The Adventures of the Power Ponies
#54-Eternal Bond Part 2
Later that night, outside of another city, the Siren Sisters approached it.
"Behold, our final city that we shall enchant: Manehattan," Serena said. "And once we're done here, we shall pay the Power Ponies a visit. This will be ironic because this town is said to be home of the symbols of everything these modern ponies hold dear."
"Don't call me dear," Melody snapped.
"Let's go," Serena said.
Suddenly, they saw an elderly pony in front of them. He was wearing sunglasses.
"Excuse me," the old pony said. "Could you spare a few coins?"
"Out of our way, old colt," Serena said. "We've got no time for the elderly."
"Oh, no," the old pony asked bowing his head down. "Then how about..." He popped his head up and revealed Anar D's face. "...ME! Hello again, sirens."
"AAAAHHHH," Carol shouted. She pointed at Anar D. "IT'S THE BOOGEYMAN! QUICK, GET THE GARLIC AND SILVER BULLETS!"
"Carol, that's Anar D," Melody said. "You know, the guy who used to be D, the unicorn who banished us to the Netherealm?"
"Oh, right," Carol chuckled.
"Glad to see you girls haven't changed much," Anar D said. "And just so you know, garlic and silver bullets wouldn't even work on the Boogeyman."
"What are you doing here, Anar D," Serena asked.
"Whaaat," Anar D asked with an obvious tone. "You mean I can't occasionally see what my old enemies are up to."
"Oh, please," Serena scoffed. "Something is rotten in Topeka... wherever that is. Now, what are you up to?"
"About 6 feet," Anar D said. "Give or take a few inches. Get it?" There was a drum and cymbal sound in the air. "All right. I'm here to capture you. And I brought a friend."
Anar D reached his eagle claw into his mouth and pulled Timberwolf out of his mouth. The wirewolf was covered with saliva.
"Yuck," Timberwolf said. "Draconequus spit. We could have driven, you know."
"I get better mileage," Anar D said.
"What a coincidence, D," Melody said. "We brought a friend too."
Anar D looked and Darkmatter was behind him. Darkmatter's horn glowed and blasted a red beam. Anar D split his head and dodged it. "You must be Darkmatter. In that case..." He then popped up a matador costume and held up a red blanket. "Torro. Torro."
"Oldest prank in the book," Darkmatter said.
Suddenly, a group of skates appeared underneath Darkmatter's hooves. The unicorn didn't see them coming, but he still skated toward the cape. Anar D moved the cloak and Darkmatter tripped over the Siren Sisters.
"Ole," Anar D exclaimed.
"So much power," Serena groaned. "And yet, you continue to get your pride-card taken away. Clearly, you threw away your true nature to wallow in their good graces."
Anar D was strumming a harp with a halo over his head. When he realized what the blondie said, he threw the harp away. "I have done nothing of the sort." He then wafted the halo away.
"Oh, please," Darkmatter said. "I've seen it all before. You're falling into the same trap that befell my brother."
"Brother," Timberwolf asked. "No one said anything about your brother."
"Quiet, beast," Serena said. "The sensible ones are talking. Anar D, we share the same origin. We got our powers from the same Discordant Convergence. You should have the same ideals as us not to befriend the ponies. Help us bring back our master and you'll be rewarded with something far greater than... friendship: freedom."
Anar D arced his eyebrow. "Freedom, huh? That does sound tempting."
"D, you can't listen to them," Timberwolf protested. "They're evil. Listen...
"Hey, Anar D
Can't you see this is wrong
They want you with them
Just so they could stay strong
Nothing they say is true
This isn't the right thing to do
Look at them
How can you think it's where you belong"
Anar D used his chaos powers to illustrate the song. Timberwolf continued singing.
"Right from the start
They had you to hate
Don't believe there's a sudden partnership
That they just want to create
I know you feel very enticed
But I'm telling you, this deal has a price
A price that you can't pay
So stop before it's too late"
"Hey, Anar D," the Siren Sisters sang,
"Are you losing your mind
Over these friends you find
You're not meant to be kind
You're meant to do what you want
Until it's gone
Do not neglect
And do not forget
What you know, Anar D
So use your brains
And friendship nearly got you locked up
With unbreakable chains
So now, you're in a fix
You can keep doing lame tricks
Or you can finally have your kicks
And remove this friendship pain"
"Where is the right," Timberwolf sang.
"Which one is my side," Anar D sang.
"Where is the right," the Siren Sisters sang.
"What can each provide," Anar D sang.
"Who is the one," Timberwolf sang.
"The one I can trust to tell me what's right," Anar D sang.
"Where is the right," Timberwolf sang.
"What is it they said," Anar D sang.
"Friendship's a blight," the Siren Sisters sang.
"Friendship's a blight," Anar D sang,
"And the sirens are wicked
That's the fight I've got in my head"
"Hey, Anar D," Timberwolf sang,
"Can't you see in your soul
There's a part for you
And this just isn't the right role
We can't control what you play
But think of what Pandora would say
About the path you choose
Whether or not you're in control"
Anar D held up a picture of his long-passed sister and shed a tear. The song continued.
"Where is the right," Timberwolf sang.
"Which one is my side," Anar D sang.
"Where is the right," the Siren Sisters sang.
"What can each provide," Anar D sang.
"Who is the one," Timberwolf sang.
"The one I can trust to tell me what's right," Anar D sang.
"Where is the right," Timberwolf sang.
"I'm in a jam," Anar D sang.
"But the ponies spite," the Siren Sisters sang.
"They spite who I am," Anar D sang.
"You're the king of strife," the Siren Sisters sang.
"And by giving this box, I'll swear my life," Anar D sang holding up Pandora's Box.
"NOOOOO," Timberwolf shouted. But he was too late. Anar D had already gave Pandora's Box to Serena. The draconequus turned to the wirewolf.
"Maybe it's true," Anar D sang,
"They used to want me gone
But three months is enough
It's time I do what I want
This friendship is not for me
Now, I am what I'm meant to be
THE SPIRIT OF CHAOS
AND CHAOS IS MY DESTINY
CHAOS IS MY ONLY FRIEND"
"CONGRATULATIONS, ANAR," the Siren Sisters sang,
"YOU'RE FREEEEEEEEEEEEE"
"And as for you," Anar D said appearing behind Timberwolf. He materialized a screwdriver and tapped the wirewolf's head with it.
Suddenly, Timberwolf's head popped off and flew into the air. He landed in the nearby ground.
"I hate when this happens," Timberwolf screamed.
"Excellent work, Anar D," Serena said. "And I promise, we won't use the box against you like the Sisterhood of Evil did."
"Whatever," Melody sighed.
"Welcome to the show," Carol said. "Ooh, that could be a good song name!"
"We are about to change the world," Darkmatter said. "Welcome to the winning team. Welcome... to the Order of Change."
As Anar D grinned wickedly, the villains left the scene and entered the town. Timberwolf's head watched them leave then he turned his eyes to his still body.
"I've got to get back on my body," Timberwolf said straining his head forward. "Must... warn... the others." He then rolled until his snout was in a puddle of mud. His words then made bubbles. "This may take longer than I thought."
"All right, everyone," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Where do we go first?"
"According to the radio," Dusk said, "The closest town with any report of a New Hero is Sweet Apple Acres."
"That's where I'm from," Mistress Marevelous said. "What June bug would gain superpowers there?"
"Only one way to find out," Zapp said. "Now, how long before we get there?"
"One hour, three minutes, and twelve seconds, I'd say."
The Power Ponies and Mighty Machines gasped in shock. They didn't see the Earth pony standing there before. He had a brown mane and a white collar and black tie. His Cutie Mark was an hourglass. He took out a pocket watch and opened it.
"AAAAHHH," Masque screamed. He pointed his claw to the strange pony. "STRANGER DANGER! STRANGER DANGER!"
"Who," Radiance stuttered, "What... Why... How... Where..."
"Wrong questions," the stallion said. "The real question is, when?"
"What's your name," the Shadow Blot asked.
"Hmm," the stallion pondered. "I've been traveling for so long, I've seem to have forgotten my name. Well, until further notice, just call me the Doctor."
"We should call him a good therapist," Zapp whispered to her friends. She then turned her attention to the Doctor. "What are you doing here?"
"That depends," the Doctor said. "Which event is happening now?"
"I don't know if you hear the news lately," Rodan said, "But there are New Heroes in the world and we're looking for them."
"Ah, of course," the Doctor exclaimed. "And let me guess, you've sent Anar D and Timberwolf to capture the Siren Sisters."
"Wait a minute," Filli-Second said. "How did you know who the bad guys are or who we sent after them?"
"Yes, I probably should have lead with this," the Doctor said. "I'm from the distant future. I used to make my living off of research. On day, due to a series of circumstances, I gained the powers of time-travel."
"No, really," the Shadow Blot said crossing his arms.
"You're a wirewolf who used to be close to this world's Celestia," the Doctor said. "Are you really that surprised?"
"This world's Celestia," Shining Armor asked.
"Of course," the Doctor said. "There are countless other worlds across the time-stream. There's a world where you are ordinary ponies who face similar problem, a world where good and evil are reversed, a world where we are all humans, and so on. I make it my mission to travel to each time point in each timeline and observe past events, or in your case, present or future events."
"So why are you here," Mistress Marevelous asked.
"I've been trying to observe your battle with Arcanus," the Doctor said. "It appears that I made a wrong turn and arrived early."
"There won't be a battle with Arcanus," the Masked Matterhorn said. "We're going to rescue the New Heroes from his hidden agenda and he won't return."
"So naive," the Doctor said. "Even if you could prevent Arcanus from escaping, the worst is still yet to come."
"What do you mean by that," Dusk asked.
"I can't reveal too much information directly," the Doctor said. "However, I leave with these words..." He then spoke more ominously. "After the battle with Arcanus, Anar D will unknowingly give his kin's box to himself, but at the same time, it will have a new host. And that will be the perfect leverage for the Red Eye."
"What," Masque asked. "What does any of that mean?"
"It's a prophecy, Sherlock." the Doctor said. "I was trying to be mysterious. Well, I'll see you all in a couple of weeks... or sooner." Suddenly, a bright light glowed from his body. When the light dimmed, he wasn't there anymore.
"That was strange," Hum Drum said.
In Manehattan, the Siren Sister's final performance was done. The curtain closed and the sirens changed back into their human forms. Anar D and Darkmatter were congratulating them. Anar D materialized some chocolate milk glasses and gave them to everyone.
"A toast to... whatever it is what you just did," Anar D said.
"It's called enchanting, idiot," Serena said. "Tomorrow, Manehattan will be swarming with New Heroes."
"Wait," Anar D said. "So you WANT your super-powered victims to be heroes? I don't get it."
"Of course, you don't," Melody said. "You're too stupid to realize what we're doing."
"Duh," Carol said. "We're making them heroes because we also put something else in our spells." Serena stroked her fingers across her throat angrily. "What? What did I say?"
"Come on, Serena," Anar D said. "We've known each other for 10,000 years. Couldn't you tell little ol' me?"
"Don't bother," Darkmatter said. "They're not telling me."
"All you need to know is that we are called the Order of Change because that's what we're going to do to the world," Serena said.
"Oh, yeah," Carol said. "What she said is what I meant... to say."
"And it's what you would've said if you weren't so lame," Melody groaned.
"You are," Carol argued.
Serena grabbed both her sisters' hair and pushed their heads against each other.
"Forgive them," Serena said. "They're idiots. D, just lead Darkmatter to where the Power Ponies are for their death. We'll catch up."
"Fine," Anar D complained. "Then I won't teach you the lyrics to Glass of Water." He disappeared.
Darkmatter glowed his horn and vanished in a flash of black. Serena turned back to her sisters angrily.
"Oh," Carol ached. "You almost made me bit my lips."
"Then next time, keep them shut," Serena snapped.
"What did I do," Melody asked. "I didn't almost blab about the plan?"
"If one siren makes a bad move, everyone should be punished," Serena said.
"Then shouldn't you be punished," Melody asked.
"I am," Serena said. "I'm still stuck with you two."
"I don't get it," Carol said. "Why don't we tell Anar D what we're up to?"
"I trust the guy who banished us to the Netherealm as far as I can throw him," Serena said.
"For realzies," Carol said. "Don't you think we should give him a second chance? After all, if he hadn't transformed us into humans, we'd be dead."
"If he hadn't transformed us, we'd be spared the humiliation," Serena shot back. "Don't you remember about how all the other girls kept making fun of us behind our backs?"
"And sometimes, in front of us," Melody said.
Carol was getting creeped out as her oldest sister approached her closer with anger burning in her eyes.
"Equestria betrayed us, Carol," Serena said. "And as soon as we get the chance, we'll pay them and D back."
"Really," Carol asked. "But... But he swore his loyalty to us. He even gave us his box as a sign of his trust."
"And that was his mistake," Serena said.
"We're here," Shining Armor declared landing the blimp in a wide field. The Power Ponies and the Mighty Machines exited the Harmony Wind and looked out at the field.
"What was that Doctor guy talking about," Masque asked. "Anar D giving his box to himself and there would be a red eye. That makes no sense at all."
"We can worry about all that later," Mistress Marevelous said. "Right now, we got to find the New Heroes before..."
Suddenly, there were loud screams. The Ponies and Machines followed the origin of the screams and saw a large creature. It had three heads: a tiger, a goat, and a snake.
"A chimera," Mistress Marevelous gasped. "But they're not allowed out of their territory."
"Well, let's send this creep packing," Zapp said.
The heroes began to use their powers, but before they could unleash them, they saw something they didn't expect. Six long, green vines sprouted from the ground and wrapped themselves around the chimera's limbs. It tried to struggle, but it was no use.
Then, without warning, punches were flung at the tiger head, but there was no one there. When the beating stopped. It felt dizzy and wobbled out of control.
"Hey, get ahold of yourself," the goat head shouted. "What's wrong with you?"
"No, I can't march in the pudding parade," the tiger head said in a British accent.
"What," the snakehead asked.
Suddenly, a burst of rockets was heard. A small pony with rocket skates appeared out of nowhere and ran right into the chimera. The vines broke off and the chimera fell down unconscious.
Suddenly, three young ponies landed in front of the ponies and wirewolves. There was a yellow Earth pony that rose with vines, a white unicorn that materialized slowly, and an orange pegasus with rockets on her skates. They were wearing costumes and masks that matches their manes.
"Fear not, Sweet Apple Acres," the yellow pony declared. "We are on the job to protect you. Seedling!"
"Nowhere Mare," the white unicorn declared.
"And Turbo Girl," the orange pegasus declared.
"C.R.U.S.A.D.E.," the three shouted.
"And who are we really," Seedling shouted. "The world may never know!"
"Apple Bloom," Mistress Marevelous asked in shock as she recognized the yellow one as her little sister.
"Sweetie Belle," Radiance asked in shock as she recognized the white one as her little sister.
"Scootaloo," Zapp asked in shock as she recognized the orange one as her biggest fan
.
"HEY," Apple Bloom shouted revealing herself. "You just broke the secret identity code!"
The three young ponies were in for the talk of a lifetime from their idols.
"APPLE BLOOM, HAVE YOU LOST IT," Mistress Marevelous shouted.
"WHAT IF YOU'D GOTTEN HURT, SWEETIE BELLE," Radiance shouted.
"MY FAN CLUB'S ALREADY TOO SHORT WITHOUT YOU RISKING YOUR LIFE, SCOOTALOO," Zapp shouted.
"Look, we know you're upset," Apple Bloom said.
"You think," Radiance said. "Sweetie Belle, when you told me you were invited to spend the weekend at Sweet Apple Acres, I thought you'd be playing safe games!"
"It started out that way," Sweetie Belle explained. "But then, we woke up from a night that we don't remember, and we had super powers. I can turn invisible."
"And I got plant powers," Apple Bloom said. "I can just think it, and the plants can do whatever I want."
"I got super stamina," Scootaloo said. "At first, I didn't think of any use for it, but I realized it made it easier to stay conscious after I use these super skates with rocket boosters."
"Where did you get those anyway," Zapp asked.
"Cousin Babs knows a guy," Apple Bloom said.
"Now, we're superheroes like you," Scootaloo said. She pulled out a small card. "We even have a team name: C.R.U.S.A.D.E."
"What exactly does that stand for," Saddle Rager asked.
"I don't know," Scootaloo answered. "Anything we want."
No one knew that in a bush behind them, two sets of eyes peeked out and observed them.
"Oh," a small, snarly voice said. "The big unicorn has some fine jewelry on her."
"Can we take it now, Spot," a bigger snarl said.
"Not now, Fido," the small snarl said. "Let's just watch until the right time."
"Our powers can make us just like you guys," Sweetie Belle said.
"Hate to break it to you," Hum Drum said, "But your powers came from sirens."
"The loud noise that comes from emergency vehicles," Scootaloo asked.
"Not that kind of siren," Hum Drum said palming his forehead. "I'm talking about evil magical singers. Their singing gave lots of ponies superpowers like me."
"You've got superpowers," Apple Bloom shouted. "That's so awesome!"
"What can you do," Scootaloo asked.
Hum Drum sighed. "This." He changed into his diamond form.
In the bushes, the two pairs of eyes widened.
"Forget the pony," the higher snarl said. "We must have... the dragon."
"After we deliver the dragon," the lower voice said. "Can we get ice cream?"
"Sure, sure," the high voice sighed. "We can have ice cream. Now, be quiet." The two sets of eyes moved and the figures left the bush.
"Look, C.R.U.S.A.D.E.," the Masked Matterhorn said, "We've got a situation. The Siren Sisters undoubtedly has an agenda for the New Heroes all over Equestria. That's why we're here. We've got to tell all New Heroes to head to Canterlot and..."
"CANTERLOT," Sweetie Belle shouted with glee. "You hear that, fellow members of C.R.U.S.A.D.E.?! We're going to Canterlot!"
"YAY," the other two shouted.
"We'll get packed," Scootaloo said.
Quick as a bullet, the three young heroes left the area. The Power Ponies and the Mighty Machines waited by their blimp for the kids. Mistress Marevelous was pacing with worry.
"Oh, how could I leave my little sister in the hands of the Siren Sisters," Mistress Marevelous asked. "If anything happens to her, I'll make a noose out of my rope and hang it by Serena's..."
"Calm down, cowgirl," Zapp said. "Aren't you a little too worried?"
"Zapp's got a point," Radiance said. "You seem to be a little overprotective."
"Are you kidding me," Mistress Marevelous asked. "Apple Bloom is my sister. Seedling or not, she shouldn't put her life in danger. Come on, Radiance. You worry as much as your sister's well-being as I do with mine."
"True, I don't completely approve of Sweetie Belle's hero status," Radiance said, "But since it's something she loves, I'm willing to accept it."
"Well... what about you, Zapp," Mistress Marevelous said. "Scootaloo is the closest thing you have to a sister."
"That's true," Zapp said. "But I really do enjoy how the kid's decided to follow in my hoofsteps."
"Marevelous, if you give your sister a chance, you'll learn that everything and everyone will be all right," the Masked Matterhorn said.
The cowgirl hero sighed. "You're probably right. After all, she hasn't given me any reason not to trust her."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," Filli-Second said. "See, I've got some good news and some bad news."
"What's thebad news," Mistress Marevelous asked.
"I traveled to the shadow Zone," Filli-Second said, "You know, the in-between word where I can't be seen. Anyway, I saw C.R.U.S.A.D.E. carry a bag full of coins. I then learned from hearing other ponies that the three have been profitting off their heroics."
"WHAT," Mistress marevelous shouted in shock hoping she didn't hear what she thought she heard.
"IMPOSSIBLE," Radiance shouted as awell.
"MY LITTLE SCOOTALOO," Zapp shouted.
"Okay there," the Shadow Blot said. "Maybe the good news is bigger. Filli, what's the good news?"
"I found a nickel," Filli-Second said holding up a small coin.
"I can't believe our own sisters would do something so selfish," Mistress Marevelous said.
"What do you mean?"
C.R.U.S.A.D.E. was standing behind the group. Mistress Marevelous wasn't happy at all.
"Devastate," Devastator whispered to Dusk.
"Indeed," Dusk said. "This is awkward."
"I know about the profitting, girls," Mistress Marevelous said.
"Oh," Seedling gasped nervously. "I can explain."
"Explain what," Mistress Marevelous asked, "How you've only been protecting the town because you were paid to?! And I bet the chimera attacking was part of your ruse, wasn't it?"
"No," Nowhere Mare insisted. "That wasn't us!"
"Look," Turbo Girl said. "We didn't want to work for hire at first, but when we stopped our first crime, the citizens were asking if we wanted something in return. The temptation was too strong."
"I can't believe you'd keep the truth from me," Mistress Marevelous said. "An Apple is always honest."
"I was afraid of what you'd say if I told you," Seedling said.
"As opposed to what I'm saying now that I found out another way," Mistress Marevelous asked. "I am very angry with you kids; so angry, I can't think of a punishment harsh enough."
Suddenly, everyone felt a shift in the ground. In a blink, a large hole appeared beneath C.R.U.S.A.D.E. and the three fell down. Mistress Marevelous looked down and saw them half-conscious.
"That's good enough."
The ground shook again. Suddenly, two creatures appeared from the ground behind Hum Drum. They had uncanny dog-like appearances and raggy jackets. Their collars had diamonds on them. They grabbed Hum Drum and held on tight.
"HELP," Hum Drum cried out.
The Masked Matterhorn heard her sidekick's cry for help and turned her attention to it. She saw the dogs trying to hold onto Hum Drum completely.
"LET ME GO," Hum Drum shouted.
"NO," the little one said. "Our king would want to meet you!"
"PUT HIM DOWN," the Masked Matterhorn shouted.
"GET DOWN," the little dog shouted.
Suddenly, the dogs dived into the dirt and Hum Drum disappeared with them. The Masked Matterhorn tried to dig down, but she lost all trace of them.
"Well, this just got a lot more complicated," Masque said.
"Oh, no," she gasped. "We've... We've got to find him."
"What were those things," Radiance said. "And why would they want Hum Drum?"
"I think I've seen them in a book somewhere," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Maybe I brought it with me." She luminated her horn and a bag full of books appeared in front of her. She then levitated the books and flipped through their pages. "Let's see. Poison Joke, no. Breezies, no. AH, HA!" She held up a book with a manticore on the cover. She went through it and gasped when she saw a certain page.
"What," Mistress Marevelous asked. "What did you find?"
"I know what those things are," the Masked Matterhorn said with fear in her voice, "And I know why they want Hum Drum! And I know that if we don't find them, Hum Drum won't make it out alive."
The dogs removed the duffel bag from Hum Drum's head. He looked and saw that there was no light except from the torches hanging from the dirt wall. He could tell they were underground. Hum Drum looked around and saw an army of armored dogs surrounded a golden, jeweled throne. A skinny dog in a red jacket sat in the throne. The two dogs holding Hum Drum threw him in front of the leading dog. He tried to move, but his wrists and ankles were chained together.
"Do what you want with me," Hum Drum shouted. "You'll never torture me into giving you what you want!"
"Torture," the dog in the red jacket asked. "Kid, the only thing I want to torture is this foot fungus. It's one of the disadvantages of living underground." He got up from his throne and approached Hum Drum. "Spot, Fido, why is the dragon chained up? We don't want him as our prisoner! Release him!"
"Huh," the two dogs asked. The leading dog glared closer at them, so the two removed the chains off of Hum Drum.
As the dragon rubbed his wrists, he felt confused. "Uh... Thanks, I guess. Who are you guys?"
"Oh, forgive my brothers," the dog said. "They're not big on manners. We are an underground tribe of jewel-worshipping mutts called the Under Dogs. I'm the Alpha of the pack. The name's Rover, but everyone calls me the Under King."
"I guess you're in charge," Hum Drum said.
"You catch on fast, kid," the Under King said. "Now, I want you to do something: change."
"Change," Hum Drum asked.
"Yeah, change," the Under King said. "My brothers, Fido and Spot here, claim that you can change into diamond-hard skin. Can you?"
"Uh, sure," Hum Drum said. He closed his eyes and suddenly, his skin changed. The Under Dogs were astonished at the sight. Hum Drum changed back and saw the Under Dogs staring at him.
"Did I do something wrong," Hum Drum asked.
"On the contrary, kid," the Under King said, "You've done something legendary. Throw this dragon, Hum Drum, a feast!"
The Under Dogs cheered. The shout made Hum Drum smile a little.
"We've got to get to Hum Drum and quickly," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Who knows that the Under Dogs might do to him?"
"But how are we going to find them," Dusk asked. "I don't know if you noticed, but there's a lot of ground and even more dirt underneath. It'll take us forever to find them."
"Maybe not," the Shadow Blot said. "I have a plan, but Marevelous might not like it."
"What do you mean," Mistress Marevelous asked.
"I was thinking that since your sister is connected with the plants," the Shadow Blot said, "Maybe she can make a plant that's connected to where Hum Drum is."
"ARE YOU NUTS," Mistress Marevelous shouted. "I'm ticked off enough since I realized that my sister was using her powers to make a quick buck."
"Applejack, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please," Seedling begged. "Don't make me beg."
"You are begging," Mistress Marevelous said.
"Then please, make me stop," Seedling said.
"We just want to help," Nowhere Mare said.
"We promise we won't misuse our powers again," Turbo Girl said.
"I don't know how to believe," Mistress Marevelous said. She then held up her rope. "This rope responds to the responsibility I know I have. As long as I'm always true, this rope will always answer to me."
C.R.U.S.A.D.E. turned their eyes to the rope and felt strange. They saw it glow in a rainbow of colors. They felt the same glow coming from their eyes.
"You're right," Seedling said. "We shouldn't have sold our services."
"We were just too tempted," Nowhere Mare said. "It's so easy, but we just couldn't stop."
"But give us one last chance," Turbo Girl said, "And we will never lie again."
Mistress Marevelous, Radiance, and Zapp sighed.
"All right, fine," Mistress Marevelous said. "But I expect the truth in the future."
"No problem, sis," Seedling said. "In fact..." She pulled out a gold coin and gave it to her sister. "I got this from dishonest means. I'm giving this to you as a vow to always be honest like you."
"Thanks, I guess," Mistress Marevelous said accepting the bit.
Hum Drum looked in wonder at the table with plates full of gems in front of him.
"All of this... for me," Hum Drum said. "I don't understand."
"Like I told you, we Under Dogs worship gems," the Under King said. "That makes you a perfect guy to worship."
"You mean my powers," Hum Drum asked. "Sure, it's special, but I don't see what all the fuss is about."
"It's what you can turn into that matters," the Under King explained. "Haven't you wondered what kind of diamond you can turn into?"
Curious, Hum Drum changed into his diamond-form and observed himself. "Do you know?"
"Of course," the Under King answered. "That particular diamond is Tarastone, the rarest and most precious gem in all of Equestria."
"Really," Hum Drum asked. "Wow, talk about luck."
"So as soon as we heard you were coming," the Under King said, "We cleared our vaults and gave you a feast of gems big enough to satisfy 10 grown dragons. And if I may give you a suggestion, eat your gems while you're in your diamond-form. You'll get better resiliance while you're eating."
"You emptied your vaults just for me," Hum Drum asked. "Won't you guys go broke?"
"Oh, we can always mine for more," the Under King said. "And I have a feeling we'll hit the jackpot very soon. Just don't worry about us.
"You don't have to hold your tongue back
You're already worthy
We cleared our vaults
Without any halts
Because you're our celebrity
We can always get more gems
Guaranteed to be very soon
We'll all be alright
I swear by Luna's moon"
At that moment, Hum Drum changed into this diamond form and began to eat any gemstone on the table. The Under King kept watching and singing.
"Keep it up
Take in all the rich stuff
I want to make it all
Take it all
Go
Yeah, keep it up
Until there's no more
It's like your dad's a rock
Then, you're a chip off the old block"
As soon as the verse was done, Hum Drum was laying on his back with a belly full of gems.
"Oh, thanks, your majesty," Hum Drum said. "I don't know how I can repay you."
"Oh, you already are," the Under King said. "GRAB HIM, BOYS!"
"What," Hum Drum asked.
Suddenly, the Under Dogs jumped and grabbed Hum Drum. When he came to, he was tied up in ropes. He looked up and saw the Under King above him. Hum Drum tried to move, but he just couldn't and he also couldn't change back into his dragon form.
"Don't bother," the Under King said. "With the large buffet you scarfed down on, you're too lazy to succeed in changing back."
"Hey, what's the big idea," Hum Drum asked. "I thought you worshipped me."
"Well, everyone worships jewels," the Under King sang,
"So let me be crystal clear
What we're going to do
Is chip all of you
Until there's nothing here"
Meanwhile, just outside of the dancing crowd, the Power Ponies, the Mighty Machines, and C.R.U.S.A.D.E. entered the area and listened in.
"So, every dog, pick up an ax
Get ready for our greatest find
Pick it all
Have a ball
We've got a dragon to mine"
"Just as I thought," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Just one shard could set those dogs up for pony lives times dog years. They're going to pick off the diamonds until there's nothing left."
"Oh, that cur," Masque growled. "He gives dogs a bad name. I'll stuff him with his own pickaxes. I'll make him watch game shows. I'll..." He stopped growling and his shoulders were following the music. "Oh, for a bunch of dirty dogs, they make great musicians."
"We'll hire them for weddings later," the Masked Matterhorn said. "All right. We're going to make a distraction while Sweetie Belle..."
"Uh, hem," the little unicorn cleared her throat.
"Nowhere Mare... *sigh* ...will turn invisible and release Hum Drum. Is everyone celar on the plan?"
"Oh, yeah," Masque sighed carelessly. Everyone panicked when they saw him strolling down the hallway with each step going along with the music. "I'm gone."
"NOT YET, MASQUE," the Shadow Blot panicked.
The heroes tried to catch him, but they saw Under Dogs carrying Hum Drum closer to the end of the hallway. They hid and waited for their friend. The Masked Matterhorn reached out to him, but before she could catch him, the door slammed open in her face.
"HEY!"
The door slowly closed and the heroes saw a female Under Dog dance out of the doorway and scatting. They saw the robotic tail behind her, so they knew it was Masque in disguise. The tail turned into a dog's and Masque continued scatting. Fascinated, the Under King danced and scatted with Masque.
"Getting mad, baby," Masque said.
They continued scatting until every Under Dog went to the big finish.
"KEEP IT UP
TAKE IN ALL THE RICH STUFF
I WANT TO MAKE IT ALL
TAKE IT ALL
GO
YEAH, KEEP IT UP
UNTIL THERE'S NO MORE
LIKE YOUR DAD'S A ROCK
YOU'RE A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK"
"TAKE ME HOME, DADDY," Masque shouted.
"LIKE YOUR DAD'S A ROCK
YOU'RE A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK"
"ONE MORE TIME," the Under King shouted smacking Masque on the back.
Masque didn't notice that the hit messed up his disguise. Now, every Under Dog looked and stared as Masque was dancing not knowing he wasn't in disguise.
"YEAH," he sang alone,
"LIKE YOUR DAD'S A ROCK
YOU'RE A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOOOOOOOCK"
He continued scatting until he took a good look at his body. He stopped dancing when he saw that the jig was up.
"Man," Masque said.
"HEY," Spot shouted, "THAT GUY WAS WITH THE POWER PONIES!"
"GET HIM," the Under King shouted.
The Power Ponies and Mighty Machines jumped out of hiding. They grabbed Hum Drum and untied him. Suddenly, a loud, thunderous noise filled the room at the same time as the wall blew apart. The Under King growled and turned to the Power Ponies.
"YOU," the Under King said. "YOU DID THIS!"
"What," Zapp said. "No, we didn't."
"Wait," Hum Drum said. "If we didn't do it and you didn't do it... who did?"
When the smoke cleared from the wall, there was a unicorn standing in the hole. Darkmatter was standing tall. The Siren Sisters were behind him.
"Good evening, dogs from the deepest dumpsters," he said. "We are tonight's entertainment. I only have one question: where is the little monkey, Twilight Sparkle?"
"You've got to be kidding me," Shining Armor whispered.
"Uh, Shining Armor," the Masked Matterhorn whispered to her brother, "What's going on?"
"We better find a way out of here quickly," Shining Armor whispered back. "That's Darkmatter, the unicorn I warned you about."
"That's him," Zapp asked. She flew toward the black unicorn. "You're the big, bad unicorn that's trying to kill Twilight?"
"No, I'm the big, bad unicorn trying to sell you cookies," Darkmatter said sarcastically. "Now, if you don't mind, hand over your Masked Matterhorn friend and I'll leave you be."
"Whoa, there, Nellie," Mistress Marevelous said. "We're going to need some answers."
"Why are you after our friend," Radiance asked. "Why were you so insistent on teaching her magic? And why would you throw a temper after the princesses said no?"
"That is none of your concern," Darkmatter said. "Just give her to me."
"Back off, Darkmatter," Shining Armor shouted jumping in front of his sister.
"Shining Armor," Darkmatter said. "Why, I haven't seen you since you since you were no higher than my legs. How's life been for you?"
"How did you find us down here," Shining Armor asked.
"Well, it wasn't hard to find a large blimp with a hero essence and follow a trail underground you left near it," Darkmatter explained. "Now, hand over the little monkey now."
"Stay away from my sister," Shining Armor said.
"Oh, that's so sweet," Serena said, "But she's too threatening for us to let live."
"WHAT'S GOING ON," the Under King shouted.
"Hey, girls, look," Carol said. "It's the same dog we performed for last week."
"You did what now," the Under King asked.
"Enough talk," Darkmatter shouted. "Hand us the little monkey and we'll be on our way."
"LET'S GET OUT OF HERE," the Masked Matterhorn shouted.
"GET BACK HERE WITH THAT ALICORN," Serena shouted.
"GET BACK HERE WITH MY DRAGON," the Under King shouted.
You can imagine a hallway with 5 doors on each side. The Power Ponies, the Mighty Machines, C.R.U.S.A.D.E., Shining Armor, Darkmatter, the Siren Sisters, Anar D, and the Under Dogs chased each other through each door and had completely random scenarios. The last one was when C.R.U.S.A.D.E. was chasing Serena.
"WAIT A MINUTE," Serena shouted.
The chase continued until they entered a room full of Under Dogs. The villains entered, but they couldn't see anything but Under Dogs.
"Under Dogs," the Under King declared. "Where are the Power Ponies and their friends?"
No one answered. The heroes couldn't be found.
"Oh, I can't believe this," the Under King said. "How am I going to get what I want?"
"And I thought this mutt had an attitude when we performed for him," Melody said.
"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT," the Under King shouted. "I'VE NEVER MET YOU BEFORE!"
"Well, you might as well know now, mutt," Melody said. "See, our performances give others amnesia after we give them their powers."
"Powers," the Under King asked. "Are you saying that I have superpowers? What kind?"
"We don't know and we don't care," Serena said. "Random powers are chosen. Just stay out of our way."
"No," the Under King said. "Those ponies are mine to kill!"
The villains scattered across the crowd. A few minutes later, Darkmatter came across a familiar shape of wirewolves. The only problem was, they were brown. Darkmatter took a closer look at one remembering it resembling Masque.
"An odd breed of Under Dogs," Darkmatter said.
"Uh... We're from Minnesota."
That didn't fool Darkmatter. The unicorn's horn glowed and a gust of wind blew the dirt off of the Mighty Machines.
"I didn't think you'd go any lower," Darkmatter said.
"I don't think anyone would go lower than this," Masque said. "We're underground."
"HEY, DORK-MATTER!"
Zapp appeared out of nowhere and pointed her amulet. Lightning bolts shot out of it, but Darkmatter kept dodging them.
"Wow," Zapp said. "For a unicorn, this guy's pretty fast."
"I'll show you fast," Filli-Second shouted running toward Darkmatter. Darkmatter blasted from his horn and a red rope appeared and tied her hooves together. "Shall we try that again?"
"You want to match rope skills," Mistress Marevelous shouted. "Try mine." She levitated her rope and threw it against Darkmatter.
All of a sudden, Serena appeared and grabbed the rope. She snapped the rope like a whip and that snap knocked Mistress Marevelous backwards.
"HEY," Saddle Rager shouted. Serena glared at her and the pegasus whimpered. "Uh... I'm a rock."
"Just like he said," Serena said. "All bark and no bite."
"He," Radiance asked. "You can't be talking about Arcanus 'cause he's never met us. So who's he?"
"I'll worry about him," Darkmatter said. "You worry about me. Just give me the princess... NOW!"
The Masked Matterhorn appeared in front of the evil unicorn and illuminated her horn. A purple blast hit Darkmatter and slammed him to the wall. A crack rose from him and it hit the ceiling. Many rocks began to fall from the sky. A large boulder appeared and was headed directly to the Under King. He closed his eyes and prepared for the worst.
After a few seconds of not feeling any pain, the Under King opened his eyes and was astonished at the Mighty Machines holding the rock up.
"You're... helping me," the Under King asked, "After I tried to break your friend into pieces."
"Devastate," Devastator said.
"What did he say," the Under King asked.
"He said dogs of a pack have each other's back," the Shadow Blot said.
The Under King looked at the boulder above him. He saw it glow in a rainbow of colors. He felt the same glow from his own eyes.
"I'm sorry," the Under King said, "For everything that I've done."
"Just get out from underneath quickly," the Shadow Blot said. "This rock is heavier than it looks."
"Seriously," the Under King asked. "It doesn't look that heavy to me. I'll give you a paw."
The Under King placed his paws underneath the boulder with the Mighty Machines. Suddenly, the Mighty Machines didn't feel anything heavy in their claws anymore. They looked and the boulder was 6 inches from their claws. Only the Under King had his paws on the boulder.
"Under King," the Shadow Blot gasped, "I don't believe it."
"I know," the Under King said. "Amazing what teamwork can do. Thanks for the help, guys."
"Uh, King," Dusk said, "We're not doing that. You're lifting it all on your own."
"What," the Under King asked. He looked and saw that the Machines were right. He was lifting the whole boulder on his own. And just as easily, he put it safely on the ground.
"What was that," Rodan asked. "Some kind of placebo effect or..."
"No, wait," the Under King said. "The humans said their singing gave me a superpower. My superpower must be..." He raised his fist and slammed it to the ground. A large hole was broken through and he didn't seem to react to how hard the ground was. "SUPER STRENGTH!"
"That's... AWESOME," Masque said. "Now, will you help us?"
"Sure thing," the Under King said. "SPOT! FIDO!" His brothers appeared in front of him. "Change in plans. We're the good guys now. Spread the word. Surround the humans and the black unicorn."
"Really, your majesty," Spot said.
"No," the Under King said sarcastically. "Actually, I want to play 'Let's Pretend'."
"Oh, goodie," Fido shouted. "I love Let's Pretend!"
"Yeah," Serena said rubbing her chin. She pointed at the Masked Matterhorn. "Let's pretend she's on fire!"
"Oh, yeah," Carol said. "Put out the Matterhorn! Put out the Matterhorn!"
"I don't think so," the Masked Matterhorn said.
Suddenly, she felt a tug on her tail. She was grabbed by Fido and she was slammed left and right of him.
"Put out the Matterhorn! Put out the Matterhorn!"
"Hey, Darkmatter," Serena said, "Four out of five villains say we should be leaving now!"
"No," Darkmatter said. "I've come too far to be stopped now!"
"We're much better if we escape now," Serena said. "We're outnumbered and outmatched."
Darkmatter growled. "Another day, my little monkey."
The Siren Sisters and Darkmatter exited the area. The Power Ponies caught up to the Masked Matterhorn swung around.
"What'd we miss," Saddle Rager asked.
"I put out the Matterhorn," Fido said.
"If it wasn't dangerous now," the Under King said, "I'd smack you in the head."
"So... you're on our side now," Radiance asked.
"Yes," the Under King said. "In fact, I'd like to offer my services in your search for the New Heroes. I'll send Under Dogs to every corner of the globe in search for those the Siren Sisters enchanted. Also..." The Under King reached into his pocket and pulled out something. "The pups in Arts-N-Crafts made this. I want to give it to you as a sign of my change for the better."
In Radiance's hoof, the Under King gave a thread spool with a string wrapped around it. The string was covered with different colors like a rainbow.
"Now, that's generous," Radiance said.
"Under King," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Since you're a New Hero, I've got good news and bad news."
"The good news is, I named my nickle Phillip," Filli-Second said holding up a coin.
"What's the bad news," the Under King asked.
"It's a girl nickle," Filli-Second declared.
"No," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Since your powers came from the Siren Sisters, then you're in danger. We don't know how, but they're going to take advantage of you. You're going to Canterlot. Take C.R.U.S.A.D.E. with you. They need adult supervision... and you're the closest thing we've got."
"I can live with that," the Under King said.
"Uh, Radiance," Hum Drum said pointing at the rainbow thread. The rainbow colors glowed for a second.
"What the," Radiance asked. "How come..."
"It's not just you, Rade," Mistress Marevelous said pulling out the bit her sister gave her earlier. The coin glowed in a rainbow also.
"I don't believe it," the Masked Matterhorn said. "This is just like the pendant Anar D gave me after the Battle for Maretropolis."
"Hey, wait," Zapp said. "How come that joker didn't stop those guys yet?"
"Oh, don't worry about it," Saddle Rager said. "I have complete faith that Anar D will do the right thing."
Outside of the Under Dog mine, Anar D was reading a magazine. He then heard the rest of the Order of Change exit the underground.
"So how'd it go," Anar D asked.
"You could have helped," Darkmatter growled angrily.
"I don't believe in spelunking," Anar D said.
"It doesn't matter," Serena said. "There's more than one way to trap a mare. When we catch her..."
"Actually," Darkmatter said. "I'm through chasing after her."
"You're not backing out, are you," Melody asked.
"Absolutely not," Darkmatter said. "I'm just tired of chasing her. For over a decade, I've been going after her. I think it's time that she... came to me."
"Bye," Filli-Second called as the blimp hovered from the Under Dogs. "Take care of C.R.U.S.A.D.E.! Bye!"
"It's all right, Filli," Mistress Marevelous said. "I think they get the message."
"Well, this is interesting," the Masked Matterhorn said looking through the book Anar D gave her. "I think I found a connection."
"A connection to what, exactly," Rodan said.
"Our items," the Masked Matterhorn said, "The ones that glow even after we found the Harmony Gems. I don't know what they're for, but I know how they're connected."
"You lost me there," Zapp said.
"It seems that during Anar D's 3 month search, he stumbled upon some everyday object foretelling. Each object represents the elements of friendship as the Harmony Gems do. There's the Amulet of Magic, the Coin of Honesty, the Thread of Generosity, the Pin of Loyalty, the Toy of Laughter, and the Flower of Kindness."
"So how do we find them," Hum Drum said. "Is there a map or something, because going after New Heroes and avoiding evil sirens at once it tiresome already."
"Actually, we can't find them. According to the scriptures Anar D found, the Heroes of Harmony aren't allowed to find these things."
"Well, that's a rip-off," Masque said. "Then who can find them?"
"My guess is, the ones who give them to us. Think about it, Anar D didn't give us Scynder's amulet until he learned what being a friend is all about. C.R.U.S.A.D.E. had to learn to do honest work with their powers before they give that coin to Mistress Marevelous. And the Under King needed to learn about how to generously give his life for others, and then, he gave his thread to Radiance."
"So who are the other three guys who are going to give us more mysterious objects," Filli-Second asked.
"I don't know. But something tells me we're going to find out really soon."
Later that night, the blimp was still hovering in the sky. The Power Ponies and Mighty Machines are getting ready to sleep.
"There's still one thing I don't get, Machines," Hum Drum said, "We know about Ricky's past. What about the rest of you?"
"Oh, really," Rodan said. "Well, those are strange stories. I was born a couple of centuries ago, back when the ponies first discovered DNA. I was severely injured by a manticore. The doctors decided the only way to save me was to replace my broken parts. Unfortunately, they could only reach phoenix DNA. The next thing you know, I had phoenix-like powers in my bloodstream. Discordant Convergence came and blasted me to the Netherealm."
"But how are you a wirewolf," Hum Drum asked.
"The same thing with the others," Rodan said. "The Netherealm couldn't accept ponies in its atmosphere, so I was changed into a freak of nature."
"As far as a dog like me goes," Dusk said, "I just like the dark."
"Come on, Aaron," Rodan said. "Tell the kids the truth."
Dusk growled and sighed. "I came from a generous family, but I was always the black sheep. Seriously, while the rest of my family were kind enough to get involved, I didn't see any point to even lend a hoof. Anyway, when Discordant Convergence came to my town, something inside me got a kid out of the way of a blast. Suddenly, I was blasted to the Netherealm. Even when I turned into a wirewolf, I was injured. The Mighty Machines found me and cared for me. To save my life, Masque and Rodan gave me a bit of their powers, but I got the dark versions of it."
Filli-Second laughed. "You're real name is Aaron?!"
"Seriously," Dusk said. "That's the only thing you got from that. Hey, the Shadow Blot's Ricky, Timberwolf's Terry, Rodan's Marty, Masque's Joe, and Devastator's..."
"DEVASTATE," Devastator shouted.
"Sorry, big guy," Dusk said. "Look, if you want Saddle Rager to know, it's time she knew now."
"You want me to know what," Saddle Rager asked.
Devastator sighed. "Devastate."
"What did he say," Mistress Marevelous asked.
"Saddle Rager," the Shadow Blot said, "Do you remember when you were very young, and you had a little dog with a big chin?"
"Yeah," Saddle Rager said. "That dog was the very first animal I ever took care of. He inspired me to help out all the creatures, great and small. One day, after a storm, he disappeared. I wish he was here right now."
The Mighty Machines then looked at Saddle Rager sternly and pointed at Devastator. As soon as Saddle Rager understood what they were trying to say, her face fell in shock. She cheered and hugged Devastator.
"IT'S YOU," Saddle Rager said. "ALL THESE YEARS, AND YOU CAME BACK!"
"Devastate," Devastator said hugging his old friend.
"That's your dog," Zapp asked in shock. "Wow."
Masque started to get water-eyed.
"Are you going to cry," Radiance asked.
"No," Masque said. "I can't cry. I'm a robot."
"What's Masque's story," Hum Drum asked.
"Trust me on this," Rodan said. "You don't want to know. Ricky, don't tell him. You shouldn't have told me, but you did. And now, I'm telling you ponies, you don't want to know."
"And... Timberwolf," Shining Armor asked.
"What's to tell," Masque said. "He was always clumsy. Discordant Convergence came. It brought him to the Netherealm."
"Sounds like these guys got it easy, Blot," Zapp said. "After all, you were a classmate with Princess Celestia. That must have ben awesome."
The Shadow Blot gave no answer. He got up from the floor and left the room silently.
"Was it something I said," Zapp asked.
"I'll check up on him," Hum Drum said.
He followed the Shadow Blot down the hallway and found him looking out of the hangar window.
"Is something wrong, Blot," Hum Drum asked.
"I... I guess I'm a little haunted by the past," the Shadow Blot explained.
"If there's something about what Zapp said that you find offensive," Hum Drum said, "I'm sure she didn't mean to..."
"It's not that." He sighed. "I need to tell some pony this. ...I... have a crush on Celestia."
Hum Drum gasped. "No way! Are you pulling my leg?"
"No. Ever since our first day in class together, I had a thing for her. The only problem was, I used up all the free time I had catering to her every need, but she didn't even notice my feelings. Do you know what that's like?"
"Are you kidding me? You're practically me with metal parts. Four months ago, I developed a crush on Radiance. After the Battle for Maretropolis, I did a lot for her affection, but she seems to take me for granted."
"Perhaps you can just tell her how you feel," the Shadow Blot suggested.
"If it's so easy, smart guy, why don't you do it to the princess?"
"Because it's too late for me," the Shadow Blot said. He looked at his metal claw and sighed. "I should have said something back then, but before I grew the nerve to do anything, I got trapped in the Netherealm. I changed into this... beast. No mare would want to go out with a 6-foot tall, robotic, talking wolf. But you, Hum Drum, you can change into Radiance's favorite minerals. You have your greatest chance. Don't let fear run your life as it did mine."
Hum Drum changed his claw into diamond-form and sighed.
"I guess you're right. But tell me, Ricky, if life was different for you, what do you think it would be like?"
The Shadow Blot opened his eyes when he heard a question he's never considered before. He sighed and expressed his answer.
"I guess I'd be a hero
With tales and stories awaiting
A legend, I'm creating
In the palm of my claw
Or else, I'd be an explorer
And set sails to the high seas
Feeling the ocean breeze
Like never before
I'd find new lands. I'd make a map
I'd see unseen creatures
I'd never have to put up with all this strife
These iiiiimpoooooossible featuuuuuures
In another life
In another life
Or I could be a writer
With many tales within me
And they could always see
Past the cover of the book
And to the ponies, I'd tell 'em
And as I'd interpret
They would never forget
To take a second look
I'd write sagas and romances
Everything I've ever dreamed of
I'd express myself with all that I would be
A heeeeaaaaart fuuuuuuull of true love
But in reality
But in realityyyyy
A monster stays away
As told in any story
A wolf always gets chased or skinned
WITHOUT ANY GLOOOOOOOOORYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
So yes, I'd be a hero
And if that day would come
I'd search for the one
My heart is set upon
Of course, I'd be a hero
And I would always start
By following my heart
To the one that I want
Don't care for the obstacles
I would eventually face
I'd save the day. I'd get the girl
And I'd say with grace
...'MY LOVE, I'VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF THIS
FOR YOU TO BE MY WIFE'
THEN, WE WOULD KISS
I'D GET A WHOLE NEW LIFE
AND HAAAAAAAVE A HEEEEEEEERO'S ENDIIIIIIIING
A PEEEEEEERFECT HAAAAAAAPY ENDIIIIIIIIIING
THAT'S HOW IT WOULD BEEEEEEEE
ONCE AGAIN, THE DAY IS SAAAAAAAAAAAAVED
But not by meeeeeeeeeeeeeee"
Far off, in Canterlot, Princess Celestia was going through some old stuff. She pulled out a yearbook and opened it. She saw a pony's picture labeled "Ricky". She closed the book and sighed miserably. She did not now that she was singing the same tune as the Shadow Blot.
"A monster stays away
As told in any story
A wolf always gets chased or skinned"
"YOU'VE GOT NO GLORYYYYYYYY" Hum Drum sang.
"GLOOOOOOOOORYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY," everyone sang.
"SO YES, I'D BE A HERO," the Shadow Blot sang.
"AND IF THAT DAY WOULD COME
I'D SEARCH FOR THE ONE
MY HEART IS SET UPON
OF COURSE, I'D BE A HERO
AND I WOULD ALWAYS START
BY FOLLOWING MY HEART
TO THE ONE THAT I WAAAAAAAAAAAAANT"
"ONCE AGAIN, THE DAY IS SAAAAAAAAAAVED," everyone sang
"THAT'S THEEEEEE PEEEEEEEEEERFECT...
LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFE"
Meanwhile, at the outskirts of Manehattan, Timberwolf's disembodied head was using his teeth to reach up to his neck. He strained as he pulled himself up.
"Got to get there," he muffled. "Got to get to town and warn the others."
"Warn the others about what exactly?"
Timberwolf saw the Order of Change behind him and gasped. His teeth let go of his knee and he fell back to the ground.
"If you're going to finish me off, just do it."
"Finish you," Anar D said. He picked up Timberwolf's head. "Oh, no. Actually, we're going to put you back on your body."
"You are," Timberwolf asked. "Why?"
"We need you walking," Darkmatter said. "We have an important message for you to deliver to the little monkey, Twilight Sparkle aka the Masked Matterhorn."
"What sort of message," Timberwolf asked preparing for the worst.
"Here we are, team," the Masked Matterhorn said as the Harmony Wind landed in a barren land. "THis is the next location for the next New Hero: the Pie Rock Farm."
"REALLY," Filli-Second said running around with excitement. "OH, YES! THIS IS IT! THIS IS WHERE I WAS RAISED! THIS IS WHERE I GOT MY HAPPINESS! I LEARNED IT WHEN..."
Filli-Second's mouth was covered by Zapp's hoof. "Yeah, I'm guessing this is your old home."
"First, my home," Mistress Marevelous said, "And now, Filli's. I'm sensing a theme here."
"Well, let's see who it is here," Radiance said.
Suddenly, there was a shake in the ground.
"Oh, no," the Shadow Blot said. "Not this again."
The ground started to crack before it settled down and stopped. A large rock appeared from the top of a hill and landed on the Masked Matterhorn. She wobbled and fell to the ground.
"Matterhorn," Hum Drum gasped. "Are you all right?"
The Masked Matterhorn's head shook and woke up slowly. "This is the second most painful moment of my life."
"What was the first," Saddle Rager asked.
"Put out the Matterhorn. Put out the Matterhorn."
"What was that shake," Rodan asked.
"I have no idea," Hum Drum said.
"I'm definitely not sensing any natural force of nature here," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Perhaps if we follow the crack."
"Hold on," Zapp said. "You're suggesting that we follow this trail to whatever's strong enough to nearly cause on earthquake."
"We've got powers, Zapp," the Masked Matterhorn said. "I don't think it'll be a problem."
The team followed the crack down the forest. They came to a large clearing and saw a gray pony in the middle of the field. She had a gray mane, a gloomy face, and a dark-green turtleneck sweater.
"MAUD," Filli-Second shouted. She zipped really fast toward the pony and hugged her. The gray pony didn't react. "OH, IT'S BEEN SO LONG! HOW HAVE YOU BEEN?!"
"Pretty good," the gray pony answered blankly with no emotion at all. "You can tell how happy I am."
The Power Ponies and Mighty Machines walked out of the bushes and approached the two ponies.
"Filli-Second," the Shadow Blot said. "Do you know this pony?"
"You're darn right, I do," Filli-Second said. "Power Ponies, Mighty Machines, I'd like to introduce you to Maud Pie, my sister."
"SISTER," everyone gasped.
"Yeah," Filli-Second said. "I know what you're thinking... We're probably twins!"
"Not exactly the word I'd use," Hum Drum said.
In another town not too far from Pie Rock Farms, ponies screamed in fear. They ran from Timberwolf.
"Hold on," he insisted. "I just want to ask a question. Have you seen the..." He sighed. "How am I going to find my friends when everyone I ask runs away from me?"
"I've seen weirder, my friend."
Timberwolf was startled when he saw an earth pony behind him.
"Who are you," Timberwolf asked,
"The Doctor," he said. "Mind telling me what you're doing out in public?"
"I've got to get to my friends, the Power Ponies and the Mighty Machines," Timberwolf explained. "I need to warn them of something very, very bad. Do you know where they are?"
"You're asking very little from me," the Doctor said. He pulled out a pocket watch and looked into it. "Judging by the time... Ah, of course. They should be in the Pie Rock Farms just West of here. Shouldn't take you more than a couple of hours if you use your full speed."
"Thank you, doc," Timberwolf said. He was about to run to the farm, but he stopped and looked at the doctor. "Hold on. How come you haven't run away like the other ponies?"
"I can't really be scared by a wirewolf," the Doctor said, "Not when they've got lots of potential. Just remember, when the dark storm rises, the only way to put it out is if the hounds work as one. Farewell, my friend." He walked away.
"Dark storm rises," Timberwolf repeated cluelessly. "What does that mean?"
The heroes were in the Pie Family dining room enjoying a good dinner.
"I always enjoyed your cooking, Maud," Filli-Second said.
"I can tell," Maud said blankly. "And might I say, it makes me jump for joy for you to pay me a visit."
"Really," the Shadow Blot said. "No offense, but you don't look like you're celebrating."
"I don't know if you noticed," Maud said, "But I don't really express my feelings the same way my sister does."
"So what are you doing back here, Maud," Filli-Second asked. "I thought you left to learn Rockology in college."
"I did," Maud said. "But when I went ahead on my research, the campus board decided I go on vacation back home. The rest of the family are off in a rock festival far from here. Anyway, what have you been up so, Pinkie?"
"Oh, where do I begin," Filli-Second asked. "We split up, but Hum Drum brought us back together, we reformed a draconequus, we stopped a Changeling invasion, and now, we're searching the world for New Heroes with superpowers. *GASP* Say, have you developed any powers lately?"
"Now that you mention it," Maud said.
"Well, don't be shy, lady," Masque said. "Show us what you can do."
Maud reached into her pocket and pulled out a rock. "This is Boulder, my pet. Watch this." She pointed her hoof and suddenly, the rock hovered in the air. She waved her hooves and Boulder kept moving in different directions. The heroes were astonished by it, even after Maud stopped.
"Whoa," Zapp said. "You can move rocks with your mind?"
"It's called geokinesis," the Masked Matterhorn said.
"Or, in other media, Earthbending," Filli-Second shouted.
"So wait," Dusk said. "That earthquake we felt earlier... that was you?"
"Yeah," Maud answered. "Sorry about that. I was just practicing my powers and I just got excited."
"Well, now that you have powers, there are some things we need to go over," Radiance said.
"Yeah," Filli-Second said. "You need a superhero name. I'm thinking... Terrania."
"Terrania, huh," Maud said. "Good enough for me."
"That's not what I meant," Radiance said. "Look, Maud, we know where you got your powers: sirens."
"A trio of them have been giving random ponies superpowers," Hum Drum said. "If that's not bad enough, they've also got a big plan for these New Heroes. So we're gathering them up before the Siren Sisters do anything."
"So will you head to Canterlot," Filli-Second asked. "I know you'll make new friends there, but watch out for the Under Dogs. They've got fleas!"
Maud Pie chuckled for a nanosecond. She then looked at her sister and looked closely at her smile. She saw the smile glow brightly in a rainbow. She felt the same feeling in her own eyes.
"Well, if it was any pony else telling me this, I'd say they've lost their mind. But when I hear this from you, my dear sister, everything makes sense."
"They do," everyone said.
"I'll leave for Canterlot first thing in the morning," Maud said. "And I'll make a superhero costume on the way... made of rocks. And one more thing..." She pulled out a case and opened it. There was a rubber chicken inside of it. "This is for you. It reminds me of the laughter you always bring me."
Suddenly, the chicken started to glow brightly in a rainbow of colors.
"The Toy of Laughter," the Masked Matterhorn gasped. "Maud, where did you get that thing?!"
"Found it in the toy shop window," Maud said. "I thought of Pinkie. The store clerk said he didn't recognize it, but he sold it to me anyway for 5 bits. I don't really care about toys... but I do love my sister, the hero."
"Never change, Maud," Filli-Second said hugging her sister. "Never change."
Later on, the Power Ponies, Shining Armor, and the Mighty Machines were about to enter the Harmony Wind. Suddenly, they heard a protest.
"WAIT! WAIT!"
Timberwolf appeared from the forest. When he stopped running, he was out of breath.
"Timberwolf," the Shadow Blot asked. "What happened to you?"
"Where's..." he panted, "Where's Twilight?"
"I'm right here," the Masked Matterhorn said. "Is there something wrong?"
"Where's Anar D," Saddle Rager asked.
"Everyone, we put too much faith in Anar D," Timberwolf said. "He betrayed us. The Siren Sisters convinced him to be evil again. He works for them now."
"WHAT," the Power Ponies gasped.
"No," Shining Armor gasped. "Darkmatter knows the secret of killing an alicorn, the Siren Sisters can change society with their voices, and Anar D can defy the laws of reality. Together, they can bring down the entire world."
"And they want the Masked Matterhorn," Timberwolf said.
"I won't let Darkmatter get his hooves on my sister," Shining Armor said.
"Or our friend," Zapp said.
"They won't be giving you a choice," Timberwolf said. "They let me go if I gave her a message."
"What message," the Masked Matterhorn asked.
"Unless you turn yourself in to them, they'll attack Maretropolis. They'll be taking their time making sure that every room in every building is burned to the ground. If you don't give yourself up, the Order of Change will burn your home to the ground."
The heroes' faces fell and fell silent, but were still in shock.