“You’ll be staying here.” The emperor explained. “Normally I’d arrange for something at an inn, but with the Rebirth knowing of your presence, your lives would be in danger if you stayed someplace outside the palace. Wandering the palace unsupervised will not be permitted. Your escorts will be shown to their quarters next.” Twilight and Rainbow Dash entered the room and looked around. Lamps stood on mahogany desks on either side of the large bed that featured covers with a canopy overtop of it. The matching red carpet went over the smooth floor and stopped at the door, and on the left side was a large window overlooking Talongrad’s many plateaus that made up the massive griffon capitol. Eagerly, the two ponies trotted over and looked outside, staring down at the many lights of the city below.
“Dinner will be ready in about an hour, word will be sent once it is time for you to come down.” The emperor explained, turning to leave and closing the door behind him.
“So…” Twilight said.
“Yeah…” Rainbow answered. Both mares felt speechless by the whole ordeal. “Twi… this guy’s different. He’s not like Gilda or Big Shot, is he?”
“No, Rainbow… he’s really not. He seems to want you to come after him. What he wants is bigger then anything they had. You’re just… somepony in his way. But it’s evident he wants you here so he can make an example of you. After all, destroy the one who saved Cloudsdale and Equestria… and even a mirror world of it… who would think to oppose him?” The unicorn replied.
“Not making me feel better, Twi.” Rainbow said, letting out a snort as she looked out the window. “For all we know, he’s right here in this city now, laying low till he’s ready to lead me to him.” She glared, her reflection in the window mirroring her and it satisfied the pegasus to see the look of determination on her face. “And when that happens, he’s gonna be sorry.”
~
The dinner table was as large as could be expected; Rainbow Dash and Twilight, along with their pegasus guards had been given a wide selection of vegetarian choices, though the servents began bringing out several roasted beef ribs and poultry to suit the griffons’ carnivore diets. Rainbow did little to hide her disgust, especially when she got a good smell of the gravy.
“How can griffons eat that stuff. It smells horri—“ Twilight clapped her hoof over her friend’s mouth and the pegasus groaned a little. The unicorn admittedly did not find the smell of cooked meat all that appetizing either, though the griffons who were already seated looked like they would ravage the table any second now.
“I apologize for the lateness.” The emperor said, entering with two guard escorts and sitting himself down at the center of the table while the two guards stood at either side of him. He’d removed some of the armor he had worn when they first met him. Soon after, Prince Loken arrived, taking his seat next to his father.
“I trust she’s on her way?” The emperor asked. The prince nodded.
“Not much longer, father. We have forces carefully monitoring airship movement into Talongrad now.”
“Ehhh?” Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh yes, my sister Nessa. She was on a trip in Neighsia. However, we’ve ordered her return as to insure she, too, can be carefully watched.” The prince explained. “If the Phoenix were to make a move and take her hostage, he’d have quite a bit of leverage, and father would rather have his family close by.”
“Tomorrow, we’ll have to deal with the Parliament. As Celestia’s… envoys… I certainly hope you’re prepared for that.” The emperor said, looking at the two ponies.
“Of course, Highness.” Twilight answered. “So, your daughter, what’s she like?”
“Spirited.” Loken answered with an amused eyeroll. “But that’s griffon lineage for you. She’s still refined enough not to embarrass the royal family. She won the draw on next in line so there’s a bit of work on that yet to be done.” He added with a laugh.
“Lucky her.” Rainbow said. “Imagine all the fans she must have.”
“I dunno, I don’t think I can handle that kind of responsibility or attention on me, personally.” Twilight said. Having known Celestia most of her life, the Princess had told her how much weight ruling a nation could put on one’s shoulders. Subjects tripping over themselves attempting to maintain formalities and having to do the same in return, always being ready to handle tough calls to insure the best outcome… thoughts of Celestia’s most painful choice a millennia ago came to mind… and then always having to maintain a strong and respectful image due to representing that nation. Those weren’t things she could say she envied her for, most just saw the greener grass of the other side and assumed it was all about getting one’s way and being waited on and adored. Celestia’s more… eccentric moments seemed to just be opportunities to loosen up, which thankfully Equestria was a nation at peace that allowed for such. She could only imagine how much harder it was to rule this place, especially with a dangerous organization attempting to instigate extreme forms of civil unrest.
“Please, Twi. You’re like a total egghead know-it-all. I’m sure it’s nothing you can’t handle.” Her friend said with a laugh.
“But hey, this Parliament thing? I say bring it on!” Rainbow said, earning a few stares from the others at the table, though the emperor and son exchanged an amused smirk and turned their attention on their own meals.
“Most of them will be no problem. Swiftwing may be more trouble. He’s in favor of a show of force against the terrorists.” Loken explained.
“I like him already!” Rainbow said with a smile.
“It’s more complicated then that. He’s proposed a crackdown on Talongrad and neighboring cities to weed out the Phoenix’s forces. That level of power can be… harsh on the citizens.” Loken explained. “Easy for the Rebirth to exploit, King Taurus of the minotaurs a millennia ago performed similar actions, and never relinquished the new power he gained once the threat had ended. The Rebirth can easily paint us and Parliament as a tyranny necessary to topple down and gain further support. Some sort of compromise is needed. It’s part of what my father was hoping for with Mare Do Well, who can surely put some ease on them and make that compromise easier to propose.”
“Makes sense.” Twilight said, recalling some history she read on the Minotaur Kingdom. Though not a malevolent nation in ages they were known to take a very no-nonsense, forceful approach on any conflict that came their way.
“Either way, we just hope you… and your ‘friend’ will be ready. It’s essential she make an appearance.” The emperor explained. “In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your dinner, and turn in after.”
~
The Parliament building sat on a plateau adjacent to the one holding the palace. It was a tall stone building held with columns of stone with metalwork along the sides for support, with the empire’s image on it and a statue of some griffon neither Twilight nor Rainbow were familiar with. As Prince Loken led them through the entrance, Rainbow glanced about at the griffons who worked there; many of them giving her unnerving stares, likely due to that she was wearing the full Mare Do Well costume and had shown up seconds before Twilight and the others had. Giving them a smirk under the mask, Rainbow felt a bit of satisfaction as she trotted onward. Let any of them try and start something with the pony that had become a known superhero back home.
Entering a pair of double-doors they were greeted by five griffons seated at a half-moon table. All of them looked older, perhaps middle-aged. Two were griffonesses the other three male. The one at the center cocked his head and stared down at the costumed pegasus, sizing her up and looking, much to Rainbow’s annoyance, mildly amused.
“So I take it this is the famed Mysterious Mare Do Well?” He asked, his tone smooth yet carrying a level of arrogance.
“Say hi to Councilor Corvis Swiftwing, Mare Do Well.” Prince Loken said with an eyeroll he intended only the pegasus to see.
“Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash…” Swiftwing said, looking at the unicorn and a pegasus guard disguised with a glamour spell Twilight had used. As far as they were concerned, no one outside of those necessary needed to know who was under the mask, so having the occasional double was not optional, and part of the reason Celestia had assigned only pegasus guards, other then that wings made getting around the griffon civilization easier.
“That’d be me.” Mare Do Well said in a bold tone. “Believe me, I’ve done more then enough to—“ Twilight held out a hoof in front of her in a silencing gesture.
“It’s an honor to be here, Councilor.” Twilight said. “On behalf of Equestria I assure you Mare Do Well will not let you down.”
“That’ll remain to be seen, won’t it?” Swiftwing replied in a prim tone. “Your… resume does you credit, but I’d prefer to get a live demonstration. Prince Loken’s informants have intercepted a planned strike by the Rebirth that will be happening tonight. I think I speak for everyone here when I say we’ll be expecting it to be snuffed out at once. If not, then we lose track of them and their numbers could spread out and we will have no choice but to initiate a crackdown on the city to more effectively weed them out.”
“We can’t do that, your honor!” Loken answered firmly. “This is what the Phoenix wants! If we take an extreme action like that, he can use it against us.”
“Exactly.” Mare Do Well said, coming closer. “I’m willing to take part in, or better yet lead this strike and we’ll be able to track down the Phoenix or someone who can lead us to him! Give me the time and place, and I’ll be there.”
"I'm inclined to agree with them." A middle-aged griffoness seated next to Swiftwing said, looking over at them. "Perhaps Mare Do Well is the best choice. Equestria has been threatened as well, to my understanding the Princess Celestia was drugged. Swift retribution from ponykind will make the impact against the Rebirth all the more severe.
“Interesting observation, Lightfeather.” Councilor Swiftwing said before raising his eyebrow at Mare Do Well. "You would lead this attack?"
“Anything to help in the best way I can.” Mare Do Well answered. “I’ve dealt with crazies, freaks, and crime bosses, some nut in a fancy hood and mask isn’t gonna scare me.”
“Very well, but you must do as we say. At 6, you will be directed to where our reports of this Rebirth meeting is, and we will have the captain of the guard give you further instructions from there.” The griffon answered. “Now, I suggest you go outside. I took the liberty of informing the press of when you’d be here and I think they’d like to have a word with you, Mare Do Well.”
Twilight looked over at her costumed friend, who shifted a little. Rainbow loved attention, but when her ‘winner’ image was on the line the spotlight tended to have the opposite effect on her. Mare Do Well gave a quiet nod and took to the air.
“As you wish, Councilor.” Twilight said, giving another look to her friend and leading her back out, followed by Prince Loken and the other ponies. As they came outside, there were numerous journalist and photographer griffons waited outside, some of them with microphones. Rainbow felt a little nervous again, and looked back at the griffon prince, who just cocked his head expectantly.
I swear Swiftwing put them up to this… she thought to herself, it had been evident he and probably the rest of Parliament had simply chosen to humor Loken’s idea of bringing her here.
As she drew closer, the questions came at breakneck speed.
“So if you’re here, does that mean you’ll stop the Phoenix?”
“How long will it take you to put an end to his threats?”
“Will you be working with the royal family or Parliament on this one?”
“Is this anything like what you’ve dealt with before?”
“What makes you so sure you’ll win?”
Mare Do Well raised her hoof up, then nodded at Twilight.
“Look, I just got here, and I’m aware of the threats the Phoenix and the Rebirth movement have made against this country. But be assured, I am gonna give him and his followers a well-deserved beating for what they’ve done. There’s no where he can hide, and no where he can run to. Feel free to take note of that, and any of you who have done your research you’ll know I’ve dealt with a lot of dangerous enemies in the past! I’m working with both sides because it’s important we all work together on this!” Mare Do Well explained. “And furthermore…I know I’m gonna win because I always do!”
Without another word, Mare Do Well spread her wings and flew off.
“Well, you heard the superhero.” Twilight said with a sheepish smile as the disappointed griffons slowly dispersed.
~
“Can just one of these clouds be a little less dirty?!” Mare Do Well muttered to herself, patting one she’d landed upon with her hoof. Thanks to the industrial nature of Talongrad, the clouds seemed a little… sooty. Not the best choice for sleeping on at all as far as the costumed pegasus was concerned. Being up this high, she was able to get a personal view of the city and examine its landmarks to figure out a suitable patrol route. Kicking her hind leg on the cloud’s side, Mare Do Well slowly descended downward, hidden atop the cloud. Griffons flew about around the tall buildings, perching on the catwalks around them and walking inside but none of them appeared to be particularly suspicious. Her eyes shifted to her left, noticing the Le Grand’s sign again and a smile spread on her face. Without Twi around, she could afford to take a little time out and not to mention she couldn’t very well keep up with this on an empty stomach!
Hopping from the cloud, Mare Do Well flew down to the confectionary and trotted inside. The moment she stepped in, every griffon’s eyes were upon her.
“Sup.” Mare Do Well said nonchalantly as she approached the counter, where an all-too-familiar mustached griffon stood, wearing a similar expression to his patrons.
“Oh my my, what brings ze strange one like yourself to my es-tab-leesh-mahnt?” The griffon asked. “Perhaps the allure of Gustave’s exquisite éclairs?” He raised a plate from behind the counter full of éclairs that seemed to glow in a divine light… had Mare Do Well not noticed the flashlight he held underneath.
“Right, hey, how about a few of those? Being a superhero works up an appetite after all.” Mare Do Well said. “And maybe a chocolate milkshake to go with it?”
“A… meelk-shake mademoiselle? Shock-o-latte?” The griffon chef asked, and suddenly his wings fanned out. “Zen BE EET SO! Word of your arri-velle travelled fast! Eef your eentent is to put an end to zees no-good Phoenix…” He turned his head and made a loud, exaggerated spit take and raised his claw up dramatically. “…zen you may have your éclairs and meelk-shake of mag-NI-fi-cent shock-o-latte on ze house… of Le Grand!” Brushing his wings back like a cape, the griffon turned and went into the kitchen while Mare Do Well simply shook her head. He was rather over-the-top and grandiose to say the least back when she’d first met him during that competition Sugarcube Corner was involved in, but in his own nest he clearly felt the freedom to be moreso. Still, free food and drink was all she needed to know she wouldn’t mind coming back later.
As she leaned against the table, she looked back at the griffons who were still staring. “Yeah, superhero. Try not to faint.” She said as the bell to the door rang once again, drawing her attention. Two larger griffons entered, causing her to immediately take a defensive stance, only to relax slightly and cock her head in curiosity as a griffoness entered between them. Her body was a vibrant light brown and a feather ‘fringe’ went down either side of her eyes, and were tipped a silvery gray. Her eyes were a golden yellow, like most griffons had and she carried herself in a graceful manner that complimented her trim figure. Around her neck was a silvery scarf and she had a sort of elegance to her. By her guess, Rainbow assumed she looked about Prince Loken’s or her own age, and did not have to be an egghead like Twilight to know who she was.
“Oh my.” The griffoness said as she noticed Mare Do Well.
“Princess Nessa?” Mare Do Well asked.
“Heard of me, I see.” The griffoness replied in a prim tone. “I can say the same of you, Mare Do Well.”
“I seem to get that a lot.” Mare Do Well said, not sure what to make of her.
“Well if the stories are true, I can see why you’d be considered worthy of griffonkind’s respect.” Nessa answered, walking past her as Le Grand returned, the latter nearly dropping Mare Do Well’s order when he recognized the griffon royalty.
“P-Prin-cess Nessa!” Le Grand said, bowing his head. “A most magnifique honor.”
“Absolutely. You know my usual order. Figured something to curb my sweet tooth before I get home was a good idea” Nessa replied, opening a satchel she was wearing and rolling out several bits.
“Here.” Le Grand said urgently, passing the milkshake and bag of éclairs to Mare Do Well and bolting back into the kitchen.
“Perhaps a moment alone with Mare Do Well?” Nessa asked, regarding the other patrons. “Don’t worry, consider your tabs paid for.”
Without another word, the other griffons nodded and flew out, leaving the pegasus and griffoness alone as the two large guards walked outside. A few seconds passed, and the griffoness smirked.
“So, the Mysterious Mare Do Well… savior of Cloudsdale who stomped out a few losers from Eagleopolis… took down a changeling crime boss, and had a few other adventures on top of that?” She asked with an eyeroll.
“Yeah, what of it?” Mare Do Well asked, narrowing her eyes under her mask.
“Only… that I’m a huge fan!” Nessa said with a grin, brushing back her feather fringe and had the pegasus been unmasked she’d have seen Rainbow’s shocked reaction at her sudden change of attitude. “Seriously, that whole prim-and-proper thing? Gets ‘em every time.”
“I swear, is all royalty like this?” Mare Do Well asked, recalling Celestia and Luna’s rather strange moments.
“Get real, Mare Do Well, if you spent most of the day sitting on a throne or having to deal with a bunch of stiff aristocrats and listening to lecturing teachers on how to do this and that you’d be a little eager to loosen up whenever you can, too. I mean I guess some don’t, but I’m a griffon, so it’s like being a bird in a cage. Why do you think my brother takes such an active role outside the palace as well? Dad’s a bit rigid but they say you go one way or another with all the duties and obligations; either subvert them whenever you can till the day you die or just give in, and believe me, that’s not who I wanna be.” Nessa said. “Still, the little act back there? Never fails to amuse whenever I gotta deal with anyone who gets all formal with me.”
“Huh…” Mare Do Well remarked. Nessa seemed rather like Gilda in a way, or at least how Rainbow remembered the griffoness back when they were young and in Junior Speedsters. “Well, look, Princess…”
“Oh my, don’t bore me, pony.” Nessa said, cutting her off and adopting the snobby demeanor again as she waved her claw dismissively.
Oh. Right. Mare Do Well thought. “Uh, Nessa. Right.”
“Better.” The griffoness said, now in a more pleasant way again.
This must be what Loken meant by spirited. Rainbow thought. Must have been a griffon thing, given they seemed to often have a thing for theatrics or just attitude, not much different from her own, which may have explained a few things that made Gilda... back then... seem fond of her. “Anyway, I’m gonna do a patrol route later, your dad wants you back as soon as possible I figure, they’ve determined Rebirthers are in the city, who knows what they’ll do if they know you’re not back there yet!” Mare Do Well explained.
“Please, Mare Do Well, I got my best guards with me. What could—“ Before she could finish, two large shapes were flung in with them. Seconds after, four griffons with red hooded cloaks entered, scarves concealed beaks and hid their eyes.
"My fault for saying that I guess..." Nessa muttered as Mare Do Well stood in front of her protectively.
"What do you clowns want?" Mare Do Well asked in a low, threatening tone. "Not that I completely mind running into you, just saves me the trouble of having to look for ya!"
"We're here for the princess." One said, causing another to turn and smack him.
"Idiot! You have to go and spoil that? The boss needs her!"
"What, you just gave something away, too, Klem!" The first one protested, and the two growled at eachother, causing Mare Do Well and Nessa to exchange a brief glance at one-another before Mare Do Well immediately flew forward and knocked the two griffons' heads together, dazing them.
"Get her!" The third griffon yelled, and the two dazed ones shook their heads and lunged at Mare Do Well, who flew straight up and landed behind them, bucking one into the other.
At that moment, Le Grande entered and nearly dropped the box he was carrying when he saw the spectacle before him. "Mère d'une vache!!" He shouted, running back into the kitchen as fast as he could.
As one of the griffons approached Mare Do Well, she backed towards the corner, the thug sneering as he drew closer, only to suddenly be treated to a plate full of eclairs to the face. Throwing off his goggles and wiping the cream off his face, he was immediately blinded by the flashlight Gustav kept on the counter for illuminating their 'magnificence' as Nessa shone it in the thug's eyes, allowing Mare Do Well all the time she needed to slam her hoof into the thug's face, knocking him out cold.
The other three looked at their fallen comrade and drew their knives out.
"One way or another, Mare Do Well, she's coming with us." One said.
"Over my dead body." Mare Do Well replied, sweeping her hooves across her belt and setting off the flash bombs in front of her and seizing the distraction to leap at one, slamming his head against a table and then kicking him unconscious, then turning her attention to the next disoriented thug, striking him multiple times with her hooves till he, too, passed out. With just one left, Mare Do Well approached.
"Still think this was a good idea? 'Cause I could go for a little more entertainment." Mare Do Well answered.
"Y-you'll still never beat us! The great revolution will commence!" The griffon said frantically and he immediately sprinted for the door and flew away.
"Well..." Nessa said, putting down the flashlight. "First day back and I witness a Mare Do Well fight. Pretty cool but don't mind me if I say I'll stick to just hearing about 'em from now on."
"Please tell me zey are gone." Gustav said, peeking in from his kitchen doors and surveying the damage. "Looks like I am most clever to have invested in zat extra in-sur-ahnce for my place after all..."
~
"Nessa!" The emperor cried out, rushing forward and hugging his daughter, who was still noticeably roughed up from the fight while Loken simply stood next to him and gave a nod of approval to Mare Do Well.
"Nice work." The prince said with a smile. "Nothing you couldn't handle I assume?"
"Sounds about right." Mare Do Well said as she sipped on her milkshake. "And not to mention made my afternoon a lot less boring."
The prince chuckled. "Well, that's good to know, considering what'll be in store for you tonight. My informants have told me there's expected to be quite the turnout. We'll provide as many city guard as we can without it affecting night watch too severely. It has to be a successful run if we're going to get Parliament on our side, though. You up for that?"
"As I'll ever be." Rainbow answered, looking over at Twilight who had just trotted in.
"I see the princess made it back alright." Twilight said before taking notice of her friend's beverage. "Ooh! Milkshake!"
"Here ya go, Twi." The pegasus said, passing it to Twilight, who used her magic to float it in front of herself and take a few sips. "Crime-fighter, symbol of cool, princess protector, I've got this covered, highness."
~
"You remember the plan, Rainbow?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah, yeah." Rainbow answered, putting her mask on as they stood in an alleyway of Talongrad's less reputable areas.
"Captain Ironclaw should be here shortly." Twilight explained, and seconds after, lights appeared and several griffons stepped forward, lead by a larger gray one in armor with a scar that went down the right side of his face and down his neck. "Oh, hello." The unicorn said with a smile.
"No time for pleasentries." The captain said, walking past the two. "Quick re-briefing. Mare Do Well, you will go in first. With the comm link I provided you, We'll also be able to hear what's going on. Try to avoid being seen and if anyone does spot you, take them out immediately, we can't afford the chance of them being alerted as things can go downhill very quickly then as we'll lose the element of surprise. Inform me at once if you see the Phoenix and do your best to keep them occupied should there be any captives until we can make it in. The last thing we need is more bodies and if we just barge right in now, they'll be made aware and it could turn into a hostage situation, so Twilight, if all goes well that is where you will come in." He explained. "Use your magic to teleport the captives out of danger while Mare Do Well and my forces will subdue the Rebirth. When we finish, we'll send word to Prince Loken. Ideally we apprehend the Phoenix or whoever is holding this rally and put an end to the Rebirth tonight."
"Got it." Mare Do Well said with a nod as she straightened her hat. "Seeya soon."
With those words, Mare Do Well spread her wings and flew to the roof of the next building over, avoiding the alleys as she saw some shady griffons moving through them towards a multi-floor warehouse two more buildings down and approaching another griffon near the door. They made a few gestures and were admitted in. The idea of simply flying over and beating the guard senseless came to mind, but there was the chance if anyone came outside it would draw suspicion. There had to be another way...
Staying in the shadows, the pegasus hovered around the upper floors of the building, checking the windows. All of them had been boarded up. Looking down, she noticed a pair of griffons wearing red hoods flying over the street circling the building. Again, she considered subduing them, but she remembered the captain's words about how that could cause potential alarm. She'd have to do this with.... stealth. The pegasus shook her head, wanting so badly to beat the snot out of every griffon responsible for all she'd seen in that horrible display the Phoenix had sent the Emperor the other day. Flying around more, Rainbow's eyes widened under the mask and a grin came to her face as she noticed a skylight with a raised panel.
Perching on the roof beside it, Mare Do Well brought her wing to her belt and slid off the comm link, holding it in her hooves. The device was clearly meant for griffons or other creatures that were better suited for grasping things, but she managed. "Captain, I think I've found a way in, I'm gonna take a look." She whispered.
Hovering over the skylight, the pegasus peered in. Down below was an empty room with no light. Lifting the open panel, the pegasus crept in and looked around before proceeding to the door ahead. She could hear the sound of faint cheering coming from the floor below, and she was certain the rally was in the process of starting. Pulling down the door's latch and opening it, Mare Do Well proceeded and found some stairs. Pipes were along the walls, likely for a sprinkler system should the place catch on fire. Diversion, eh? she thought to herself and choosing to log this information away for now. Moving down the stairs, she heard voices approaching.
"This is gonna be huge! To think, we got another big execution!" One said in a rather giddy tone.
"So long as the camera keeps rolling, we'll have some more exciting news for the Emperor to look forward to!" A second voice said and the two shared a laugh.
"Wonder how he took the last one? Wish I coulda seen his face. I tell ya, our leadership has gotten weak, it's no wonder the Parliament's at odds with 'em now." The first one said.
"It won't matter. Stir up enough conflict, they'll be too distracted with eachother to focus on the citizens' needs... and that's where we'll come in, and be heroes!" The second one said.
"Speakin' of Parliament... the Councilor we nabbed is sure to fan the flames for Rebirth!" The first one said.
A smack was heard.
"Be glad that's all you got for that lame joke." The second one said. They're expectin' us right now, we better get moving!" The sounds of the two running off was heard, and Mare Do Well let out a sigh of relief. Continuing down, she came into a lit hallway.
"Alright, now where to..." She muttered to herself and she suddenly heard a gasp behind her. Turning, there was a scrawny griffon with a red hood and scarf like the ones the thugs from Le Grand's had. Before he could move she was already upon him, her hoof pressed against his neck.
"I'll only ask once. Which way is the rally?" Mare Do Well hissed, glaring at the Rebirth recruit.
"Th-that way." He answered, pointing down the hall. "Only door on your left."
"Thanks." The pegasus replied, slamming her hoof into his face as hard as she could, then dragging him away into a nearby closet and closing it.
"Alright, Captain. I'm about to see this rally. And I've also discovered they do have captives, one of them is... a Parliament member..." She explained.
"What?! How's that possible?!" She heard Twilight's voice shout, followed by a shushing sound she assumed came from the captain.
"Then this is more serious then we thought. We can't let any captives die, especially that one. The moment you see them, and have the opportunity make your move." Ironclaw said.
"Seems the only way through is the door, they've blocked off window access... I guess they really want to make sure there's no intruders." Mare Do Well explained.
"I see. Find a way in and remain hidden until you see the Phoenix, or anyone who is holding this event." The captain's voice said.
Looking at her captive, Mare Do Well shrugged and removed the hooded cloak and scarf, both of which were rather big on her given that griffons were larger then ponies and came back into the hall and opened the door she'd been directed to.
The room was massive, and filled with Celestia-knew-how-many griffons of all size and color, all of them wearing the same hoods and scarves with the firebird image embroidered into them. At the front was a large stage, where four griffons in similar hoods with goggles and staves looked down at their many guests, Rainbow gathered they had to have been higher-ranking.
"Welcome, one and all... to the Gathering of the Rebirth!" A voice announced, one which Mare Do Well felt was familiar somehow. Staying near the back, she watched intently as she heard steps that had a hard clanking sound mixed into them, and soon the voice's owner arrived on stage.
Mare Do Well could not believe her eyes. He looked different, disfigured from the injuries he'd sustained from the last time she'd fought him... but she knew it was Gilda's former lackey... what was his name? Leo!
The upper portion of his beak had been replaced with a metal one, a metal brace covered part of his right hind leg, and his entire left foreleg had been replaced with some sort of mechanized prosthetic that made a clanking sound whenever he walked on it. His body had several scars on it, and his bomber jacket had its sleeves removed, likely to accommodate his new appendage.
"It's certainly a pleasure to see so many of you here." Leo explained as he sat down on his haunches, holding a microphone in his prosthetic claw. "Especially for an event such as this. What we shall now witness is only the next step of our movement's magnificent cause! As you know, I barely survived the battle in Cloudsdale... but my boss did not. What Razorbeak fought for... an impact against Equestria... glory in the name of the Griffon Empire's more ambitious past... has been remembered. And now, it is my honor and privilege to serve a visionary who seeks to make our dreams a reality!"
Curtains behind him parted, revealing a massive poster of the firebird image that represented the rebirth on either side of a picture of the Phoenix, seated on a throne.
"But why should I be the one to explain it, or give us the big event? I believe I owe that to the one who saved me. The one who shall save our true way of life! Let's give an applause for our glorious leader and savior, the Phoenix!"
Cheers erupted all around as Leo stepped away, and the large portrait set ablaze and burned away, revealing an open chamber behind it from which set of stairs extended from outward and touched the stage. Seconds after, out of the shadows emerged the griffon Rainbow had only till now seen in the movie that had been sent to the emperor. A chill ran down her back as she looked at him now more clearly then ever.
The Phoenix wore a black bodysuit from which only his tail and black wings were visible from, his chest covered in red armor with flamelike patterns over them, with silver battle armor over his forelegs and hind legs. A flowing hooded red cloak was worn over top that and as it billowed behind him, Mare Do Well saw a golden firebird symbol on the back. The cloak's trim was a lighter shade of red with odd glyphs drawn along it, and a dark red stripe that ran down the middle of the hood. Underneath he wore some form of neck armor, and a bone-white mask with red painted along the edges of the dark eyeholes, resembling flowing red tears.
The Phoenix spread his wings and reared back, taking the microphone from Leo, who stood back and bowed his head. "Welcome, brothers and sisters of the Rebirth!" He stated, his voice the same chilling baritone Rainbow remembered from the recording. "It pleases me to see how our numbers have grown in light of recent events. I doubt those in power would have ever imagined what a formidable force we have become. Was it not long ago that they called us 'a few misguided activists'?" He asked. "The desperate measures they've taken have only proven that they have come to fear us, and our message against the rule which has forced us to abandon that which griffons have stood for back in the time of the wars!" The Phoenix shouted, and loud cheers came from the crowd before him.
"After the battle in Cloudsdale, I knew our message would be seen as weak, easily snuffed out. However, Leo survived, and when he met me, he was reborn, just as this nation shall be. Just as the nation who silenced our ancestors' dreams shall be! We shall educate those in power, and show them the full extent of our might that will make those ancestors proud as we tear them from their thrones! And we shall start with these... guests," he said, gesturing to the side of the stage.
Rainbow shuddered as she saw several bound griffons get marched out from backstage. Leo smirked and the Phoenix approached one, a roughed-up griffoness that Rainbow quickly recognized as Councilor Lightfeather.
"Councilor Lightfeather. So good of you to join us," the Phoenix said as he stood before her, lifting her head up with his claw. "My apologies for the rough treatment. It would seem you literally do keep your enemies closer then your friends, moreso then you realize."
The griffoness immediately spat on him. The Phoenix glanced down, then promptly slapped her hard enough to knock her over. "Very well, I was intending to save our esteemed Councilor for last, but looks like that will be changing. Cut her loose."
Complying, one of the armed griffons approached and tore the bonds off with his beak. Lightfeather looked over at them in confusion, then at the Phoenix.
"Go ahead and try to escape. Your kind are cowards," the Phoenix said.
Spreading her wings, Lightfeather prepared to either flee or attempt to attack the terrorist leader, but before she could do anything else, the Phoenix raised his claw and two of the guards were immediately upon her, restraining the griffoness.
"I never said anything about you having any chance of success, whatever your intentions may have been," the Phoenix explained with an amused laugh as he drew a small dagger from his chest armor, eliciting more cheers from the crowd. Rainbow grit her teeth, disgusted by the dishonorable action she'd just witnessed.
Taking out her comm link again Mare Do Well spoke urgently. "Move in. NOW!" she ordered. As the other griffons around her turned in confusion, Mare Do Well cast off the hood and scarf and flung a flash bomb from her belt up at the ceiling, setting off the sprinkler system and flew straight for the stage, slamming her hooves into one of the guards, then flipping in the air and landing behind the other, bucking him hard enough to send him crashing into the other. The Phoenix snapped his claw and the other two guards flew forward, their staffs aimed at Mare Do Well.
"Come on, there's plenty of me to go around..." Mare Do Well said, standing protectively in front of Lightfeather and the other captives before leaping on to one's staff and causing him to stumble from the air before she slammed her hind hoof into his face, knocking him out. Turning to face the last one, she slid her mask up slightly so she could grab a fallen staff with her teeth and swing it, parrying back the remaining guard's attack then doing a spin to strike him in the side with it. With a final toss, she flung it straight at the Phoenix, only for Leo to rush forward and catch it with his prosthetic limb, crushing it easily with his mechanical claws. A grin spread on the griffon's dripping wet face as ten more guards suddenly burst in from back stage.
"Mare Do Well... so glad you could make it."