//------------------------------// // 31 Arid Arrival // Story: What's Really the Most Important? // by KrishnaKarnak //------------------------------// With a mighty splash and much rocking, the great ship touched down upon the waves once more. High above, the crew were working diligently to return the balloon to its chamber. With a sigh, Rainbow Dash relaxed her hold on the filly beside her, gazing in silence out across the water to the mass of black land whose coast they were skirting. They were so close now, Dash knew it. The Herodotus would be docking at a small village along the coast where they would be shuttled across a small portion of the desert to the city. Hiexhes had explained that he'd leave the ship there for a full day to allow passengers to visit Gymkhana, vowing never to return to the 'cursed sands' once the ship had departed afterwards. The sun had nearly faded behind the horizon, the vibrant colours painted on the waters stretching endlessly to the west. She had never been so far from home before. As she continued to gaze at the Eastern continent, she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, her throat and tongue tasting the salt of the clean air she was filling her lungs with. A surreal experience misplaced in her current reality. To Rainbow Dash, everything was set to fast forward. So many emotions, so many questions, so many terrible things transpiring, and all taking place so very fast. It all swirled about her mind, coupled with persistent doubts. Thinking about the coming days sent chills down her spine. They were going into this blind and with no real plan against an enemy none of them understood. Bludgeon her mind as she might, Rainbow could not seem to martial her thoughts. Beyond finding Luna, she had no idea what to do. And she was convinced that the rest of the group were in the same boat. 'Or, like, the same zeppelin...' Dash thought, sighing. “Rainbow Dash, ya still with us?” Dash snapped out of her revere at the voice. “Uh, what?” “Holy cow! That was some major spacing out, Dash!” Scootaloo laughed. “You okay, Sis?” Rainbow Dash hesitated for a moment. “Of... course, Scoots! Why wouldn't I be?” She could not tell Scoot the truth, not when she needed Dash to always be strong for her sake. “I dunno, but you seem... kinda weird, I guess?” Scootaloo shrugged. “Welp, ain't that the pot calling the kettle black.” Dash grinned at her, feeling her mood improve in the way that only Scootaloo could provide. “I'm orange, ya big pink dummy!” Scoot commented, rolling her eyes. “I thought you liked my disguise? Besides, you're 'gamboge', as Applejack would say!” Dash laughed, ruffing Scoot's mane. “And that's cerise, like my eyes!” “HOW ARE THOSE COLOURS?!” Scootaloo demanded, shaking her head disbelievingly. “Red, yellow, orange, green, um, blue, black, purple, white, uh... pink? And brown! Those are colours!” The filly tossed up her hooves in exasperation. “My coat is orange and my mane is pinkily-purplish, with the awesome purple making up for the lame pink!” Rainbow threw her head back and laughed. “Alright, kiddo! Pinkily-purplish it is! What's your eye colour, greyclad-purpletrope?” Scootaloo huffed and sat on the deck, folding her arms and glaring in the opposite direction, averted from Rainbow Dash. “Whatever...” Dash sat down beside her and pulled Scoot into a hug, still laughing. “Don't be mad at me! I'm just a big pink dummy, remember?” Scootaloo tried to hide her face but Dash knew she was smiling. “Man... Scoots, thanks for this.” She broke the hug and just beamed at the filly. Scootaloo looked into her face. “For... what?” Dash exhaled deeply, still smiling at her, already feeling relaxed again. “Nothin'!” She couldn't really say that Scootaloo had cheered her up, since Dash had denied being upset in the first place. “Just... love ya, Scoots. I really do.” “Yeeeah...” Scootaloo said, raising an eyebrow. “Already knew that, weirdo!” She lowered it and grinned. “Love you too, though! Even if you're completely cracked!” “Pinkie Fly!” a voice hollered behind them. “Scootaloo!” “I hate that name, but don't tell Pinkie Pie that!” Dash said confidentially to Scoot, causing her to giggle. “Apparently me and Pinkie are the tag team champions... despite her being green now.” “Whatcha doooin' out here?” Pinkie asked, bouncing over. “Everypony's been looking for you!” “We've just been, y'know, chilling out here, watching the ship descend. Why, what's happened now?” Dash asked, concern in her voice. “Nothing bad!” Pinkie grinned. “Rapidfire wants a headcount before the ship docks! It was a fun trip, wasn't it?” “Sure was!” Scootaloo agreed, looking ahead to the continent before them. Rainbow couldn't honestly say she agreed herself. She didn't really see losing nearly half of their group before they even arrived in Saddle Arabia as 'fun'. “We'll regroup, then. Twilight should cast her disguise spell again, too. Make sure the disguises are fresh, eh?” Dash suggested, getting to her hooves. “Attention passengers,” Blueblood's voice spoke around them, again sounding as though it was coming from the ship itself, “We shall be docking in Corral Bay in half an hour's time. The local time in Saddle Arabia is 8:43 PM, so you can expect to disembark about quarter-after-nine. Again, the Herodotus apologizes for the unscheduled stop earlier today. We will forward any complaints to the, uh, Saddle Arabia Boarder Patrol.” “You think anypony buys that excuse?” Rainbow asked Pinkie in a whisper. “I can see them thinking it was pirates, but a 'rough boarder patrol' is a tough pill to swallow.” “Who knows?” Pinkie shrugged. “I'm not worried, so you shouldn't be either! We've gotta keep our spirits high, smile and just dive into the fun! But not into the ocean, let's wait until the boat stops before we dive over anything!” “Pinkie, your optimism always impresses me! And I ain't no easy pony to impress,” Dash complimented, before raising her voice a little to get the filly's attention. “Let's go see the rest of 'em, Scoot!” Pinkie Pie lead them back to suite #221. Once inside, they found the other ponies clustered around the table as though waiting for them. Dash chose a chair next to Soarin again and plopped down, gazing to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, before looking over at Scootaloo, who was still standing. “Alright... time for another little hero talk. Crusaders... you know the drill! Skedaddle!” Rainbow said, jabbing at the far door to the parlour. “Oh boy!” Sweetie said, rolling her eyes to the heavens. “More grown up talk we're not allowed to partake in! We're only going to put up with this so much.” “You'll do as you're told, young lady!!” Rarity said, frowning at her. Mumbling darkly, Sweetie slipped off her chair and walked away from the table, looking grumpy. She looked to her friends to see if they were following. “Well... Sweetie Belle's got a point!” Apple Bloom added in defiance. “Like... y'all can't stop us eavesdroppin'!” “You're not supposed to tell them that!” Scootaloo groaned, sliding a hoof across her face. “What a shame! I guess since they know we'll listen in somehow, we have no choice but to stay here!” Sweetie sighed theatrically, standing tall and throwing up her arms in a shrug with a most grievous look of disappointment. “Git!” Applejack said sharply, glaring the fillies down. “Okay! We're going!” Scoot said cautiously, strolling past her friends, who followed, whispering to one another. Rainbow Dash watched them leave with an odd feeling in her stomach. She felt disappointed that Scootaloo didn't immediately obey her, especially when Dash thought of Scootaloo's promise to her. “I swear, they're getting braver!” she sighed, shaking her head. “We'll need to break out the threats again!” “Maybe their defiance is their way of showing grit? They know we're all heading into danger, after all,” Soarin suggested. “Maybe it wouldn't be fair to the girls to respond with threats of punishment?” “But that's my favourite parental tactic!” Dash joked, grinning. Her stomach started to squirm, but she continued regardless. “Seriously, though, we can't exactly have them talking back to us, can we? We need the Crusaders' obedience on this little... field trip. I mean, damn, the kids should be grateful we've even been this lenient! Imagine what Rarity's parents are going through right now, or Applejack's family? Letting the girls stay close to Celestia is one thing, but she's bound to have told 'em by now that, y'know, they aren't there...” “If my parents are even aware she was even supposed to be there...” Rarity sighed, looking pained. “It's not as though they take an active roll in raising little Sweetie Belle.” She sounded quite bitter and Dash understood that Rarity was easily the biggest influence on Sweetie's life. “That's my job! And despite the little vociferated scolding I gave her back in the hold, it's one that I am rather proud to do.” “Yeah... not meanin' to rain on yer parade, there, Dash, but you know Big Mac and Granny Smith pretty much give custody of Apple Bloom to me!” Applejack shrugged. Rainbow glared at her, not exactly pleased with how this conversation was going. Applejack seemed to realize that she was being rude, however. Sweeping her hat off her head, she rushed on. “I've gotta admit, though: Rainbow Dash is right, Soarin,” Applejack continued, frowning at him and twirling her stetson between her hooves nervously. “We can't let them get carried away... it just ain't worth the risk. These are our sisters,” she said, gesturing at Rainbow, “n' Dash's daughter.” Soarin nodded and Rainbow Dash felt a little lighter now that Applejack was taking her side. She knew Soarin disagreed with the brand of punishment she and her friends used on their charges. It was something that had come up during those long training sessions in preparation for the airshow, when they had taken the time to get to discuss little details about each other. Soarin and Wave Chill, it transpired, apparently had a rather abusive upbringing for a pair of fraternal twins born into wealth. She wondered briefly if it was a contributing factor to whatever had caused Wave to lose his marbles recently? Nevertheless, it had upset her that he seemed unable distinguish between abuse and discipline when they had talked about it, especially given how much she had grown to love Scootaloo. Dash shook herself mentally. Her heart rate was increasing as though she was preparing herself for a fight. Why was she even dwelling on this? There were more important things to deal with right now. This would be their last chance for a private talk before their hooves touch dry ground in a potentially hostile environment. She had to push it out of her mind and focus on ironing out these last few details. “So, anyways,...” Dash said quickly, feeling a little dazed, but she trailed off as she saw Twilight Sparkle stand up. “If there are no objections, I think I should dispel and re-cast my magic to make sure the duration on our disguises last,” the unicorn explained. Rainbow nodded her head and waited patiently for Twilight to act. Her horn glowing brightly, the disguises of herself and the rest of the mares faded, revealing their original mane and fur colours. As white beams rippled from the horn once more, Dash saw Pinkie look in her direction and giggle. Dash rolled her eyes and, once Twilight had sat down again, spoke up. “Alright, so, Pinkie Pie said you wanted a headcount, Rapidfire? Well, we're all here, so let's, uh, decide: What'll we do once make landing? We're not sticking around until morning, right? Straight off this tub and onto whatever those shuttles are, straight to Gymkhana! Find Luna, figure out what's going on, get some new details...” Dash continued speaking fast, tapping one hoof with the other. “Plan, move out, deal with this, go home quickly! Get Luna to send the Crusaders home A.S.A.P., Scoot has a therapist appointment to keep!” “I'm game with that, but I'm mighty chuffed to see how we're gonna keep them girls in the dark about any new details we learn for long. With luck, we'll get them shooed back to Canterlot through Princess Luna before their newfangled attitudes get them into danger. Imagine if they start with some ridiculous scheme in Gymkhana to get heroic cutie marks, or somethin'?” Applejack brought up, bringing the conversation careening back to the fillies. “It wouldn't be the first time the Crusaders put themselves in danger. Just look here at them followin' us on the train and boat! We've gotta be firm with 'em, leave 'em on a short tether, for their own good.” Rainbow wanted to agree, but part of her would have been happy not to hear the discussion reverse itself. She was starting to get another squirm in her belly whenever she thought about exactly how easy it would be for Scootaloo to get into danger. She wanted to steer the conversation away from the Crusaders to take the weight off her chest, especially given that Fluttershy, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rapidfire couldn't partake in the present discussion. To her delight, Rarity provided. “Did Luna ever explain to what her disguise looks like to you, Twilight?” Rarity asked, her eyes suddenly protuberant with worry. “How can we find one another if we're masked, precisely?” “She didn't... no. But I'm sure the Princess has a plan!” Twilight said confidently. “She knows when the ship should be arriving at Corral and thus when we'd be reaching Gymkhana, delayed by Wave Chill or not.” “I trust the Princess,” Fluttershy added. “I think Twilight's right!” “Me too!” Pinkie chipped in. “I trust all my bestest friends and I trust the Princess just as much! So that means a lot for those of you following! I bet you she has a great plan already and she's just waiting for us to get there, like a surprise party! Remember yours, Rainbow Dash?!” Pinkie demanded. Dash smiled. “Sure do!” She looked to Soarin beside her, her grin broadening. “It was awesome,” she said, resting her left hoof on top of his right. She knew she had started to blush in front of everyone when she saw him light up at her touch but she didn't care. “Well, if we've got a party to get to on the outskirts of hell, we best be stickin' together,” Applejack said, sighing softly. “That way, if summat happens, we'll hopefully be able to deal with it.” “I'm game with that idea,” Dash agreed, tilting her chair back on two legs, still holding Soarin's hoof. “If we've gotta fight, we'll be better off doing it together. Somepony's gonna need to watch yer backs!” “Well, shucks. Thank ya kindly, great hero!” Applejack said, rolling her eyes. “Well then, we're sticking together as planned,” Twilight said, knocking her hooves together a little nervously. “I guess that is our best bet... well, let's gather our things.” “Hold up, somepony's gotta go grab the Crusaders' saddle bags from the hold!” Rainbow Dash remembered. “So, I'll go grab them, and...” Rainbow trailed off when she saw Rapidfire get to his hooves. “I'll do dat,” he said, inclining his head. “Da resta ya meet me on da main deck in ten minutes. Then it's show time, ladies! I'm lookin' at you, Soarin!” “Less dissension in the ranks, eh, Rapidfire? I do sit higher on the chain-of-command than you, you know!” Soarin chuckled, stretching and getting up himself. “And I've been in da 'Bolts since ya was in diapas,” Rapidfire retaliated with a smirk. “'n' I cud kick ya ass. Dun faget dat.” Soarin continued to laugh. “I'll give you that, Rapid.” “Oh boy...” Fluttershy said uncertainly as he left. “He gets like that when ponies are watching, huh? It's okay, Soarin, ponies did that to me too...” “He's actually like that all the time,” Soarin said, shrugging. “It doesn't bother me, Rapidfire always jokes like that. You'd be hard pressed to find one more loyal or respectful than him when he's being serious.” Rainbow was frowning. It really did seem to her that Soarin tended to get picked on often. Were the Wonderbolts always like that, constantly taking jabs at one another, or was it all directed to Soarin, like Spitfire's recent wrath? She was starting to really like having Rapidfire there, knowing how valuable his experience was going to be and understanding that the Wonderbolts were certainly important to him. There was even a certain reassurance to the strength of his voice that she found helped regulate her calmness whenever he was speaking, even if his vernacular was a little funny. She held him in even higher respect now that she knew of Spitfire's past and Rapid's own role in keeping her alive. Maybe she was over-thinking things? Maybe it was due to her recent resurgence of nerves that she was overreacting to a mere joke, she deliberated. And what happened earlier? Dash felt like the discussion concerning the Crusaders had just spiralled out of control! She was looking back on it as though it had been a heated argument, feeling the sweat in her face. She did not even realize that she was staring into her hooves. She was hunched over, cradling her face in them. 'I'm... falling apart...' As she looked up, she was surprised to see that she was the only one still sitting at the table. What was more, her friends and Soarin had not failed to notice. As she scanned the room, she saw many looks of concern on the disguised yet familiar faces of the mares. Craning her neck, she saw Soarin standing behind her, confusion playing across his features. “I'm a total mess right now...” Dash said quietly, blushing a little out of embarrassment. “Like, my thoughts have been all over the place for the last ten minutes!” “What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked her, walking around the table to stand next to her. “I just can't... focus myself right now, I guess? I'm just...” Dash trailed off, staring blankly at her hooves. “I'm... nervous. I think I'm starting to get scared.” Yes, that made sense, she thought. After all, they were technically already in Saddle Arabia. They were at the gates of a charred vale and ready to evaluate the destruction. “Rainbow Dash?” Twilight's voice seemed to reach her from far away. “Do you need to lie down?” “No time for that!” Dash said, shaking her head vigorously. “I'm getting all metaphorical here!” “You... are?” Applejack asked, placing her hat back on her head. “'cause... I ain't noticed!” “In my head!” Dash explained. “I'm just... nevermind. I'm fine, whatever, just being s-silly...” “You aren't being silly, Dashie...” Soarin said, gently pulling at her head with his hoof to make her look at him. As she finally stood up and turned to face him, she gazed deep into his emerald eyes and saw something of the fear that was now cascading down her chest. “You're being alarming!” “You aren't having a panic attack, are you?!” Twilight gasped, rushing around the table. “I... DAMMIT, I'M FINE!” She wasn't even sure why she was shouting. “I just got overwhelmed earlier, hard to straighten out my thoughts, I'm apprehensive because we're at the gates of Hell, or Hades, or Tartarus, or however the crap you lot might wanna describe it and I—” Dash stopped abruptly, closing her eyes and trying to catch her breath. “I... I'll meet you all on the deck. I'm sorry. Soarin, can you bring Scootaloo down for me? I don't want her to see me... like this.” Without waiting for a response from any of them, she took a few steps away, spread her wings, and ran for the door. Throwing it open, she fluttered into the air and flew down the hallway. She could hear the distant slam of the door swung back closed, whether on its own or if someone closed it behind her, she didn't know. Within seconds, she was already regretting her explosion. She wanted to go back and bring Scootaloo down herself, just so she could have some comfort in being with her child. Angrily brushing away the wetness at the corner of her eyes, she soared onward. She had already cried once today; she was not going to cry again. With a crash, she knocked the door at the end of the hallway open and flew over the rail, circling down around the superstructure. She she rounded the port-side and zoomed to the centre of the ship's deck, blinking rapidly as the safety lights illuminating the ship flickered in her eyes. Looking straight ahead, her breath caught in her lungs and her wings threatened to snap shut in fear. Dash could see the cliffs dividing the narrow passage into Corral Bay as the Herodotus sailed between them. The sun was down properly, but the little village was quite visible as torrents of flame and smoke billowed into the air. “Calm down, Rainba Dash. I know dat look on ya face,” Rapidfire said, approaching her from below and looking up at her glowing figure, caught in the light. “It's 'spose ta look like dat. It's beautiful, innit?” Dash landed cautiously and folded her wings, barely able to make out Rapidfire's profile in the semi darkness. “What is it, exactly? My heart is in my throat here, I thought the place was on fire!” She gasped, taking a few steadying breaths. “What yer lookin' at is da Fest'vile of Summa Flames. Equestria has da Summa Sun Celebration, Saddle 'rabia has dis,” he explained. “Effigies, 'n' bonfiyas, dat sorta ting. Gymkhana will look a real treat, I assure ya.” “A festival, huh?” Rainbow asked, gradually calming down, landing on the deck to catching her breath. She held out a hoof for one of the saddle bags Rapidfire was holding, spotting Scootaloo's blue one.“T-that's neat, I guess! Like, uh, a holiday or something?” “Ya cud say dat,” Rapidfire said with a nod. “It's some religious nonsense, appeasin' da Sun Deity, some 'scended anubis by da name o' Osiris. Dem Saddrabians don't adhere to da notion dat Celestia is attuned to da sun. Total whackas if ya ask me!” Rainbow Dash made no comment about Rapidfire's bigotry, having no desire to hold anything against the stallion. “Have you been to Saddle Arabia often?” “What makes ya ask dat?” Rapidfire enquired, watching the waves wash up against the rocks. “Well, ya sound pretty darn familiar with their culture!” Dash remarked, approaching the railing lining the edge of the deck and watching the cliffs drifting by as the Herodotus skirted the narrows. “Aye, I am. Dis my sixth, mayb' seventh time... countin' dat total bull mission, dat is. Haven't been 'ere fer some ten years. Mayb' longa. Me, 'n' Silver Linin', 'n' 'igh Winds, we are da only ones o' da present 'Bolts ta perform 'ere. Money was 'mazin'!” Rapidfire continued, turning his head to look at Corral Bay as the Herodotus approached. “Lotsa folk. Lotsa horses, ponies, griffons, dose sorts... but Saddle 'rabia has anubi 'n' satyrs. Dey all got nothin' ta do in dis blisterin' 'eat and I 'ere war is common, so dey go for a bitta entertainment when it crops up, so air shows make a fortune.” As Rapidfire talked, the pair of pegasai approached the bow-end of the ship. Rainbow was now studying the lively waterfront as well as the docks inched closer and closer. She could discern no less than three bonfires, all flickering in the night. There were nearly a hundred smaller fires, perhaps torches or lanterns, illuminating the roads and storefronts. Corral Bay itself seemed to be divided into three levels against the edge of a mountain. Rainbow never noticed it on her first look, but the village itself looked to be completely isolated by tall rock on three sides and the ocean on the other. The lowest level was the waterfront, alive with activity, with small buildings and battered looking shacks dotting the landscape. The next tier seemed to contain larger houses and a long rectangular building, which could have been some sort of mill or fishery plant. She couldn't see the third level properly, as it rested what looked like a few dozen feet above the second, high on top of a cliff wall. “What's a satyr?” Rainbow asked with a cocked eyebrow, momentarily focused on the fresh air she was breathing in, trying to catch the scent of burning wood from the bonfires. They were far too distant yet, however. “I know anubis are these dog things, but I've never heard of a satyr.” “Satyrs are dese two-legged goat tings. Lotsa hair, great big horns, sorta like minotaurs, but much skinnia and nimble. Dey can cast magic, like unicorns.” “Two-legged? Ya mean they don't use their front hooves for walking? Weird. I mean, I know of minotaurs and goats walking on all fours, and I can walk on two legs if I gotta for a little bit, but all the time? Madness. Must be weird for anubi, too...” “Madness? I'd be 'clined to agree wid ya, but dey don't have front hooves. Dey got claws on der hands. Trust me, ya ain't seen nuttin' yet, Rainba Dash. Jes' ya wait.” Rapidfire said mysteriously. “Satyrs are 'credible bein's.” On that enigmatic note, Rapidfire turned away from her to watch the port sail closer. Dash never really had a chance to ponder exactly what a hand was as her ears perked up when heard approaching hoof-falls from behind them. Wheeling around, she saw that numerous ponies had now reached the main deck in preparation for disembarking. With a smile, Dash saw Soarin, Scootaloo, and the others among them. “Sis!” Scootaloo called out, running forward and stopping just short of Rainbow. She was frowning and glaring at Dash with what Dash felt was an altogether unnecessary fury. “Already got your disguise memorized, but how come you never came and got me?! How come it was Soarin?! He wouldn't tell me why, either!” Her anger gave way to disappointment as her face fell. “I wanted to come down with you...” “I'm sorry, Scoots!” Dash apologized earnestly, dropping low to put herself on a level with the filly. “Dashie was distracted, that's all! I'll get off the boat with you, I promise! That cool, kiddo?” She ran a hoof through Scoot's hair, causing the filly's mane to look distinctly messy. “I guess...” Scoot shrugged. Her face suddenly brightened as she changed the subject at top speed. “Soarin looks stupid in those shorts, doesn't he?!” She giggled. “What a doofus!” “Now, now, be a good girl, Scoots!” Dash chastised, unable to contain her laughter as she studied Soarin critically. He was looking somewhat embarrassed, blushing as he looked into her face and held out her saddlebag for her to take. Despite her dislike for Soarin being the subject of mockery, she just couldn't help herself at that moment. “You look adorable! Like a little colt scout! Spitfire suuure can pick 'em, those shorts are like four sizes too small for ya!” “As long as dat cutie mark is 'idden,” Rapidfire said seriously, turning to face them. “Small price ta pay if ya ask me.” He looked over his shoulder back to the waterfront. “Looks like we'll be dockin' in a mo'. Ya can see da workers gettin' da wooden walkway. We're officially here.” Dash took a deep breath, calming herself yet again and squeezing Scootaloo to her side. “That... that we are, Rapid.” She tossed the bag over her back and secured it. “Well, I'm at least glad yer... not distracted anymore, Dash,” Applejack said, approaching with Fluttershy and Rarity. “Indeed. I'm very happy you're, uh...” Rarity hesitated, throwing Scootaloo a cautious look. “... focused! We must all be focused in the coming hours as we meet out next challenge!” “What's with all the fire?” Sweetie Belle asked the group at large, gazing with interest at the distant flames billowing in the night. “Those,” Rainbow said knowledgeably, “are the fires of the Festival of Summer Flames! They're used to praise, uh, Iris the Sun Dude.” As the Herodotus came to a stop alongside a long boardwalk, an anchor hit the water with a splash and pegasai flew with ropes in their mouths, aiming to tether the ship to the dock. With a thunk, a wooden walkway was placed in a gap between the railings. With a nod to the mares, Rapidfire was the first pony to descend it, leaving the ship. “Alright, Scootaloo...” Rainbow said, allowing her friends to march forward. “You take my hoof and you don't let go. Got it?” She peered down at the ground, already spotting dock workers who were, quite clearly, not ponies. There were four or five horses and a pair of anubi. “We're in a whole 'nother world out here.” “Not scared, are ya?” Scoot grinned, but she permitted Dash to lead her three-legged down the walkway anyway. “I dunno, Scoots! Are you?” Dash asked her, taking her first step on the dock. “You're squeezing my hoof awfully hard here!” “That's because I'm trying to make ya feel safe!” Scoot replied, before whispering in an even lower voice. “Thanks for squeezing' back, though...” The pair of pegasai stepped aside to allow the rest of the passengers to descend off the ship. Glancing about, Dash caught sight of Soarin standing next to Rapidfire. Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie were approaching them, the other two Crusaders in tow. Fluttershy stood in the void between the group and Rainbow Dash, taking one last look at the luxurious ship. “N-nopony would have any objections if I, um, got back on, would they?” Fluttershy asked meekly. “Sure, ya go 'head,” Rapidfire said, flapping his wings and floating over to her. “All dat'll mean is, once ya friends get da Harmony tings, dey won't work. It's my understandin' dat ya need all six o' ya.” Fluttershy sighed. “Oooh...” she huffed, frowning. “I know... I'm just so scared!” “Fluttershy, we all are,” Twilight explained, walking back to her. “That's why we need each other.” “Twilight's right. Or... I think that's Twilight! Either way, yeah, she's right!” Dash said. “We've gotta be there for each other. Isn't that right, Scoots?” Scootaloo nodded vigorously, though Rainbow Dash saw that her eyebrows were furrowed. Was it possible that Scoot herself was definitely more scared than she was letting on? Rainbow didn't like to think that. She knew this entire ordeal so far must have been a terrifying experience for her, yet Scoot's anxiety had, so far, remained absent. “So...” Dash said uncertainly, looking to Soarin. “How're we getting to Gymkhana, exactly? What're these shuttles?” Rapidfire turned toward the heart of the village, pointing a hoof high up the mountain. “Da highest point of da village is an airfield of sorts. We'll be takin' a gyrocopta.” “A... what, exactly?” Applejack asked, following his gaze. “Ain't never heard of such a thing!” “It's a flyin' machine. Wid propellers on top. Gymkhana is on da otha side of da mountain,” Rapidfire explained. “If we hurry, we can probably catch da first one.” “That's too bad, I was sort of hoping to explore this quaint little place!” Pinkie sighed. “They're all having so much fun! I swear I can see a parade snaking along the side of the hills there!” She pointed to the eastern edge of the village, where large banners of flame were slowly moving along, followed by a mass of creatures. “Da coptas operate most o' da day. Once we finish da mission, we can come back,” Rapidfire shrugged. “We've got otta irons in da fire, y'know.” “Well,” Soarin said, throwing out his chest and starting to walk away from the port, “let's get moving, then!” he cried to them, head turned back. “The sooner we get—” With a grunt, Soarin walked straight into someone. A shorter, palomino horse dressed in a bright green garb bounced off his chest and stumbled to the ground as Soarin tripped over him. Gasping, Soarin scrambled to his hooves to help the stallion to his own. “I'm so, so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going!” Soarin apologized profusely. Rapidfire was the first one to make it over and helped Soarin drag the horse to his feet. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo ran over to join them, shortly followed by the rest of the group. “Not here five minutes and you already make a mule of yourself!” Dash groaned. “It is... of little consequence!” the stallion gasped, being dragged back to all fours. “My apologies! I was in such a rush to get to the ship, I must have been walking careless!” “No, no, it was me who wasn't watching where they were going!” Soarin repeated, shaking his head. “It is fine, truly!” the stallion said earnestly. “By the sounds of it, you all must be new to Saddle Arabia? Allow me to be the first to welcome you! I was in such a hurry to get to the ship because I am doing a report on the Festival of Summer Flames for the local paper!” he explained, tugging at a camera around his neck. “I wanted a nice shot of the ship, you know, illuminated by its magical lighting and with the moon in the background! Something for a section on the tourism this time of year brings!” “Thank you, then!” Soarin said, bowing his head. “We won't delay you any longer. Have a good evening, sir!” “And the same to you and all of your beautiful friends!” he said, bowing low to Dash and the rest of her friends. “You, uh, dropped something, by the way!” “I... what?” Soarin said distractedly, gazing at the ground. Rainbow Dash looked as well and saw a rolled up parchment. “Sorry, that's not mine. Must be yours.” The stranger laughed. “I ain't the one wearing' clothes with pockets! Good evening to you all and enjoy your stay in Gymkhana!” Something definitely felt strange about him, Dash mused to herself. She tightened her grip on Scootaloo's hoof, which caused the younger pegasus to complain softly. She watched as Soarin bent low and picked up the parchment with his mouth, dropping it into one of his hooves. Stretching his wings, he hovered in the air in order to free another hoof to open it with. “Dat was odd... 'n' fishy, if ya ask me...” Rapidfire said softly, looking back to the surge of creatures now flooding the dock to get a glimpse of the Herodotus up close, masking the stranger from sight. “How did he know we was goin' to Gymkhana? Da coptas go to otha locals, too...” Soarin was starting to look concerned. “I dunno, Rapid...” he said softly, holding out the parchment to him. “Why don't you tell me?” Cocking an eyebrow, Rapidfire took the letter from him and read it fast. “What...?” he croaked. Heart racing, Rainbow reached out for it herself. Wordlessly, Rapidfire handed it to her before gesturing to the other mares to approach. Scootaloo tugged at the arm holding the parchment, no doubt wishing to read it herself, but Dash shushed her. “One sec, Scoots...” she said, letting go of Scoot's hoof to hold the parchment steady. “Stay next to me...” The desert hides many secrets. No doubt you are here chasing that which can be called a mystery. You already know you are not alone and we know who you are. She waits for you in the Disc. The furthest reaches of the Cross, the Resin house. Show proof of your identity to gain what you seek. Memorize what you read and burn this note. Walk always with Eternal Night The bottom of the letter was suffixed with a strange symbol, depicting a waxing moon superimposed over a helmet, all encased within a triangle. “Twilight... what do you make of this?” Dash asked, extending her hoof to the unicorn. Twilight's eyes raced back and forth as she read quickly. She gasped softly, eyes wide. “It's...” “Well?!” Rainbow demanded, feeling ice creeping down her spine. “What's it mean?” “I dunno what it means, exactly... but I know who wrote it,” she said carefully. “That symbol... belongs to the cult that worshipped Nightmare Moon. That's the New Lunar Republic's mark.” “The what?!” Applejack said sharply, snatching the paper from Twilight's hooves. “Last time I checked, they weren't exactly friendly! They wanted the whole world cast into darkness, regardless of whether or not their idol was reformed or not! Sure sounds like a group that would be buddy-buddy with The Shadow!” “Applejack, keep your voice down!” Rarity hissed as a pair of anubi watched them curiously. Rapidfire jerked his head to the edge of the small road leading from the docks. Once they were all safely out of both the way and earshot of the crowd moving to see the ship, he waited for everyone to get a good look at the letter before asking for it back. “Let's see dat letta again,” he spoke, reaching out for it. “Let's see... 'kay, dis is obviously some blasted riddle ... no less den da type o' nonsense I'd expect from da New Luna' Republic.” “What exactly is the New Lunar Republic? I never heard what y'all were sayin' when you were talkin', and—” Apple Bloom spoke up, interrupting the Wonderbolt. “Hush!” Applejack hissed, cutting her off. “Let Rapidfire speak, Bloom.” “It mentions a 'Disc'. Dat's easy 'nuff. Gymkhana was built widdin a big circular wall. Da 'She' has to be Princess Luna,” Rapidfire explained. “What about the 'Cross' and 'Resin' it speaks of?” Twilight Sparkle asked him, hoof to her chin as she narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “'Cross' could mean a crossroads, or... maybe a group of buildings in the shape of a cross?” Soarin suggested. “Perhaps dat one will make sense when we get dere. Same with some Resin house. Regardless, we should actually get dere. No more delayin'. Do you agree, Soarin?” Rapidfire asked, rolling up the parchment. “I do,” Soarin said, nodding. “I can only hope the New Lunar Republic has been assisting Princess Luna. If not, then the enemy already found us, so no point in wasting time here worrying about it. The longer we delay, the more likely it is that the rest of the Wonderbolts are in serious danger.” “Well!” Dash exclaimed, voice cracking. “Cheerful way to view it, Soar!” “What does he mean, 'the rest of the Wonderbolts'? Is that where they all went?” Scootaloo asked, tugging on Rainbow's mane. “Did they chase off the pirates? Were they working for The Shadow?” Rainbow looked down into Scootaloo's eyes, hesitating. Applejack was right; it was going to be impossible to keep the Crusaders in the dark for very long. As Rainbow Dash looked up, trying to give herself thinking time, Soarin opened his mouth to her. She expected him to apologize for letting something like that slip. Shaking her head, she forestalled his speech. “Scoots...” Dash said softly, kneeling down beside her. “The Wonderbolts saved our lives back on the ship. But the bad guys might have them right now. Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Lightning Streak, and Fire Streak... We've gotta get to the capital and figure stuff out so we can find them before its too late.” “If somepony as strong as Captain Spitfire can get caught...” Scootaloo murmured softly. “What... what'll happen to you guys?” “Nothing, hopefully!” Dash assured her, looking at the tell-tale signs of Scootaloo's eyes and her twitching ear. “C'mon, we've gotta get to the gyrocopters and they'll fly us to Gymkhana. We'll solve the riddle on that letter and find Princess Luna. Everything will be fine when we find Princess Luna!” “But...” Scoot mumbled, already beginning to shake. “I know you're worried, Scoots! I am too. But there's nothing we can do where we are. There's a big festival going on, so maybe they won't notice us?” Scootaloo didn't look exactly reassured, but to Dash's great relief, she did relax somewhat. With that, the group began their climb. Part of Rainbow would have been absolutely tickled to just take Scoot and fly up the hill. She wanted to be able to comfort her if she had to, but the rest of her wanted to stick together with her friends. After all, they had their safety in numbers, diminished or not, she thought. How did the Republic find them? They were still disguised, for pony's sake! More importantly, how would they even know if the Republic would be friendly to them? Would they move into an ambush? As they approached the edge of the waterfront district, they found a large procession moving around a bonfire. The air was filled with the aromatic scents of burning incense and firewood, and the sounds of singing. “They really look like a happy bunch, though!” Twilight said. “I sort of wish that we were hanging around. I'd love to learn about the history of this celebration!” “Maybe the New Lunar Republic are seated in Corral Bay? If they're friendly, maybe we'll come back. It's fun... lookin'. I guess, deep down, I really am Pinkie Fly!” Dash said, laughing. “Friendly? Shoot, that'll be the day! Listen, I grew up bouncin' on my pa's knee listenin' to spooky stories about those psychotic cultists! They're our enemies, Dash!” Applejack spoke adamantly. “Terrible criminals n' thugs! During the short darkness of Nightmare Moon a couple years back, there were reports of the cultists terrorizin' folks!” “Pa didn't trust 'em?” Apple Bloom asked in a small voice, looking a little uncomfortable. “He sure didn't, hun,” Applejack said, nodding sombrely and pulling her sister into a hug. “Our daddy was a very wise stallion, Bloom! Don't you trust 'em either! And you!” Applejack snatched the letter from Rapidfire's grip, glaring him down. “We were suppose to burn this awful thing! Rare, wanna do the honours?!” Rarity was frowning at her, evidently shocked at her outburst. As the red and orange facade of Applejack waved the parchment in front of her, Rarity slowly inclined her head, pointing her horn at the rolled up letter. With a small flash of light, it burst into flames and fell from Applejack's hooves. Rarity stared at the place where it fell to the ground, looking unnerved. “We ain't needin' no fancy riddles 'n'... other stupid nonsense!” Applejack huffed, wiping at her eyes. “We woulda waltzed out butts right into a trap, you mark my words!” “Applejack...” Dash said softly, concern bubbling in her chest. “We're all a little edgy... and I don't really trust these guys either, but it's... all we have to go on!” “We could do worse, is all!” Applejack shrugged. Rainbow simply stared at her, fear starting to crescendo within her. Applejack's outburst was reminding her of her own back on the Herodotus. 'Awesome. I bet we all completely freakin' lose our satchels out here!' she thought wryly. “A-Applejack... dear?” Rarity asked softly, extending a hoof to her. “Are you alright?” “'m fine...” Applejack mumbled, starting to walk again. “We should keep movin', I guess...” Applejack looked back to Rarity and then directly into Rainbow's eyes. Dash knew she still had concern etched on her face. “Just... I've met... the cultists. Bad experiences. Pa didn't trust 'em, and all... I don't really wanna talk about it.” “Can you tell me?” Apple Bloom asked her sister softly as they all began to climb the next hill. “You're scaring me, AJ... I ain't never seen ya act like that!” “If I feel up to it, I'll tell ya, sugarcube. I'll give my word, alright?” Applejack's voice was a little warmer. “So... I love the smell of burning firewood!” Sweetie Belle said, making an impressive stab at changing the subject. “You do?! Me too!” Pinkie Pie gasped. Rainbow guessed that she was happy for the change of subject as much as she herself was, as Pinkie, too, was looking frightened with Applejack's actions. “That's why I wish we could stay here!” “Yep! And... the smell of roasting marshmallows! Mm, mmm! And the sound of a crackling fire...” Sweetie Belle looked back down the hill at the bonfire and the crowd swelling around it. “Ya can all stay in dis quaint lil' village if yer so desperate!” Rapidfire sighed. “Gymkhana, mind, celebrates da fest'vile, too! I ain't meanin' ta sound like a jerk but I'm gettin' awfully tired of dese delays and da bickerin' and the complainin'! Soarin, you gotta be too! Our team, our family, could be in danger and 'alf of us wanna sit around a damned campfire!” Dash bowed her head, a guilt now squirming within her stomach. She was starting to grow weary of the constant, rapid changes of her emotions lately. Out of the corners of her eyes, she could see Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Sweetie Belle looking ashamed as well. “You're right, Rapidfire.” Fluttershy said quietly. “Whoa... sorry, Flutters! I actually... forgot you were here. You haven't said a word since we walked away from the ship!” Rainbow Dash admitted in surprise. “I've been keeping to myself out of nerves, but the right thing to do right now is to get to Gymkhana...” she said with certainty. “Let's get to the choppers, then, or whatever they're called,” Applejack said, taking a deep breath. “I'm fine, really.” Rarity patted her on the shoulder, smiling. Twilight was nodding at her words and Pinkie was just bouncing along quietly. Rainbow looked down at Scootaloo's face. The filly looked as though she was doing some deep thinking and Rainbow didn't want to break her concentration by asking how she was feeling. She knew Scootaloo didn't like confrontations, but as long as she was calm, Dash was happy. “Well, if there's no objections,” Soarin said, “lead us to the gyrocopters, Rapid.” “Yes, sir,” Rapidfire said, nodding respectfully. “Glad dat's settled.” They proceeded quickly through the second tier and passed another bonfire. Dash paused briefly as she caught a glimpse of what she assumed could only be a satyr. A tall figure stood next to a group of horses, all of which were watching it with great interest. Rainbow was surprised to see one or two ponies in the group as well. The satyr raised both of its claws and began to wave his arms through the air slowly. A green substance, like floating liquid, was being weaved through them like yarn. As it dropped to one knee, it brought the claws down and the magical substance spread over the ground in front of him. Rainbow Dash gasped as flowers started to sprout from the earth, dozens and dozens of them of different shapes and colours, from the place where the satyr's magic connected with the ground. The creature held out one of its palms and a long string floated out of a box on the ground and moved through the air toward him. Sweeping several of the colourful flowers up with one claw, he snapped the other and caused the stems to fade away like a mist. Another snap and the heads of all the flowers fixed themselves to the string, which the satyr levitated to a little filly. “They're druids!” Twilight gasped, causing Rainbow to jump; she hadn't realized the rest of the group had stopped with her. “Fascinating! They have an affinity to the very earth underhoof... it's like how earth ponies can cultivate far better than unicorns!” “I always thought unicorns could do anything with their magic?” Scootaloo asked, staring back at the satyr too. “Are those goat things better?” “You must remember, Scootaloo, that there's so much to the world outside of us ponyfolk!” Twilight explained as they all continued to move up the next hill, leading to the third tier. “I don't think ponies were ever the best at magic. There could be hundreds of different types of creatures far better than ponies. And maybe unicorns do different types of magic far better than anything else in the world? Like how unicorns have always been tasked with raising the sun and the moon since the first era, or in recent times, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. There's always balance. There might be stronger creatures than earth ponies, but they've gotta be the best I know of when it comes to farming.” “I... see!” Scootaloo said, scratching her chin with her hoof. “So pegasai are the best at...?” “Everything,” Dash said with a shrug, winking down at Scoot. “We can't farm and we can't use magic. We're the best fliers, like, ever.” “What about griffons?” Apple Bloom asked, jumping into the conversation. “I know we earthy folks are great at farmin', but what if, oh, I dunno, griffons are better fliers?” she asked smugly. “Ha!” Rapidfire laughed, turning to look back at them. “Dem Steel Talons would like ta tink so, but da 'Bolts could always whip 'em in a race.” “He seems in a better mood,” Dash remarked as she leaned close to Soarin. “Like I told Fluttershy, he may seem upset or angry sometimes, but he's really laid back for an older stallion. As long as we're making progress, I doubt he'd care what we talked about,” Soarin whispered to her. “And he's really competitive, so if ya get him on the subject of griffons... he'll turn into a younger sports fan arguing about his favourite team!” As the path twisted around the back of the fishery, the strong scent of fish flooded the air briefly, causing the Cutie Mark Crusaders to gag in equal measure. It didn't bother Rainbow or her friends, but it did set her stomach churning slightly. As herbivores, fish wasn't exactly something any of them ate on any occasion. The only exception that could cross her mind was fish oil, which ponies like Rarity ingested for a healthier coat. “Here we are...” Rapidfire said s they reached a stone staircase at the end of the path. Looking up, Dash saw that it actually went into the side of the mountain. “We follow dis through da cave 'n' it comes out on da t'ird level... das da airfield I mentioned.” Silently, they started their trek up the steps. Up and up they climbed, reaching a landing some thirty steps up. Turning right, they climbed under an overhang of rock and into the hill itself. With every step, the view got dimmer and dimmer as the burning glow of the festival fires drew farther away. Both Twilight and Rarity illuminated their horns as darkness closed in around them. Rainbow could feel a stitch in her chest as she climbed, huffing and puffing along with her friends. After another dozen steps, she swore softly under her breath and paused. “The stairs are pretty wide. Screw this, I'm flying!” Rainbow decided, spreading her wings and dropping low. “Hop on, Scoots!” “Thank Celestia, my hindquarters are on fire here...” Scootaloo said, graciously climbing aboard. “My muscles aren't built for this! Pegasai were meant to fly, not climb! Even if... I can't. Well, you can fly, so I'll continue to use you, minion!” “Scoot over, Scoot!” Sweetie Belle yelled, squeezing between Rarity and Applejack. “You're getting another passenger, Rainbow Dash!” Rolling her eyes, Rainbow gazed over at Apple Bloom. “You coming too, Bloom? Or do you gotta say something clever like these two devils first?” “I ain't trustin' your wings, Rainbow Dash! Besides, I'm not a wimp! Me 'n' Applejack are powerhouses! The earth pony way!” “You know, all of this talk about different types of ponies and other creatures like that satyr back there... it's all giving me an idea! On the flight to Gymkhana, I could maybe tell you girls some of the history between the types of ponies, or... maybe stories about when they first had contact with other races? Wouldn't that be fun?” Twilight asked, beaming. “Twilight, as your friend... no,” Dash said simply, fluttering into the air. “Just... no. The girls like you; don't turn them against you.” All three of the Crusaders chuckled immoderately at these words. With gentle flaps to keep herself elevated, Dash hovered along above the group, making sure to stay within the radius of the unicorn light. She could feel Scootaloo stretching out on her back, the filly's arms swung loosely around her neck. “Nice to get off our hooves, huh?” Scootaloo asked, Dash feeling her nuzzling into her mane. “Not used to seeing a bucket-load of blue hair!” “I'd still be happy without the pink fur! At least I still look like me... y'know, to me! That seems like a silly feature of the disguise spell, making me still look normal to my own eyes, but whatever... I'll be glad when we're back home and I get to look awesome again!” “Yep!” Scoot agreed. “You still look sorta awesome...” “Yep...” Dash said absentmindedly, an idea occurring to her. “I'm proud of you, kiddo.” “You sure change your mind a lot!” Scootaloo laughed. “You go from mad, to worried, to laughing like some little kid. to proud, you'll be mad again soon, I bet! Probably at me...” “I will if ya keep pointing out my flaws, ya critical little demon!” Rainbow snickered. “Seriously, though... how do you feel?” “Whatcha mean?” “I mean... do you still feel nervous?” Rainbow asked. “A lil', I guess...” Scoot said uncertainly. “Do you feel the same way you feel when your anxious? Like you're scared and you don't know why, or it's something that makes you nervous and you can't control it? Are you getting upset like that?” Rainbow asked, floating a little higher to give them privacy. “I dunno, Sis... sometimes... it comes and goes and I never like it when it's happening, and... I can't control it, and... it makes me wanna cry when it happens...” “I know it does, baby...” Rainbow said softly, reaching up to touch one of Scootaloo's arms, still draped around her neck. “You can't control it and that's not very fair or fun, is it?” “Umm mmm...” Dash could feel her shaking her head into her mane. “It's not...” “But... do you feel like that right now?” “Uh... not really. Talkin' about it makes me think about it, and that makes me feel upset... but I'm okay, I suppose. Right now, anyways.” Scootaloo explained. “And that's why I told you I'm proud of you!” Dash laughed. She wasn't sure if Scootaloo was simply getting more control over herself or if she was simply getting used to being away from home. “You're keeping yourself tough and that makes Dashie really happy. I can't promise stuff might not get scary when we're in Gymkhana because I don't even know what me and my friends will be facing ourselves... but if you can keep feeling brave, it's gonna make everything at lot easier. Knowing you're happy makes me braver, Scoots.” “I don't help that much...” Scoot sighed. “You'd be surprised how much you help me, Scootaloo,” Dash assured her. “I'm not lying to you.” “I know, dummy! Because I can trust you!” Scootaloo said confidently. “Do you... still trust me?” “I do, Scoots. I'll always can trust you, even if you sometimes do...” Dash said, trailing off. “Stupid stuff?” Scootaloo suggested. “Stupid stuff. Like fire. That's stupid. And fights at school... that was stupid. And stunts with the Crusaders that involve you lot forcing two ponies to think they're in love! That was... actually, that was pretty funny!” She snickered for a few seconds. “It was the wrong thing for you guys to do, but the gossip in Ponyville was amazing for like three weeks!” Scootaloo giggled softly. “We felt sooo guilty, but it was... kinda funny! But it's not fair to use stuff like that against me, Rainbow Dash! We weren't sisters then!” “Fiiiine, fiiine... How about following me here? That was stupid! And apologizing to Princess Celestia when you get home... will that be stupid?” Dash enquired sternly. “No, Sis...” Scootaloo huffed and Dash could practically imagine her rolling her eyes. “You got that right!” Rainbow Dash grinned to herself. “You're a good kid, Scoot. Don't forget that... and I love you, Scoot. Never forget that, either.” “Can't forget that, since ya never shut up about it!” Scoot retaliated, bonking Dash on the head lightly. “You act like you don't like hearing me say it!” Dash laughed. “Horseapples! You're hard to trick, Sis!” Scoot sighed. “Just get tips from Soarin! He tricks me all the dang time,” Dash said, shaking her head sadly. “His best so far was acting like he didn't like me back!” “Is he your—” “Not yet!” Rainbow Dash cut across her, knowing what the question was going to be. “There's too much junk goin' on for us to be dating, Scoots! You know that. I'm the best, so I'm totally worth the wait as someone's girlfriend... and I'm gonna stop talking about this, because you're too young.” “Sister of the year, you are! 'The best', indeed!” Scootaloo said, giving a roar of laughter. “Dash, you're tactless!” “How do you even know what that means?!” Dash asked, sighing. “What in tarnation are you two doin'?” Applejack called out to them. Dash looked down at her and saw the entire group standing just outside of the exit to the cave. “Oh, shoot! How long have you guys been waiting for us?” “Like four flippin' minutes!” Applejack sighed in exasperation. Rainbow Dash gave a great whoosh of her wings and soared out of the cave, landing haphazardly on the ground, apologizing profusely. Scootaloo jumped down off her back and Dash straightened up, smiling apologetically. “Sorry... whenever I talk to Scoots, I always suck at paying attention to my surroundings!” Dash admitted, tossing her hair. “So...” “It's no big deal, Dashie!” Soarin said, walking over to her. “Rapidfire's talking to one of the pilots, so we should be leaving in a minute or so. It's a good thing Gymkhana pays for flights to every province of Saddle Arabia, eh?” “Uh, huh...” Dash said absentmindedly, peering over at Rapidfire speaking to a tall anubis wearing a dark brown jacket and a pair of goggles reminiscent of the Wonderbolts' flight goggles. Just behind the pilot, Rainbow Dash could see no less than three long gyrocopters, all shimmering in the moon light. Each one was painted gold with a long container with many seats connected to a lightweight chassis. The pilot's little cockpit was in the front, with a small windshield and many levers. From the centre of the passenger seats rose a tall piece of metal with wires coming out of the top, which were connected to the base of a contraption connected to two long propellers. At the back of the machine was a small tail with long fins. Rods below the machine seemed to connect them to the cockpit. The entire copter rested on three long legs connected to small wheels. “How in the Iris of Osiris can that hunk of junk fly?” Rainbow asked in amazement. “It's steam powered! You see that little container, just below the pilot's seat? Water! And a heater! The steam rises up, goes 'whoosh', and poof! Works.” Pinkie Pie pointed out. Rainbow squinted her eyes and she could make out a small hose connected to it, possibly filling it with water. “I think it's neat! “Equestria might have had film and projectors and that sort of thing before Saddle Arabia, but they had steam power first, I think. Just wait until you see some of the stuff they have in Gymkhana; this place is light-years ahead of us when it comes to technology!” Soarin explained. “Great Heavens, whose side are you on?” Rarity asked, appalled. “I'm not against the innocent of Saddle Arabia, Rarity,” Soarin explained calmly. “There's stuff you'll enjoy as a fashionista, I assure you. I'm just trying to look on the bright side of things.” “I understand! I'm sorry for jumping down your throat like that,” Rarity said, bowing her head. “It's just... we're so close, now, and...” “I think we've all been feeling that way, Rarity,” Twilight comforted. “Stress of this whole trip and the unknown that we'll be facing... I've stopped worrying, though! I think we've all handled worse things! I mean...” Twilight hesitated, looking over to Soarin. “It's fine, Twilight Sparkle!” Soarin said quickly. “I'm dealing with my brother's betrayal in my own way. Like you said, you girls have handled tough situations before. We've gotta find the Captain and the rest of our teammates, get in contact with Princess Luna, and go from there.” “Are you sure you're gonna be okay, Soar?” Rainbow whispered to him once he turned to look to see if Rapidfire was finished. “I dunno, Rainbow. Sometimes it threatens to overwhelm me, but I can't afford to break apart over this. If there is some possible way of getting him back, we've gotta pull it off. He could be enslaved by the Voidwalker, for all we know.” “That would be the obvious explanation!” Rainbow agreed. “And he seems to worship it with that warlock. I think you're right, it's probably behind both. The only question is: Why? Why pegasai like the Wonderbolts? Why Saddle Arabia?” “I don't know, Dashie... There's so much about The Shadow we don't know. We don't even know for absolute certainty that it and the Voidwalker are the same thing. We could have two powerful enemies on top of the warlock and the entire military force of Gymkhana. He's their leader right now, after all...” Rainbow opened her mouth to speak but closed it again quickly, unable to find the proper words. She looked out over the horizon from their lofty position on the highest point of Corral Bay. Hills and mountains surrounded them with the ocean as far as the eye could see below. She could feel a hot wind blowing from beyond a tall mesa behind the airfield. The desert had to be that way, she thought. It probably wouldn't take long for the gyrocopter to bring Gymkhana into sight. “Soarin! Da rest o' ya!” Rapidfire called out. “C'mon. We're takin' dis copta to Gymkhana now!” “Oh, man...” Rainbow gasped, feeling her heart race suddenly increasing. “This is it!” Was it exhilaration or fear? She couldn't decide. Turning to look at Scootaloo and the other Crusaders, who were talking quietly to each other, she spoke again. “You ready, girls?” “As we'll ever be...” Sweetie Belle said uncertainly. “Gosh, it's getting warm up here.” “That's the wind coming from the desert,” Soarin explained, leading the girls to the gyrocopter. “We'll be wanting shade in the morning. Thankfully, there's lots in the city, because we're gonna absolutely need it.” Dash picked up Scootaloo and helped her climb into the container with the seats. Spotting seat belts, she buckled the filly up and sat down next to her. She watched the others climb in and strapped in with them. She was unsurprised, but very pleased, when Soarin sat down on her other side. “It was easier the first time,” Soarin explained. “The Wonderbolts just flew directly to the city. But I'm not complaining, you've got some great friends, Dashie!” “What a lovely compliment!” Rarity smiled from across them. “I will give you the benefit of the doubt, Soarin! Perhaps I will find the fashion of the Gymkhanites to be to my liking?” “You will!” Soarin said, raising his voice as the propellers started to whirl above them. There were pops of steam as the chassis started to tap on the ground. The pilot yelled 'Strap yourselves in tightly!' from the cockpit before the copter lifted from the ground properly. Within seconds, they were a dozen feet in the air. The Crusaders all gasped in equal measure as the copter tilted forward. Scootaloo twisted around and peered around the back of her seat over the low wall of the container. Looking with her, Rainbow saw Corral Bay pass beneath them as the gyrocopter circled around the little port village. Most of the fires had now been extinguished in the lateness of the hour. “I'm surprised you girls aren't fallin' asleep!” Applejack said, speaking to Scootaloo before turning her head to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, both of which were sitting across from Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, and Soarin. “Oooh, trust me!” Sweetie Belle yawned. “I'm getting there! As soon as we hit the city, you're carrying me, Rarity!” “I suppose I'll have to, won't I?” Rarity sighed. “I assume there's plenty of inns in the city?” she asked Soarin. “I only know of the one the 'Bolts were going to say at. It's called the Amber Cotta—” Soarin stopped speaking abruptly, mouth falling open. “Amba Cottage, eh? I know dat one,” Rapidfire said, a grin spreading across his face. “Sounds like a 'Resin 'ouse', if ya ask me!” “What's the road leading to it look like?!” Dash asked excitedly. “Can't remember! I'll bet you a thousand bits that it's intersected by another road, though! Just like a cross!” Soarin said happily. Applejack was frowning at them. “Just peachy...” “I know you don't like the idea, AJ...” Rainbow Dash said, “but it's the only lead we have! Hopefully this works out for us!” “Resin house... Amber Cottage...” Fluttershy mumbled, frowning. “Not a very good riddle, is it?” “That's probably because they want us to actually find it.” Dash shrugged, looking over the edge of the gyrocopter again. She could see the mesa sailing beneath them. Looking ahead, she saw the sea of sand stretching out endlessly. On the edge of the horizon were sparkles of light. Could Gymkhana only be a ten minute flight from the coast? “How long do you think it'll take this copter to get to Gymkhana?” she asked Soarin, still watching the dunes of sand pass by. “Hmm...” Soarin wondered, turning his head first to look at how far they had travelled from the coast, then looking further East. “Ten minutes? It's not far.” “On the money!” Rainbow exclaimed with a laugh. “That's what I was thinking!” As the city drew closer and closer, Rainbow Dash found it necessary to start focusing on her breathing. Whenever her eyes panned the skies, she kept expecting to see a massive black cloud blotting out the stars. It was only really dawning on her that The Shadow was surely out here with them. After a few minutes, the many lights of the city were spreading out as they became more and more distinguishable. Once they were close enough to make out specific features, Rainbow Dash could see a tall palace dominating the landscape. The layout of Gymkhana reminded her of the Crystal Empire, as the entire city was arranged in a circular pattern around the palace. Unlike the Crystal Palace, the palace of Gymkhana looked to have a solid base. A large wall ran around the perimeter of the city and large, square buildings dotted the ground. There were five tall towers along the wall, arranged like a star with the palace at the centre. Dozens and dozens of roads, hundreds of canopies and stalls, far too many braziers of fire to count, all burning brightly and keeping the city alight. The gyrocopter did pass over the city. Rarity gasped, exclamating 'it's beautiful!' and causing Soarin to chuckle. One feature of the streets below struck Rainbow as particularly odd, however. “Where is everypony?” she asked in confusion. “Well... 'everyone', in this case, as they aren't ponies, but still! Corral Bay was still crowded ten minutes ago...” “Are those... guards?” Fluttershy squeaked in fear. “Yer right, Fluttahshy,” Rapidfire said with a frown. “Looks like dere must be some sorta curfew in place. I can see nobody but gua'ds... Looks like regulah Gymkhanites, but I can see a pony here and dere. I assume pegasai, like da ones dat attached da ship.” “Brace yourselves!” the anubis pilot yelled from the front of the gyrocopter. “We're landing!” Dash felt her heart rocket into her throat as the copter dropped, aiming to land just outside of one of the city's gates, which was stationed by a lone pegasus guard, blocking their path into the city.