Shadow of Fury

Chapter 12

To Battle

Shamrock took in the devastation that had been left in the wake of the marauding griffins. It was really quite horrible. The burnt skeletons of buildings stood sillhoueted against the noon sky. The sound of commotion filled his ears as ponies mingled about, trying to ensure that their loved ones were alright.

Derpy was sitting on a bench, crying her eyes out. Twilight was pacing nervously back and forth nearby. Willus kept stealing furtive glances to assure himself that his books were okay. Fluttershy nervously shifted her weight from one hoof to the other. Rainbow Dash and Lightning Hawk looked equally angry. Reaper was aggravatingly non-chalant. Applejack seemed deep in thought. Rarity was laying on her fainting couch. And even Pinkie Pie was affected, actually sitting still for a prolonged period of time.

"I just don't understand it!" Twilight exclaimed. "Why would Gilda come back to Ponyville? And why would she kidnap Dinky and Spike?"

"Maybe she wanted to get back at us?" Fluttershy suggested timidly.

"Yeah, but didn't it seem a li'l extreme?" Applejack replied.

Rainbow Dash seethed. "I don't care. She'll pay for what she did!"

Lightning piped up then. "Can someone please explain to me who she is and why she's angry with you all?"

"Yeah, I'm a little confused, too," Willus said. Shamrock added immediately after, "I am as well," Reaper remained silent.

"Gilda is this absolutely brutish griffon who stopped by here a few years ago. She was once friends with Rainbow, but-" Before Rarity could finish, she was interrupted.

"-But then we found out she was a good-for-nothing jerk who liked pushing other ponies around!" Rainbow shouted.

The faces everypony gave her were enough to tell her to calm down. "Sorry," she muttered.

Finally, Reaper spoke up. "I was able to gather at least a little information during the brawl," he said. "I briefly spoke to one of the enemy soldiers. He said something about a 'Lord Ironfeathers.' Does the name ring any bells?"

All of the ponies shook their heads. "What we really need to decide is what to do now," Lightning said.

"What do you mean?" Applejack asked.

"Well, if we follow them, we might be able to save them,"

"And if we follow them, we also run the risk of them being hurt,"

"That's a risk we're gonna have to take!" Twilight said in a determined fashion.

All eyes turned to Derpy. "Do you want to do this?" they asked her.

Derpy turned, her crossed eyes filled with the pure rage of a thousand suns. "Yes!" she shouted in a furious voice.

"Then its settled," Reaper said. "We meet back here in an hour. Make sure you have everything you need, we'll probably be gone for a while,"

Rainbow Dash huffed. "Is there something you wanna say, Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked.

"No. I just was wondering when we would get jumped by changelings while we travel," she said calmly.

"Excuse me?" Reaper said, offended.

"Well, you obviously don't really care about Dinky or Spike, do you? You just wanna lead us into a trap so your bug-buddies can get the jump on us and suck us dry!"

Reaper hissed. "Are you insinuating that I am a spy?"

"So what if I am?"

The two were practically butting heads at this point. It took Willus getting between them to stop the confrontation from getting worse. "Stop, both of you! We get nowhere if we fight with each other!"

Reaper scowled. "Meet back here in an hour," he said flatly, before turning and leaving without a word.

The ponies watched him leave. Rarity gave Rainbow an angry glare. "I'll got get him," she said, after the changeling had disappeared from view. The unicorn trotted off after the changeling, leaving the others behind with a slightly uncomfortable air. With the exception of Pinkie, the others all admitted that Rainbow had a point. They didn't know much about Reaper, so there was definitely a risk involved with anything involving him.

With this awkward situation dealt with, the group dispersed, each member leaving to go prepare for the days ahead.

*  *  *  *  * *  *  *  *  * *  *  *  *  *

About twenty minutes after the group had seperated, Lightning Hawk knocked on the door to Twilight's house. Again. This was starting to get a little old. Was he going to do this all his life?

When Twilight opened the door, he was once again blown away by her beauty, even in this less than desirable situation. On second thought, that was okay. "Hey, Lightning. You ready?" she asked.

Lightning looked down at the extent of his luggage, a small saddlebag. "Yup,"

"Is that all your taking?" Twilight asked, surprised.

Lightning nodded. "Over the years, I've gotten used to traveling light,"

Twilight nodded, before sighing. "You're worried, aren't you? About Spike?"

Twilight nodded again. "Don't worry!" Lightning said comfortingly. "I'm sure he can take care of himself. He seemed like a sturdy little dragon when I met him," He put a hoof comfortingly on her shoulder.

Twilight smiled. "You're right," she said. "I'm sure he'll be fine. It's just.....he's kinda like a little brother to me -"

"I know. I understand how worried you are,"

Twilight gave him a thankful look. "Thanks, Lightning. You're a great friend,"

Lightning winced inwardly. Everytime he heard the word "friend," he felt as though he were a million miles away from where he wanted to be. "No problem," he said.

Twilight sighed. She walked back inside, and looked over all that she was taking. In her saddlebag was a book of combat-based magic, a map, and a few quills and scrolls. She finished her luggage by placing a hay sandwich in the bag, before closing it shut.

"Alright, I'm ready," she said.

"Let's get going," Lightning replied, and the pair exited out the door, which Twilight locked shut afterwards.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Willus rummaged through his things, trying to decide what to take. He had never really had a reason to fight before, but something told him he would have to learn how to quickly. He levitated a few books on the subject into his saddlebag.

Oh, how he hated the idea of leaving behind his books. They would be all alone, defenseless against the cruelty of the world. He turned to Terrence, who sat on his perch, watching Willus. "You can take care of the book store yourself, right?"

The bird chirped positively. "And you can feed yourself, right?"

Terrence cocked his head to one side. "You're right, stupid question,"

Willus turned back to his saddlebag. He honestly couldn't think of anything else to pack. His entire life was books. Beyond that, he was pretty much covered. He looked up, and noticed the small rack of apples near his register. Well, he might get hungry, after all. Willus packed two apples into the saddlebag before strapping it shut and putting it on.

Willus walked out the front door, not bothering to lock it. Terrence would take care of that. He stepped out, nearly bumping into Applejack and Fluttershy. "Oh, hey girls. You ready?" he asked.

"Yes. We just came by to check on you!" Fluttershy said. Willus was surprised at how quickly Fluttershy had gotten comfortable around him.

"Got everything ya need, partner?" Applejack asked.

Willus nodded.

"Let's go!" he said. And so the trio left to the designated meeting place.

*  *  *  *  *  *  * *  *  *  *  *

Reaper stared at the map on his Conspiracy Wall in Room A. He hummed a tune to himself as he examined the landscape around Ponyville. If he were a warlord out to conquer the world, where would he put his base?

The answer seemed obvious. Not far from Ponyville was an extinct volcano, named Mount Molten. It hadn't erupted for over a century, which meant that it must be stable. Perhaps stable enough that one could build a base on it.

Before Reaper could think further, he was startled by Rarity's voice. "Reaper? What is all this?"

Reaper looked at her in utter surprise. "Rarity? How did you get down here?" he asked.

"Sputnik left the door open," Reaper facehoofed. "You haven't answered my question. What is all this?"

"That is none of your concern,"

Rarity walked up to the map, and examined the photos of changelings that surrounded it. Her eyes stopped on the picture of Chrysalis. "Is that the changeling queen?"

"Perhaps,"

Rarity glared at him for his evasive response, before turning her attention to another picture, this time the one of Phasmi. "And who is this?" she asked, pulling it off.

Reaper snatched the photo from her hoof. "Give me that! She is none of-"

"None of my concern? Like everything else down here?"

But Reaper wasn't paying attention. He was staring once more into the photo of Phasmi. He had forgotten how beautiful she was. For a moment, the changeling's eyes softened. "Who is she?" Rarity asked again. Reaper's face once again turned into a scowl as he forced his gaze away from the picture. "She doesn't matter any more,"

Rarity couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for the changeling. "I'm your friend, Reaper. You can tell me anything that's on your mind, don't worry!"

Reaper scowled at her, before turning. "Let's go. The others are waiting,"

Rarity sighed, before following him out of the room. Reaper locked the door to Room A, before opening Room B.

Inside was a small room. A chest lay at the end of it - Reaper's chest of mementos. He lifted this chest with his magic, and carried it out with him. As they exited the secret underground, Rarity began to feel a mix of suspicion and worry for Reaper. If he detected it, he didn't show it. He slid the bookshelf into place over the secret passage, and the pair left to rejoin the others.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Derpy had just finished packing her bags when Shamrock arrived at her house. "Ready to go?" he asked upon her opening the door. Derpy nodded, her breath shaky. "Y-yeah. Lemme just get my things," she said.

Shamrock walked inside, grimly noting how different everything felt without Dinky.

Derpy lifted a heavy-looking saddlebag onto her back, grunting with the effort. The bag rustled with a metallic jingle. Shamrock eyed her suspiciously. "Derpy," he said slowly, "What's in the bag?"

"Nothing," Derpy replied evasively.

Shamrock cocked an eyebrow. "Derpy...."

Derpy tried her best to avoid eye contact, but that wasn't the easiest thing to do when said eyes would cross at random. Shamrock continued his interrogative stare. "What's in the bag?" he repeated.

"Nothing, I told you!" Derpy exclaimed.

"So you wouldn't mind if I gave it a look?"

"Umm...."

But Derpy had no say in the matter. Without further ado, Shamrock levitated the bag over to himself, causing Derpy to let out a small, futile, "Hey!" of surprise. Shamrock opened the bag, revealing a large assortment of knives, forks, and other sharp cooking utensils. "Derpy, what is this?" Shamrock asked.

Derpy didn't respond. "Derpy, why do you have all of these in your bag? You weren't going to -" Shamrock stopped himself, unable to bring himself to even suggest the idea.

Derpy was quiet for a while, her eyes tearing up. "They took my Dinky," was all she said, softly.

Shamrock was silent for a while, hardly capable of believing that such a lighthearted mare could be so dark. "Derpy.....killing is never the answer..." Shamrock said slowly, like a parent disappointed with a child who had misbehaved.

Derpy still said nothing, her eyes only tearing up more. "I know you feel horrible, and angry, and all of that," Shamrock continued. "But this.....this is not the way,"

And that's when Derpy broke down. She began to sob violently, and hugged Shamrock tightly. Shamrock felt a little bad, and hugged her back. "I understand," he said simply. Derpy kept crying. That's whent the door swung open.

"Derpy! I came as quick as I could! Are you alright?"

Shamrock and Derpy looked up to see the Doctor standing in the doorway. "Oh, sorry, am I interrupting something?"

Derpy shook her head, wiping tears from her eyes. "No, Doctor, its okay,"

"Ah, well," he said. "Are you sure everything is okay?"

"Yes, Doctor, I'm fine," Derpy lied. Suddenly, her face lit up as she came up with an idea. "Wait, Doctor, you have a TARDIS! Can't you-"

The Doctor raised a hoof, gesturing for silence. "I'm sorry, Derpy, but you know I can't do that,"

"But time can be rewritten-"

"Not this time. Certain things have to happen, Derpy,"

Derpy's eyes began to water again. "I'm sorry. But trust me, everything is going to be fine," he said, shooting her a smile.

Derpy smiled weakly. "Thanks," she said, before returning her attention back to Shamrock. "I guess I'd better pack my bags again, huh?"

Shamrock smiled and nodded. Derpy gave him a hug, before disappearing into her room to repack.

The Doctor nodded at Shamrock. "Good day, Shamrock," he said.

Shamrock returned the gesture. "Likewise,"

And with that the Doctor disappeared out the door. Shamrock thought he heard a whirring, wheezing noise, but cast the idea aside as simply the product of his imagination.

Later, Derpy returned with a newly packed saddlebag. The pair left her house, locking the door behind them.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *   *  *  *  *  *

An hour later, all eleven of the group had regrouped at the edge of the Everfree Forest. Each and every one of them had gathered whatever they thought they would need. Rainbow eyed Reaper suspiciously, but he just ignored her. "Where's your crazy robot friend?" she asked.

"Sputnik will not be joining us for this mission," Reaper replied flatly, not even giving her a glance. She huffed.

Twilight cleared her throat. "Everypony ready?"

There were murmurs of agreement.

"Then let's go,"

And without another word, the ten ponies (and one changeling) disappeared into the forest.

* *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Gilda walked through the forest briskly, a soldier carrying the struggling bag beside her. Muffled sounds of resistance emanated futilely from within. The rest of the group tried to keep pace with her. She looked up at the sky. Sundown. By now, the Bearers of the Elements would be hot on their trail.

Gilda continued walking until she came upon a figure. "Your father sent me to assume control of the remainder of this operation," Morticia said, removing her hood. "Has the attack gone as planned?"

Gilda nodded. "It worked perfectly. And, we got a little something special for our troubles!"

She gestured to the soldier next to her, who tossed the sack to the zebra witch. An "oof!" of surprise escaped the bag.

Morticia opened the bag, and peeked in. "Finally! Air! I don't think this dragon has showered!" a voice said from within. Morticia scowled, before closing it again. She walked up to Gilda and slapped her violently across the face with the back of her hoof. "You foal!" she said. "Your mission was to deter them from coming, NOT to give them a reason to attack!"

Gilda rubbed her sore cheek with one claw. She seethed inwardly, but said nothing. The griffons around her tensed, not sure whether they should attack. Gilda panted, before regaining her composure. "No matter. Leave me some soldiers, and return to your father. I will clean up this mess you've made,"

Gilda scowled, and pointed to a small group of soldiers. "You! Stay with her!"

The soldiers saluted, albeit with slight hesitance. "And how exactly are you going to clean this, 'mess that I made?'" Gilda  asked.

A large pack of diamond dogs appeared from the ground, surrounding Morticia. Behind her, two glowing yellow eyes pierced the darkness at a height nearly twice her own. The witch smiled wickedly.

"I have my ways."