//------------------------------//
// Arc 12(The Trip to Mt. Aris)-1: Where have all the Hippogriffs Gone? 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Life in Canterlot" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
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	Arc 12: The Trip to Mt. Aris


	Where have all the Hippogriffs Gone?



Sunset Shimmer was pacing back and forth impatiently as she stood by the carriage located outside the School for Gifted Unicorns.  Twilight Sparkle stuck her head out as did Pinkie Pie.
“You’re looking a bit anxious,” Twilight said.
“It’s one thing for Wanda to be late,” Sunset said.  “But mother as well?
“Come on, Sunset,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We’re all anxious to get down to Mount Aris.  But you gotta learn to play it cool and take a breather.”
“But that’s just it,” Sunset said.  “What if the Windigo’s Guild decided to kidnap Wanda and mommy when we least expect it?  What if the Banks decided to accost them for that incident involving that fox movie?”
“If it makes you feel better,” Golden Lace said as she stuck her head out.  “I did not bring up that incident with my parents.”
Sunset came to a stop before turning her body towards Golden Lace.  She raised her head up and said “What makes you think they won’t?”
“Well,” Golden Lace said with a smile.  “My mother always told me “The sign of crying is often a sign of weakness.  If you complain about one who cries, you’re no better than the crier.’  And I didn’t want to disappoint my mother.”
“Well,” Sunset said in a sarcastic tone.  “That’s very reassuring, considering what you did with Ditzy Doo.”
“Hmph,” Golden Lace said as she held her nose high.  “But with that out of the way, it seems your blank flank friend is having some issues lately.”
Golden Lace stuck her head back in as Sunset jumped up and took a peek inside.  Starlight Glimmer just sat there, staring down at the floor while Abigail and Spike desperately tried to get her attention by tugging at her tail.
“Starlight?”  Sunset said.  “Are you alright?”
Starlight just let out a sigh as she ignored Sunset.
“She’s been like this since early this morning,” Sunburst said.
“We did promise we would get her cutie mark before her parents returned” Sunset said.
“I know,” Sunburst replied as he patted Starlight on the back.  “But she’s acting as if her desire to get a cutie mark is out of reach for her.”
“Oh don’t be that upset,” Pinkie Pie said as she jumped down from the window to the floor and approached Starlight.  “We’ve all had our ups and downs in finding our destiny.  I’m sure you’ll find yours.”
“Yeah,” Moondancer said as she cuddled next to Starlight.  “You’re our friend.  And once you get your cutie mark, you’ll be brighter than the stars in the sky.”
“Actually,” Danged Spell said.  “I hope your cutie mark has something to do with a star, considering your name and all.”
“You really think so?”  Starlight said as she looked up at Danged Spell.
“No kidding,” Spell replied.  “When you have friends like Twilight Sparkle and Moondancer, you feel like you’re as huge as the galaxy that surrounds us.”
Starlight just looked down and said in a very subtle tone “Yeah.  I guess.”
Pinkie Pie placed her mouth towards Danged Spell’s ear and whispered “Maybe you should have gone for a pun.”
“I know,” Danged Spell whispered back.  “But I’m too eager to get down to Mount Aris.”
As Sunset Shimmer looked at Starlight, she heard the sound of galloping in the distance.  Sunset got down and looked in the distance.  Princess Celestia and PRincess Luna were running as fast as possible towards the carriage.  Atop was Wanda Young, but something was different about her.
“What happened?”  Sunset said as Celestia and Luna came to a stop.
“We had a hard time picking out a swimsuit for Wanda,” Celestia said.
“Swimsuit?”  Sunset Shimmer said.
When Wanda Young jumped down from Celestia’s back and onto the grass, she was no longer wearing her light blue dress, nor was she wearing her overalls and pink shirt.  Instead, she was wearing a pink tank swimsuit.  Twilight looked at Wanda from the carriage as Pinkie Pie and Moondancer stuck their heads out.
“Yeah,”  Wanda said.  “I just wanted something that would look awesome at Mount Aris.”
“Didn’t you read the brochure about Mount Aris?”  Luna said to Sunset.  “The field trip also involves swimming at the local beach and pool areas.  It would be perfect to teach Wanda how to swim.”
“But why does Wanda need a swimsuit?”  Twilight asked.
“Well I can answer that, my dearest apprentice,” Princess Celestia said as she opened the carriage door.  “Unlike ponies, Wanda does not have fur to protect her from the extreme heat or cold of this world.  She needs some form of protection so that she can resist the harsh elements, especially water.  And luckily for her, the swimsuit that she needed will grant her that protection.
“It’s as if we gave her fur like the rest of us,” Princess Luna explained.
“Well that makes a lot of sense,” Sunset replied as she jumped into the carriage.  “Don’t want Wanda to catch a cold while swimming in the pools of Mount Aris.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell replied.   “You don’t want her to have a chilly reception.  Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” The younglings, sans Golden Lace, yelled before they burst into laughter.  Even Starlight’s mood went up as she giggled.
Golden Lace let out a sigh as she said “How immature.”
As Wanda jumped up into the carriage right next to Sunset, Twilight got down and landed right next to the two.
“By the way,” Twilight asked.  “Where’s Shining Armor?  Princess Cadance?”
“They’re not coming with us this time,” Wanda said.
“After the incident at La Maresa,” Sunset said.  “They decided they want to stay behind and look after the kingdom while Mommy and Aunt Luna are with us.”
“You got that right,” Princess Celestia said as she stuck her head in.  “Chancellor Cinch is helping out the two as they take over as acting rulers.”
“All while we’re giving you younglings a better field trip,” Princess Luna said as she stuck her head in.  “Besides, the last thing I need is to be frozen solid by the Windigo’s Guild.”
“At least if something did happen to us,” Twilight Sparkle said. “We still got Cadance and Shining Armor as rulers of Equestria.”
“Anyway,” Sunset said.  “I think we’ve talked enough.  Don’t you suppose we get a move on?”
“Well,” Luna said with a playful raspberry before pulling her head out.  “Someone’s mighty anxious.”
“That’s Princess Luna in a nutshell,” Princess Celestia said before pulling her head out.  “But I did promise to be the one to pull the carriage this time.”
As Princess Celestia walked over to the front of the carriage, Wanda Young sat down in a seat right next to Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle.
“So,” Wanda said.  “What is Mount Aris supposed to be like?”
“It’s supposed to be the home of the Hippogriffs,”  Twilight replied.  “Part pony, part eagle.  Their leader is Queen Novo, who has watched over her kind since way before our time.”
“So she’s as old as mommy?” Wanda asked.  “That’s odd.  Aunt Novo never told me that.”
“Maybe older than that,” Sunset said as she gave Wanda a noogie on her head.
“Some say that her daughter is really fond of throwing parties like I do,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Well if it sounds that good,” Wanda said as she fastened her seat belt around her waist.  “Now I’m feeling really excited for our field trip.”
Outside, a couple of winged guards were able to fasten the carriage harness around Princess Celestia.  Though judging by the looks on their face, they felt disappointed.
“Are you sure you don’t want us to fly the carriage?” One of the guards said.
“No worries,” Princess Celestia replied.  “You watch over Canterlot in case the Windigo’s Guild are up to no good.  Luna and I will keep the younglings entertained.”
“Then may the skies guide you safely to your destination, your majesty,” Another guard said as they bowed to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
“Oh please,” Luna said with a second playful raspberry.  “No need to be formal.”
The guards took a few steps back as Princess Celestia extended her wings outward.  Princess Luna jumped to her sister’s side and extended her own wings out, all while squatting down like she’s about ready to run.
“So,” Princess Celestia said as she took a glance at the runway.  “You think you can beat your sister to Mount Aris while she’s pulling a carriage?”
“Bring it,” Princess Luna said.
Scrapping the dirt from the ground, Princess Celestia made a mad dash forward, pulling the carriage as fast as possible.  Luna was quick to follow in pursuit of her sister.  WIth a mighty flap of their wings, Celestia took off with the carriage hooked up to her side with Luna flying right after.  They all took to the skies above Canterlot, heading westbound once more.

Some time later, Princess Celestia flew above the various lands of Equestria all while pulling the carriage like a kite in the air.  Princess Luna flew by her sister’s side, not once looking like she was going to tire.
Inside the carriage, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Danged Spell and Moondancer looked outside as they fly over the country.  Starlight just sat there, still looking a bit depressed while Sunburst kept her by his side.  Abigail and Spike just sat there, holding onto each other, while Golden Lace just laid back, paying no attention to everyone around her.
“Every time,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I’m given a reminder of how beautiful Equestria is from above the clouds.”
“It’s hard not to forget these scenes when you’re in the air all the time,” Twilight said as she couldn’t keep her eyes from looking downwards.
“A part of me wants to jump out of the carriage, flap my wings and fly,” Wanda said as she looked at the forests from above.
“Now Wanda,” Sunset said.  “You promised mommy and Chancellor Cinch not to fly while we’re traveling.”
“I know,” Wanda giggled.  “But I think when we arrive at Mount Aris, I want to at least fly with some of the Hippogriffs.”
As most of the youngsters looked down at the land from above, Pinkie Pie’s eyes caught something familiar from afar.
“Hey look,” Pinkie Pie said as she pointed downwards.  “I can see La Maresa from here.”
Everyone looked downward to see the town of La Maresa from above.  Even though it looked small, it was still a sight to behold.
“To think,” Moondancer said.  “Not long ago, we came down here to the Ponyville Providence Fair, only for it to be ruined by Coldnelius Snap and the Windigo’s Guild.”
“You said it,” Pinkie Pie said in a huff.  “The nerve of those party crashers, thinking they can wreck our fair and get away with it.”
“Well at least we were able to drive those ice heads off.”  That familiar voice caught the attention of Pinkie Pie.  She turned to her left and saw Rainbow Dash flying right behind the carriage.
“Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said.  “What are you doing in the air?”
“What am I doing?”  Rainbow Dash replied.  “I heard word that you were flying towards Mount Aris.”
“You’re not kidding,” Danged Spell replied.  “We’re going to see the Hippogriffs and Queen Novo.”
“Hippogriffs, eh?”  Rainbow Dash said.  “Mind if I stuck around?”
“Why not?”  Wanda said.  “After all, we do miss your company since you returned to La Maresa.”
“But only if it’s okay with mommy,” Sunset said.  But the moment Sunset finished speaking, Princess Luna flew back right next to the carriage.
“Actually,” Princess Luna responded.  “We were the ones who approached Rainbow Dash with joining us today, considering that she’s been fascinated with the Hippogriffs.”  Rainbow Dash just smiled, much to Sunset’s surprise.
“Well that cleared everything up,” Sunset said with a chuckle.
“Glad you could make it on board, Rainbow Dash,” Pinkie Pie said as she grabbed Rainbow Dash and gave her a big hug, much unfortunate for her lungs.
“Too…..tight,” Rainbow Dash said as she struggled to breathe.  Pinkie Pie took notice and let go of Rainbow Dash.  The pegasi filly breathed real hard, having got out of that tight squeeze of a hug.
“Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash said.  “When it comes to you and hugs, you’d put a bear to shame.”
“Well maybe you need to develop better lungs.”  Rainbow Dash stuck her head in one of the windows of the carriage.  Inside, her eyes caught Golden Lace just lounging around in her seat.
“Who exactly are you?”  Rainbow Dash said.  Golden Lace got up and glanced at the rainbow filly.
“YOU DON’T REMEMBER WHO I AM?”  Golden Lace yelled.  “For someone who came by Canterlot for your silly competition, you sure have a lot of faulty memory.”
Wanda looked at Golden Lace with a bit of scorn on her face and said “That’s the mare who made Ditzy Doo cry.”
“I’m aware of that,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But I have no recollection of her name.”
“It’s Golden Lace,” Golden Lace yelled.  “And I hope you got it memorized.”
Rainbow Dash looked at Golden Lace as the stubborn unicorn filly turned her head away.  Wanda looked at Rainbow Dash and a smirk formed on her face.
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”  Wanda said.
“You could say that,” Rainbow Dash said before noticing that Wanda was wearing a swimsuit.  “By the way, what’s with the tortoise shell?”
“It’s my swimsuit,” Wanda said.
“Now why the hay do you need a swimsuit just to swim?”  Rainbow Dash said.
“It’s because Wanda doesn’t have fur like the rest of us ponies,” Twilight said.  “So they were able to get a swimsuit that could protect her in cold temperatures.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We don’t want Wanda to catch a cold.”
“That actually makes a lot of sense,” Rainbow Dash replied as she pulled herself into the carriage.  “I don’t recall that many creatures that lack fur, feathers or even scales.”
“None of us do,” Moondancer said.  “The only other one we have that has scales is Spike.”
Rainbow Dash looked at Baby Spike, who was sitting there right next to Abigail.  The baby dragon looked at Rainbow Dash and playfully waved at her.
“Heh,”  Rainbow Dash said.  “It’s too bad Fluttershy chose to decline this trip to Mount Aris.”
“Well why’s that?” Wanda asked with curiosity in her eyes.
Rainbow Dash took a seat right next to Wanda and said “She promised to help out with the animals at the San Di’Neighgo Zoo.  Rarity’s working on a top secret project.  Applejack’s got apples to pick, and Trixie’s testing out her new stage wagon.”
Starlight looked up at Rainbow Dash before staring downwards and said “I wish Trixie was here.  Maybe she could cheer me up with one of her performances.”
“She’s having one of those depressing moments, eh?” Rainbow Dash asked Sunburst.
“Yeah,” Sunburst said.  “She’s now the only pony of the group to not have a cutie mark.  I only hope she gets her cutie mark before her parents come back.”
“There’s no rush in getting a cutie mark,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You will get one, and it will come naturally.  So don’t worry about it.”
Sunburst looked at Starlight, who barely nodded at Rainbow Dash’s words.  He turned back to Rainbow Dash and said “I’ve had a problem like this before ever since our trip to La Maresa.”
“It was that bad, huh?”  Rainbow Dash said. “Because of what the Windigo’s Guild did?”
“Yeah,” Sunburst said as he wrapped his arm around Starlight and hugged her.  “But as long as there are others who share my concern, I know I’m not alone.”
“Good,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Because we’re all in this together.”

Later that morning, the carriage was flying above the beautiful city of San Di’Neighgo.  In the distance near the beach was a pathway that led to a giant mountain suspended over an island.  The mountain resembled a pair of bird wings covering a large hill that led up to a village and a castle in the peak.  Rainbow Dash jumped right out of the carriage and flew right next to Princess Luna.
“Wow,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I heard legends of the Hippogriff’s land.  But that looks awesome.”
“It is,” Princess Luna said.  “Believe it or not, Queen Novo came to visit Canterlot, long before Wanda and Sunset joined the School for Gifted Unicorns.  So it’s not the first time they saw an actual hippogriff.”
“They actually did?” Pinkie Pie said as she stuck her head out of the carriage’s window.  “Did they meet Novo’s daughter Princess Skystar?”
“No,” Princess Celestia said as she pulled the carriage closer to Mount Aris.  “But Queen Novo told me that she’s eager to introduce Princess Skystar, her niece Silverstream and the rest of the Hippogriffs to Wanda and Sunset.”
“I can’t hold it any longer,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I’ve got to go ahead and greet them.”
“Rainbow, wait,” Princess Luna said before Rainbow Dash took off towards Mount Aris.  Sunset stuck her head out as Rainbow Dash disappeared towards the island.
“She just had to go and pull that stunt,” Sunset Shimmer said.
Wanda stuck her head out and said “I hope Rainbow Dash brings back a representative from the island to greet us.”
“Oh don’t you worry,” Pinkie Pie said as she stuck her head out right next to Wanda.  “Rainbow Dash is the kind of pony who can dish it out and take it ten folds.”
“Considering that she saved us from the meanie windigos back in La Maresa, “ Wanda said. “I have a lot of faith in her.”
“Even though she gave you that migraine with her Sonic Rainboom?” Sunset said.
“If it meant getting rid of those meanies,” Wanda said.  “I’d say it was worth it.”
But as Wanda completed her sentence, Rainbow Dash dashed right next to the carriage.  But her face read not of joy or excitement, but of shock and despair.
“Rainbow Dash,” Princess Celestia said.  “What happened?”
“They’re gone,” Rainbow Dash said.  “There are no more hippogriffs left.”
“WHAT?”  Princess Luna yelled.  “That can’t be right.  Queen Novo said she was expecting us.”
“I’d like to see this for myself,” Princess Celestia said.  “Onward.”
With a flap of her wings, Princess Celestia pulled the carriage really hard and dashed towards Mount Aris with Rainbow Dash and Princess Luna flying right behind her.  Wanda looked at Mount Aris from the safety of her carriage and held her hands close to her chest.
“Aunt Novo,” Wanda said.  “Please be safe.”

A misty fog covered the meadow atop Mount Aris as Princess Celestia flew downwards and came to a complete stop, still pulling the carriage.  Princess Luna flew right next to her older sister and loosened the harness while Rainbow Dash opened the carriage door.  Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Moondancer and Danged Spell were quick to jump out of the wagon as Princess Celestia approached the younglings.  Golden Lace jumped down from the carriage and landed right next to Sunset Shimmer, who just glared at her.
“What?”  Golden Lace said as she caught Sunset’s cold stare.  “Just because you’re a princess doesn’t mean you should act so uncouth.”
Sunburst emerged from the carriage as he helped Starlight Glimmer take a few steps down towards the ground.  The moment the duo were on the soft grass, Abigail and Spike climbed down from the carriage and landed nearby.
“It looks like everyone is accounted for,” Princess Luna said.
Princess Celestia walked up to Wanda and said “My Darling Wanda.  Stay by my side.  I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
Wanda nodded as she walked up to Princess Celestia and stood by her side.  Abigail ran up to Princess Celestia and hid underneath the elder alicorn.
“Now listen up,” Princess Luna said.  “I want you all to remain together.  The last thing we need is to lose any of you, especially after what happened in La Maresa.”
“You can count on us, Aunt Luna,” Sunset Shimmer said as she gave a salute.
Princess Luna gave a wink to Sunset before turning to face Rainbow Dash and said “Rainbow, since you are the fastest flyer of the group, I want you to scout ahead and locate any hippogriffs remaining.”
Rainbow Dash gave a salute and said “AYE AYE, PRINCESS LUNA!”  She turned tail and flew towards the castle at the peak of the mountain.
“Everyone else,” Princess Celestia said.  “We head towards the village to find out what happened.”
“Princess,” Twilight Sparkle said as she approached Princess Celestia.  “What do you supposed happened here?  I know the hippogriffs enjoy the peace and tranquility of Mount Aris.  But it feels alot like what happened in La Maresa.”
“My faithful student,” Princess Celestia replied as she let out a disgruntled snort.  “If the Windigo’s Guild did something to the hippogriffs of Mount Aris, I will make them pay for it.”
“Sometimes,” Twilight said as she began to worry.  “I wonder if the Windigo’s Guild really wants to make all of Equestria feel unsafe.”
“Not on my watch,” Princess Celestia said.
As the group began to walk away from the carriage, a mysterious figure watched everyone from a nearby cliffside.  Her eyes were shifted towards Wanda Young as she stood directly next to Princess Celestia.
“So this is the human girl that mommy told me about,” the figure said. 

The nearby village looked like it was torn to pieces as debris from the houses were scattered across the land.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s jaws dropped in complete horror upon seeing the damaged town with their very eyes as the rest of the students were right behind them.
“What in Queen Eternia’s name happened here?” Princess Celestia yelled as Wanda and Abigail stood by, completely scared.
“Whoever did this,” Princess Luna said as she observed the ruined village.  “They wasted no time scaring the hippogriffs away.”
“Mommy,” Wanda said as she tapped on Celestia’s arm.  “Did the bad Windigo’s Guild do this?”
“No,” Princess Celestia replied. “Knowing the Windigo’s Guild, they would have filled this valley full of ice towers just to prove to be the most dangerous group across the world.”
“There’s something else that disturbs me,” Sunburst said as Starlight Glimmer held onto the bookworm.  “Whoever did this, I’m surprised that they didn’t go after San Di’NeighGo.”
“Very good observation, Sunburst,” Princess Luna said.  “I’m beginning to wonder why we didn’t get any warnings about Mount Aris being invaded.”
“Man those party poopers,” Pinkie Pie said as she slammed her two front hooves into the ground.  “I ought to give them a piece of my mind.”
But as Pinkie Pie was about to take off, Twilight grabbed Pinkie’s tail with her magic and pinned her down, causing Pinkie to slam her body onto the grass.
“Pinkie no,” Twilight said.  “What would Mrs Cake or your parents say about that?”
“Twilight’s right,” Moondancer said.  “You can’t just go on out like you’re some sort of scrappy fighter.”
Pinkie Pie sat up and crossed her arms in a huff as she glared at Twilight and Moondancer.  Golden Lace walked up, completely disturbed by the village’s destruction, with no sign of any hippogriffs.
“I’d never thought I would say this,” Golden Lace said.  “But when I get back home, I am chewing my mother out for making me go on this horrible field trip.”
“And I’d never thought I would agree with you, Lace,” Sunset said.  
“Well let’s not make it a common habit,” Golden Lace replied.
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash comes flying towards the group.  She looked completely frustrated as her hooves hit the ground.
“Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said.  “What happened?   Did you find Queen Novo?”
“No,” Rainbow Dash said.  “There wasn’t a single soul in that castle.  Everyone was gone.”
“Gone?”  Danged Spell yelled.  “You mean we came all the way to Mount Aris for nothing?”
“Well don’t look at me,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I wasn’t the one who insisted on this field trip.”
As Danged Spell put his hoof over his face, Princess Luna noticed a tarp that was placed nearby.  Eyeing the color of the flag, Luna began to sweat a bit from her forehead.
“Please don’t tell me he’s involved,” Princess Luna said to herself as she used her magic to levitate the flag and unveil it. 
Embedded on the flag were two lightning bolts, aligned perpendicular to each other, each in a small curve located at the bottommost part of the two bolts.  Looking at the flag, Princess Luna’s jaw dropped to the ground.
“SISTER!” Princess Luna yelled as she turned towards her big sister.  “IT’S WORSE THAN I EXPECTED.”
Princess Celestia ran up to Princess Luna as the latter showed the flag to her older sister.  Celestia went into complete shock as she stared at the flag.  She regained some of her composure before turning towards the students.
“May I have your attention?”  Princess Celestia said as the younglings faced the elder alicorn.  “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, I’m afraid we’re going to have to cancel the Mount Aris field trip, and return to Canterlot.  This is for your own safety.”
Nearly every youngling groaned in disappointment as they turned around and slowly walked away from the village.  Twilight lowered herself down as Spike jumped on her back.
“Man, this stinks to high horse,” Danged Spell said.  “What kind of jerk ruins the lives of so many hippogriffs and ruins our vacation at the same time?”
“Well it ain’t the Windigo’s Guild,” Sunburst said as Starlight stood next to him.  “Whoever it was, they held nothing back.
Starlight just walked right beside Sunburst and said “This truly is the worst day ever.”
“Now don’t say that,” Sunburst said.  “We’ll find a way to enjoy the rest of our day.”
As the younglings walked back to the carriage, Sunset Shimmer walked alongside Golden Lace, who looked even more upset.
“Lace,” Sunset said.  “Are you alright?”
Golden Lace turned her head towards Sunset and yelled “No I’m NOT okay.  I thought if my mother and father could convince Princess Celestia to invite me on one of your field trips, I would feel like I would belong.  But the moment we landed on this island, it was nothing more than a disaster.  When I get back to Canterlot, I am going to have a word with them about agreeing to this.”
As Golden Lace marched off, Sunset stared at Golden Lace with an odd look on her face.
“Wow,”  Sunset said to herself.  “When I wind up agreeing with Golden Lace, that’s saying a lot.”
Pinkie Pie walked towards the carriage with Twilight, Spike and Moondancer following right behind her.  The party pony looked real grumpy.
“Pinkie,” Twilight said.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” Pinkie said in a stern tone.  “What I just saw was nothing more than a total party crashing.  If only I had the full powers of Discord, I could find the hippogriffs and give them the party of a lifetime.”
“But you don’t have Discord’s magic, Pinkie,” Moondancer said.  “You’re just like the rest of us.  You can’t change what you can’t control.”
“That’s what makes this party stink,” Pinkie Pie said.
Twilight just stood by Pinkie Pie as Spike rode on top of her.  The young dragon scratched at Twilight’s mane, getting her attention.
“I know what you mean Spike,” Twilight said.  “But right now, I don’t think there’s anything we can do about it.”
Spike just let out a big sigh as Twilight walked towards the carriage.

Right behind the ground, Wanda walked beside Princess Celestia and Abigail.  The man’s cub’s tone had gone down south, since there was no sign of any hippogriffs.
“It’s going to be alright, Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’m sure the hippogriffs are safe and sound.”
“But I wanted to see the hippogriffs up close,” Wanda whined.  “It’s not fair.  Why does life have to be this cruel?”
“Well look on the bright side, Wanda,” Rainbow Dash said as she landed near the Man’s Cub.  “At least none of us had to experience who those creeps were.  Even if they were the Windigo’s League.”
“First La Maresa, and now Mount Aris?” Wanda said as she looked like she was going to cry.
“Well don’t you worry,” Princess Celestia said.  “When we get back home, I’ll make you and Sunset the best ice cream sundae ever.
But before Wanda could react, a shadow flew right out of nowhere and grabbed the Man’s Cub in a flash.  Celestia’s tone shifted in a hurry once Wanda disappeared in a snap.
“WANDA!”  Celestia yelled.
Princess Luna and Rainbow Dash looked upwards and saw a Light gambogeish gray hippogriff with a feathery light arctic blue mane.  She held tight onto Wanda, who was kicking and screaming.
“MOMMY!”  Wanda yelled.  “HELP ME!”
Without a second thought, Rainbow Dash took off and flew after the hippogriff, who wasted no time turning tail and flying off.
“GET BACK HERE!”  Rainbow Dash yelled.  “AND BRING BACK WANDA!”
As Rainbow Dash flew after the hippogriff who grabbed Wanda, Princess Celestia extended her wings as Abigail jumped off.  The Alicorn Princess took off after Rainbow Dash and the hippogriff while Princess Luna landed next to Sunset.
“Aunt Luna,” Sunset said in an anxious tone.  “Where are they taking little sis?”
“Get back to the carriage with the other ponies,” Luna said.  “We’ll get Wanda back and find out what happened to the hippogriffs.”

In the airspace of Mount Aris, the hippogriff flew as fast as she could, holding onto Wanda very tight.  Wanda struggled to break free as she screamed really loud.
“LET ME GO YOU BIG PALOOKA,” Wanda yelled.  “I’M NOT FOOD!”
Right behind Wanda and the hippogriff were Princess Celestia and Rainbow Dash.  The two ponies were catching up to the lone hippogriff, hoping to pry Wanda free.
“YOU HEARD WHAT OUR FRIEND SAID,” Rainbow Dash yelled.  “GIVE HER BACK!”
As the two were only inches away, the Hippogriff held Wanda really tight and immediately dived downwards into the ocean.
“Oh no,” Rainbow Dash said as she began to descend.  “Not on my watch, kidnapper.”
Rainbow Dash’s wings pointed backwards as she dove towards the ocean, aiming her sight at the hippogriff and Wanda.
“I’m giving you a count of three to let go of Wanda,” Rainbow Dash yelled. “And I mean let her go.”
Rainbow Dash dove faster and faster as she inched closer to the hippogriff, still clutching onto Wanda, just as they were nearing the ocean’s surface.
“One,” Rainbow Dash yelled.
The hippogriff paid no attention to Rainbow Dash as she dove down towards the ocean.  Wanda looked down at the ocean and inhaled deeply.
“Two,” Rainbow Dash yelled.
But before Rainbow Dash could touch the hippogriff, the creature landed into the ocean with a mighty splash, taking Wanda down with her.  Rainbow Dash and Celestia came to a stop as the hippogriff and Wanda disappeared into the ocean completely.
“Three?” Rainbow Dash said as she looked like she was about to freak out.
Princess Celestia nervously watched as the ocean roared around her.  She reached out to no avail, having lost her daughter Wanda to the waves.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Princess Celestia yelled as she helplessly held her hoof out.


	To Be Continued in…


	A guest of Seaquestria