Chapter Text
United Equestria: The Calm Before the Storm
A “Silverscale Arena” Side-Story
Based on the works by Dakari King Mykan
(All art belongs to their respective owners, which are credited beneath. All in the FurrAffinity version)
(All Characters in Sexual Situations are 18 and above)
Training Grounds, Ponyville, Hasbro Universe…
"Work harder already.
"How is our world supposed to be protected by a bunch of weaklings?"
"Come on. Step it up already."
The Space Ponies flying around the place, even as they said these harsh things, looked just as tired as those they were training. A wave of malaise had flooded over pretty much all of this place, the recent string of bad luck that Starfleet had suffered putting a dent in everybody's confidence.
Not even the trainers could muster up the energy to think back to everything Grand Ruler Celesto told them. That they were the apex compared to the Equestrians. That they were mighty and their counterparts were not.
But the Mokushiroku and Stammadon incidents, as well as that mess involving what Rhymey had done, put a dent in morale. It seemed like nothing was going right for them, no matter how much they trained. "You ever get the feeling that we're going about this the wrong way?" Buddy Rose wondered, practicing using his vine-like whip on some targets.
"Yeah. Anytime we suggest team-based exercises, we keep getting scoffed at." Artie Bristles replied. "I know we're taught that we should be strong on our own and there IS some merit to that...but...maybe we should try something new for once?"
"It feels like we keep circling back to this every single time. You ever feel like we're just repeating the same day over and over again, unable to escape the endless time loop?" Buddy wondered.
"...because THAT'S not terrifying to think about." Artie muttered, watching as some of the Space Pony recruits just flopped down, unable to keep training due to the despair that had hung over everybody.
For a while, it felt like another miserable training exercise. One in which Lightning Dawn and Starla Shine were noticeably absent from...until a loud whistle got everybody's attention.
Standing atop a large bright pink contraption that stretched out all the way to the end of the training grounds, Pinkie Pie waved to all those in front of her. "Hiya! Heard you guys were training again! Well, wait 'till you get a load of what me and Swiftie have been working on!"
The robotic Equestrian nodded, standing next to the machine as he patted it. "Through my calculations and after several days of watching you all train, I have noticed that there is a considerable lack of motivation in all of you."
"Nobody asked for your opinion, machine!" One Space Pony shouted.
"Careful!" Another patted his shoulder. "He's Lightning Dawn's apprentice! Maybe he's onto something."
"I'll take anything at this rate. That machine...it's so...colorful." Another stated.
"What does it do?" A unicorn asked.
Sliding around one of the looping parts of the machine, Pinkie landed in Swift Star's arms, the robotic one finding himself blushing a bit. "I filled it with all the best party games...but TO THE MAX!" She dramatically said. "'Pin the Tail on the Manticore' turns into 'Pin the Punch on the Bad Guy'! 'Bobbing for Apples' turns into 'Dodging from Laser Blasts'! 'Laser Tag' turns into...well, 'Laser Tag, but slightly more intense'! Don't know how any of that works? That's fine! The idea is to have fun and get those muscles working!"
The others looked to each-other, wondering how this was going to work. "And some of the activities mean you have to work together. You wanna get the most points?" She zipped between a Space Pony and an Earth Pony. "Let's come together and give it our best! That's how! The point is to not just get stronger and faster, but have fun! Sound good, guys?"
Normally, this would have gotten her scoffed and jeered at by the Space Ponies around her, but, this time around, they actually started to let her words sink in. "You know what? It's been too much of a slow day. Let's give it a try." A Space Pony shrugged.
"Isn't this kind of silly?" One wondered.
"Who cares?! We've been doing the same thing over and over! I'm sick of it!" Another exclaimed.
"Now, you 're talking!" A Pegasus stated. "Let's do something new!"
"Working up a sweat AND having fun?! Let's do it!" An Earth Pony was the first in line. "Who wants to be my partner?"
Pretty soon, the entire Training Grounds were filled with discussion and actual conversation, everybody finding themselves engaging with each-other in a way that wasn't just more arguments and talk of training. "My work here is done." Pinkie beamed before giving a fist-bump to Swift Start. "We make for a pretty good team, don't we?" She asked.
"Indeed. If we implement this strategy further, morale will not only be raised, but we might see a significant increase in teamwork and better coordination in the moment of a crisis." Her robotic friend replied. After a few moments of silence, he scooted closer to her. "Perhaps...after we give our final assessment of how this is going...would you like to engage in yet another 'date'?"
"I'm always up for one of those, best buddy!" She replied, lifting him into her arms. "For now, I think there's a spot left for us in the 'Party-o-Matic'! We'd better get going!"
Stammering, the machine's databanks struggled to comprehend the sheer positive feeling his circuitry was experiencing. "Y-yes! It would be very nice if we engaged in further testing of our creation!"
Watching this happen, Artie and Buddy looked to each-other. "Well...we do have the rest of the day off." The latter pointed out.
Looking at his mostly healed but still twitching hands, Artie shrugged. "Why not? Wanna be my plus-one?"
Giving a blush of his own, Buddy happily offered his hand gently. "I'd love that."
Meanwhile, at the Carousel Boutique...
The feeling of calm was something that Rarity missed whenever she did her business. A time in which she could lock in and ignore all potential chaos happening outside of her door. She didn't consider herself a shut-in, but, sometimes, it felt nice to just have a few moments to herself.
Ever since all that had happened, it felt like Starfleet's draconian rule over Ponyville had...lessened. Not because Grand Ruler was changing any rules, but because the morale of the Space Ponies had begun to shift. The increasing embarrassments and losses they had suffered (particularly the destruction of Conva) had put a dent in their resolve, allowing life to return to some kind of normalcy.
She wasn't a fool, however. She knew that Grand Ruler was still intent on making sure that things still ran the way HE wanted them to run, even if they flew in the face of empathy or common sense. There were still even more frequent training exercises (albeit with much more apathetic Space Pony trainers). There were still strict regulations on who could get married and who couldn't (putting her romantic fantasies of a lovely wedding between her and Applejack at risk). There were still constant warnings that everybody should strive to join Starfleet and nothing else.
But most of Ponyville had not given up on their dreams, especially as less guards kept showing up. Apparently, most of them were working on 'New Conva', but that was taking quite a while, given that there were some rumors that they were building it in the middle of the sea and it was proving quite difficult.
'Let them take their time. At least it'll give us more time to have some fresh air.' She thought as she diligently worked on the new uniforms for her friends. If she and her friends were going to go up against even stronger threats (like what kept happening, it seems), then she was going to make outfits that were not only well-equipped to handle whatever dangers came, but they were also going to be DISTINCT.
Something that really spoke to the souls of her loved ones. Not just ones made just to create a sense of conformity and blandness, simply because Grand Ruler seemed terrified of individuality. 'Personality doesn't belong in a race of warriors? What a load of rubbish.' She thought.
Before she could continue, a knock on the door caused her ears to pivot towards the noise. "Oh? Come in!" She put away her sowing materials. "I'm a little busy, but-"
"It's me. We need to talk."
The voice of Starla Shine caused Rarity's relaxed demeanor to slip, a groan nearly escaping her lips. "Alright. Very well. Come on in." She adjusted her hair-bun, sitting at her desk and doing her best to be professional. She and Starla had not had the best of relationships, that much was evident, but she was still able to keep a lid on her temper. She certainly knew Starla wasn't good at that.
The Space Pony entered, but she looked a bit more...tired. Bags were under her eyes and she overall just looked incredibly fatigued. "Listen. I don't like you and you don't like me...but...I..." She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, causing Rarity to arch her brow in confusion. "...I need your help."
Now, THAT nearly made the unicorn's jaw hit the floor. "Wait. Could you repeat that again? You...need MY help? Are you well? Not to offend you, but you look a little under the weather."
"I'm FINE...alright. I'm not fine." Starla sighed, glaring as Opal hissed at her. "Let me get one thing straight...I know about you and Applejack."
Instantly, Rarity stood up, her spine going rigid as she interpreted what that meant. "Look, I know you despise me, but that doesn't mean you can just trample on either me or Applejack's life simply because-"
"You two are in love? I've seen that...and it doesn't make sense!" She exclaimed. "You and her are so...different!"
"And that's a problem why?" She wondered. "It's a more understandable observation, but-"
"BUT YOU MAKE IT WORK!" Starla yelled, letting out her pent-up frustrations. "Despite you two being so different, you look so...happy with each-other. Meanwhile, me and Lightning were meant to be together and it feels like we're falling apart!"
Calming down, Rarity started to think about what she was hearing. "Have you spoken to Grand Ruler about this? He and Lightning are quite close-"
"You think I haven't?" Starla sneered. "But, every time I do that, Grand Ruler says that I'M the problem. That I should just let Lightning work out his issues by becoming stronger. I have tried to help him get stronger, but, lately, he's been calling me and every other training partner 'too weak' and 'holding him back'. He's also been getting more erratic and..." She realized she was crying, causing her to wipe away those tears. "Not even winning against us during training pleases him now."
'I always knew Lightning was spiraling out of control, but to take out his frustrations on his own wife...that's beastly! ' Rarity thought before giving a more sympathetic look. "I want to believe that love will triumph eventually, but, in the case of you and him...well, with me and Applejack, we spent years as friends before we ultimately decided to become something more. Even then, we're still working things out. How long have you and Lightning been friends?"
"...a few months?"
"And then you became a couple?"
"Basically. What's wrong with that?"
"Have you and Lightning...talked about what you love about each-other? Maybe you could find something out that could calm him down." Rarity suggested. "I don't know him as well as you do, after all."
That gave Starla pause. "Well...I know that...he...um...he likes to train...and fight...and that's...basically it."
Wincing, Rarity leaned in. "Has he allowed you and her to have a chat? Work through whatever's happening between you two?"
"No. He's states he's too busy...and, whenever I do think we have the time...he rushes off to train, even after training!" The Space Pony sounded a bit more outraged after saying that. "For several years, it's been like this!"
"Then it's clear to me that you two...may not be a good match." Rarity tried to say that gently.
"WHAT?!"
"It's not that you two are different!" Rarity hurriedly said. "Learning to like each-other despite each-other's differences is the bedrock of not just friendship, but a good relationship. However, he's shown multiple times that he's refused to even talk about how his actions are affecting you, even though you've shown multiple times that you've wanted to talk and work through whatever is happening. You need to start letting him gently know that his actions are hurting both of you. It may mean taking a...break from your relationship."
Though it looked like Starla was listening, she shut her eyes tightly. "He was one of the few things that made me forget that I basically have NOTHING without a boyfriend. What else do I have? Tell me something about me!" She demanded.
"You...apparently like the stars...and fighting for Starfleet?"
"I only took this job because I wanted to get back at my dad!" She yelled. "My dad who, by the way, is only DEAD because he was as silly as you Equestrians! He saw the best in others, even as Starfleet told him to be more ruthless! That's why...that's why I think..." He lowered her head, making sure Rarity didn't hear her. "...why I think Grand Ruler made an example of him..."
"I'm sorry. What was that?"
"But Starfleet gave me purpose! A way to forget that I'm a nobody! Lightning made that even better when he instantly decided to be my boyfriend simply because I was pretty!" More tears started to flow down her face as she pointed at the fashionista. "You know what?! I think I know why I hate you! You're ME! Beautiful and almost exactly alike, but you...there's more to you than Starfleet! You have THIS!" She gestured to all around her. "You have a life outside of battle! A life outside of your relationship! A relationship much happier than mine, despite it being scorned by us Space Ponies!"
Continuing her rant, she fell back onto her chair, wiping away the make-up from her eyes. "But now...Lightning's no longer the stallion I fell in love with...or did I ever fall in love with him at all?! Maybe...maybe I just didn't want to be just 'the token female of Starfleet'. Maybe...I don't even know anymore..."
She then felt Rarity's hand on her shoulder, the fashionista speaking gently. "Maybe it's time you took the time to find out who you are. Expand your horizons. Really get out there and see the world beyond the role you believe you're stuck in. I didn't find my happiness by just sticking to one trait, after all. I actually had to move out of my comfort zone."
"But...it's so...frightening..."
"I know, but at least you know that you have somebody that believes you can do it. I certainly think you can." Rarity smiled.
"But...after the way I treated you..."
"Let's just say that, if I held grudges all of the time, I'd be a much more bitter unicorn and who wants to be that?" She chuckled before having an idea.
A moment of silence came...before Starla wiped away the rest of her tears. "There is...one thing I would like to do before I leave. Could you...change my hair a bit? There's a look that I've wanted to try, but..."
"But what? What stopped you?" Rarity asked, curious.
"I was worried what others would think. Any change and they not see me as the same Space Pony anymore." She stood up, taking a deep breath. "But I want to try something new. I'm tired of staying in one place and feeling miserable about myself."
"That's the spirit, darling! If it doesn't work, you can always try something else out. There's no reason to feel ashamed about trying new things, within reason." She flexed her fingers. "So...how shall we get started?"
Meanwhile at Sweet Apple Acres...
For a while, it looked like Applejack could finally relax. True, there were still several things on her mind, but the lack of villain/monster attacks had been VERY refreshing.
The attacks of Mokushiroku and Stammadon were still fresh in her memory, so she wasn't skipping any training. In fact, she proceeded to work harder at the farm, bucking trees as hard as she could while also practicing strategies to herself. As far as she could remember, accounting for chaos was the best way to handle a crisis.
It was one of the many reasons she didn't like Starfleet's strategy. Things utterly fell apart for their fighters when the unexpected happened. Granted, the unexpected WAS a daunting obstacle, but their incapability to handle even the slightest bit of change often costed them victory.
As for Applejack, she knew it was best to think on the fly and be ready for everything, even a wrecked strategy.
Still, unlike Lightning Dawn, her life didn't just become 'train 24/7'. As much as she hated to admit it (being a workaholic, after all), breaks in-between training periods were essential. The muscles had time to relax and she could regain bits of her sanity after nearly thinking about the prospect of what could happen in the moment failure came.
It also gave her a chance to hang out with Rarity. The mere thought of being in the fashionista's arms was enough to make her forget all about her troubles. Applejack hummed happily as she remembered the many times they had together, before and after becoming a couple, that is.
Even better? She had heard from Fluttershy that Rainbow Dash had wanted to return, though she was unable to due to her being busy with some 'Lunar Warriors' stuff. As much as the farm-mare wanted to give her past lover/best friend an earful for flying away for so long, she understood why. Twilight's death and Starfleet's attempts to make everybody forget about her was too much. Even Applejack needed a few weeks to mentally recover from that news.
The news of Dash's return sparked hope in Applejack that she could not only be Rarity's lover, but Dash's, as well. Polygamy between mares was common and this would be no exception. "It'll be wild...but nothin' we can't handle." She said to herself.
"Howdy, sis."
"GAH!" With a buck of her leg, the farm-mare's hoof buried itself into Big Mac's waist, causing him to wheeze heavily. "Ya' scared me half to death...big...brother..." She paused, suddenly realizing who was in front of her.
Getting back on his feet and taking a moment to recover, the stallion cleared his throat, obviously nervous. "I reckon that you deserve an explanation."
Giving a small nod, Applejack took a deep breath. "Now, listen...I appreciate your honesty...and I'm so glad you're finally back...and Apple Bloom's gonna be so happy...but I want you to know...that ya' kinda had this comin'."
"Had what comin'?" Big Mac raised a brow before it dawned on him. "In the face?"
"Yep."
SMACK!
One smack and an angry tirade from his sister later, Big Mac was still wincing from the red mark on his face, but the two were now sitting across from each-other, catching up on things. "So, lemme get this straight. You're also a part of the Lunar Warriors? I had a feelin'. Seems everyone that's gone missing from Ponyville has gone off to fight Starfleet from the inside.
"Eeyup. I just didn't want ya' gettin' roped into it." Big Mac stated. "But, with how things are goin', I thought it was about time to stop leavin' ya' in the dark."
"It was TIME months ago." Applejack narrowed her eyes. "That letter shoulda' contained a LOT more about what you were doin'. From the sound of it, it looked like you were skippin' town forever. Are ya' sayin' ya' don't trust me?"
"...I bucked up, alright? I won't deny that I thought I was doin' the right thing, but I bucked up." Big Mac sighed. "Ya' have every right to be damn furious with me."
"And I'm still gonna be steamed for some time." His sister nodded before sighing. "Listen, I've heard of what you Lunar Warriors usually do and I appreciate ya' makin' sure the Starfleet varmints don't keep pushin' us around. But, right now, we need to be together. All of us."
Sadly, Big Mac looked to the farm. "I wanna stay here with you and Apple Bloom...but I wanna make sure this place has a future first. With Starfleet, I was so worried they'd tear this place down to make another place to force more folks to become warriors or somethin' like that. I wasn't standin' for it."
"Neither would I." Applejack replied. "But I want us to not stand for it TOGETHER. We're a family...all three of us." She moved a hand to rest on his. "Listen, I get you have your responsibilities now with helpin' your team...and I have my team to help...but we should at least keep in touch a bit better."
Giving a more unsure look, Big Mac looked away, worried. "I just...I don't ya' to get caught up in my mess if the Lunar Warriors are caught. We're already wanted stallions and mare at this point."
"I dunno. Ya' have a pretty good track record. Starfleet's been sayin' that it's been 'cuz of some new villain or Mokushiroku that their plans have been failin'. No mention of you or Luna or anybody else on your team." She replied. "Still...if you can make it all the way here and back..."
"...then I'll try to visit as much as I can. That's a promise." Big Mac stood tall. "I just need to have more confidence in myself. In my team. In all of us."
"We'll make it work. We need to." Applejack stated. "In times like this, we need to stick together."
Looking at the farm, both siblings watched as new trees began to bloom. Trees allowed to grow, now that Starfleet wasn't tearing apart the land in their frantic efforts to rule every single inch of the world, no matter how small. Perhaps...a new beginning for Equestria was taking form? One filled with more hope than it usually had these days?
Things were going to different...and the Apple family would face it all together and find a way to do just that, no matter what.
Meanwhile at Fluttershy's Cottage...
Though free of Rhymey's toxic influence, there was still a lot of work ahead for Fluttershy and her animal friends. Her family since foalhood. Those that stuck with her through thick and thin.
Namely, the house needed quite a few repairs. The neglect that Rhymey had shown the house was noticeable in many areas, especially when the pegasus was in that Corona Beam-induced coma. Rotted wood, animal treats everywhere, mountains of dust, and even a few holes in the wall, possibly punched in due to one of the Space Pony's many tantrums.
Not to mention, there were several animals that had been sold away by the Space Pony for money or just because he didn't want to put up with taking care of them. It took several of Fluttershy's animal friends and a bit of help from her other pals to help seek them out for several days. Thankfully, most of them were found, safe and sound.
Others...were still missing or outright found dead in various corners of Equestria. It filled Fluttershy with great sadness to see that the effects of her ex-husband's actions were still felt in such ways, some of her animal friends still mourning what had happened.
There was not much hatred within Fluttershy's heart and she wanted to believe that Rhymey would find the self-reflection he needed after he was arrested, but she couldn't deny that she was VERY glad that he wouldn't be able to hurt another innocent being again as a result of his ego and desire for control.
One sight that calmed her during times like this was watching as the Everfree Forest started to heal from Starfleet's rampant deforestation plans. Probably thanks to the efforts of the Lunar Warriors, the woods had been allowed ample time to grow and flourish. It was a slow process, but one that filled the pegasus' heart with hope.
Another thing that helped her feel warm and fuzzy inside was the fact that, at long last, she and Discord had been able to articulate their feelings towards each-other. She hugged a plushie of him that he had left behind after their last meeting close to her bust, still remembering that first kiss they had, as well as the assurances that he would keep an eye on Mokushiroku if he tried anything horrible.
While it pained her to know that the draconequs was working for the kaiju that had caused so much pain for many in Equestria (particularly, those affected by the destruction of Horn Kong), she was glad to see that, no matter what path Discord took, he remained firmly on the side of good.
"Maybe...maybe this is a sign. Things are changing and they're for the better." She said for herself. One idea that came to her mind was that Equestrians and Space Ponies would see no more point in hating each-other. Instead, they'd find a way to replace that hate with friendship, love, and the desire to build a better future.
But there was also a sense of lingering dread. The dreams she had involving a large figure looming over a devastated landscape...they had gotten a bit more vivid. Still, with all that was happening, she dismissed those as night terrors. She had gotten through the trial of Stone Heart and Rhymey's dream manipulation plan. She would get through those, too.
Regarding those dreams, Fluttershy remembered how they led her to that mysterious island. "I wonder how the others there are doing now?" She remembered how Rainbow Dash was going to spend less time there and actually hang out with their friends after so long, but she also had to remember that Dash was still regarded as a criminal by Starfleet.
Still, she knew her friend would find SOME way to hang out with them. She never was one to give up, after all.