//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Gathered Hazards // Story: Avatar: The Last Alicorn. Book 2: Earth Pony // by Jeweled Pen //------------------------------// Twilight groaned as she curled into the fetal position. The pain was almost too much to bear. The suffering. The agony. The torment. Never again would she fall for such a ruse, no matter how good it seemed. It felt like a red hot blade through her body. “T-to think... this would be how the avatar meets her end,” she groaned. “Oh, knock it off,” Spike said with a roll of his eyes. “You just ate too much. I'll never understand how you can all eat those flowers. They are so weak tasting.” “So... delicious...” the alicorn said with a whimper as she rubbed her tummy. “Couldn't... stop myself...” She heard her pony friends, a few beds away, going through similar problems. “It's not every day you get a feast thrown in your honor...” “You had plenty of them once we got to Cloudsdale,” the dragon reminded her with a huff. He let out a yelp as he was suddenly gripped in telekinesis and brought over to Twilight's waiting hooves. “Oh Spikey,” she said as she gave him a tight little squeeze. “Are you jealous?” “What? No,” he said with a roll of his eyes. “Why would I care about getting a bunch of attention like that? I'm a big tough dragon, see!” the dragon said as he puffed out his chest and sent out a thin stream of flame. “Oh?” Twilight asked with a teasing smirk. “So it must have been some other dragon who was purring like a kitten while Fluttershy gave him a massage.” “W-what? I did no such thing!” Spike said quickly as his cheeks turned red. “I was merely letting the pegasus bask in my majestic presence.” “Of course,” the alicorn said as she got up with a groan. “Ugh... I think I'm going to go for a walk. Let all these flowers settle a bit.” The mare slowly trotted towards the door, giving her mane a little shake. “Wanna come with me?” “Nah, I'm good,” Spike yawned as he curled up in her warm spot. “Mmmm... zzzzzz...” Twilight shrugged as she stepped outside. The night was cool and comfortable, the moon over head casting a gentle glow across the land, though its weak light made the shadows of the huts look impenetrable. She slowly made her way through the town, the scent of fresh flowers filling her nostrils. The mare sighed as she gazed up at the stars. “It's nights like these I could forget there even is a war,” she mumbled. As she trotted towards the large entrance gate of the town, she made out the silhouette of a pony. She quickly hid in the shadows of the nearest hut as the pony walked. Step by step the pony came closer as she hunched down, ready to pounce. Finally the pony walked a few feet away and she pounced. “YAH!” Suddenly a wall formed in front of her as she slammed into it, pain shooting through her face. “Owie...” the mare moaned as she dropped to the ground. “Avatar?” the pony asked as a torch lit up, revealing Flam. He stared at the prone alicorn. “What are you doing up? Why are you ambushing ponies in the night?” “I-I thought you were one of the Water Nation soldiers, trying to sneak in,” she said with a groan as she rubbed her nose. “What were you doing out there?” “Patrols,” the earth pony snapped. “You should be in bed, Avatar. What are you doing up?” “I couldn't sleep,” she mumbled as she looked around. “Stomach was acting up and-” “I see, I see,” Flam interrupted. “Well, now that you're up, I would like to discuss something with you. You said you were in a bit of a rush to get to Fillydelphia, correct?” “Yes, of course. I still need to find a master who can train me,” Twilight said with a sigh, before glancing up at the earth bender. “Although, you and your brother seem quite-” “No, no, I'm afraid that could never work,” Flam said quickly. “My brother and I know nothing about training. It was all self taught. However, I'm sure you don't want to leave us and the rest of these poor, helpless ponies at the mercy of these evil water benders, would you?” “Well, errr, no,” she mumbled. “I actually thought Rainbow and I could go out and see what we could do, tomorrow morning. I thought she'd be back by now...” “Excellent!” the earth pony said as he lightly twirled his mustache. “A marvelous idea. How about you go get some sleep, and tomorrow we can all see about ending this siege, once and for all?” Twilight smiled as she nodded. “You know, you're right. We can do this, no problem.” The alicorn turned and trotted back towards her hut. The moment she was gone, Flam began trotting to his own hut. Inside, Flim was waiting on his bed. “What did they say?” the earth pony asked as he glanced towards the doorway. “We need to gather our things. This time tomorrow, we'll be miles from here. With a brand new prize,” the bender said as he chuckled manically. “It'll be just like when we first got here, except this time we won't be coming back.” ------ “Nooooo! Don't do it!” Sweetie yelled at the top of her lungs. “You'll never make it!” “Ah have tah try!” Flowerbloom shrieked as her hooves trembled. “Ah ain't never said no to a challenge!” “It's madness! Crazy! Insanity! Don't do it!” the young princess shrieked as she covered her eyes with her hooves... mostly. “Here ah go!” the earth pony yelled as she lunged! She flew through the air, hooves outstretched as time seemed to slow down. For a moment, it looked like she would make it... then her hooves flew just under the shelf as she let out a shriek. The mare collided with the wall a second later and slowly slid down. She let out a groan as she toppled onto her back. “Maybeh ah'll let yah get em down. Jus' this once,” the earth pony groaned. Sweetie rolled her eyes as her horn glowed. A moment later, a white cookie jar glided down from the shelves. “See?” “If it wasn't made ah that cheap glass yah unicorns like so much, ah coulda jus' bucked it down,” Flowerbloom grumbled as she took a chocolate chip cookie. “We gonna be there soon?” “Mmmm hmmmm,” Sweetie managed to get out as she chewed down a few chocolate chip cookies of her own. She swallowed before grinning, crumbs all over her lips. “Captain says we should be able to see it as soon as the sun comes out. Wanna go watch?” “Do I!” Flowerbloom said happily as she rolled over onto her hooves and the two galloped through the ship. They only paused a moment to toss on scarfs, hoof warmers and earmuffs, before they galloped onto the deck. As they stepped outside, icy winds began to batter them instantly. It was so cold that a thin layer of ice and snow covered the entire deck, forcing them to walk carefully as they went. The world below was nothing but ice and water, giant icebergs floated in defiance of the sun's new warmth. “A-a-a-a-ah thought t-t-t-the n-n-n-n-night was c-c-c-c-cold... I-i-it's f-f-f-freezing” Flowerbloom sputtered out as she gazed over the world. All the white snow and ice made it easy to see in the moonlight. “W-w-w-why i-i-i-is the iceblock h-h-h-here?” She gasped as she turned to the unicorn. Even her ribbon had completely frozen solid, a light frost covering it. “B-best p-place to keep a-anypony from escaping,” Sweetie mumbled as she gazed over the world. The sun began to slowly rise as she squinted her eyes to look around. “W-where i-is it? It should... T-THERE!” she shrieked as she pointed a hoof. Standing out, like a spear through the snow covered land, was a massive tower of clear ice. The sun gleamed off it, turning it into a beautiful prism of color. Flowerbloom gasped as the dazzling colors spread throughout the massive tower, spreading out to paint the snow around them in a rainbow's glow. “It's beautiful...” “Yes, it is,” Sweetie agreed as their coldness was momentarily forgotten. “It's almost a shame that once we capture the avatar, it'll never be seen again. Almost.” The ship flew towards the tower and, as it got closer, a large hole formed in the side to allow the vessel entrance. It glided inside silently, revealing a large empty cavity. As the hole closed up behind them, they let out a sigh. While it was still sub-zero inside, the tower was still far warmer than the icy wilderness outside. “Where is everypony?” Flowerbloom asked as she reached up and lightly tapped her frozen ribbon, making a light click sound. “They'll be here soon,” Sweetie said as she walked towards the port side of the ship. A ramp was slowly lowered and she began walking down it. “Flowerbloom, come along. Everypony else, keep the ship ready to leave on a moments notice,” she paused for a moment as she brought a hoof under her chin and rubbed it thoughtfully. “Also, keep everypony warm. I don't want anypony keeling over before we find the avatar.” “Yes ma'am!” the captain said enthusiastically as he darted to the helm. “Okay, everypony! Let's get some fires going. Hup to it!” The earth pony and unicorn walked down the ramp, soon stopping on the frozen floor. After a few moments the ground opened as two unicorns, on a round platform of ice, ascended to them. They bowed their heads. “Your highness.” “Yes, yes,” Sweetie said with a roll of her eyes as the two mares stepped onto the platform. “Take us to the students.” The unicorns nodded their heads as the platform began to lower. The brilliant clear ice around them began to give way to darkness as they disappeared under the frozen sea. ------ Twilight groaned as she slowly opened her eyes and let out a scream. Big, pink eyes were less than an inch from hers. “GOOOOOD MORNING!” Pinkie said ever so cheerfully as she yanked the blankets up. “Don't do that!” the alicorn hissed as she shot up in bed. She shook her head and groaned, the fast movements making her dizzy. “Did Rainbow get back?” “No...” the pink mare mumbled as she poked her hooves together, her excitement evaporating. “I'm sure she's okay though. We're only in book two so she can't disappear.” “... The heck are... no, don't wanna know,” Twilight groaned as she sat up. “Pinkie sense, right? Where are Flim and Flam?” “Outside, gathering... tribute? I think they called it?” “WHAT?!” the alicorn asked as her eyes went wide. She quickly jumped from the bed and darted outside. True to the earth pony's words, Flim and Flam were outside as ponies were busy filling two wagons with all manner of things, pottery, food and anything they had of value. “Come one, come all!” Flim said as he motioned into the wagon. “Remember, give generously! This is the avatar we're talking about! The most powerful pony in all- eek!” the stallion took a step back as Twilight suddenly appeared in front of him. “Just what do you think you're doing?” she asked through gritted teeth. “G-gathering tribute, for you! Your most wonderful and amazing avatar-ness!” the earth pony said weakly as he took a step back, nervously adjusting his mane. “Why? I don't require tribute,” the alicorn snapped as she glanced to the wagons. “Let alone have anything I could do with it. Ponies, pl-” Flam was suddenly in front of her and put a hoof over her mouth, “Easy, easy! These are just offerings!” he said as he quickly tugged her away from the crowd. “These ponies see you as their hero and want to do something, anything to thank you. You can't just spit in their face like that.” “I... what? But...” “No, trust me,” the mustached pony said with a shake of his head. “These ponies want to give these gifts to you. You're their hope, their future, the pony they want to grow up to be. Are you really going to look at them and tell them that their gifts aren't good enough? That they aren't good enough? After all they've lost, not let them offer this small treasure in return for your kindness?” “Well, no, but-” “Exactly,” the pony nodded quickly. “If it really means that much to you, after we're done with this you can come back and give whatever you feel you don't need to them. But, until then, let the ponies feel like they are contributing. Let them feel like they are helping you. After all, without any of us here today they are going to be alone, without any benders, so keeping their morale up is pivotal. You understand, right?” Twilight slowly nodded as she glanced to the floor. “You're... you're right. I understand,” she said as she forced a smile as she slowly turned towards the gathered ponies. “I, ummm, thank all of you! For your generosity, I could not do this without all of you!” The ponies nodded solemnly as they tossed their belongings into the wagons. A small colt ran over and gave her a small beaded necklace. “Please be safe, Avatar. Don't disappear too.” “Disappear? What do you- eek!” “Now, Avatar,” Flim started as he moved to the alicorn's other side, quickly guiding her away, “how about you go get breakfast and we can get to finding those water benders?” The avatar nodded as she started trotting away. The two earth benders shared a wink as they followed after her. ------ “Fighting a bender is suicide!” a pegasus mare, dressed in a tight skin tight outfit, with a skull and wing over the cutie mark, yelled. Black fabric covered her hooves and face, while the purple of the uniform was separated from the black by small lightning bolts.. Two yellow eye covers hid her gaze from the dozens of pegasi who stood at attention before her, each wearing a similar outfit. “At least, for those who can't bend. That's why ponies like us are sent in hordes to soften up true benders. Many superiors think we're nothing more than cannon fodder, to die as a means to soften up their ranks!” the mare yelled as she got in close to one of the ponies, her eyes inches from his. “Tell me, soldier, do you think you're nothing but useless cannon fodder?” “Sir, no sir!” the pony said fiercely as he dug his hooves into the ground. “Oh, is that so?” the mare smirked. “Then what would you do if I told you you were going to have to face a fire bender? An earth bender? An air bender? Or maybe, even a water bender? Well, pigeon?” “Sir, I'd say their dependency on their bending makes them weak, sir!” the pony said as he kept his gaze straight ahead. “I'd say I'd take it from them, and then I'd take whatever else I wanted, sir!” “What if I told you, you had to fight Nightmare Moon herself?” the mare asked quickly. The pony didn't move. “Well? I asked you a question, ostrich.” “Sir, a shadowbolt cannot raise their hooves against the moon,” the stallion said nervously, for the first time his gaze faltering. “I... I would die. S-sir.” The mare stared at him intently. After a moment a grin spread along her lips. “Good. That's what I like to hear.” She turned and walked back to the front of the group. “Now, you all know why you're here. You don't want to be another nameless face that dies for our country, sent out to soften up defenses and then forgotten about once the battle is over. You want to become shadowbolts. It's not easy. We are specially trained as the best of the best. When it comes to respect and rank, we are seen as on par even with water benders. We are Nightmare Moon's fliers. The greatest pegasi this world has ever known! You've all made it here, so you can't be too useless. But a few recommendations won't be enough! You'll need to train, practice, you'll feel like your wings might fall off. Tartarus, about five-percent of you will likely lose your wings in one way or another. But, if you can make it through these next few years, you'll be a part of the Water Nation's greatest fighting force!” she yelled as she stomped her hooves. “You all have the rest of the day off. I'd advise you to prepare. After tonight, you're all mine,” she growled. The ponies gulped as they quickly scattered, disappearing down the many halls attached to the chamber. A light applauding could be heard from behind the pegasus. “Shadowblade, an impressive display,” Sweetie said as she trotted in. “Ah, your highness,” the pegasus said as she bowed her head. “Truly, it is an honor to have you grace our halls.” “Of course it is,” the unicorn said as she glanced about. “Though, I was surprised to hear you talking about defeating water benders in your training. Is that really necessary?” “I believe so,” the mare said softly. “There is always a possibility of a traitor in our midst. We are trained to destroy all enemies of her highness, not just those from other kingdoms.” “I see. Well, I suppose as the new leader of the shadowbolts, it is your decision. I trust you know why I am here?” The mare let out a soft sigh. “Yes, your highness. I understand, but please, reconsider...” “Oh?” Sweetie cocked an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?” “She is so... so...” Shadowblade chewed on her lip as she tried to think of the proper word. “Inexperienced.” “She's been training here for years.” “I mean... in the outside world. Here, she is fine... just...” Sweetie sighed. “Take me to her, we'll talk on the way. Now, are her skills in your arts sufficient?” “Yes!” the mare blurted as she began walking through the halls. The halls were completely black, the only light coming from a small torch, which did little to penetrate the darkness. Flowerbloom looked around nervously, swearing she could see things in the darkness, watching them, just beyond the torches light. “She has mastered almost all of our arts. She is probably one of our better recruits. But, she's not a shadowbolt.” “Oh? And why not?” the white unicorn asked as she cocked an eyebrow, an amused smirk on her face. “Because of her... her difficulty with... she can't...” The mare scratched at the ground as she glanced to the unicorn. “She can barely fly!” “... Your point being?” Sweetie asked as she chuckled. “She is not ready. We have trained her for years, but were it not for your recommendation she would have been sent to an earth pony battalion long ago. I'm afraid her case is hopeless. She will never be able to fly in the way a true shadowbolt should.” “I see,” the unicorn said as she sighed. “Now, allow me to clarify something, pegasus. Scootaloo is my friend. I would sooner have her at my side than a hundred shadowbolts. Tartarus, than a hundred water benders. She is fast, strong, loyal and able. Her lack of flying ability is of no consequence.” “But-” “I will hear no more of this. Do I make myself clear?” “... Yes, your highness.” “I take it that, if I decide to promote Scootaloo to a full shadowbolt, you will give no objections?” Shadowblade's step faltered, but she slowly nodded. “We follow Nightmare Moon's orders. As the future mare to bare that crown, your wish is our command.” “Very good. Now, where is she?” “Here,” the mare said as she stopped in front of a large, metal door. “The recruits chambers are through here. Shall I summon her?” “Please do,” the unicorn said as she glanced back. “Flowerbloom, are you okay?” “W-what? A-ah'm fine,” she squeaked as she scooted up extremely close to the other mare. “Is... is there somethin' out there? B-behind the ice?” “Some of them,” Shadowblade said as she began to turn the crank on the door and let it creek open. “It's where we keep many of the prisoners. Locked behind ice in the darkness, where they belong.” She paused for a moment before glancing to the pony. “Don't worry. There is no way for them to escape. Even if they could break through the yard or so of ice, there is nothing but water and the shadowbolts for them here.” “A-ah see... What about bendin'?” Flowerbloom asked weakly. “No earth for them to bend, and we have special ways of dealing with air benders,” the pegasus said with a grin as she walked into the room, slamming the steel door behind her. ------ “Are you sure about this?” Twilight asked Flim and Flam as she walked behind them. Occasionally she glanced back at Fluttershy and Pinkie, who were busy hauling the two filled wagons. “Oh, of course! They always attack when there is a shipment going out. I don't see why this time would be any different. Just trust us,” Flim said as he gave a little wink. “Fine... I still wish Rainbow was with us,” the avatar mumbled. “Are you two okay back there?” “Fine!” Spike answered as he lounged about on one of the wagons. “I was asking Fluttershy and Pinkie...” “Oh, ummm, i-it's fine,” the little yellow pegasus mumbled with a grunt as she tugged the wagon forward. Sweat covered her coat as she occasionally flapped her wings, a useless attempt to stay cool. “Hee hee, it's fine!” the pink earth pony said as she hopped about, each hop making the things in her wagon rattle about. “Okay, as long as you're sure,” the alicorn said with a sigh. “I wish we didn't have to take all these things. Why couldn't we leave them at the village?” “We told you,” Flam said with a roll of his eyes. “You want to keep the villagers happy, right? Not hurt their feelings? It' best if you just keep these things. You don't want everypony to feel like you don't like their gifts, do you?” “No,” Twilight mumbled as she hung her head. “AVATAR!” a voice yelled out. Their heads whipped about to the right as ten unicorns, dressed in the Water Nation's armor, stepped out from the nearby treeline. “We've been waiting for you.” “Well, you're waits over!” the alicorn said as she pointed a hoof at them. “Come on, let's ge-” “Hold!” one of the unicorn's yelled as she raised a hoof. “Before you do that, perhaps you should look at what we've found?” She quickly moved behind one of the trees and pulled on a large rope. A moment later a small cage on wheels rolled out. Through the bars a single pony, tied and gagged, could be seen. A very angry, thrashing blue pegasus. “Rainbow!” Twilight yelled as she raced forward, but stopped as one of the archer's took aim at the bound mare. “Easy, avatar. We caught her, fair and square. If you do what we say, we'll even let her go,” the unicorn said as a smirk formed on her lips. “If you try anything, we'll shoot. Now, come closer. Slowly, don't move those wings.” She slowly did as she was told, keeping her head low as she moved. “Please, just let her go. This is between me and you, she's innocent.” “Yes yes, stop!” the mare ordered as the alicorn froze in the middle of a circle of dirt. “That's as far as you come.” Twilight nodded as she stopped. Behind her, Flim and Flam smirked to each other as they raised their hooves. Pinkie and Fluttershy reached behind themselves as they detached their wagons. The earth twins brought their hooves down to the ground right as the avatar darted forward! The ground under her shook as her wings opened up and sent a large, powerful burst of air at the soldiers. “Gah!” the ponies yelled as they were flung back in a flurry of wind, leaves and twigs. The alicorn shrieked as the ground under her flew up, a very small cage, with only one small window, shot out of the ground. Her back hooves were caught on the edge for a moment as the metal structure shot up and flipped her forward. She shrieked as she spun through the air a few times before landing in a heap. “Owie... what the...” she groaned as she looked back and down at the ground. “How... what?” “Damn it, Flim! You were too slow!” Flam snapped as he hit his brother upside the head. “What?! No, you were! You waited too long for the signal!” Flim snapped back as he walloped his brother right back. Soon the two smacked at each other angrily as they yelled and cursed. Twilight stared at them for a moment before looking up at the cage. She let out a growl before shaking her head and turning to the soldiers. The Water Nation unicorn mare tried picking up her bow, but quickly found it enveloped in fire. She squeaked as she looked up at the approaching alicorn, who had flames hovering above her head. “I-I surrender!” the unicorn shrieked as she covered her head with her hooves. “We a-aren't benders! We aren't even Water Nation! Please don't hurt us! We're sorry!” Twilight's hoof shot out as fire flew through the air. They glided over the heads of the fleeing ponies and quickly spread into a wall of flame. The rest of the ponies quickly lowered themselves as well, cowering before the avatar's might. “What do you mean, you AREN'T Water Nation?” she hissed as she moved to the cage. A small ball of fire formed above her head as she shot it into the key hole. She jumped back, and a moment later the door latch exploded. She stepped forward to unbind her friend, but suddenly the ground shot up under her, slamming into her stomach. She let out a groan as she was sent flying back, landing in a heap as two pillars of stone shot out and crushed her in between them. As the rocks crumbled the mare groaned, barely able to move as pain shot through her. “What they meant,” Flim growled as he whipped his mane back. Behind him a large prison of stone held Fluttershy, Pinkie and Spike as they pounded on the bars. “Is that they were hired by us.” Flam nodded as he kicked the ground. The dirt under the large metal trap started moving it closer to the alicorn. “Now we're going to get the biggest prize of all. The Water Nation will pay big money to have the avatar,” the earth pony said with a chuckle. The ground under the purple mare shot up, tossing the battered pony into the metal trap. A second later it was knocked on its side and the lid snapped shut. “Sure took your time with that,” the unicorn in armor snapped as she got to her hooves. “We were almost to- gahhh!” the ground exploded under her, sending her sprawling. “Get out of here, all of you,” Flim snapped as he raised his hoof menacingly. “You couldn't even do one thing right!” “But we-” “Cowered like a couple of foals the moment the avatar turned on you,” Flam growled as he lifted his hoof as well. “After all we did to help you rob that town, you turn on us the moment it gets a little dicey? Pathetic. Get out of here before we decide to squash you too!” The unicorns looked around nervously before turning to run. Flim and Flam stomped their hooves against the ground as the dirt began tugging the avatar's prison to the wagons, eventually tossing it on top. “Now, if you'll excuse us,” the mustached stallion said as he bowed to the two ponies and dragon in the rock cage, “we must go. We have a prisoner and plenty of treasures to sell. Tah tah.” They each hooked themselves up to one of the wagons and began to trot off, down the road. “You'll never get away with this!” Spike yelled as he clawed at the bars. “You can't trust the Water Nation!” “S-stop! You don't have to do this!” Fluttershy called out as she chewed on her lower lip, looking around. She tried flapping her wings and sending out a burst of wind, but all she made was a light breeze. “Pinkie, aren't you going to say something?” the dragon asked as he looked at the pink pony. “Nnnnnope. I'm just waiting for you to figure it out!” Pinkie said as she sat down and relaxed against the back of the cage. “I think they did it in the show better though.” “What are you... nevermind. We don't have time!” Spike yelled before face clawing. “... I just figured it out.” He quickly started digging down, through the dirt and under the bars of stone. A few seconds later he popped out the other side as the pink mare giggled. “You did it, Spikey! Now go help Dashie!” Pinkie said as she hopped around the cage. “I swear I will never understand that mare,” the dragon grumbled as he ran to the metal cage. Rainbow laid there, completely tied up as he brandished his claws. “Okay, just hold still.” Within seconds the pegasus was on her hooves, wings out. “Okay, get the others out. I'm going after those two!” she snapped before taking off like a bolt. “Oh, thank you Spike,” the dragon mumbled under his breath as he walked towards the other two prisoners. “I couldn't have gotten out without you. Please, go save the others,” he grumbled with a roll of his eyes as he got to digging. “I'll go on ahead, but let me reiterate how grateful I am to you for releasing me...” After a few moments the others were out and Fluttershy wrapped the little dragon in a big, tight hug. “Oh thank you so much for getting us out, Spike! You're so brave and courageous...” The little dragon grinned, his cheeks bright red. “Heh heh. It was nothin'.” ------ Deep under the sea in the maximum security prison, the Ice Block, Sweetie stared with unwavering determination at her foe. She chewed on her lower lip as she prepared her assault. She would need to be cunning. Swift. Powerful. Unflinching. She took a deep breath before... “Do you have any threes?” “Nope! Go fish,” Flowerbloom said as she chuckled. “Do yah got any twos?” “... Hate you,” Sweetie grumbled as she held out two from her large stack of cards. The earth pony took it and added it with her last card before tossing them down. “Ah win again!” “How do you keep doing that?” the unicorn yowled as she tossed her cards in the air. “Ah told yah, ah played it all the time back home,” Flowerbloom said with a snicker. A moment later the big steel door began to move. Shadowblade stood in the doorway, gazing down at them. “Your highness. May I present, shadowbolt-in-training, Scootaloo.” There was a sudden black blur as a pony dived down from above in between the two young mares. The pony was wearing the same shadowbolt uniform, except she had brown wings and coat. She landed on her hind legs as she began making rapid gestures with her hooves, striking out, poking, jabbing and slicing with her wings. She then grinned and reached out, gripping both the mares and pulling them into a big hug. “Scootaloo!” the two young ponies said in unison. “The one and only! Heh heh. I haven't seen you in ages,” the pegasus said as she chuckled. “What brings you two here?” she asked as she released them, causing the two to tumble backwards. “Well, is it not obvious?” Sweetie asked with a smirk. “We've come here, for you.” The unicorn nodded dramatically. “Well, duh,” the pegasus said with a snicker. “But I mean, why did you two decide to visit now? Oh, is it cause the sun is up now? The light show is pretty cool.” The unicorn blinked a few times. “I... what? No! I meant we came here for you. Specifically for you. To pick you up and take you with us,” she added quickly as she gestured with her hooves. “With... ohhhh! I get it, heh,” Scootaloo rubbed her head a few times. “I appreciate it, but I'm happy here. I know it's cold, but I'm used to it, I-” “Not because you're unhappy here,” Sweetie said with a sigh. “We need your help! I need your help. I intend to capture the avatar, and I want you to be there with me.” “Oh,” the pegasus said gently as she stared. She glanced back to Shadowblade before sighing. “But, I still have a lot of work to do. I haven't become a shadowbolt yet, and-” “Then I will make you one!” the unicorn stated quickly as she stomped a hoof down. “I hereby decree that you, Scootaloo, are an official shadowbolt. Any objections?” she asked as she glanced to Shadowblade. “... No,” Scootaloo mumbled. “I appreciate what you're doing, but no. If I become a shadowbolt, it will because I earned it, not because I'm your friend. Thank you, but I can't accept it.” “But, but Scootaloo,” Flowerbloom said gently. “We're your best pals. We needs yah.” “I know, but-” “Scootaloo, what is the number one rule of being a shadowbolt?” Shadowblade snapped. “Loyalty to the Water Nation and our queen!” the young shadowbolt-in-training said quickly as she stood at attention. “Exactly,” the elder pegasus said. “This is the future Nightmare Moon asking for your services. Would you deny her?” “... No,” Scootaloo said as she bowed her head. “I'm sorry, your highness. Of course I will aid you in whichever way I c- EEEK!” the pegasus toppled over as her friends tackle-glomped her. “Cutie mark crusader avatar hunters!” the two said as they hugged their friend. “Heh heh, yeah. I just need to gather my things first, okay?” the pegasus slowly tugged away from her friends as she disappeared behind the steel door, chuckling as she shook her head. “You've trained her well,” Sweetie said as she glanced to Shadowblade. “Not many would decline my offer like that.” “The mare has the spirit of a shadowbolt,” the elder pegasus said with a nod of her head. “We do not take what we have not earned. She will serve you well.” “Oh, I know. Send her and her things to the ship, please,” Sweetie said as she turned and started walking away. “We'll depart as soon as she's ready.” ------ “LET ME OUT!” Twilight screamed as she tried kicking her prison. It was so narrow she couldn't even go down on all fours without squashing herself, making a full buck impossible. “You can't do this!” “We already have, Avatar. Just relax,” Flim said as he rolled his eyes. “Listen, you're a smart girl. You can probably escape... eventually. Think of it as, ohhh... funding a couple of brilliant entrepreneurs. We get the money, the Water Nation gets their avatar and you might escape and be on your way in short time. Everypony wins.” “Do you have any idea what you're doing?! You're going to doom the world to untold suffering!” the alicorn cried as she hit the metal as hard as she could. “I can't afford any more delays, the world is depending on me!” “Well, our new homes with beach front property, beautiful mares and all the sweet apple cider we can drink are waiting for us, so keep it down back there!” Flam snapped. “I swear, ugh. Some ponies just don't know how to be a proper prisoner.” “Tell me about it, Avatar! Stop that whistling!” Flim yelled. “I'm not whistling! LET ME OUT!” Twilight screamed as she headbutted the door, letting out a whimper as pain shot through her horn. “Huh? Then what's th-” Flim's words were lost as the ground around them exploded, sending both the ponies and the wagons crashing through the air. Rainbow stood in the midst of a crater, eyes narrowed on the two ponies. “Okay, you two,” the pegasus said with a snort. “You wanna play? Let's- whoa!” she jumped back as a pillar of rock shot out from the ground, nearly hitting her under the chin. “Hah! Let's see you do that now!” she taunted as she soared up into the air. “As you wish!” Flim said as he stomped his hooves on the ground, bringing up stacks of stones. Flam quickly moved to the piles and shoved his hoofs forward, sending the rocks soaring at the pegasus. Rainbow dived and weaved around the assault, trying to get closer as the barrage of stones peppered her. Occasionally one would nick her wing or strike her side, but she managed to avoid too many direct blows from the larger ones. She was forced back under the torrent, unable to move closer without getting hurt. “Stupid... earth benders!” she growled. She flew up and out of range of the assault and began spinning. “Fine! You wanna fight like that? We'll fight like that!” She formed a small tornado around herself and dove straight at them. As she flew, the rocks bounced off the wind tunnel and the two earth benders gulped. They turned to each other and put their hooves together before raising them up. A stream of rocks and dirt flew at the tornado. The two forces collided. The winds pierced through the dirt, clawing closer as the earth molded around the tornado. Inch by inch Rainbow pushed harder and harder, but she began feeling resistance. As the ground mixed with the air it fought against her bending and latched onto the mare. With a powerful push the earth benders sent a muddy wave over the cyclone. It broke under the force, revealing the blue pegasus within. She had only a second to brace herself before the dirt slammed into her and brought her to the ground. “You lose,” Flim said as he walked forward, the dirt encasing the mare so only her face could be seen. “I'll give you a little credit. As air benders go, you aren't bad. But you should have brought a sister before you fought the Flim Flam brothers!” he said with a laugh as he moved in close to the mare. She blew out quickly, using her air bending to amplify it and topple him over. “Ahhhh! You little, you little... fine! We were going to be nice, but if you wanna do it that way, we'll do it that way!” Rainbow thrashed about as she began sinking into the ground. “You... you lousy... no good... crooks! I knew you were up to no good when I first laid eyes on you! Bunch of-mmfff!” she growled and struggled as dirt flew over her mouth, covering it. “Now now, don't be so rude,” Flam said with a shake of his head. “Most of what we do is quite legal... depending on the country you're in.” The two earth ponies chuckled. Right until the area behind them exploded in a fireball, sending them toppling forward and disrupting their bending. The two confused stallions landed in a heap, looking around with wide eyes. Twilight grinned at them, standing perched on the cage. The lid was open, the clasp shattered by the rock held in the hoof of the nearby Pinkie Pie. “You okay, Rainbow?” the alicorn asked. “Fine!” the pegasus cried as she pulled herself free from the dirt, sending it across the ground. She whipped about to look at the two earth ponies. “Well? Feel so cocky now? Two on two.” Flam gulped as he looked to his brother. “Ah... it seems the tides are no longer quite in our favor. What do you say, Flim?” “Well,” the stallion answered with a nervous cough. “Any business pony knows there are times to stand and fight. This. Is not one of those times. Now!” Both earth ponies slammed their hooves to the ground as the dirt around them burst up. Dust flew into the air, thick and blinding. After a few moments Rainbow managed to blow it away with her wings, though the four ponies and dragon still coughed and sputtered as they tried to get the dirt out of their orifices. “Dang it,” the pegasus growled as she spat out some dirt. “They got away.” “Wonderful,” Twilight grumbled. “Rainbow, fly up and see if you can see them, okay?” The pegasus nodded as she flew up into the sky and looked around. No matter the direction, she couldn't see any sign of the yellow ponies. She let out a sigh as she dove back down. “Nothing. They probably went underground.” “Wonderful... well, there's only one thing we can do,” the avatar mumbled. “We're going to have to see how much of these supplies we can take back to that town. They deserve to know about those two, and their treachery.” “But what about those fake water benders? If we let them go, they'll probably cause more problems.” Twilight sighed. “I suppose we should try and find them too. Maybe we can-” “On it!” Rainbow yelled as she took off, leaving a blue streak in her wake. “RAINBOW! GET BACK HERE!” the alicorn yelled before shaking her head. “I swear she does this on purpose...” Off in the distance she could see the pegasus disappear behind some clouds, ignoring the calls. “Definitely,” Spike said as he walked to the wagons. “I don't think much of this is going to be any good. All the foods torn up, most the pottery and things are shattered.” “It doesn't matter,” Twilight mumbled as she moved behind Spike. “We'll take what we can back. Then we'll go after Rainbow. It shouldn't take long.” ------ “Are you sure that's enough?” Sweetie asked as she stared at her little pegasus friend. “Yep,” Scootaloo said as she patted a very small bag on her side. “Just a few pictures and medals from my times here. You know me, always travel light. So, let's get this hunk of junk in the air!” the mare yelled as she raised her hoof and ran to the aft deck to gaze out. “You heard her, captain!” Sweetie yelled as she and Flowerbloom ran up to join their friend. The ship slowly began to rise from the ground as the wall of ice opened in front of them. The ship headed out into the harsh tundra, the winds pushing at their bodies and chilling them to the bone. “So, where we goin' first?” Flowerbloom asked with a smile. “We'll be heading to the southern areas of the Earth Kingdom,” the unicorn answered as she moved a hoof over her eyes to block the winds. “We'll be traveling with some other devices of our kingdom, but won't be flying any more.” “Why?” Scootaloo asked as she spread out her wings, letting the wind flow around her. “Our forces are spread thin. It'll be faster to go in with a small force that can avoid fighting,” the unicorn said as she sighed. “But an air ship will draw too much attention. Don't worry, I have a few... other plans in store.” She began to cackle maniacally as the ship flew through the frozen lands. After a few seconds she shook her head. “L-let's go inside and play or something. It's bucking cold!” ------ Twilight hung her head as they walked through the fields of flowers. She took a deep breath. “Okay, everypony, this isn't going to be easy.” All of them were carrying small hoof made bags filled with what they could salvage. “We're going to have to tell them that, not only were their protectors frauds, but most of what they gave me was destroyed in the fight. I imagine they'll be very upset and... and they'll what?” Standing at the entrance to the town were all ten of the unicorns, bound in rope. Resting on her back, on top of one of the huts, was Rainbow Dash. She glanced up and laughed. “Hey! Sure took your time getting here, didn't you?” the mare yelled out. “Rainbow, how did you, when did you... What?!” the alicorn yelled. “I told you! I'm Rainbow Dash! I'm awesome! Isn't a single water bender in any of the countries who can take me down, especially not a bunch of fake wannabes,” the mare called down as she chuckled. “...” Twilight glared as she tossed the bag off her back and stormed towards the pegasus. “Rainbow, that was very irresponsible! You could have been hurt or captured again. You had us worried!” “If you were so worried, how'd you have time to gather all those things?” the cocky mare asked as she rolled onto her stomach and motioned to the supplies. “What? We brought these back for the town. W-we didn't think you'd actually-” “Oh, admit it,” Rainbow said with a smirk. “You knew I'd be fine. You knew there was no way a bunch of second rate wanna be benders could even hope to keep up with the awesome and amazing Rainbow Dash. Bah, you missed the radicalness. The fight was intense! They tried coming at me all at once, but I was all-” “We surrendered the moment you showed up!” one of the unicorns snapped. “We didn't want to get hurt, or worse! We never thought we'd have to endure listening to you go on for hours about how special you think you are!” Twilight cocked an eyebrow as she stared up at the blushing pegasus. “So, the fight was intense, huh?” “Well, it should have been... they were just too afraid to deal with the bundle of too cool-to-fight. I would have taken them all down if I wanted, but I figured it was easier to let them walk here on their own. Been keeping an eye on them ever since.” “Uh huh. So, where are all the towns ponies?” Twilight asked as she looked around. Aside from the tied up soldiers, she couldn't see anypony. The pegasus shrugged. “No idea. I told them about everything when I got here and they just wandered back into town without a word. Didn't even thank me. I figured I'd stay out here and keep the peace.” “Okay, I'm going to talk with them,” the alicorn said with a sigh as she glanced back. “Ummm... this might come better from me, so I'd like to do this alone. If that's okay?” The others nodded as she took a side and walked into the town. As soon as she turned the first corner around the huts she cringed at how silent it was. She couldn't even hear the sounds of children talking. She looked left and right as she passed through the huts, chewing on her lower lip. “Hello? Where is... oh,” she said softly as she came to the center of the town. Where once the tables had been standing strong, filled with delicious food, instead the tables were torn down. Most the ponies from the town were there, sitting, unmoving as they watched the ground. “What happened?” Rosebush glanced up from nearby and let out a sigh. “Ah'm sorry avatar...” she muttered. “You're sorry? What for? You didn't-” “Your friend told us everythang. About Flim an' Flam. How could we be so stupid?” she grumbled as she looked to the ground. “Fallin' for all their lil tricks... shoulda known they weren't real water benders.” “What? No, how could you have known?” Twilight said as she put on a smile and trotted up. “Listen, I know it seems bad, but we got them! Look, all the fake benders are captured, Flim and Flam are gone and no pony got hurt!” “No pony got hurt?!” a nearby earth pony howled. “We've been treatin' those murderers like heroes!” Twilight moved a hoof to her mouth. “Murderers? But they were just...” “Those bastards!” Rosebush howled as she buried her face in her hooves. “They came an' took a number ah our town's ponies, tried tah fight those fake water benders. None a them came back. Only eva Flim and Flam. We thought it was cause all their fancy earth bendin' but... oh, how could we be so dense? All those disappearin' shipments an' then they just show up...” “I... I...” Twilight slowly backed away as she looked around at the ponies. Broken, battered, defeated. Even the children were barely moving. She glanced towards the table, one last time, and tried to remember the celebrations that had occurred just the night prior. She finally shook her head and turned, walking through the huts, back to her friends. “Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. “Is everything okay?” “No,” the alicorn said as she motioned to the entrance. “Let's just leave the bags and go.” “What about the prisoners?” Spike asked as he motioned to the tied up ponies. “Leave them,” Twilight hissed. “But-” “Just, leave them. The town will deal with it. They're tied up. It's fine,” she grumbled. “Hey, relax,” Rainbow chuckled as she flew down and landed by the alicorn. “We won. We knocked out the bad guys and everything is all better. Heh.” “... Yes, we won,” Twilight mumbled as she glanced back at the town, images of the broken ponies fluttering to the top of her mind. “I don't know how many more victories like this I can take...” she whispered under her breath. “Huh?” Rainbow asked. “Nothing,” the alicorn said as she started down the rarely traveled road. The road through the Earth Kingdom had never felt longer.