Crystal city bazaar, high noon, one big place filled with ponies and guests from near and far on the great celebration of sweet things and reigning chocolate, stalls and exhibitions were full of various pastries, sweets and chocolates from ordinary to stuffed with various additives, the day was completely normal except last night and the theft attempt, no one in the crystal city knew about the strange and suspicious incident except the insiders, even the sellers did not know how much their products were at risk and the current day was normal and cheerful for many.
Among the evaluating, buying and eating ponies, creatures from far and near, the man himself appeared, Alex, as a chocolate lover, could not deny himself such an opportunity and personally tasting chocolate with the addition of nuts, he attracted many glances at himself, Alex, eating chocolate, taught the two companions him friends and the princess of friendship how to eat sweet things to feel the fullness of flavors.
Discord, Spike, and Twilight Sparkle accompanied the man eagerly eating sweet pastries, but their presence and company were more dictated by caution and it was not about their human friend, but about the uncertainty of last night and everything that could still be prepared for this day, we can say that Spike and Discord were acting as bodyguards today, carefully observing the surroundings and marching ponies staring at the man with great fascination, while Twilight walking arm in arm with Alex was now guided by something completely different, her attention was focused on girls of all races making buttery eyes to her lover, but she still remembered last night, and this morning she received two letters confirming the suspicion that everything that was and happened in Equestria was the fault of unknown troublemakers and their goal was one, to blame the vile accusations on the man.
- Now let me show you something. Alex said as he bought four chocolate cupcakes.
- Mr. Alex, no please, you don't have to pay me for this. Said the green pegasus mare with huge dreamy eyes.
- but I want to, please here is the payment and please do not say no. Alex said, placing a few gold chips and taking the chocolate cupcakes with him, winking at the saleswoman, which was reflected in a quick blush on the face of the green pegasus mare.
- Alex do you always have to do this. Twilight asked irritably.
- but what, I do not want to be considered a parasite, for this I pay for everything, unless I catch fish myself, but that's not a topic for this day's tasty. Alex said.
- that's not what I mean. Twilight said keeping an eye on the green saleswoman who was staring at the man as in the picture.
- no?. Alex asked.
- Alex, you were supposed to show us something. Spike said, wanting to get out of the embarrassing situation in which his friend found herself.
- oh yes yes, listen, when you eat a cupcake with a filling, first do something like this, squeeze the cupcake in your mouth, let the filling spill out and start to drip, when it starts, eat the cupcakes and you will feel an explosion of taste normally unattainable with immediate eating. Alex said as he slowly eaten a chocolate cupcake.
Discord, Spike, and Twilight did as Alex advised them, and after a while the three of them began to dissolve under the pressure of the intense flavor.
- man, this is wonderful, such a simple cupcake and the taste it gives is so chaotic. Discord said looking up.
- it's brilliant, master, teach us further. Spike said.
Twilight was also enchanted by the magic of taste until she saw the princely couple, her brother and sister-in-law through the eye of her eye, which meant that they all came and waited only for them in the crystal palace, Twilight, finishing chewing on the cupcake, nudged Spike and Discord to wake them from their trance and lead them violently into Earth.
- Alex, please, let us leave you for glory, we have an important matter to discuss. Cadance said, now being watched under the watchful eye of her jealous husband.
- exactly, Twilight, Discord, Spike, we need you. Shining Armor said.
- something happened as if i can help. Alex said, but was quickly stopped by Twilight's sweet kiss.
- Alex, you know, sometimes a princess like me has to do something herself, and I also have my own private affairs, you know, with our ceremony. Twilight said.
- Oh yes, I know, the bride should not be seen in a wedding dress before the ceremony because it means bad luck, no matter what if you find me here. Alex said.
- so I invite you to me, Mr. Alex. She told the saleswoman what caused Twilight's jealous gnashing of teeth and grunt, but now Twilight could do nothing other than leave her lover to resolve an important case of trying to accuse a man of thievery.
- take it easy Twili, I know who will look after your fiance, hey Big Mac!, Luxor!, oh no they do the same again. Shining Armor said as he tried to call the pony and Minotaur to come, but as always Luxor and Big Mac, taking over from their kids, were now competing in the fast-eating dark chocolate competition, which was always quite a challenge.
- You know, Twilight, how soon we get down to this matter, you will come back sooner, so. Cadance said, also keeping an eye on the saleswoman and the man standing in front of her stall.
- yes, you are right, so we quickly have less time than usual. Said Twilight as she rushed through the crowd to the palace where delegates from two places of Equestria were waiting for her.
Two minutes later, in the crystal palace in the council chamber, the ponies met to discuss the controversial issue of strange phenomena in the world, strange suspicious events, all of Mane Six, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy came to the meeting, accompanied by the most important worlds today. creating The Next Six, i.e. Katrina, Flurry Heart, Star Lara, Swift Max as always standing by the pink alicorn from the crystal city, and two detectives Diper and Zax, i.e. the brains of the operation, even the currently retired princesses from Canterlot, Luna and Celestia , both stood next to Discord and Spike waiting for the first testimony and evidence to clear the man of previous and present suspicions.
- I saw it with my own eyes when I ran to White Tail Woods, if not for Swift Max and Katrina, a big storm cloud would have smashed everything in Sweet Apple Acres, nothing would be in its place and everything would certainly be effectively thrown on Alex. Applejack said, tapping her front orange hooves on the table.
- I felt, I felt that something strange would happen, fortunately for us everything was finally solved by Alex breaking this terrible cloud to pieces, this tornado, and then it was so beautiful, snow and snowball fight, I didn't have so much fun in my life. Pinkie Pie said, recalling every moment of the day.
- so there also someone wanted to blame our friend using magic and a great storm yes. Discord asked, staring at everyone with his eyes wide open.
- yes, and what's scary about it, someone masked in black clothes used magic and alchemy to create a cloud. Katrina said shocking the spirit of chaos and everyone present except Pinkie Pie and Applejack.
- there were three of them, three masked troublemakers. Swift Max said confirming Katrina's words.
- magic and alchemy, disturbing, it is possible but hardly anyone knows this art of magic and of creating dangerous storm clouds, or these crazy people don't know what they could do, because if their spells got out of hand, they could lead to something worse. Princess Celestia said, and her luminous mane reared up.
- they are ready for anything, really for anything. Said Diper when the little pegasus spoke and everyone looked at him.
- they are even ready to hurt one of us, I saw it with my own eyes as three madmen blow up tons of rocks just to block the race and bury some of us alive. Added Diper remembering the canyon case.
- Luckily for us, Alex has gifted me with his amazing armor, his armor with wings is just brilliant, when I have this power just craving. so that you would see me then, how fast I was, I beat all speeds, girls, I tell you. Rainbow Dash said, jumping up and down, blue wings flapping with fascination written on her face.
- oh yes, if it were not for you and the gift of fear to think what would happen, these tons of rocks would inevitably turn our friends into a pancake. Zax said, shocking all the listeners more and more.
- So it's even worse, these crazy people are ready for anything just like here. Rarity said looking at the stole with a scowl of anger on her white face.
- how lucky it was that Flurry Heart and Star Lara did not encounter any greater danger on their way. Fluttershy said, loosening her styled pink mane hair.
- but thanks to us the thieves were stopped. Said Flurry Heart as she tried to protect herself, herself and her little sister.
- but please don't do this to me anymore, don't scare me like that anymore, because I will go crazy. Cadance said as she hugged both of her daughters.
- next time, talk to us and we will do everything to help you, trust us. Shining Armor said, stroking Star Lara's white and gold mane with a red headband.
- anyway, everything comes together in a logical whole someone does not like people very much, I do not know why Alex is a problem for unknown troublemakers. Twilight Sparkle said as she entered a deep state of reverie.
Princess Luna, standing close, trembled a little because she knew, because she knew one of the culprits, but she preferred to remain silent, she promised the pony who loves her, especially now that he promised her that he would be her informant, the other gathered also for a long time debated who and for what they wanted to place false accusations on the man of their friend and hero.
- Hey, maybe Star Swirl turns it all on. Discord said accidentally and effectively aiming for the center, but his suspicion echoed by all believing that someone like Star Swirl would never go so far as to do such things.
- Star Swirl, it's not impossible. Princess Celestia said, waving her hoof at the whole thing.
- Maybe Star Swirl is a bit careful, but that doesn't mean he's spreading something so abnormal. Cadance said.
- Star Swirl is too smart for that, so no, it's not really him, it's someone else. Shining Armor said.
- so who. Fluttershy asked.
- we know. Diper said proud of himself.
Diper, Zax, Swift Max, Flurry Heart, Katrina and Star Lara all stood next to each other presenting their own evidence, testimony and what everyone saw, they heard starting with the three photos Zax presented to everyone.
- these are the photos taken by Featherweight, it's Deros, Flash Sentry and Luster Dawn, we followed them and suspicious places, I personally saw and heard how Flash Sentry talks with unknown interlocutors about breaking the canyon to pieces, he works with unknown ponies, having the goal of putting vile accusations on the human being. Zax said, sliding pictures of orange pegasus in golden armor to the center of the table.
- no, it's impossible. Twilight said at first not believing what she saw.
- it is true what Zax says, it is also true that Luster Dawn collaborated with two masked mares working on a cauldron full of magic and alchemy, it was she who summoned a great thundercloud. Swift Max said when he showed the picture of Luster Dawn.
- she, but why, it doesn't make sense. Pinkie Pie shocked.
- do the present provocations make any sense?, no!. Spike said angrily at the unknown provocateurs.
- but why Flash, what is the reason of his stupidity. Twilight asked, unable to understand what her friend and friend were doing.
- maybe he does it out of jealousy of you, Twili. Discord said aptly again.
- it's not impossible, after all, he and I do not believe it. Twilight said, shaking her head and shining a golden crown on her head.
- but does that really mean Luster Dawn and the Flash Sentry are getting wet to their ears in this?. Applejack asked.
- and not only them, there is also the third photo, and me and my sister, when we said the name of Deros, one of the thieves turned. Star Lara said as she showed the last third picture.
- Deros, but what his goal would be, it makes no sense. Princess Luna said, currently defending the suspect as the only one of the few who knows the truth.
- there is some point in Deros, all of them. Rainbow Dash said they were thinking about the whole thing.
- nevertheless, we must praise you, were it not for you and your action, fear to think what we would be doing now and what we would be debating now. Princess Celestia said, bowing her head to the six detectives.
- right, if it weren't for you, most of us today would certainly think that Alex would be to blame for everyone present and past, thank you with all my heart. Twilight said as she bowed to Next Six.
- you are our heroes today!. Pinkie Pie screamed.
Diper, Zax, Swift Max, Flurry Heart, Katrina and Star Lara were all hugged tightly by all and their joy was released in visible great pride and joy that they, little, young, children today changed the world, stopped the inevitable suspicions and accusations that might hit their hero, and today, if not for them, surely Alex would be accused of incredible things.
- but next time you can confide in us, I don't want to be afraid for my daughters again, never again. Cadance said, cuddling her daughters with Shining Armor.
- but what does it change today, you have to act, you have to find the suspects. Diper said, bringing the case to the front line of the case.
- exactly they need to be taken care of, found and interrogated. Swift Max said standing firmly by the Flurry Heart.
- as long as they did not disappear, since they heard us and know that we know, they must have hid with a mysterious client. Katrina said accurately.
- and even when we start looking for them we have to do it quietly, we cannot do it overtly. Star Lara said, aiming equally well at the heart of the matter.
The rest of the crowd looked at each other, knowing what to do, but Luna looked at the table for one photo, fearing for the suspect, hoping that Deros would manage to hide from the danger and bring everything she needed to solve the matter once and for all and save her loved one pony heart.
Questions over the activities were suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door and the man himself standing on the other side.
- that's Alex what we do. Celestia asked, panicked.
- we pretend nothing happened. Discord said.
- sure Alex you can come in, you can. Twilight said in a soft voice.
The door was opened and Alex went inside, looking at everyone suspiciously for a moment until he placed the open letter on the table, addressing his words to Rarity.
- Rarity, I have an important business for you as a seamstress, but I'll have to get my sweatshirt and shirts repaired. Alex said
- but what happened, so suddenly. Twilight asked.
- Twilight, your parents are coming to Canterlot in two days, I just got a letter from Derpy Hooves, please. Alex told Twilight, taking the letter by levitation, she read it from start to finish to finally look at Rarity.
- it's great, I'll be happy to help, maybe I'll even sew something for you. Rarity said, unable to fight her fascination and joy, being able to create something for a human, being able to face something new was like a big dream come true for her.
Of course, the enthusiasm of the white unicorn mare with the navy blue mane was met with a reaction from both Twilight and Spike who felt a slight twinge of jealousy.
Meanwhile, Canterlot and the mysterious bottom of the underground tunnels, one could hear the sound of hitting, as it turned out at the very bottom in front of the twisted table and the wall stood Star Swirl rhythmically banging his head against the wall, when the bearded sage heard about the failure of his brilliant plan he could not react otherwise than to hit the wall without being able to understand how and for what everything was ruined.
- maybe eventually someone will explain to me how it happened, Alex again turned out to be a hero and innocent and you are back on the losers shield, what happened. Star Swirl asked as he walked over to his friends forming Pillars of Equestria together.
- we were not there alone, someone was waiting for us. Flash Magnus said yellow pegasus in silver armor.
- if you were not alone, who was waiting for you, maybe we'll start with that. Star Swirl asked.
- some kids. Said the lilac Mistmane, trying not to look into the eyes of the furious bearded sage.
- children, what kind of children I am asking again.
- Swift Max, and Katrina, that Minotaur. Said the blue Meadowbrook as she tilted her head and reddish brown mane.
- Diper and Zax. Said the green mane of Somnambula.
- Flurry Heart and Star Lara. Rockhoof said, raising the stone shield in front of him.
- What, primary school kids, four-year students?, They defeated you!, Whoa, wait a minute, Diper and Zax!. Star Swirl said as he took his seat in front of the curved table.
Star Swirl thought deeply that he had underestimated some ponies today, but could not have foreseen that Diper and Zax would become such a thorn and a challenge for him, and what was worse, they were not alone.
- so our friends, Diper and Zax are more clever and dangerous than I thought, what's worse, our opponents have joined forces to create a new six, let the goose kick, why they, why now !. So our plan went to ruin anyway. Star Swirl said affirmatively, looking first at his companions and then at the three chosen ones, Luster Dawn, Deros and Flash Sentry as always in golden armor.
- what's worse, they recognized us. Flash Sentry said hiding Trixie's lines.
- What!. Screamed Star Swirl, feeling his feet lose ground.
- but how is that possible, after all they can't be that clever.
- or maybe it will be better if we let go today. He suggested Deros, wanting to convince the bearded sage to finally let go and apologize to everyone before it was too late.
- it is a very good idea, it is worth letting go until it is too late, and we will deal with it, we will apologize and. said Luster Dawn also like Deros having had enough of fighting a man who was not their opponent anymore.
- you must be crazy. said Flash Sentry, even though he was beginning to discover something new, that he saw Trixie's open heart, he still refused to accept defeat.
But as always, Star Swirl himself had an answer, who got up from the table and presented to everyone his plan B, the second plan, in case of failure of the first plan.
- so since we failed my first plan, we failed to discredit a man, we must rob him of his power!. said Star Swirl showing his diabolical smile, despite his thick beard and mustache, dark eyes and a soft laugh were enough to show everyone the diabolical face of the bearded sage.
- as is the second plan, or better not to let go, as advising us Deros and Luster Dawn. Somnambula asked.
- no, I do not intend, what set in motion is unstoppable anymore, a forged letter I wrote to Twilight and Alex on behalf of Twilight's parents, a written letter made Alex give his sweatshirt and shirts to Rarity's care, she just need to steal it and today, today we will reach for the power of man and show him who is in charge, finally we will draw the truth that he hides deep within himself. Star Swirl said, ending his speech with a dark laugh rubbing his front hooves, and almost everyone listening to his leader wondered if their friend had gone crazy, except for the still angry Flash Sentry man.
- I'm with you. Flash Sentry said as he stepped up to Star Swirl.
- I am pleased to hear it, today the hegemony of man as the most powerful in our world will end, and then.
- what then, what do you want to do next. Star Swirl, hearing the familiar voice, jumped up looking at the open door where his good friend stood, a short gray unicorn with a green mane dressed in a gray jacket.
- Stygian, how, what are you doing here. Star Swirl asked, stepping back against the wall.
- I see that you have gathered in this secret dark place like some advice of darkness, and you only need a bassy voice for Star Swirl, tell me what happened to you, what is this paranoia, why do you want to destroy a man's good name so much, if not for Alex your bacon would be baked by the mad lord of the elements, don't you remember what Akeron wanted to do with us !, Alex saved us all and you are still a skeptic of him. Stygian said angrily, which made everyone except for the bearded sage and the Flash Sentry backed away.
- you are a blind Stygian, you will see, someday it will turn out that this man, Alex will show us the horns! We will be his servants and slaves, you will see. Said Star Swirl, supported by a pegasus in golden armor standing next to him.
- Alex fools us all, cheap lyrics that he did not do a great deal to deserve what we give him, is his way of wrapping us around his finger, he wants to turn us into puppets to rule in an unconscious way, he does not use it for that because he prefers to play with us. Flash Sentry said and Stygian grabbed his head.
- man, what a paranoia, I thought that only Star Swirl is blind paranoid here, but this paranoia is contagious, eh, it's a pity to talk. Stygian said, turning away from everyone and trying to get out before the sharp voice did not stop him.
- stand where you are either. said the star Swirl.
- or whatever my friend, don't tell me you want to attack me, tell me Star Swirl my friend, how is it you keep making so many mistakes, today you want to attack me again, go ahead I won't defend myself. Stygian said, looking back at the dumb sage and the orange pegasus in golden armor.
It was about a moment when Star Swirl remembered back to the old days, great mistakes when he thought that Stygian was hostile to him which caused his friend to be consumed by the dark power of the pony of darkness, now he was faced again with deciding what to do or stop his friend from saying the world about him and his conspiracy or let him go and ruin the whole plan, he knows his luck, Stygian himself came to his aid.
- you know, Star Swirl, I will not force you to anything, for your knowledge I will not report on you and I will not defend you when rightly Alex is angry with you, believe it when it is too late for you. Stygian said as he left the underground chamber.
The momentary silence that reigned in the room was broken by two ponies seeing the most madness of their friends. The first was Deros who grabbed his belly.
- aaaaaaaa, it's probably my intestines, but I shouldn't eat that chocolate, unless, oh no, no! Deros said as he ran out of the room, and Rockhoof, standing close by, knew it was a bluff because neither he nor Deros had eaten chocolate last evening, but remained silent, believing that this would initiate the detention of their mad friend.
- Oh, gosh, I guess if I see you upside down, it's probably the effect of alchemy, I think I should go to the doctor. She said pretending to be sick Luster Dawn.
- it could be a side effect of the cauldron's magic, I'll help you quickly. Mistmane said, helping Luster Dawn leave the underworld before Star Swirl's watchful and suspicious gaze discovers the lie.
Luster Dawn, led by Mistmane, was led out in the shadow of the castle to the very gate, where the eyes of the guards were not so keenly focused, Mistmane silently nodded to the pink unicorn mare giving her full support.
- I know what I have to do, but what about you. Dawn asked Luster.
- don't worry about us, I'm more afraid of the effect, if Star Swirl and Flash Sentry actually reach for human powers, some of them will be in a losing position, you have to save them. Mistmane said.
- and you have to act very fast, but you can't count on the princesses, they are not here, they are currently in the crystal city. Somnambula added, appearing behind the backs of two unicorn mares.
- I know who to go to, I know and thank you for everything, we are, we were all so stupid and short-sighted, I can only hope that the anger of a man will not crush two madmen. Said Luster Dawn then ran down the hill to meet the maroon unicorn mare to stop the two madmen and their stupid plan.
Meanwhile, a panting Deros appeared at the statue of the princess of the moon, calling and shouting into the heavens, but moments, minutes and hours passed and no one appeared, Deros felt so scared that something had started that his superior and friend started something terrible that caused that Princess Luna did not appear on time, for the appointment, for a moment the fear in the heart of the golden pony was so great that it torn the internally terrified pony, until the scream of the landing moon princess gave him great relief and peace.
- princess, I, thank you for coming, I was already scared. Deros said, stopping in front of the moon princess, lowering his head before he did not embrace the surprised princess, which on the one hand was shocking and surprising, and on the other hand made sure that there is someone in this world who is not intimidated.
- I'm glad that you came, thank you, but tell me what happened because on your face I know that something terrible happened like that. Luna said.
- yes, it has happened and something will get even worse, Star Swirl and Flash Sentry are trying to steal the power from the man, they want to steal his clothes from Rarity's studio, Alex gave his clothes after a forged letter from Twilight's parents and actually from Star Swirl, this madman knew that this will force a man to give his clothes to a seamstress, I do not know if they will succeed in stealing a man's clothes, but if they do, they will not have a chance with him anyway, I guess I'm not sure about it, but they have to be kept!. Deros said sounding panicked like a panicked crowd.
- So it's worse than I thought, so come on urgent, I'll take us to Ponyville, as far as I know Alex has moved everyone to Ponyville, may we be able to keep two lunatics, and thank you. Luna said kissing the golden pony of the black mane, which caused a blush but only temporary, because the vision of two madmen wielding the power of a human in their abnormal logic covered everything.
- then lead the princess. Deros said, lowering his head.
Luna, using the power of her horn, illuminated the whole place of the dense forest and the monument so that everything would disappear in the shadow of the coming night and the world and everything seemed to be threatened today by the incomprehensible logic of the bearded sage and the guardsman pegasus.
L
Soon the last of the veils created by the conspirators will fall, but their stupidity is nothing compared to what comes from the far east and the Fatunga Strait.