//------------------------------// // Chapter 65: "Hunting From the Skies" // Story: The Redemption of Tempest Shadow // by twilightsparkle3562 //------------------------------// While her friends were kept in the security of Twilight's friendship castle, Rainbow Dash was summoned to Wonderbolt headquarters and joined her fellow Wonderbolts in searching for Instant Justice and the mercenaries. "Keep your eyes peeled!" Spitfire barked as they flew along the road to Ponyville. "That traitor and his band of cronies aren't to get within one mile of Canterlot! They should be along this road! And remember, I want them taken alive! No unnecessary risks!" "Got it, boss!" Misty Fly called. "But, don't you think we should split up? They could have gone in different directions as to increase their chances!" "Misty Fly has a point, boss," Rainbow Dash remarked. "We should split up and each cover a certain zone." "When you're right, you're right, crash," Spitfire nodded. "Soarin', you're with me and Rainbow Dash! Fleetfoot, you, Misty Fly and the others look towards the Crystal Mountains! Shout if you see anything! And make sure to use the buddy system when engaging the mercenaries." Saluting, Fleetfoot and the rest of the Wonderbolts did as they were told and headed towards the Crystal Mountains. Once they were alone, Spitfire, Rainbow Dash and Soarin' stayed along the road and eventually found themselves heading towards the Everfree Forest. "Do you think they might have taken shelter in there?" Soarin wondered. "They might have if they're that desperate," Rainbow Dash considered. "We should probably go inside and see for ourselves. What do you think, Captain?" "It's a bit of a risk, but I guess you have a point," Spitfire sighed. "Killers have a way of hiding their tracks in desperation, and I can't think of anywhere more desperate for traitors to hide than the Everfree Forest. Besides, nothing would make the princesses happier than knowing that these traitors are in the Everfree Forest, and of no threat to anyone. Let's go!" The three Pegasi made their way into the forest. No matter how nervous they may have felt on the outside, they knew they had to be prepared for the unexpected. As they navigated through the thick foliage, they saw the sun rise above them. "Guess Celestia's wasting no time in trying to find them," Rainbow Dash thought. "The sooner we get these guys, the better." Just then, Rainbow Dash heard a rustling noise in one of the bushes and immediately whistled for Spitfire and Soarin. The two Pegasi raced over as quick as they could. "There's something in the bushes," Rainbow whispered, pointing to the moving bushes. "What should we do?" Taking a deep breath, Spitfire moved towards the bush and opened it to find out what was inside "Don't hurt me! Don't hurt me!" A childish voice cried. Immediately, Spitfire jumped back as the source came out and revealed itself to be a young Storm Creature no older than two. "It's okay, it's okay," Rainbow whispered, taking the frightened creature into her forelegs. "We aren't going to hurt you. Where are your parents?" "E-Evil ponies attacked me, my mommy and daddy," The creature whimpered, filling the hearts of the Wonderbolts with dread. Were they too late to prevent another massacre? "I..I..." "Kong?!" A female voice shouted, and then the three Wonderbolts saw a female looking Storm Creature come running through the trees. "Kong?! Kong! Get away from those ponies! They're evil!" In a fit of rage, the mother storm creature attempted to attack them! "Ma'am, stand down! Stand down, please!" Spitfire cried, as she and Soarin' attempted to hold the angered creature back. "We're here to help you!" "Keep away from my baby!" The female Storm Creatures cried. "You ponies are killers, you know that?!" "But we aren't here to hurt you," Soarin' pleaded. "We're here to help you, we're the Wonderbolts and we've come on behalf of Princess Celestia herself. Now, where are the ponies who attacked you? Where did they go?" The female storm creature felt herself calm down upon knowing that the Wonderbolts were not going to hurt her or her child. "They headed north with my husband. Said something about killing him for the attack on your homeland." "Look, I know you have been through enough, but we have to ask you this question," Rainbow reluctantly spoke up. "Did your husband take part in the attack on Canterlot?" "He did initially," The female Storm Creature answered. "But, he decided to leave a day before you were liberated. Nevertheless, those other ponies want him dead. In fact, they want us all dead, even those who had nothing to do with the attack on your home." "Crash, send a message to the Princesses!" Spitfire instructed. "Tell her that the traitors are in this forest! Soarin', you and I better get going! We've got to stop Instant Justice before he kills another defenseless creature!" "Got it, Captain!" Rainbow Dash saluted and flew away as fast as her wings could carry her! Elsewhere, in Yakyakistan, Celestia, Luna and Twilight were going over potential battle plans to combat Instant Justice and the mercenaries. "All right," Celestia instructed, showing Luna and Twilight a map. "It appears that from what we can see here, Instant Justice is clearly a dangerous pony. According to recent reports, he and the mercenaries headed south of here, possibly returning to Canterlot." "Should we notify those back in Canterlot to prepare for battle, sister?" Luna asked. "Not until we have a better understanding of where they are going, Luna," Celestia answered. "If we head South and find out they're going West, we'll be of no help to anyone. Hopefully, now that I have raised the sun, they'll realize that there is no place to hide." Just then, Tempest Shadow walked over towards them. "But, they have those orbs in their possession," She cautioned. "And I don't want to see you turned to stone again, princesses. You are more than just magic." "That's very nice of you to say that, Fizzlepop," Celestia commented, turning her attention away from the map.. "Perhaps now, you have a better understanding that we are just ponies too, after all." "And you have given me a second chance, letting me prove it to you by helping you find these ponies, wherever they are." Tempest began. But, before Tempest could say another word, Twilight looked to the sky and saw Rainbow Dash flying towards her. "Rainbow Dash!" She frantically called out to her friend. "What's going on?!" "We found a mother and child Storm Creature!" Rainbow panted, trying to catch her breath. "Apparently, Instant Justice and his cronies got to them before we did." "Where did you find them?!" Celestia asked, looking intently at Rainbow Dash. "In the Everfree Forest." Rainbow answered, and Celestia quickly realized where they needed to go. "Prepare our forces!" Celestia ordered, donning her battle helmet. "We're going to the Everfree Forest to confront Instant Justice once and for all!" Soon, the princesses, Tempest, and Rainbow Dash all left Yakyakistan and started to make their way to the Everfree Forest, to confront Instant Justice and the mercenary ponies in one final showdown.