Smith

In the warehouse, standing on the platform above everyone was a man with black hair cut short, wearing a full body armor.

The group looked between the newcomer and NightHawk in confusion. “NightHawk, do you know him?” Sam asked.

NightHawk didn’t reply. She didn’t even look at the group. All of her cams were focused on the
newcomer standing on the platform above them. Ferb raised an eyebrow, looking between the car and the stranger. Taking a few steps back, he managed to get a glance towards the screen in the dashboard.

The frantic scrolling of available weaponry in the screen somehow told him that that person was bad news.

“Thanks for lighting this place up.” Rainbow Dash started. “But who are you?”

The newcomer didn’t reply. Instead, he took a step towards the ledge of the platform and fell.

Everyone gasped as he started falling. Rainbow Dash was about to dash towards the newcomer, when he suddenly slowed down in midair and landed, as if he was in an elevator. A cold shiver went through the group as he stood there quietly, although there was no breeze.

“Interesting.” The man spoke. “Here I thought everyone knew me, yet there are still some who are not quite knowledgeable.” His eyes ran through everybody and everypony, only stopping when he spotted the car. “I see you’ve been quite busy making some friends, NightHawk.”

The group changed confused looks. Sam stepped forward. “I think a question was made towards you.”

The armored man ignored her. “I wonder if you managed to find your previous owner.” He kept talking towards the car. “Or have you found a new one between this group?”

NightHawk has been silent all the time. “I only have one owner.” She replied coldly. “And I also know what politeness is, Smith.”

“And I see you still have good manners.” The man, now known as Smith replied. “I almost thought a virus had gotten your speech.”

“I’ve been through a lot lately. A Virus is the least of my problems.” Everyone could feel the tension and hostility between the man and the car. “Now I believe one of my friends made a question. Care to answer?”

Smith looked surprised. “They did?” he looked towards the whole group, who flinched. His eyes were darker than coal, and some felt a shudder down their spine. “Wasn’t paying too much attention to them. But if they are your friends, NightHawk, they should know about me. You didn’t tell them who I am?”

NightHawk kept silent, earning a few glances. Unknown to Smith, she was preparing for battle. She just needed an opening. Her search on the screen finally ended. “I could have erased you from my memory, if I wanted.” She spoke up, displeased. “But having to get info about you all over again would take a lot of time. Not to mention that your name is absolute taboo, after what you did to Mike. So go ahead. Introduce yourself. I know you love to gloat.”

Smith squinted his eyes, not amused. “Very well.” He turned towards the group. “I am-”

He never finished his sentence.

Several missiles zipped through the small space, hitting Smith head on. Everyone just stood slack-jawed, as every projectile was fired and hit the target head on, resulting on several explosions and a curtain of smoke. When all eyes turned to the car, their jaws almost fell to the floor.

NightHawks’ painting had changed. Besides the usual black, now it had a firebird covered in flames drawn on the hood. Flame patterns covered the roof and sides, and the drawing of a hawk over a crescent moon was stamped on both doors. Behind the doors, smaller compartments were open to release the shower of missiles.

“Put the sleeping blonde in the trunk.” She spoke up hastily, retracting the missile launchers for reloading and opening her trunk. “We have little time.”

“What the heck was that?!” Tucker cried out. “You suddenly blew him up!”

“No time for explaining, we must get out of here.”

“But-”

“Priorities first! Right now mine is to take you out of here and towards a safe place! Now put the blonde in the trunk!” NightHawk snapped.

Tucker jumped at the sudden outburst. He was about to turn, but stopped. “Um-”

“NOW!!!!!”

Tucker ran to help Ferb, who was already pulling the sleeping blonde towards her.

“NightHawk, what’s going on?” Rarity spoke up worried, as Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were providing help towards Ferb and Tucker. “Why did you suddenly attack that person?”

“Yeah. I would also like to know what’s between you and him.” Sam added.

“Why are you worried about us for being here?” Wanda asked from inside her.

“Why are you scared?”

Everyone stopped to look at Fluttershy. She shrunk from the stares. “Sorry.” She spoke meekly. “I didn’t mean, um, to be rude and-”

“You’re right, Fluttershy.” NightHawk admitted. “I’m scared of Smith. Scared of what he might do to you all if I don’t take you to safety.” Her voice was pained. “Scared… of being destroyed.”

Everyone changed looks. NightHawk destroyed? Some of them saw her taking great beatings and she could take them without having a scratch or dent. For her to fear that man… who was he?

“Is he that dangerous?” Applejack asked, as Ferb finally fit the blonde inside the trunk and was proceeding to close it with Pinkie.

“He’s worse than dangerous.” NightHawk replied, as she felt the trunk being closed.

“All done!” Pinkie Pie announced, as Ferb gave a thumbs up.

“Good.” NightHawks’ roof opened, adjusting itself to stand on top of the trunk. “Now everyone get inside!”

Tucker brightened up at the call. He was eager to sit on- “Ferb’s on the wheel.”

Well, at least- “Sam’s on shotgun. The rest in the backseat.”

“Aaw, come on!” He moaned. “It’s gonna be cramped on the back!”

“Excuse me?!” Rarity spoke up, indignant. “Are you saying that I’m fat?!”

“No, but-”

“Less arguing, more sitting!” NightHawk cut in. “Cosmo, Wanda and Poof, turn into something to fit inside without problems.” the fairies turned into decorations to the rearview mirror (a pair of pink and green dice and a purple pine tree). “Pinkie, you can fit practically anywhere, adjust yourself with Ferb.”

“Won’t the steering wheel be a problem?” Sam asked, just to see the steering wheel fold and retract into the dashboard. “Oh.”

“I’ll be the one driving.” NightHawk replied as Pinkie jumped towards Ferbs’ lap, curling herself into a ball.

“Sam, you’ll have to hold Rainbow Dash. Her body is more of the athletic type to fit in the front with you.” Sam was about to speak. “No arguing!” she closed her mouth, as Rainbow protested.

“Why must I sit with everyone?” the blue Pegasus asked, hovering over everyone. “I can fly!”

“I agree with her!” Tucker spoke up, his lower half under the weight of a frowning Rarity.

“Because-” NightHawks’ voice trailed off when the smokescreen started to subside. “No…” she breathed out in horror, as the sight of a huge chunk of ice stood between them and Smith.

“Not a very smart move from your part.” Smith spoke.

***

“And that’s the last thing I remember from Mikes’ visit. Until today.”

Back at the graveyard, Caleb, Danny, Timmy, Phineas and Twilight were gathered near a row of tombstones, getting to know each other. After a better introduction (shock and surprise went through their faces when they heard what Caleb was) everyone decided to tell a little about themselves and the World they came from, together with the time they’ve met Mike and what he did during his visit with them.

The whole group listened to the whole story, absorbing every word with interest. Danny, Phineas and Timmy already told theirs, allowing him to be in last. Timmy for some reason, shot him thoughtful glances during his story.

“That’s quite the interesting story.” The taller redhead finally spoke.

“I’ll say.” Danny added. “I mean, I know what Mike is capable of, but to the point of using such an ability to try to save all of you at the cost of his life…”

“Haven’t you been listening to my side of the story?” Phineas interrupted. “He can literally enter Heaven and Hell.”

“Considering he could explore the laws of the fairies, I’m not surprised.” Timmy muttered.

“Truly the makings of a Hero.” Caleb commented. “But for what I can deduce through your stories, Mike visited Phineas and Timmy for matchmaking, Danny to help in a fight towards his dark, future self and Twilight to be on vacation.”

“In which later became to save us and help us defeat Queen Chrysalis.” Twilight finished, glancing at Mike.

Mike was calmly sitting on top of a tombstone in the row, meditating. Although he kept his eyes closed and his hair slowly undulating, his attention on them didn’t falter. In everyone’s stories, each time one gave a brief pause to think about their version, Mike would pitch in to help them and keep the story right.

“Can’t deny it.” Phineas replied, sheepishly. “If Mike weren’t there, I would probably find out about my girlfriend having a crush on me when I turned eighteen.

“Or might have lost her, permanently.” Mike muttered inaudibly.

Timmy chuckled. “At least you got the one who loves you since childhood. I needed two dates with Mikes’ help to find out who the best girl for me was.”

“The troubles I went through to prepare everything.” Mike muttered, a hint of irritation on his voice.

“Sorry for asking, but why do you look at me thoughtful?” Caleb asked, noticing another glance from the brunet.

“Because somehow, you remember me of a butler from the restaurant I went on my second date.” Timmy replied.

Caleb smiled. “Well, I’m sure that’s-” his eyes caught Mikes’ hair, which seemed to twitch slightly during its current pattern. “-impossible… Mike?” the tone of his voice changed.

“I’ll neither confirm nor deny it.” was Mikes’ answer. “All I can say is that helping Timmy was more complicated than I expected.”

“I have a few seconds missing from one of my logs.” Caleb noted.

“And I don’t have the right amount of sanity to explain right now.” Mike opened an eye, looking at Caleb. “And it’s your turn to tell your story.”

Caleb opened his mouth to insist on an explanation, but that sentence cut him short. He frowned. “You know that you’re just avoiding the subject.”

“Then ask me when you get back to your own World.” Mike closed his eye to resume the meditation.

Caleb stared at him for a few seconds, before sighing. “Fine. But I expect a full explanation.” He turned towards the group, who was staring at him. “My story is a little longer than everyone.” He started. “But in order to explain why I know all of you, I need to go back a little more.”

“How old is he?” Twilight muttered to Mike.

“Older than the Princesses.” Mike muttered back. “Maybe even more.”

***

The entire group stared, wide eyed. “Did that guy just threw an iceberg towards us?!” Tucker exclaimed.

A few seconds after the smokescreen, everyone saw Smith standing behind a thick chunk of ice about twice his size in height and width. Some parts were damaged, revealing the places where most of NightHawks’ missiles hit. Smith himself didn’t reveal to be hit by any.

With a twist of his wrist, the chunk suddenly enlarged, turning into an iceberg. Then with a flick, it flew towards NightHawk and the group at the speed of a charging train.

Everyone cried in panic, as the screen lit up.

Overclock initiated._

The core shone brightly, as NightHawks’ schematic appeared on the screen, instantly changing the view towards the chassis. The tires and suspensions blinked.

Back wheel direction unlocked_
Lateral movement enabled_
Four-wheeled traction enabled_

As the iceberg was about to hit everyone, the tires turned sideways and NightHawk hit the gas.

Rainbow Dash instinctively flew upwards to avoid the iceberg, looking down just in time to see the car and everyone in it moving sideways. NightHawk only stopped when they were completely out of the icebergs’ trajectory, having only a slight graze through her rearview mirror. The iceberg only stopped when it hit the wall behind them, piercing the steel wall. The loud sound made the group cover their ears.

“Why yes, yes he did.” Ferb replied, turning his attention away from the iceberg now stuck into the wall, towards the armored man.

“How?” NightHawk started. “How do you have that power?!” she finally yelled, scaring everyone.

Smith smirked. “Oh? What do you mean?” he took a step forward. Gatling guns came out of NightHawks’ hood. “This was always my power by right. Your so called ‘owner’ stole it from me.” He raised his arms, fire emanating from his right hand and sparks emanating from his left. “I just took it back.” His smirk became a grin. “All thanks to you.”

“Um, what is he talking about?” Applejack asked, concern in her voice.

“Is he saying that Mike is a thief?” Rarity asked in disbelief.

“And what does he mean it was thanks to NightHawk?” Sam added in confusion.

NightHawk wasn’t paying attention to them. Her attention was fully focused on Smiths’ hands. “How many have you got?” she asked, trying to disguise the shaking in her voice.

His grin widened. “All of them.” He purred.

Her screen called everyones’ attention, as her core shone strongly.

Overclock initiated_
C4 missiles selected_
Wild Volley_
Driller rounds selected_
Gatling Frenzy_

The Gatling guns started spinning, as the previous compartments for the missiles came into view. The next thing everyone saw was Smith raising his arms before several missiles and bullets were fired towards him nonstop. The bullet shells falling to the ground and the missiles zipping through everyone towards the target took a full ten seconds before stopping, and the screen revealing low ammo on the selected ammunition. “Please tell me I got at least one clean shot.” NightHawk pleaded, her cams focused on the second smokescreen created by the explosions.

“Considering the quantity of ammunition fired…” Ferb started, leaning towards the window to look at the shell covered floor.

“…it would be a miracle if he ever managed to avoid or defend them all without any injury.” Tucker finished, watching the gatling guns retracting under the hood.

“And it would be nice to warn us before repeating a stunt like that.” Rarity complained, rubbing her ears. “I thought I was going to become deaf with the noise those things were making.” A few ponies agreed with her.

“But putting that aside, what was he talking about?” Applejack asked. “Mike stole that power from him?”

“Stole schmole, that guy is a self gloating bastard.” NightHawk retorted, earning a few surprised glances.

“What is that?” Wanda asked, pointing towards the smokescreen.

All eyes turned to see where the Fairy was pointing. In the middle of the smokescreen, a light could be seen. Then, without warning, a huge fireball flew towards them.

“Hold on!” NightHawk yelled. The engine roared as the tires screeched on the steel floor. Everyone held as NightHawk suddenly started going backwards, transferring all defense towards her front. The fireball hit her right in the hood, with enough force to make the car rear the back. Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity almost were catapulted, hadn’t Tucker got them by their tails just on time. Unfortunately, they all landed on top of him.

“You okay back there, Tucker?” Sam asked as the car stopped.

“I’m starting to think on going vegan.” Tucker moaned under everypony as they apologized and moved away. “NightHawk, why didn’t you dodge?” he asked as he put his beret back on.

“Homing fireball.” NightHawk replied grimly. “I could avoid it, but taking it head on was my best choice.” The screen lit up, making a quick scan for damages.

Damage report:_
Hood damage: 75%_
Engine damage: 2%_
Internal damage: 4%
Windshield damage: 20%_

WARNING:
Nano-armor offline_
Hood repairs unavailable due to high temperature_
Removal of hood advisable_

“Scrap.” NightHawk muttered. She didn’t want to forfeit a part of her armor. But an increase of damage coming from the hood due to the heat forced her to reconsider.

A hydraulic sound was heard, before the hood jumped off from NightHawk. Everyone looked at the hood, noticing it was still glowing from the heat. “Why did you do that?” Sam asked, surprised.

Her answer came when the hood started to melt, earning several gasps.

“Wait a second.” Applejack spoke, looking at the core. “If my memory doesn’t fail, ya took the fire breath of a dragon back in Equestria.”

“It’s true.” Pinkie confirmed, still in her ball form.

“But ya can’t take a fireball like that?”

“My armor was forged through this fire.” NightHawk replied. “In other words, the power he possesses right now can easily destroy me.”

Everyone changed panicked looks, as a strong wind cleared the smoke away, catching their attention towards Smith.

“If you want to play rough, I’ll gladly comply.” Smith sneered, raising his right arm.

Everyones’ eyes widened, as a giant fireball materialized on Smiths’ hand. It kept enlarging till the heat was strong enough to melt its surroundings.

“Now, yo-oof!” his sentence was cut short, when a rainbow streak collided against his chest, surprising everybody and sending Smith sprawling a few feet. The giant fireball disappeared with the collision.

“Why don’t you pick someone your own size?” Rainbow Dash yelled, landing between Smith and the group, wings flared.

“Rainbow Dash, get in here now!” NightHawk yelled.

“Don’t worry, I can handle him!” Rainbow yelled back, keeping her eyes on the armored man.

Smith slowly got up, eyeing the blue Pegasus. “Oh, can you?” he asked teasingly, his left leg emanating a soft, yellow glow.

Rainbow crouched a little. “With that thick armor, I doubt you can keep up with my speed.” She spoke, taking off.

Smith kept his eyes on the rainbow streak that flew above him, moving in wide circles. He got himself up, his eyes never leaving the target.

“How about a taste of my Sonic Rainboom?” Rainbow yelled, twisting in midair after gathering enough speed and charging towards Smith. The sound barrier broke the instant she charged, leaving a rainbow aura behind, and Rainbow flew faster than a bullet.

“Wind Wall.” Smith spoke impassively.

Rainbow couldn’t see it. And with the speed she was going, couldn’t even avoid it, as a strong wind blew towards her from Smith, hitting her with enough force to stop her completely.

“Please. If that’s your best skill, if it’s only to show off then I’m not impressed.” Smith spoke, lifting his left arm. “Allow me to show you something impressing and deadly.”

A bow made of ice materialized on his left hand. Reaching the string with his right hand, sparks could be seen from it, until he touched and pulled the string. An arrow of lightning materialized on the bow.

“Oh no.” NightHawk muttered, her engine starting.

Smith pointed the arrow towards Rainbow, then changed and pointed upwards. “Lightning Shower.” he spoke, releasing the string.

“Rainbow, don’t stand there gawking! RUN!” NightHawk yelled.

Rainbow looked at the car. “Huh? Why? He didn’t even-” she looked up. “Oh Celestia.” She muttered in horror.

The single arrow that was shot upwards was now coming down. Hundreds of them. Rainbow didn’t lose time in avoiding them, as NightHawk closed her roof, protecting the rest of the group. However, due to having the engine unprotected, she was also maneuvering to avoid some of the falling arrows.

“Rainbow Dash, don’t let these arrows hit you, no matter what!” NightHawk yelled, drifting through them.

“Easier said than done!” Rainbow yelled, barely dodging the downpour as she flew through the shower. “How could that single arrow produce so many?!”

“It’s his new abilities.” NightHawk replied, as a few arrows hit her roof, sending a jolting discharge through the body. “Gah!”

“You okay?” Applejack asked.

“Just a sudden charge.” NightHawk replied. “Luckily, this element can charge me, although the side-effect is a little power surge on my systems.”

Rainbow Dash kept avoiding the arrows, when a thought struck her. “Wait a second. Pegasus have a high resistance towards lightning!” she stopped dodging. “As if a few small arrows would-”

She never finished her sentence.

A dozen arrows came into contact towards her wings and mane, and the next thing Rainbow felt was the full discharge of being hit by a giant lightning bolt. She fell to the ground, her body numb of the electricity still running on her body.

“What were you saying about ‘having a high resistance towards lightning’?” Smith asked with a grin, as he calmly walked towards the blue pegasus. “These arrows can put any beast to its knees if a few dozen hit. And it doesn’t matter if it tries to escape, since it can paralyze from the discharge.” He kneeled near Rainbow, lifting her head. “Somehow, I think I like you. And I always wanted a pet that could amuse me.” Rainbow glared at him, her body still numb. “I’m going to give you two choices: you submit to me and become my little pet, and I’ll spare your friends and keep them to be your company, or” he turns her head to look at the car, where everyone is yelling inside “you resist me, and all your friends will suffer the same fate that’ll happen to NightHawk.”

Rainbow Dash looked at her friends from inside NightHawk. They all listened to Smiths’ proposition and were looking at her, worried.



Inside of the car, NightHawk was analyzing the situation. Of all times for Rainbow to have a test of Loyalty. It was up to her decision. Several simulations were running on the screen, trying to find a way to save her and everyone. Only one simulation came out safe, with 74%. And she didn’t like the results of it.

But for that simulation to work, Rainbow Dash had to refuse. So she waited, engine working and accessing some old programs.

“Sam.” NightHawk called.

Sam glanced at the screen. “Yes?”

NightHawk didn’t talk. Instead, she displayed a message on the screen: ‘GET READY’.

Sam raised an eyebrow. “Ready for what?”



Rainbow was still looking at NightHawk, her brain racing through the choices Smith gave her. If she accepted to be her pet, he would spare everyone. But if she refused, they would all meet their doom.

Should she take his proposition and save her friends? But what about everyone else? And what would he do with everypony if he kept them safe? And what would happen to NightHawk?

And all that thinking was starting to make her head hurt.

The sound of the cars’ engine was heard, calling her attention. Why was everyone looking at her? The engine was heard again. NightHawk seemed to accelerate, but she didn’t move from the same spot. Another acceleration. She was waiting. They were waiting. Waiting for her choice. Waiting for a moment to get her. She glanced at Smith and noticed he was looking intently at the car, also waiting for it to move, waiting for the smallest mistake. Smith was waiting for NightHawk, and NightHawk was waiting for her. Everything depended on her choice.

Rainbow moved her legs a little. She could feel them again. The numbness was gone, meaning she could move freely. If NightHawk needed an opening to go, she was gonna give it.

“So?” Smith started, eyes still fixed on the car. “What’s your choice?”

Rainbow glared at him. “In my World, I rather stick with my friends to the very end instead of changing sides and leaving them permanently.” Rainbow started. “And that turned me into the bearer of the Element of Loyalty.”

Smith shot her a quick glance. “So are you rejecting my offer?”

Rainbow Dash could feel the hand that held her head tighten. “You attacked my friends.” The grip was starting to get painful. NightHawks’ acceleration became constant. “And I rather be free than someones’ pet.” Rainbow clenched her teeth to hold the pain. “Considering the choices,” It was now or never. “I’ll take my chances with NightHawk!!”

A foreleg suddenly extended from below her, hitting Smith right in the chin. Caught by surprise, Smith let go of the grip and Rainbow took the chance to turn around and kick him hard in the face with both her hinder hooves. A howl of pain was heard, as Rainbows’ wings flared and thrust her towards NightHawk, which had already got in gear and was accelerating towards the Pegasus.

“Fire Arrow!”

An arrow made of flames hit Rainbows’ right wing, burning all of her feathers. Rainbow screamed in pain, falling down and tumbling, as tears filled her eyes. Her head turned towards Smith, who was now holding a spear of lightning ready to throw, his eyes blazing with rage.

“Disappear! Lightning Lance!” he yelled, throwing the spear.

Rainbow Dash tried to get up, trying to avoid the spear, but couldn’t. She lost one of her wings, and her legs suddenly paralyzed. Her eyes were set on the oncoming spear, ready to pierce through her. And if a few small arrows managed to numb her, a spear like that would probably…

Everything in the next moments moved in slow-motion. The screeching sound of the tires made Rainbow turn her head, to see NightHawk pulling a drift right besides her, making a half-donut and stopping between her and the spear, as the door to her side opened and Sam stretched her arms to grab her and pulling inside. When the door closed, time resumed and the door to the drivers’ seat took the spear directly, the strength of the impact sending the car sliding thirty feet sideways.

As the discharge passing through the car started to disappear, NightHawk finally spoke. “I’m soooo~ going to need an overhaul after this.” She complained. The damage report showed that the left door had critical damage and the nano-armor on it had been short-circuited. Aside from that, her energy reserves had hit 500% of capacity due to the discharge.

Meanwhile, the entire group was looking at Rainbow Dash. She was hugging Sam tightly, her eyes still wide from shock, the feathers on her right wing burned, and trembling nonstop. Everypony was trying to calm her down, but the shock of a near death experience left her paralyzed and speechless.

Although she wanted to inspect the blue Pegasus, NightHawk didn’t stand in the same place for too long. Smiths’ yell of rage was more than a motivator to keep her moving. “Can someone or somepony point me an exit?” she asked, drifting and maneuvering through lightning, wind, ice and fire, firing missiles and shooting to avoid a direct hit while taking several, but none critical.

“The only entrance I noticed was the same one that armored madman came out of.” Tucker replied, looking through the back window just to see the crazy weather.

“What kind of warehouse only has a small entrance and nothing more?” Wanda asked, a face appearing on the pink dice.

NightHawk observed the state of the warehouse. The ground, the walls, the ceiling, everything was taking a severe beating of the Elements, yet besides the huge chunk of ice still sticking to the wall and the small ice shards, everything else that hit didn’t seem to faze it. Even her missiles that were shot towards Smith covered a certain part of the floor in soot and nothing more, being the driller bullets the only thing that seemed to pierce the opposing wall.

“A training room.” NightHawk answered, avoiding a fireball. “My first scan revealed to be some kind of warehouse, but I was wrong, this is a training room!”

“And is that bad?” Cosmo asked, a face appearing over the green dice.

“Training rooms are made to withstand almost everything.” NightHawk explained. “In this case, this room can take the equivalent of a Nuke!”

“There must be a way out!” Sam yelled, an ice shard hitting the window on her side, cracking it. The crack repaired almost instantly.

“I’m open to suggestions!” NightHawk declared.

The group looked around, trying to find an opening to escape and discussing how to do it, with several ups and downs. Ferb looked at the giant iceberg sticking out of the wall when they passed it for the fifth time.

Pinkie seemed to read his mind. “Can’t we use the passage that iceberg made?”

NightHawk hit the brakes, stopping almost instantly. Several fireballs and ice shards passed right in front of her.

Inside, all eyes turned towards Pinkie and Ferb, who was holding her. “She has a point, you know.” Ferb spoke up. “That iceberg might very well hold our ticket to get out of here.”

“And shouldn’t we be moving?” Pinkie added.

All eyes flew to the core, as it shone brightly. “Oh scrap!”

NightHawk moved backwards, avoiding by millimeters a giant fireball. Unlocking the back wheels, she spun around and sped up.

“That’s probably a good idea.” Applejack spoke up. “But how are we gonna take that huge chunk of ice outta the wall?”

“I don’t know shrinking spells work, so don’t ask me.” Rarity announced.

“And bucking it while being targeted is really dangerous. And scary!” Fluttershy added.

“So any suggestions on how to take it out?” Tucker asked.

“We blow it up.” NightHawk replied.

All eyes moved towards the screen. Everyone flinched at the damage NightHawk had already received while they were discussing a way out. “Do you still have any missiles left?” Sam asked.

“Unfortunately, that ice doesn’t break that easily.” NightHawk replied. “And my arsenal is getting low, so we’ll have to improvise in the icebergs’ removal.”

“How?” Wanda asked, as Poofs’ face appeared on the pine tree.

“Can you grant me a wish?” NightHawk asked, and that question made everyone look towards the hanging decorations.

The disguised fairies changed looks. “I don’t know. The rules say-”

“The rules say that you can only grant wishes from your godchild. And I know that there was a time in which you granted wishes from a comic book character.” NightHawk started.

“But Timmy wished for that.” Cosmo spoke up.

“True. But is there a rule that forbids you to grant wishes from someone else when involved in something dangerous?” NightHawk asked.

Cosmo and Wanda changed glances. With a wave of their wand, a large purple book materialized in front of them. “Well…” Wanda started, searching for the right rule. “Normally, we would just poof away from danger…” everyones’ eyes widened. “And the rules are very specific about the wish granting…”

“Oh, for the love of-” an ice shard ripped off her left rearview mirror “Okay, here’s the deal: You two are going to ignore that stupid rulebook while we’re here.”

“But the rules-” Wanda started.

NightHawk snapped. “SCREW THE RULES!!!!” everyone jumped, startled at the sudden rise of her voice volume. “YOU’RE ALREADY BREAKING THEM BY EXPOSING YOURSELVES TO EVERYBODY IN HERE!! AND JORGEN HASN’T COME TO TAKE YOU, NOR THE RULEBOOK!!! YOU ARE NOT IN YOUR WORLD, SO FOR NOW IGNORE THEM!!!!!!!!”

Cosmo, Wanda and Poof hugged each other, scared at the sudden outburst, but they had to admit NightHawk had a point: they were not in their World, and Jorgen hadn’t sent a recall to them. Considering the situation, and since they’re exposed, then to heck with Da Rules. “Okay then.” Wanda conceded. “But only urgent wishes, no selfish ones.”

“Deal.” NightHawk spoke, lowering her voice.

“Then what’s your wish?” Cosmo asked NightHawk.

Before she could answer, everyone started giving suggestions, telling her to shrink the iceberg, to move it away, to melt it, etc.

“ENOUGH.” NightHawks’ voice echoed inside the car, making everyone flinch. “I wish for the inside of the iceberg to be full of liquid nitroglycerin. Leave at least a layer of two inches thick holding everything inside.”

Everyone gawked at her wish. The fairy family changed confused glances and shrugged, raising their wands and rattler.

The entire group looked towards the iceberg, noticing that its inside had changed from the snow white to a dark green.

“You know, you could have just wished us out of here.” Wanda suggested. “What was the reason of such a strange wish?”

The screen changed, revealing the energy levels NightHawk has. “I take the risk of overload and frying myself if I keep my energy levels this high.” She replied as the screen showed the energy batteries on a 900% charge. “And if the iceberg didn’t pierce till the exterior, the blast this will cause surely will. Besides, I can’t use this weapon for long periods of time due to its energy consumption.”

All eyes were now on the screen.

Energy Drill initiated_
Requirements for operation met_
Blaster mode selected_
Minimum Energy for use: 300%_
Selected Energy for use: 800%_
Rerouting energy_

The energy NightHawk received from Smiths’ lightning attacks was now disappearing, all of it being redirected towards the front of the car. Smith noticed the strange glow originating from the front bumper during his attacks.

Energy rerouted_
Initiating Drill materialization_

All the energy standing in front of NightHawk started to take shape. Little by little, a large drill formed in front of her, starting to spin faster and faster. Everyone watched in awe, as the drill finished the materialization and the spinning sound was heard clearly.

Smith smirked. “Running out of ammo, NightHawk?” he yelled. “Finally losing it to the point of charging towards me with a drill? Or are you thinking of drilling your way out of here?” he threw a few more fireballs. “This room is completely made of reinforced titanium, it’s near to impossible escape!”

NightHawk avoided the fireballs. “Then I’m glad that you just gave me that possibility!” she yelled back, positioning herself between Smith and the iceberg.

Drill materialization complete_
Blaster enabled_
Ready to use_

NightHawk pulled all the brakes. “All-or-nothing! Piercing Drill Blaster!” she yelled.

A laser beam shot out from the drill, hitting the iceberg with enough force to make NightHawk slide back from the recoil. Everyone looked at the hit, waiting for the explosion, but nothing happened. Tucker looked back, noticing that Smith was looking at the iceberg in confusion, then at them with a smile. “NightHawk, you better hurry!” he spoke up, as Smith started preparing a fireball.

Tucker didn’t have to tell her. NightHawk knew. It was a risky bet, but if it worked, they would be free soon enough. This attack had two steps: the first was the lockdown made by the laser, but it would take at least ten seconds to lock onto target. She was completely vulnerable during that time; the second step was firing the drill. Once the drill detached her completely, she could resume avoiding Smith until the drill finished its job. But it seemed Smith wasn’t going to allow her to finish the lockdown without melting something else.

“That fireball is not getting any friendlier!” Tucker yelled, as everyone was now looking behind. The fireball was almost the same size as the car, and it was starting to turn red.

“NightHawk, hurry up!” Sam yelled.

The laser changed, as the drill started spinning even faster. The lockdown was complete. “Hold on!” NightHawk yelled.

Smith threw the fireball at the same time the drill detached from the car. NightHawk only moved in the only direction she could to avoid losing any more parts: up.

Liftoff thrusters online_
Full power_

Under the chassis, four thrusters fired off, one near each tire, making the car suddenly liftoff. The fireball passed right under them, everybody feeling the heat right under the chassis.

“Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch hot hot hot hot!” NightHawk muttered, as the damage report added a few more damages from the heat and rough landing. However, the result from what she planned was showing.

The drill instantly hit the iceberg right in the middle, cracking it and letting its contents spill out. However the ongoing fireball wasn’t quite part of the plan.

The tires turned sideways, and NightHawk sped out of the way of the blast, leaving Smith a clear view of what the car just did. His eyes widened when the smell of the spilling contents reached his nose.

“Oh shi-” was all he managed to say before the fireball hit the drill and the heat reached the nitro.

NightHawk sped to the farthest corner, sliding and stopping with the right side turned towards the blast. She instantly focused all of her defense on the right, ordering everyone to protect their eyes. “Fire in the hole!” she announced.

The brightness of the blast turned the whole room white, as the sound made every wall vibrate. NightHawk made sure to darken the windows and putting the noise dampeners to the max, but even so the echoes just made the blast even louder and the brightness didn’t reduce even a little. The windows vibrated slightly, but were still holding out, however, the worse was still to come.

After the blast came the heat. A sea of flames covered the entire room, reaching every corner, nook and cranny with a terrible heat. NightHawks’ defenses were on max, but she could feel the inner temperature rising. To make matters worse, the damage report popped up on the screen.

Warning: Engine overheating_
Warning: Battery overheating_
Warning: Nano-armor overheating_

Overheating warnings were popping up nonstop. NightHawk had to get out of there fast, otherwise she would shut down for cool down. And in that place it was out of the question.

She turned towards the newly created exit and sped up. There was no sign of Smith, which made her a little relieved.

“Wow~. This reminds me of our summer vacation in the Sahara desert.” Cosmos’ voice was heard. He was shaking a fan to keep himself cool, although with little result since the dice was dripping with sweat. Wanda was using a fan.

“I’ll say.” Wanda agreed. “Do you think that blast took care of him?” she asked as everyone was starting to break a sweat.

“I’m not going to stand here and find out.” NightHawk replied, turning on her thrusters to get through the blazing tunnel. “I’m starting to overheat. The sooner we’re out of here, the sooner I can cool down and the sooner I can cool down, the sooner we can look for everyone.”

Everyone looked at the tunnel. “I see a light!” Sam spoke. Ferb nodded.

“Then we’re out of here!” NightHawk yelled, taking off at full speed through the tunnel and towards the exit. Everyone cheered as they approached the light.

Ferb raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t the exit a little small?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.” NightHawk replied firing two missiles. Both hit the target, opening the exit. “FREEDOM!!!!!” everyone cheered as they finally saw the sky.

Only to notice they were near the top of a seventy-five floor skyscraper.

“OH COME ON!” NightHawk yelled. “CAN THIS GET ANY WORSE?!” the thrusters shutdown due to overheat. Everyone paled as NightHawk started to nose-dive. “IT WAS A RHETORICAL QUESTIOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!”

Everyone screamed.