I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Inside a building that sat on a stretch of land floating high above the ground and in the clouds, sat one of the greatest fliers known to pony kind. She sat bound to a chair, glaring heatedly at one of her worst enemies she had ever known to make it’s way to any leader such as herself.
Paperwork.
Spitfire, the lead flier to the wonderbolts and mare who took charge of evaluating, training and passing possible wonderbolt recruits, was stuck doing paperwork. It wasn't terribly painful to do, as most of it was just minor things needing approval from her. It was just painfully boring, as she would prefer being out in the field and training her team for upcoming shows and possible mission operations. The wonderbolts were part of the equestrian military after all, and after the last attack on Canterlot, Spitfire felt she needed to start upping her training regime.
But first I have to get rid of this pile of paper and go through the first list of new recruits. She didn’t want to, but Spitfire knew it had to be done. Nopony but her went thorough the list and chose who could participate and who couldn’t. Granted, she liked to do such a task with her team now and then, getting their input on each candidate. But most of the times it was just her going over them.
So, she went through the same process as she had learned over time so well, it was muscle memory by now and took little effort to do. Dapped hoof slightly on ink pad. Take form and read the details. Stamp for approval or rejection depending on request or need. Place aside for others to process and send. Repeat cycle until no more evil paperwork was left.
As one might imagine, Spitfire was slightly happy to hear a knock on her office door, as it meant something would help break the rather dull cycle. “Enter.” She almost droned out, stamping the next form that was going over a set of weights needing replacing and their cost.
The door opened and the two pegasi that stood by as her guard barely glanced at the pony entering in. The pony in question was a light blue mare with silver mane and rose colored eyes and wearing her standard blues. In a crisp fashion, she gave a sharp salute to her superior and waited.
Giving the slightest glance up through her orange tinted shades, Spitfire acknowledged, “At ease Fleet Foot. What do you need?” Setting aside her work for a moment to address one of her teammates.
Coming out of her salute and coming into a slightly more relaxed stance, Fleet Foot used her left wing to pass a letter to her hoof and give it to Spitfire, “Ma’am, I just got a request from Canterlot. I’m needed for a task.”
Taking the offered letter from the mare before her, Spitefire looked over the rolled up letter in red ribbon and sealed with golden wax. Inside was the symbol for the wonderbolts, with Celestia’s sun in the background. Breaking the wax seal and starting to read it to herself, the wonderbolt leader could not help but narrow her eyes.
Keeping her eyes focused on the yellow mare, Fleet added, “I also wanted to have a word with you Ma’am.” Both her ears swiveling a bit saying, “In private if possible.”
Glancing up at this, Spitfire gave a nod, making eye contact with the two guards, as if telling them to leave the room. Without a word, they did, closing the door behind themselves.
The room became quite as Fleet Foot let her commanding officer finish the letter she was reading before placing it inside her desk. She then took off her shades and set them aside while folding her hooves in a thinking manner and looking to Fleet Foot.
After just starring at the other mare for a few moments of somewhat tense silence, Spitfire asked, “So, secret mission that involves you and two other specialists to track down somepony and give them aid?” Only the slightest tinge of curiosity in her tone.
“Yes Ma’am.” Fleet Foot responded crisply.
Nodding, Spitfire thought over the details of this mission and what it included while her eyes drifted down to the desk. One large thing was the time her teammate would be gone, and therefore the practice seasons she would not be part of. But seeing as it was from the Princess herself, she knew that the importance of it exceeded her team schedule.
“And that word you wanted with me?” Spitfire lifted her eyes back up, seeing her teammate slightly tilt to her right, a slight habit of Fleet’s when showing nervousness.
After overcoming her want to fidget some, Fleet Foot said, “I wanted to apologize about keeping my identity secret from you and the others.” Gaining a somewhat surprised look from the yellow mare, showing as a slightly open lips and a raised brow.
Breathing to stay calm, Fleet Foot continued, “I know as a team, we practice not keeping huge secrets from one another... But I still feel like I should still apologize about telling you all, even if doing so would have been dangerous.” Hanging her head a little at the end.
Giving her teammate a long hard look, Spitfire sighed and said, “You don’t have anything to apologize about anything, Fleet.” Going to rub her face with her right hoof, but switched when she remembered that hoof still had ink on it.
Taking a moment to think over her words, the lead wonderbolt told, “Your positions unique, and if it weren’t for the Princesses speaking on behalf or your clan, I might have been forced to boot you off the team.”
Giving a smile at the mare, Spitefire smirked, “That being said, I also know that I would have lost one of my best fliers doing so. You being some bug-pony under that fur coat doesn't change that fact. Your a good wonderbolt Fleet, and our best tactical planer.”
Smiling in return with gratitude, Fleet Foot said, “Still, I wanted to say sorry. You and the rest of the team are like family to me. And for changelings…it’s a big deal when you don't confide in your family.” Running her hoof over the floor some.
Rolling her eyes at the other pony, she waved off, “Forget it soldier. I might not know how your clan stuff works, but I get the point of keeping a secret to protect hundreds from possible death.” Getting another grateful nod from Fleet Foot.
Nodding to that, Spitfire picked her shades back up and placed them back to their rightful place over her eyes dismissing the mare before her, “If that is all, I suggest you get moving on your mission.” Taking the next paper needing to be looked over and starting to read over it, while adding, “I also expect you to return for some strategy meetings with the team on bug tactics. I can't think of any pony better for giving out tips.”
With a smirk and salute, Fleet Foot responded, “Ma’am, yes Ma’am.” Snapping out of her salute and exiting through the door, letting the two guards back into the room.
It had been effectively one whole week since Masquerade had taken up his mission by Luna, and stayed hidden from view. For the first three days he tailed a scouting group from a lush warm forest, to the more colder and elevated forest of evergreens.
Then for four days the infiltrator arrived at the settlement his quarry had come to check out. He hid among the populous as common folk, or animals that may dwell around the area to trail his targets. It had not been the most pleasant mission he has had, being in the cold for so long and having to keep tabs on three different targets.
But he felt there would be a good payoff soon. By Masquerade’s estaminets, his requested reinforcements would be arriving in a day or two. Then he could in-act the next phase of his improvised plan.
Of course there was always the chance that they would not reach him in time, or the scouts could up and leave for some reason the next day. Mask had a backup plan in place for both situations if they ever came to pass. Though, both plans were sketchy at best, as there were still a number of unknown factors.
At the moment, Masquerade was tailing the two females of the scouting group, keeping disguised as a young dirty brown griffin. He hopped the looks of an urchin would be good enough as a disguise for the time being, while he tailed the two.
Right now, they were talking over what they thought about the settlement and those that lived in it, while they shopped for supplies. They were having a good enough time and were getting all the information they needed, buying the food ‘needed’ for the trip back home. It was a ruse of course, one to keep any curious eyes or ears to not suspect something off about them.
Seeing as the two were not done shopping yet, mostly because they wanted to go looking for a few souvenirs to bring back to their clan, Masquerade went with a new plan of action. Sneaking away from his current hiding spot, the infiltrator headed for the Inn they were staying at.
If their leader is out and scouting like the other two, then I’ll have a chance to do some snooping of my own. Mask grind to himself as he began to make his way to the Inn via backroads. He didn't need to be asked any questions, so he felt it better to try sneaking around the back.
With the Inn just in sight around the next corner, the changeling-in-disguise gave his surroundings one quick look before going back behind the corner to change form. Despite the quick green flash of light, none would be the wiser to his presents. Coming around the corner was a now silvery griffin, who held himself with as much self importance as possible and 'fixed' his winter vest some.
Walking out of the alleyways and to the front of the Inn, he went for the main entrance. Opening the door, he didn't even give a glance to the desk in the lobby, acting as if he was meant to be their. In all sense, he was as he was going to be in the room of his three targets.
Heading up the flight of stairs, Mask gave some thought which room the three scouts were using, trying to straighten out the numbers in his mind. Now, was it room 23, or room 32?, Thinking on it for a moment, he decided to head for the closest one in the tall building. Reaching the second floor and spotting the 23rd room, Mask wondered over to it.
Looking down either side of the hall and stretching out his sense to get a small taste for emotions, Mask made sure the area was clear once more. Placing his head to the door and pushing his senses past the door best he could, the infiltrator made sure the room he was going in was empty before entering.
Masquerade however felt his eyes widen slightly and a blush form on his face some as he pulled his head back thinking, this is the wrong room… So using his false dignity to hide his slight embarrassment from this slight intrusion of privacy. He then turned away from the door and head towards room 32 instead, feeling slightly ashamed.
A few corners, a quick check of the area and making sure the next room was clear, Masquerade once more changed his form into a random yellow unicorn colt. With practiced use, Mask lit up his small horn and used the green magic to pick at the lock the kept intruders out.
Entering in, he made sure to lock the door behind himself before starting to snoop about. The room itself held two beds on the left side of him, with a table between the two. A desk could be found on the far right side of the room near a window with it’s curtain closed. On the right side of the wall was one closet and one bathroom just next to it.
Seeing as the room was small, that meant little to search over. And there was not much to look at, as the only things that seemed to be use were the two beds. Looking to the closet, Masquerade walked over and opened the thin door, finding two saddlebags inside.
Right, one of the girls had to use something to carry their purchased things, the small colt reminded himself as he began to light his small horn.
Grasping the first bag, he began to sort through it’s contents for anything worth while. Unfortunately, all he found were some supplies, nothing truly useful at the moment. He shortly did the same thing with the next bag, finding three canteens and some resin filled with emotions, but again no information.
With a sigh he placed both bags back and quietly closed the door before snooping around the small room once more. But even with this extra searching, Mask still didn't find anything worth his attention. Should have kept tailing those two, the infiltrator grunted internally and started for the door.
He halted his advance to it though as the sound of voices and the door being messed with caught his attention. Knowing what this could mean, the small colt darted his eyes around and figured where to hide.
The door soon came open, as one Cleft lead two somewhat upset scouts inside, as one of them voiced, “Come on Cleft, what’s so important that you had to drag Pinky and me away from our shopping?” By the sound of her voice, anypony could tell Ventral wasn't happy at all.
Making sure Iota closed the door behind herself, Cleft gave the rooms window a quick glance before askin, “Either of you know how to deadlock that door with a spell?” Cloaking his body in green fire to change back into his chitin covered bug form.
Surprised by knowing what he wanted, Ventral changed back to her changeling body too, saying, “Sure thing. Go ahead and relax Iota.” Telling the last bit to the pegasus before lighting her horn and casting a locking spell on the door.
While Iota changed back into her original body and slid her bags off, Cleft used his own magic to cover the room with his own spell, being sure to keep all sound inside. Casting the same spell again out of caution, Cleft felt pleased with this and motioned for the other two changelings to sit.
Letting out a breath, the current scouting leader told in his buzzing voice, “We need to leave, and soon.” Getting to the point why he had gathered the two, “I just came back from the barracks and the Griffin Kingdom knows that we changelings are real, and are now trying to locate us.”
“Wait, stop.” Ventral held a hole filled hoof up, “How do they know about changelings? I thought we were still secret!” The concern in her voice was not hidden, and neither was her apparently freely flowing concern.
Sighing, Cleft rubbed the base of his horn telling, “I don't know the details, but apparently they heard of some massive changeling attack in the ponies capital and are now scrambling to stomp out any potential threats.”
Wings buzzing in nervousness, Iota stated, “So, their hunting us now?” Looking back to the door with building concern, “They know we’re here and are now trying to find us?”
Cleft only shook his head telling, “They are trying to find changelings in general, they still don't know of us three yet.” Making the young scout relax a little. But the lead changeling didn't want her to let her guard down. “They may not be looking for us, but there is a good chance we will become suspect at any time.”
Iota flinched at that and shrunk into herself some. Seeing this, Ventral gave a sharp glare to the male changeling sneering, “Oh yes, because we all didn't know the risks of our rolls.” Putting a comforting hoof over the younger scout while telling the other changeling off, “Listen Cleft, Iota’s still new to this. There’s no need to stress her anymore than she is, even if your right.”
Groaning at the mare, Cleft irritably told, “Fine, but my point stands. We need to leave as soon as possible. They still don't suspect us, so we need to move while we still have room.”
Feeling she had calmed Iota down enough, the older mare asked, “So when are we moving, now or tomorrow morning?” Using her magic to pickup the bags that were put aside and placed them on one of the beds.
“Tomorrow morning. No need to rush out and make a scene.” Was Cleft’s reply, taking a moment to consider things. Nodding at a thought he had, he continued, “The both of you should also consider going on a few more walks through here. Help make a statement that you want to take it all in one last time.”
Lightly nodding to this, Iota smiled, “It would be nice to take a small walk.” Finding the idea relaxing, even if it would get her a bit cold.
Pulling the other changeling close and giving a reassuring smile, Ventral told, “And while were at it, maybe visit those children that like to play near those woods. You seem to like that.”
“Sounds good with me!” Iota nodded, getting out of the older changeling’s grasp to take a moment to turn back into ‘Status Que’ and saying, “Let’s get moving before it gets dark, or we wont be able to see them.”
Ventral nodded, using her magic to release the deadlock spell she had place before taking her griffin disguise. Turning back to Clef she asked, “What do you plan to do before we leave?” Using a talon to fix the scarf around Iota’s neck.
Motioning to the closet with his head, Cleft stated, “Checking our gear then shop for anything we might need. Maybe try and collect any extra bits of emotion for the trip.” Already getting up to search the closet while canceling out his own spell and changing into his own griffin form.
Ventral just gave an affirming nod before following Iota out the door and leaving Cleft to his work. When the girls exited the door, Cleft reached over to the saddlebag Ventral had tossed over to the bed and checked its contents. He gave a light snort at the few souvenirs inside, but could not fault the two. It helped their alibi of just passing through, so there was no need to badger them on brining deadweight. For now.
He did the same for the two remaining bags in the closet before making a list of things that would help keep them from being figured out. Thinking for a moment, Cleft admitted to himself, “Some jerky would be nice to snack on…wonder if they have any in stock around here?” Reaching into one of the saddlebags to get the needed gold.
Satisfied, the veteran scout turned around and left the room, making sure to lock it before completely leaving.
Minutes passed in the quiet room, right before a small head poked out from under a bed, as the yellow colt gave the room a quick look over and sighed. Alright, new plan needed, Mask grumbled in his head as he began to reconstruct his backup plan some.
He was ready for if they left a bit early, or if backup didn't come in time, but for them to up and leave like this so soon? It’s trouble, is what it is.
There was also the tidbit about the Griffin Kingdom’s actions pertaining to the news of Canterlot’s invasion. It was possible that some information got leaked before the Princesses could put a cap on it all. All it takes is one blabber mouth and things domino from there.
It also meant that any clans that are around will become frighten, and may act rashly for being attacked unprovoked. Not to mention his backup were changelings too, which meant if they were not carful in their arrival, things could get even more messed up. This wasn’t even including possible accusations that could happen in the higher-up parts of their government.
Focus! Masquerade reminded himself, most of that is not relevant information, concentrate on the here and now.
With the new train of thought made, Masquerade began to reconstruct his plans. First he had to return to his ‘base’ of a burnt out and condemned building and post a note for his backup. Next he would have to stock up on what emotions he could glean from the surrounding populace. Maybe turn into a playful looking dog. Children like dogs to play with, should make them happy enough.
Moving over to the only door in the room and changing into a grey pegasus, Mask sighed, “Nothing’s ever simple is it?” Grinning at the end, almost unwilling to refuse such a challenge to his skills. “On second thought, this might be a bit fun.” He chuckled, opening the door and closing it behind him. With it still locked, he nodded to himself and headed for the exit.
He had at least a day left to plot and scheme, so he might as well start now. Maybe add a new factor into the game? The infiltrators grin grew, as a new idea began to blossom into his mind.
During the dusk, where light was still scarce, three fliers packed their bags and strapped them on ready. They all checked out of the Inn, leaving for home with some haste as they left the settlement. They were not he only ones however, as another flier with a darkly shaded coat flew after them, flying higher than them and keeping almost out of sight.
For hours they flew, with none of the three scouts taking notice of the tail that was using what little cloud cover it could to stay out of their sights. The flight itself seemed somewhat boring, as noting of interest could be spotted on the frozen treetops all around. Even the few mountains in the area didn't seem to have the same impact as they did nearly a week back.
Letting her eyes wonder, Iota scanned a now open plain that was past another forest of evergreens. She could spot nothing out in the snow-covered field. Just snow, some rocks and their four shadows racing upon the ground, one slightly growing in size.
The only pegasus in the group blinked and recounted the moving shadows, comforting that she was not seeing things. There was a forth shadow, and there were only three of them. Following the first response that came to mind, Iota snapped her head around and spotted a dot up in the sky. And it was suddenly starting to get bigger like the shadow.
With widening eyes, Iota went to call out to the other two, but found herself struggling to move out of the way of a dark dive-bombing figure. She yelped at the close shave, alerting the other two to the sudden appearance of the new figure.
Watching the dark figure twisting around in the air for another attack, Cleft used his eyes to scan over the new arrival. It was a male griffin, rugged and filthy grey coat and black feathers. A few scars could be seen on his left face and neck. Hid torso had a vest, filled with knives. One side of his west had rope, and the other a hatchet that did not reassure the lead scout due to the bloodstains.
Only one thing came to mind as Cleft finished his analysis of the subject, “Bandit, we need to find cover now!” Diving down towards the ground. In response, Ventral followed close, while Iota righted herself some before slightly tailing behind.
Likewise, the bandit followed after them, pumping his wings to follow after them. In a attempt to lose the griffin, the scouts lead him into the woods, using what skill they had with flying to put the trees between them and the bandit.
The bandit though, didn't give up his chase, using surprising nimble maneuvers to work his way towards the three fliers. Cleft was easily in the lead, plotting out a path for his two fellow scouts to follow. Ventral was closely keeping up, only slowing down to make more wider turns. Iota was the most quickest with her pegasus form, but was lagging behind due to her inexperience with using the pegasus wings.
Taking a moment to glance back and see this, Cleft gave out a new order as he speeds towards a tree, “Break up and lose him!” Then pulling up to slow himself before collision with the tree while the other two split off in two directions. Instead of going anywhere else, Cleft somewhat landed on the side of the tree, pushing off it to head towards the bandit head on.
Caught off guard at this, the bandit panicked and swerved to the side, avoiding collision with the speeding veteran scout. He then preceded to use the trees for cover to fade from sight.
Looking about, the bandit gave a low growl at losing sight of them, shooting above the tree cover and looking for movement from high above. Catching the brief glimpse of something reddish, the griffin turned and dived towards it’s direction, sure he had spotted one of them.
Just under the treetops, Iota took in quick breaths of cold air and moved through the numbers trees in her way, looking for a place to hide. She gave a slight shriek when a number of snapping limbs alerted her to the bandit, who dived through the trees and was now chasing her.
Iota darted to the left, trying to shake of her pursuer the best of her ability. The bandit didn't lose track of the pegasus though, finding that her maroon coat was highlighting her in the browns, whites and greens of the forest. The blond mane and tail didn't help matters for the mare either, seemingly catching the suns rays.
Moving around another tree, and still having trouble keeping pace with the more nimble —if not slightly clumsy— flier in front of him, the bandit reached a talon down and unstrapped a knife. With a carful grip, he tossed the knife at his target.
When Iota saw the glint of something fly next to her, she instinctively darted to the side to move out of the way. This only made her run into a few low branches, losing altitude and control. Bouncing between a few more bunches of branches, she eventually gained control, only to be tackled to the snowy ground below.
Completely disoriented and unable to focus, Iota just laid on the ground dazed, while a talon was used to grip her throat and hold her down. The bandit above her breathed with some exertion, but pleased with the results. Reaching down and taking up his hatchet, he held the stained weapon close to the slowly recovering mare telling, “No. Sudden. Moves.” Panting between each word.
Eyes falling down and onto the slightly rusted edge with old bloodstains of the hatchet, Iota only nodded slowly, still slightly dizzy. She was then hauled up off the ground, making her head swarm and sight blur, while the griffin before her ordered, “Now, I want you to keep still while I tie you down. Make any sudden moves or even a peep, and your head gets cleaved. Got it?”
Opting not to say a word, Iota just nodded again and kept still as the talon around her neck released. Darting her eyes around, the young scout tried to think of something she could do to escape. But the mixture of fear, a dizzy head and aching body made it hard for her to even focus sitting where she was.
“Not a move, pony.” The griffin reminded as he reached for his rope, “Or do I need to remind you what I’ll do?”
Gulping at the warning in his tone, Iota once more stayed still, letting the bandit do what he wanted to her shaky body. She watched as he took the rope and begin binding her forelegs first, before moving on to her wings next. Her saddlebag was tossed aside next, as he was going to push her down to bind her hind legs next.
The sound of screeching was heard as a grey blur tackled the bandit, and forcing him to drop the rope he was going to use. Over the bandit and with open claws, Cleft began to swipe at the bandit and try taking out his eyes.
In return for this assault, the bandit swung his hatchet at the older scout, intent on caving the other griffins skull in. The attack missed however, as Cleft ducked and jumped off, diving into some bushes to evade. Not content with this, The banding followed, giving a battle cry as he gave chase.
Now struggling with her bonds, Iota called out to her leader as he lead the bandit away. Slowly the sounds of their fight got further and further until she could hear nothing.
Looking around, Iota suddenly felt very alone and extremely venerable with being bound up so much and her head pounding. So with this in mind, she did the only thing she could. Struggle with her binds and call for help from either Cleft or Ventral if she spotted either one.
That was assuming, if they could find her.
After half an hour of flying around, Ventral finally stopped and gave her surroundings a look over. The bandit was nowhere in her sights and the sounds of what she was sure was fighting had stopped a fifteen minutes back. Now, the golden griffin was searching the forest for either Cleft or Iota, who were both being very quiet.
Now that I think about it, it’s way too quiet. Ventral realized, giving her surroundings another look over. All the birds had hushed and gone quiet, no doubt from all the racket she and the others were making. Still, it was unnerving to the scout, who was use to the constant noise.
Sighing, she ventured on carefully, keeping her eyes peeled for the bandit. Part of her wanted to fight, but she knew just like Cleft, they were not fighters. A scouts abilities always laid in their skills to run and evade, not open conflict.
Something Iota’s still trying to do right! The disguised changeling smacked her face at this thought. She completely forgotten that the younger scout, though good in her changeling form, didn't have the pegasus flight skills down completely. There was no doubt in her mind Cleft forgot the same fact, used to more experienced scouts under his lead.
She was starting to wish they still had their old clan head around. Granted he was a warmongering glory hog that liked to fight, but he at least knew to put new scouts with patrolling groups. This new one, his son, seemed to lack the same common sense.
A few more years, Ventral sighed, just a few more years, and if he keeps making mistakes like this, then the clan might revolt. It felt like a slightly pleasing thought to have, but a useless one. New and young clan heads sometimes needed a few years to get use to their new duties. Didn't mean she had to like her new boss though.
Moving around another bush, Ventral continued to scan the environment to any clues. She did eventually fine one. A very bright one too.
Using a single clawed tip and scooping up some stained snow. Ventral gave the red tinted snow a good long look, bringing it up to her beak to get a small whiff of it.
“It’s blood alright.” She conformed to herself, looking about to try and find a possible trace of more. With some luck, she did and began to follow it. Bit by bit, she saw more and more appear, right before she came along a large splatter of green blood, that of a changelings, mixing with the first trail of blood.
This alone made Ventral follow the two blood trails more quickly, worried for either of her kinsmen own health. For the next ten minutes she followed the blood trail, as more splotches of green cold be found rather than red. At one point, it looked like there was a struggle, before a large red blood spot was made.
Again she followed the messy trail with all haste, carelessly rushing past a bush with more green blood. Next was the sight of chunks being chopped away from the trees, making a easy path to follow.
Where ever the green blood trail went, the red would follow with. The signs of their rush were easy to see, as snow was turned and pushed all over the place. Seeing a form just past the next set of bushes, Ventral surged forwards past them, and stopped dead in her tracks.
“Cleft…” She breathed out, looking at the sight of a still body slowly bleeding out and scattered supplies from his now emptied bags.
Snapping out of her slight daze, Ventral leaped quickly over shouting, “Cleft, can you hear me!?” Using her wings to glide the short distance over and reach her scouting leader. Even from where she was, the number of cuts and gashes were visible and easy to spot.
Landing next to Cleft's body, she began to shake the older scout, as she called out again, “Cleft, wake up you idiot!” Eventually turning the still body over. Still trying to keep herself together, Ventral checked the solder scouts body over, trying to find any evidence of being alive.
Turing his head over a bit more hopefully wake him, Ventral was given sight to a nasty hit where his head was slightly cleaved off. She put a slightly bloodied talion to her beak, recognizing the axe like mark she had seen in the trees behind her. There was no denying it. Cleft didn't survive.
Grief filling her mind at this, Ventral let a few tears leak out, feeling pain grip at her heart for moment. That same pain caused her to shake her head and search the area again. With narrowed eyes, she locked onto the red trail belonging to the bandit that lead away from Cleft's body. Snarling aloud, she rushed after the trail and swore the give the bandit some payback.
And if he so much as touches Iota, I’m going to rip out his innards and feed the rest of him to the wolves! She already lost one clan member on this trip, she was not losing the other.
She followed the tracks for a few more minutes, keeping tabs how the trail was getting more and more zig-zagged, as if he was becoming tiered. After what seemed like hours of trailing, Ventral found the bandit.
He was in no better condition than Cleft, bleeding out and ruffed up from the fight the two had. He was currently laying next to a bolder, and the snow around him stained red. And just like Cleft, he wasn't moving.
Moving in closer, Ventral also realized she could not taste a hint of any emotions from him. Once in front of the dirty griffin and looking at both him and the blood trail, Ventral only sneered, “Lucky you. Bled to death before I could reach you.” Spitting on the dead body and looking around.
Though she wanted to do so much more to the deceased bandit, she knew she had more important things to do. Such as finding Iota and getting back to the clan hive to give their report. She knew she would have a harder time searching from above the tree tops, so Ventral went for flying under them like before.
It was slow going, as she had to take a moment to stop and look around and also move around tree after tree to locate the maroon pegasus. That brought up another thought to Ventral, That coat color would make her stick out way too much here. Should have tried getting her to change color earlier.
Sighing a bit, Ventral admitted, “Not like we knew this would happen.” Stopping on the next brach she happened upon while laughing dryly, “Okay, maybe we should have. Cleft did say we had a tail…” Dragging off as she just stared ahead.
Cursing herself at it all, the scout had to wonder why the veteran had to get himself killed. She knew he wasn't the biggest fighter like most scouts are, so he should have ran. Why didn't he though? Not like I was in danger or—
It then seemed to hit Ventral what could have happened and bolted off her perch to search again with fear building in her heart, Iota, that filthy mugger must have caught up with her, and Cleft went to help her only to get in a fight! It was the only thing that came to mind and made sense.
With as much speed as possible, Ventral searched the forest, going through bushes and searching in any holes big enough to hide the young scout. All of her focus was on locating Iota and making sure she was safe.
After an unknown period of time though, Ventral found Iota, who was rolling in the snow and bitting at the rope at her fore hooves. If it were not for the dire situation, Ventral might have laughed at Iota’s actions.
But instead, Ventral dived towards the bound pegasus, calling, “Iota!” Landing over the changeling-in-pony form telling, “Hold still, let me get you out of that.” Using the sharp tips of her talons to remove the rope.
As soon as her hooves were free, Iota found herself being pulled into a tight hug as Ventral sighed, “Thank the ancestors your alright.” Holding the mare arms length asking, “What happened, how did you get tied up?”
Guiltily rubbing her hooves together, Iota said, “I-I got distracted.” Using her now free hooves to try and warm herself, as she had apparently lost her scarf some time back.
“Then got tackled and that bandit was tying me up the next moment. Then Cleft…” Iota looked out into the woods saying with some rising panic, “Ventral, we gotta find Cleft!” Pulling away and jumping up to take flight, but came back down to the cold snow and look back to her still bound wings.
Rolling onto her back and trying to use her hooves to undo those bindings, Iota continued, “We need to find him, that bandit went after him!” Still trying to undo the rope with her hooves doing little, calling, “Ventral, help!” Looking up to find a unmoving griffin who was just giving Iota a pained filled stare.
“Ven?” The young scout quieted down at the somber look she was getting from the older scout. The way she was being looked at made all her panic turn into anxiety as Ventral slowly moved over to her.
Sitting down next to the pony on the ground, Ventral looked down at the pony in silence for a long time. After a few minutes oft his, she told, “Cleft’s gone Iota.” Unable to hide the pain in her voice, “Right side of his head cleaved open…”
Shock was the only thing Iota showed, as her quivering voice asked, “W-what?" Trying to search the other changelings feelings and expression. With a new realization, she trembled, "Wh-what about…” Trying her best to keep her voice level, but was failing to do so, "What a-about him, t-the bandit?”
“The bandits dead too.” Ventral informed with some venom, “Bled to death. Though I would have done worst if he was alive a bit longer.” Glaring off into the forest before her as she said this.
Heaving another sigh, Ventral slowly undid the binds on Iota’s wings and asked, “Are you sure you’re alright?” Looking over the smaller pony. The thought of Iota being hurt in some way was putting a great amount of concern into her mind about the younger scouts health.
Letting Ventral check her over, Iota nodded, “I’m…I’m alright.” Sniffing a little as she asked, “Is he really gone Ven?” Looking up with pleading eyes.
Using a arm to bring the younger scout closer, Ventral once again said, “He is.” Clenching her other talon in the snow. She knew there wasn't anything she could do, but the very idea of losing the older scout she known for some time... It just made her feelings boil.
Looking up to the now dimming sky and thinking aloud, Iota said to herself, “It’s my fault.” But quickly got a bump to her head as she finished those words.
“It’s not your fault.” Ventral asserted to the pony beside her, “We...” She started, but slightly choked on her words before staring up again, ”We couldn't have known.” Trying to shake the tears from her eyes.
“But—“ Iota tried to say.
“No, we couldn't have done anything about it Iota. This stuff happens.” The older scout told, trying to make sure she made a point. “I know your still new to this, and it hurts, but there was nothing we could have done.” glaring at the ground as she whispered, ”Some things are just unavoidable”
Seeing Iota slowly nod to her, Ventral sighed, “Come on lil’ sis. Lets get home.” Opening her wings to take flight and take point.
Watching the golden griffin take off, Iota cast one last look around as snow slowly began to drift down upon the forest. With a pain filled look, Iota turned away and followed after Ventral.