There was a knock at the door. Hastily stashing her glass in one of the drawers, Blaze jumped up. She was not very steady on her hooves, as evident by the fact that she nearly banged into the desk. It wasn't the darkness that made her balance insubordinate, however. After all, not only had she lit several candles, but electricity was cut to the grounds after 2300 hours every day, to enforce cadet discipline. Being in the dark was nothing new. No, it had everything to do with the green bottle by the legs of her chair. And, of course, the hidden wine glass now sitting on top of the plans for the new obstacle course.
Running the Wonderbolt Academy was a lot harder than she had anticipated. Still, with Captain Spitfire, Rapidfire, and the rest running dangers in Saddle Arabia, Blaze considered herself quite up to the task of picking up the slack... even if it meant multiplying her usual workload by about twelve. Late nights straining her eyes over paperwork and full bottles of sherry were quickly becoming the norm, and she had only been at it for less days than she had limbs.
Whoever was outside the office knocked again, their silhouette completely incomprehensible in the dim light. After a pause, they seemed to decide that there was no point in waiting for her to negotiate her drunken way over to the door to permit them entry. By the time Blaze had reached the rug in front of Spitfire's desk, she had to squint her eyes. The door had been flung open and whoever was there had clicked on a flashlight.
“Holy Hearths Warming Eve, yer looking like yeh were just drowned, Blaze! Were yeh drinking again?”
“Good evening to you, too, hun,” Blaze grumbled, holding a hoof up in front of her face, which was screwed up in a scowl. “You couldn't wait before barging in here and blinding me, could you?” She had opted not to answer the question.
“Yeh could've been out, lass!” Misty Fly chuckled, clicking off the light and shrugging. “When was the last time yeh slept? And I mean fer more than four hours!”
“Not since The Shadow,” Blaze replied grudgingly, blinking a few times to get the spots out of her eyes. She turned and walked back around the desk, a little unsteady. “If I'm not worried sick, I'm busy.” She sat down again, shook her head as though she were still dazed, and placed her eyes back upon the missive she had been perusing.
“Has there been no word from anypony?” Misty Fly asked, taking a seat in front of the desk and leaning forward.
Blaze shook her head, rubbing her tired eyes. “'Fraid not. I expected the Captain or Rapidfire to find the means to send a letter, either through a dragon's flame or through a vessel, but nothing. They're busy, so I'm not worr—” She stopped abruptly, shaking her head again. “Well, I am worried, like I said, but I expect they've been busy. Besides, it's only been a few days.”
“Oh, fer sure, but I do be wondering if Princess Celestia has heard anything. Can I get yer permission to fly to Canterlot at dawn?” Misty Fly requested, sounding very serious.
“You don't need my permission for anything!” Blaze informed her in surprise, looking up. “Still, I don't think you should be too bothered. I mean, they've got the wielders of the Elements of Harmony with them; I'm sure they're all fine.”
“Oh, are yeh, now?!” Misty argued, standing up. “Don't yeh be givin' me that 'I'm sure they're fine' tosh. Yeh've just told me twice that yer worried, lass!”
Blaze swallowed hard. Blinking again, she found there were tears in her eyes. Taking a moment to regain her composure, she reclaimed her voice. “Fine. You're absolutely right. No, I don't think everything is fine. I haven't thought everything was going to be okay for two weeks.” Blaze's speech was still quite steady as the golden mare leaned back in Spitfire's comfortable seat, staring at the ceiling and breathing deeply. Her wine consumption had done little to slur her words, though the room remained tipped at a queer angle.
“I'm worried about yeh, sweetheart. Since makin' First Officer, I don't think I've seen one of yer trademark smiles. Not once,” she sighed, running a butter-coloured hoof through her blue-streaked mane. “We don't even talk no more. I miss it... I miss my marefriend.”
“I'm sorry, Misty.” Blaze squinted hard, feeling a single tear run down her left cheek. She wiped it away quickly, not ready to accept submission to her rapidly-roused emotions; she'll drink less sherry in the future. “There's just so much going on. Sometimes I feel as though I've been too judgemental on Spitfire whenever she got into one of her moods. This is tough.” Blaze leaned forward across the desk, taking one of Misty Fly's hooves into her own. “I am sorry. I mean it.”
“It's alright, Blaze. I understand.” Misty Fly gave her a warm smile, wiping her own eyes. “Just grin a little more, won't yeh?”
Blaze gave a shaky laugh. “Only reason I smiled recently was when Spitfire promoted me. I got... phew, so overwhelmed that Spit put so much faith in me, I suppose. I would have thought that Rapidfire would be staying behind and running the place, not me.” Blaze puffed her cheeks out and exhaled. “Maybe... maybe Spitfire thought my feelings would get in the way over in Gymkhana.”
Misty Fly moved around to the desk and stood beside her. Bending low, she wrapped her hooves around Blaze's neck and gave her a swift hug, bringing her lips to the golden-orange mare's forehead. “The Captain don't think like that. It was a strategic move, certainly! Rapidfire's one of the best we have for on-the-ground work. I've been feeling a lot more confident about their mission, knowing that he's with 'em. He'd never be letting anything happen to 'em. And Rainbow Dash, she will keep Soarin safe, yeh know it.” Blaze managed to smile. “The... history between you and Wave Chill has nothing' to do with Spitfire's decision.”
“I hope not...” Blaze sighed. “Can't say I don't want to get my hooves on him, though. I've crushed my emotions for that stallion, even before the betrayal.” Blaze paused briefly. “So... how come you wanted to go to Canterlot?”
“Well, as I've told yeh, I expect it'll be Princess Celestia who'll be having the answers. I'd put me bits on it!” Misty Fly said confidently, moving away from her partner and strolling over to a window overlooking the campus grounds. “And... uh, nevermind, lass.” Just as suddenly as it had came, the confident air about her had vanished. There was something else bothering her.
Blaze cocked an eyebrow, but didn't press the subject. “Yeah, you go ahead, if you want. I'm gonna start brainstorming an airshow tomorrow, I think. Spitfire would want the Wonderbolts to operate as normally as possible, and we've still got High Winds, Surprise, and Silver Lining. We could put on a performance. What do you think?” Blaze pressed on, focusing on Misty Fly's outline with difficulty.
Misty Fly laughed. “I can't see yeh selling many tickets with that line-up. No offense to Surprise and the rest of 'em, but none of us have the draw of Spitfire, Soarin, or Fleetfoot.” Blaze could tell that she was still distracted by something.
“Could be a charity event. Just a little show here in Cloudsdale, or maybe Ponyville. Admission prices could be whatever fans want to donate and we'll pick some cause to give the money too. I'll sort out some details tomorrow, and when we—”
“Blaze...” Misty Fly turned away from the window, giving her a very serious look. “I don't wanna poo-poo your ideas, mind, but maybe a show isn't a good use of our resources.”
Blaze felt taken aback. Leaning back in her seat, she folder her hooves behind her head. “What do you mean, love? Do you have a better idea? I'm open to suggestions.”
“Yer damn right I have a suggestion!” Misty Fly closed her eyes, steeling herself. “I says we send the cadets home. We should be getting the hell over to Saddle Arabia. We'll fly there ourselves. Yer not the only one worried. Everypony is. Spitfire, Fire Steak, Rapidfire... they all need us. It was bloody idiocy to divide the Wonderbolts!”
Blaze stared down at her own hooves. The response came to her without a conscious thought.
“Shoot, Misty... I agree. I agree!” She stood up, picked up the bottle of sherry, corked it, and tossed into the drawer. “Let's talk to Celestia in the morning. Maybe she has a way to get us over there faster than wings.”
Misty Fly walked over to the office door, smiling back at Blaze. “Get a good sleep, lass. I'll see yeh in the morning.”
Blaze nodded, the unease lifting from her chest with each passing second. “I'll turn in straight away, then. And, heh... no more sherry.”
“A wise decision,” the butter yellow mare chuckled, preparing to leave the office. “I'll spread the word.”
“Know what would be nice? A walk through a snowy Whitetail Woods,” Sweetie Belle sighed dreamily, eyes drifting uninterestedly from stall to stall as they moved through the market.
“Mm hmm!” Apple Bloom agreed with a fervent nod. “Or... oh! The streets of Canterlot over Hearth's Warming Eve break!”
This time, Scootaloo joined in the happy sighing. “Aaah, that would be awesome! Or… or skating across the Ponyville pond after school!” she added, thinking longingly of the cool breeze as the wind washed across the frozen surface.
“That is quite enough, you three!” Rarity grumbled. “It is not that warm this evening!”
“Speak for yourself!” Sweetie snapped back. “We're dying over here!”
“Y'all wanted to leave the inn,” Applejack reminded them, “so don't ya whimper'n whine about it now.”
Scootaloo groaned. It was true; she wanted to get out and explore Gymkhana herself, but neither she nor her friends had estimated how hot this particular evening was. As the revelry of the Festival of Summer Flame celebrations wound to a new peak, an additional bonfire erupted at the end of the row of merchants, a steely-faced satyr female prodding at the base with a long bough. It was surrounded by a green, druidic magical haze.
They all stopped by a stall occupied by a hyper stallion selling fireworks. He kept shouting at the shoppers, announcing things like 'today only, make a BANG with the sizzle sticks, half price!' and 'I AM EXPLODING WITH EXCITEMENT, I'M DOWN TO MY LAST SEVEN MORTARMIRRS!'.
“Wonder what a firework cutie mark would look like?” Scoot mused aloud, looking at the colourfully wrapped tubes with their red tips and small fuses.
“Like a... firework?” Apple Bloom teased with a grin. She looked back at them thoughtfully, however. “How would we do it, though? Just launch 'em?” she asked, scratching her chin.
“We could work at the Grand Galloping Gala?” Sweetie suggested, frowning at the display. “That would be sorta neat, I suppose…”
Scootaloo frowned, too. “There's gotta be more places for a fireworks pony than the Gala…”
“Applejack!” Apple Bloom hissed so suddenly, the other two jumped. There was a note of fear in her voice. “Are t-those rabbits... dead?”
Scootaloo followed her gaze to the next stall, where a variety of skinned animals were on display. An anubis purchased one of the rabbits, stashing it in her bag.
“N-no, hun!” Applejack answered quickly. “They're jes' sleepin', y'see... upside down'n... 'n inside out…” Applejack trailed off awkwardly.
Scootaloo could distinctly hear Rarity whisper 'Element of Honesty, hmm, Applejack?', which was answered by a furious glare from the orange earth pony.
“Carnivores, oy…” Sweetie sighed, shaking her head as she gazed after the anubis. “It's not fair that animals have to die to feed others!”
“Sweetie, hush,” Rarity hissed, looking uneasily at the horrified look on Bloom's face.
Deciding that this subject was in dire need of a change, Scootaloo decided to voice a worry that had crept upon her every five minutes or so. After all, this talk of slaughtered animals was making her insides freeze. Unfortunately, the change of subject would prove no better once she had started.
“So, um… what'll happen if all of you don't have your Elements together when the time comes?” She tried to make this sound like a throwaway question of little importance.
Applejack's smile was a little too understanding. Scootaloo might make a habit of showing a tough face around school or her best friends, but she often worried herself sick about things, unable to stop herself dwelling on situations or confrontations she had seen or heard. The mare seemed to have added two and two about her present fears, as well.
“Don'tcha fret over it none, Scoots!” she said bracingly. “Everythin'll be jes' fine, jes' ya wait'n see. Why,” Applejack continued, gesturing to a disguised Pinkie Pie as she galloped her way toward them, the anubis Outcast Fenuku on her back, “here's Pinkie. Alls we gotta do is get yer Ma, Twilight, and Fluttershy from the inn and we're all set, ain't we?”
“GIRLS!” Pinkie Pie cried as she got into view. “Bad, bad!”
“What's the matter?” Rarity asked sharply, eyes widening.
Fenuku slipped from her haunches, his body shaking. He immediately made gestures toward the northern wall, away from the crowds of the market. “Quickly, we've gotta get out of earshot!”
Scootaloo and her friends accompanied Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie and Fenuku over to perimeter. She could see Grape Blossom catch sight of them and nudge one of the griffon twins.
“The Tempered Feather found them!” the anubis announced the moment they had privacy.
“Wh-what?!” Scootaloo stammered, feeling pain shoot through her jaw as she opened it wide. “F-found who?!”
Pinkie bit her lip, looking terrified. “I went to pass by the inn and there were guards everywhere! Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were in the air! I wanted to help, but... but…”
“I had to beg her to get out of there!” Fenuku breathed, shaking his head. “From all I've read about the Elements of Harmony, you need all six together!”
“Then let's go!” Applejack proclaimed.
Scootaloo's world seemed to shift. It was as though she had sustained a blow to the head. Sounds were muffled, just like they would be if she were swimming. Head pounding, she sank to the ground on shaking limbs. Sweetie Belle dropped down beside her, placing a comforting hoof to her back.
“Scootaloo?”
It took awhile for the unicorn's words to reach her brain. A vein around her right eyelid was twitching as her heart rate accelerated. No matter how brave she wanted to act, as her breath caught in her chest, all she could think about was the comforting embrace of her protector. Of Rainbow Dash. She always made the bad feelings go away.
As the tears started rolling down her cheeks, words penetrated her overwrought head.
“Tarnation! Who the hell are ya? How didja find us?!”
“Some of those belts the Steel Talons gave Spitfire and that pink pegasus, Rainbow Dish, or whatever, were bugged. Our commander, Major Hawkeye, wanted them followed.”
“You mean…”
Scootaloo, in her misery and turmoil, looked up, wanting to understand the significance of these words. Looking forward, she saw Applejack and Rarity looking up the wall. Raising her head further, there was a griffon with metallic gauntlets and wings standing on top of the wall. At least, that's what she thought he was; his figure was only visible for a brief moment before it faded from view.
“We've been watching you all. Azure Wings and Gwyndolin are at that inn. To go there now is suicide! Gather up those Gymkhanan kids you've been walking around with and get to the Station, where the alchemists dwell. Hawkeye will be waiting for you.”
“You ready to go, Misty?” Blaze asked, peering within the dormitory after rapping her hoof on the doorframe.
“Aye, just about.” she confirmed with a nod, slamming the doors of her wardrobe. “Leaving my suit here. None of yeh are taking yer suits, eh?”
“Nope,” Blaze said, shrugging. “If we need their magic to help our bodies reach Saddle Arabia, then we're not strong enough to help, anyway! We're also incognito this way. My genius scares me sometimes! So, did you sleep well, hun?”
“Well enough, fer sure, but I woulda preferred... company,” Misty Fly sighed, tipping the golden yellow mare a wink. “I woulda invited yeh up, lass, but I wanted yeh to get a good sleep.”
Blaze grinned. “Well, I did sleep pretty great.” She entered the room and brushed her hoof across Misty Fly's forehead, gently wiping away strands of mane. “But... I wouldn't have said 'no' to you. Maybe once this is all over with, we could double date with Soarin and Rainbow Dash. I'll make it up to you, Misty...” Blaze leaned in, closing her eyes, expecting to feel the warm lips of her partner.
“I ain't going no wheres with the pair of them gallivanting around like teenagers, mind,” Misty Fly said with a laugh, pressing a hoof to Blaze's muzzle. Throwing a water bottle and a pouch of bits into her saddle bag, she continued. “Honestly, I'd be happy just having yeh with me. So, have yeh spoken to the rest of the team?”
“Mm hmm,” Blaze confirmed, feeling a definite sense of anticlimax. She recovered quickly, however. “Everypony is waiting on you, 'lassie'! Silver Lining didn't seem pleased about the idea, but he made no objections. Just put your stuff in the Administration lobby when you're all set.”
“Lass”, the other mare corrected. “I'll be coming along shortly, just packing me toiletries. Now, shoo!”
Grinning, Blaze turned to leave. Before she had gone more than two or three paces, however, Misty Fly pulled her close. Throwing her down like a dancer, the blue-maned Wonderbolt locked her lips with Blaze, causing the latter's wings to stiffen and then flap lightly.
“I love yeh, hun... so I would be appreciating it if yeh didn't get us killed over in Gymkhana, mind!”
“I'll find it in my heart to consider not leading us into any real danger. Otherwise, walk in the park!” Blaze giggled, feeling herself going very red. “I love you, too, Misty! See you in the Hall!”
Feeling slightly punch-drunk, Blaze swept from the room and proceeded down the wood-panelled hallway. Five minutes later, she approached the large square Conference Hall. Pushing the double doors open, she spread her wings and enjoyed a quick lap across the glossy floor, eventually coming to rest at the top of the room. Landing in Spitfire's usual spot, she turned and waited.
A few short minutes passed and the first pair of trainees walked in. Breaking off their conversation once they reached Blaze, both the pink filly and the blue colt said 'good morning, ma'am' before moving to stand at attention on their hind legs, side by side to form the first group.
“Stand easy, you two,” Blaze instructed.
They briefly gave one another a puzzled look before dropping to all fours. The next four cadets to enter, upon seeing their peers standing relaxed, imitated them. The security staff were next to arrive, taking their positions against the western wall. Then, the doors flew open with an incredible bang and a bright streak of sunshine yellow burst into the hall, zooming up and beyond Blaze. It rose in a spiral before shooting to the floor. Surprise landed lightly, gave a bounce, and stood at attention.
“MOOORNIIING!” she shouted cheerfully, eyes reduced to slits as she was beaming all over.
“Morning, ma'am!” The cadets responded, a few of them grinning.
Blaze glanced back at her, trying not to roll her eyes. Always the same, every morning; Surprise would enter the Hall with the gentleness of a heart attack and Spitfire would glare at her. Only this time, Blaze was giving the exasperated looks. Returning her eyes to the front, she watched more of the recruits arriving, followed by some faculty staff members. High Winds was the next Wonderbolt to arrive, flying over the heads of the assembled recruits and landing on Surprise's left.
“You sure you want to proceed with this course, Blaze?” High Winds whispered from behind her.
Blaze glanced back and nodded. “I'm sure, High.”
Surprise giggled. “That sounded funny!” After a moment, she bounced again.
Blaze sighed. “C'mon Surprise, act your rank!” Blaze scolded in a low voice. “Why are you bouncing?”
“I have to peeeee,” she hissed back, bursting with excitement and flapping her wings.
“You're allowed to leave, you know...”
“That would be immature,” Surprise said, frowning. “I'm a military mare.”
Blaze looked forward yet again, sighing. Within four minutes, Silver Lining and Misty Fly had arrived. Taking their places in the Wonderbolt lineup, Blaze turned her head around once more.
“What in blazes did you pack, Misty?” she asked, cocking an eyebrow.
“I told yeh what I had to pack. I took a fly 'round the grounds, don't yeh know. It's not 0800 hours yet.”
“You're right,” Blaze conceded after a pause. “Sorry for being nosey.”
After another few minutes, Blaze performed a headcount of the chattering cadets. Everyone seemed accounted for. Taking a moment to steel herself, she cleared her throat. The talking died down at once.
“Attention!” she bellowed out in a clear, carrying voice. With a loud snap and a bang, every cadet stood on their hind legs and pinned their forehooves to their sides. “At ease, and stand easy,” Blaze continued. “I just wanted to ensure I had your undivided attention...”
Blaze started to pace. She walked left, to the end of the last group of cadets, and turned right to move to the opposite end. As she passed her fellow teammates, she studied their faces. Silver Lining was looking serious, but at the same time, distracted. Who knew what was moving through his mind? Misty Fly smiled at her kindly and Blaze gave her own trademark smirk in response. There was concern in those eyes, however. Surprise looked her usual self; she was buoyant, brimming with elation and joy. High Winds was inscrutable, staring directly ahead and not shifting her gaze as Blaze walked by.
“Well,” Blaze spoke again, casting her eyes over the sea of recruits. “Probably should have spoken before I took a walk. Half of you are probably thinking longingly of whatever the mess hall will be serving up for lunch.” There was a smattering of lighthearted snickering. “Bet you'll all be really impressed with my next decision, too...” She cleared her throat again, looking up at the back wall, studying the giant mural of the Wonderbolt insignia. “A few days as Captain Spitfire's replacement... and we're already closing down the Academy.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd, some of the cadets looking shocked. Judging by the rustle of the many cadet uniforms, others had to be throwing confused looks to one another, sure they had misunderstood. Blaze turned slowly to face them all again, bowing her head.
“The remaining Wonderbolts will be leaving for Saddle Arabia at once, to lend support to Captain Spitfire, First Officer Soarin, Lieutenant-Major Rapidfire, and the others.” Blaze saw fear in many of the eyes now staring at her and an unpleasant realization struck her. “I... I understand that some of you attend the academy every few weeks, some monthly, others yearly... and a smaller number of you, still, attend the academy full-time for the benefit of having someplace to call home. This decision was made hastily but we believe it's the best thing to do right now. And...” Blaze trailed off. She had no idea, absolutely no clue, what to say next. Her mind worked furiously, trying to think of a solution for the recruits she was about to bar from a warm place to sleep at night.
“First Officer, if I may speak?” Silver Lining's voice cut sharply through the whispers filling the room.
“Absolutely,” Blaze replied at once, moving to take his place beside her partner.
Silver Lining tossed his white mane, studying the faces closely. “I would like to inform those that do not know that my mansion is always open. You can get details from Whiplash and Manerick, whom I've already informed of the situation. The academy will be open until 1600 hours, giving those less fortunate ample time to gather what they need.”
Blaze exhaled gratefully. Misty tapped her shoulder and gave her another wink.
“Saved yer flank, did he?” she whispered, chuckling.
“That he did,” Blaze agreed. “Mind you, nopony will save me from Spitfire when we all turn up!”
Silver Lining continued, mentioning a number of requests for potential visitors to his home and playfully asking the cadets not to host a party, lest they annoy the butler.
“I do believe that's everything,” he concluded after a few minutes, looking to Blaze. “Anything else, ma'am?”
Blaze strolled forward, clearing her throat noisily. “Nope. Well, apart from you lot wishing us luck! The Wonderbolts, as I say, will depart immediately. The academy, as Flight Lieutenant Silver Lining explained, will remain open for several hours. Enjoy your chance to catch up on some sleep. The Wonderbolts in full should be back and ready to go on Monday! WE'LL BE DOING AN INTENSIVE PHYSICAL EVALUATION COURSE AT THAT TIME IN CELEBRATION OF THE VICTORY WE'RE GOING TO SCORE!” Several cadets groaned. Blaze laughed out loud; she had so far conducted herself a lot less formally than the no-nonsense Spitfire. “Take care of yourselves and rest well.” She turned and looked at her fellow teammates. “Gymkhana awaits.”
Scootaloo threw her head against the wall, giving it a few restless taps, puffing out her cheeks and groaning; it had not been a very pleasant night, with nightmares and panic attacks. Tears and terrors, no matter what she set her mind to.
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle never left her side through that long night. Rarity or Applejack kept returning to the Hideout to check on them every couple of hours. Rarity always looked anxious and never spoke much and didn't even seem bothered by having to be in a mucky old sewer, which was totally weird. Applejack tried to comfort them whenever she stopped by, but she couldn't make much progress.
Between the griffons talking to the ponies and overhearing what the Outcasts were telling each other whenever one of them ventured from the safety of the Hideout, the Crusaders had pieced together one horrifying fact: There was a great ring of darkness surrounding the city from all sides, miles across the desert. Even the light seemed unable to penetrate it as the night wore on, leading to an eerie sight when the sun shone down upon it that morning. It was this that lead to Major Hawkeye choosing to aid Rainbow Dash and her friends.
“Do you think anypony knows anything new?” Sweetie asked her friends after a considerable stretch of silence.
“I dunno…” Scootaloo mumbled, rubbing the back of her head where it was sore from the wall. “I try not to think about it…”
Apple Bloom looked at her with great concern, wrapping her hooves around Scoot's chest and giving her an unnecessarily tight hug.
“I think they're gonna storm the palace. That's what I heard that Applejack 'n' Hawkeye sayin',” Bloom explained. “Now that Fleetfeet's back—”
“Fleetfoot,” Scootaloo corrected her, trying to allow her spirits to rise. They didn't seem to be going anywhere.
“—those Lunar Republic ponies'n anubi'n things she brought with her are gonna help fight!”
“I don't like fighting…”
“Cheer up, Scoots!” Sweetie Belle said bracingly, getting to her hooves. “Rarity told me that the Steel Talons told her that one of their contacts told them that somepony who was around the inn told her that they took everypony who was at the Amber Cottage prisoner. That means they're still alive and I think they're gonna be rescued!”
Scootaloo stared blankly at her a moment, trying to piece what she had just said together.
“Basically,” Sweetie concluded, swishing her curly tail, “things aren't over yet. You gotta stop thinking like Rainbow Dash is dead. She's tough, Scoots! You normally don't shut up about how tough she is, am I right?”
Scootaloo smiled in spite of herself. “That's, uh... true, I guess…” Her aspect dropped just as quickly as it had rekindled. “B-but Applejack was talking like somepony was d-dead! Wh-what if it was Rainbow Dash?!”
“AJ promised us she'd tell us straight away if anypony we loved got hurt, Scootaloo… She promised she wouldn't keep sommat that important from us!” Apple Bloom said confidently. “They're still alive'n I betcha they're fightin'!”
“I don't like fighting,” Scootaloo repeated, a little firmly this time.
“We know, Scoots…” Sweetie groaned in slight exasperation, “but you've gotta think a little less about yourself right now!” Scootaloo flinched, her stomach squirming uncomfortably. “These are our friends! If they don't fight to get free from wherever they are, they might actually die!”
Scootaloo closed her eyes, trying to stem some renewed tears. All of this talk of death was making her feel horrible. She didn't want to think about any of it. Sure, she felt grateful that her best friends in the wide world were trying to cheer her up, but didn't they realize she would be a lot happier if they just shut up about it? Her lip trembled and she bit down on it, trying to master herself. Don't they care about me?
“Pssst!”
Scootaloo opened her eyes, running a hoof across her face and snout. Her own snot made a chill run down her spine. Looking around, she saw the griffon twins gesturing them over to their own spot on the floor of this dingy old boiler room.
“Alastor had an idea, girls…” Aidos informed them as they approached. “Ppppssst! Marius! C'mere!”
The eleven year old satyr, standing sentinel by the door, looked around at Aidos' voice and walked over. Kneeling beside them, he took a cautious glance over at Neighshyte, Anima, and the other two horse foals, Nishaaj and Hoofza.
“What is it, birdbrains?” Marius asked, though it was in a friendly jesting sort of way.
“I've been thinking…” Alastor cleared his throat, jerking his beak toward Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. “The Crusaders are sisters or whatever of the mares with those Harmony things. The stakes are higher for them than us right now. I'm tired of standing around doing nothing! We… we couldn't stop the darkness when it took our homes and family away, but these girls still got theirs!”
Aidos nodded fervently. “We don't want anyone to have to suffer like the Outcasts have.”
“Fair enough,” Marius said bracingly, raising an eyebrow. “What exactly are we going to do about it?”
“I've had an idea!” Alastor said breathlessly. He got to his pawed feet, flexing his wings excitedly and snapped a claw. “We're gonna find Fenuku, since his bloated brain will help us… and all six of us, Fenuku included” he continued, jerking his claw at the Cutie Mark Crusaders, his brother, and himself, “are gonna go talk to the alchemists!”
“Are you flippin' crazy?” Marius demanded in alarm, looking over to make sure the younger horses weren't listening in. “No. Without Numane or Dameer, I'm in charge, and I'm not letting you lot get yourselves hurt! Fenuku asked me to keep an eye on all of you, and that includes you three fillies!”
“Thought you were in charge, huh?” Sweetie Belle asked coolly.
Marius gave a snarl. “I am! Fenuku's younger than me, he—”
“He's just smarter than you,” Alastor supplied, grinning. Aidos gave him a wink. “Listen, Marius, I know you want to keep us safe, but it'll be a lot easier for you to just keep an eye out on Anima and her little possé, yes?”
“And let you all march to your dooms, huh? I know exactly what plan you're concocting, Alastor!”
“Good,” the griffon replied simply, turning in the direction of the solitary door to their shelter. “Then you know it's a good one. I only need Fenuku to fine tune it, because… you know, he's smart,” Alastor concluded, placing a fine emphasis on the last word. “C'mon, girls!”
“Wait just a damn second!” Marius commanded as Scootaloo got to her hooves, not really caring what she did or where she went right now. “I haven't given my permission for anything!”
“Marius, if we can help these girls out so that those Harmony mares actually beat Azure Wings, Gwyndolin, and the darkness…" Aidos paused, shaking his head in exasperation. "Why are you trying to stop us?” he added defensively.
“We're going to see the alchemists,” Alastor said with an air of finality.
“Fine,” Marius hissed, incensed. “If you run into Applejack, Rarity, or Fenuku, they're just gonna order you to march back here and I'm going to get flippin' yelled at!”
“We'll risk it,” Aidos said.
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at one another. They, it seemed, like Scootaloo, were trying to figure out exactly what was happening. Looking to the orange pegasus, Bloom cocked an eyebrow. Scootaloo shrugged and nodded. Anything to keep her mind off what might be happening to Rainbow Dash.
Through the sewers, up the ramp, and into the Station they moved. They located Fenuku as soon as they caught sight of the alchemists' market, but there was quite a change. There was no red glow coming from the teleportation circles on the raised ledges on either end of the cavernous room. The stalls and carpets had been cleared from the centre of the Station. On the cold stone floor, a large white circle, sixty feet across, had been drawn there. The alchemists seemed to be dripping an eerily green and glowing potion from their flasks over every inch of it.
“What're you guys doing up here?” Fenuku asked wearily, running over quickly as they all peered over the ramp, down which they had been hiding.
“I'll get to that in a bit,” Alastor said, mouth gaping. “What's going on?”
“This ain't your alchemist plan?” Apple Bloom demanded, sounding apprehensive.
“No,” Alastor spoke quickly, shaking his head. “Dunno what this is!”
“A… a lot's going on. That griffon mercenary group, the Steel Talons, ordered the Station cut off from the rest of Gymkhana. Hawkeye's basically taken charge down here. They destroyed the teleporters.” He looked back at the group surrounding the circle. “Come closer, but try and stay out of sight. If Applejack or Rarity find you lot,” he continued, looking hard at the Crusaders, “you'll be skinned alive!”
“I think it's worth the risk,” Sweetie Belle said darkly, eyes still wide as she tried to catch another sight of whatever was taking place in the middle. “Is that magic? I can feel my horn… it's tingling!”
“It's alchemy,” Fenuku informed them as they inched closer, staying close to one of the walls bordering the ramp into the sewer. “You know… science and magic. Anyway, we'll move through the stalls. Your sisters and Pinkie Pie are in front of the circle, girls.”
“What's going on?” Apple Bloom asked. “What's that circle for?”
“It's a teleportation arcanum, like the ones connecting all the districts of the city here. You can tell by the glyphs and symbols they drew on it. You'll see it once we get a little closer…”
Scootaloo kept her head down and limbs bent, walking low to the floor. For once, her mind was oddly clear of her worries. There was so much happening, so many voices and so many things, that her brain was working too hard just to take it all in, let alone dwell on anything else. Moving between the stalls and legs of the horses, anubi, and satyr around them, they got within a few yards to the edge of the drawing. It was glowing a bright white and Scootaloo could now see the various glyphs and runic markings Fenuku had described.
Standing within the circle, fixed in the gaze of every creature assembled around them, stood Major Hawkeye and Fleetfoot with a few ponies Scootaloo didn't recognize. Hawkeye was whispering something to the blue-furred Wonderbolt, who nodded. Fleetfoot leapt straight into the sky, her wings beating in such a fast, yet controlled manner, that they didn't appear to be moving. At the pinnacle of her impressive leap, she began to beat them softly to keep herself hovered.
“Citizens of Gymkhana… horses, ponies, satyr, anubi, griffons, and all those that dwell, breath and work in this community, hear me!” Fleetfoot roared out in a carrying voice. Scootaloo perked her ears to listen. Judging by the total silence of her friends and the Outcasts, she wasn't alone. As she continued, Fleetfoot dropped some of her normal manner of vernacular. “On this day, Gymkhana changes forever. In less than twelve ticks of the hour hand, a great and terrible evil will lurch forward and devour everything you have worked hard for and love. Some of you have seen proof positive of the immensity of the Voidwalker's power with your own eyes. The Tempered Feather, Gymkhana's new military branding, places this blame on the Wonderbolts of Equestria.” Fleetfoot paused, eyes closed and breathing deeply. In a flash, she zoomed around in the air, her bright white tail streak extending and criss-crossing all over the arcanum below, before coming to rest in mid-air again. “I am one of the Wonderbolts. Some of you probably witnessed Azure Wings' attempt to execute me and my fellow teammates yesterday evening. I tell you this because you must see the truth.”
“It is time the heart of Gymkhana, its populace, to listen to reason,” Hawkeye called out, rising up to join Fleetfoot herself. “The Wonderbolts were not behind the attack on the Mesa District. Those who have supported the resistance lead by the New Lunar Republic in this city already know this! There are accounts that they witnessed the Wonderbolts come under attack by both the darkness and the military. Some of you won't believe us, but the fact is you have no choice right now! Join the Republic, my Steel Talons, and the Wonderbolts as we take the fight to the Palace of Kings!”
“The Wonderbolts are here to attempt to save this city by protecting those who can usurp this evil. I speak the truth, Gymkhanites! The darkness closes in upon this city with each passing second, and only way to success is if we pave the way for Princess Celestia's champions to defeat this evil.” Fleetfoot smacked a hoof into her other, zipping around again, trying to rally up the crowd. “We must rid the city of its corrupt officials and the might of Azure Wings' army! We will storm the armoury in the Dynasty District and march west upon the palace. Help us fight to liberate Gymkhana before The Shadow can consume everything you hold dear. How much longer will you stand by as your loved ones are sacrificed to Azure Wings' gallows? How…” Fleetfoot paused for a moment, steeling herself. “How many more friends must be murdered? You must be freed. Gymkhana must be freed! We only have until seven before all is lost!”
“We will act swiftly and we will act successfully! Alchemists,” Hawkeye roared, “activate the Teleportation Annex! We will summon the Republic members still waiting in Corral Bay, we will proceed through the old tunnels connecting the sewer to Dynasty, and we will save this city. Join us... or stay out of our way.”
Over the din of the crowd, Scootaloo caught Alastor's voice. “This is awesome, but we can still play our part! C'mon, girls! Fenuku, do you know where that alchemist, Old Padfoot, is? I have a plan!”
“It all boils down to this, Surprise,” Silver Lining groaned, starting to sound exasperated now. “Either we're going to be needed over there… or we're not. There's no inbetween.”
The ground far below was awakening as the day stretched on. The five pegasi flew on, their bright and colourful tail streaks splitting the clouds. The rolling hills of the countryside painted a green and yellow path that cut through the farmland surrounding the tiny Ponyville far below, leading to the forests that surrounded the base of the mountain.
“I mean…” he went on, glancing back and forth over the landscape, “if they needed us at all, then the Elements of Harmony have failed. I'm still not sure why the Captain and the rest even had to go, if they are all relying on those Elements.”
Blaze glared back at him. “Are you dead serious, Silver?! You saw The Shadow! Whatever help the Element Bearers can get is enormously valuable. I'm scared for our teammates, too, but the Wonderbolts are there to protect those mares. And we're going to help them.”
“If we need to help, then the Elements probably won't be enough!” He argued, speeding up to draw neck and neck with her.
“Nonsense,” Misty Fly chided in, drifting over to them as Surprise rocketed ahead, flipping over and over. “Besides, protecting those girls is the most important thing for us to do!”
“Yes, we protect the innocent and those who need it, but what about our own? I thought the enemy was after the Wonderbolts, not the Bearers! And another thing… why are you both acting like those jewels are the infallible keys to beating this darkness?”
Blaze frowned, looking between Misty Fly and Silver Lining. “I don't understand it either, Silver, but… but I thought that those jewels were infallible! Think about it. Nightmare Moon, Discord, Queen Chrysalis…”
“You're forgetting that the Elements did not defeat the changelings, Blaze,” he reminded her, the effort of calming down seeming to take all of his energy; his flight slowed. “It was the pair getting married. Gah, makes me wish that the Wonderbolts had a proper chance to battle Chrysalis…”
“Aye,” Misty agreed grudgingly, nodding as she decelerated as well. “It was only Soarin and Spitfire who attended the wedding, and they were so busy protecting the guests that they had no chance to be battling the Queen. Apparently, the Elements didn't take care of her, either.”
“Yes, I know that, Blaze groaned, “but just because Rainbow Dash and her friends couldn't do anything doesn't mean that the Elements are useless!”
“Nopony called them useless!” Surprise spoke up, startling Blaze as she flew up from below. “They were saying that the stones may not be the ultimate weapon!”
Blaze shook her head, but made no further argument. She refused to allow their words to impact her overwrought brain; the Elements of Harmony, those famous, ancient relics, will be the solution, she thought. They had to be. Pushing it all from her mind, she instead focused keenly upon the many towers of Canterlot in the distance.
“Alright, guys! Speed up and climb!” she commanded.
Beating her wings furiously as she shot up higher and higher, her orange streak trailing behind her, Blaze began her approach. Hearing her teammates following, she rose even higher, flying level with and then beyond the seat of the Regal Sisters. Shouting 'begin our descent!', she twisted into a dive, her body roaring through the air as she closed the distance to the entrance of the castle.
“Halt!” a white royal guardsmen called, moving forward to greet the pegasus as she landed, her companions touching down all around her. “State your business, but know that none may enter.”
“Uh…” Blaze mumbled, cocking an eyebrow. “I'm Blaze, acting Captain of the Wonderbolts… and we need to enter. It's urgent!”
The guard stood his ground. “Wonderbolts or not, I cannot allow you access. A threat was made against Her Highness' life.”
“But—” Blaze began furiously, but Misty Fly placed a hoof to her shoulder.
Before her partner could find any words of comfort, however, a voice echoed out overhead. “Not so much my life as my soul.” Looking up, Blaze saw Princess Celestia emerge from a doorway and onto a balcony. “Forgive the soldier; I did order the castle closed. Nevertheless, do come in. There is something I must tell you. Open the gates, Static Field.”
“Yes, my liege,” he answered quickly, his horn glowing lilac as he disarmed a complicated locking mechanism. Seconds later, the gates rose into the air, and the tall double doors behind it swung inward.
Blaze lead her teammates through, feeling her recent trepidations decline with each step she took. The feeling of urgency still flooded her veins, though; she wanted action.
Through the courtyard and into the castle, they eventually came to a stop inside Celestia's throne room. With a nod to her guards, she had them leave them all in privacy. Blaze noticed upon seeing the Princess' face that Celestia was bothered by something.
“Princess Celestia, we—” Blaze tried to speak, but Celestia held up a hoof in polite refusal.
“Before I hear what you have come here for, I'm afraid that I... I have some bad news.”
Misty Fly looked between the Princess and Blaze, her mouth slightly parted. “What is going-I mean to say, what's happened, Yer Highness? Why yeh looking so dour?”
Celestia's eyes traveled across the entire group. Blaze turned around and watched the expressions on all of their faces harden. Even Surprise looked subdued.
“It is with deepest regret that I-I have to inform you... that Lieutenant-Major Rapidfire is…” Celestia took a steady breath. “He's dead.”
“No!” Misty Fly gasped suddenly, taking a step back. “What is this?!”
Blaze felt her blood run cold. Silver Lining was standing there with his mouth wide open, terror etched upon his face. High Winds' lip began to tremble. Both of them had been teammates with Rapidfire the longest. Surprise was shaking her mane back and forth, refusing to believe it.
“He was struck down in battle by Wave Chill yesterday, just before six in the evening. I am… very sorry.” Celestia bowed her head, the parting in her mane due to her long horn causing both halves to whip around her haphazardly as she went. The momentary chaos of the Princess' mane reflected how Blaze felt inside. “I am in contact with Princess Luna, and she had told me that Twilight Sparkle and her friends' safety has been compromised. Rapidfire intervened when First Officer Soarin was in mortal danger, and…” She trailed off. “I apologize for having not informed you of yesterday evening. I did not want to bring myself to increase your considerable distress, given the recent events. It was wrong of me to conceal something this important, however, and any efforts made to protect your peace of mind has been meaningless as a result.”
These words barely had an effect on Blaze. Her limbs were weak and she sunk to the floor, resting on her stomach. Something was being torn away from her, leaving her for eternity. Rapidfire? It couldn't be possible. Rapidfire… She felt her forehead rest upon the floor, scraping back and forth as she shook her head. The tears had come long before she had even realized they were there. He had been like a father to them all. How could this have happened?
“I wish we could be there for the Captain…” Surprise's voice floated through the air to Blaze's twitching ears. “They loved each other like real family…”
“They were… they were real family,” Misty Fly choked, and Blaze felt her partner drape a wing over her back. “Blood-relations had n-nothing to do with it. C'mon, up yeh get, love…”
Blaze allowed herself to be helped to her hooves, the strength in her legs practically non-existent. Her grief had disguised the thing that was draining her of all of her energy: the fact that the killer had been Wave Chill.
Using her partner for support, Blaze lifted her head and wiped an eye with one of her wings. “P-Princess Celestia, thank you for…” Deep breaths, she reminded herself, take it easy. She couldn't let herself fall to pieces. There would be time to grieve for Rapidfire, but for now, she had to focus her strength on the reason they came here. “Thank you for telling us this. Your H-Highness, please…” Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. “We've gotta get to Saddle Arabia. We came here in the hopes that you would have faster transport than wing power. They need our help… and my ex-fiancé needs to be brought to justice.”
Celestia strolled toward her throne. She leaned against it, looking to lose herself in her thoughts for a moment. Eventually, she returned her gaze to Blaze and her teammates.
“One of the benefits of sending Princess Luna to accompany the Elements of Harmony,” Celestia spoke, talking fast, “is that I can magically transport myself to her side at once. I can take ponies with me.” Blaze's spirits soared and she shared a quick and determined smile with Misty Fly. “Right now, there is a barrier around Gymkhana. It is preventing anyone from entering through teleportation, its range extends a few miles beyond the city, and it is not safe for Luna to leave the capital long enough to fly a far enough distance for me to join her.” Celestia flexed her wings, apparently involuntarily, swishing her tail. “As my sister works on a plan to disable this barrier, I have been making preparations for Canterlot's protection in my absence. A close contact with Dragonspire will prevent that nation from allowing Saddle Arabia to attack Equestria whilst I am away. Griffon Peaks doesn't have the military might to attack themselves, as the Steel Talons are an independant group. Prince Shining Armor is currently en-route from the Crystal Empire to aid in this city's defense, and once the way to the desert is open, I will take us all to the continent of Osyria and straight into Gymkhana.”
“Good,” Silver Lining said, having regained his composure. “The sooner, the better.”
“Agreed, as we only have ten hours before the Voidwalker attacks Gymkhana.”
“What?!” High Winds gasped. “The Voidwalker? Who or what is that?”
“It is The Shadow, and it… it may be a demon I have faced in my youth. It, ah, may help ease your pain of loss… if I tell you what Luna and I had lost, ourselves. We do have some time before the barrier allows us to travel there, after all. I'm going to tell you all everything.”