My Little Investigations: Marehunter

by Metool Bard

Rivals' Return (S)

Believe it or not, the Wonderbolts have done one or two performances in the Griffon Kingdom. It should come as no surprise, really. After all, as fellow creatures of the sky, we're just as popular with griffons as we are with ponies. Because of this, I've actually been to the Griffon Kingdom before. And I gotta tell ya; it's nothing like Equestria. You'll see what I mean in a minute, I'm sure.

As we flew over the vast expanse of the Frozen North, I couldn't help but feel as though we lucked out big time. Along with the Everfree Forest, the Frozen North is the only place in Equestria where nopony has any control over the weather (don't ask me why; all I know is that it has to do with magic). This being the case, it's nigh-on impossible to know what's a good day to fly. It seems like today is one of those days, because everything looks pretty calm. Good thing, too. There isn't a pegasus alive who wants to be caught in a blizzard.

I took a moment to look over my wingponies for this particular mission. Just as I thought, they all looked ready for action. Although in Blaze's case, maybe a bit too ready. I dunno, ever since we met with Princess Twilight last night, I've got this feeling that something's bugging her. Being a Wonderbolt, she should be able to put that aside and perform her duty. But even the best of us lose control sometimes.

Which is why I also asked Misty Fly to accompany us on our mission. Most ponies don't know this, but Misty Fly really takes her role as a team player very seriously. Whether we're on or off duty, she dedicates herself to supporting her comrades. It's been that way ever since her days at the Academy. This being the case, I'm hoping she can help Blaze with whatever's bothering her, or at least keep her focused on our objective. She always seems to know the right thing to say in situations like that.

And then there's Rainbow Dash; one of the newest privates in the Wonderbolt Reserves. If you're wondering why I chose her for this mission and not somepony else on my team, well, she could use the experience. Yes, I will be the first to admit that she's an amazing pony destined for greatness. Heck, I often get questions about why she's not a full member of the team yet. The reasons for that is actually quite simple. There's no fast track to the Wonderbolts. You start out as a cadet at the Academy and work your way up from there. That's how I became a Wonderbolt, and now Rainbow Dash is following the same path. It's just gonna take some time for her to grasp what it truly means to fly with the best of the best. Trust me on this one; I was in the same boat as her when I started out.

"We'll be approaching the border very soon, ponies," I called out to my teammates. "If you have any questions about our mission, now's the time."

"Yeah, I've got one, Sis," said Blaze. "Are we gonna be telling anyone what we're up to? I'm sure the local authorities would gladly help us track down Mare-Do-Well once we briefed them on the situation."

"Yes and no," I said. "This mission is on a need-to-know basis. We can't have the griffons jumping to conclusions and making things more complicated than they need to be. However, there are a few griffons who need to know."

"I take it you know who these griffons are?" asked Misty Fly.

I nodded. "It's just a hunch, but we might need to drop in on Gypsy Moth and ask her a few questions. In order to do that, we'll need permission from the Griffon Magistrate. However, we'll cross that bridge if and when we get to it. For now, all information regarding this mission is classified unless I say otherwise. Understood?"

"Gotcha, Sis."

"Understood."

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Good," I said. "Now then, Rainbow Dash?"

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Is this going to be your first time in the Griffon Kingdom?"

"Uh, yes, ma'am," said Rainbow Dash. "Kinda. I mean, I've flown with griffons before, but I've never been here, ma'am."

I can actually buy that. According to Rainbow Dash's dossier, she was a member of the Junior Speedsters, which is one of the first flight training camps in Equestria to accept both pegasi and griffons. It was very progressive for its time, meaning that Rainbow Dash probably had a better understanding of griffons than most ponies did back then. Of course, things have changed a lot since that time. After all, we've just had our first griffon competitors in this year's Equestria Games.

"Well, flying with griffons and experiencing the Griffon Kingdom firsthoof aren't the same thing, private," I said sternly. "As such, I expect you to follow our lead and be on your best behavior. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," said Rainbow Dash with a salute.

"Good. I'm holding you to that, private," I said with a smirk. After taking care of those matters, I turned my attention to the ground and saw a pair of bright red flares leading to an outpost built onto the side of the mountain range that separated the griffon's home from our own. "Alright, everypony. I see the checkpoint up ahead. I'll get us through customs, so just let me do the talking. Now, let's get this ball rolling."

"Yes, ma'am!" came a chorus of acknowledgement.

With that, we all descended upon the landing strip provided for us. As soon as we touched down, we were approached by two security guards.

"State your identity," growled one of the guards.

"Captain Spitfire of the Wonderbolts," I responded without missing a beat. "I am traveling with Lieutenant Commander Misty Fly, Lieutenant Blaze, and Private Rainbow Dash. We seek admittance to the Griffon Kingdom."

The guard took out a notepad and pen and began scribbling in it. "Reason for your visit?"

"We're meeting with some friends in the city on official business," I said.

"What sort of business?"

"That information is classified."

The guard looked up and arched an eyebrow. "Classified?" he parroted.

"Yes, classified," I repeated. "I do apologize for the inconvenience, but we're under orders."

"From whom?"

"Princess Twilight Sparkle."

The guard furrowed his brow. "I'm going to need to see some ID."

"No problem," I said, reaching into my saddlebag. I took out the passports that Princess Celestia had prepared for us the night before and showed them to the guards. After a pause, they both nodded.

"It checks out," said one of the guards before turning to me. "Right this way, Captain Spitfire. We just need to check your luggage and stamp your passports, and then we'll let you go."

"Thank you," I said with a bow. With that, we were lead into the complex.

We managed to get our passports stamped without any difficulty at all. Not that I was expecting this to be difficult. All we had in our saddlebags were some rations, and our passports guaranteed that we would be let in without asking too many questions. Again, we really lucked out on that front. Going through customs in the Griffon Kingdom is a major pain in the flank if you don't have the right connections.

As soon as we left the outpost, I could tell that we had set foot in a different nation. The air was alive with roars and screeches of all sorts. There were a reasonable number of griffons around and about, but most of them looked like they'd tear your wings off if you looked at them funny. Even the atmosphere felt murky and oppressive. From my personal experience, I can tell you right now that not all of the Griffon Kingdom is like this. However, this is not a good first impression for ponies visiting the place for the first time.

Case in point, Rainbow Dash. I looked over my shoulder at her to see how she was adapting to the new environment. Although I could easily read the bewilderment on her face, she was doing her best to maintain composure.

"You okay there, private?" I inquired.

"Um, yeah. I-I mean yes, ma'am," said Rainbow Dash, her eyes darting every which way. "Just, getting used to things, y'know? I've never really been here before, so..."

She trailed off as her eyes focused on something to our right. I watched as her jaw dropped to the floor and her eyes bugged out. I looked over to see what she was reacting to, and well, I don't blame her. She was staring at a meat merchant who was hard at work. The griffon in question raised a sharp cleaver into the air and brought it down on a piece of meat. Fluids from the unrecognizable animal splattered out of the carcass with every swing of the butcher's knife. You see what I mean when I say that the Griffon Kingdom is nothing like Equestria? There are places in Equestria for griffons to buy meat, but they're all indoors and clean. This was, anything but. Yeah, it's not exactly a pretty sight for a pony.

I turned back to Rainbow Dash. As I suspected, she was having trouble keeping it together. Her face had turned a sickly green color, and she was clutching her stomach while placing a hoof to her mouth. Truth be told, I had the same reaction when I first came here.

"Ugh~. I think I'm gonna be sick," she moaned.

"It's alright, private," said Blaze. "Most ponies don't like seeing this stuff. Heck, the first time my sister was here, she got so sick that she..."

"Really not the time or the place, Blaze," I interrupted, giving her a stern glare. "As I recall, you're not exactly one to talk."

"None of us are," said Misty Fly. "Griffons are very different from us, in more ways than one."

"Yeah, I know that," said Rainbow Dash. "I just didn't know they were like, well, this. Chopping up, uh, what is that thing, anyway?"

"You're, probably better off not knowing," said Misty Fly with a sigh. She then looked up at me. "Spitfire, I believe Private Dash will need some time to recuperate before we begin our investigation. We should head back to the outpost and rest."

"Heheh. You lame-o ponies are such wimps."

A sharp, snide voice made its way into the conversation. With an angry snort, I turned to see who it was and demand an explanation. It was a smug-looking female griffon with sleek brown fur and sharp yellow eyes. She had this cocky swagger as she walked, as if she was telling the rest of the world that she was better than everyone else. I've seen her type plenty of times before at the Academy. She was probably just some punk trying to start trouble. I was about to ignore her when she made a beeline right for Rainbow Dash.

"Well well well," she snickered. "Never thought I'd see you again."

Rainbow Dash looked up, and her eyes went wide. "Gilda?"

"Oh, and look! You recognize me, too! I'm so flattered," said the griffon mockingly.

"Wait. You know this griffon, Rainbow Dash?" I asked.

"Y-yes, ma'am," said Rainbow Dash, trying to regain her composure. "Sh-she's an old friend of mine from the Junior Speedsters."

Gilda folded her arms. "After what you pulled, you still call me a friend? Don't make me laugh, flip-flopper."

Rainbow Dash sighed. "Really, G? You're still hung up on that, even after all this time?"

"Hey, you're the one who ditched me," Gilda snarled.

"And whose fault is that?" Rainbow Dash retorted.

"It's not mine. I'm not the one who chose a bunch of losers over my best friend."

"They are not losers, Gilda."

"Sure, sure. You keep telling yourself that, Dash."

"I mean it, Gilda. Stop acting like this."

"Make me. Or has your time in the lamelight made you soft?"

Rainbow Dash snorted, arching her back and pawing the ground. "I don't wanna hurt you, G, but you're really asking for it right now."

"Heh, I knew it. The awesome Rainbow Dash I knew is dead and gone," said Gilda with a sneer. "Back in the day, you would've come charging at me ready to kick my teeth in by this point. Now look at you, lying down and taking it like a bitch."

I could see that Rainbow Dash was fit to be tied. I have no idea what all this is about, but I think it's time I intervened.

"That's enough, private," I said, standing between Gilda and Rainbow Dash. "We don't want any trouble."

Gilda laughed. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen. You're too chicken to take me on yourself, so now you're having your loser friends 'hold you back.' Th-that's just rich."

"Hey! Don't talk to my sister like that!" barked Blaze.

"Stand down, Blaze. I got this," I said firmly before turning back to Gilda. "Look, we don't have time to deal with you right now. We're on official business from Princess Twilight Sparkle, and..."

"Blah blah blah, whatever," said Gilda, cutting across me. "You lame ponies are nothing but talk."

Did Rainbow Dash really used to be friends with this dock-hole? Good grief. I think we're better off just ignoring her.

"Let's go, guys," I said, turning my back to Gilda. "She's not worth our time."

"Hey! I'm not done with Dash!" Gilda snapped. "We've still got a score to settle."

"No, you don't," I said flatly.

"Oh yeah? Says who?" said Gilda.

Okay, I take back what I said. We're not gonna be better off ignoring her. In an instant, I spun around and stared Gilda straight in the eye.

"Says Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts, that's who," I stated. "You wanna make something of it?"

Gilda's eyes became as wide as dinner plates. "W-wait. You're Spitfire? As in the Spitfire?"

"In the flesh," I said.

"And, you're friends with that two-faced loser?" said Gilda, pointing at Rainbow Dash.

"Not only that. She's serving under me as a member of the Wonderbolt Reserves," I said. "She's one of the best flyers we have."

Gilda stood there for a time with her mouth hanging wide open. After a pause, she shook herself and cleared her throat.

"Uh, yeah. That's cool. That's, cool," said Gilda, trying to hide her embarrassment (and failing miserably, might I add). "I was just, pranking you guys. Yeah."

"Nice try, G," said Rainbow Dash dryly.

"No, I mean it! It's awesome that you're living your dream, Dash!" said Gilda. "And hey, guess what? I got a big break, too!"

Rainbow Dash messaged the bridge of her nose. "Gilda, you're not fooling anypony. Just drop the act, alright?"

"What? I don't know what you're talking about, Dash," said Gilda with an inauthentic chuckle.

"Yeah, sure," said Rainbow Dash, clearly not believing her. "Alright, I'll bite. What's this big break you got, G?"

"Privé Gilda! What's going on over here?!"

Before Gilda could respond to Rainbow Dash's question, a commanding voice with a thick accent made itself known. It was a voice I recognize quite well. Looking up, I saw that it belonged to a proud-looking griffon with a pencil mustache and a red beret on his head. He was accompanied by a larger griffon with black fur and a scar over his right eye.

"Oh, h-hey Captain le Grand," said Gilda, still trying to play everything off like it was nothing. "I was just schmoozing with these ponies here. One of them's an old friend of mine, you see. No biggie."

"Really?" said the mustachioed griffon, raising an eyebrow. "Because it sounded to me that you were trying to start a fight."

"What? Nah, that ain't me," said Gilda with a chuckle. "Dash, back me up here. You know I was faking, right?"

Rainbow Dash said nothing, but instead simply rolled her eyes.

"You suck, Dash," grumbled Gilda.

The mustachioed griffon sighed. "I do apologize for this, Capitaine Spitfire. She's our newest recruit. Still wet behind the ears."

"Yeah, I hear ya," I said with a smirk. "Trust me, I get that all the time. It's only fair that you suffer just as I have."

Captain le Grand chuckled. "I suppose so, Capitaine Spitfire," said he.

Wow. He really changed since I last met him. Back in January, Pierre le Grand here was given the honor and responsibility of being the captain of what was supposedly the Griffon Kingdom's answer to the Wonderbolts: The Proud Pride. We were going to have a race in Ghastly Gorge to strength pony-griffon relations, but that was apparently just a cover for a top-secret military operation to repel a group of mysterious invaders. Pierre, however, didn't quite get the memo. He was so focused on proving that he was better than the Wonderbolts that I'm surprised he wasn't court martialed. But now, he seems like he's starting to understand his responsibilities, and I'm happy to see that. I wish I could say the same for his new recruit.

"Wait, you're still a captain?" asked Blaze, tilting her head. "I thought the Proud Pride was disbanded."

"Perhaps officially, but we're planning to make a comeback," said Pierre. "Isn't that right, Drake?"

The burley griffon simply nodded and smiled.

"That's actually why we're here, you see," Pierre continued. "We're planning to head over to Equestria soon for our first show, and I sent Privé Gilda to stock up on supplies."

"Just you wait," said Gilda haughtily. "Once we show our stuff to Equestria, the Wonderbolts are gonna have some stiff competition."

"I'll believe it when I see it, G," said Rainbow Dash. "So, these are those Proud Pride guys from the Ghastly Gorge Gauntlet, huh?"

"Yep," I said. "Oh, I should probably introduce you. Captain le Grand, Drake, this here is Private Rainbow Dash. She part of the Wonderbolt Reserves. This over here is Lieutenant Commander Misty Fly. She was MIA for most of the *ahem* incident surrounding the Ghastly Gorge Gauntlet."

"The pleasure is all mine," said Misty Fly with a bow.

"And of course, you already know my sister, Blaze," I said.

"Yo," said Blaze with a wave.

"Indeed," said Pierre. "It's nice to meet you, Mademoiselle Rainbow Dash. And you as well, Mademoiselle Misty Fly. I am Pierre le Grand, leader of the Proud Pride. This here is my right-talon man, Drake."

Drake bowed silently.

"Uh, what's with him?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, right," said Pierre sheepishly. "Please forgive him, Mademoiselle Dash. He lost his tongue and cannot speak."

"Oh my," gasped Misty Fly. "I'm really sorry to hear that."

Drake shook his head and raised his talon, indicating that it was alright.

"Anyway, I must say I'm quite surprised, Capitaine Spitfire," said Pierre. "What brings you to the Griffon Kingdom?"

"Official business," I said. "Actually, I think you might be able to help me."

"Oh?"

"Do you happen to know where Kierra is?"

Pierre furrowed his brow. "Professeur Kierra? Why do you want to see her?"

"We've got trouble in Equestria," I said, dipping my voice so that no one else could overhear. "It might be related to the Ghastly Gorge Gauntlet incident back in January."

Pierre stroked his chin in thought. "How are you so sure?"

"Trust me, I know," I said.

"Um, ma'am? Who's Kierra?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"A former member of the Proud Pride," I explained. "She did a lot of research on the Tengu Dynasty, but she was shamed because the dynasty disappeared before her research was published. After getting concrete evidence of the dynasty's existence back in January, she resigned from the military and went back to being an historian."

"And you think she can help us?" inquired Misty Fly.

"Kierra and Gypsy Moth have a bit of history together, and not all of it is good," I said darkly. "I'll bet anything that Gypsy Moth still holds a grudge against Kierra for thwarting her plan to bring back the Tengu Dynasty. If my hunch about Gypsy Moth's involvement is correct, Kierra might be in danger. And that's why we have to go warn her about Mare-Do-Well's impostor before we do anything else."

"Mare-Do-What-Now?" asked Gilda.

"Long story," said Rainbow Dash.

"And one I wouldn't mind hearing," said Pierre. "Very well, Capitanie Spitfire. We'll help you."

Gilda blinked. "Wait, we will?"

Pierre ignored Gilda's comment and continued. "Professeur Kierra works at Epiphany University; one of the finest establishments in the Griffon Kingdom. We can take you there if you're willing to share this, Mare-Do-Well story along the way."

"Sounds fair to me," I said with a nod.

"Whoa, wait. Time out," said Gilda. "I joined this outfit so that I could fly with the best of the best. Helping the Wonderbolts find some batty old egghead is not in my job description."

Pierre towered over Gilda and snorted. "You will show respect to Professeur Kierra, Privé Gilda. She is ten times the flyer you will ever be. Furthermore, I will not tolerate this kind of insubordination. You will behave yourself around our friends here. Is that understood?"

I could see the beads of sweat form on Gilda's brow as she swallowed. "Y-yeah. Sure. No prob," she said nervously.

Rainbow Dash smirked. "'Bout time someone put you in your place, G."

"You shut up," Gilda spat. "You're still a flip-flopper, Dash. Cool one minute; lame the next."

Rainbow Dash let out a sigh. "I wish you'd stop taking things so personally, Gilda. It's not cool."

Gilda scoffed. "Whatevs. I'm outta here."

With that, she took off. Pierre shook his head.

"Tsk. She still has much to learn," he said. "Well, we'd better get going. We'll wait for you up ahead. Drake, allez."

Drake nodded, and the two of them flew off after Gilda. Rainbow Dash let out another sigh.

"Darn it, G. I still wanna be your friend," she muttered. "You just can't let things go, can you?"

"It's frustrating, isn't it?" said Misty Fly, draping a wing over Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah," said Rainbow with a nod.

Misty Fly smiled. "We all sometimes wear masks to hide our true feelings, Private Dash. Your friend Gilda is no exception."

"Even if she's being a major prick about it," Blaze jeered.

"Hush, you," said Misty Fly firmly before turning back to Rainbow Dash. "Anyway, I suggest you keep trying. It'd be a shame to let a friendship die over something so petty."

Rainbow Dash took a moment to process this before nodding. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, ma'am."

"Anytime," said Misty Fly, saluting with her wing.

I smirked. As I've mentioned before, Misty Fly always seems to know exactly what to say in these situations. They don't call her the Wonderbolts' Unofficial Shrink for nothing.

"Alright, Wonderbolts. I think it's time we got this show on the road," I said. "After we warn Kierra about Mare-Do-Well's impostor, we can start looking for leads. Let's move."

"Yes, ma'am!" came a chorus of acknowledgment.

With that, we took off after the Proud Pride. I gotta say, we're really off to a good start. Good weather coming in, no problems in customs, and we met some old friends who are leading us to our first stop. I hope we can keep this up after we tell Kierra about what's going on. But, if the last time I dealt with Mare-Do-Well is any indication, it's not going to be that easy...