//------------------------------// // Chapter 16: Push it to the limit // Story: Champion of Equestria // by Buddy Hooves //------------------------------// "It's Rainbow Dash!" Lyra said, smiling as as she pointed up at Dash. Rainbow Dash gave her a quick nod before turning her attention back towards the griffons, a mean look on her face as she stared at them. "You leave my friends alone!" She yelled at them. As she looked at the griffons, a look of surprise shot across her face as she saw a famliar female one. "Gilda?!" She asked. "Oh great! Another pony!" Snow Feather exclaimed, looking up at Rainbow Dash. "Don't worry guys, I got this." Gilda said, before flying up into the air. "Rainbow Dash..." She began, a displeasing look on her face. "Long time no see." "Gilda... I learned you were a jerk when you flipped out at Pinkie's party last year, but I didn't think you'd stoop so low as to hang with thugs like them!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as as she pointed at the other griffons. "Yeah, well I haven't had it as easy as you have since we last met." Gilda huffed. "I haven't had it easy." Dash replied. "Whatever! I've heard ALL about your achievements since the last time we saw each other. Winning first place in the Young Flyer competition in Cloudsdale by doing a Sonic Rainboom. Getting accepted into the Wonderbolts Academy and even getting put into the reserves. Being a hero with your friends and saving Canterlot, the Crystal Empire and most of Equestria! All you've had was one easy ticket after another!" "Well at least I earned it!" Dash yelled back. Just as she was about to yell at her former-friend some more, her eyes wondered down to the ground below. Her jaw dropped as she saw the sight below her, as Lyra and Bon Bon tried to fend off the other two griffons. An injured Mark laid unconscious on Bon Bon's back, covered in bloody wounds. "What have you done to my friend?!" "Hey, that wasn't me." Gilda said with a wave of her claw. "That was all Dark Claw. He gets pretty violent when he gets angry." "And you think that makes it okay to hurt my friend?!" Rainbow Dash yelled, her anger rising. "Hey, it's his own damn fault!" Gilda cursed. "If he would have come quitly, we wouldn't have to rough him up so bad." "So that's what you've been doing this whole time? Working with a bunch of rude, petty thugs?!" Dash asked. She couldn't believe how low her old friend had sunk. "I knew you were a rude, cocky griffon, Gilda. But I NEVER thought you were dumb as well!" "SHUT UP! You don't know what I've been through this last year!" Gilda screamed. "While you've been living the easy life with your lame ass pony friends, I been struggling just to earn a living. Flying from town to town, working lame jobs just for a few bits. Sleeping in the wilderness because I didn't have enough to afford a room at a inn. It wasn't until I ran into Dark Claw did I found my calling." "Being a bully?" "Being a mercenary! Tracking down our prey and bring them in for a huge reward. Sure we've done things that have been a little extreme, but we do what we have to inorder to get the job done!" Gilda exclaimed. "You hurt ponies!" Dash yelled out. "They had it coming!" Gilda screamed. "You stupid ponies think your so special just because you have all your lame goody two-shoes princesses! If giving the chance, us griffons would mop the floor with you!" "Oh yeah?" "Yeah!" "Prove it!" Dash said, giving Gilda a smug glance. "Oohhhhh..... I've been WAITING to get you back!" Gilda proclaimed. "Then let's see what you got, slow poke!" Rainbow Dash yelled, before flying down the gorge's path. Gilda flew after her, as they both raced the gorge at blinding speeds. Rainbow Dash was almost at her top speed, without doing a Sonic Rainboom. She whizzed past huge slags of stones as she hugged the tight turns of the gorge's walls. But with every air stunt, every skilled turn or trick she pulled off, Gilda was right behind her. Keeping up with everything Dash did. "Not bad Gilda!" Dash yelled. "Ha! This is nothing. Your time with your lame friends have made soft, Dash. You're still the slow pegasus I knew in flight camp!" Gilda yelled back. "Oh yeah? We'll see about that!" Dash said, giving a cocky smirk as she increased her speed some more. Rainbow Dash knew it would be hard for her to try to take on all three griffons at once. Her best bet was to keep Gilda busy, and hope that Lyra and Bon Bon could hold the other two off long enough for Twilight and the others to show. Besides, her and Gilda still had issues to work out between them and now was the perfect time for it. We're moments too late! Twilight thought as she viewed her surroundings. The griffon mercenaries stood infront of Lyra and Bon Bon, ready to attack them. But the sight that most shocked her was an unconscious Mark laying over Bon Bon's back, as blood dripped from deep cuts and scrapes all over his body. Which is why her and her friends were all so slow to react. They just couldn't believe their new friend could be so hurt and in trouble, especially when they just talked to him earlier that day. Twiight always thought the cavarlry always arrived in time, at least they did in the books. Applejack looked the most shocked, staring at Mark with tearful eyes. She had ran all over town, looking for the girls to round up and go help Mark. Rainbow Dash had already went to help, but it looked like she was already busy with one griffon. Flying throught the air and whizzing between the sky and the gorge. Pinkie Pie was working at Sugarcube Corner when AJ came to get her, and was completely blown away be the news of Mark being attacked. Fluttershy and Rarity was on their way to the spa when AJ found them. The news of Mark hit them hard, especially Fluttershy, who said Mark was just at her house earlier today helping her. When they all rushed to the castle to warn Twilight, she was quick to act upon hearing the news. She called for four of her best guards to come with her before using a powerful tracking spell to locate Mark before using a powerful teleport spell to get them all there. Twilight had never used a teleport spell to transport so many at once, but after her fight with Tirek, she felt she could pull it off. The important thing was, she was able to get them all to the Gastly Gorge. It didn't take them long to arrive, in terms of distance. In terms of time however, it took just a few moments too long. When the black griffon who was ordering the mercs to attack Mark saw them all arrive, it was like in that moment time went still. Everybody was so shocked, that nobody moved. And Mark was so still, barely moving except for his labored breathes as he hung over Bon Bon's back. "Oh thank Celestia you're here!" Bon Bon turned and said, being the first to break the silence. "It's them! They're the ones responsible for hurting Mark!" Lyra exclaimed as she pointed at the griffons. Twilight turned to look at Flash Sentry, head of the guards, who gave a quick nod before turning his attention fully on the griffons. "Your under arrest, griffon scum!" Flash yelled. "Just try to stop me you stupid pony!" Dark Claw snarled. "I'm the most skilled griffon warrior in all of Equestria!" "Men... ATTACK!" Flash ordered. In the span of a few seconds, everything sped back up. The Griffons and the pegasus guards took to the air. Claws scraped against metal as they flew around in the air, clashing against each other. While they battled in the air, Twilight and the girls rushed over to Lyra and Bon Bon, as they gently placed Mark off Bon Bon's back and on the ground. Bon Bon took a quick look at herself, small traces of blood stains were on her back, but she didn't care. They could be washed out, but Mark needed help soon or he might die. As the girls circled around him, Applejack, Twilight and Fluttershy were the ones to get close to him. AJ knelt down and cradled him in her arms as she sank to the ground. "Please tell me you can do something, Twilight." Applejack said with pleading eyes. "Hold on, and I'll see what I can do." Twilight said. She closed her eyes and lowered her head down so her horn gently touched Mark's body. Focusing he magic, Twilight tried to use all the knowledge on healing magic she knew. Spending countless hours in a library seemed to be paying off, as once again the skills she learned from a books was helping her friends. As Twilight's horn glowed, the others watched in awe as the cuts on Mark's body slowly closed, and most of his bruises faded away. Twilight grunted as seconds turned to long minutes, but finally, she released the spell and studed her work. Although he still sported a few scuffs and blood stains on his coat, most of Mark's wounds were healed. "There.... that should.... do it." Twilight panted, as she stood on wobbly legs. She started to take a step backward, but her legs gave out and she almost tumbled to the ground. "Twilight!" The other girls cried as they rushed to catch their falling friend. A look of concern on all their faces. "Darling, are you alright?" Rarity asked as Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and her stood next to Twilight. Keeping a hoof on her to keep her from falling on the ground. "I'm.... I'm okay." Twilight said with a small smile. "Just using all that magic to teleport us here and then using my magic to heal Mark has really worn me out. I just need a second to catch my breath." She explained as her friends eased her to the ground so she could sit and gather her strength. "Fluttershy, could you go over and check on Mark? I healed all the outside wounds, but...." "Don't worry, I'm on it." Fluttershy gave a serious nod, before hovering over to where Applejack was still holding an unconscious Mark. "Is Twilight okay?" Applejack looked up at her, concerned for her friend. "She's fine. Just a little worn out." Fluttershy smiled, as she reassured her friend. "Now then, let's see what other injuries he might still have." She said, bending down and giving a studying look as she gave Mark the once over. Years of raising and caring for animals have made Fluttershy a great nurse over the years, and she was now able to tend to some sick or hurt ponies. Nothing major, but still impressive. She ran a gently hoof over Mark's body, rubbing him down while she checked for anything like internal injuries. It was when she rubbed his belly and chest, did he let out a stiff grunt, earning a wincing look from her and AJ both. Once she was finished, she stepped back and gave a confriming nod. "So how is he?" Applejack asked. "He might have some bruised ribs. I didn't feel anything out of place, so they're not broken or anything. Still, I'd say he'll be hurting for a good week or two." Fluttershy confirmed. "Well.... that's good to hear." Applejack said with a sigh. Lowering her head to Mark, while Fluttershy walking back to where the others were, AJ began whispering to Mark. "You stupid, stupid stallion. Why did you do something foolish like this and get yourself hurt? Don't ya know that we... Ah, worry about you? Don't ya know that ya're our friend now and we cared deeply for you? If something was to happen to you..." She stopped herself as she nuzzled her cheek next to his, while tears rolled down them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Meanwhile, not far away, Rainbow Dash and Gilda were still flying high in the air around Ghastly Gorge. But race they were having had took a serious turn as insults and aerial attacks were exchanged between them. One would loop around and tackle the other, only to be countered with a kick or twist in the air, sending them sailing the other way. This back and forth last for several long moments, with each attack becoming more furious then the last one. Soon Both of them were hovering in the air, staring at each, while they both panted and took a moment to catch their breathe. "Not... bad Dash. Looks like.... you learned quite..... a bit since last time." Gilda said between breathes. "You're not... so bad yourself." Dash replied. "Looks like.... your time with these.... bullies.... helped kepted your skills sharp." "Oh.... they have." Gilda smirked. As Rainbow Dash looked around, trying to plan her next attack, she spotted something not far from where they were. Near the opening of the gorge, the two other griffons were busy fighting four pegasus guards. And on the ground near them was Twilight and the others, looking on as the battle raged overhead. A few even spotted and pointed up at her, filling Dash with a renewed feeling. looks like they made it in time after all. Dash thought with a smile. Now I just have to.... "Uuuunnngghhhh!" Rainbow Dash grunted as Gilda tackled her, hard. She then grabbed her by the by the legs and swung her straight towards the ground. "Never lower your eyes to an enemy!" Gilda called out to her. Laughing as she watched Dash fly like a bullet towards the ground and her friends. "Ohhhh...... IT... IS... ON!" Dash said to herself, before unfolding her wings again. Using her momentum to her advantage, she picked up more speed before pulling up. Sailing over her friends heads and soaring high into the air. But she didn't stop there. Sailing past Gilda, she went ever further into the air, passing the coulds and threating to touch the sun. She was quickly reaching the Danger Zone, as the air became thinner, her head felt lighter and her wing struggled to keep flapping. Feeling she was where she needed to be, she stopped there and hovered for a few seconds. Let's see you handle THIS! Dash thought, before see folded her wings and allowed herself to fall back down. Unfolding her wings, see continued to pick up speed as she angled herself so she was flying straight down towards Gilda. Faster and faster she flew, as tears welled up in her eyes and the air around her began to bend in a cone, as she continued to fly at a crazy speed. "What's she thinking?" Gilda said outloud. "Doesn't she know better then to fly straight at your opponent like that? By the time she reaches me, I'll have moved out of the way!" She stated, as she watched Dash sail straight for her. Just as she was drawing near, and Gilda was preparing to counter the move, and Rainbow Dash let out a little chuckle. Time to show her what I can really do! She thought as she gave one more push of speed. The air cone around her started to break as she flew for all she was worth. Until.... BOOM! A rainbow explosion formed from behind her, as Rainbow Dash flew so fast she did a Sonic Rainboom, catching Gilda completely off guard. Before she could even react, Dash flew straight into her, carrying straight down towards the ground with a spakling rainbow flowing right behind them. "Not so superior now, are you?!" Dash yelled, giving Gilda a quick smirk. The ground fast approaching them. Before reaching the ground, Dash let go of Gilda and pulled up, letting the force of the fall take over. Gilda hit the ground with a loud THOOM, causing the other girls to flinch as dust flew up from the crash site. Rainbow Dash did a small loop in the air and landing near the dust cloud, as the wind caused the dust to cover her from sight as well. A Moment pasted before the dust cleared, allowing the girls to see what happened. Their jaws dropped at amazment at they saw the sight, Rainbow Dash stood proud next to a small crater in the ground, with Gilda unconscious inside it. Before they could get a chance to walk over and ask how Dash was doing, they all turned as an excited Applejack hollored up at them. "HE'S AWAKE!!" I heard a loud THOOM, causing my eyes to flutter. I mouned as my head felt like grounded hamburger, and I felt a sharp pain in my chest. Letting me know I was still alive. In pain, and soar as hell, but alive. "Oowwwww!" I complained. "Did anyone get the number of that bus?" I said, opening eyes to look around. I suddenly became aware that Applejack was holding me, as she sat right next to me on the ground. "Mark! you're okay!" Applejack exclaimed. Looking down on me with a big grin on her face and tears in her eyes. "Yeah.... I'm fine. Just stiff as a board right now." I said. Grunting as I tried to move alittle. "HEY GUYS!" Applejack screamed at the top of her lungs. "HE'S AWAKE!!" "Uuunngh! AJ, watch the yelling. I still got a massive headache." I groaned. As Twilight and the other girls came running up to us, I felt a sharp pain on the back of my head as AJ smacked me. "Ouch! What was that for?" I asked, rubbing my head. "Ah'll give ya a headache ya big lug!" Applejack said before giving me a tight hug. "Ah thought we lost you!" "Mark, you're okay!" the girls said as they all gave me a huge group hug. And I mean, HUGE. Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Lyra, Bon Bon and Rainbow Dash hugged me all at once. I thought I would be crushed for a moment there, as the all wrapped around me tightly. But soon they broke away and gave me some much needed air. Though they still stayed huddled around me. "Whoa! Watch it you guys. Personal space." I said, fixing myself so I was sitting up better. "I'm still hurting everywhere. And what's with all the stares? You're freaking me out." And they were! I was looking up at a moon of faces, and everyone of them had this big looking grin on their faces. For a moment I thought I was the punchline to a stupid joke or something. "Buh...." Lyra said with her mouth hung open. "Mark! you're okay!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little soar." I said. With a loud grunt, I worked my way back onto my hooves. Applejack stayed right next to me, keeping her hooves on me to make sure I was steady. Not that I minded or anything. With how I was feeling, I thought I'd drop if a strong gust of wind hit me. "Where's that no good butthole, Dark Claw? Ooooohhh, that turd is toast!" Twilight pointed up in the air. "The griffons are currently being dealt with." She said, causing me to look up. Sure enough, Dark Claw and Snow Feather was around battling four pegasus guards. I also noticed that Flash Sentry was leading the fight. They were both pretty evenly matched, as for ever good swing one of the griffons would land on a guard, another one would fly in his place. Giving them enough time to shake the attack and land one of their own. The numbers game was not in the griffons favor, and the fact that the guards armor protected them from their claw also didn't help them. Damn! I wish I had some of that armor earlier. I thought. As the fight dragged on, I noticed that the pegasi were winning. Herding them in one spot as they landed blow after blow. Soon they had the two trapped as the circled around them. When one of them tried to fly out of the circle, one of the guards were ready to knock them back into place. But as I watched this go on, I soon realized something. It's only the two males! "where's Gilda?" I asked, looking back down at the girls. "Oh don't worry about her." Rainbow Dash said as she walked closer to me. "I already dealt with her. She ain't going nowhere anytime soon." She pointed towards a crater in the ground. "Good. One less problem to deal with." I said with a smile. Just One of those guys was enough for me. "Just who are these roughians anyway?" Rarity asked, while glancing back up into the sky. "They call themselfs the Talon Warriors." I said, while rolling my eyes at that name. "They were hired to track me down and bring me back to their boss by any means necessary." "Ya mean the same guy who hired them is the same one who sent that rock golem ta attack Ponyville?" Applejack asked. "Yep." "Good. Then as soon as we defeat them, we make them tell us who their boss is and where to find him!" Dash exclaimed, pounding her hooves together. "Easy, Dash. First we have to defeat them, and then get Mark back to the castle to get checked out." Twilight explained. "Hey, I'm alright!" I said as I tried to move forward, but a shoot of pain caused me to wince. "Kinda." "Hey, wait a minute!" Bon Bon said, causing all of us to look at her and Lyra. "What are you guys talking about?! You mean someone is after Mark?" She asked. "Yeah. And what's with Mark and the strange powers?" Lyra asked. "When he fought them, he was glowing all green and flying around and kicked major butt!" She exclaimed. "No normal earth pony could do the things he did! I have to know. Is he.... Is Mark a human?" The girls all looked at each other for a moment, not sure what to say. But I figured after everything I been through with Lyra and Bon Bon, I felt they at least deserved to know the truth. "It's okay girls." I said, holding up my hoof. "They're cool. They helped me out and the least I could do is pay them back by telling them the truth." But before I could begin, a loud scream came from the air, causing us all to look up. It was Dark Claw, screaming in frustration as the pegasus guards circled around him. This isn't good. I thought to myself, as we watched the scene play out. "RRRAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! You damn ponies! You haven't beaten me!!" "Give it up, scum! We have you surrounded." Flash said in a serious tone. "Oh do you now?" Dark Claw said with a chuckle. "Let's just see about that." In a flash, Dark Claw dropped down and began soaring towards the inside of the gorge. A guard flew after him, but he was ready this time, looping in the air and drop kicking him in the back before the pegasus could react. Reaching the inside of the gorge, he hovered in the air for a moment, before releasing an ear-spliting lion type roar that threw everybody off. It was suddenly followed with a strange shriek followed by the ground starting to rumble under our hooves. "Ohh no, this can't be good." I said outloud. "Let's see you stop THIS!!" Dark Claw starting laughing, as huge long red snake type monsters burst from the side of the gorge walls. "It's quarry eels!" Twilight said, pointing towards the many heads popping out of gorge. I read up on quarry eels in the 'Creatures of Equestria' book I found in the libarary. The were a type of monster that dug holes in the side of the gorge's wall to build their nest. They mostly didn't bother ponies unless they got too close to their nest. They also seemed to attack anything near their nest more during mating season or if a momma just laid her eggs. And judging by how anger they seemed, looked like it might be the last two options. Thankfully, the eels were attacking the griffons as well as the guards. Snapping hard as they tried to snap them up in one bite. "To me!" Flash screamed, as the guards flew in formation trying avoid the eels jaws. The griffons flew around maddly, trying hard to also not become a meal. "We need to get outta of here!" Dark Claw yelled at Snow Feather, dodging snapping jaws as he zipped around. "But what about Gilda?" Snow Feather asked, flying around one trying not to get snapped at. "Forget her! She knew what she was getting into. If she's weak enough to be defeated, then she can pay the price!" Dark Claw stated coldly. "What?!" Snow Feather asked, stopping to hover in place while looking up at him in surprise. "But you said she was you're new right hand. You said she showed promise when we found her. You two have grew close after you two slee..." CRUNCH!!! Faster then anyone could react, a eel came up from behind Snow Feather chomped down on him in one bite. We all winced as we heard muffled moans come from inside the eel's mouth, letting us know he was still alive inside. But then the eel started making wet chewing noises, Snow Feather was gurgling, and then the wet noises continued. But Snow Feather wasn't making any more noise. Tough to do, when you're in pieces. "Awww man! That's sick!" I yelled. Nobody said anything. Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Applejack just hung their heads down, a look of saddness and disgust on their faces. Fluttershy and Rarity, and Lyra and Bon Bon held onto each other, tears rolling down their faces as they hugged each other for comfort. poor Pinkie Pie just stared at the monster, tears rolling down her face as her poofy hair deflated and was hanging straight down. I think they all took it pretty hard. Hell, even I felt like crying for the guy. Sure, he and his partners tried to kill me, but wouldn't have wished that on him. Now Dark Claw however, was a different case. As he was a total asshole and had caused the most damage. Speaking of that motherfucker, He took one look at the eel while it ate his parnter, snarled, and said, "Fool." He then flew away with even looking back! That fucker! I thought, furious at what I just saw. He doesn't even care about his team mates! He just uses them as he sees fit, and the moment they're in trouble, he bolts! I could feel my anger and a little bit (not much) of my magic building back up. But before anyone could do anything to stop him, we felt another rumble in the ground, causing us all to focus on not falling on are asses. And before we knew it, a hole appeared near us and a huge eel popped up from it. This one was even bigger then the other ones the guards were dodging. "It's the eel mother!" Twilight cried out, as we all looked up at it in horror. The thing turned it's head towards us before letting out a loud roar. "Quick Twilight! Do something!" Rarity yelled with desperation. "I can't!" Twilight exclaimed. "I'm still recovering from all the magic I used up earlier!" "Aww, horse apples!" Applejack cursed. Rainbow Dash stepped infront of everyone, ready to defend us. But I knew that alone, she stood on chance against it. None of us did. Not with Twilight worn out and her guards busy fighting off the other eels. Damn it! There must be something I can do. I thought in frustration. I had all this stupid power, so surely I'd be able to use it to protect my friends. I felt deep inside for the ball of magic inside me, but a wave of exhaustion hit me hard. My body was already tired from the fighting earlier, and I was luck to even be alive right now. But I had to use the magic again or me and all my friends are dead! Come on, you fucking powers! Come on! I cursed to myself as I fought the exhuastion and pushed on for all I was worth. I quickly found the ball of energy, but when I tried to break the wall around it, nothing happened. I was still too tired to focus right to break the defenses so I could unleash the magic. The eel growled before it started lunging straight at us. Some of the girls flinch, fear keeping them from moving, while the others got themself ready to act. It was now or never! Giving everything I had left, I pushed on the wall around the energy, grunting outload as I did so. In a shattering blow, the defenses broke and the well of energy flowed through me once again. "KAIOKEN!!" I screamed as the green aura flowed around me. Now, I want to make this prefectly clear. I'm trapped in a magical world with talking ponies and crazy monsters. With incredible powers I have yet to understand or fully control. So of course I was going to name some of my powers and magical attacks that I did after one of my favorite animes. Hell, if I was still a human with a double barrel shotgun here, I'd be calling it my 'boomstick' and be running around saying groovy. That's from Army of Darkness for those playing the home game. Anyway, with my powers back on, I flew right up at it and hit it in the bottom jaw. Knocking it's head back, stunned, while the girls looked on in awe. Keeping up with the attack, I landed right in front of the girls, putting my front hooves together and pointing right up at the eel. Focusing everything I had into my hooves to preform another one of my favorite DBZ moves. If I was going to run around using these powers to help ponies, then what better way then to use them like one of my anime heroes. "KA....ME...." I yelled, putting my hooves to my side and still focusing all my magic into them. "Mark, what are ya doing?!" Applejack asked me. Her voice had a tone of surprise in it. "HA....ME..." The power was now glowing in my hooves as it look like I was holding a green ball of energy. "Look! He's about to do some type of magic attack!" I heard Twilight say behind me. I could tell she was amazed by what I was about to do. Not surprising, seeing how I bet they never watched Dragonball Z. "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" I screamed, pushing my hooves back out towards the eel as I released the full force of a kamehameha straight at it. In the show, they hardly ever told you how hard it was to control the attack, let alone keep focus as you felt the energy pour right out of your body and be used as energy for the attack. It was draining. But it worked. The eel shrieked in pain as the attack hit home, and smoke shot up from where the beam hit it. I could only keep the attack up for a few moments before I had to release the attack, the energy drain from the beam was too much for me. I fell on my knees, panting like I had ran for three days straight. I felt like falling over and dieing. But thankfully, the attack worked, as a nasty burnt wound was left on the eel, causing it to whine in pain. It sunk back into it's hole, and in a span of a few seconds, the other ones joined it. The threat was over. "Good. I.... did...." I tried to say, but soon colapsed completely on the floor. My eyes fluttering betwen opened and closed. I was totally spent. "Oh no! Not again." I heard one of the girls yell, as they ran towards me. And before I knew it, I passed out once again. Somewhere between the Neighagra Falls and the Crystal Mountains, high near the snowy peaks, flew Dark Claw. Landing on a mountain peak with a huge cave in it, he stormed into the cave, furious by his lost and even more furious that took the job without getting proper info. Heading deep inside the dark cave, his rage continued to build, until he stopped in his tracks a let it all flow out. "WHERE ARE YOU DAMMIT! COME OUT AND FACE ME!! Dark Claw screamed into the darkness. A low growl came from the darkness, before glowing green eyes shown through the darkness. Looking right down at him with a displeased look. I see you've came back empty handed. The voice boomed from the dark. "Why didn't you tell me he could use strange magic like that?!" Cark Claw demanded. Because I wanted to see how much control he had over it. The voice plainly stated. That, and you said you could handle it. You did boast that you were the best mercs in Equestria. "I AM!!" Dark Claw screamed. And yet you return alone without the target or your team mates. "I almost had him!" Dark Claw explained. "If it wasn't for that new purple princess and her guards I would have finished him off and brought you his corpse!" Yesssss.... Those ponies do like to stay in a nice herd. Making it hard to pick them off. The voice said the a tone of displeasure. "Just give me one more chance! I know I can take him next time." Dark Claw stated. Don't worry, you'll get your chance. Those ponies have a nack for throwing little pointless parties and events, and a important one is coming up. That will be our chance. The voice claimed. "Good. then I can sneak in, and take out...." No. You have another part to play next time. For next time.... the voice began, as thunderous steps boomed in the cave and a huge figure of a black dragon began to emerge from the darkness. It's mouth opened to show a sharp toothed grin as green fire burned in it's eyes. I'll go myself.