//------------------------------// // The Search Begins // Story: The Knights of Tambelon // by Catrina37 //------------------------------// Chapter 4: The Search Begins “While we’re getting acquainted with Twilight, and while the citizens of Ponyville were helping with cleaning the town up from the storm, Rainbow Dash called a meeting with the others in the throne room, including Discord, Zecora, Spike and Owlowicious, to discuss a plan to rescue Twilight…” “As you all know, Twilight has been swept in the storm,” Rainbow Dash says as she takes charge of the meeting, “We figure that she’s somewhere between here and Shadow Mountain, and we have to come up with a way to find and rescue her.” “B-but what about the Monster of Shadow Pass?” Fluttershy says, “Wouldn’t it get in the way of our search for Twilight?” “We’ve handled monsters plenty of times Fluttershy.” Rainbow responds. “Rainbow’s right. This monster can’t be any different than the ones we faced before.” Applejack speaks. Just then, Princess Celestia, Luna, Shining Armor, and Cadence arrive urgently through the throne room doors. They rush into the throne room itself to meet up with Twilight’s friends. “Princesses! And Shining Armor!” Pinkie exclaims, glad to see them. “We came as soon as we got Spike’s message about Twilight!” Celestia said while catching her breath. “What happened?” Luna said. “Owlowicious got caught in the storm, so Twilight went out to look for him.” Fluttershy explains “She got him out, but the poor darling got caught in the storm herself and it took her straight to the Shadow Mountains.” Rarity also explains. The princesses and Shining Armor gasp. “Oh no!” Cadance exclaims. “Twily’s in trouble?!” Shining also exclaims, “We’ve gotta go help her!” “We’re already formulating a plan to rescue her,” Rainbow Dash reassures them. “But how will we find her?! The Shadow Mountains is one of the easiest places to get lost in.” Cadence says with worry. “I already had Spike write a letter to the best tracker in all of Equestria.” “Who?” Discord asks with curiosity. As if an outside force answers his question, someone comes in through the door. Cadence and Shining Armor suddenly gasp when they see who that someone is: Daring Do. “Ah ha ha! Of course! Daring Do, the pony adventurer of Rainbow’s book series!” Discord screams jubilantly. Celestia and Luna are also in awe. “I came as soon as I got your message, Rainbow Dash,” she says, “And I know what caused that storm.” “You do?” Applejack says. “Yay. Ahuizotl recently took the Storm Medallion, an artifact that has the power to make destructive storms. I tracked Ahuizotl to Horse Shoe Bay when I saw him conversing with someone in a magic pool. It looked like the shadow of a ram, and it gave him orders to use the medallion in order to flush someone out at Shadow Mountain. I would’ve gotten here to warn you, but the storm was moving faster than me.” “Hold on a moment. Did you say “a ram’s shadow”?” Luna asks with her eyes wide open. “I sense some danger in your words; this is the gravest news I have ever heard,” Zecora says in her usual rhyme. “You think Ahuizotl and that thing he was talking to are trying to enslave the monster?” Rarity inquires. “Forget the monster! We have to rescue Twilight before it or Ahuizotl get to her first,” Pinkie Pie says seriously, causing everyone to look at her in surprise, “What? I can act serious, especially at a time like this.” “Right! Rarity, I want you, Applejack, Pinkie, and Spike to wait here and help with the clean-up,” Rainbow Dash commanded, “We may need you here in case Twilight comes back. Discord, Fluttershy, Daring Do and Owlowicious are coming with me for the search.” “Right, Rainbow Dash, but be careful!” Rarity says. “Luna, Cadance, Shining, Zecora, and I will stay behind. We’ll attend to the wounded and make sure everypony is accounted for.” Celestia tells Rainbow. Rainbow smiled. She really didn’t know what the princesses, prince, and Zecora would do, but she was glad that Celestia helped decide for her. She gives a salute with her wing, showing the royals and zebra her appreciation for finding how they could help. With her unicorn magic, Rarity straps some backpacks onto the five rescuers. The bags were packed with food rations, water, and climbing gear for the trip to Shadow Mountain. “Everyone all packed and ready to go?” Rainbow Dash made sure. The four nod yes. “Good. Let’s go find Twilight.” Discord uses his powers to teleport the five out of Ponyville. “Good luck my friends. We are sure you will find Twilight with no loose ends,” Zecora says with hope.