Chapter 8: Reunited at Last
Back at the castle, Scorpan is nervously waiting for Thorne to return. Catrina and Rep were also waiting anxiously, as well as Twilight who was concerned for her new friend’s safety.
“I hope Thorne is alright,” Scorpan says as he paces, “He’s been gone longer than usual.”
“I’m sure he’s fine, Scorpan. He’s pretty capable of taking care of himself,” Rep assures him.
“So, you guys take turns being the monster?” Twilight inquires.
“We have to,” Catrina explains, “Scorpan is a famous hero of Equestria. If any pony sees him and tells others where he is, Grogar will send someone after us. The spell may have prevented Grogar from coming back to Equestria…”
“But it doesn’t mean his followers can’t come!” Twilight finishes with realization.
Catrina grimly nods yes to Twilight as a sign that she’s unfortunately correct.
Then, they hear the front door creak open. Thorne peers his head from behind the door.
“I’m back,” he says while ducking sheepishly.
“Thorne, we were starting to worry,” Scorpan says while sighing in relief. “It took you longer than usual. What happened?”
“I came across a pegasus who’s not afraid of monsters,” Thorne explains himself, “She and her friends are out here with me, saying they are friends of Twilight.”
“My friends are here?!” Twilight exclaims with glee.
Thorne by then opens the door all the way to reveal Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Owlowiscious at the entrance with smiles on their faces.
“Twilight!!” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy shouted happily as they flew in and hug Twilight.
Owlowiscious just hooted happily and cuddles Twilight.
“It’s so great to see you all!”
“Hey, Twilight!” Daring Do greets as she steps in front of the doorway.
The moment Scorpan, Catrina, and Rep couldn’t help but let their mouths go agape at who they were seeing before them.
“Holy cow! Isn’t that...” Rep says with wonder.
“Daring Do?!” Catrina finishes for him.
“I didn’t know she was real?” Scorpan says with amazement.
“Believe me, when I first saw her, I too was really surprised.” Thorne tells them.
“She’s not the only celebrity here!” Discord jokingly says as he pokes his head from the top of the door.
“DISCORD!!!” Rep and Catrina shouted.
Without hesitation, Rep uses his tongue to catch his head and pull him in. But Discord suddenly made himself disappear before he could be pulled any further.
“Enslaving innocent ponies again?! Or are you planning to sell them out to Tirek like before?!” Catrina angrily says as she and Rep look around for him.
With a bright flash, Discord made himself reappear, his cleft hoof balancing him on top of Catrina’s nose like he was in a balancing act.
“Oh no! I’m not up to anything. I don’t even like Tirek anymore,” Discord tells Catrina, “I am a reformed draconequess.”
“He’s telling the truth! Honest!” Fluttershy pleads for him.
Catrina by then grabs Discord by his cleft hoof and holds him upside down.
“How do we know that you didn’t just mind control them into being your servants.” Rep says.
“Catrina, Rep, wait! Have you also forgotten that he gave my medallion to Twilight, saving Equestria?” Scorpan says as he stops her.
“How do you know about that? And who are you guys?” Rainbow Dash asks.
“I often fly over Ponyville to hear any news.”
“As for who he is, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight explains, “This is Scorpan.”
“The SCORPAN!?!” Rainbow Dash excitedly says, “The hero who saved us from Tirek the first time!”
Discord by then disappears from Catrina’s grip.
“I must be dreaming!” Discord said as he magically appears behind Rainbow Dash.
“Wow,” Fluttershy softly says with awe.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Scorpan!” Daring Do said as she bows to him.
“And those two are Catrina and Rep.” Twilight introduces.
“Hi.” they both say.
“It’s nice to meet you guys too.” Daring Do tips her hat.
****
Outside, on top of another ledge not very far from the castle, Ahuizotl is with his feline henchmen. He followed Thorne and the others to the castle, and today, from a distance without the use of his telescope, he got to see that the gang of knights was back together, along with seeing Princess Twilight introducing the knights to her friends.
“At last, I have finally found the hideout of Tambelon’s band of misfits,” Ahuizotl said as he rubs his hands, “I will finally have my revenge on Scorpan.”