Episode 10: A Night to Remember Part 1

The darkness was swirling widely around Titan’s castle, and the lightning and thunder rattling the skies more violently than ever combined with Titan’s evil laugher. “The time has come. The day has arrived! I shall be free from this cursed prison by the stroke of midnight!”

The minions were all very happy for their master, and couldn’t wait for the party to begin, by which they would tear Unicornicopia and Starfleet to shreds, and they couldn’t had asked for a better chance on a finer day considering what was happening on the planet now…!

…

Everyone was very busy in Unicornicopia, for today was a very special, very important day; the Grand Ruler would be making his annual inspection of the planet, to make sure everything was safe and well, and checking up on Starfleet making sure the force was properly doing their jobs. This year however, there was an added bonus…!

A new five-star hotel had just been completed in Rainbow City, and was being dedicated to his majesty as a kindly gesture. It was called “The Golden Grand Hotel” his majesty was especially invited to cut the ribbon and declare it open. The managers were so thrilled at this, but even more thrilled to have received a letter from his majesty saying that he was already so delighted at the gesture, that he agreed to spend the night there for the grand opening.

It was very seldom the Grand Ruler ever stayed overnight outside of his royal palace. When word of this reached the citizens, they all decided to get together and thrown a grand gala to celebrate and honor his majesty’s visit.

The entire city was bustling about to prepare for his majesty’s arrival as well as the inspection. Lightning and his friends were helping out to prepare the hotel for the gala that night.

Cookie Dough was busy preparing the biggest feast he had ever cooked, possibly enough to feed the entire planet, but he still found time to prepare small lunches for everyone during their breaks from work. “This is going to be the greatest feast I’ve ever made.” he kept saying to himself.

Artie, Buddy Rose, and Rhymey were in charge helping to decorate the town. Streamers and balloons; Buddy Rose even aligned them with some of his finest white and red roses. “…Beautiful!” he remarked.

“Those flowers are beautiful and bright,
I wonder how they’ll look by moonlight.” said Rhymey.

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll find out tonight.” said Artie “In the meantime, let’s keep working.”

Lightning assigned Krysta and Starla with the best task, entertainment for the big party that night, and the girls wasted no time in hiring Abra Kadabra to be one of the main performers, and watched him perform. They approved of his acts entirely, and Abra felt very please and excited.  “This will be my greatest performance.” Abra said with pride.

The Spanish twins, Dyno and Myte were tasked with another one of the best jobs-- the fireworks display. “Bueno!” cried Dyno “This is going to be so wonderful, Si.” added Myte. Being explosive experts they knew how to make the most amazing fireworks that would ever be seen. They even ran a few small rehearsals for testing with just their smallest ones. Of course, during the day the fireworks seemed a little dull, but everyone cheered for joy, and couldn’t wait for the big show later at night when the fireworks would really be incredible.

Starla and Krysta were also tasked with helping to decorate the hotel lobby for the party. Lightning really loved how everything was going. “As Professor Brain would probably say,” he imitated Brain’s voice “Satisfactory; most satisfactory.”

“This is going to be such an amazing party.” Krysta giggled with excitement. Starla fluttered over to the large record-player, “And what’s a party without a little music?” She started a record and played a disco theme song. Everyone got into the beat and worked to the music, even Lightning. He really hoped his teacher would love the festivities they were all making for him, so did everyone else.

Things were going very smoothly, until Inquerius entered the hotel to see how things were progressing “What is all this?” she shouted, but no one seemed to hear her over the loud music and being so preoccupied with their work. Inquerius stopped the record-player, causing everyone to eye her. “Did you not hear me? What is all of this? Are you not aware that the Grand Ruler is coming?”

Everyone looked confused, and Lightning approached her. “Of course we know. That’s why we’re preparing this celebration party in honor of his visit.” Inquerius had the look of a strict school teacher on her face at that remark. “Surely you don’t expect that all this is what his majesty will enjoy?” she asked “Have you put no thought into your planning?”

Lightning was more confused than ever as he gazed back at all the things he and his friends had done. “What’s wrong with it?”

Through her complicated way of speaking through questions, Inquerius explained that the Grand Ruler was a very proud and respected creature, the legendary Tri-Horned Alicorn, the ruler and founder of all of Unicornicopia, and the commander-in-chief of Starfleet-- the very same one who saved everyone from Titan’s evil wrath centuries ago, and Lightning’s guardian and mentor.

To Inquerius, she believed that such a well-respected royal creature such as the Grand Ruler would never approve of such frivolous trivialities, and that gala ought to have been more suitable. Through her questions, she implied that there was not to be any loud dancing music, the place should have been decorated with fancy things like chandeliers and statues, and in entertainment-wise, they should amuse themselves with serious conversation instead of childish games and clownish shows and magic tricks.

“I say!” growled Abra “I strongly object to my talents being viewed as childish!”

Lightning also disagreed with Inquerius’ judgment, so did everyone else. They tried to reason with her, but Inquerius insisted they change things up a bit. Seeing no other way to reason with her, everyone quickly changed up things and by nightfall everything was all fixed to Inquerius’ tastes; musicians would be playing classical music, and there would be no rock, jazz, pop, or other things like that. The dining area was neatly prepared, and the tables were all decorated and set promptly, and everyone was all neatly dressed up in formal attire, special tuxedo like outfits, but with official doublets, insignias, service medals, and they still wore transformation insignias in case of danger. Lightning and his friends even wore their dress suits, while Starla wore an elegant pink gown, and long white gloves. Both she and Krysta also wore their hairstyles in proper tight buns, also insisted by Inquerius. “There, now do you agree that things are much better?” she asked.

No one dared respond, but they all annoying rolled their eyes. Some even sighed softly.

Suddenly, one of the ponies dashed through the door and yelled out with excitement “He’s coming! His majesty is nearly here!”

Everyone’s features immediately gleamed with excitement and they were about to dash out like a stampede of rhinos, but Inquerius cleared her throat and glared at them all severely while tapping her foot telling them to act properly! So they all quietly and calmly crowded outside.

Soon the sky was glistening with a mystical light as a golden path seemed to reach down from above arching all the way towards the end of a red carpet that had been rolled out. The royal guards came soaring along the path way and landing on the edging like a fence path, and another set of ponies appeared and sounded the royal fanfare on their trumpets, and the Captain of the guards, whom was female announced loudly and proudly, “Presenting his royal majesty, the ruler of all Unicornicopia and commander-in-chief of Starfleet, The Grand Ruler!”

A small magical comet of light came soaring across from the pathway and in in a bright flash, Grand Ruler stood proudly, with his cape fluttering, and his mane shimmering like the stars while his golden horns gleamed in the moonlight. “Hail Unicornicopia!” he greeted everyone, and everyone cheered for joy. Some of the mares couldn’t help but gaze at him.

“Oh, he is so handsome.”

“And so manly too”

Grand Ruler then gazed at a familiar face, “Ah, Lightning Dawn, my student.”

Lightning got down on one knee, bowing graciously to his mentor. “We are most honored to have you here tonight, master.”

Grand Ruler nodded and announced to everyone that he was most grateful to be there as well. “My inspection is completed, and I am happy to deem the result Satisfactory; most satisfactory.” Everyone applauded, and the Grand Ruler continued with his speech of how proud he was of the planet, Starfleet, and all his subjects. “It is times like this and many others that I am pleased to be your ruler. Though we suffer through difficult time against the evils that threatens our world, it is great thing to see you all continuing to hold your heads high, and under the protection of Starfleet. You are my subjects, but more importantly you are my friends, my family, my brethren, and I only wish for your safety, your happiness and wellbeing. Together, there will be nothing that can shatter our mighty spirit.”

The crowds cheered loudly, and then came the magic moment when his majesty declared the hotel officially open and cut the big ribbon, and the celebration began as everyone headed back inside. The guards brought his majesty’s luggage to his special suite on the top floor.

Lightning his friends and Inquerius were still outside. “Are you happy now, Inquerius?” Lightning asked annoyingly. Inquerius simply smiled and asked. “Is it not apparent that I am? Perhaps his majesty is already complimenting on such a wonderful and righteous display we have set for him?” That’s when the booming sound of that loud disco music was heard. “Gee, that doesn’t sound like it to me.” said Krysta. Inquerius looked very angry, “I thought I had said no loud music?” She could only imagine the Grand Ruler livid at this outrage, but when they all headed inside, Inquerius was about to apologize to the Grand Ruler only be shocked at what she saw; his majesty was actually dancing to the music with several of the others, and enjoying it too!

“Would you look at him go.” Said Buddy Rose as they all watched him step, skid and twirl majestically to the beat. They all decided to run in and join him, even throwing off some of their clothes, and Starla pulled a string on her dress making it shorter so she could dance. Soon they are all dancing to the groove and beat together, but Inquerius felt so confused, “Am I seeing…? What is…?” then in a blinding rage she stopped the music again shouting “WILL YOU ALL STOP WITH THIS NONSENSE?!”

Everyone, even his majesty was very annoyed and surprised at her attitude. “Really, Inquerius…” he said as he walked over to her “Is this any way to behave when there is a guest here?” he restarted the music much to Inquerius’ shock. “Oh, relax, come and join the party. Have some fun.” and he went back to dancing with everyone else.

Inquerius was at a loss for words. “How can his majesty be actually enjoying this?” she wondered.

More dancing followed, and then it was time for Abra’s magic show. He was really magnificent with all his tricks, and when he needed a volunteer to help him with another trick, he asked that the Grand Ruler be, and his majesty accepted. Abra put him in a box, and supposedly slashed him with swords that he stuck into the box, only to find the box was empty, and when Abra resealed the box and opened it again, majesty was just fine. Abra received thunderous applause and bowed to everyone.

After the show, Inquerius felt disgusted and apologized to the Grand Ruler “Your highness, will you forgive us for the appalling act that Abra just forced you to do?”

Abra felt annoyed. “Begging your pardon, I did not force his majesty to do anything. I asked him politely.” Grand Ruler nodded in agreement, “… and I was only too delighted.” Inquerius was speechless! She never knew the Grand Ruler to be like this before and always had assumed he was all about posh and seriousness, but everyone else seemed to enjoy his happy and playful attitude, delighted to see that he was neither conceited nor completely devoid of joy and pleasurable times.

Of course there were moments when there would just be plain chitchats and discussions and things. Lightning and his friends were listening to a story of how once his majesty let an attack against a force of angry dragons on the planet Infernos, and also what Unicornicopia was like in olden days, but mostly they enjoyed hearing tales about Lightning’s training, and how one of their most favorite of all pastimes was literature, and dancing.

This brought on an old memory of how one time they combined literature into a dance number. Lightning was given a set of tongue-twisters and poems to recite to improve his speech, but his most favorite was a very special one that both he and his master truly favored. “Shall we?” he asked, and Lightning nodded excitedly. Grand Ruler stood, cleared his throat and recited the poem.

“Moses supposes his toeses are roses,
but Moses supposes erroneously,”
Moses he knowses his toeses aren't roses,
As Moses supposes his toeses to be!”

All the friends felt that was pretty catchy.

“It feels kind of snappy
And my feet feel tappy.” said Rhymey.

“I feel it too.” said Starla.

Buddy Rose tapped his foot gently in rhythm, Artie tapped along adding to the beat. Dyno and Myte began to snap their fingers. Soon they all had a cool rhythm going which captured the attention of everyone else, including Inqueruis. “What is happening now?” she asked.

Lightning and his majesty nodded at one another decided to show her what was going on. The others continued to tap and snap in rhythm and Grand Ruler removed his cape, set it down on a chair, and recited the poem again to the rhythm.

(Skip to 1:10)



“Moses supposes his toeses are roses,
but Moses supposes erroneously.”

Lightning jumped in,

“But…Moses he knowses his toeses aren't roses,
As Moses supposes his toeses to be!”

Then, the musicians began to play their instruments to the right tune as the whole thing became a song and dance number.

Then, in the midst of the song, the two hopped up on one of the strong tables and began tap dancing to the music. Spotlights shone directly on them. Lightning then had a short solo tap, and then his master had a turn, and one by one Lightning’s friends all jumped in, being expert dancers themselves form their years of training, and soon all of them were dancing, taping, twirling, and the crowds just loved it.

At the end of the dance, the gang did a few more steps and few more twirls and all came together and shouted out “…AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"”

The crowds cheered and applauded with joy, and Inquerius couldn’t help but applaud as well.

Later on, his majesty was standing outside on the terrace of the hotel catching a breath of air and having some quiet time. He was gazing at all the city lights in the town and admired his kingdom. It all looked so beautiful under the night sky.

Lightning peeked from behind the entrance way, believing his master hadn’t seen him. “Lightning, I know you’re there.” chuckled Grand Ruler “Come keep me company.” Lightning walked to over to his teacher’s side. “I came up to tell you that dinner’s about to be served.” he said. “Ah, splendid; after all the excitement tonight I’m rather famished.”

“Me too.” said Lightning, and then he asked his master “What were you thinking just now?”

“Oh, about how much things have changed over the centuries. Unicornicopia has come a long way since I founded it, but I remember it like it was yesterday; Rainbow City wasn’t here, our technologies weren’t quite as advanced, and neither were our powers. It was also much quieter and peaceful before evil forces began to attack us and Starfleet was formed to combat them.”

Lightning had only studied about Unicornicopia’s younger ages and was never able to imagine living in such times. “Do you ever miss those peaceful times?” he asked.

“Oh, a little…” his mentor replied “But then again, I am pleased to see how far things have come. Actually Lightning, what I miss most is free time, having fun, enjoying life to the fullest. Centuries ago before I became the Grand Ruler I always had such wonderful times with my future subjects. I would teach them all things, we’d all play games, and we’d do other activities like swim, go for a fly, go on picnics, but my most favorite pastime was singing dancing.”

He went on to say that after he was crowned and dubbed as the ruler he became very busy, and now it was only once in a very great while he could kick back, relax or enjoy life and have fun like most did. Being the Grand Ruler was a big responsibility, and making sure the planet was well run, and Starfleet was functioning properly, and that all his subjects got along well was a big job. Some nights he wouldn’t even get to go to bed, or stop to have lunch or a snack when he felt starved. “Nothing is more important to me than the safety, happiness and well-being of my subjects, Lightning, as well as the safety and protection of our world and the worlds beyond.”

Lightning felt deeply touched by his speech. “Sometimes I wonder if I was the Grand Ruler, and I can’t fall asleep for a long time.”

His mentor gazed down at him knowing Lightning was only trying to be funny. “Tell me Lightning, what would you do if you had the chance.”

(Skip to 0:45)




Soft music began to play as Lightning gazed out at the night sky. “If I were in charge, why…” and he began to sing while voicing his ideas

Grand Ruler chuckled “Sounds like you’d be drunk with power.”

“Oh, I’d be a little ruthless.” Lightning joked. Then his majesty sang his own verse in the song

“Still, that wouldn’t really happen. I could never be some big leader.” Lightning said.

“Oh, I don’t know. I’d vote for you.” said his teacher.

“You would?”

“Certainly”

“Well, why don’t we both rule together?”

“Why don’t we?”

They both continued to sing the words, taking turns, and then finishing together. As the music of the song ended Lightning gazed up at hi master again and asked “Do you think I could ever be a great leader someday?” His mentor placed his hand over his shoulder and gazed at him proudly “All you have to know is this, Lightning; a true ruler is not made by how strong, how rich or good-looking he may be, but by those who choose to follow him. Remember that.”

Lightning smiled, and suddenly it was announced that dinner was about to be served in the lobby. Teacher and student headed down together, and the feast began.

…

Outside, Titan’s minions stayed hidden in the shadows so not to be caught by the guards or by the searchlights. Rep-Stallion smelled the delightful aromas of the food of the feast and felt his mouth drooling.  “Can’t we go now? I just have to get at that food.”

“Stay here!” snapped Dementia. Mysterious agreed, “Our orders were to wait for Lord Titan’s signal. We wait until the fireworks go off, and then the real party begins.”

…

Cookie Dough’s feast was spectacular. The food was so wonderful; nobody could stop eating, even if they already consumed their fill. “Superb!” Grand Ruler sighed heavenly “My most humble compliments to you, Cookie Dough.”

Cookie Dough felt a little shy. “Your majesty is too kind. If you wish I could come and work for you in the royal palace.”

His majesty wouldn’t hear of it “I could never deprive you from the joy and magnificence you give to the citizens down here, just as everyone has their own place and their own job to do. That is really something to be flattered about, and I only wish to thank you all for such a magnificent night. I can’t remember the last time I had such fun.” He lifted his glass of ice-water, and everyone else toasted with him.

Then, Inquerius stood up and cleared her throat capturing everyone’s attention. “Will you all permit me to extend an apology?” she asked. “Will you all forgive me for the way I had behaved tonight, especially towards you, your majesty?”

Grand Ruler nodded his head and said “Of course. At least now you have learned as well, Inquerius, though I may be royalty, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have a little fun and enjoyment.”

“You deserve it sire.” said Starla “You already do so much for us all. You raise the sun and the moon.”

“You help keep the weather nice and balances of nature.” added Buddy Rose.

“You’re the commander of all of Starfleet,
And helped us all so we can’t be beat.” said Rhymey.

“Why are we just talking about this?” asked Dyno. “Si, why don’t we sing about it?” added Myte. Grand Ruler agreed and signals the musicians to start playing a tune. Lightning stood first and began singing






…

The Grand Ruler just smiled and leapt high out of his seat, clear over the table and landing on the dance floor, and he began to sing and dance and everyone else sang with him.

…





…

As he danced about, he invited everyone to come and join him as the musical continued...

…



…

As the song and dancing continued, Dyno and Myte added some extra excitement by starting their fireworks show. The pretty colors and lights of the flares really made this the best party anyone had ever been to. However, the fireworks also alerted Titan’s minions. “There’s signal.” hissed Mysterious “…Let’s go!” and they slunk off while everyone inside was too distracted by the musical

By the song’s end, everyone was doing tricks, dancing, singing, confetti and balloons-- everything looked just like a great big show performance, and Grand Ruler was in the center up front with Lightning and Krysta, and the other Starfleet members, with all the other ponies around them.



Right then, at the end of the song, all the lights, even the fires in the many fireplaces went out; making the room pitch black. Many of the ponies panicked, and struggled to get the lights lit again. The emergency lights kicked in, but the windows shattered as Titan’s minions leapt in, and began to cause havoc. They tipped over the tables, wrecked the displays, and even used some of the candles to set things on fire.

Lightning and his friends, joined by other Starfleet fighters and the Grand Ruler’s guards leapt into action to stave off the minions and put out the fires, but before all the chaos got any worse, the huge doors at the entrance of the hotel burst wide open as strong winds blew extinguishing all the flames. Lightning and thunder shook the skies, and he appeared “Titan!” Lightning cried.

A horrific silence fell in the lobby. Nobody made a single sound or could even blink their eyes. This was no puppet. This was the real thing! The original! The single most dreaded villain the entire Space alicorn race, and possible the entire dimensional universe had ever known!

Grand Ruler felt his anger spiking. “I was afraid of this.” he muttered under his breath “All of you prepare yourself. This isn’t going to be smooth.”

Titan could only stand there laughing and cackling deeply and wickedly.

To Be Continued…

(Promo)

In our next episode, Titan reveals his history and how he came to be, which leads to an incredible brawl that could very well decide the fate of the planet and the entire dimensional universe, but facing against the real Titan and not one of his inferior puppets proves to be a very difficult struggle.

What will the outcome of the battle lead to? Who will triumph over whom?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “A Night to Remember Part 2”)