Section 2; Scroll 16
The airfield of the Vilotan castle was located in an open area in the back where the castle met the mountain. Airships of different sizes were housed here. It was divided so that the guards were on one side and royalty on the other.
Airships have come a long way from simple hot air balloons and propellers. The inventions of the gem engine and smaller turbines allowed them to become sleeker and move faster. However, some retain their old shapes for numerous things.
The airship that they were boarding had a black, 30 foot long gondola that was 15 feet wide with the Vilotan emblem on the side. It had dual, adjustable cylinder turbines on both sides. It was attached to a 20 foot tall white, oval shaped balloon above it.
However, the two soldiers’ attention was not on the massive airship in front of them.
“What are you doing here?!” Reverb shouted.
Their attention was on the figures in front of the ship.
Seven figures to be precise.
Twilight, her friends and Spike were in front of the ship with bags behind them. In Rarity’s case, she had several suitcases stacked on each other.
Reverb rushed over and slid to a stop in front of them. “What are you all doing here?”
“We were waiting for you slowpokes to get here.” Rainbow pointed out.
“Why were you waiting for us?” Reverb asked worriedly.
“Isn’t it obvious darling, we’re coming with you.”
Reverb’s eyes widen at the statement he just heard. “What do you mean ‘you’re coming with us’?!”
“We’re coming to help look for Echo Wave.” Applejack answered.
“Yes, siree!” Pinkie shouted.
“That is, if you don’t mind.” Fluttershy added.
“What! You girls can’t come with us, it’s too dangerous!”
“We’re well aware of the danger, but we are still coming along.” Twilight stated.
“Twilight, there is no way that you’re coming with us!” Reverb proclaimed.
“I thought you might say that, which is why we came prepared for this.” She said and motioned for Spike. The dragon assistant flinched a bit before walking in front of Reverb and handing a rolled up scroll.
“What’s this?” He asked as he looked at it.
“That is a sealed document written and signed by the Vilotan siblings and Royal sisters that entitles the elements of harmony and any individual we choose to accompany a select group dealing with the location of Kamen Rider Shade.” Twilight punctually explained.
“What?!” Reverb shouted. He was a little lost on the explanation but knew what she meant. He quickly undid the seal and unfurled the scroll. He read through the contents and sure enough, there was everything that she said in fine detail.
At the bottom of it were the signatures of all four royalties with the seal of Equestria below them.
He looked up from it, mouth open in shock. “And they all agreed to this?!”
“Yes, they did. Princess Celestia and Luna were against it at first but we pleaded that we needed to find him and the siblings agreed with our case.” Twilight spoke and the others nodded on agreement.
Reverb stood there not knowing what to say about this. It was a minute before he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Well then, I guess we don’t have much of a choice do we.” He looked up to his right to see Firma standing next to him with a small smile. “Nice to have you with us.”
“Firma!”
“What, it’s not like we can do anything about it.” He replied. Reverb gestured they move and they walked away until they were out of earshot.
“What are you saying; we can’t take them with us!” Reverb stated.
“Look, I know you’re worried but, what can we do? Those are official orders from ponies way above are paygrade.” Firma replied.
“Forget the orders! Never mind the fact that they are some of the most important figures in Equestria. If something happens to them; A) we might as well resign, B) I’m never gonna forgive myself and C) I’m not going to be able to look my friend in the eyes again!” Reverb almost shouted.
“Whoa, whoa calm down! Look, we’re only going to be there for a day or two. He might have already left! They can stay on the ship the whole time. They’ll never come off and we can be gone in an hour.” Firma explained.
Reverb stared at him for a moment before looking back at the girls and Spike. He bit his lower lip before giving a defeated sigh. “Fine, they can come.”
Firma gave him two pats on the back before they walked and stood in front of the others.
“Is everything okay?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah, we just had to discuss a few things.” Firma said.
“You all can come but please, promise me you all will stay on the ship and do not leave unless one of us is with you.” Reverb explained the conditions.
“We promise, right?” Twilight asked the others. They all nodded in approval.
“Well then,” Firma gave a smile brought his hand out “welcome aboard the VMS FALCON.”
Vilotan throne room…
Sombra, in his Vilotan prince disguise, watched as the airship began flying towards the desert.
“Are you sure it was wise to let them out of our sight.” He looked to his right to see Chrysalis in her disguise.
“You need to calm yourself, my dear. They are still within our grasp and their presence will bring him out of hiding.”
Chrysalis looked at the disappearing airship and a smirk formed on her face. “And if something were to happen to them?”
Sombra matched her smirk and gave a small chuckle. “Well, accidents happen.”
Somewhere in the San Palomino Desert…
By my guess, it was just a half an hour after leaving the battle site. As of right now, me and Braeburn were riding two of the zergers Rattle Vane left behind with Little Strongheart riding with Braeburn on the back. It took us a minute to get them started and to make sure they couldn’t be tracked. I looked back at them as I pulled ahead.
“How are you holding up?” I shouted back at them. Braeburn gave an ‘ok’ sign before gripping the handle again.
“Not bad, this things got a lot of kick too it!” He shouted, his voice muffled by a scarf. He revved the throttle and the bike surged forward a bit that caused a yelp from Strongheart and tighten her grip.
“Please stop doing that!” She screamed which earned a chuckle from him.
We drove for a few more minutes until I decided to stop near a cactus. The sun’s rays were pouring down on me. I took off my helmet and rubbed my eyes as Braeburn parked next to me.
“Okay, I give up. Where is this place?!” I shouted. Braeburn looked at me in concern.
“You alright, Echo?” He asked.
I sighed heavily as I wiped sweat from my brow. “Yeah, it’s just, I’ve been out here since morning and the heat’s just getting to me. *Sigh*, it feels like we’ve been going in circles.”
“That’s because we have been.” Little Strongheart said.
“What?!” I shouted wide eyed. She pointed to a trail in front of us. I got off the bike and walked towards it. Sure enough, there were tire tracks from our bikes.
“I thought it would be a good to go in a circle in case there were any more enemies.” She explained her reason.
I stared at it for a minute before replying flatly. “You know, in hindsight, I would’ve done the same thing.” I walked back and got back on the bike.
“So, where’s the camp?” I asked them. Little Strongheart got off the bike and opened a pouch on her left side. She pulled a flat, clear stone out and held it above her.
“What’s she doing?” I asked Braeburn.
He gave a chuckled. “Just watch, you’re going to see a treat.”
She angled the stone a bit so it could reflect the sun light. She waved it a bit so that it gave off flashes. They went straight ahead and that’s where I looked. The flashes were hitting a low cliff face.
Right after she stopped, I swear I saw a few flashes returned to us from the cliff.
It was then I figured out where the camp. The area around a portion of it started to shimmer. The portion began to blow away as if it was sand particles in the wind. After it was gone, I saw that a chunk of the cliff was gone, leaving a massive indention and a stone roof. On the ground, I saw the tips of tents behind a small constructed wooden gate.
I blinked a couple of times at the sight I just saw.
“So, what do you think?” Braeburn asked with that grin of his.
I replied a minute later. “Well, I see that the chief learned fast and then some.”
It took us a minute to get to the gate. Two archers were stationed on both sides, arrows drawn due to the bikes. They recognized Braeburn and Strongheart and they took a minute before they recognized me.
“Please, open the gates. We have returned with help.” She said.
They nodded and pushed the gates open. We had to leave the bikes outside but that was understandable. Zergers weren’t exactly common around buffalo.
The camp was quiet large. There were tepees placed all over in circles. There were taller ones placed near the back. There were multiple buffalo walking around, most of them female, carrying water jugs and baskets.
As we walked through the camp, we got numerous looks. Some recognized who I was gave small thanks while most of them eyed me with caution and moved children away from view.
“Don’t let it bother you, their just a little cautious about strangers is all.” Breaburn said.
“After what they went through, I don’t blame them.” I responded.
We kept walking until we neared the center of the camp. This was where a massive fire pit was located. A buffalo started walking towards us and it was then that we noticed that it was Steelstrike.
“It is good to see you my friend, you were able to rid us off our followers.” He said.
I gave a small smile. “Yeah, with thanks to these two.” I said as I gestured to Braeburn and Strongheart.
“Yes, I was wondering who was following me. I knew they were friends, I just didn’t know who. The chief was worried when he couldn’t find either of you.” He said as he eyed the two. My friends looked away at having been caught.
“Take it easy on them, they were just looking out for us.” I tried to explain.
“While that is commendable it was still dangerous for them. Especially for the daughter of the chief. If something were to happen to you, who knows what would happen to your father.” He reprimanded them, including Little Strongheart who looked down in shame.
Braeburn placed his hand on her shoulder for comfort. “Hey, go easy on her! It was my idea to follow and she wanted to come. Ah tried to get her to stay but she kept insisted on coming. If it’s anypony’s fault, it’s mine!” Braeburn stated, trying to take the blame.
Little Strongheart looked to him and placed her hand on top of his in gratitude for support and worry for trying to make the blame his. Steelstrike looked between the two before looking at me. I shrugged my shoulders not knowing what to say.
He looked back down at them before sighing. “Chief Thunderhooves believes I asked you two to station yourselves at the midway point between here and the nearby lake out of view. That way you would show up with him.” He explained when he pointed at me.
Little Strongheart looked up and smiled. “Thank you, Steelstrike.”
“Just don’t do it again. Now, if that is everything, the chief is waiting on us.” He said as started he started walking around the pit.
I looked at my friends. “I’ll talk to you guys later, okay?” I said. They nodded and walked back into the camp. I jogged a bit to catch up with Steelstrike.
“Thanks for covering for them.” I said with a smile.
“While I do not agree with lying, I understand them trying to help us.” He replied. We were walking up a small incline and towards the cliff.
“They mean well. Still, it’s good to see you made it here safe.” I said.
He brought up his fist and coughed in it a little. “Yes well, while it wasn’t my most joyous moments. I did make it here alive.
My ears lowered in embarrassment. “Sorry about that, we didn’t have much time and that was my only option at the moment.”
“I understand. It was an interesting experience, I will say that much.” He said as he offered a smile.
“Thanks. Uh, where is my bike anyway?” I asked.
He gestured forward and I looked ahead. We were about halfway underneath the cliff, casting a large shaded area. There were fewer tepees here the biggest one was in the center. Two buffalo with spears guarded both sides of the opening. On the right side of the tepee was my bike.
“Chief Thunderhooves wanted your vehicle close to him so that no one would bother it.” He explained.
We were right in front of the tent when he told me to stop. He walked forward and the guards let him past as he went past the flap, into the tepee.
I stood out here waiting while the guards stood unmoving. I gave a small wave but they didn’t budge.
‘Now I know how Dash felt that time.’ A moment later, Steelstrike brought me out of my thoughts when his head popped out from behind the flap.
“You may enter now, the chief is expecting you.” He said before going back behind the flap. I walked forward and the guards let me through. I moved the flap aside and walked in.
The inside of the tepee was very spacious. There were multiple hand woven rugs on the ground, laid out in a circle. A circular, stone fire pit was in the center with a beam of light shining on it from the opening at the top. There was artistic work drawn on the walls. However, my attention was on buffalo situated around the pit.
To the right of the pit was another male buffalo. He was a bit taller and thicker than Steelstrike. His coat was light brown and had dark brown eyes. He wore dark tan pants with small tassles going up the sides. He didn’t wear a shirt as his chest showed. He had multiple scars on his body, including one under his left eye. He wore the same headband under his horns but this one was red. He glanced at me for a second before closing his eyes.
To the left of the pit was a female buffalo. She was about my height but she carried a presence with her. She had a dark orange coat and light brown hair that was in a pony-tail and eyes. She wore a brown sleeveless vest that only covered her chest and brown shin-length pants. She wore a light yellow headband with circular patterns with two feathers on both sides. She eyed me with suspicion and uneasiness.
Sitting in front of the pit with Steelstrike off to his left was the buffalo I came to see. Chief Thunderhooves looked a lot better from last time we met. His dark blueish grey coat was healthier. His black eyes still showed the wisdom they always did. His headdress was restored to its former glory. His clothes were fixed with no seam in sight.
He looked up to me with a small smile. “It is good to see that you have arrived to aid us.”
I gave a small bow. “Thank you for allowing me to help.”
“So, this is the warrior you sent for?” The female buffalo spoke up. She looked me up and down. “He looks like couldn’t even hold a sword.”
“Judging one solely based on appearance is a fault.” The male buffalo said with his eyes still closed. The female glared at him from across her seat.
“Enough you two, we did not convene to fight. We convened to discuss what must be done.” Thunderhooves said, diffusing the situation. The male nodded while the female gave a small scoff.
Thunderhooves sighed a bit before looking back at me. “Forgive the argument, please sit.” He gestured to the rug in front of me. I looked down for a sec before complying and sitting down. It was actually pretty comfortable.
“Now, before we begin, I believe introductions are needed. You already know my head scout, Steelstrike.” The named buffalo gave a nod in my direction. "The one to my left is my leading warrior, Bear claw.” The large buffalo looked at me and gave a slight nod. “The one to my right is Flame weed; she is the second leading warrior from Chief Desertflower’s tribe.” The female gave me a half glare before looking away.
‘So, she’s from another tribe.’ “It is nice to meet you both.” I said.
“Steelstrike informed me that you were able to dispatch enemy scouts.” Thunderhooves said.
“Yes I did, but it was more than a few scouts.” I said. This caused some confusion and concern to appear on his face.
“What do you mean by that?” He asked.
“There was a commanding officer among the scouts. I think he called himself Rattle Vane.” I said. The mention of the name caused growls from both Steelstrike and Flame weed, a glare from Bear claw and deeper concern from the chief.
“I take it you’ve dealt with him once before.” I theorized.
“More than once.” Steelstrike said through gritted teeth.
“That damn serpent still refuses to die!” Flame weed snarled.
“He always returns to cause more strife.” Bear claw stated with a hint of anger.
“ENOUGH!” The outburst from the chief caused them to stop speaking but the glares were still there.
I waited for a minute before trying to speak again. “Excuse me for asking but, what are the details with him.”
Chief Thunderhooves managed to calm down enough to speak. “It happened sometime after you saved us. One of my scouts spotted a cage transport with buffalo inside it. There were few guards and we couldn’t let more of our brothers be taken that was when we first encountered him.”
“He was stronger than the others.” Bear claw spoke out. He looked at the Chief and was given a nod to continue. “I lead the charge with our remaining warriors. The weapons you blessed let us dispatch of the drones with little issues but not him.”
“Even with me aiding my brothers, he deflected our blows and injured others. It was by our ancestors’ luck that our archer’s arrows aimed true and brought him down.” He finished.
“But it seemed my aim was not true enough.” Steelstrike picked up with permission. “After we rescued them, we took time to heal before deciding to leave. We were on our way to the nearest compound when we were attacked.”
He shook his head before continuing. “It was like a ghost come to haunt us. There were no wounds or scars. It was like he was never harmed. He was just as deadly as ever. It wasn’t until the pony, Braeburn, helped us.”
“What did he do?” I asked.
“He was able to use his rope to bring a boulder on top of him. It was a sight to see, we had hoped it was the last we saw of him. …We were wrong.” He finished with a sigh.
“Time and time again we have faced this dangerous opponent. We feared that he could not be killed or harmed. I did not believe it until he returned from a wound I gave him after taking off his arm.” Flame weed gave her piece.
“He is a very dangerous opponent. But if you said you faced him...” The chief asked with some hope. I gave a small shake of my head that took it away. “I see, so he still lives.”
“I’m sorry chief, I tried. I didn’t know he had healing abilities.”
“It is not your fault, young friend. But this does complicate things.”
“Chief, I know you that there is another compound nearby but, what exactly was the plan?” I asked.
Chief Thunderhooves looked to Steelstrike and gestured for him. “The compound is placed along a cliff. There are three stone walls, two are from the cliff and the third is in front with an iron gate. We can not pierce the walls and there are multiple guards along the top.”
“Our plan is to use a sandstorm as cover and to attack from within. That way, we can finish with our enemy without being detected.” He explained.
The more I listened to the plan, the more I had to wonder about it. In theory, it was a basic surprise attack. But something about it just didn't sit well with me.
My concern must have showed because the chief noticed it. “Is something wrong, young friend?”
I looked up and saw that all eyes were on me.
“Oh ah, no. No, I was just thinking to myself.” I quickly said.
“Do not be afraid, young friend. Speak what worries you.” He reassuringly spoke.
I thought for a minute before giving in. “It’s just that, I have some concerns about this plan.” I began.
“What do you mean?” Steelstrike asked.
“Well, from what you said, you’re planning on using a sandstorm as cover, sneak in and take them out, right ?” They nodded in agreement. “It’s just; I don’t think it will work.”
“Why do you say this?” Bear claw asked.
“If they see a sandstorm and learned how you appear, then they know it’s you coming. There’s no other point of entry except the front, which is a problem itself. Also, you’ll need to know how to get in. Then there’s Rattle Vane.”
"I see where your concern lies.” Chief Thnderhooves spoke. “I am also worried about his influence.”
“So what are you suggesting we do?” Flame Weed asked me directly.
“I just don’t think it’s wise to use this plan. If you can give me time I’ll…” I began.
“Time is something we don’t have. The attack is tomorrow. We either succeed or fail. Or would you just have us give up.” She interrupted.
I flinched at her anger. “No! I just think that-“
“The more we wait, the more our kind suffer at their hands or worse!” She continued unfazed as her voice grew"
“I understand but-“
“I WILL NOT ALLOW ANOTHER INNOCENT TO FALL AGAIN!” She shouted at me.
“FLAME WEED!” Chief Thunderhooves shouted.
She turned and glared at the chief. She noticed that the others were looking at her and poised to restrain her. She looked at me once more with anger before standing up and stomped out of the tent.
Chief Thunderhooves looked at the flap before sighing heavily. “We shall discuss the plan of attack later. I wish to speak with young Echo Wave alone. Steelstrike, try to calm her rage. Bear claw, prepare the warriors for my decision. Dismissed.”