Sunrise at Moon Watch

The station in Dodge junction wasn't exactly crowded, and those who were there, were very much occupied with other things.

“Let's get on with this then.” Sunny asserted, starting south. The others followed. The badlands, contrary to the generally accepted understanding, do not merely encompass the rocky and sandy regions south of the Appaloosan desert, but a fair chunk of the dense jungle to the south, and the high, rocky spurs of the Macintosh Hills. It was at the foot of those hills, mis-named mountains that they were, that the group found themselves heading south towards the old fortress of Moon Watch. The underbrush wasn't nearly so messy as further to the south, where the jungle met the badlands. There were few things that survived in the same places that Changelings took up residence. Those that did, were almost entirely worse predators than the Changelings ever thought of being. Thus Sunny led the way with both confidence and a healthy dose of caution.

Only the strongest of those would dare to challenge such a large party, thus was the thinking at least. As Shining fell back at noon to take up the rear from Robert, he asked if there was anything out there.

“Something's following us. Something big.” the tiger replied. “Haven't seen it, haven't smelled it. Whatever it is, it's very, very quiet, but not quite quiet enough. Listen close.” Shining listened as they moved forward, and did indeed hear something, but what he could not fathom.

Night was just beginning to fall when the attack came. Stone colored birds, with long legs, razor tipped toes, and huge sharp beaks came thundering towards the camp, feathers shaking as they ran. The first of them made a sound as it crashed against Shining's shield. The impact cracked the bubble for a moment, before Shining threw power into it, smoothing the crack, and reinforcing it. More of them came on, some lashing out with dagger toed feet, at the obstruction, others simply throwing themselves against it as they sought a weakness in the shield.

“W-what are they?” Pip asked, voice trembling.

“Dangerous.” Shining answered, teeth gritted.

“Shining, give me an opening when they fall back.” Spike called, stepping up and inhaling a deep breath. The birds fell back, preparing for another charge. A hole opened in the shield. Spike exhaled, a stream of green fire threatening the birds back further, and splashing onto the rocks. Magical as it was, the fire clung on where no normal fire could have. The birds were wary, but several of the braver ones advanced. Dragonfire however, reached up seemingly of it's own accord and caught onto the oily feathers on their backs. Though the fire lasted only moments, the panic it instilled within them was enough to turn them, sending those handful of brave ones squawking in terror and outrage. The others caught the scent of burnt and frightened comrades, and fled beside them, the entire flock scrabbling for purchase on the gravel as they fled.

The group retreated up to the top of a small rise, with only one way up or down from it for the night. As Big Mac and Spike made a fire for the night, Shining and Robert slipped down the path a short distance. Sunny watched from the top of the path.

“Tell me, what do you know about warding?” Robert asked.

“Not much. I always preferred an active defense, over a passive one.” Shining admitted. “I can recognize them, and bypass them, but I know nothing about making them.”

“I can understand that. I know a little about setting them, but the ones I know are all very much only early warning spells. I wonder if perhaps you can weave your shield into it.” Robert suggested. “So that when the ward is tripped, the shield raises enough to give us time to rise.”

“It won't work. You can't tie off shields.” Shining shook his head.

“I had this same argument with your sister. I convinced her. Do you want to stand out here and freeze our dangly bits off while I convince you?”

“I suppose convincing her is enough.” Shining admitted, shivering slightly. “Let's do this.” Horn and fangs alight, the pair worked quickly, laying a line of magical power across the path. Anything coming up would be in for a rude surprise. Anything with hostile intent would be even more surprised. The pair retreated up, and sat down with Sunny beside the fire. Spike served a bean stew, with chopped parsley that he'd gotten from somewhere.

Twilight's meal was far less tasty, and in fact was all but inedible. Or would have been.

“Hiya Twilight.”: Pinkie appeared out of the soup bowl.

“Pinkie! You have no idea how glad I am to see you.” Twilight wrapped her hooves around her friend. “How did you get in here?”

“It wasn't easy. I hads to use the Precious.” Pin.kie rubbed her legs together for a moment. “How did you get in here?”

“We were taken by Changelings.” Luna answered drily.

“Oh, right.” Pinkie chuckled sheepishly. “Everypony seems to be doing okay, though we're wondering how we're going to get out of this one?” Pinkie's cheerful expression belied the hope in her tone.

“We're working on it. It's slow going. I don't have my research notes or my number one assistant and I'm doing it all in my head.” Twilight took a breath. “Try and keep everyone's spirits up. Just do your Pinkie thing.”

“And have faith.” Celestia suggested. Pinkie's head rotated slowly, creepily towards the princess of the sun.

“Okie. Dokie. Lokie.” Pinkie vanished. Luna laughed.

“What pray tell is humorous sister of mine?” Celestia asked.

“I shall tell thee some Mid-summers night.” Luna chuckled. “For now, we must destroy these rings.”

“Oh, and so still you try to escape. So cute.” Chrysalis smirked from the door. “Such a shame. I came to tell you of a delightful development. We have sensed some of your stallions coming to rescue you. Their love is a beacon. And soon they will guide me to them. Such strong love. Soon I will have the Crystal Empire, and then, the Griffons, and soon, the world. And all will have nothing but love for me.” Celestia stamped a hind hoof. A chunk of ceiling fell off and smacked the Changeling queen in the hindquarters. She yelped and instinctively bolted forwards. An instant later, Luna and Cadance's wings beat, air sucking towards them. The Changeling Queen crashed head long into the bars of the cell. Twilight spun, and left an imprint on the queen's carapace, sending her sailing to the far side of the hall.

“Go right ahead Chrysalis. We shall see if you become as powerful as you say.” Celestia smiled. Two drones drug their queen away.

“Sister? Was it wise to irritate her like that?” Luna asked.

“More than wise. It was necessary.” Celestia smiled. “Now she will go angrily unto them, and forget to be stealthy.” Celestia laughed. “I suspect Shining will see through that.”

“How do you know Shining is with them?” Cadance asked.

“I read ahead.” Celestia smirked.