Author's Notes:

Sorry about how late this is. Blame Persona 5.

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Chapter 5

“It's down there,” the fisherman said to the police officer, leading him to where he kept the body that they found.

“Thank you,” the officer said, “Just leave the rest to me.”

“Good. I don't want to be anywhere near that thing again,” the fisherman said, rubbing the back of his neck, “That thing gave me the creeps.”

As he left, the officer opened the storage area and walked inside. This was his least favorite part of the job but he had to identify this body. It might have been a lead to a closed case or something.

When he got down though, he was surprised by what he saw. He didn't see a body, or at least a dead body. Instead, he saw a woman sitting down. She was wearing a dark green body suit and high heeled boots, had luscious blue hair, and what appeared to be a sword thrust into the floor in front of her and resting her hands on the hilt. She sat with her legs spread out and looking down, making her look almost masculine and powerful, despite how full figured and attractive she was.

“So… this is what the knights of this time look like…” the woman said, her voice worn from disuse, yet still full of power.

“Ma'am, is everything okay?” the officer asked, “I was sent here to check on a body.”

“You're this world's defender, yet I sense no actual power from you,” the woman continued, “Have the people become lax… in my absence…?”

“Ma'am?” the officer asked, curious as to whether or not she was even aware of his presence. She sounded like she was a little crazy.

“It's time for me to resume my reign,” the woman said, slowly rising to her feet, “Your life will do just fine for now.”

She walked over to the officer, still not looking up at him. Said officer was getting scared and drew his gun.

“Stay back!” he shouted, pulling the trigger on impulse. Using what looked like unnatural speed though, the woman moved her hand to the side and caught the bullet in between her index and middle fingers.

“Such a simple yet boorish weapon,” the woman continued, “No skill is needed to wield such power. Let me show you… what true power looks like…!”

The woman grabbed the man and thrust her sword into his chest. While he gasped in pain, the woman gasped in what appeared to be ecstasy.

“Yes… oh yes…!” she moaned, “Your life… was the perfect appetizer…” she looked into the officer's eyes and caressed his cheek almost lovingly, her eyes blue and slit like, almost like a dragon's eyes, “Thank you, my beloved.”

She let the officer fall to the floor lifeless, and then sheathed her blade. She then climbed the ladder, leaving the harbor. It was going to be a long while still, but she would soon have enough energy so she could revive Goldar and claim the Crystal Heart for herself and her master, Discord.

There was no way Celestia's Rangers would be ready by then.

Fluttershy had to admit, while she hated what these powers did to her body, they certainly made getting home really easy and convenient. She could now leap high enough to reach roofs of some houses, so she just ran and jumped on the roofs all the way home.

It was dark when she got in. She hoped that everyone had gone to sleep. Sadly though, she saw the lights were still on when she reached her house. She sighed and walked in.

“Is that you, Fluttershy dear?” her mother asked from the kitchen.

“Yes Mother, it's me. Sorry for coming in so late,” Fluttershy said, removing her shoes by the door.

“I'm just happy to see you come in for once, sweetie,” her mother, Posey, said, “Come into the kitchen so I can lay eyes on my little girl.”

Fluttershy groaned, but she did as she was told. Despite being a shameless hippie, her mother was really a sweet person, and probably one of the only people besides her father and brother who didn't trigger her “issue”. Even knowing that she was adopted, Fluttershy loved this woman more than anything.

When she stepped inside, she saw her mother washing the dishes. She turned to Fluttershy and smiled warmly.

“You're really blossoming, dear,” Posey said. Fluttershy wanted so badly to tell her mother why she suddenly looked like Aphrodite, but she wouldn't have understood.

Me and four other girls found a secret magical chamber under the Everfree Castle. I'm pretty sure I'm a superhero now.

“T-thanks…” Fluttershy said, looking away from her mother and rubbing her arm.

“Your teacher came to give you Monday's assignments,” Posey said, “I left them in your room.”

“I'll do them later,” Fluttershy said turning to leave, “I just want to rest.”

“Fluttershy, do you think… maybe you could try going back to school?” Posey asked, almost pleadingly. Fluttershy thought about going back, but the thought of being around so many people made her heard shoot out of her chest.

“I… can't…” Fluttershy said, trembling as her fears consumed her mind, “Especially after my growth spurt… They'll all be looking at me… and… I… I…!” tears built up in her eyes. Shoot, she didn't want to cry. Just as her tears began to fall, she felt her mother embrace her from behind.

“It's alright, sweetie,” Posey said softly, “I'm sorry that I asked. I didn't mean to upset you.”

“I'm sorry…!” Fluttershy cried, closing her eyes tightly, “I know I'm being pathetic…! But it's getting worse and worse…! Ever since Dash disappeared… I-”

“I know, she was your best friend,” Posey said holding her daughter's hand tightly, “But she wouldn't want you to avoid people forever, Fluttershy. One day, you'll find someone else who will be your friend.”

“No I won't,” Fluttershy fussed, “They'll just leave me too, just like Dash did. I'm not going through that again. I'm not. I'm not!”

“Shh… shh… it's fine, honey,” Posey said, trying her hardest to calm her devastated and broken child, “Why don't you go into your room and rest. I'll bring dinner to you so you can eat by yourself if you want.”

“Thank you Mother,” Fluttershy said, quickly running into her room and shutting the door. Now alone, she dropped to her knees and held her head, sobbing loudly as her fears hit a boiling point. She was pathetic, and terribly weak. Afraid of being touched and people in general, she sadly lived a life of perpetual fear.

Fear that was becoming stronger now, faced with the possibility of having to fight.

But what if Applejack was right? What if she could become stronger by doing this? If she did though, she'd have to be around those other girls a lot. She didn't want to be around anyone except for the people who lived in her small world: her mother, her father, and sometimes her brother. Yet even with this, her fears weren't going away.

“Dashie… help me…!” Fluttershy begged, praying that her beloved friend was still out there and would somehow hear her, “Please…! HELP ME!!!!”

Downstairs, Posey heard the helpless cries and pleas of her daughter. She was essentially a prisoner in her own mind and body. Therapy didn't do anything to help, and she refused to get her daughter drugged up when she knew that she wasn't sick. Medicine wouldn't help Fluttershy with this issue. She didn't know what would have helped, but she knew that medicine wasn't it.

“What am I going to do?” Posey asked herself.

Pinkie Pie and her older sister sat together in silence eating the simple dinner that Maud had made. It wasn't much, but it was enough. Maud worked so hard trying to look out for her and Pinkie Pie, and she was a fantastic cook.

But for some reason, Pinkie Pie wasn't too hungry today.

“Is everything okay?” Maud asked from across the table, snapping Pinkie Pie out of her daze.

“Oh, yeah Maud. Why?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“You've barely touched your food,” Maud asked. While she sounded monotone and disinterested, Pinkie Pie could tell that Maud was seriously worried about her.

“Maud, I need your advice,” Pinkie Pie said, “Let's say, hypothetically, you were given the opportunity to do something that you always fantasized about for real, but that thing scared you to no end. However, if you didn't do this thing, something really bad was going to happen. What would you do?”

“This thing that I'd have to do, do I have a say in it? Is it my decision, or am I forced into it?” Maud asked.

“I… guess it's your decision,” Pinkie Pie said slowly, “I mean, you sort of got a little involved already, and that much can't be undone, but you could easily say no concerning this next part. The main part, I guess.”

“This is something that I fantasized about doing, so I probably want to do this deep down, it's just scary that it's happening in real life. Is that right?”

“Yep yep,” Pinkie Pie sighed, “Pretty much.”

“I'd take some time to figure out why I fantasized about it in the first place, and then decide,” Maud said, surprising Pinkie Pie a bit.

“You'd… use the fantasy?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Fantasies come when there's something that we really want,” Maud explained, “Even if this thing is scary, you clearly wanted it in the first place, or else it wouldn't have been a fantasy. On top of that, something bad is going to happen if you don't do this thing. So it stands to reason that you should probably do the thing, but first you need to figure out why you wanted to do the thing in the first place.”

That made sense actually. She had always dreamed of being a hero, and this was her chance to actually become one. Deep down, she was excited about this opportunity, but it still scared her a bit. She never thought it would actually happen.

“Thanks Maud,” Pinkie Pie said smiling brightly, “You're the best big sister in the world.”

“Well, you're the best little sister in the world,” Maud said, giving Pinkie Pie a small, yet still genuinely loving smile. The two of them returned to dinner, this time with Pinkie Pie fully enjoying the meal that her big sister made.

Any time she got to spend with her sister was time well spent.

It was nighttime, and Applejack couldn't quite get to sleep. Was she making the right decision here? Was she sure that she wanted to do this? No, it wasn't a matter of whether or not she wanted to. She had to do this. If she didn't, who would?

“Still up too, huh?”

Applejack turned to her window with a start, seeing Rarity of all people sitting on her window.

“How in the world did ya get in here?” Applejack asked.

“One, you keep your window open, and two, we're kind of super powered amazon warriors now.” Rarity explained.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Applejack chuckled to herself, “So, what brings ya around these parts?”

Rarity walked over to Applejack and crawled onto the bed over Applejack, looking at her intently.

“Did you really mean that stuff back there?” Rarity asked, “About you wanting to do this whole Power Ranger thing?”

“Yeah, I meant that,” Applejack said, “I've tried talkin’ myself outta it, but it always comes back the same. If I don't do this, Luna's gonna destroy the Earth. What about you? Made a decision yet?”

Rarity shook her head, “It's not that I don't want to help. It's just, how can I help? What do I have to offer besides my looks?”

Applejack frowned, “You… really don't think that, do ya? That all ya got to offer anyone is your looks? Cause you got so much more to offer. Your smart, mature, reasonable, reliable…”

“And apparently a good kisser, right?” Rarity asked, leaning in super close to Applejack.

“Well… yeah, you were definitely a great kisser.” Applejack admitted, blushing madly at the moment.

“So, how badly do you want me to do it again?” Rarity asked, “Don't try to hide it. I know how much you look at me. How much you want me.”

“Rarity, I don't-” Rarity placed a finger on Applejack's lips.

“I never make the first move, but for you, I might make an exception. But first, I need to know,” Rarity leaned in close to Applejack's ear, “Are you attracted to me?”

God this girl was forward. One minute they were talking about possibly being Power Rangers, and the next she was outright flirting with Applejack. Still, she had to admit that Rarity was super hot.

“I guess you could say I'm attracted to ya,” Applejack admitted. Rarity smirked and then planted another kiss right on Applejack's lips. This one had no tongue, and yet it was still far more romantic than the kiss from Applejack's first day.

“See? Now was that so hard?” Rarity asked tauntingly before rising up and walking over to the window again, “Hope to see you tomorrow, Applejack.”

With that, Rarity leaned out of the window jumping down. Knowing that she was okay, Applejack lied down and covered her eye with her arm.

“Tomorrow's gonna be interesting, alright,” Applejack said, almost dreading the thought of gathering everyone. Still, she was the one who had to rally the team.

She had to see this through, no matter what.

As it was night, she could more easily stay in the shadows. She didn't care if anyone of this time saw her or not, but for the time being she needed to stay hidden. That way she could contact her master in peace.

She hid underneath a bridge and closed her eyes, reaching out to where she prayed her master still resided.

Luna… you still live…

“Yes, my lord,” Luna said, “How long have I been asleep?”

Over 60 million years… it is currently the year 2017 on the current calendar of that world…

“My sister? Does she live?” Luna asked folding her arms.

Barely…

Her body has faded to oblivion, but her soul clings to existence, using the Morphing Grid to sustain her life…

Luna hissed angrily, “She probably plans on continuing where we left off,” she reached into the top of her body suit and pulled out her green Power Coin, “Have the Power Coins bonded to new Rangers?”

Yes, but they are mere children…

They will not pose a threat…

“Then tell me where they are so I can kill them now,” Luna requested.

Nay Luna, we have more important issues to attend to…

Goldar must be revived… but we need gold in order to do so…

“But Celestia's Rangers could pose a problem if they're not dealt with. Please my lord, allow me to kill them before they learn how to use their powers.”

There will be time for that soon, my child of darkness…

Until then… gather gold into your sword…

Use that to revive Goldar, and search for the Crystal Heart…

“Yes… my lord…” Luna seethed. Once she was sure that her master was not listening to her, she screamed in rage and kicked a nearby trash can. Five new Rangers were now on the rise, and she was sent to revive Goldar?! She wanted blood! She wanted lives! She wanted to kill the Rangers!

“Well then… if I can't kill the Power Rangers…” Luna said holding her face with one hand with a manic look on her face, “I'll just have to settle for someone else. One Ranger equals 100 normal humans. That means in order to make up for this…” she laughed to herself, “I have to kill 500 humans…!”

She looked over to the side and saw a homeless man sitting nearby looking right at her. Luna smiled licking her lips before walking over to him.

“W-what are you going to do…?!” he asked trembling.

“What does it look like?” Luna asked drawing her sword, “I'm feeding my blade.”

Under the bridge was a bloodcurdling scream followed by the sound of something being sliced in half. A few seconds later, Luna stepped out from under the bridge, blood dripping from her sword.

“One down…” she raised the blade and licked the blood with a look of ecstasy on her face, “499 to go…!”

The next day, Applejack woke up early to take care of her chores so she'd be free to head out and make it by noon. She'd have asked Macintosh to borrow his truck, but she was definitely not making it back by seven today, and she didn't want anyone to notice that her ankle brace no longer worked.

Her new powers made doing work around the farm less of a hassle. She was able to even keep up with Macintosh, who at the moment kept looking at her as she was throwing blocks of hay into the stable.

“You... been workin’ out?” Macintosh asked Applejack, who was currently wearing a short red shirt and tight jean shorts along with her usual boots. These were the kinds of clothes she wore when working outside as they were cool and made it easy to breathe.

Though they probably looked hotter on her now, with her new curvy figure. Macintosh did notice that too.

“A bit, why?” Applejack asked, picking up a block with ease and throwing it inside.

“It's jus’ … I'm not used to seein ya work so hard,” Macintosh said.

“I'm goin’ out today to see my friends,” Applejack said dismissively, “I need to start getting ready soon, so that's why I'm workin so hard.”

She bent over to pick up the last one, completely unaware of Macintosh's shocked expression when he briefly looked at her butt.

“Jus'… be careful, alright?” Macintosh said, looking away and blushing, “Also, do you have to dress so provocatively while workin’ out here?”

“Considerin’ how hot it is out here, yes,” Applejack said throwing the last block before turning to Macintosh resting her hands on her hips, “Were you checkin me’ out?”

“Ack! No!” Macintosh said looking indignant, “But I bet you wanted me to, with how much you were pushin’ your butt in my face!”

“Oh my God, you were checkin’ me out!” Applejack fussed looking indignant herself, “I don't know about you, but I ain't that kind of farm girl!”

“You think I'm into that sort of thing?! The last thing I wanna think 'bout is my sister in a sexual manner!”

“Then do us both a favor and jus' don't look!” Applejack said walking off, “Cause I ain't changin’ how I do things!”

As she walked off, she took off her hat to fan herself with it, knowing full well that she probably was giving her older brother the most confused boner ever. Not that she cared though. Thanks to the Power Coin, she'd have to deal with this from now on.

She had just enough time to take a shower. While she was in the bathroom, she took a chance and took off her towel to examine her body. She didn't want to admit it, but she could see why she drove her brother crazy.

“I'm gonna have to apologize to Macintosh later, aren't I?” Applejack asked herself, holding her arm over her breasts to cover them in her reflection. She wasn't going to be able to dodge this for long. Her brother was smart, and observant. Maybe she should have considered wearing baggier clothes from now on.

It turned out that Sweet Apple Acres was close to the Everfree Forest, so after putting on her regular clothes, Applejack was able to walk there and still make it in time. When she arrived in the castle, she saw Twilight sitting on the floor in front of the throne by herself hugging her knees.

“I had a feelin’ I'd see you here at least,” Applejack said smiling. She sat down next to Twilight, worried when she saw the somber look on her face, “Hey, ya alright?”

“Applejack, do you think I'd be a good Power Ranger?” Twilight asked.

“Well… yeah actually,” Applejack said leaning back, “I think all of us could be good Rangers in time.”

“No, you don't get it,” Twilight said hugging her knees tightly, “I'm not good at socializing with people, I don't know how to fight, and I'm the weird kid. What if I screw up somewhere, or let you down? What if I let Miss Celestia down?”

“Twilight, jus' you bein’ here is enough,” Applejack said leaning into Twilight, “It means you're willin’ to at least try. I'm jus' happy that I won't have to do this alone.”

“You're my friend, Applejack,” Twilight said looking at Applejack, “Even though I'm scared, I want to do this just because I know I'll be helping you.”

That worried Applejack a bit, knowing that the only reason she was here was so she could support Applejack. Still, she was touched to know that Twilight cared so much about her. Seriously, why didn't this girl have more friends?

They heard someone else walk into the room, and turned to see Fluttershy of all people coming in.

“You actually showed up?” Applejack asked, eyes wide. Fluttershy folded her arms and turned away.

“I'm not here for you or Celestia, okay? I'm here for myself.” Fluttershy said.

“Don't try to hide it,” Pinkie Pie said, walking in from another side of the room, “You like us, Fluttershy.”

“You came too?” Twilight asked Pinkie Pie.

“I thought about what Applejack was saying, and yeah. I do want to be a hero,” Pinkie Pie admitted, “This is my chance to actually be like a hero in my favorite anime characters.”

“Because that's smart,” Fluttershy said rolling her eyes, “You do know this is real life, right?”

“Says the girl who's obsessed with witchcraft.” Applejack said rolling her eyes.

“Wicca is real, comics aren't,” Fluttershy stated, turning her nose to the air, “Look, it's twelve now, so are we going in?”

“But we're not all here yet,” Twilight said, “What about Rarity?”

“She's probably the only sane person out of us,” Fluttershy said, “She's not coming, so let's just go without her.”

Applejack was a little disappointed as the realization hit her. Just as she was about to give up though, she looked through the door and saw Rarity saunter in.

“Sorry I'm late everyone,” Rarity said, “It took a bit longer for me to get here.”

“No, you’re right on time,” Applejack said, both of them smiling at each other. Applejack then turned to the staircase as Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy all gathered behind her, “Alright ladies, let's become Power Rangers.”

The five of them walked down the stairs to face their new destinies. No turning back now.