//------------------------------// // Chapter Eight: Call of Thunder - Part Three // Story: Heir of the Storm // by Bishibosh the Shaman //------------------------------// Heir of the Storm Chapter Eight "So, whats the plan Twi? How are we gonna save my best two students?" Rainbow asked as she floated above the ground, her leather satchel swaying under her wings. "I... We are still working on that one." Twilight gave a faint smile. "What's it look like in there?" Rainbow landed, Twilight noticed the pegasus stumble as she landed. "Ouch... I thought the numbness would wear off by now..." "Numbness?" Twilight began but Rainbow's glare snapped her back to her question. "Well, the griffons are holding up in the old castle hall it seems. Whether or not they actually got far in I don't know. Seems unlikely, all the traps would keep them close to the entrance." "Yeah... Those..." Rainbow tried to forget her night in that old castle. "And what about Sky and Scoots?" "I saw a couple griffons dragging Sky across the courtyard. It was only for a moment, and I sadly did not see where they took him." Twilight sighed. "The time we spent searching would only give the griffons time to attack us from our blind side, and I'll be honest. I don't think we stand much of a chance against all of them." "By ourselves, with nothing but our hooves and magic... No, I mean I could definitely take one or two of them on but- Oof!" Rainbow recoiled from the hoof strike to her chest. "Alright, anyways my point is I may have an edge for us." Twilight watched her friend drop the satchel on the ground. Rainbow dipped her nose into the bag and shuffled around a bit. Once she was finished, she lifted out three strands of rope. Each rope had a small metal object laced into the rope. Twilight gave her friend a confused stare. "I don't quite know how these work but whenever somepony, or some griffon, gets too close they zap em hard. My hoof is still numb from just a small zap and that happened like... an hour ago." Rainbow tossed the devices on the ground before her. "Maybe if we can hit the griffons just right, these babies will stun em pretty bad." "Maybe..." Twilight lifted one of the devices in her magic. After rotating the device around, she turned towards the swollen griffon prisoner. He began to groan as he regained consciousness. Twilight switched her gaze between the griffon and the device a couple times before shifting the device towards the griffon. With a thought, the small metal shaft shot towards the griffon prisoner. Her eyes opened wide as the device opened out into three prongs that stabbed into the griffons thick coat. Bright blue light erupted out of the device and wrapped around the prisoner. The only sound to escape was the soft buzzing of electricity, then the griffon fell silent. "Fluttershy, can you check his pulse?" Twilight turned towards the gentle pegasus. Hesitantly the mare stepped towards the griffon. His body smelled of smoke. Raising her hoof towards the griffon, Fluttershy bent her hoof inward to press against the smokey body. She felt nothing for a moment, then a slight beating. It was slow but there. She let a slight smile creep across her face glad the griffon was still alive, despite his previous actions. "He is fine, but I wouldn't use one of those on him again." The gentle mare smiled. "Good, we need him alive if we are going to get any answers." Twilight turned back to Rainbow. "So these things work on griffons pretty well, at least the smaller ones. I wouldn't try to use it on the bigger one. I still can't understand how he was using magic..." "Well now that we have our advantage, can we get ta saving ma brother and Scootaloo?" Applejack asked as she picked up a couple devices. "Lets get everypony together Aj, I think I may have a plan." Twilight finally began to light up. Sky Shard awoke to darkness. The moon had risen, dimly lighting his room. He took a moment to recognize just how glad he was to have the little light he did have. One silver beam shining across his cell, resting on the dark purple mane across the bars from him. The moon light made the sleeping mare glisten. Sky stared for several moments at how the light seemed to bounce off Scootaloo's mane and into his eyes. He made a mental note to thank Princess Luna for the light, should he ever get the chance to meet her. The young pegasus raised his hooves to his eyes, rubbing the itchy feeling away. As his hooves wiped at his eyes, he felt the matted fur of his cheek. The memory returned to him as he slid his hoof down the cut. It had closed, but it must have been deep. He still felt the stinging pain of the dagger. Dropping his hoof down to the ground, a sudden sensation from the floor widened his eyes. At the base of the bars was a small square panel attached to the bar by welding. On each of the four corners was a small stud. Sky raised an eyebrow as questions filled his mind. Prison cells should be built secure, shouldn't they? Sky thought. The bars should be further down in the stone... Sky stood as he thought harder on this. He looked around the cell block, and several things came to notice. The first thing was that there was only three cells. One for him, Scootaloo, and one other. the next was the walls. Inside the castle seemed so dusty and old, but there were also banners and the like. In this room Sky noticed the darker spots of dust free wall, shaped in a banner-esk way. Banners in a cell room? Sky thought once more. Realization came to the pegasus all at once as his face began to glow with hope. This was no cell, at least not before. The griffons must have scrapped together the makings for a cell block. Sky tried to push against the bars, and to no surprise but to much pleasure the cell began to give. It was only a little bit, but he felt the bars flex against the ground. "Hey Scoots!" Sky whispered in excitement. The mare across from him only shuffled in response. "Scoots! Wake up!" Scootaloo shifted about, but remained asleep. Sky walked towards the bars and softly nudged Scootaloo with his hoof. Finally the young mare gave in and lifted her head. Her eyes opened halfway and her mouth sagged down, revealing the red blotted tongue she used to clean Sky's wound. "Wha- what is it Sky..." She lazily asked as she stood. "I think I found a way out!" Sky whispered again, seeing an immediate response from his friend. Her eyes grew in disbelief. "Really? How is that?" "The bars, they are just nailed down. Nailed or something, they aren't held fast!" Sky glowed with excitement. "If we both push, I bet we can bust loose!" "But what if the guards notice?" Scootaloo's face filled with worry. "I don't see any guards, I think it's safe." Sky turned his back towards the end of the cell. "You in?" "I... I guess, lets do this." Scootaloo also rose to her hooves and backed towards the cell. "Ok. On the count of three, aim for the bars that have welding on the bottom. Those will be the easiest to bust out." Sky braced his body, as did Scootaloo across from him. "One," both pegasi flared their wings. "Two..." Scootaloo felt a bead of sweat drip down her forehead. "THREE!" Both ponies lifted their hind legs and bucked at their cells. The cell shifted as the bars bent at their force, but the cell remained whole. "Ok, once more. These bars will give in. One..." Sky began again as he re-positioned his body. "Two..." "THREE!" Both ponies bucked once more, this time busting the welded bars out from each of their cells. The gap created allowed both of them to escape. "Scoots! We did it!" "Yeah! We did! Alright Sky, lets get out of he-" The lock on the door before them began to jingle, sending a sinking feeling down each of the ponies chests. There was a rough growling from behind the door as the lock finally clicked and the door opened. The tall and menacing griffon stepped in and stared down both ponies with a sadistic grin. "Birds try to fly coop?" The griffon asked in a broken Equestrian. "Xiang will punish..." The six ponies broke their huddle and began to take their positions. Each pony carried two of the strange devices, Twilight took to calling them darts. Her plan seemed smooth, and if everything went together then they wouldn't have to raise a hoof. Rarity and Applejack led Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy across the bridge. Twilight felt bad about using them as bait, but she promised no harm would come to them. She waited on the far end of the cliff side, watching for the griffons to strike. Rainbow waited opposite of her, ready for the worst. Twilight grinned as she noticed the shuffling bushes across the valley. Just as she suspected, two griffons sprung from the bushes. Each with talons out and wings spread. Rarity ignited her horn, catching both griffons mid air. Twilight felt relief that these griffons did not share the leaders magic resistance. While they both hung suspended in air, both her and Rainbow sprung their own surprise attack. Two darts shot from their hiding places, each hitting their marks on the griffon soldiers exposed bellies. The same blue flash of lightning from before erupting over their bodies. Rarity released her spell, dropping the stunned griffons down into the valley. Unsure of whether they would survive the fall, the ponies continued across the bridge. Twilight and Rainbow followed behind. "I can't believe that worked, that was..." Twilight began as she followed Rainbow in the air. "Awesome!? Because that's what I would call it!" Rainbow blurted as she grinned. "Yes, quite." Twilight smiled back at her friend. "Now, lets go find Sky and Scootaloo!" The six ponies gathered in the courtyard. The air was alive with energy, but everything was silent. Twilight began to feel uneasy. "Ok, so we took out two of them on the bridge. Then there's the one we left tied to the tree. The leader is probably in the castle, so that leaves at least two more. Be on the lookout girls, I got a feeling this isn't over yet." Twilight spoke as she spanned her gaze around the yard. A chilling scream filled the air, as well as a roar of agony from the opposite direction. Both sounded bad and demanded attention. Twilight quickly decided what to do. "Applejack, take Rainbow and check out that scream. It sounded like a pony, maybe Sky is there." Applejack and Rainbow saluted as the took off towards the ear piercing scream. "Pinkie, come with me. I want to find the leader and end this and your Pinkie Sense may just come in handy." "Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie Pie bounced in excitement. "Fluttershy, take Rarity and investigate that roar. If it's an animal maybe you can help it?" "Oh, well... I can try. What... What if there are more... griffons..." "That's why Rarity is going with. She can hold them while you hit them with a dart." Twilight stepped up to the cowering mare. "Fluttershy, I know you can do this." Fluttershy responded with a weak smile as she nodded her head. "Ok everypony, meet up back here once you are done. Lets go!" Applejack followed close behind Rainbow Dash, eager to find her brother and be certain he is safe. Rainbow however held concern over both him but more for Scootaloo. She held Scootaloo especially close to her heart, after all she was her honorary sister. Rainbow never liked getting into the sappy feelings, but she enjoyed having a little sister. She decided a long time ago that she would risk anything to ensure her safety. Soon the two mares approached a small stone building. It was a short distance away fro the castle, and the ground was lightly splattered with a trail of blood. Their hearts froze as implications arose in their heads. The next scream broke them out of their trance as they rushed into the building. Voices could be heard from within. "Little ponies, why you fight? I... Stronger..." A deep voice bellowed through the stone walls. "You leave her alone! So help me, I will stop you!" Applejack's ears perked up at the familiar voice. She shoved past Rainbow towards the voice. "This is my last warning, you don't want me to warn you again!" Sky threw his hollow threats at the overwhelming griffon. The griffon bawked laughter as he slowly approached the two pegasi. "No creature has stood... None are stronger..." Xiang grinned through his leathery beak. "I... I warned you..." Sky grasped his necklace, ready to release it's power on Xiang. He felt the power pulsing through his body, ready to explode forth. "Cute... You think you... use storm!?" Xiang mocked. "I show you stor- HUR-GRRK-GRRK" The massive griffon stood in silence for several moments before lazily twitching as he fell to the ground. Behind him was a pool of smoke. "Sky... Did you do that?" Scootaloo asked, eye struck and jaw dropped. "I... I don't think so..." Sky also stood, jaw dropped at the beast falling. "None of ya did it!" A familiar voice shot through the smoke, a voice that birthed a smile across Sky's face as the orange mare stepped through the smoke. "Sister!" Sky Shard tackled Applejack, but she caught him in her fore hooves and squeezed him into her grasp. "Sister! You have no idea how glad I am to see you!" "Probably as glad as I am to see you!" Applejack also smiled as she lifted Sky Shard and spun around in the air. Sky nearly stood as tall as the farm mare as his hooves drug on the floor behind him. "How is everypony els- RAINBOW!" Sky shouted in sheer glee as the brightly colored mane entered the room. He was about to leave his sisters grasp when a flash of orange and purple beat him to Rainbow. "Rainbow Dash! You're alright! I'm so glad you're alright!" Scootaloo was on the verge of tears. Sky figured he should have expected it, he knew of their relationship. For now, he was just glad to see a friendly face. The roars of agony subsided, but were now replaced by a humming of energy. The air was dense with static, causing both Fluttershy's and Rarity's hair to stand on end. Within the energy though, Fluttershy felt a presence behind it all. One in such agony that it disguised the pain. Fluttershy could not tell how she knew this, other than a gut feeling. Rarity on the other hoof was on the verge of nervous breakdown. Every second she spent in this static storm was another strand of hair misplaced in her beautiful mane. She felt sheer terror at the though of a mirror. She persevered through her panic however, certain that everything would be well in the end. Another loud roar shattered the silent humming, and the energy in the air diminished. The roar was close, too close. The two mares rounded a corner and immediately spotted the source of the roaring sound. A sight that placed a dark fear in Fluttershy's stomach. The long slender creature lay in the dirt, chained and grounded. "Dra- Dra- DRA-" A hoof muffled Fluttershy's scream as Rarity twisted her friends head towards her. Raising her own hoof to her mouth, Rarity pointed towards the griffon standing over the slender creature. "You need to be quiet darling, I would certainly hate to garner unwanted atten-" Rarity fell silent as she caught glimpse of a polished stone in the wall beside her. Her face became that of pure terror as she stared at the mess of purple and white reflecting in her eyes. "MY BEAUTIFUL HAIR! O-OH oh-ho woe is me..." Fluttershy's eye grew huge as she heard the grunt of the griffon. She released a silent whimper as he shouted in his strange tongue. Rarity also heard and immediately covered her mouth. Realizing it was too late and that she already blew their cover, she stepped out into vision. The griffon simply stared at her, then he grunted in disgust. "I... Do not... Want... Kill... Leave and I shall... Spare." Rarity understood him, but only barely. "I'm sorry, but you kidnapped some of our friends. Leaving is not an option." Rarity declared, legs trembling as she charged her horn. "Psst, Fluttershy. Get ready okay?" Fluttershy remained in her cowering form, fearful of both the dragon and the griffon. Rarity sighed as she knew what this meant. She pulled out both of her darts with her magic and prepared to take aim. She didn't have the magical prowess of Twilight, but she could still levitate and throw. All she had to do was get lucky... "Well... Here we go..." Rarity sighed. The griffon charged Rarity, talons out and ready to rend. Rarity fired one of the darts, but it missed. The griffon was right on her and ready to strike, but a quick roll later Rarity was safely out of the way. She shook off the dirt, disgusted at the mess the griffon was putting her through. She readied her last dart. The griffon charged once more, this time faster and much more fierce. Soon the griffon was upon her again. Rarity quickly pulled the dart and ducked. The griffon flew over head and landed behind her. The unicorn twisted around to find an abnormally large target dangling in the wind. She resisted the urge to blush as she took aim with her dart. Well, a lady has to defend herself... Right? She thought as she launched the dart. It flew true and pierced it's target. An ear splitting shout of pure pain and anguish filled the night sky as the griffon fell. He twitched as he rolled around on the ground, grasping his under regions. Rarity suppressed a giggle as she slowly trotted over to the convulsing griffon. He spat curses at her as she turned her rear towards him. His eyes grew wide as the two white hooves made forceful contact with his skull. The griffon's eyes lolled about in their sockets as his heavy head dropped to the dirt. Rarity flipped her electrified mane, in hopes of it returning to it's former glory. The unicorn paced around the limp body, unsure if she killed the griffon or just knocked him out. She was certain he was down for the count, Rarity turned to her cowering friend. "Fluttershy, everything is alright now. It's safe to come out." Rarity smiled until she saw her friend hiding. "Fluttershy, whats wrong? That nasty griffon is down for the count." "It's n-n-not... The griffon..." The gentle pegasus mumbled into her fore leg. "It's... the... the... Dragon..." "Oh Fluttershy, the dragon is ch-" Rarity's voice ran silent as a thick fog clouded Fluttershy's vision. She could barely make out her friends lips moving before she saw nothing. Gentle one, please do not fear me. I am not as I seem... "Wha- Who-" Fluttershy lipped but no sound escaped her. I hurt, gentle caretaker. My wounds are deep, and my blood runs thin... Fluttershy raised her head as the voice filled the foggy air. She saw the serpent, battered and beaten before her. The fear she held emptied, and now she was filled with sorrow and worry. The serpent lifted it's head at Fluttershy's approach and it breathed a sigh of relief. Mourn not my passing... Fate did not choose me for this blessing... But you, you may complete my... Quest... The serpent lifted it's body, the chains creaked as the serpent resisted it's pull. Beneath the serpent, the fog gathered. Once again Rarity came into view, a confused stare on her face. The serpent roared one last time as the fog coalesced into a small ball beneath it. A bright burst of lightning arced from the serpents body, striking the ball of fog. the lightning absorbed into the fog and molded withing the swirling orb. The orb soon grew solid leaving Fluttershy staring at a large, crackling egg. The serpents body fell to the ground, with one final breath. Huo...lon... My kin... find the... storm child... "Fluttershy, what... What happened? The fog, the dragon, and that egg?" Rarity stepped towards her friend and the egg. The energy arcing from the egg entranced her. "Huolon, that's a strange name... Well, don't you worry one bit. I'm going to take good care of you and help you find your friend." Fluttershy smiled as she reached for the egg. The soft hum of energy filled the air once again as Fluttershy nestled the egg in her grasp. She immediately felt the warmth of life within. She turned to Rarity as she held the egg. "A dusty old castle is no place for a dragon egg! Rarity, I need to get this little guy someplace warm. I'm sure Twilight will understand!" Fluttershy said as she flew away, egg in hoof. "Storm child, maybe in Twilight's library?" The castle hall was empty and the silence began to drive Twilight mad. She had her last dart on hoof and ready, but no griffons stood in their path. Pinkie was being surprisingly calm, although her constant bouncing would test the nerves of the strongest will. Twilight appreciated her enthusiasm however, in their darkest hours that pink mare could raise spirits unlike any other. The two mares approached a giant door. The door was covered in carvings of both sun and moon. Twilight approached cautiously. She slowly cracked the door open to reveal an illuminated room, In the middle sat the same griffon who attacked her before. He could easily match the height of two ponies on all fours. She was about to shut the door when the loud voice bellowed through the room. "Enter princess and maiden." Twilight gulped, knowing he meant the two of them. She turned to Pinkie who stared at her with a confused look. With a deep breath, Twilight entered the room. The large griffon made no movements against her and Pinkie, he remained seated with his back turned to them. Twilight rose her head to speak. A talon raised as if to silence her. "Princess Twilight Sparkle... I am Hei Feng." The griffon slowly stood, caressing a vial within his talons. "You are... expected." Twilight knew the language Feng spoke, she studied ancient griffon mythology in magic school. She even learned some of the ancient tongue. This particular one was more eastern, towards the Quillen Dynasty. Feng twisted around to face the two ponies, his face was masked in red paint. Twilight prepared for an attack, but none came. The griffon approached slowly. "You can understand me, can't you. Should be no surprise, you are a scholar of sorts after all." Feng stopped several steps from Twilight and Pinkie. "You are here to stop me, and you think because you almost caught me before then bringing a friend would help. You are wrong." Feng flared his wings wide as he charged the mares, talons pulled. Twilight quickly reacted with a shield spell, absorbing the blow. It was strong however, cracking the magical bubble. With a flash of her horn, the princess triggered the shield outward with the force needed to throw Feng in the air. "Pinkie!" Twilight shouted as Feng dived, now aiming for the bright pink mare. The party pony immediately reacted by bouncing away from the point of impact, and countering with a raspberry at Feng. He scowled as he recognized the taunt, charging once again. Pinkie dodged the second attack with ease, reacting with a buck to the griffons ribs. She continued to blow raspberries as she giggled. "Tricky little gnat... How about this!?" Feng lifted into the air with great speed and dove. Pinkie readied herself to dodge the blow, but a twitch in her rear leg sent a gasp through her lips. She twisted once more to buck, smashing into the materializing face of Feng. Pinkie growled at the howling griffon leader. "Hey! That was cheating! How do you expect me to play if you're not going to be fair!?" The party mare roared in anger. "Play? You think I'm PLAYING!?" Feng enraged at the taunt. The griffon charged once more, trying his vanishing trick once more. He once again met with the pair of pink, pony, pegs called hooves. His face swelled in anger at the shenanigans of Pinkie Pie. "Very well trickster..." Feng pulled out a blood filled vial. "Forgive me master, for this taste of your power..." Hei Feng popped the cork from the vial and took a single drip of the flowing red fluid inside. He stood still afterwards, as nothing seemed to happen. Moments later the air grew dense as black clouds enveloped the ceiling. Twilight grew worried at the display. "Pinkie, go! Get the others out of here!" Twilight shouted as rain began to pour from the clouds above. "What!? No way I'm leaving you with grouchy McCheater pants!" Pinkie retorted. "Hehe, that rhymes with snorted." "PINKIE! GO!" Twilight shouted louder, thunder cracking behind her adding emphasis. With that, the pink party mare gave in. She ran to the door and bucked it open. The rain and wind blew throughout the castle as she ran. "NOW LITTLE PONY! BEHOLD THE POWER OF A TRUE GOD!" Feng's voice echoed from within. Twilight swallowed hard at the display of power.