I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Pre-read by Crystal Static
Slipping away from Ventral was a rather simple feat to Masquerade, who was more than use to disappearing on a whim. Mostly from Twilight. Admittedly it was even more easy to do with such a huge amount of griffins to use as cover and then using some alleyways as to change into a new form. He had effectively lost the scout and could put his plan into action once again.
First thing Masquerade did was head into the masses, brushing past pedestrians and gently pushing others aside. He kept this up for the next ten minutes, on occasion stopping to rest some place and watch. He would then proceed to do the process again for a time.
When he felt he had lifted enough funds, and that no guards or patrolling soldiers were keeping a close eye on him, did Mask slip into a new alleyway and change form once again. Coming out was a green and brown griffin, sporting some nicer cloths and another superiority complex. A rather nice mask to use, and sometimes just as fun to use.
Looking around, the infiltrator went about gaining the supplies he would need to send a letter, going as far to get a tube to store it in. He got the green candle, black ribbon, and decided to buy a rather well crafted pendant. It was in the shape of a book, a small trinket the vendor at a book stand was giving away. The changeling was sure his fillyfriend would love it.
I wonder if there’s a way to place a tracing charm on it? Masquerade asked himself, looking at the small iron crafted item. Deciding that was a question best asked to the Lue clan brainiacs, the infiltrator stored it away for later.
Next challenge he had was to find a place to write his letters without being noticed. He didn't want any possible leaks happening, and he very well didn't want his love letter to be taken either. After all, he had a special somepony who was possibly missing him and worrying over his wellbeing!
Or she’s dissecting some poor defenseless acid spitting plant, or maybe testing out some new deadly spell. Who knows? In both cases, he was sure the lavender bookworm was alright. If things went well, he would be back in Ponyville in the week and then join Twilight in her next study. True he wasn't much of a scholar, but he liked the idea of learning changeling compatible spells.
It actually stinks that I get to go to one of the greatest places for learning magic, only to find I can't cast 3/4ths of them! As much as changelings had in boons, their magic was sometimes limited. Mostly because the spells ponies made were not compatible or safe for changeling usage.
Levitation, illusions, and bits of conjuration were about the only things he could learn from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The rest were either too costly in for his current level of power, or life threatening. Some times I wish I was an actuarial unicorn, just so I can do spells like teleportation. Teleportation for crying out loud! It was that one particular spell he wish he had in his arsenal of spells.
Moving his way past a few griffins and into a small cafe, Masquerade seated himself and got out his writing supplies, getting to work making each letter he was about to send off. In his mind, he continued to let his thought wander about on what he could use teleportation for, and how he would prefer it to their portal like spell.
Eventually he figured the point was moot in some sense, seeing as they both have nearly the same result, even if the means are different. Didn't mean he wasn't miffed about never being able to use the teleportation spell Twilight uses like it was a simple levitation spell.
Didn't help that she was getting better at it, making it harder and harder to avoid her when he tries to run during one of his playful moments. Then again, it adds to the challenge and fun I suppose. Mask admitted, finishing up the last letter, packing it and heading out the door.
Looking about for a new place to followup the next step, Masquerade headed once more for the alleyways. Keeping low and searching out the next place he can change form. He got the chance in the form of a nice abandoned house that looked heavily weathered.
Looking about, he entered the old and worn home, stretching out his senses to search out any possible life. Feeling none and feeling safe for the moment, Masquerade switched to a unicorn form, setting to work with getting the green candle and letters.
First he took up both letter and document that would go to Luna, rolling both up and tying them with ribbon. Then, using his magic to light the candle wick with a changeling fire, he carefully made sure the quickly melting wax landed on the ribbon and letter. With another carefully practiced spell, he shaped the mark of a mask on the wax seal, making sure Luna knew who it was from. He continued the same process, marking one with Twilight’s mark and one for the Lue.
Taking the tube that would hold the letters, he pulled it out of the same saddlebags he had been carrying since he left the Salient clan. Slipping all three letters in, he closed the cap on the tube, making sure it was on tight. Looking about and cleaning up what little evidence he may have left, Masquerade changed back into a griffin body, this time going for yellow coat.
Scanning his surroundings one last time to be sure, Masquerade nodded to himself, feeling sure enough that none saw his work. He left as soon as he could, going back into the hustle-and-bustle of the blooming city life.
The next location in Masquerade’s mind was the local postal office and sending the letters off. He knew it would take some time to not only find the place, but also get through a possible line. The infiltrator just hoped he could make it back to the Inn in time before Ventral actually begins to panic too much.
Panic was not the level of worry Ventral was having at the moment, as she scoured the streets for the maroon pegasus as much as she could. When tracking back some, she had been able to find out that Iota, or rather ‘Status Que’ had wandered off in another direction. From those she had been able to get information from, Iota was seemingly headed for the upper parts of Grottos Peak.
So taking flight was Ventral’s main form of travel, taking the highway and watching out for her clan sister from there. She had flown down at the sights of anything with a shade of red, making sure it was the pegasus she was looking for.
Turned out the city had a fair number of red griffins, and a few pegasi wandering around. It was not making Ventral feel any better that she had lost track of the young scout.
Great lead I’m turing out to be. Ventral scowled at herself, trying to use the natural eyes of griffin physiology to her advantage to locate the wayward scout. So far she had to actually gain anymore leads, constantly hitting dead ends or just not finding any clues.
It was concerning to say the least.
“Come on Iota, where are you.” The lone scout asked aloud, forgoing the names due to her worry. She didn’t like this feeling of helplessness, of not knowing what was happening. It was eerily reminiscent of what had happened in the forest somewhat, her searching for Iota after losing track of her and Cleft.
Slowing down and landing on a buildings sturdy roof, Ventral continued to look over the area, wishing she had another set of eyes. The thought only served to bring up how her clan head would not help get her another scout’s help. Which then lead to Iota’s question the day before.
Just as quickly as the thought came, the scout shook it away, reminding herself, we look out for each other, the clan wouldn't just abandon us without good reason. It was a thought she kept hammered in place, since changelings like Loll, Ebon, Vol and even Leno would always come to help.
There was only one changeling she wasn't so sure that would just help. Sardonic… I’m sure he would consider…right? It was hard to see it. The heir was ruthless in his work, not evil or sadistic, just very single minded in doing things his way. But that didn't mean he would up and abandon her and Iota.
Right?
It’s like I said to Iota, he didn't kick us out. Just sent us on a mission. She nodded, jumping off the roof she was on and gliding over the streets, just one long and possibly overly dangerous mission that we could not come back from because we don't have the numbers or skill.
Once more Ventral found herself having to shake that line of thought away and keep focused. It was getting harder to stay focused because of the thoughts that now started to worm their way into her head. Why is this even bothering me in the first place?
It was maybe the possibility that what Iota had asked made some form of sense to her. It was possible that Sardonic just didn't want her and Iota around. It was possible that their last mission blunder crossed some line in the heirs eyes.
Those are all ridiculous reasons. Ventral denied herself, Sardonic’s a jerk, but even he wouldn't do that to us. We’re his clan, we are like family. He wouldn't hurt his own family intentionally. But for some reason, those words seemed to ring hollow to Ventral.
Touching down onto the street below, the griffin began to slightly wander about, still keeping a sharp eye out for Iota as much as she could. The internal conflict in her mind was getting to her a little, and not in what she felt was a good thing. It was true she didn't see Sardonic the most ideal leader, and the idea of trying to remove him for the betterment of the clan would be tossed about in whispers.
Walking over to a bridge that gave her an overview of the developing city, Ventral leaned on the railing and clenched it with her talons. No… No. Clans don't do that. We don't keep secrets like that from one another, or the clan head. Removal or overthrowing the current clan head was close to treason. The only way to take up being clan head was by a challenge of one-on-one.
This was only possible for other heirs though, as they were just too strong for drones, or even commons like herself. With the lack of anymore heirs to possibly challenge Sardonic, he was effectively in-charge of them until the clan goes into an uproar.
Infighting…that’s the only thing that it would become. Was the painful realization that made her want to cry. The clan will be forced to chose between following Sardonic, or who they feel loyal to what they think the clan stands for.
Instead of showing any tears, Ventral glared out at nothing in particular. At the moment, all she wanted to do was just glare hatefully at nothing and channel all that frustration out to…something! What she would give to have Ebon near by to shout at or maybe get his take on the situation, albite with some yelling...
Letting out a frustrated sigh and leaning her head on the railing, Ventral slightly shook her head and asked herself, “What did I step into this time?” Not completely sure how to take this moment in time. All she wanted t do was find Iota and get back to looking around.
Instead…instead she was now overlooking the same city she was suppose to be scouting out and questioning her place— No, her clans place under Sardonic’s leadership.
I need time to think on it. The griffin decided, feeling a little tiered from thinking the idea of what she had come to see in a more brighter light. I need to find Iota. I can think of the clan after I at least help her.
Looking over the city of Grotto Peak, Ventral decided to try looking back at the Inn. There was a chance in her mind that Iota had found her way back on her own, and she was just being too panicky. But seeing as she was new to this leading, Ventral wasn't sure if she could be blamed for being worried in the first place.
After a long and surprisingly trying day, Ventral slowly made it back to the room that she and Iota had rented for a few days. As soon as she had opened the door, a maroon missile next to knocked her away, as Iota hugged the griffin.
Pushing herself back into balance, Ventral looked down in surprise at the slightly crying Iota who was trying to say her sorries through her feathered chest. Softly patting the pegasus’s blond mane, Ventral glanced about for a moment before guiding the mare back into their room.
Closing the door behind herself, she turned back to a slightly distraught Iota, who quickly said, “Ven, I’m really sorry. I-I didn't mean to get separated from you, o-or get lost.” Seemingly ready to go on some long rant.
Sighing and moving over to the pegasus, a wing was draped over the smaller pony as Ventral told, “You’re not the only one to blame Iota.” Bowing her head in shame some.
Feeling the curious gaze coming from Iota, Ventral told “I wasn't really paying as much attention as I should have. I told you that I would look after you." At this the older scout looked away saying, “But so far I’ve been messing up every single time since we left the clan.”
Nuzzling the pegasus some, Ventral continued, “So if anything, I should be sorry for not being a good lead.” Slowly running a talon over Iota’s blond mane.
With a small laugh, Iota smiled, “So, we both sort’a messed up huh?” Leaning into the talon some.
Laughing at this, Ventral nodded, “Yeah, I guess we both messed up.” Then gave a puzzled look to the mare asking, “By the way, what got you separated from me?”
From the quickly forming blush on the mare’s cheeks, Ventral knew it had to be something good. Gaining a smirk, Ventral poked the younger scout, prodding, “Come on Pinky, what was so interesting that you couldn't keep following me?”
Running a hoof in circles on the floor, Iota muttered something with her now bowed head, trying to not say it to loudly. Putting her talon up to her head, Ventral pressed, “What was that, I didn't quite catch it.” Not bothering to hold back her amused smile.
Huffing and flushing a bit more, Iota glared off to the side, “Kittens…I saw some griffin selling kittens.” Gaining a pouting face as the golden griffin by her side began to laugh in full.
“You got distracted by a bunch of cats?” Ventral gasped, trying to fill her lungs. When she was able to breath in, she once more began to laugh and lean on the maroon pegasus.
“They were cute…” Iota continued to pout, crossing her hooves, “And the vendor talked about how he had tabbies and maine coons and siamese—” Prattling on and nearly sqeeing a few times.
Ventral just listened, laughing to herself as Iota continued to tell about how ‘cute’ the cats were. Admittedly it sounded strange for a half bird species to give out cats as pets, but she put that up to their other lion half. Still, she didn't have the same like for the fur balls like Iota apparently had.
“—Oh, you should have seen their big adorable eyes! They looked like they really wanted someling to just hug and cuddle them!” Continued the cat-loving mare, who looked a bit sad at the end.
Patting the faux pony’s head, Ventral assured, “Don’t worry Iota, maybe the next Inn we stop at might have some cats for you to play with.” Enjoying the pouting face Iota kept using.
Shaking her head and calming down some, Ventral used her wing to pull the young scout closer and tell, “I’m glad your safe.” Lifting it away to announce, “Now that we are done with sightseeing.” Moving over to the bed she was using, “I think it’s time we got some rest. Ancestors we need it after today.”
Jumping up, Iota smiled, “Sounds like a plan to me.” Making another small jump onto the bed she would be using. After how the day was, both could go for a good rest.
A long sigh was drawn out as Iota laid in a woven hammock of vines that made up her dream realm. It was strange to know she was currently in her own dream, and had yet to wake up. It was certainly just as strange, if not frightening, when Luna had appeared as well.
When Iota had laid eyes on the alicorn, she actually thought she was Celestia, since that was the only alicorn she was mostly told about. Even know Luna wasn't the princess of the sun, it still scared her some to learn she was the younger sister, who was keeper to the moon. And dreams, I can't forget that too.
Princess Luna was…odd in some sense. Nice and very understanding, but still a little odd to the changeling common. Those of highest authority that she knew were a bit more oppressive or demanding and liked to keep things in their line of thinking. That was why she found Luna so odd, for despite being a princess of great power, she was soft in her words.
I wonder when she’ll be back? This has been a question Iota had asked herself many a time after Luna would come to visit before leaving. Time was hard to keep in the dreaming world, where ones mind could wander freely without the concept of time holding her back.
There was another question she had not been able to figure out, which was when she would wake up. Luna said I’m stuck in a cocoon. I guess that griffin that found me wasn't Ventral… It felt painful to think of that memory that she wished was a dream.
Though reluctant to, Luna had explained a few things to the scout, such as her current containment…and the apparent infiltrator under her command. It didn't take long for Iota —inexperienced or not— to figure out she was being used to fish for information.
Luckily for her clan, she didn't know all that much in secrets, being as new as she was to the scouting ranks.
But still, Luna came back and would ask some questions or have some pleasant talks with the common. Iota could honestly say she wasn't sure how to take the lunar princess. On one hoof, she was trying to dig for information on the Salient clan. On the other, she seemed sincerely curious about the clan as a group then a target to hit.
Putting both hooves onto her face, Iota mumbled, “What would the others do?” Feeling completely lost as to what to do. But thinking about it, the changeling wasn't sure if there was anything she could do, being trapped in a dream as it were.
“Perhaps they might challenge fate, and delve into the unknown.” The once again sudden sound caught the young scout off guard, causing her to turn to face the voice. This only served to off balance her place in the hammock, sending her twisting in it.
Luna watched in mild amusement as the changeling spun, flipped and got completely tangled in the woven vines that had held her up. After a few moments of this, the changeling stilled, showing a completely trapped and helpless Iota, looking rightfully embarrassed.
Smiling a little, Luna lit her horn saying, “We see that thou are taking thy time here in stride.” Helping the poor changeling out of her binds.
Once free and feeling the vine-covered floor beneath her hole-riddled hooves, Iota gave the princess before her a gracious smile and told, “When you told me this was a dream, I decided to try out some things I always wondered about them.”
Luna could tell what the changeling referred to. The once vine-filled dream was now changed into something more like city. Or more aptly, a changeling city. It held most of the elements to that of a clan hive, but unlike the Quasi’s swamp like hive, this one had weeping willows, ponds, small waterfalls and the ever present vines. It was almost strange how different, but similar the two clans looked.
With a trained eye, Luna could only think that this whole clan hive was from Iota’s memories, and would share the same areas as the real place. As much as she would have liked to tour such a place and note every position she could, Luna decided to drop it for her being there.
Taking a seat before Iota, Luna said, “Iota, we have a proposition that may hold in thy favor.” Holding her tongue to make sure the changeling heard her. Seeing as she had Iota’s full attention, Luna continued, “We, being my sister, myself and our niece, have decided to extend an olive branch of trust.”
Though she had no clue what an olive branch was, Iota only nodded and asked, “Okay, and what is that?”
“A chance to be free from this dream realm and walk among those in the waking world.” Any thought’s that Iota had seemed to stop at these words, making her consider everything Luna had said so far.
“Waking world, you mean… actually letting me out?” Iota had to repeat aloud, to make sure she was hearing things right. “You… you and Celestia would let me out? I thought I was your prisoner or something?” Understandably, Iota was even more confused then before.
Holding up a hoof to stall any further questions, Luna simply told, “Even with this new freedom, thou art to remain under our watch.” Pausing a moment to let this sink in, “We felt that if possible, thee may see what pony kind could offer the Salient clan if they might open avenues for peace and co-operation.”
Thinking on it, Iota had to admit it would be nice to be able to move around on her own. To be free and actually be able to see more of the world she was only now getting to know. Maybe even see ponies—
With a gulp, Iota asked, “Won't I be asked about who I am? I-I know ponies know about changelings. Will they—”
“Fret not Iota.” Luna cut off the changeling, “No harm shalt come to thee. We shalt shield you from any who may seek ill will towards thy self.” Sending a reassuring smile to the changeling adding, “Merely follow the rules set by us, and thou mayest be free from this dream and be under the protection of Equestrian royalty.”
Five full days of scouting, and Ventral could safely say she was able to cover a good amount of the cities base workings. She and Iota had been at it for every one of those days, trying to pick up every emotion hotspot, guard patrol routes and at one point; locate some barracks.
Right now, Ventral was writing up her next report, as per orders from Sardonic. Locating the post office wasn't a huge issue, after some asking around. Sending the letters so often was a slight issue to the scout however, and it was starting to make her nervous.
From her own place, Iota laid back on the bed she had been using for the last few days and staring up at the ceiling. She had been waiting for the right time to act, after the roller coaster of events that had happened. Looking off to the side where Ventral was writing up her third report this week, Iota decided now was a good time to act.
Rolling back onto her hooves, Iota hopped off the bed and trotted next to Ventral, poking the griffin’s side asking, “Hey Ven, want something to eat?”
Looking up and away from her report and at the youth, Ventral blinked a few times before replying, “Why, you know we both don't need any food.” Lifting a brow at the pegasus.
Rolling her eyes and smiling, Iota said, “I know, but to snack on. I’m starting to like that jerky these griffins make!” Turning to head for the door.
Shaking her own head, Ventral said, “You know ponies would find that weird right?” Stopping the pegasus short, “Ponies don't normally try meat like griffins do.”
Holding her spot near the door, Iota asked, “So…I shouldn't get any?” Almost sounding a little dejected at the thought.
Laughing to this, Ventral said, “No, you can go on and do that, you’re a pegasus.” Turning back to her report adding, “Just don't do it as a earth pony or a unicorn pony. From what I hear from other changelings who have, you can get a real bad case of indigestion.”
Nodding to that and seeming to take note in her mind on what not to do in the future, Iota left out their rented room door. As an after thought, Ventral called back, “Oh, and go ahead and get me some!” Almost not being heard by the other scout who closed the door.
Slumping in her spot and sighing, Ventral returned to writing up her rather boring report. She wasn't really sure what to put all in it, as she was barely given much time to think over what she had found with Iota. There was one slight oddity though, the small bit of welcoming some griffins showed.
That in itself wasn't a huge issue, as griffins weren't always aggressive as they seemed to most. The point was that despite having such a heavy military presents, they didn't seem as alert. It was almost as if they were purposely being lax for some odd reason.
Maybe their trying to make a false sense of security to any changelings? Was one thought that crossed Ventral’s mind, they know we exist now, so maybe that’s their plan?
The idea in itself didn't make much sense to Ventral, but then again she only knew how to act like a griffin. It did not really mean she knew their military strategies or workings. That was more of Cleft’s job. The scout sourly thought, continuing with her report.
True, the changeling-disguised-griffin was a good scout in of herself over her time as a scout. But what Ventral wasn't good at nearly as much was stealth. She didn't know how to sneak into something like the Griffin Kingdom’s patented barracks that were known for keeping hostel forces out. She was too open of a scout, and honestly would rather do a open fight then sneak around or run.
Hearing the door behind her open, Ventral greeted, “Back so soon?” A little surprised the pegasus came back so soon after going to get them something to snack on.
“Yep, I am.” Iota seemed to chirp as she entered into the room and made a path for her bed.
Stopping a moment and looking back to the younger scout, Ventral lifted a brow and asked, “So, where’s the jerky?” Taking notice of the slight misstep Iota made.
“Jerky?” Iota intones a little confused before seeming to remember and say quickly, “Oh, they ran out.”
Watching Iota make her way to her bed once more, Ventral spoke, “I doubt they would run out that easily, griffins are pretty good at keeping good food out and ready.” More then able to tell something was off.
Shrugging from her place, Iota said, “Maybe the’ll be more later?”
Keeping an eye on the maroon pony a bit longer, Ventral just hummed and nodded before turning back to her report with a thoughtful look. With the griffin’s back turned to her, Iota gave the room a quick look over before slightly opening her wing. Slowly and gently, a lifted silver knife from the lobby dropped out and onto the blankets, making nearly no sound.
Using a hoof to grasp the small item carefully, she began to slowly creep up to Ventral, raising the knife in a position ready to strike. Darting her eyes from knife to feather back, Iota made some slight adjustments, flashing the light streaming in from the nearby window.
Eyes still locked to the report in-front of her, Ventral easily saw the reflected light going form one place to another. With a start, she glanced behind herself to find a shocking sight of Iota ready to stab her. Looking just as shocked, Iota swung her forelimb down in haste to make the first hit.
Just as quickly, Ventral moved aside, letting the knife make a solid thunk, biting into the wooden desk she had been using. She was quick to retaliate, attacking with a open talon and scratching the fake pony’s chest lightly. Only to the scout’s utter surprise, the pegasus was bleeding red, not the typical green blood most stage-2 changelings still retained.
Narrowing her eyes in fury, Ventral growled, knowing that changeling with at least a stage-3 transformation could actually bleed like those they changed into. She went for another attack, trying to swipe at the fake Iota’s eyes, hopefully to blind her.
Seeing the intent of the attack, the fake scout ducked away, backing away and slightly hissing at the stinging pain at her chest. She didn't stay still long, darting off to the side as Ventral once more struck, trying to pin the apparent fake under her larger body.
Darting her eyes about as if searching for options, the faux pegasus landed her gaze on the desk with the knife sticking out of it. With a flap of her wings, the fake Iota rushed for the knife, intent on using it.
Seeing what the pegasus was trying to do, Ventral made a swipe of her own, taking up a unlit candle stand and throwing it. The fraud only had time to look back before being hit by the metal crafted projectile, distracting her. Taking this new opening, Ventral tackled into the fake pegasus, pinning her under her larger mass.
Using a talon to grasp at the fake ponies neck, Ventral growled, “Who are you?” Glaring heatedly down at her captive.
Shaking off her slight daze at being tackled, the faux Iota looked up and weakly said, “Uh, Status Que?” Only to feel more weight be put on her neck, making her choke some.
Letting the impersonator choke and try prying her away for a moment, Ventral eventually let up repeating, “Who. Are. You?” Raising her other talon and flexing it.
Looking between Ventral and the rather sharp looking tipped talons, the impersonator told, “No one. No one at all!” Trying once again to pry the talon around her neck away.
A rush of air was then pushed out of the impersonators lungs, being hit by a rather strong punch to her stomach as Ventral hissed, “Try again.” Forcing one of the false scout’s wings open with her free talon, “Answer wrong and I’ll give your wings a feather plucking!”
The threat was an ideal way to make the impostor pale slightly, clearly not willing to go through such pain of ripped out feathers. Gulping and choosing her words carefully, she slowly told, “I was sent to off you…” Flinching lightly as Ventral tightened her grip on her open wing, “You… you and that other scout are pokin’ around, and the clan I’m working for don't like it.”
“Try to be more clear. What do you mean by ‘the clan your working for’, are you a hunter or something?” Ventral questioned, making sure to exert a little more pressure on the disguised changeling before her.
Looking cowed by the griffins intimidation tactics, the fake scout nodded, “Sorta, I don't have a clan. Killed off by a bigger one. But I got these guys to hear me out, and they let me do jobs for them.”
“And Iota?” Ventral pressed on, “Where is she, and what did you do to her?” She was hoping to get this done and over with quickly. If she could, Ventral was going to go straight to Iota and get her out of the situation she was in.
“Nothing, nothing at all!” The imposture assured from her place, “I was told to distract her some, then get rid of you.” Shrugging some and carelessly said, “Said somthin’ about not needing any extra breeding stock—” Then yelped in pain at her wing being harshly pulled.
The pulling was not intentional in itself, but after hearing the information given, Ventral’s anger and fear skyrocketed. “Care to repeat that?” She glared with even more rage then before, projecting it to a now squirming pegasus mare that looked ready to run for he hills.
“Breeding stock, the clan’s low on numbers since a attack. They’re trying to revive numbers, I was asked to help.” With each word seemed to make Ventral’s anger only grow, and in turn make the changeling panic rise. With panic overriding all thoughts, she blurted out, “I know where she’s being sent!” Covering her mouth with both hoofs at the outburst.
A pregnant pause fell between the two. Silent realization overcoming the scout and panicking fear written over the impostors features.
With narrowed eyes, Ventral ground out, “Where?” Tightening her grip on the open pegasus wing purposely.
Wincing at the pain, the impostor told, “Someplace you can't get into without me!” Obviously trying to save her own hide in the griffin’s eyes.
“Your lying, there’s no way Iota could have been taken that far yet!” Ventral denied, looking back at the time when Iota left and when the impostor had come in. There was no way they could move away that fast.
Shifting in her place, the impostor slowly said once again, “I— they know this place better then you.” Wincing again as a feather was tugged on a bit, “They can get in and out in the time we have been talking. The’ll be a long ways off before you can catch them on your own!”
Staring down at the impostor before her, Ventral began to think over things in her head. For starters, Ventral didn't know if the scumbag before her was telling the truth, she could very well be lying. But at the same time Ventral could tell she wasn't Iota, the backstabbing alone was a big enough clue. But most of all, she wasn't sure if she should pursue after her clan sister or not.
And why shouldn’t I? I know the mission’s important, but Iota’s been taken. Glaring deeply into the other set of eyes that belong to such a familiar face. I told her I’d look after her, and if this clanless nobody is the answer to finding her…
Suddenly being hauled up by her neck, the fake Iota whimpered at the pressure being placed around her neck while Ventral told, “You are going to take me straight to where Iota is being taken. You are my prisoner. You will do as I say, or I will bind you up and toss you off the highest mountain peak I can find in the Griffin Kingdom!” Yelling at the impostors face at the end before whispering, “Got it?”
Rendered silent to the scouts threat, the impostor nodded quickly, not daring to make a sound. She was then tossed to the side, left to roll on the floor while Ventral quickly grabbed her saddlebag and Iota’s own.
Slightly getting up, the saddlebag that belonged to Iota were tossed at the impostor, who looked up with a questioning gaze. Without breaking stride, Ventral told simply, “Put that on. We’re leaving now. Your up front leading.”
Gulping, the fake nodded and put the bags over her back, giving a wary look to Ventral before heading for the door. With a somewhat pleased smirk on her beak, Ventral followed after the fraud, ready to save Iota as quickly as she could. She really couldn't handle much more of these unexpected surprises, and was considering just heeding back and accepting this whole mission a big failure.
Only after I get my sister back! Ventral told herself as she exited the room.
After a lengthy trek through the many streets and crowds of Grotto Peak, Ventral was lead to a small storage area where Iota was apparently being held. This shortly turned into a bust, as the impostor —who’s name she learned to be Double Take— began to franticly search for the changelings who had Iota.
When she had looked about the area, Ventral was sure it had been abandoned for some time, no trace of the suspected changelings around. After nearly thirty minutes of searching, Double take —still in Iota’s pony form— was looking ready to crack at the prospect of being tossed off a mountain tied up.
So that was when Ventral had decided to try a new plan. Have the changeling take her to the clan’s location, since she seemed so buddy-buddy with them. Double Take didn't take the idea very well, looking faint at the idea of even brining the scout to the clan hive she worked for and refused, even with hVentral's current threat in place.
She quickly changed her tune when the griffin added the threat of having her deal with the Salient clan. Some of whom happened to like Iota very much.
So began another long trip through the city and out it’s front gates, eventually reaching it’s outer reaches before both flew off into the now night sky. It was during this flight that Double Take turned into his apparent form, being a brown pegasus with a black mane.
Ventral was slightly taken back at his sudden change, but the clanless changeling explained that the other clan was used to his pegasus form. He was apparently hoping that they wouldn't kill them on sight because he would look familiar to them.
Nearly an hour into the flight, Ventral had to ask, “So where is this clan you talked about?” Wondering how much further they had to go.
Looking slightly nervous, Double Take told, “Canterlot?” Getting a puzzled look form the griffin.
Thinking a moment, but not drawing anything, Ventral asked “And that’s?” Dragging the word on, not familiar with the name.
Giving the griffin a strange look, Double Take simply said, “Capital to Equestria.” As if questioning how the faux griffin didn't know.
“Capital!” Ventral yelled in shock, “As in, all the way in Equestria, where Celestia lives, capital! Are you nuts?” Already the scout was feeling the need to turn around and get backup. Either that or just hide back in the clan hive and not face a alicorn, that was told to have decimated many of the changelings own ancient ancestors.
“Don't blame me, I wasn't the one who chose where they live!” Double Take somewhat snapped back. “Spider-spit, why did this have to happen to me?” Somewhat shaking his head at the situation at hoof.
Ventral couldn’t help but cast another hate filled glare to the pegasus leading her to what could be considered the danger zone. What ever changeling hive would chose to live so close to Celestia, and after a supposed invasion no less, must have been insane!
That brought up another thing into her mind, “Wont they have guards on high alert?” Ventral knew that there was no way they could get in that easy. After an invasion that was large enough to warrant the Griffin Kingdom’s attention to ready for them, this Canterlot must be heavily guarded now.
“Like you wouldn't believe.” Double Take said, “Their keeping an eye out for any changeling they can find. So I suggest you try not acting suspicious. I already have enough trouble as it is.” The tone his voice was at suggested at irritation, as if he had been bothered by the subject.
Looking down, Ventral knew that they would have to land soon and rest for the night. The problem was, the scout wasn't willing to sleep with Double Take around. He was her key to get Iota back, but he also had tried to kill her. It was obvious precautions were needed. Of course, this was also suggesting he wasn't leading her on into Canterlot, just to lose her and expose her changeling nature.
Placing a talon on her face, Ventral had to wonder, how did this all go so wrong in such a short time?
After a long, trying and draining trip, both Double take and Ventral made it to Canterlot. It was fairly early in the morning, and with how Ventral wasn't willing to trust the other changeling for long, she was very tired. It was almost a mystery to her how she was still standing, as she got very little sleep during the whole trip.
Come on, we're close now. Just a bit more. Were the thoughts that Ventral used to keep herself going as she followed the faux pegasus into the city.
The streets were fairly clear, as not many were yet awake for the day that was only starting to show with the rising sun. It all served to remind Ventral of where she was and who lived nearby. Her worry only seemed to build as they made their way over towards the large castle that could be seen from affair.
Glancing to her guide, Ventral noted that he seemed to be trying to hold a face of calm, despite of where he was. He seemed to act just as nervous as she was at the moment, no doubt from what the clan might do to him for his blunder.
Getting close to the front gate, Ventral spotted a pony in purple armor, almost glaring at the two of them as they drew near. Feeling a sinking feeling, Ventral once more glanced to the brown pegasus, who now seemed a bit more worried.
When they were in range, the union stallion in his purple armor stated, “Double Take, you're late.”