Escape from Arora Ridge Quarry

Freed from the constraints of following the Airship, Zipp could finally unleash the top speed of the Marestream. Coupled with a more direct route, this meant that while the trip to the Quarry had taken several days, the return flight to Equestria was completed by the early hours of the following morning.

However, the three of them found there was little time to rest. Shortly after sunrise, they waited in a small room to be called into the throne room.

Zipp frowned in frustration; she was eager to get to work. However, Queen Haven had insisted that they be introduced to the Hippogriffs. With a sigh, she settled onto a luxuriously padded sofa and tried her best to wait patiently.

Feather Breeze sat on the same sofa. On the outside, she looked calm and collected as she stared straight forward. Conversely, inside, she was a bundle of nerves, which Pipp wasn’t helping.

Pipp had never felt so nervous before entering the throne room and wasn’t afraid to show it. She paced up and down the room, her hoofs threatening to wear a groove in the expensive-looking carpet.

“This is all messed up,” she gasped as she continued to pace. “This is our house! We should be in the throne room having them announced to us. Not the other way around!”

“Pipp, will you quit with the pacing?” Zipp groaned. “We’re the ones returning, remember, and, we’ll be introducing a new guest to Mom.”

She gestured toward Feather Breeze whose eyes widened as she suddenly released a deep shaky breath. “P...Please!” she exclaimed. “I don’t know if I can handle this. I’m the first Kirin in Equestria for generations and now I’m officially meeting Hippogriffs too. I...I shouldn’t be the one here, it should be Winters Breath. Or Spring Flare! She always handles this stuff so well. I’m…I’m not important enough!”

Gasping with concern, Pipp finally stopped pacing and hurried to Feather Breeze. Placing a hoof on her shoulder and looking at her reassuringly. “You’re here because you’re our friend. You’re here because you’re helping us rescue the rest of your kind.”

“Yeah, I’d say that makes you pretty important,” Zipp smiled. “We’ll look out for you. All this is pomp and circumstance. It’s the stuff I hate most about being a princess. Mom promised we’ll be done quickly so we can get to work.”

“All we need to do is go in, say hello, and then we’ll be done,” Pipp smiled.

Feather Breeze chuckled nervously, “Says the one who’s been wearing out the carpet.”

Pipp couldn’t help laughing back but didn’t get a chance to respond as there was a knock at the door. There was a click as it opened and revealed Zoom. “Your Highnesses, Miss Feather Breeze, everything is ready. This way, please.”

Gesturing with a hoof, Zoom stepped back to leave the doorway clear. Meanwhile, Zipp looked at Feather Breeze and Pipp reassuringly. “It’s okay, we’ve got this.”

Pipp meanwhile took a deep breath before smiling. “Yeah, it’s the waiting that’s the hard part. Come on. Showtiiiime!”

Feather Breeze closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath. When she opened them, Zipp and Pipp stood at the door, waiting for her. She noticed Pipp’s reassuring smile and recalled when she woke up after being a Nirik for so long. Pipp had helped her then, and she knew she would be there for her again now.

Feeling determined, Feather Breeze got up from the sofa and followed Zoom and the two Princesses from the room.

Meanwhile, Strawberry was in her room. She was kneeling on the ground with her backside wiggling in the air. In front of her was an orange that she was staring at intently, scowling with concentration. Suddenly, her horn began to glow, and she fired a beam of magic at the fruit.

However, when the beam hit it, it washed over and dispersed into nothingness, leaving the orange sitting where it was, not even a mark remaining.

Strawberry gasped as she stood up, her eyes widening in dismay. She gulped and started panting as she desperately looked around for the spell book. It wasn’t far away, sitting open on the dresser nearby.

Still panting, she sat down as she levitated the book into her hoofs. Then, her eyes narrowed as she re-read the spell incantation, studying it intently.

After a moment, her eyes widened with a mixture of disbelief and dismay. “I...I don’t... I don’t understand!” she gasped as she began panting again. “I…I’m sure I’m getting it right. So... why? Why won’t it work?!”

Her eyes began to well with tears. However, she closed them tightly and willed them to stop, grimacing as she did so.

She sat gasping with her eyes closed for a moment before breathing a shaky sigh and opening them sadly. “I…I can’t let her down.”

She took another deep breath as she decided she had no choice. Her horn glowed and she cast the messaging spell. “M...Misty, I’m sorry. I know you need to rest but…” She let out another sigh. “I...I need your help… please?”

Elsewhere, Pipp, Zipp and Feather Breeze were walking down a corridor towards the throne room, following Zoom and Thunder. Zipp and Pipp followed directly behind the two Guards whilst Feather Breeze nervously walked behind them.

As she did so, she couldn’t help admiring the sudden change in Pipp. Moments before she had been a ball of nervous energy. However, now an aura of confidence was spilling off of her. From the expression on her face to the way she walked. She wasn’t sure, but it even looked like Pipp’s cutie mark was glowing.

As they neared the large ornate double doors to the throne room, a fanfare started playing and there was a thud as they began to open. Pipp couldn’t help giving her mane a final flick, making sure it was falling just right. Zipp meanwhile rolled her eyes before looking over her shoulder to give Feather Breeze another look of reassurance.

On the other side of the doors stood two lines of Guards. They created a corridor that led to the pedestal at the far end of the room, where Queen Haven was already seated on her throne. On one side of the pedestal, were two Hippogriffs.

The female Hippogriff standing closest to her had a light fuchsia coat and a cyan mane and tail. On her head sat a simple golden crown.

Standing next to her was a larger dark blue male Hippogriff with a silver mane and tail. He scowled down at the three of them as though he owned the place.

After walking through the door, Zoom and Thunder both sidestepped, leaving the way clear for the threesome to pass between them. As they did so, Zoom cleared her throat, “Announcing the returning Princesses, Zephyrina Storm, and Pipp Petals. With their accompanying friend, envoy of the Kirin, Feather Breeze.”

As the fanfare continued, they walked towards the throne as the Guards all stood to attention and saluted in unison.

Meanwhile, the male Hippogriff watched them like a hawk, silently judging them as they approached. As he locked eyes with Feather Breeze she felt a chill run down her spine.

The fanfare finally ceased as they reached the foot of the pedestal. Then, the Guards gave one last salute before they turned in unison and began marching out of the room. However, Zoom and Thunder stayed behind, standing by the doors as they closed with a loud thud.

Finally, with a beaming smile, Queen Haven addressed her daughters.

“Oh, Zipp, Pipp, my darlings,” she beamed. “I know you’ll be tired as it’s only a few short hours since you got back, but I’m so happy to see you. Please, allow me to introduce our guests. This is Queen Skystar the Fifth, ruler of Seaquestria and Mount Aries and Admiral Seasurge of the Royal Hippogriff Navy.”

Both Princesses followed protocol, bowing their heads and dropping to one knee in reverence before standing again.

“Thank you, Mother,” Pipp smiled. “It’s an honour to meet you, Queen Skystar.”

“Thank you, Mom,” Zipp smirked. “Queen Skystar, it’s great to meet you.”

Queen Skystar smiled as she took a step forward and bowed towards them. Behind her, Admiral Seasurge’s eyes narrowed crossly.

“Princess Zipp, Princess Pipp,” Queen Skystar smiled. “I am honoured to meet you both at last. Your mother has spoken highly of you. I am overjoyed at the news that you have not only found my daughter and missing subjects but that you and your friends are currently working to help them as well as your own.”

Queen Haven grinned, “Please, Zipp dear, who do you have with you?”

Zipp rolled her eyes and gave a cocky smirk before sidestepping and holding out a hoof. “Allow me to finally introduce you to our special friend, this is Feather Breeze.”

“Oh wonderful,” Queen Haven smiled as she clapped her hoofs together with glee, “I’ve heard your name so many times, Feather Breeze. I’m so pleased to meet you properly at last.”

Feather Breeze gulped, bowing her head and dropping to one knee as she had previously been instructed. “T…Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Oh, my dear, please don’t worry about the formalities,” Queen Haven grinned. “Just call me Queen Haven.”

Feather Breeze’s eyes widened as she gasped and looked from Pipp to Zipp for confirmation. Seeing their smiles, she gulped and with a small smile nodded nervously.

In the background, Admiral Seasurge let out a small growl of annoyance. However, Queen Skystar didn’t notice it as she looked at Feather Breeze curiously.

“Please, forgive me, Feather Breeze,” she sighed. “I…I admit, I have not met one of your kind before. What kind of creature are you again?”

Feather Breeze gasped as she looked into Queen Skystar’s inquisitive eyes. “I…I…I’m…” she stammered before gasping and bowing again, unable to respond.

Queen Skystar gasped as she held a claw to her beak, worried she’d upset her. However, Pipp stepped forward with a smile. “Feather Breeze is a Kirin,” she explained quickly before sighing as she shook her head. “Please excuse her, she’s really, really nervous about meeting two Queens. She kind of has no choice. Sadly, she’s the only one of her kind who is free.”

“The rest of the Kirin are trapped in the Quarry,” Zipp continued as she puffed out her chest importantly. “The same Quarry that the Earth Ponies and Pegasi are being held. Along with Griffons, Changelings, Yak, Diamond Dogs and your fellow Hippogriffs, including Princess Coral Cloud.”

Queen Skystar's eyes widened with surprise, and she turned to look at Admiral Seasurge worriedly.

Meanwhile, Pipp gasped as she realised Feather Breeze was still bowing. She grinned nervously as she carefully tapped her on the shoulder and indicated she ought to stand.

Feather Breeze’s eyes widened as she gasped and looked up at Pipp. She gasped again as she stood, nervously glancing towards Queen Haven, whose reassuring smile began to put her at ease.

However, she grimaced upon seeing Admiral Seasurge's scowling expression as he whispered something to Queen Skystar.

Eventually, Queen Skystar regained her composure and turned to face them. “I admit, I am overwhelmed by this news. I heard you had found my little Coral, but…” She swallowed hard, holding her claws to her beak. “T...The idea that she’s a prisoner.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself. “Thank you. Thank you for finding her and helping to save her.”

Feather Breeze couldn’t help gasping again as Queen Skystar smiled warmly at her. “Feather Breeze, I have heard much about your kind through legend,” she smiled. “However, much like the Ponies of Equestria, it has been generations since Hippogriffs and Kirin have interacted directly. I...I hope we will have the opportunity to spend time together.”

Feather Breeze gulped, still unable to find any words she nodded nervously.

Picking up on her nervousness, Queen Skystar smiled back reassuringly before turning to Queen Haven with a warm smile. “Truly, it seems I am even more in your debt, Haven.”

Suddenly, there was a grunt from Admiral Seasurge as he cleared his throat. “If I may, Majesty. If they would divulge the location of this Quarry, then I and my remaining forces will depart, post haste. We will rescue your daughter and our fellow Griffs, there is no need to further burden our gracious hosts.”

Queen Skystar closed her eyes and let out a withering sigh before turning to her Admiral. “I appreciate your input, Seasurge, however as you rightly infer, we are guests here. I do not wish to interfere with their mission.”

Admiral Seasurge’s eyes widened before he scowled. “Majesty, I honestly cannot see how you can expect two Princesses to accomplish this?”

“Seasurge, it is not my decision,” Queen Skystar replied simply.

Admiral Seasurge’s scowl deepened and he ruffled his wings angrily. “Do you question my ability?”

“I know your tactics have thus far failed to protect us,” Queen Skystar scowled. “I also know how few of your forces remain. We are in no position to become aggressors.”

“Respectively, you have no idea what you are up against.”

Admiral Seasurge’s eyes bulged as he glowered at Zipp, “What was that!”

Zipp scowled as she met Admiral Seasurge’s glare. However, before she could respond, Queen Haven cleared her throat.

Gasping, all eyes turned toward Queen Haven as she stood up from the throne and spread her wings. She looked down at Admiral Seasurge with a questioning expression before her face relaxed.

“Admiral Seasurge, I understand your desire to help your kind. However, please do remember whose throne room this is. After all that has happened to you, we should work together on this.”

“Yes,” Queen Skystar nodded in agreement. “I would much prefer that.”

“But Majesty...” Admiral Seasurge insisted.

“No!” Queen Skystar exclaimed, cutting him off with a wave of her claw. “Seasurge, I know you are proud of our Navy and feel asking for help shows weakness. But we both know your forces are severely depleted. We cannot do this alone.”

“Exactly,” Queen Haven nodded as she folded her wings. “It takes strength to know when to ask for help.”

Admiral Seasurge scowled before letting out a sigh of resignation. “Yes, Majesties. I agree.”

Queen Skystar smiled happily, “Thank you, Seasurge.”

Queen Haven nodded and turned towards Zipp with a warm smile. “Zipp, my darling. I know you have a plan, but could you explain more about the Quarry?”

“Surely it is not but a simple Quarry?!” Admiral Seasurge exclaimed.

“No, it’s not,” Feather Breeze gasped, finally finding her voice. “It’s a prison!”

“Yeah, it’s far more complicated than you would expect,” Zipp sighed before opening her phone. “Okay, let’s start with the Airships...”

Elsewhere, Strawberry was once again staring intently at the orange. However, this time when the beam of magic hit, it immediately disappeared with a flash.

Gasping, Strawberry whirled around and looked towards the door. On the floor, exactly where she’d pictured it, was the orange.

Her eyes immediately lit up with joy and trembling with excitement she activated the messaging spell again.

“Misty! I did it! T...Thank you so much. I...I can’t believe I was overlooking something so obvious. Focus on the item, not the incantation!”

“I said you could! Your disguise spell is way more complicated than teleporting. I still haven’t got it down yet!”

Strawberry gasped as tears filled her eyes. “O...Okay, so what’s next?”

“Teleporting yourself. Only within line of sight,” Misty grunted. “I...I’m sorry... I...I need to rest.”

Strawberry’s eyes widened in horror. “M...Misty!” she gasped. “I’m so sorry! I knew I shouldn’t have contacted you.”

“Don’t be silly. Y....You needed help. It’s okay I...I’ll rest now. Speak to you soon, say hi to Pipp, Zipp and Feather Breeze for me.”

Strawberry sighed again as she shook her head. “Thank you, Misty. I will.”

As she finished the messaging spell, Strawberry gasped as her eyes widened in horror.

“Wait! The throne room! Oh... haystacks, I completely forgot!”

Desperately, she ran towards the door. Opening it with her magic before galloping away down the corridor.

In the throne room, Admiral Seasurge scowled as he studied a map of the Quarry. Finally, he let out a frustrated growl before a deep sigh of annoyance. “Alright, Princess. I agree, a frontal assault won’t work. What is your plan?”

Zipp just about suppressed a grunt of irritation before flicking to another note on her phone. “Okay, first you’ll need to understand something about the Guards.”

Admiral Seasurge snorted. “We know all there is about those monsters.”

Pipp scowled, “No, you...”

However, she was interrupted by a sudden loud banging on the doors which caused everycreature to turn towards them.

Scowling, Zoom opened one of them and stuck her head through. A few moments later, she stood back and allowed a nervous-looking Strawberry to enter and hurry her way towards them.

Pipp and Zipp looked at each other questioningly. They recognised her but there was something about her, other than nerves, that they couldn’t quite put their hoofs on.

Strawberry gulped nervously as she finally arrived and bowed. “Your Majesties,” she said, smacking her lips together to combat the dryness in her mouth. “Your Highnesses,” she gasped as she bowed toward Pipp and Zipp. “I’m sorry for being late. I was working on my teleportation spell and completely lost track of time.”

“Oh, Strawberry my dear, it is quite alright,” Queen Haven smiled as she waved a hoof dismissively. “How was it going? Have you mastered teleportation?”

Strawberry blinked with surprise as she stood, she hadn’t expected Queen Haven to be interested. “W...Well not quite. I’ve managed to teleport objects now and Misty says I need to try teleporting myself next. I...I wouldn’t have been able to get so far without her help.”

Admiral Seasurge frowned as he looked at Strawberry questioningly. “And you are?”

Strawberry gasped and bowed again. “A…Apologies, I’m Strawberry Sunflash. I…I was previously helping the Princesses with their mission.”

Queen Skystar smiled and nodded. “I remember you, Strawberry. I’m grateful for the news you brought the other night. Haven told me you had a lucky escape from the Nirik.”

Admiral Seasurge cocked an eyebrow inquisitively before glancing at Feather Breeze. “Really? Would you care to tell us about it?”

In the background, Zipp scowled in annoyance. She was about to cut in before spotting Queen Haven glaring at her. Begrudgingly, she held her tongue.

Strawberry didn’t notice, gulping she nodded and gestured towards Pipp and Zipp. “I’m indebted to the Princesses. I was captured by the Nirik, but they let me go. If the Princesses hadn’t ensured Queen Haven dispatched her Guards to search for me. I...I dread to think what would have happened.”

Admiral Seasurge’s frown deepened again. “We have lost many to the fiery monsters, the Nirik.”

Queen Skystar gasped and looked at her worriedly. “Oh, Strawberry that sounds awful. Please, what happened?”

“I woke up in a bush with no idea where I was,” Strawberry sighed before grimacing. “I couldn’t move, my hoofs were bound together. I…I tried to free them with my magic. I pulled and tugged, trying to find one of the ends of the rope. B…But nothing worked. I don’t know what I would have done if the Equestria Guard hadn’t come to find me.”

Admiral Seasurge grunted. “So, why did they let you go?”

“I…I don’t know exactly,” Strawberry gasped.

“Because they weren’t interested in taking Unicorns,” Zipp interjected.

“And how do you know that?” Admiral Seasurge scowled.

“We were in the bushes, watching as they made their plans to release her,” Zipp retorted, scowling back.

Admiral Seasurge’s eyes lit up with interest. “Ah, so who was with you, Princess? Your sister?”

Zipp bristled with annoyance, “No, Pipp wasn’t there. But Feather Breeze and our friend Misty were.”

Admiral Seasurge grinned confidently. “So, how did you meet the Princesses, Miss Feather Breeze?” he queried as he moved towards Feather Breeze threateningly. “How did you escape the Quarry? It sounds like quite the impossible task.”

Feather Breeze gasped and shook her head. “No, I was rescued.”

“Really? How?” Admiral Seasurge asked as he advanced further. Glaring down at Feather Breeze he rose to his full height and spread his wings.

Gasping, Feather Breeze took a step backwards as her eyes widened in horror.

“Stop it,” Zipp snarled in annoyance, putting herself between Feather Breeze and Admiral Seasurge. Spreading her wings protectively she glared at him. “Leave her alone.”

“Seasurge!” Queen Skystar gasped. “What is the meaning of this?!”

“Merely precautionary,” Admiral Seasurge responded calmly. “I don’t take kindly to threats being brought before my Queen.”

“What threat?” Pipp gasped.

“The evil creature that stands in our midst,” Admiral Seasurge scowled. “Miss Feather Breeze has clearly misled you all about the obvious truth. I seriously question whether that is even her real name, if she has one at all.”

“Seasurge!” Queen Skystar shouted in dismay. “Please, do not make a fool of me here.”

“I am not! I am merely looking out for your safety, Majesty,” Admiral Seasurge growled as he raised a claw and pointed accusingly at Feather Breeze. “Do not take me for a fool. You’re a Nirik! You cannot cover it up by swapping the name around. Drop the act, you dangerous monster!”

“I...I’m not a monster!” Feather Breeze cried as she gritted her teeth.

“The Kirin are prisoners!” Pipp cried in dismay.

“Let me explain!” Zipp shouted in annoyance.

Queen Haven scowled, banging a hoof down crossly. “Admiral…”

“No!” Admiral Seasurge snarled. “You Ponies have all been deceived by her! The Nirik are behind all of this. How can they be prisoners when they are the Guards? The kidnappers. The aggressors! THE MONSTERS!”

“STOP IT!” Feather Breeze bellowed as she suddenly erupted in flames.

Everycreature gasped and took a step back, shielding themselves with hoofs, wings and claws.

The flames dissipated as quickly as they had appeared, revealing Feather Breeze had transformed into her Nirik form. She scowled at Admiral Seasurge, snarling with rage.

“I knew it!” Admiral Seasurge cried triumphantly. “She’s one of them! GUARDS!”

Zoom and Thunder had already reacted to the burst of flames. Running towards Feather Breeze with wings wide and ready to fight. However, they both gasped and suddenly skidded to a stop.

“What are you doing?!” Admiral Seasurge bellowed angrily.

“Carrying out my order,” Queen Haven said from behind him.

Admiral Seasurge gasped and turned to see Queen Haven holding out a hoof and looking stern.

“Guards! Stand down!” she ordered before rising from her throne. “Admiral Seasurge, you forget your place. I already know that Feather Breeze isn’t a threat.”

“S...She isn’t?” Queen Skystar gasped, fear evident in her voice.

“No, she isn’t,” Pipp said reassuringly. “She’s a victim. All the Kirin are.”

“How?” Queen Skystar blinked.

“I’ve been trying to get to that!” Zipp scowled in annoyance. “But somecreature kept stopping me with his questions.”

Suddenly, Feather Breeze moved towards Admiral Seasurge. Scowling and snarling with anger. “I’m a Nirik because of you!” she shouted angrily. “Your inability to wait and listen. Your arrogance and continual superior attitude. This is not. Your! THRONE ROOM!”

Admiral Seasurge gasped. His eyes widened as he took a step back in surprise. “Y...You speak?”

“Of course I do!” Feather Breeze snarled. “So maybe you should be quiet and listen?!”

Queen Haven nodded understandingly, “Indeed, please dear, we’re all ears.”

Feather Breeze nodded and stood panting allowing her anger to subside. Suddenly, she erupted in flames again and returned to her Kirin form. Closing her eyes she sat down, her bottom hitting the floor with a ‘flump’ before she looked down and let out a deep calming breath.

“You are right, Kirin and Nirik, we’re the same,” she sighed as a tear trickled down her nose. “But my family, my friends, everypony, their minds are being controlled. Forced to do things even though they don’t want to. That’s what makes them prisoners. Prisoners in their own minds.”

Queen Skystar gasped, pushing Admiral Seasurge to one side. “That…That sounds horrific. Were you the same?”

Feather Breeze nodded. “I...I was,” she looked at Strawberry sadly. “I’m the one who captured Strawberry.”

“I...I don’t understand,” Strawberry gasped disbelievingly. “How can you be the Nirik that captured me? My...My spell. It didn’t work!”

“It didn’t but Misty stepped in,” Zipp explained. “She rescued her.”

Strawberry sighed and looked down shamefully. “Of…Of course.”

“Feather Breeze helped us find the Airship,” Pipp continued as she put a reassuring hoof around Feather Breeze’s shoulders. “We followed it and that’s how we found the Quarry.”

“Freeing the Kirin is the key to rescuing the other creatures,” Zipp revealed.

“But how?” Queen Skystar breathed.

"Don't worry, we can explain," Zipp smiled. “The leader of the Quarry, Allura, her purr can control the minds of others. For some creatures it barely affects them, for others, it takes over their minds entirely.”

“As a Kirin, Allura’s purr isn’t as potent,” Feather Breeze sighed and shook her head. “But as you’ve just seen, when angered we Kirin turn into Nirik.”

“When they’re Nirik, Allura takes over their minds,” Pipp continued. “Inserting instructions that they’re suddenly forced to abide by.”

“It’s an awful feeling,” Feather Breeze groaned as she shook her head. “I could see everything that was happening but couldn’t do anything about it. The thoughts and instructions, they take over completely.”

Queen Skystar gasped, a look of worry on her face. “S…So what stops you from changing back into Kirin again?”

Feather Breeze sighed. “We’re forced to wear collars which trap us in Nirik form.”

“That’s how Misty rescued her,” Pipp revealed. “She spotted the collar and removed it. Deactivating the collars is the key to rescuing everycreature and Zipp’s worked out how.”

“Again, I’ve been trying to get to that,” Zipp scowled. “But somecreature was more interested in asking pointless questions.”

Admiral Seasurge gasped as he felt the claw of Queen Skystar on his shoulder. He looked at her disapproving face and sighed.

“A...Apologies,” he breathed. “Everything that has occurred is quite embarrassing. The number of Hippogriffs taken is significant. Being forced to leave our home and seek shelter here.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I wanted to atone for my errors, but I wanted to do so alone.”

Queen Haven smiled reassuringly. “There is no shame in asking others for help if you need it. I’ve already told you we will assist in any way we can.”

“Look, we have a plan,” Zipp smiled. “We just need to make the equipment to execute it.”

“Disable the collars and all my fellow Kirin will be free,” Feather Breeze nodded. “They will all revert to Kirin and pass out, like I did.”

Admiral Seasurge blinked with confusion, “Pass out?”

“Yes, when her collar was removed, Feather Breeze passed out,” Pipp explained. “She woke up early the following morning as I kept watch over her. I knew straight away she wasn’t a threat.”

Queen Skystar looked at Admiral Seasurge, seemingly thinking the same thing.

“So, how will you extract them and the other creatures from the Quarry?” she asked.

“And transport them back to their home kingdoms?” Admiral Seasurge added.

Pipp blinked and looked at Zipp, expecting her to have the answer. However, she was surprised to see her sister looking confused.

“W...Well,” Zipp foundered as she rubbed the back of her head with a hoof. “We can count on the creatures in the Quarry, the prisoners that is. We’ve been able to contact them. They were going to plan the best way to get everycreature out.”

"But that still leaves transporting many creatures over long distances," Admiral Seasurge nodded understandingly before a small smile appearing on his beak. “Please, allow my forces and I to assist. I know we can help ensure everycreature makes it home safely.”

Zipp frowned in thought before her expression softened and she nodded thankfully.

“Then it's settled,” Queen Haven grinned as she smiled thankfully at Zipp.