//------------------------------//
// Chapter 7: Showdown in Rambling Rock Ridge 
// Story: Oathbound 
// by ChronicleStone 
//------------------------------//

Rambling Rock Ridge (southeast of Canterlot)
April 23, 12:16 PM

I can see you, Ace.  You look good.
Shut up, Scope.
No, I agree with him.  You look rather dashing.
You shut up, too, Blitz.
Sky and Scope sat on a cloud high above the craggy landscape of the Rambling Rock Ridge.  Below, Sky could see the train: a prize too tempting to pass up for the jewel thieves that lived out here.
Scope turned to him, looking unimpressed.  “Let’s be honest; you can’t actually see Ace from here, can you?” he asked.
Sky shrugged.  “No, but it was as good a chance as any to have a little fun at Ace’s expense.”
The earth pony seemed to contemplate it for a split second, which was a better result than his normally curt response.  “Just don’t overdo it,” he cautioned, returning his attention to the landscape.  “We’re here on a mission, not a joyride.”
Sky cast a casual glance at his teammate.  Anyone else would have completely missed the earth pony.  To the untrained eye, he was merely a light wisp of cloud.  But then again, for that matter, so was Sky.  His magic cloak was draped lightly over his body, with his hood drawn up over his head and a mask to hide all but his bright blue eyes.  “Right.  So, what do you think of the cloaks?  Work pretty well, don’t they?”
Scope’s head dropped with a sigh.  “I already told you what I thought of them.  Or do you just like hearing me say that I was impressed?”
“I figured I’d get your thoughts when we were out on a mission, since that’s where it’s important,” Sky explained.  “Though hearing any kind of praise from you is worth revisiting,” he added under his breath.
“If my opinion changes, I’ll be sure to let you know.”  He reached inside a flap of his cloak and withdrew a phial of a milky substance.  Uncorking it, he took a small sip.
You guys see any sign of our bandits out there?
Even though it was the familiar voice of Ace inside his head, Sky still flinched a bit every time he heard a voice that wasn’t his own resounding within his brain.  Memories of the Chimera still haunted him, and he was slow to forget the sickening sensation of having the creature crawling around his thoughts.
 Not yet, Ace, Scope’s voice chimed in as he returned the featherweight potion into his cloak.  But just keep your bow tie on.  I’m sure it won’t be long.
 He’s wearing a bow tie?!  That’s hilarious! Sky laughed.
 I thought you could see me, Blitz.
Well, Sky replied, I’m certainly getting an interesting picture now.
When Ace’s voice rose again, it was wrung with exasperation.  When I get out of here, I’m going to beat the two of you within an inch of your lives.
Not likely, Scope replied stoically.  How are the passengers doing?
 They’re fine, Ace assured.  They don’t suspect a thing.  So it’s up to you guys to make sure that it stays that way.
If this keeps up, there won’t be much to worry about, Sky commented.  It’s about as quiet out here as a crowd after one of Rimshot’s bad jokes.  He reached up and scratched his ear just as he caught a sudden movement from Scope.
Better hold that thought, Blitz, the earth pony replied.  We’ve got company.
Any ounce of distraction fell from him in a flash.  He leaned forward, pouring concentration into his search across the landscape.  Where? he asked.
About two hundred meters ahead of us, on the south side of the train, Scope replied.  There are five of them.  Two smaller, two medium, and one that looks like he’s part elephant from his size.
Sky looked down and, sure enough, he could make out a small group of bodies ambling towards the train.  He snorted.  Just five?  How do they expect to hijack and rob a train with just five of them?
It’s not like they’re expecting much resistance, Blitz, came Ace’s voice again.  To them, five is probably a little overkill.
A grim smile came to Sky’s face as his mind and body prepared for action.  Well, let’s show them how wrong they are.
Get this cloud down to the ground, Scope ordered.  My awareness is better down there.
Sky did a quick somersault and proceeded to push the cloud straight down.  As the ground loomed nearer and nearer, he realized that he was headed right for a rocky alcove with one wide fissure in the stone.  Must be the entrance to their hideout, he thought to himself.
“Hey, Scope,” Sky began, “not to question you or anything, but why do you want to be on the ground so much?  I mean, doesn’t the air provide you with a better view of things?”
The earth pony didn’t even flinch as his cloak changed color to match his new surroundings.  “Contrary to apparently popular opinion, my vision isn’t the only sense I like to use on a mission.  The ground tends to serve the others much better than the air.”
“Oh.”  An awkward silence prevailed for several moments.
“Well?” Scope said at last as he studied the cavern entrance.  “Are you waiting for an invitation?  Go stop them!”
“Oh, right!” Sky said, turning on the spot.  He was airborne as soon as his wings were spread, and within seconds he was closing the distance to the train, maintaining an altitude of a mere two meters as he flew.
Nice and smooth, he reminded himself as the train (and its attackers) grew in size as he approached.  It was a lesson that Nighthawk had worked to beat into him every chance he got.  Nighthawk had never denied that Sky was fast; that would have been foolish.  But when it came to “style and grace,” as Nighthawk put it, Sky had quite a bit of work to do.  He had often called Sky out as being either too wild, or merely reckless, when it came to his flying.  “If you’re leaving a wake, you’re out-of-control.  The way you fly shouldn’t cause the breeze to change at all.”
Sky hazarded a look behind himself.  Sure enough, to his dismay, he could see the trail of dust he had stirred up as he had passed.  To his credit, it would have been easy to overlook, but that wasn’t good enough for Sky.  If Nighthawk had been here, he would have given him an earful…and then some.
He focused again on the pack of dogs not fifty meters ahead of him.  With a quick flash of concentration, he double-checked to make sure that his cloak was set to match his surroundings.  With a quick burst, he covered the distance to the bandit furthest on his left and pulled up alongside him.
The dog was short and gray, wearing a tattered brown vest that may have been another color at one time, though it was impossible to tell now.  His beady green eyes were fixed on the prize before him: a train laden with gemstones, just begging to be snatched up from their unsuspecting owners.  He saw nothing else.
Sky gently coasted to within leg’s reach of the dog, carefully lining up the other four bandits before reaching out and tapping the mutt on the shoulder.  He merely reached over with his right paw and swatted away at his arm, as if some insect had landed on him.  Sky groaned inwardly and tapped him again, only to receive the same result.
Finally, he gave the dog a forceful shove, knocking him sideways a bit.  The dog stumbled for a few steps before regaining his balance and casting a confused glance in Sky’s direction.
The blue irises of Sky’s eyes lit up with magic as he returned the canine’s stare.  “Oh, hi.  Don’t mind me,” he said as his wings ignited in a burst of magical blue radiance that shone through the wing flaps across the tops of his wings.  He dipped close to the ground and spun beneath the bandit, causing him to stumble yet again.  Sky gave a slightly over-gratuitous jab with his hoof into the dog’s leg, sending him careening through the air until he crashed into the ground and rolled wildly, howling the entire time.
Sky quickly straightened up and turned his attention to the remaining four canines.  Their comrade’s howling had drawn their attention, though they were apparently unaware of Sky’s presence, thanks to his magical disguise.  Hey Scope, check this out! he called to his partner.
With a sudden burst of speed, he rifled through the air, colliding with each bandit in perfect sequence, knocking each one off their paws.  He watched with satisfaction as they finally came to a halt, each one a crumpled heap of confusion.  Haha, this is better than pinball at the arcade!
You still play at the arcade? Ace jeered.  How old are you again, Blitz?
Sky ignored his commander and landed before the bandits, placing himself between them and the passing train.  The cloak returned to its normal gray color as his hooves touched the ground.  The dogs regarded him curiously as they rose to their paws.
“This land is under the protection of the Equestrian Crown, by decree of Princesses Celestia and Luna,” Sky tonelessly recited his long-practiced message.  “Return to your homes and cease your criminal activities, or you will suffer the consequences of your actions.”
“Oh, look, boys,” said the medium-sized dog in the center.  His voice was gruff but high-pitched, making him sound almost whiny.  “This one pony thinks he can keep us all from getting those wonderful gems on the train.”  A sinister chuckle escaped his lips, prompting laughter from the rest of his fellows.
Sky’s eyebrow rose.  “I don’t want to hurt you,” he warned.  “Just turn back.”
“And just what do you think you can do against the five of us?” a second, smaller dog asked.
His muscles tensed as he crouched, and each pair of eyes staring at him reflected the defiant gleam in his own gaze.  “I’m sure you don’t wanna know.”
“Get to that train!” the central bandit shouted, and all five of them surged forward, desperate to get past the lone pegasus barring their way.
Blitz?
Chill, Ace, Sky reassured him.  These overgrown Chihuahuas just need a little demonstration.
The bandits continued their advance, but Sky could see each of them warily eyeing their solitary opponent.  Sky remained motionless, content to give them a chance to turn back until the last possible moment.
At last, the two largest dogs had covered the distance and were nearly even with where Sky stood, with the rest of their comrades not far behind.  Well, they asked for it.
He flexed his back slightly, causing his cloak to rise a few inches.  A split second later, Sky’s wings burst from the flaps in his cloak, ablaze with magic.  As they reached full extension, a pair of magical blasts shot from the tips of his feathers, rifling in opposite directions.  In a flash, they collided with the lead dogs, stopping them dead in their tracks as they collapsed to the ground.
The remaining three came to a grinding halt as they watched their fellows hit the ground.  In perfect unison, they turned to face the pony that still stood his ground.  “Last chance,” Sky said, and his eyes flashed with a magical white intensity.
Blitz!
Just a second, Scope.
Blitz, turn around!  There are bandits on the train! his partner ordered.
WHAT?! he mentally shouted, whipping around.  Sure enough, towards the front of the train, he could make out four more of the dogs, ambling along the top of the train towards the engine.  How did they get there?
They must have come from the other side of the train, Scope replied.  I didn’t notice them until they were on top.
Fantastic, Sky replied with sudden urgency.  Now I have to defend this train from BOTH sides.
Then quit standing around complaining about it! Ace snapped.  Get moving!
He didn’t need any more urging.  Casting a menacing look at the three bandits that stood before him, Sky caught the knowing smirk on the face of their spokesman.  I’ll be back for you, he thought to himself.
He changed his cloak to match the color of the top of the train as he aligned himself along its top.  The bandits had quite a lead on him, but he didn’t care.  He bore the distinction of (possibly) being the fastest member of the Alicorn Guard, and he wasn’t about to let some mangy mutts outrun him.  His mane shimmered as his magic ignited, launching him into a blinding rush towards the front of the train.
Hey, no pressure, Blitz, he heard Ace’s voice again, but they’re almost to the front.
Shouldn’t you be keeping an eye on the passengers instead of the dogs?  They’re my problem.
I AM keeping an eye on the passengers, his commander replied.  I’m standing on the opposite side of the car, keeping them distracted from the side where you can see the rest of the train.  But I can still see, and I’m telling you to GET GOING!
Before Ace had even finished, Sky pulled his wings in tight, performing a perfect aerial somersault, landing just in front of the group of bandits as his cloak transitioned to its normal gray hue.
“This train is off-limits,” Sky said, trying to calm his racing heart.  “Leave now or face the consequences.”
“‘Consequences’?” a medium-built gray dog asked caustically as he stepped to the fore.  “You’re outnumbered nine to one here, pony,” he continued as he spat the last word.  “I do not see how you can deliver on that threat.”
Sky arched an eyebrow as his eyes glinted.  “Then unless you want to find out, I suggest you leave.”
A hulking brown mutt stepped forward and took a giant swipe at Sky, who merely sidestepped it.  As the dog’s paw hit the roof of the car, Sky slammed his own hoof down onto it.  The brute recoiled back, wincing in pain.
“Last chance,” Sky said through gritted teeth.
The remaining two dogs behind the leader surged forward with grasping paws.  Sky barely reacted fast enough to get into the air, just beyond their reach.  The large brute leapt full into the air, clamping his paws together to deliver a savage blow to the defiant (yet curiously confident) pegasus.
A quick aerial roll took him out of the trajectory of the strike, but the bandits below him had recovered and were now moving again, only two cars from the engine.  Sky turned and planted his rear hooves in the face of his attacker, then pushed off, sending the bandit back to the car below in a crumpled heap, while propelling himself into pursuit of the three remaining canines.
He watched as his quarry of bandits came to the final gap between the cars and nimbly dropped into it.  A split second later, he heard the frightened cry of the conductor, now faced with a group of thieving brigands, intent on hijacking his train.
Sky flipped as he dove through the gap, adjusting his angle of approach with lightning speed.  His rear hoof connected with the side of one dog’s head, sending him sprawling to the front of the car.  With a quick flap of his wings, he backed away from the scene, under the canopy of the previous car, hovering in the air.
The two other dogs watched in surprise as their comrade reeled past them, slamming into the side of the metal boiler with a resounding clang.  Apprehensively, they turned back to where Sky calmly hovered in the air with his front hooves extended toward each of them, a glimmering silver contraption attached to each leg.  “I warned you,” he said.
His legs flexed, and a pair of clicks were heard as a golden orb flew from each of the devices.  As they made contact with the bandits, there was a flash of light as sparks of electricity burst from the projectiles.  The mongrels screamed, then seemed to seize up and collapse to the floor of the car, twitching occasionally.
Sky lowered himself to the floor and took a few steps forward.  The bandits were out cold, much to his relief.  Thank Celestia for these stun spell orbs.  Though I think I still kinda prefer the freeze spells.
“Uh…”
Sky’s attention quickly turned to the bewildered conductor, who was still huddled in the corner, not entirely certain what to make of what he had just seen.  His jaw hung open like a loose hinge, and he pointed to the unconscious bandits, then back at Sky, moaning and grunting incoherently.
Sky struggled not to laugh.  “Are you alright?” he asked in a low tone.
“Muh?”
“Are you able to stand?” he proceeded, offering him a free hoof.
“M…muh-huh,” he mumbled as he took Sky’s hoof and staggered to his own four hooves.
“Good.  Think you can keep this train going?”
The conductor’s mind seemed to clear from its confusion.  “I…oh, well, yes, I believe so.  But—”
“Then keep doing that,” Sky said, cutting him short.  He stepped around the conductor and took a look at the tracks ahead.  “If we can make it to that tunnel ahead, you should be clear.  I doubt these bandits will be able to keep pace with you once you’re clear of this area.”
“Wait, who are you?” the conductor asked, looking both suspicious and uncertain.
Sky locked eyes with the grey earth pony.  “That doesn’t matter.  If it wasn’t for me, then this train would be in the control of these dogs,” he said, nudging one with his hoof.  “I saved you once.  I should think that you’d trust me to keep you safe again.”
Blitz, you’ve got more trouble.
What now, Scope?
It’s that first group of bandits.  They’re on the train and…
Sky realized it too late.  The suddenly dismayed look of the conductor staring above where Sky stood.  The looming shadow that fell over both of the ponies in the engine car.
He never heard the rest of Scope’s message.  A sudden jerk on his cloak pulled him right off the floor and careening through the air.  He fought to align his senses, but just as he did so, he felt himself change course yet again.  Before he could regain control, he landed on a hard metallic surface that could only have been the roof of a train car.
As his mind settled and his vision cleared, he could three distinct sounds: the chugging of the train engine, a strange tinking sound of a small object bouncing on the roof of the car, and the mental shouting of Scope in his head.
Blitz!  Blitz!
“Forget about us?” asked the whiny-voiced bandit from before.  “You just don’t know when to give up, do you?”  His paws thudded heavily on the roof as he approached.
Sky rose to his hooves and stared down the six canines before him: the five he encountered earlier, and the hulking brute he had left on top of the train.  Inside his head, Scope was still shouting to him, but the urgency in his tone had been replaced with his usual exasperation.
That was smooth.  Want to take care of them for real this time?
A sudden glint of light caught Sky’s eye.  It was a quick flash of green near the group of bandits.  As he focused in on it, a wave of dread washed over him.  He knew exactly what that was.  He quickly reached up and pressed his hoof against his chest.  He could still feel the other one there… but losing either was unacceptable.
Apparently, the bandits had followed his gaze.  One of the smaller brown dogs reached down and picked up Lily’s pendant.  “Ooo, look at this!”  he jeered.  “The little pony seems to have dropped this!”
The leader snatched it up in a heartbeat.  “Not bad,” he said, examining the brooch.  His eyes turned back to Sky greedily.  “Got any more like it?”
Sky could feel his emotions beginning to boil.  That was one of his most prized possessions.  A gift from the sweetest pony he had ever known, and the one that he cared for more than anything in the world.  And that…thug…has the gall to touch something so sacred?!  The thought made his insides twist and his vision turn red.
Which gave him an idea.
His began to breathe deeply and shiver.  “I’d…give that back if…I were you,” he said, intentionally making his voice sound as though he were in some kind of agony.
“Oh?  Are you going to take it from us?  I think it’s just too valuable a piece of jewelry to give back.”
“Not…just…jewelry,” Sky managed, grimacing in fake torment.  “It’s an…inhibitor.”
The dogs looked amongst themselves in confusion.  “A what now?”
Sky knelt down, furthering the image of his own suffering.  “Urrrgg…it’s an inhibitor.  It…ngg…holds my power…in check.  If you don’t...don’t give it back…aaahhh!” he shouted, raising his head to the sky before pulling it back in dramatically.  As he did, he saw the tunnel not two hundred feet ahead of the train.
“Then what?  You’ll go murder-crazy and destroy us all?  Nice story, but not likely,” the leader said as he continued to finger the pendant.  His fellows, Sky noticed, did not seem to share his certainty.
Sky went silent and stone-still.  He waited for several seconds, then allowed his frustration to fuel a magical eruption as he sprang to his hooves.  A blaze of blue light surged from his wings as his eyes shone with a pure white light.  His cloak whipped about him in the wind, and his tail seemed to be aflame with magic.  He took a step forward.
The bandits leapt back in surprise and terror at the sudden change of the pegasus into the terrible apparition before them.  Its gaze fell on them, and they huddled together, trembling in fear.  And as the horrific beast stepped forward, blackness fell.  A complete and utter blackness, save for the glowing white eyes of the monstrosity that had awakened before their own eyes.  Its mouth opened, and in a whisper, it spoke.
“Yes,” Sky said in a startlingly eager manner, “that’s exactly what will happen.”

“So, does your work ever take you to Manehattan?”
“Oh, occasionally,” Ace admitted.  As loathe as he was to be conversing about his job while stuck on a train with a bunch of high-society ponies, he couldn’t afford to get caught in a lie, so he was forced to tell the truth…or part of it, at the least.  “But never for very long.”  He adjusted his bow tie and took a sip of sparkling cider.
They call this “civilized”?  “Up-tight and snobbish” is more like it.
The train car was filled with suave and debonair ponies, each impeccably dressed for an occasion that they all assumed was a major event.   Black ties and monocles, evening gowns and corsages, mane perms and hooficures…and of course, jewelry.  Loads of jewelry.  So much, in fact, that Ace would have given anything for a pair of sunglasses just to cut down on the amount of light that was constantly being reflected right in his eyes.
Of course, it was all a setup.  The bandits had taken the bait like a charm.  And once the train arrived at its next stop, the passengers would all be told that the “event” they had all been planning to attend had unfortunately been cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances.”  Apologies would be made, somepony would undoubtedly be contacting their agent about this, and everypony would return home safe and sound.
Assuming, of course, that Sky managed to handle the bandits trying to board the train and rob everypony on it.
“Ah, that’s a shame,” the gold-colored unicorn said, shaking his head.  He wore a white suit with a frilly ascot tie that made his head look abnormally small.  “There’s so much to see and experience there.”  Then, casting a knowing look at Ace, he added, “But living in Canterlot has its own benefits, am I right?”
“Quite so,” Ace agreed, mentally cringing.
Suddenly, a tremendous magical pressure billowed from the front of the train.  Ace immediately recognized it as Blitz’s distinct magic, but if he could sense it, then it was more than likely that the other passengers would be aroused by it.
Sure enough, several of the ponies began to look around in confusion, searching for the source of the disturbance.  Scope, what the hay is Blitz doing?
The earth pony’s tone was completely even as he responded.  Showing off, as usual.
You know, this is supposed to be a stealth mission.  He’s being so boisterous that even the passengers are noticing his magic output, Ace complained.  He continued to eye the other ponies in the car, which had begun to grow restless at the powerful magic aura emanating from Blitz.
You don’t need to tell me, Ace, Scope replied.  But you know, I think he’s got this one under control.
What?
As the car was engulfed in the blackness of the tunnel, Ace heard Scope chuckle in his head.  Just keep your eyes on the front of the train when you get out of the tunnel.  I think you’ll get a kick out of what you see.

I probably shouldn’t…but I’m enjoying seeing these thugs panicking like they are.
The blackness of the tunnel would have been complete save for the light radiating from his own body, primarily his eyes.  And with that light, he could see the terror-stricken hounds frantically clambering back up toward the engine, desperate to put some distance between themselves and the phantasmal pegasus.
“And just where do you think you can run?” Sky growled.
He got no response.  The dogs were far too focused on escaping to even give a moment’s thought to providing an answer.  They clambered and tripped over themselves (and each other), yelping the whole way.  The whole scene made quite a racket, Sky thought, but the reverberating sound of the rattling of the tracks was sufficient to cover up any commotion.
Up ahead, Sky could see the light at the end of the tunnel fast approaching.  He tensed into a crouch, preparing to take off, when Scope’s voice once again invaded his thoughts.
Blitz.
Sky sighed.  What? he asked, an ounce of irritation evident in his response.
 I know you’re probably ready to roast those mutts, but can you hold off on that until the whole train clears the tunnel?  I promised Ace a show.
Sky almost snorted.  Oh, so you tell me not to have too much fun, but when it’s you and Ace, it’s alright?  How ironic.
Humor me, came the simple reply.
And how am I supposed to that?
You’ve got a flare for the dramatic, Scope said.  Or don’t tell me you’ve decided to abandon your theatrics now?
Sky rolled his eyes but didn’t respond.  He stared down the dogs, which had nearly reached the engine car and had collectively turned to hazard a look back at their pursuer.  He began to slowly advance, and with each step, dazzling blue sparks slew from his hooves, illuminating the walls of the tunnel.  Amid the noise of the train, he could hear the frantic cries of the bandits, including some that pleaded with their leader to return the jewelry he had taken.
The green gemstone on the brooch suddenly flashed as it caught the light from the end of the tunnel.  Which meant that he had to stall for another twenty seconds for the entire train to be out in the open again.  “You were given the opportunity to leave this train peacefully,” Sky said, his voice growing in volume as he continued.  “But you have rejected that option, and have dared to defy the command of the Princesses of Equestria.”  He silently wished that he had Rimshot’s magic to manipulate sounds through the air, but since he didn’t, he had to make do with what he had.  He took a deep breath.  “NOW YOU WILL FACE THEIR JUDGMENT!” he roared like a peal of thunder.
Train’s clear, Scope informed him.
He spread his wings and charged.