CHAPTER TWELVE
You go first,” Grubber said, nudging Tempest with his finger. They stood in the doorway to the throne room. The Storm King was facing the window, as he always did. One hand was curled around the arm of his throne and the other held his staff, the blue stone glittering in the light.
Tempest knew she should be the one to tell him what had happened. But for some reason she couldn’t move from that spot. The whole journey back to his castle she kept rehearsing how she’d explain it, and how she’d respond to his disappointment, but now that she was actually there she could barely move.
While she was working up the courage, the Storm Creatures marched in from the ship. They lined up against the walls and waited for the Storm King to give them orders. His throne slowly spun around.
“I see that you’ve returned,” he said, eyeing his army as he stood. “And you’ve been very busy.” The Storm Creatures’ fur was ripped out in places. A few of them had lost pieces of armor in the battle, and one had a chipped horn. They all looked tired. They were standing with their shoulders hunched forward, their eyes on the floor.
“We have, Storm King, we have,” Grubber said.
The Storm King’s gaze moved to Tempest, a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Ahhhh, Tempest Shadow,” he said. “Come, let’s see it. Show me the pearl.”
Grubber nudged Tempest again. She stepped forward and took a deep breath.
“I tried my best,” she said. “We tricked the Hippogriffs into letting us into the city. They had us stay in the castle, and I was there—I was in the queen’s room. I was holding the pearl.…”
“I don’t like where this is going,” the Storm King replied.
“It all happened so fast,” Tempest went on. “There was an alarm, and then the Storm Creatures came. The queen, she took the pearl back.”
“Where is it now?” the Storm King said, pacing back and forth. He let the end of his staff drag against the floor.
“I don’t know,” Tempest said. “They all just disappeared. I tried to get it back, but I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I feel guilty that—”
“Guilty?” the Storm King asked. “That’s your problem, Tempest. You still believe, deep down, that the world can be fair. You want to get the pearl from the queen, but you don’t want anyone to get hurt. You want to get your horn back, but you don’t want to do anything you don’t want to do.”
“I just…” Tempest trailed off.
“You are not a child anymore,” the Storm King said, taking a step toward her. “Every creature for themself. That is the true law of the land. Learn it and live by it, and then maybe one day you will succeed.”
The Storm King turned to the assembled Storm Creatures.
“Go now,” he said. “Clean yourselves up. And next time, when you’re supposed to do something, do not disappoint me.”
The creatures marched out of the throne room. Tempest listened to their steps echo against the stone, until only she and Grubber were left. She took a step forward, her eyes filling with tears. The Storm King was already looking out the window again, as if they weren’t there.
“Storm King…” She said it so softly she could barely hear her own voice. “Will you still fix my horn?”
“You want me to fix your horn?” the Storm King asked, as if it were a silly question. “Is the pearl here? Is it in my staff right now, with its awesome transformational powers? Has it made me stronger than before? Am I turning into a bugbear? Or a cipactli? Or a jackalope?”
The Storm King spun around, showing Tempest that he was not.
“No…” Tempest said slowly.
“Then that is your answer,” the Storm King snapped. “You do something for me; I do something for you. You do nothing for me; I do nothing for you. And actually, if we’re keeping tabs here, you owe me one night’s rent.”
Clutching his staff, the Storm King started to walk out. Tempest’s heart leaped into her throat. She had to do something—she had to say something to change his mind. She couldn’t stand the thought of her horn being broken forever. She didn’t want to leave here and return home. She wouldn’t.
Every creature for themself, she repeated in her head. It was true—hadn’t she learned so that day in the cave? Hadn’t she remembered it all those weeks and months after, when her magic grew out of control? When was she going to put herself first, and do what was best for her alone?
“You wanted the pearl so you could transform,” Tempest started. “But what if there was something even better than that? What if you could control the most powerful magic of all?” Tempest asked. She could see the Storm King’s expression changing. He liked her idea; she knew he did. He wasn’t smiling—not exactly. But he was close to it.
“Well, well, why do you ask?”
“Equestria,” Tempest said. “It is full of magic. Crystals! Princesses!”
“The princesses of Equestria,” the Storm King repeated.
It was too late for her now. They’d destroyed Hippogriffia, and the queen knew who she was. Wherever she went from now on, she’d always be running from what she had done. The Storm King was right; it was better to just worry about yourself. If she had her horn back and the power of all three princesses, she’d be the most powerful Unicorn in all Equestria. She wouldn’t need any school or any friends or any masters to help her. Not anymore.
“I can see it,” the Storm King replied. “The Storm King controlling the magic of an entire land in his staff. Yes, you must return to Equestria and bring me the magic of the three princesses.”
“And then you will fix my horn?” Tempest asked.
“And then I will fix your horn.”
Tempest turned to leave, sharing a small smile with Grubber.
“But this time,” the Storm King called after her, “do not fail me, Commander Tempest.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Tempest trained with Grubber for weeks. She knew if she was going to go up against the Alicorns in Canterlot she’d need to perfect her own dangerous magic. She’d need to make sure that she could count on herself.
“So, let’s see it one more time,” Grubber said. “Just for good luck.”
He stood at the edge of the Great Hall. He’d borrowed some of the Storm Creatures’ armor, so she could just see a tiny set of eyes peering out from behind a giant chest plate. They’d had a few accidents early on, and Grubber refused to take any more chances. He was still trying to grow fur back on a spot on his bottom.
Tempest grunted. Her horn sparked, shooting off fiery white light. She didn’t close her eyes anymore when it happened. Instead she watched as it sparked and flamed in front of her. By focusing so intensely, she’d learned to make them even stronger than before.
“Good!” Grubber said, peering out from the armor. “Looks great.”
Tempest eyed a banner hanging from the ceiling. The banner had the Storm King’s logo on it, the two jagged blue horns. She pointed her head in its direction and fired. There was an explosion of light and flames, and the cloth banner turned to ash. It was so heavy it fell to the ground, covering everything with a thin layer of dust.
When she was done, she bowed her head. Grubber stepped out from behind his armor and clapped, the whole hall filling with the sound.
“You… are… on… fire!” he said. “Literally. Good work, Tempest. You’ve come a long way.”
“I have,” Tempest said, but for the first time in her life, she didn’t need any other creature to tell her that. She knew how powerful she was. And soon, all Equestria would know it, too.
“Come on, Grubber,” she said, starting toward the airship. “We leave tonight. I need to find out as much as I can about Canterlot if we’re going to take the castle.”
She smiled, feeling stronger than ever before. It was only a matter of time before they descended on Canterlot. When she faced off against the princesses, she’d be ready.
Tempest stepped off the airship, turning to say good-bye to Grubber. “Ma
ke sure you stay hidden,” she said. “And if I’m not back in an hour, come find me.”
“You won’t even know I’m here,” he said.
Clouds spilled out around the airship, swirling up and over its front. In just a few seconds the ship completely disappeared. They’d parked it on the outskirts of Canterlot, and now Tempest was making her way through the capital’s narrow streets. She turned back one last time to be certain Grubber was hidden.
Tempest couldn’t remember just how many moons it had been since she left Equestria. She was certain some things had changed, but a lot seemed the same. The streets of Canterlot were quite crowded. Ponies sat outside cafés, sipping tea and chatting. One stood in the window of a shop. She dusted the marble statues with a huge purple feather duster. Tempest stopped to watch, and a glamorous Unicorn brushed past her, her pale-pink mane fluttering in the breeze.
Tempest pulled her dark cloak closer, making sure it was covering her horn. Canterlot was exactly how she’d always dreamed it would be. There were tall, glittering spires that seemed to touch the sky. Theaters and art galleries and coffee shops with elegant ponies sipping elegant drinks. It was unlike any place she’d ever seen before—shinier and prettier, and full of all the fanciest ponies. The worst part was that she didn’t belong there. Not with her shabby cloak and broken horn. Not even close.
She kept a low profile as she walked through the city, her eyes fixed on the castle. She stopped at a coffee shop to listen to a few ponies talk. They were going on and on about a wedding that was happening soon. Tempest knew it wouldn’t be an event big enough to attract all the princesses. Another group of ponies chatted about a new boutique that had opened up. Another pony was telling her friend about her plans for her birthday. Tempest sighed, frustrated with how useless the information was.
Up ahead, she noticed a group of ponies sitting by a fountain and enjoying the sun. She was going to just walk past, but then one of them said something about an Alicorn named Twilight Sparkle. It sounded like she had been crowned a princess of Equestria not too long ago. Tempest paused in a nearby doorway to listen to their conversation.
“Her magic really is unparalleled,” a pony with a sky-blue mane said. “It’s no wonder she was one of Celestia’s favorite students. I can’t wait to see what she does next week.”
A pony with a shimmery gold mane smiled. “Music and dancing and desserts. It’ll be the biggest event in the history of Canterlot.”
“Princess Twilight is in charge of planning everything,” a lavender pony said.
“Are Celestia and Luna moving the sun or moon for the festival?” somepony asked.
“I don’t think so,” the blue pony said. “I think they’ll just be there.”
“Along with every other pony,” the one with the shimmery gold mane said. “Did you know hundreds of ponies are invited to the Friendship Festival? I don’t know a single one who’s not going.”
Just then a group walked down the street. The crowd parted around them. In front was a purple Alicorn. She had a dark-purple mane with a pink streak in it. Behind her were a pink pony with a balloon cutie mark and a blue pony with a rainbow mane. Everypony broke out into excited whispers.
“There they are!” somepony cried out. “Princess Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash.”
Twilight Sparkle and her friends passed out fliers to the group Tempest had been eavesdropping on. They strolled past, handing her a flier, too. You are cordially invited to the Friendship Festival! it read in cheerful script.
“We’re so excited to see you all next week,” she said. “This is going to be the best festival in the history of Canterlot!”
Everypony watched as they made their way past. Tempest heard somepony say something about how special they were.
She stared at the flier for the Friendship Festival, feeling angrier than ever. Twilight Sparkle was living the life Tempest had always dreamed of. Living in Canterlot, as a princess, with friends and parties and festivals that were planned just for fun. But what did it matter, anyway? Who cared about friendship when your friends so easily turned away from you? When they left you behind for no good reason?
Tempest tucked the flier in her cloak. The Friendship Festival. It was the perfect opportunity to steal the princesses’ magic. All the princesses would have to be there, especially if it was the biggest event in Canterlot’s history. And now Tempest Shadow was invited, too.…
She turned down a narrow street, winding her way back to the edge of the city. Grubber was waiting for her, and she had to tell him what she’d found out. The Friendship Festival was just one week away. There was so much planning to do. When would they come for the princesses’ magic? What was the best way to steal it? They’d have to return to map out the city and make a plan.…
When she was almost at the airship, she turned left instead of right and saw a familiar sight. The huge purple-and-white building had giant stairs leading to its entrance. She’d imagined running up them a hundred times before. She’d imagined what it would feel like to walk through the halls with her friends or study in one of those beautiful classrooms, Celestia standing at the board in front of her.
She stared up at the School for Gifted Unicorns one last time before she turned to leave. All she could picture was Glitter Drops’s and Spring Rain’s surprised faces as she descended on Canterlot in her giant airship. She imagined what they would think when they saw her army, all the Storm Creatures, and watched her take the princesses’ magic.
Yes, she thought, a smile curling on her lips. It will be glorious.…
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DARING DO AND THE MARKED THIEF OF MARAPORE!
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CHAPTER 1
On the High Seas
As Daring Do riffled through her saddlebag, she began to feel queasy. And it wasn’t from the rocking of the great ship upon the choppy, churning sea. It was from the realization that all that was left of her rations—which had once been a carefully selected bounty of dried apples, salted carrots, and seed-crusted loaf—was one stale piece of bread. It wasn’t enough to feed a filly.
If only her supplies hadn’t been depleted during the storm over the Fillyppine Sea, Daring could have held out longer here on board the SS Blue Peter. But a life on the water was an unpredictable one, and the currents had thrown the ship far off course. As a result, the adventurer hadn’t been able to sneak off board at any port, let alone into a general store to replenish her provisions. The entire crew was starting to run low on necessary supplies.
Of course, borrowing from the ship’s galley again was always an option. But that endeavor would be risky. The sailors took careful inventory of their commodities, and if something went missing, Daring Do would soon be discovered. Three days prior, she’d given into temptation and pilfered a potpie from a tall stack about to be served to the crew for supper. Nopony had noticed. Daring had bitten into the flaky, buttery crust and gooey center with satisfaction.
But later that evening, when she was full-bellied and poring over her tattered map of Deep Unknown—a rare guide to the Submerged Temples of Tehuti—Daring Do overheard the cook, Greasy Spoon, chiding his helper, Square Meal, for eating more than his fair share. Greasy had threatened Square that if he didn’t fess up, he’d go without meals for the entirety of the next week. Square Meal lied out of sheer desperation and said he’d eaten two pies, chalking it up to Greasy’s amazing cooking skills. That seemed to satisfy his boss.
Daring had felt dreadful for the poor colt during the whole episode, but there was no chance she
was going to reveal herself now. Daring had heard many a tall tale in seaside cafés of the consequences for stowing away on Captain Pony the Elder’s ship, but they were not something she wished to confirm or deny. Although the captain was no pirate, the military stallion had a reputation for treating stowaways worse than Hoofbeard.
Suddenly, the ship lurched. Dirty pots piled in the washbasin clanked against one another, and Greasy Spoon hollered a curse. Daring’s already weakened body slammed against the splintered wooden door, squashing her right wing. She groaned in agony. That wing had never been the same since her nasty crash landing in the jungle near the Yucatán Ponynsula. It vexed her more than anything to have an injury.
“Grrrr.” Daring gritted her teeth as she inspected the aching appendage. It hurt like mad. Maybe she didn’t want to admit it to herself, but Daring Do was becoming fatigued by her many weeks at sea in search of the Crystal Sphere of Khumn. Legend said that the magical item could be found in one of the Submerged Temples of Tehuti, located one hundred fathoms below the surface, held by a statue between two golden hooves, beneath a shining metal rod. It was believed that the Sphere had the power to heal anypony who touched it, no matter the ailment. Too bad the fabled ancient city was even harder to find than the Gallopinghost Islands! Like with most treasures, Daring Do felt an intense hunger to find it and make it hers. Or at the very least, stop it from falling into the wrong hooves or claws.
Though she’d been unsuccessful in her quest thus far, she wasn’t giving up forever. Daring just needed to do more research, delving deeper into the murky mysteries of Tehuti and Khumn. Then she’d immediately set out on the open seas again. Next time, with more provisions—maybe even dried peppered pears, a few apple tarts, and a small pillow.
A strong gust of cold air blew into the cabin closet where she was crammed. The rickety old mahogany had splintered off in areas, leaving several gaping holes. It was perfect for spying on Captain Pony and his seafaring ruffians (known as the Royal Navy) on board the Blue Peter. Not quite ideal for warmth on the high seas, though.
My Little Pony, The Movie: The Stormy Road to Canterlot Page 5
