Chapter Eleven – An Alliance of Escapees
As the ponies were all ushered inside their hut, Sunny immediately made her way to the very back. She stopped and waited until the door had been firmly closed and locked before she activated her powers.
“Sunny!” Sprout gasped. “What are you up to?”
Sunny grinned as she moved the mat and removed the concrete floor ‘plug’. “Sprout, start tapping next to the hole,” she instructed. “I’m going to make another hole for us to grow food.”
Sprout suddenly remembered and with a look of understanding did as instructed. Meanwhile, Sugar and the other ponies watched on with confusion.
Sunny moved the next mat in the row, then angling her horn she fired a fine cutting beam. Walking around in a circle she created a smaller round hole. One which would be big enough to grow plants but not for anypony to get through.
Sugar frowned with annoyance as she watched Sunny remove the round ‘plug’ and Sprout continued to tap on the floor with a hoof. “Okay, you’re acting weird, Sunny. You’ve even got Sprout acting strange. That’s saying something.”
“Hey,” Sprout frowned as he continued to tap.
Sunny giggled giddily, “We made contact with other creatures, Thymus the Changeling and Skysurf the Hippogriff. Their huts are on either side of ours and they’ll be busy digging towards Sprout’s tapping right now.”
Sugar blinked with confusion as the others looked at each other. “So, what you're saying is we’re getting visitors?”
“Yes, isn’t it exciting? Eee he he,” Sunny squeaked. “If we all work together then we’ll all escape.”
Sugar scowled with annoyance. “I don’t think escaping will be quite that easy, Sunny.”
“Maybe not,” Sprout interjected. “But it’s a start. At least with tunnels between our huts, we’ll be able to plan a coordinated effort.”
“Wow, big words for a little Sprout,” Sugar goggled. “Can we grow some food then?”
“Not yet,” Sunny instructed as her powers disappeared. “We need to wait for them to get here first.”
“Okay fine,” Sugar sighed. “But I’m still getting my apple tonight.”
“Don’t worry, Sugar. I’ll make sure you do,” Sunny beamed.
As the evening went on, Sunny’s previous enthusiasm started to wane as nothing seemed to happen. Both she and Sprout began taking turns tapping on the floor. Especially when there was a low-toned beep and food was dispensed.
“Do they come and check we’ve eaten?” Sunny asked worriedly.
“No, but if you don’t finish it tonight, it will still be there tomorrow morning,” Sprout advised.
“They’ll make you finish it then,” Sugar grumbled.
“I take it you talk from experience, Sugar,” Sunny smirked.
Sugar’s scowl was all the confirmation Sunny needed.
Later, Sugar was laid on her mat watching as Sunny continued to tap next to the hole. She was tempted to ignore what Sunny had said and grow some decent food. However, she didn’t get the chance.
Suddenly, there was a scraping sound and Sunny stopped tapping. She gasped, as the ground in the hole began to shift. Then, it disappeared, and revealed a very dirty Thymus.
“Moondust Twinkle,” Thymus smiled. “It’s good to see you.”
‘Moondust’ grinned as she offered a hoof to Thymus. He took it gratefully and ‘Moondust’ pulled him from the hole.
“Some of us thought you wouldn’t make it,” ‘Moondust’ smiled, shooting a look at Sugar.
“I did say our tunnel was advanced,” Thymus smiled. “It shouldn’t be too long until Skysurf arrives.”
Suddenly, there was a tapping sound from under the floor on the opposite side of the room. Sprout gasped and immediately resumed tapping on the floor.
“Thanks, Sprout,” ‘Moondust’ grinned. “Seems you're right, Thymus, she’s not far off.”
“I may as well assist her,” Thymus grinned as he headed back into the hole.
It wasn’t long before ‘Moondust’ and Sprout were pulling both Thymus and Skysurf from the hole. However, they were surprised to find that behind Skysurf was a dark blue Griffon.
“So, these are the Ponies,” the Griffon sniffed. “To be clear, we ain’t joining you yet. I wanna hear your plans first.”
“Well, before that let’s make some proper introductions,” Skysurf suggested. “I’m Skysurf, I’m here to represent the Hippogriffs of Mount Aris and Seaquestria. There are many of us here, we’re all desperate to escape and return home. Especially those of us who prefer to live in Seaquestria. I’m the personal guard of Coral Cloud, the daughter of our Queen.”
“Seaquestria?” ‘Moondust’ gasped. “Where’s that? If it’s underwater, how do you breathe?”
Skysurf smiled. “It’s under the sea near Mount Aris. Hippogriffs have long lived both on land and in the sea. We transform into Seaponies to live below the waves.”
‘Moondust’ gasped in amazement as the Griffon grunted and rolled her eyes.
Thymus smiled knowingly. “You know Equestria has been isolated for moons. They are going to have many questions. Why don’t you introduce yourself?”
“Yeah, ponies are so naive,” the Griffon snorted before sighing. “Fine, I’m Giselle, I’ll decide on behalf of the Griffons of Griffonstone if we’re going to join in here. So, Changeling, why don’t you impress me with your changing?”
“Well, firstly my name is Thymus,” he sighed. “I’m a guard and sworn protector of the changeling hive. I’m sorry to disappoint you, Giselle, the collar the Nirik fitted me with prevents me from using my changeling abilities.”
“But you do change,” Giselle frowned. “I’ve seen you.”
Thymus nodded. “Yes, when we are at the dig sites, we’re able to transform into Bugbears. But only Bugbears and only when we’re within the dig sites. They can also turn it off at any time and force us back to normal form.”
‘Moondust’ gasped as Giselle frowned with annoyance. She poked Sprout in the side, indicating he should introduce himself.
“Oh, errr. So, I’m Sprout Cloverleaf. I’m a Private in the Equestria Guard based in Maretime Bay.”
Skysurf gasped and suddenly looked very interested. “Maretime Bay? What’s that?”
“It’s the Earth Pony town,” Sprout explained. “We’re all from Maretime Bay originally. Although some of us moved to the Pegasus City, Zephyr Heights.”
“As its name suggests, Maretime Bay is situated on the coast,” ‘Moondust’ explained.
“So, is it right you were all divided until recently?” Skysurf asked.
“Yes, we were,” Sugar nodded in the background.
“Well, as we’re in your hut, please feel free to join our discussion,” Thymus smiled. “What is your name?”
Sugar sighed in resignation before stepping forward. “I’m Sugar Moonlight. Before unification, I worked as a model for CanterLogic. But it’s closed now.”
“CanterLogic produced personal protection equipment,” Sprout explained. “We Earth Ponies can’t fly or use magic, so we needed a way to protect ourselves. My mom was the CEO, she closed it after unification.”
“Unification?” Giselle blinked.
“That was when all three pony kinds reunited,” Sugar explained before sighing. “An Earth Pony was brave enough to make friends with Unicorns and Pegasi. Together they travelled across Equestria and found the three Unity Crystals. They reunited us all and brought back magic.”
“How wonderful,” Giselle snorted.
“You’ve suddenly gone very quiet, Moondust Twinkle,” Thymus said worriedly. “I thought you’d be excited by this.”
“I’m just, being cautious,” ‘Moondust’ frowned. “Giselle, you look familiar. Did you attempt an escape on the airship?”
Giselle grunted with annoyance. “Yeah, that was me. If you were one of those idiots who started shouting, we’re going to have words.”
“Moondust and I were there,” Thymus admitted. “But we only watched. We didn’t contribute to the noise that caused your downfall.”
Giselle’s expression softened slightly. “Good. Whilst I’m still not convinced by this. The Griffons have been recklessly trying anything to escape. It’s landed many of us in high-security confinement, myself included.”
“What’s that?” Skysurf frowned.
“They lock you in cages, amongst other things,” Giselle snorted. “Allura got angry with how many of us were in there this afternoon and turfed us all out.
“Anyway, whilst the Griffon tactics need to change. I don’t currently see what working with you lot will achieve. Especially you ponies, no offence. But you’re stuck pulling carts. You’re going to be no help at all.”
‘Moondust’ took a deep breath and frowned. “Then, my question to you all is this. Can I trust you?”
“Trust us?” Skysurf gasped.
“Can I trust you to keep a secret from the Nirik,” ‘Moondust’ clarified looking pointedly at Giselle.
Thymus nodded reassuringly. “Of course, you can trust me, and the other Changelings. We owe the Ponies a great deal from deeds done in the past. I hope we can rekindle past relations with Equestria.”
“Same here,” Skysurf nodded. “You can trust me and the other Hippogriffs. When we were attacked by the Nirik. Coral Cloud and I were part of a delegation heading to Equestria. We want to restart our friendly relations that our ancestors enjoyed with you.”
Giselle scowled with annoyance. “Well let me put it this way. Anything you say stays within this hut. I won’t tell the other Griffons unless you want them to know.”
Sunny sighed. “Close enough because I want to introduce myself properly. My name isn’t Moondust Twinkle. It’s Sunny Starscout.
“Sugar mentioned an Earth Pony who made friends and travelled Equestria to reunite us all. Well, that pony was me and when we reconnected the Unity Crystals, I was given something special.”
Sunny took a step back from the others, closing her eyes she activated her powers with a flash. She spread her wings and flexed them a few times before folding them against her sides.
“Okay, now things are getting interesting,” Giselle gasped.
Thymus nodded understandingly. “I can see why you are being cautious, Sunny Starscout. It is good to meet you properly.”
Sunny sighed and looked down. “Thymus, I’m sorry for deceiving you on the airship. I was being honest about my friends though. They are looking for me and I’ve even been able to use my magic to message them.”
Giselle’s eyes lit up. “You have magic then!”
Sunny nodded. “Yes.”
Giselle jumped forward, a beaming grin on her face. “Then teleport us home!”
Sunny gasped, stepping back in shock. “I…I can’t.”
“Sure you can,” Giselle beamed. “I’ve heard the stories of pony magic. You teleport, fire rainbow beams, and turn creatures into stone. What are you waiting for?”
Sunny gulped, suddenly wondering if this had been such a good idea. “I…I can’t teleport you. Well, I could, as far as the other end of this hut. But you’d appear upside down.”
Giselle pulled a confused face. “What?”
Sunny sighed and shook her head. “I don’t know why it won’t work right for me. My friend, Misty, is currently the only Pony in Equestria that can teleport properly. She’d maybe be able to take three others with her, but that’s it.”
“When we divided, we lost magic as well,” Sprout interjected. “Sunny and her friends brought it back with the Unity Crystals.”
“That’s why they’re the Guardians of Unity,” Sugar added. “They didn’t just bring back magic. They defeated a powerful enemy too, one who threatened all Equestria.”
Giselle’s eyes twinkled. “Was that with a rainbow beam?”
“Yes, that was using powerful artefacts called the Elements of Unity,” Sunny confirmed with a small smile. “I can’t do that on my own though. I can only do that with my friends, I don’t have my element with me either.”
“Okay, okay,” Giselle said as she held up her claws. “You’ve convinced me, I’m in. The thought that you are in contact with these Guardian friends of yours sounds good.”
“The Nirik must not find out about you,” Skysurf said suddenly. “I don’t know who you are, but the Nirik know who’s important. Coral Cloud was the most important Griff in our delegation, they targeted her specifically.”
“They may already know you’re here,” Thymus said gravely. “Pseudonym or no, I suspect they’ll recognise that mark you have on your flank.”
Sprout couldn’t help laughing and the creatures all looked at him confusedly. “Oh, don’t worry,” he chuckled. “I’ve known her since we were foals and when she came through that door, I didn’t recognise her.”
“I’m kind of not normally this colour, it’s a disguise,” Sunny sighed as she looked down with embarrassment. “You all knew you were dealing with Nirik when you were captured. I didn’t. I thought we were dealing with disgruntled Pegasus Ponies.
“There have been protests from a group of them against unification. My friends, Hitch and Zipp. They told me we didn’t know what we were dealing with, but I didn’t listen. I should have, Hitch is the Sheriff of Maretime Bay and Zipp is a brilliant Detective. They knew something didn’t add up but I paid no attention.
“I convinced my other friends it was Pegasi too. I knew Pipp and Izzy would enjoy creating this disguise. Also, I knew Misty would enjoy teaching me a new spell.
“So, when the Nirik appeared, I wasn’t ready at all. I completely screwed it up.”
“None of which matters,” Sugar responded. “You made a mistake, get over it. I bet you’ll listen to Zipp and Hitch next time.”
Sunny looked at Sugar with a thankful smile and Giselle let out a groan.
“Okay, that actually sounds pretty similar to my story,” she admitted. “I didn’t know why Griffs were going missing either. I just jumped into things too. I wasn’t the bait, but I got caught trying to stop a Nirik getting away after it surprised us.”
“It sounds like we have a lot in common,” Skysurf smiled. “I think this alliance will work well. The last thing I want to know is, what’s with the other hole?”
Sunny smiled. “I’m sure Sugar will be pleased to show you. She’s been waiting all night.”
“Finally,” Sugar sniffed.
She moved over to the smaller hole in the floor and raised a forehoof. The creatures gasped as it glowed with a green aura.
Then, as Sugar tapped her glowing hoof on the ground, the creatures watched in awe as a small Apple Tree grew from the hole. The apples quickly ripened to maturity and Sugar grinned as she picked one.
“Oh wow,” Giselle gasped. “Okay, everything I said before about you Ponies being useless I take back. You guys are epic.”
“That is Earth Pony magic,” Sunny smiled. “We’ve only had it since unification. We can grow any plants instantly.”
“But, what happens when the Nirik come in tomorrow?” Skysurf asked worriedly.
“They won’t have a clue,” Sunny beamed. “We can reverse plant growth too, so that tree will be gone when we’re done with it.”
“We just need soil,” Sprout added. “We couldn’t grow anything substantial on this concrete.”
“I knew there was more to you Ponies,” Thymus grinned. “Alas, time is getting away from us. We had better leave before lights out.”
“Make sure you take some Apples with you,” Sunny grinned. “Don’t worry, we can make the tree produce as many as we want.”
With that, the creatures each said their goodbyes and headed into the tunnel. Each loaded up with apples before carefully making their way through.
After they’d gone, Sunny carefully placed the concrete ‘plug’ in the hole. She shot Sprout and Sugar a confident smile.
“You sure you made the right choice?” Sugar frowned. “Showing them your powers?”
“We’re not going to escape on our own,” Sunny sighed. “I don’t think I’d even be able to get away on my own. We need to trust them, and they need to trust us.”
“At least you managed to convince Giselle,” Sprout grinned. “Although you ought to have upside down teleported her. That would have been proper funny.”
Sugar snorted in disgust. “Well, we ought to tidy up. Lights will be going out soon.”
“Yeah, let's do that,” Sunny smiled before gasping. “Oh no! I need to message Misty!”
“It’s fine, Sunny,” Sprout smiled. “We’ll take care of it.”
“Whatever,” Sugar groaned.
As Sugar and Sprout made sure everypony had been given an apple and started tidying. Sunny walked to the corner of the room as her horn started glowing.
“Misty, are you there? It’s Sunny, you’ll never guess all the progress we’ve made!”
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Another really well-done job on the dialogue, characterizations and future chapter set-up. Definitely liked the discussions between the backgrounds of assorted prisoners, the descriptions of some of the security protocols as well as Sunny explaining herself to the assembled prisoners who agreed to work together to plan their escape (as well as the discussion of using Earth Pony magic to provide better food for other prisoners helping plan the escape). The report to Misty at the end (which was foreshadowed in the previous chapter) was also a rather good touch.
I am definitely going to be looking forward to more of this.
It's great for Sunny to meet a changeling, griffin and hippogriff. I hope she'll meet the yak and the diamond dogs and those other unicorns which I assuming their auroricorns, I want to see if they ever want to escape too. Along with Sunny sending a message to Misty, I hope she'll get the message back to her about the situation
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Yep, two chapters that occurred at the same time in different locations. So there's two foreshadowings as things merge for a while at the start of the next one.
Having 'fun' with the messages later on. Misty needs to work out how to put them on speaker!
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The next chapter has a little more mention of the Auroricorns.
Some more details of the extent of Allura’s purr power in this AU too.
11921961
Whoa, cool