Chapter 110: Heart of the Frog Part 1: A Crash Landing
On the Harmony, everyone was in the kitchen area getting something to eat for dinner that day as the ship flew through warp space, set on autopilot so May could join them in getting something to eat, everyone having different dishes and as they ate, they listened to Twilight's adventures in the 100 Acre Wood and how she met each of her new friends there, everyone having a laugh and enjoying the story she was telling them and how she managed to get the Heart Piece.
"So Jacob was actually Spyro keeping the Heart Piece safe?" Applejack asked, taking a bite out of her food. "AH gotta say, Ah didn't expect his name to be Jacob before he became a prince."
"Well Spyro didn't remember his old name." Twilight replied. "I think he came up with the first name he could think of and that one must have come to mind."
"It is possible he may have some memory of his old name." May said. "The mind may forget, but the heart doesn't. Besides, if Jacob is his name or not, it doesn't matter now. We now have three Heart Pieces and we have nine more to go."
"Well, we'd probably have an idea of where we're heading if the book gave us a chapter title." Rainbow Dash said.
"Yeah, what's with that!?" Pinkie asked, slamming her hoof and hitting herself with some pudding, using her tongue to clean her face.
"Maybe the Heart Piece hasn't found something to hide in." Fluttershy said. "I mean, is it possible it hasn't found something to hide in?"
"Possibly." May replied. "We don't know much about how Spyro's heart works or what the pieces would hide in.m After all, Spyro is unpredictable, so it's possible it might be waiting to hide in something."
"Well, whatever the case is, at least we've got coordinates." Twilight said. "Speaking of, how much further is it?"
Right as she asked how much further they had to go, the alarm went off, letting them know they were coming out of warp space, so they put their dishes in the sink and ran to the cockpit, strapping themselves into their chairs as they came out of warp space, appearing in front of a world that looked to have city on the top portion and swamp on the bottom half, a voodoo skull in the middle of the world, which sent shivers down everyone's spine.
"Well, not the most glamorous world, is it?" Rarity asked.
"Might not look like the best, but the Heart Piece is down there somewhere." May said, flipping a couple of switches. "Alright everyone, you know the drill. Get-"
She didn't get to finish as the ship was hit, alarms blaring as multiple Heartless and Nobody ships flew past them, turning to make another run at their vessel.
"Heartless!" Twilight shouted.
"And Nobodies!" May exclaimed, turning the ship and dodging a volley of lasers. "Looks like they're trying to keep us from getting onto that world."
"Well, at least we know we're at the right one." Pinkie said with a smile.
A second later, the ships computer started blinking and a second later, a hologram of Spyro appeared in the center of the room, getting their attention while May tried to figure out how to fight back.
"Greetings my friends." Spyro's hologram said. "If you're seeing this, then that means you're under attack."
"Gee, what gave that away!?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Sarcasm doesn't help Rainbow Dash." Spyro said, surprising her. "I know Rainbow Dash will ask something like 'What gave that away?," so that's why I said it. But right now, let's focus on keeping you guys alive. First tings first, I didn't have time to upload AIVA into the ship so you can ask her to help, so to activate the shields, flip the blue switch on the bottom right console, followed by the red switch on the top left for the weapons, and turn the white dial next to the red switch to activate the targeting computer so the cannons can target all enemy signatures."
"Well at least he's giving instructions on how to use the weapons systems." May said, doing as he said. "Usually he doesn't do that and has AIVA do everything."
"Not everything." Spyro replied, making May flinch. "Scans also reveal that you have some fillies and/or colts with you, so may I advise you take them to the escape shuttle for their safety incase the ship starts falling apart."
"That's actually a good idea." May said, dodging an incoming barrage. "Fluttershy, Rarity, Zecora, get the fillies to the shuttle and keep them there!"
Without waiting to be told twice, the two ponies and the Zebra got out of their seats, stumbling a bit as the ship was hit again as the group of six ran to the shuttle bay, following the lights on the walls guiding them to the room they needed while also stumbling a bit as May flew the ship until they reached the shuttle itself, finding it to look a bit like a royal Naboo shuttle in Star Wars the Phantom menace, running to it as the boarding ramp lowered and ran into the ship, running to the cockpit as the ramp was raised. A moment later, the ship shook again as the fight continued, causing a holographic image of Spyro to appear on the console.
"Greetings pilot, and welcome to the stealth ship, Illusion." Spyro said. "This shuttle is equipped with the latest in cloaking technology, making you invisible to the naked eye and to scanners. If you're seeing this, then it's more than likely that you're currently under attack."
"Well duh?" Scootaloo said.
"Not to worry." Spyro said. "Since the shuttle is currently in the Harmony, you should be safe. But if the shuttle is ejected and if you don't know how to fly a ship, the auto pilot will activate and take you to the closest world where you can set down and hide until things cool down."
They all looked at one another, hoping they would be ok as they waited to hear from May if everything has settled down. In the cockpit, May was in full control of the ship, flying it around while doing any kind of maneuver she could remember, letting the cannons fire at the closest enemy ship while also firing the laser missiles destroying multiple enemies at a time, but every now and then one of the Heartless vessels get's a lucky shot and hits the ships shields, causing the ship to shake as everyone held on for dear life, watching as the fighting was going on as May flew around.
"Shoot, shields are taking a beating!" May said, looking to the shields. "We're down to 74% shield power and more Heartless are coming."
"Well didn't Spyro say this thing can go invisible!?" Twilight asked.
"Only if we haven't been seen yet!" May replied. "Gonna need to do some risky maneuvers if we're going to survive!"
As she said it, she turned the wheel sharply and caused the ship to turn and flip around, spinning around and causing everyone but Pinkie to scream, Pinkie enjoying it as she raised her forelegs up and cheered like it was a carnival ride. In the shuttle bay, every pony in there was being tossed around, slamming into the side of the ship like they were a salad. A moment later, Sweetie Belle landed on top of the console, accidentally pressing a bunch of buttons and activating the shuttle, the engines roaring to life as the hangar bay door opened, the ship taking off while they got up, their eyes wide with terror as they saw they were flying in the middle of a battle.
"Oh no, no, nonononononononono!" Rarity said. "We're going to die!"
"Warning!" A voice said. "Warning! Warning! Enemy vessels detected! Engaging cloak!"
A second later, the shuttles cloaking field generator activated, making them invisible just as three Heartless ships flew by them heading towards the Harmony.
"Oh thank goodness." Fluttershy said. "For a moment, I thought we were in trouble."
"I'm, afraid we are not out of the woods yet, for our course is already set." Zecora said, watching as the shuttle flew towards the world they arrived at. "It appears we are heading to the world in front of us, do any of you know how to fly this thing and not make a fuss?"
"Spyro never got to that." Fluttershy said. "We were still working on our abilities to fight and never got to teaching us how to fly a ship."
"Well how hard can that be?" Rarity asked. "All we need to do is-"
She was then interrupted as something hit their ship, causing them to fall on the ground and look behind them to see a single heartless ship had spotted them, the cloak disappearing as they flew to the planet.
"Oh no!" Sweetie Belle said. "It found us!"
"What are we going to do!?" Scootaloo asked.
"Alert! Alert! Alert!" The AI voice said. "Cloaking field has failed! Engaging counter measures!"
A second later, the back panel of the ship opened up and from it, a single dual barrel laser cannon popped out, turning to face behind the ship and started firing on the enemy vessel, the Heartless ship dodging the attacks and it flipped around and strafed to avoid being hit as it fired a few more energy bolts from it's own cannons, hitting the engines of the shuttle and causing smoke to come out of the engines. The cannons then aimed for the enemy vessel and fired another volley of laser fire, causing the ship to spin to it's right to avoid the volley, but the cannons got in front of it's path, firing at the ship and destroying it with a single shot, causing it to turn into space dust and debris as the shuttle flew to the world before them.
"Nice shooting ship!" Apple Bloom said.
"Warning, engine damage at critical levels!" The AI said. "Emergency landing procedures activated! All passengers take your seats and strap on your seat belts for your own safety!"
Everyone got into which ever seat they could get to, sitting down as the ship activated the safety harnesses and seatbelts, making sure they couldn't fly out of their seats as they plummeted into the world atmosphere, going at an angle that caused the ship to go against the atmosphere, causing friction upon entering as flames started to appear under the ship, covering the glass as everyone in the shuttle closed their eyes as they braced for impact. On the planets surface and in a modest little house, an African American woman wearing a maids outfit was coming into her room, closing the door behind her as she put her back against it, sliding down as she felt exhausted after having to deal with a hard nights work, walking over to her dresser drawer and opening it, putting some coins into a coffee can labeled restaurant fund.
"Well miss Tiana, rough night for tips." The woman said to herself, pushing the can back. "But every cent helps." She then pushed the drawer closed, pulling out a picture with what appeared to be a restaurant she wanted to have for herself, putting it next to a picture of a soldier, who was her father with a medal of valor on it, Tiana blowing a kiss to the picture. "Don't you worry daddy. I'm one step closer. I'll be there soon." She stumbled over to her bed right as music was playing, flopping down in bed as she tried to get some sleep, but her alarm clock rang, using her foot to turn the clock off as she walked over groggily to the wardrobe, opening it to pull out a yellow waitresses outfit. "God night Cals, good morning Dukes."
She put on the outfit and ran outside and grabbed hold of the trolly car that was driving by as the music started to pick up, a song beginning.
[Man]
In the South Land, there's a city!
Way down on the river,
Where the women are very pretty,
And all the men deliver!
They got music,
It's always playin'!
Start in the day time, go all through the night!
When you hear that music playin',
Hear what I'm saying, it make you feel alright!
Grab somebody, come on down!
Bring your paintbrush, we're paintin' the town,
Honey, there's some sweetness goin' 'round,
Catch it down in New Orleans!
We got magic, good and bad!
Make you happy or make you real sad!
Get everything you want, lose what you had,
Down here in New Orleans!
Hey partner, don't be shy,
Come on down here and give us a try!
You wanna do some livin' before you die!
Do it down in New Orleans.
As the music was playing, a rich man had paid for a newspaper and was driving away as a Voodoo witch doctor was watching the kid make a lot of money, growling in jealousy as he walked away. At the ship yard, a prince had arrived and everyone was cheering, the women trying to get his attention as he ripped his royal garments off and was in local clothing, pulling out a Ukulele and running down, finding a line of musicians walking, running up to join them as they walked into town.
Stately homes and mansions,
Of the Sugar Barons and the Cotton Kings,
Rich people, poor people, all got dreams,
Dreams do come true in New Orleans.
As the prince was playing with the line of musicians, trying to flirt with Tiana, the waitress scoffed at him and went back in right as the rich man and his daughter walked in, placing their order while Tiana was delivering food and refilling coffee mugs to earn whatever kind of money she could, spotting her friends.
"Tiana!" One of the girls said.
"Hey Georgia." Tiana replied. "Hey ya'll!"
"Hey, we're all goin' out dancin' tonight.' Georgia said. "Wanna join us?"
"Sorry, I can't." Tiana replied, putting down some food and giving a kid a napkin. "I got a lot of work to do and I'm working a double shift." She then placed a plate of hotcakes in front of another customer, who looked very happy to see them. "I gotta save up for-"
"Yeah, I know, I know." Georgia replied. "So you can save up for your restaurant. That's all you do is work."
"Sorry, maybe next time." Tiana said.
Walking over to the counter to pick up the next set of orders, she heard her friends say how they knew she wouldn't come, picking up the food.
"Talking about that restaurant again?" The chef asked, clearly amused.
"Your eggs are burning." Tiana said, getting the chefs focus on the food, saving it.
"You ain't gonna save up enough to get the restaurant!" The chef said, trying not to laugh.
"I'm getting close." Tiana said.
"Oh yeah, how close?" The chef asked.
"Where are my flapjacks?" Tiana asked, avoiding the subject, but making the chef laugh as he loaded her up with food.
"You got as much chance of getting that restaurant as I have winning the Kentucky Derby!" The chef said.
As he said that, the door opened and the rich man entered, walking over to the closest seat near the window when he saw Tiana, smiling at her.
"Good morning Tiana." The man said.
"Good morning Mr. La Bouff." Tiana replied, delivering the food to another customer. "Congratulations on being voted as king of the Mardi Gras parade."
"Heh, caught me completely off guard." Mr. La Bouff said, trying to be modest. "For the fifth year in a row! Now, how about we celebrate with-"
"Beignets." Tiana said, putting a plate full of the pastry in front of him. "Fresh batch waiting just for you."
"Well, keep them coming til I pass out." He said, is daughter coming through the door, clearly excited.
"Oh Tia!" The girl said, running around her friend. "Tia, Tia, Tia! Did you hear the news!? Tell her daddy! Tell her, tell her!"
Before her father could tell her the news, his daughter ripped the newspaper out of his hands, clearly excited.
"Who's that?" Tiana asked.
"Prince Naveen!" She replied. "Prince Naveen of Maldonia is coming to New Orleans! Oh, ain't it exciting!? And best yet, Big Daddy made arrangements for him to attend the masquerade ball tonight! Oh, tell her the greatest new yet."
"Well he's..." Mr. La Bouff was saying, his daughter opening her mouth to talk, but he stuffed a Begniet in her mouth, silencing her as she chewed on the food. "He's staying at my mansion as my personal guest."
"Oh Lotte, that's swell." Tiana said, bringing over another plate of the Beignets. "A little advice hun, the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach."
"Oh, Tia you're a genius!" Charlotte said, grabbing a Beignet from her father, confusing him. "You're a bonafide genius! I'm gonna need about five hundred of your man grabbing beignets for the ball tonight!" She then stuffed the pastry into her father's mouth, reaching in and grabbing his wallet, pulling out a massive wad of cash, bring. It over to her. "Will this cover it!?"
"Well, this will cover it just fine." Tiana replied, taking the money. "This is it! I can finally get my restaurant!"
The chef was at a complete loss, his mouth open with surprise at seeing what had transpired as the girl pushed her father out the door, failing to notice a man in the corner looking at the menu, a dark smile on his face as he looked over to his shadow as an idea formed in his mind. As he was putting the menu down and leaving the dinner, a light appeared above Tiana, floating down behind her as if trying to decide if she was worthy or not, Tiana hearing something that sounded like something was flying behind her, so she tried looking behind her, but the light moved the opposite way of where she looked, first going left and then right before spinning around her as she spun to see if she could find it, allowing the light to fly out the window and outside to find someplace else to hide, flying above New Orleans. In the sky, the Illusion was rushing to the surface of the world quickly, engines blowing as it was breaking apart, the ponies and zebra in the cockpit of the vessel, holding on for dear life as they quickly approached the surface of the world, flying through the sky and through the clouds as it masked their rapidly decaying descent, breaking through the clouds as they saw they were crashing in a swamp, the ship hitting the marshy land and skidding across it, coming to a halt as soon as the ship hit a tree, stopping it's motion all together.
As soon as they stopped, everyone was frozen with fear, having gone through a crash landing, their manes were messed up and they were holding onto their seats and seatbelts, clutching them as hard as they could having gone through such an ordeal, slowly getting over the far as they unbuckled themselves, Rarity shaking while Fluttershy was absolutely terrified, nearly crushing her seat as she held onto it. The fillies were unharmed thankfully, though their manes were mess up, they were alright while Zecora unbuckled herself, taking a couple of steps, but was shaking a bit, trying to get over the event that happened.
"That... was... AWESOME!" Scootaloo said.
"Yeah, that was actually kinda fun!" Apple Bloom said.
"Yeah, let's do that again!" Sweetie Belle said, Rarity and Zecora glaring at them.
"You girls have a weird sense of fun, for our ordeal has only just begun." Zecora said, walking to the console. "I hope there is a way to contact our friends as soon as their battle ends."
"Well, I was aboard the Dragon's Crest as Spyro was making repairs back in the Scottish Highlands." Rarity said. "I believe the device that allows us to talk to others is... this one."
Rarity then pressed a button, but instead of it being the communications array, it brings up a small tray of snacks, catching her off guard while Zecora just laughed at her friend.
"It seems your knowledge of the Crest is not the same, which is quite a shame." Zecora said. "Though I must admit that this ship is quite advance, and very complicated at first glance."
"I know there's a button here to call our friends somewhere." Rarity said.
"Hey, while they're busy trying to figure out the ships buttons, maybe we can look around for the Heart Piece." Scootaloo whispered.
"Yeah, maybe we can find it somewhere here!" Apple Bloom replied.
"Well what are we waiting for!?" Sweetie Belle asked, let's get going. "Let's start looking."
"Hold on a moment, gotta do somethin' first." Apple Bloom said.
She walked over to the computer and kicked it, the ship roaring to life and surprising Rarity and Zecora.
"Apple Bloom dear, how did you do that?" Rarity asked.
"Watched Spyro do that one time." Apple Bloom replied. "Said that sometimes to get a machine workin' if it breaks down, ya gotta hit it."
"Well whatever you did, saved us a lot of headache." Rarity said. "Now if only we can get this thing to contact the ship."
"Rarity, is it alright for us to go outside?" Sweetie Belle said. "We'd like to explore the place while we wait."
"Well, I suppose it's alright." Rarity replied. "Just don't go too far and please stay out of that mucky water. Looks positive dreadful."
"Thanks sis!" Sweetie Belle said.
She and the other crusaders ran out of the ship as the door opened, the crusaders running out of the ship and looking around, finding they were at the edge of the swamp, which was close to the edge of the city of New Orleans, so they ran in that direction, giggling and laughing while Rarity and Zecora looked out the door.
"You know they're going to look for the piece of his heart, that is if they don't get hurt or torn apart." Zecora said.
"I know." Rarity replied. "But I also know that, no matter how much I try to tell them, they won't listen to me. The only ponies they listen to is Cheerilee, Fluttershy, and Spyro."
"This is true as Apple Bloom loves Spyro like a brother, she looks up to him like no other." Zecora said.
"So does Sweetie Belle." Rarity said. "She loves him like a brother and always looks forward to when he comes by." She then looked over to Fluttershy, seeing she was still holding the chair in a death grip, still traumatized by the crash. "Let's see if we can get Fluttershy off the chair and on her hooves. We might need her to keep an eye on the fillies so they don't get into any trouble."
The two of them walked over to the traumatized pony and started to figure out how to get her out of the chair, knowing it wasn't going to be easy as when she's scared and has a death grip on something, it's almost impossible to get her to let go. With the fillies, they were running through the town, laughing and giggling while also trying to make sure no one heard them talking as they ran, looking around for the symbol, hoping to get lucky and find it, but instead, they ran into a bunch of kids who petted them, people who tried to take them home, even nearly getting ran over. They looked around for a little while until they came across a near run down building with a couple of men pulling a sign up, walking away right as Tiana went inside to check the place out.
"Wonder if the Heart Piece is in there." Sweetie Belle said.
"Ah don't know." Apple Bloom said. "Let's go check it out."
The fillies ran over to the building right as Tiana was opening the door, another woman there, who is her mother with a present for Tiana. The fillies came skidding to a halt, nearly running into Tiana as they knocked into her, the woman looking down and seeing the three fillies and instantly fell in love with them.
"Oh, how cute!" Tiana said, kneeling down to them.m "These little fillies are so adorable."
"They are cute aren't they." Her mother said, kneeling down to them. "Hey, maybe they can help you get started on your new restaurant."
"Maybe." Tiana said, seeing the horn on Sweetie Belles head. "Oh look, some mean kid stuck an ice cream cone on this fillies head."
She then grabbed the little unicorn fillies horn, tugging on it and making the filly grimace, yelling in pain.
"OW!" Sweetie Belle said, shocking the two women. "Hey, that's not an ice cream cone you're yanking lady! That's my horn!"
"It... talks." Tiana said.
"Nice going Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said, surprise the woman again. "You know we aren't supposed to talk in front of people."
"Ya'll just talked to ya know." Apple Bloom said.
"So did you!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo exclaimed at the same time.
The three fillies then started arguing with one another, causing it to turn into an all out brawl as the fillies tackled each other, causing a dust cloud to form as the two women watched in shock and awe.
"I think I'm working too hard." Tiana said. "I swear I thought I heard them talk."
"You're not the only one honey." Her mother said. "I heard them too."
Tiana then walked over and in between the fillies, breaking up the fight as she pushed them away from one another.
"Alright, enough!" Tiana ordered, getting them to stop. "I don't know how you're talking, but what I do know is arguing and fighting is no way to behave. I know you're just little kids, at least I hope you're kids, but you shouldn't go around fighting one another just because you want to."
"Sorry." The fillies said.
"It's not me you should be apologizing to." Tiana said. "You should be apologizing to each other. I can guess you're friends, and I don't want you to end up being enemies. Why don't you fillies just apologize and make up, alright?" The three fillies looked at one another, smiling as they ran up to Appel Bloom and the three of them hugged, putting a smile on Tiana's face. "Good. Now, if you want, you can come inside my new restaurant before someone else sees you. Don't want some greedy ring master snagging you and putting you in a cage to be displayed."
Tiana walked over to the door and unlocked the locked door, opening it to allow her mother and the fillies to walk in and have a look at it, finding it was run down, boards and raptors falling apart and holes in the roof, Tiana looking happy about it.
"Isn't it great!?" Tiana asked.
"This... is a restaurant?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"It's... something." Tiana's mother said.
"It's a dump that's what it is." Scootaloo said.
"Oh come on Scootaloo." Apple Bloom said, walking in. "Ya said the same thing about our club house, but we managed to fix it up."
"You're friends right." Tiana said. "It's a wreck now, but I got big plans for this old sugar mill. Over here will be a gourmet kitchen, fancy tables everywhere, and on the ceiling, a crystal chandelier!"
"You're your daddies daughter alright." Her mother said, walking over to a stool, setting an old pot onto it. "He use to go on and on about this old sugar mill. Honey, I'm sure this place will be just wonderful."
"Yeah, all it needs is some TLC!" Apple Bloom said, running up to Tiana.
"It's only a shame that you're working so hard." Her mother said.
"But I can't quit now!" Tiana said. "Not when I'm this close! I gotta make sure all of Daddy's hard work pays off."
"Tiana!" Her mother said, getting her to stop. "Your daddy may not have gotten the place he wanted, but he had something much better." She then reached out her hand and placed it on her daughter's cheek, smiling at her. "He had love. And that's all I want for you. Someday, you'll find your Prince Charming and you'll dance into the sunset."
"Your mom's right Tiana!" Sweetie Belle said, running up to her. "My sister found her Prince Charming when he came to our town and she's been happy ever since!"
"And mah sister's also been happy when she found her prince as well!" Apple Bloom said.
"And my brother's happy to have found love as well!" Scootaloo said.
"See, even these fillies family found love." Tiana's mother said. "Why shouldn't you?"
A moment later, music started to play as Tiana smiled, walking towards a set of tables.
[Tiana]
Mama! I don't have time for dancing!
That's just gonna have to wait a while.
"Oh yeah?" Her mother asked. "How long we talking here?"
[Tiana]
Ain't got time for messing around,
And it's not my style.
"I want grand kids!" Her mother said.
[Tiana]
This old town can slow you down,
People taking the easy way.
But I know exactly where I'm going,
I'm getting closer and closer every day.
And I'm almost there.
I'm almost there.
People down here think I'm crazy,
But I don't care!
Trials and tribulations,
I've had my share.
There ain't nothing gonna stop me now,
'Cause I'm almost there!
I remember Daddy told me,
"Fairytales can come true.
You gotta make 'em happen
It all depends on you!"
So I work real hard each and every day,
Now things for sure are going my way!
Just doing what I do,
Look out boys, I'm coming through!
And I'm almost there!
I'm almost there.
People gonna come here from everywhere,
And I'm almost there.
I'm almost there!
There's been trials and tribulations,
You know I've had my share.
But I've climbed the mountain,
I've crossed the river,
And I'm almost there!
I'm almost there.
I'm almost there!
The fillies clapped their hooves as Tiana bowed to them, please to have a captive audience who cheered for her.
"So tell me, why are three talking fillies here in New Orleans anyway?" Tiana asked.
"Well, we're looking for a heart." Apple Bloom replied.
"A heart?" Tiana's mother asked.
"Well, a piece of it." Scootaloo replied as Apple Bloom looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "You see, my brother sacrificed himself to save a princess from being killed, loosing his heart in the process."
"Oh, I'm so sorry for you dear." Tiana said. "I lost my daddy when I was young too. I understand what you're going through."
"Thanks, but we can bring him back!" Scootaloo said, confusing the two women. "You see, his heart scattered into twelve pieces and-"
"Look!" Apple Bloom shouted, pointing up. Everyone looked up and saw a golden orb flying in the air, doing figure eights before diving towards them. "There it is!"
Everyone ducked out of the way to avoid being hit, the two women watching as it flew around as the fillies tried to grab it, running around and jumping over tables, chairs, barrels, any and everything to get the piece, but each time they got close, they would stumble and fall, crash into the barrels, even run into each other trying to grab the Heart Piece, the mischievous heart flying out the window with the fillies running after it.
"Quick, get it!" Sweeite Belle shouted, the three crusaders running after the glowing orb.
"What in the world was that?" Tiana asked.
"Don't know, but those fillies seemed happy to see it." Tiana's mother said. "Come on honey, let's get you ready for the ball tonight."
Tiana and her mother walked out of the old sugar mill, closing the door behind them as they made their way home to get their costumes ready for the ball. In the town, the crusaders were running after the floating light, keeping an eye on it as it flew above them, keeping ahead of them but always out of reach, making it nearly impossible for them to catch it as they started to run out of steam, crashing into another human who was playing a Ukulele, loosing his rhythms as he looked down at them, looking around for the glowing orb, but not finding it, loosing it.
"Why hello there little fillies." The man said, petting Scootaloo. "And who might you be?"
Sweetie Belle was about to answer out of habit, but Apple Bloom stuffed her hoof in her friend's mouth, silencing her before she spoke a word as a fa butler pushed through the crowd towards him.
"Prince Naveen!" The butler said. "Thank goodness. I've been looking everywhere for you."
"Oh Lawrence, what a coincidence!" Naveen said. "I've been avoiding you everywhere! Hey, have you met these cute little horses?" He picked Scootaloo up, the filly doing her best not to mutter a word as she grumbled, not liking being picked up. "Isn't she adorable? And the music... Jazz! It was born here in this city." He then set the filly down, Scootaloo attempting to kick him, but he moved away, causing her to fall into mud, her friends snickering. "Beautiful, isn't it, no?"
"No, it isn't." Lawrence replied. "You highness, we're going to be late for the Masquerade ball and we should be at the estate by now."
"Yes, yes, but first..." Naveen said, tossing the Ukulele to a kid. "Dance with me fat man!" He then started dancing with his butler, stopping for a moment to address the crowd. "And I buy everyone here a drink!"
The crowd cheered for him after hearing he'd buy them all a drink, which Lawrence pulled him away to talk to him.
"With what!?" Lawrence asked. "If you hadn't notice, you haven't any funds. You have only two choices. Woo a beautiful and wealthy lady, or get a job!"
He pointed to a man cleaning up horse manure, the prince grimacing at that as did the fillies, finding that to be revolting, Sweetie Belle gaging at the thought.
"Alright, fine." The prince said. "I'll marry a rich lady. But first, we dance."
The prince then started dancing with Lawrence again, the fillies watching him as they wondered what was wrong with him.
"This guy's a prince?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I admit, Spyro's kind of silly sometimes, but he isn't this immature." Scootaloo said, watching as the prince tossed Lawrence by accident into a tuba, the butler ramming into the side of the building.
"And he isn't the kind to do things like that." Apple Bloom said.
The prince then grabbed Lawrences feet while the musician who owned the tuba grabbed the instrument, pulling as hard as he could, freeing the Butler from his musical dilemma and rolling on the ground, stopping as they landed in the sidewalk as the prince laughed while Lawrence looked furious, both looking up to the man in front of them, wearing purple and black clothing with a top hat that had a skull on it, smiling down at them.
"I've got a bad feeling about this guy." Scootaloo whispered.
"Yeah, me too." Apple Bloom whispered. "Ah don't need the Force to know this guy's probably bad news."
"Gentlemen!" The man said, presenting his cane to help them up. "Au chante. A tip of the hat from doctor Facilier. How you doing?"
He then presented a card to the prince as the fillies walked up, hiding behind the prince as they looked up to the doctor, who looked down at them, sensing something was different about them, giving them a dark smile.
"Tarot readings, charms, potions... dreams made real." Naveen read off the card as the doctor gently guided him somewhere. "Fascinating."
"If I were a betting man, and believe me, I try to stay away from that, I bet I'm in the presence of visiting royalty." Dr. Facilier said, the butler and fillies running up behind them.
"Lawrence, Lawrence!" Naveen said, clearly excited. "This gentlemen read my palm and knew I was a prince."
"Or he read this mornings newspaper." Lawrence said, noticing the newspaper.
"He got him there." Scootaloo whispered, the fillies laughing, which the doctor noticed the voices and looked behind to see them giggling, growing suspicious of them.
"Sire, this man is obviously a charlatan." Lawrence said, annoying the Facilier. "I suggest we move onto a less-"
Music then started to play as Dr. Facilier tapped his cane, pointing it at the butler.
[Dr. Facilier]
Don't you disrespect me little man!
Don't you derogate or deride!
You're in my world now,
Not your world,
And I got friends on the other side!
[Voodoo Choir]
He's got friends on the other side.
A door then opened on its own, inviting them inside as a chill went down the fillies spins, instantly sending up a while mess of red flags.
"Well that's not creepy at all." Sweetie Belle said.
[Dr. Facilier]
That's an echo, gentlemen.
Just a little something we have here in Louisiana,
A little parlor trick. Don't worry.
The doctor then led the two humans into the room behind the door, the fillies following close behind, though keeping their distance as they didn't fully trust him.
Sit down at my table,
Put your minds at ease.
If you relax it will enable me to do anything I please.
I can read your future,
I can change it 'round some, too.
I'll look deep into your heart and soul,
(You do have a soul, don't you, Lawrence?)
Make your wildest dreams come true!
I got voodoo, I got hoodoo,
I got things I ain't even tried!
And I got friends on the other side
[Voodoo Choir]
He's got friends on the other side.
The fillies looked up and saw the masks had just come to life, singing, which made them fearful as they knew this wasn't a good place to be, approaching the table cautiously as they got up onto it, the prince picking Scootaloo up while the other fillies took the two remaining empty seats.
[Dr. Facilier]
The cards, the cards, the cards will tell,
The past, the present, and the future as well!
The cards, the cards, just take three!
Take a little trip into your future with me!
The two men took three cards from the deck, looking at them as the prince showed his cards to Scootaloo, who was anxious as she could sense through the Force that this place was not one they should be in, the doctor taking their cards and spreading them out, flipping them one at a time as he went on.
Now you, young man, are from across the sea,
You come from two long lines of royalty,
I'm a royal myself on my mother's side.
Your lifestyle's high,
But your funds are low,
You need to marry a lil' honey whose daddy got dough!
Mom and dad cut you off, huh playboy?
"Eh, sad but true." Naveen replied, seemingly nonchalant about it.
[Dr. Facilier]
Now y'all gotta get hitched, but hitchin' ties you down,
You just wanna be free,
Hop from place to place,
But freedom takes green!
It's the green, it's the green, it's the green you need,
And when I looked into your future,
It's the green that I see!
On you little man, I don't wanna waste much time,
You been pushed around all your life!
You been pushed around by your
Mother, your sister and your brother!
And if you was married,
You'd be pushed around by your wife.
But in your future, the you I see,
Is exactly the man you always wanted to be!
The doctor showed Lawrence his card, greed and hunger in his eyes as he looked to the prince, instantly taking the bait, Scootaloo sensing this as she got ready to run in case something bad happened.
Shake my hand.
Come on boys,
Won't you shake the poor sinner's hand?
As he asked that, Lawrence instantly shook his hand, taking the deal while the prince was hesitant, but still shook it, the music picking up as the masks came to life, flying down and from behind the doctor, Scootaloo instantly jumping off and running to her friends as they watched what was happening.
Yes!
Are you ready?
[Voodoo Choir]
Are you ready?
[Dr. Faciliar]
Are you ready?
A moment later, he threw a handful of powder down, summoning a massive voodoo mask that opened it's mouth, green mist and light coming from it as a voodoo pendant appeared from it, snakes coiling around the prince, pinning him to his chair as the fillies watched in horror what was going on.
Transformation central!
[Voodoo Choir]
Transformation central!
{Dr. Faciliar]
Reformation central!
[Voodoo Choir]
Reformation central!
[Dr. Facilier]
Transmogrification central!
He took the pendant, which opened it's mouth and bit on his finger, cutting it and making the prince gasp in pain, the voodoo witch doctor placing the finger on the pendant as it filled up with his blood, removing the pendant from the prince as he began to change, the fillies running out the door to get away.
Can you feel it?
You're changin', You're changin', You're changin', all right!
I hope you're satisfied!
But if you ain't,
Don't blame me!
You can blame my friends on the other side!
[Voodoo Choir]
You got what you wanted!
What you want is what you get!
When the song was over, the doctor held the pendant as he watched the fillies run out the door, obviously running in fear for their lives as they didn't want to meet the same fate as the prince.
"Now those little horses intrigue me." Dr. Faciliar said, scratching his chin as he wondered where they came from, failing to notice a golden orb flying down from the ceiling and down behind him, going straight into the pendant as the symbol appeared on it's back.
'Out in the city, the fillies were running as fast as they could and as far away as they could from Dr. Facilier, not paying attention to where they were going as they ran out into the street as a car came speeding their way, honking their horn at the fillies as they froze, expecting to get hit, but a black fog appeared around them and the car drove through, coming out without hitting the fillies, looking back to see if they were there, but found they weren't on the street anymore, scratching his head as he kept on driving. In an alley way, the fillies were looking out to the street and to the spot they nearly got hit at, looking up to their savior to find it was Psyrox, smiling down at them as he put them down.
"Didn't your parents teach you to look both ways before you crossed the street?" Psyrox asked, smiling down at them.
"Sorry." Scootaloo said, remembering him. "Hey, you're that person from the North American Ice Age. Psyrox right?"
"That's my name, yes." Psyrox replied, ruffling the fillies mane. "Now what are you fillies doing out here in this town without parental supervision?"
"We wanted to find the Heart Piece by ourselves." Scootaloo said.
"And we did!" Apple Bloom said. "We followed it, but then lost it."
"That was before we ran into this creepy guy called Dr. Facilier." Sweetie Belle said.
"Ah, Facilier." Psyrox said. "He's definitely bad news. He's a Voodoo Witch Doctor that made a deal with dark spirits to use Voodoo magic at the cost of peoples souls."
"Souls?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Yes, souls." Psyrox answered. "All magic has a price you must pay if you wish to use it. Some magic just requires mana, which is generated naturally by magical creatures. Like unicorns for example. Other kinds of magic have a different price. Some require the use of special stones to be sacrificed to use some magic, other kinds require something different. Blood magic for example requires blood, whether from an animal or a human, which human blood is much more valuable to cultists to use for their dark magics."
"And Voodoo magic requires souls?" Scootaloo asked.
"Some do, yes." Psyrox replied. "That would be the darker kind of Voodoo magic. Usually it just requires the use of mana, but when you make a deal with evil spirits, if you fail to repay your debt, they'll take your soul to repay that debt."
"Well Facilier just used his magic to turn a prince into a frog." Apple Bloom said. "When that happened, we got out of there as fast as we could."
"Which was the right response in that situation." Psyrox said. "If the situation get's too dangerous, cut your losses and get out of there."
"But what about the prince!?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I'm afraid this is the affair of the inhabitants of this world." Psyrox said. "If there aren't Heartless or Nobodies, we cannot interfere."
"But, Heartless ships attacked us." Scootaloo said. "And what about the Heart Piece?"
"We'll get it later." Psyrox replied. "Right now, we got to get you back to your ship and get you out of here."
"We can't." Scootaloo said. "Our ship is damaged. We can't leave."
"Hmm, that's a problem." Psyrox said. "Bring me to your ship, I'll see what I can do to repair it."
Without waiting, the fillies looked out and walked out on the sidewalk, Psyrox following closely behind them as the fillies brought him to the shuttle to see what he could do to repair it. Back at Dr. Facilier's place, the doctor had just put the pendant around the butlers neck, the short and fat man turning skinny and tall, looking at himself as he admired his new look.
"Wow, I look... good." Lawrence said.
"I must say, you do look better as a prince Lawrence." Facilier replied. "And remember, as long as you wear the pendant, you are Prince Naveen. But... there is a catch. The blood in the pedndant won't last forever. Be sure to check it often, for if it starts to run out, you'll have to come back to refill it."
"Will the prince be comfortable here?" Lawrence asked.
"As comfortable as can be." Facilier replied, showing the prince in a cage. "Now get going, sire. You got a ball to attend." Lawrence smiled mischievously at the witch doctor and walked out the door, heading to the estate where the ball was being held, Dr. Facilier smiling as he waved, knowing someone else was there. "If you wanted my services, you could just walk through the door you know?"
"And miss the show you put on?" A woman's voice asked. From the shadows, Maleficent walked out from the darkness with a smile on her face. "Your magic is fascinating to say the least."
"Why thank you." Facilier said, his shadow moving and getting his hat. "Dr. Facilier, Tarot Readings, Potions, Charms, your dreams come true. And you are?"
"I am Maleficent." She replied. "And I have a proposal that might benefit us both."
"Oh, do you?" Facilier asked. "And what is it you want of me?"
"I need your help looking for a person or an item that has this symbol." Maleficent replied, waving her hand around the crystal ball of her staff and showing the dragons head with the triangle and the three pony heads.
"Hmm, interesting." Facilier said. "And, what's so special about this symbol?"
"It indicates that a piece of a princes heart is hidden in it." Maleficent replied. "The Prince of Light and Darkness."
"Prince of Light and Darkness?" Facilier asked. "Sounds familiar."
"It should." Maleficent replied. "He holds the power of light and darkness, creation and destruction. He is one f the most powerful beings in all the worlds beyond yours. Having a piece of it will grant you incredible power! And a piece of it is here in this world. Hence, why I've come to you for I believe your Voodoo magic can help me find it."
"Will it now?" Facilier asked, dusting himself off. "And... what do I get in return?"
Maleficent turned her head, motioning for someone to come forward and as she did, Pete walked out from the darkness, pulling on a chain and dragging Princess Luna out, who was trying to pull away and fight to free herself.
"This is Princess Luna of the world, Equestria." Luna said, Facilier now interested. "She's an Alicorn, who holds great and immense power. Power to raise and lower the moon in her home."
"Yes, I can sense the magic coming from her." Facilier said, reaching his hand out.
Luna growled at him and tried to bite him, Facilier pulling his hand back before he could be bitten.
"You keep your filthy hands away from me heathen!" Luna exclaimed angrily.
"And she talks." Facilier said, laughing as he found it amusing. "Maleficent, I believe this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Come, let us begin looking."
He then tapped his cane on the floor and green flames shot out of the floor and around the princess, putting her in a cage as Pete let go of the chains and walked with his mistress to the table, leaving Luna alone. She tried using her magic to free herself, but the witch had taken precautions and put a ring around her horn that negated her magic, making her powerless to free herself, sitting down and sighing, accepting her fate.
"Psst." A voice said, getting her attention. "Psst, over here." The princess then looked in the direction of the voice, looking to her left and saw a frog in a cage, getting up and walking to the edge of it. "Are you a victim of Dr. Facilier as well?"
"No, I am not little frog." Luna replied. "I was born as a pony in a distant land where many ponies live. I was taken from my home by the witch who calls herself Maleficent."
"Is that so?" The frog asked. "And is it true, you're a princess and are you really that powerful?"
"Indeed little frog." Luna replied. "However, with this ring on my horn, it has rendered me powerless. I am unable to free myself."
"Well, I could help you." The frog said.
"And how can you help me?" Luna asked.
"I can use my tongue to reach over and rip that ring off your horn." The frog replied. "Once done, I need your help to get out of this infernal place."
"And how can I trust you?" Luna asked.
"Because I am actually a prince." The frog replied. "Prince Naveen of Maldonia and my butler has betrayed me, taking my place due to some voodoo pendant. Now I'm stuck looking like this. If you help me to escape and find a way to break this spell, I'll help you to escape and to find a way to return to your home."
Luna thought about it for a moment, weighing her options as she looked towards her captors and the prince, having no other choice, but to trust him.
"Alright." Luna said. "Get this ring off me and you have a deal."
"Splendid." Naveen said. "Now hold still."
Naveen opened his mouth and his tongue went flying out, reaching as far as it could and getting the ring that Maleficent had placed on her horn, her magic finally free, she charged up her magic and released a powerful beam of magic, destroying the cage and making a racket, running out and using the same magic to free the frog prince as Maleficent and Facilier looked to see what was going on.
"The princess!" Maleficent exclaimed. "She's free!"
"And she has the prince!" Facilier said, watching as Luna used her magic to lift the frog out of the cage and blast the door open, flying into the air as the doctor and the witch ran to the door, watching as they flew away. "She's taken the prince!"
"Fear not, my Heartless will track them down." Maleficent said, waving her staff as several Hook Bats and Rapid Thrusts appeared, flying into the air to track down the princess and the prince. "They will find them and will either destroy them or bring them back."
"No, no destroying!" Facilier said. "I need the frog in one piece, otherwise I'm ruined!"
"Very well then." Maleficent said. "The frog will remain in one piece, but the princess, probably not as much."
Maleficent then started to laugh, her cackling echoing across the world as she found what she said to be amusing, walking back into the house as she had plans to put in motion. At the shuttle, the fillies had brought Psyrox to the ship and was looking it over, the ponies inside listening to what the fillies had found and about the doctor they encountered.
"And then, he turned the prince into a frog!" Apple Bloom said.
"Voodoo magic is something one shouldn't use at all because if you fail to repay, your soul will take the fall." Zecora said.
"I'm just glad you're ok Sweetie Belle." Rarity said, hugging her sister. "I wish there was something we could do for the prince."
"And I wish there was more I could do for you girls." Psyrox said, walking into the shuttle. "Engines are fried, weapons are destroyed, this things basically dead in the water, literally."
"So, it can't be repaired?" Fluttershy asked.
"Afraid not." Psyrox replied. "But the communication array is still working, for the most part. You should be able to send out a short range transmission to the ship if it's still in orbit."
"But, we don't know how to contact them." Scootaloo said.
"Figures." Psyrox said. "This ship is pretty advanced and difficult to understand, but from what I can tell, this should be able to contact the ship."
He flipped a yellow switch and pressed a white button and the screen became static, sending out a transmission, which was then picked up by the Harmony, everyone appearing on screen.
"Everyone, I got a signal!" May said, everyone running to the screen.
"Rarity, Fluttershy, Zecora!" Twilight exclaimed happily.
"Apple Bloom!" Applejack exclaimed happily. "Boy Ah'm glad yer safe."
"Safe as we can be." Apple Bloom responded.
"When we saw the shuttle wasn't in the hanger, we feared the worst." Cadence said. "And... is that Psyrox?"
"Yeah, he saved us from a metal monster!" Sweetie Belle said.
"It's called an automobile." Psyrox said. "And yes, I did save them from getting run over."
"And we found the Heart Piece!" Scootaloo said. "But we then lost it and ran into a creepy guy who uses Voodoo magic."
"Voodoo, very dangerous and unpredictable." Twilight said. "Best you avoid any contact with him. But on the bright side, the chapter came in!"
"It did!?" Fluttershy and Rarity asked at the same time.
"Yes." Twilight said, opening the book. "Chapter four: Heart of the Frog."
"Frog?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Wait... could it be..."
"The prince has the heart piece!" Scootaloo exclaimed.
"Prince?" Shining Armor asked. "What prince?"
"There's a prince that got turned into a frog by that voodoo guy we told ya about." Apple Bloom replied. "If it's a frog, then he has to have the Heart Piece!"
A moment later, a Dusk appeared from the void, freaking everyone out, but Psyrox just approached him, crossing his arms as he showed no fear.
"Report." Psyrox said. The Dusk just swayed as it unzipped its mouth, as if talking to him and the Nobody nodded his head. "Good. Keep an eye on them and make sure they find their way to the mansion. We'll meet them there."
The Dusk then disappeared, everyone relaxing as it left, but confused to what it had told him.
"What was that about?" Scootaloo asked.
"The dusk reported the prince was just freed." Psyrox replied.
"He was!?" Sweeite Belle asked. "How?"
"By the aid of a dark blue pony wearing black armor and has a starry mane." Psyrox replied.
"That's Princess Luna!" Twilight said. "But how did she get there!?"
"No clue." Psyrox replied. "What matters now is the prince is free and the Heart Piece is on the move. If you could land, we can-"
"Sorry, that's a not going to happen." May said, looking at the console. "The ship has taken some heavy damage during the fight. The ship is leaking fuel, a couple of the power generators have failed, another is going critical and had to be shut down to prevent the ship from blowing up, and the hull of the ship is breached. We're basically leaking air in space. We need to head to a world that has a Gummi garage to conduct repairs."
"And where's the closest one?" Psyrox asked.
"Disney Castle." May said. "It's the closest one and we only have enough fuel for one more jump. Once repairs are done, we'll return."
"Alright, we'll wait." Rarity said. "Until then, we'll see if we can get the Heart Piece."
"Well, you'll need the riddle for that." Twilight said, looking down at the page. "A prince to all, but a boy at heart, at a party your journey will start. Destroy the pendant that holds the curse, only when their feelings are true will the spell reverse. Seek the woman who can guide your way, to break the curse by a maiden who loves the prince when it becomes day."
"So we need to turn the prince back to human again." Psyrox said. "And we need to destroy the pendant to help reverse the spell."
"That probably won't be easy." Rarity said. "He might keep that pendant close to make sure it isn't destroyed."
"Leave him to me." Psyrox said. A second later, the Dusk returned, appearing next to hi and leaning in close, whispering something, though no one can hear it as id disappeared. "This just went from bad to worse. "Maleficent's here."
"She is!?" Fluttershy asked.
"And she's joined forces with Facilier." Psyrox added. "This means this world is now in danger as are the people."
"Does that mean... we can get involved?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Yes, we can." Psyrox replied. "We're all heading to the mansion, this way I can keep an eye on all of you. Once there, we'll figure out how to reverse the spell."
"You sure it' a good idea to bring the fillies with us?" Rarity asked.
"No, it isn't." Psyrox replied. "But I'd rather have them come with us and keep an eye on them rather than leave them in a ship alone and sinking into a swamp."
"WHAT!?" They all exclaimed at the same time.
"It's true." Psyrox said. "This ship is sinking and by morning, it'll be resting at the bottom of the swamp. Which means we won't be able to contact your friends when it's fully submerged."
"Don't worry Apple Bloom, we'll come back as soon as possible." Applejack said.
"We'll be waitin'!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.
The transmission ended and everyone got out, watching as the shuttle was slowly sinking into the swamp as they turned to see their only form of communication sink into oblivion, watching as it began to sink faster and faster as the swamp swallowed their prize.
"Well, there goes our only form of talking to our friends in the sky, so what do we do with our chances of victory not so high?" Zecora asked.
"We move forward." Psyrox replied. "There's a masquerade ball tonight and it's the mansion I told the Dusk to guide the princess to. Hopefully she'll follow it."
"And if she doesn't?" Fluttershy asked.
"I have faith she'll follow it." Psyrox said. "Now come, we have a party to attend. And I need a costume."
"Leave that to me darling!" Rarity said. "All I need is some materials and I can whip us up some costumes in no time."
The group them walked into town to collect what they need for the costume party tonight at the La Bouff residents, hoping to get to the princess and the Froggy prince before anything else happened to either them or to the two royals.