALALA..."
"YES," the Masked Matterhorn sang joyously,
"THANKS FOR HELPING ME SEE MY WORTH
NOW, I KNOW THE BEST IN ME
AS LONG AS MY FEATS ARE WITH MY FRIENDS
IT'S MY DESTINYYYYYYYY"
"IT'S YOUR..." Princess Celestia sang.
"IT'S YOUR..." Princess Luna sang.
"IT'S YOUR..." Princess Cadence sang.
"DEEEESTIIIIIIIINYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY," they all sang.
The Masked Matterhorn entered the blimp and the ship prepared to take off. She looked out the window and saw the other princesses waving at her. The Masked Matterhorn was approached by the Shadow Blot.
"Don't worry, kid. If there's one thing about Celestia that I know, it's that she's always right."
"You support her a lot, don't you," the Masked Matterhorn asked.
Ricky looked out the window and stared directly at Princess Celestia. He had a small grin.
"I guess I do, don't I," he whispered to himself.
The blimp hovered out of the hanger and flew out of sight. Their search for the New Heroes have begun.