Dont Mind the Fleetails

[Deleted]

For some odd reason, Fleet's little mini-drama in the Cbox lately has been, or so I'm told, wildly successful and the cause of sleepless nights for some. I find that immensely complimentary and I want to thank you all. You're all so kind ;w; For everyone who cant be there every night, and don't want to be lose any of the story, I post this log.

I apologize for losing the hilarious beginning, I didn't catch it in time. Also, non-related RP and OOC comments are snipped out. Unless they were super-relevant. Or funny. or both. Or I really just wanted to include them.

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Part One: The Disappearance

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Soarin': I could go check the paperwork, but calling the agent seems quicker.

Fire Streak: <.< I maaaay know someone who can help.

Soarin': *fiddles around, getting info from the travel agent*

Soarin': Oh?

Fire Streak: I may have caught the name of a private investigator recently. Maybe they could help?

Fire Streak: -is probably getting death glares from Gilda-

Gilda: ,,,,,melody?...really?

Gilda: can't we just track down fleet's travel agent?

Spitfire: Fleet must be walking around out of uniform -.- That's why no pony spotted her

Soarin': I think the main concern is figuring out where she is as fast as possible. We're all capable enough to get wherever she needs to be

Gilda: ....

Spitfire: But we can't force her either Soarin'...

Soarin': ....I just want to know what's wrong...

Fire Streak: I hope I didn't do anything to annoy her again. ><

Melody: ... What's going on?

Soarin': Fleet's on vactaion and suffenly sent me a message asking to extend it to 6 weeks.

Woozi: -pauses- Luci and Fleet? They're gone. I got a letter today, and...Yeah! that!

Melody: O.O

Gilda: ....o.o...anything else woozi?

Soarin': ...she took Luci?

Woozi: Yeah.

Melody: 6 weeks?!

Woozi: She also wants me to go get her trees from Fleet Manor

Melody: Nobody takes a six week vacation!

Gilda: *would feel really bad if fleet didn't want her to come and she showed up anyways*.....and do what with them?

Fire Streak: Fleet Manor...

Woozi: Take care of them. So they dont die

Gilda: what about her trees over at the academy?

Melody: Who takes a six week vacation?! *is panicking*

Fire Streak: I live at the Academy when not on tour Gilda, those'll be fine

Gilda: calm down mels.

Soarin': I KNOW RIGHT?!

Spitfire: Something had to happen....

Melody: Calm down?! How can I be calm when Fleet goes off who knows where with Luci for six weeks?!

Gilda: no, why didn't she mention them...does she have a manor? Cuz that would be awe-..right, more important things

Woozi: I'm also supposed to pack some stuff and ship it... What am I, a butler?

Melody: ... Wait, what?

Melody: Where?!

Gilda: ...ah, right, luci...we're figuring it ou-...ship it where?!?!?

Fire Streak: Ship what to wear?

Soarin': YEAH, WHAT'S THE ADDRESS WOOZ

Thunderlane: "Let's get a private investigator" they said. ~.~

Thunderlane: *Sighs and meanders off somewhere*

Melody: Sorry, this private investigator is emotionally involved in this case XD

Gilda: *gets investigator, town drunk solves everything*

Melody: XDD shuddap

Woozi: ...She didn't say in this letter. she wrote me too many instructions on
how to take care of her trees. ^^;

Spitfire: o.o

Gilda: ....soarin, where's the paper work she turned in?

Soarin': Be right back, I'll go get it!

Soarin': *flies off at breakneck speeds*

Fire Streak: Also pick up my mail Soarin'!

Soarin': *returns with the most recently filed stuff and Streak's mail*

Spitfire: I should put trackers in the uniforms >>

Soarin': OKAY, lemme see.. Fleetfoot is at...

Fire Streak: -looks through his mail to see if he got anything important-

Spitfire: *should check her mail too* <<

Fire Streak: At least it's not like Fleetfoot's parents had some sort of scheme and are forcing her into an arranged marriage in the near future and she'll be back after the honeymoon.

Soarin': ...What?

Gilda: *will be really pissed if thats the plot*

Gilda: *in character wise at least*

Fire Streak: It happened in some soap opera one of my sisters watch.

Spitfire: Who was Fleet spending time with before she left? >.>

---

We now interrupt this drama for a little OOC

Nightshade: (( *imagines all of them crashing through church doors, screaming to stop the wedding* ))

Soarin': (("I OBJECT!"))

Nightshade: (( And then it's the wrong wedding XD ))

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Fire Streak: and its probably not Cowlumbian drug lords

Gilda: ...maybe I should get my mail.....I don't think she'd send me anything though....but...just in case *flies off!!!*

Soarin': *panicking*

Thunderlane: Streak, maybe you should stop....er....talking.

Spitfire: Streak...go get my mail please. -.-

Nightshade: *groans, and slaps Soarin* Pull yourself together! You're no use to her freaking out like this

Fire Streak: Yes ma'am -flies off to get Spitfire's mail-

Fleeting: [[Gilda, Streak, and Spitfire have mail. Also Rumble]]

Soarin': *slapped* >_> Thanks....

Fire Streak: -flies back with Spitfire's recent mail-

Octavia: *Walks in, keeping herself as cool as she possibly can* I heard Soarin yelling from Canterlot ~.~

Gilda: *flies in with the same*...I don't like this at all

Octavia: Not from Cbox Canterlot, from actual Canterlot ~.~

Spitfire: *checks her mail* Bills, Princess, Bills...ooo Fleet mail. -reads-

Fleeting: Spitfire's- "Dont worry too much ~Fleet"

Soarin': *sitting down, trying to not freak out*

Fire Streak: -checks his mail-

Fleeting: Streak- "Look after Gilda for me ~Fleet"

Fire Streak: -crumples up his note-

Nightshade: Great, let's just alert everypony then -_-

Gilda: *opens hers*

Fleeting: Gilda's- "Look after Rumble for me ~Fleet"

Gilda: ;-;

Spitfire: Soarin'....-hugs- She will come back.

Soarin': I don't think she will, Cap.

Gilda: if she isn't...then Im finding out why...*tucks the note into her feathers*...

Spitfire: You gotta have a little faith in her Soarin'. She is our Fleet. We are never apart from each other for long.

Fire Streak: Gilda...

Fire Streak: I... need to come up with a nickname for you. Fleet wants me to take care of you. -has to pull double teaching duty and help take care of the trees at the academy THANKS FLEET-

Soarin': I....I'm just scared, Cap.

Gilda: ...well Fleet wants me to take care of rumble...

Spitfire: I know. Getting a note like that isn't something that is the norm from her. But I trust that she knows what she is doing.

Melody: ...... *feels completely useless* vnv

Soarin': I hope you're right, Captain.

Gilda: ....but fleet...and luci...

Fire Streak: -puts one of his large wings on Gilda's back, not fully wing hugging her so she can pull away easily if she wants-

Gilda: ....*sighs and leans into the hug*

Spitfire: I have faith in her. Like I do with all my Bolts. If she doesn't give us another heads up in about five or so days. We can both go off and look for her, sound good?

Gilda: *trying to reconcile a cross continental flight to neighpon with fleets instructions...obviously doesnt think she can bring rumble since he has...a family and junk*

Soarin': ...Okay.

Soarin': Should I get Gilda and Streak off the case?

Fire Streak: Don't worry about us Soarin'.

Gilda: *almost finds that funny*

Spitfire: Fleet is a tricky one. If she doesn't want to be found, she will make sure of it >>

Gilda: *queen huntress 10 years running...not much competition in equestria, but still*

Soarin': ._.

Spitfire: When she is ready, she will come back.

Melody: *stands up, and walks off*

Fire Streak: Gilda was told to look after Rumble, and I have to look after her. Unless he was given instructions that its okay to go on a long distance flight, the two of us are staying here

Soarin': *just sort of lies on the ground*

Soarin': Hey. Shade.

Nightshade: *looks at Soarin* Yeah?

Gilda: *leans into firestreak more and 1000 yard stares the ground*

Spitfire: Fleet didn't move her stuff either,plus her stuff at my place. She is planning on coming back.

Soarin': *tries to say this as non-awkwardly as possible* Your bed still open? I really need to calm down.

Nightshade: Uh... yeah. C'mon... Maybe sleep will help...

Soarin': I think so....

Soarin': *gets up off the ground*

Gilda: ...Streak? She is coming back, right?

Rumble: -flies in like a gray and dark gray comet and glomps Gilda- Gilda! I got a letter from Fleetfoot from her vacation! She remembered to send me something! I thought we could look at it toge- why's everyone so glum?

Gilda: Fleet and luci are gonna be gone for 6 weeks rumble...Im just a bit down *Straightens herself* but in the meantime, its my job to 'take care of you'...so what do you usually do with fleet?

Octavia: I like how no one thought to check the return address

Soarin': We're ****ing idiots. Octy.

Soarin': I am, anyways.

Spitfire: if there was one...

Fleeting: [[ No return address, but the postmark is: "Tokyoats, Neighpon" ]]

Gilda: *WAS RIGHT*

Rumble: Ooooookay... -looks at everyone then just sites down by Gilda to read the note he got-

Spitfire: another adventure for another night >>

Fleeting: Rumble's- "Heya Rumble! I'm going to be gone for a long time, I'm sorry. Let Gilda look after you, but dont stop being my #1 Fan. ~Fleetfoot"

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End of Part One

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[Deleted]

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Part Two: Special Delivery

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When we last left off, Woozi had implied that she had stuff to ship. Gilda, who is a long-distance delivery griffon, has pulled more strings than a spiderweb to get this particular assignment. Unfortunately for her, her motives were guessed and Fire Streak and Princess Cadence pulled some strings of their own!

Fire Streak: -is waiting in Neighpon, at customs for Gilda to go through security-

Gilda: *spotted Mr. Fire Streak and is trying to maker her way around him, inconspicuously....while towing a bunch of stuff >.<*

Fire Streak: -walks up next to Gilda wearing a jacket, sunglasses and a backpack-
Boy are you a predictable Griffon Gilda.

Gilda: *flinches* hey streak....what do you want?

Fire Streak: You'll find out on the way back to Equestria Gilda. Right now I'm under orders to make sure you don't get into trouble.

Gilda: well thats too bad because I'm under orders to deliver all this stuff to...gee, I don't know who, no name here.

Fire Streak: And I'm to make sure you get back safely. I will say I'm a bit impressed on how quickly you were able to get this assignment. It was a good plan.

Gilda: well, you'll have to wait a day or two...I asked you to keep an eye on rumble ya know.

Gilda: *continues on her merry way*

Fire Streak: He's in good hooves. -follows alongside Gilda- and given the length of the flight We're staying a day or two to rest up Gilda.

Gilda: speak for yourself, I could fly out of here right now. I feel great!

Gilda: ....if you left him with woozi...

Fire Streak: He likes Woozi, and she likes him.

Gilda: *groans and walks along*....ya know I was serious when I said you couldn't help me...

Fire Streak: Never know unless you try.

Gilda: so....it'd be great if you...left.

Gilda: cuz leading you to a customer's house ...pretty obvious why that's bad, right?

Fire Streak: Can't. Royal-level orders in effects. You should have gotten Dash to back you up and say you're going on a camping trip. That would have thrown me off a bit more.

Gilda: wouldn't matter if you trusted me half as far as you can throw me.

Gilda: When did I ever show I can't take care of myself again? Was it when I survived a vicious dragon attack? or flew all the way to neighpon for my job?

Fleetfoot: -Ponikan Ryokan of Tokyoats is just up ahead. And coming towards them on the street.... Something worth seeing?

Gilda: o.o...*stops and stares*

Fire Streak: (Darn right something worth seeing)) -follows Gilda's line of sight and stops bickering with her for a moment-

Gilda: s-she looks happy.....

Gilda: *now trying to think of a way to drop off fleet's stuff and get her to sign without fleet knowing she was here

Fleetfoot: -Too late! Somepony glances in their direction and then freezes- O~O

Gilda: ....buck.

Fleetfoot: ....

Fire Streak: -Stoic Streak is stoic behind sunglasses-

Gilda: ....so...umm...brought your stuff?....sign on the dotted line? *takes out a clipboard* ^.^;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Fleetfoot: My... stuff? I thought I just had a message?

Fleetfoot: Oh.... right... I had Woozi send the... and then you...

Fire Streak: -raises a wing- I have official orders to make sure Gilda doesn't try to fly right back and take a header into the ocean from exhaustion.

Fleetfoot: From Spitfire?

Gilda: ....so...uh,...if you sign here I'll just take this to your house, drop it off and be on my way ^.^;;;;;; *slowly dying on the inside*....shut up firestreak

Fire Streak: Almost, higher level this time.

Fleetfoot: I'm not actually staying here.

Gilda: *is having nothing go right today*

Fleetfoot: SINCE YOU BROUGHT IT ALL THE WAY HERE... you can help me take to where I am staying.

Fleetfoot: Besides... I'm glad to see you.

Gilda: ...thats my job

Fleetfoot: But I heard there was a letter for me. So, let me just step in and check. Wait here. -Leaves them alone for a minute-

Fire Streak: -glances at Gilda from behind his black shades to see how shes doing-

Gildaway: ....

Gildaway: *honestly feels like crying*

Fire Streak: -sets a wing on Gilda's back while no ones looking-

Fleetfoot: -Steps out with Rumble's Letter and stops- G-Gilda? What's wrong?

Gildaway: Glad to see you!

Gildaway: You read rumble's letter?

Fire Streak: I wonder how the kid got it here before either of us.

Fleetfoot: I havent read it yet... ah, come on, theres's a cart headed back to Wheayoto. We need to catch it, it was only making a delivery.

Gildaway: Okay then *hauls her cloud of packages*

Fire Streak: -removes his wing from Gilda and straightens up- Lets get going then.

Fleetfoot: -Moves between them as she leads the way- There's nothing... nothing horribly wrong at home, is there? And you're just not telling me?
Fire Streak: Everyone, but Rumble, kinda panicked when you said you were extending your vacation. Your telegram was pretty short.

Fire Streak: Though I will say the one Soarin' got had epic timing.

Gildaway: Ponyville paranoia syndrome.

Fleetfoot: ...

Fire Streak: Its probably all in the letter.

Fleetfoot: I'm sorry that I'm worrying everypony.

Gildaway: It's fine...

Fleetfoot: -Nods to a pony standing by a cart- <Thank you for waiting. My
friends have come too, is that all right?> -said pony nods at them- We can toss my boxes in the back. -gives a little flutter and hops into the back- So, are my letters the only news that have traveled back to everyone?

Gildaway: Is there other news?
Fire Streak: -helps Gilda with Fleet's stuff- Just some telegrams.

Gildaway: ...well that's ominous and all, but I don't know what you mean *slaps fire streaks hooves and loads stuff herself*

Fleetfoot: Sorry. I dont mean to be omnious. I have to watch what I say, when
others are around. You cant tell who knows Equestrian.

Fire Streak: You realize that makes things sound more ominous right?

Fleetfoot: It's not accidental.

Gildaway: You seem awfully good at neighponese, spend time here as a filly?

Gildaway: *feels like the flight back is gonna take longer than expected*

Fleetfoot: I wish... Actually, after I visited here on tour with ... you know, I studied to learn the language.

Fire Streak: -opens his backpack and slips Fleet a scroll- This is from Caddy. Gildas not the only one who can ferry mail.

Gildaway: Caddy?

Fleetfoot: -reads it-

Gildaway: *looks around, noticing how everything fleet said is true, namely that ponies are a tiny bit shorter....which makes her stick out even more*

Fleetfoot: -Pauses to dig a sleeping Luci out from a pile of straw left over from the wheat being delivered, and hands her to Gilda as the cart begins to move- Here, you can hold this.

Luci: -Snorepurrs-

Suspicious Griffon: -a strange Griffon wearing a straw hat discreetly watches the cart from the distance- I told her I wouldn't get in her way, but I never said I wouldn't find out on my own...

Suspicious Griffon: -stealth mode, activate!-

Gildaway: *holds luci* erm...Kay then...melody was freaking out over not seeing this little puffball~....did you leave luci in a cart?

Fleetfoot: Yep. She was asleep, and I didnt want to wake her. That's why we had to catch this cart.

Gildaway: Okay o.O....sorry for intruding on your vacation...this seemed like a good idea at the time.

Fleetfoot: -rolls up the scroll- Caddy isnt going to like my answer. So I think you'd better take it by word of mouth, Streak.

---

OOC Moment:
Gildaway: ((....suspicious griffon is Melody, right?))
Gildaway: ((....ugh...is it Mel's teacher!?!!))
Gildaway: ((Cuz as hardcore as he is Gilda still knows tae kwon kick yo plot))

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Fire Streak: Will do Fleet.

Fleetfoot: ...When I figure out what it is.

Fleetfoot: -Read's Rumble's letter-

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Dear Fleetfoot, you must be having an awesome vacation to want to stay longer. All the adults were freaking out, especially Soarin'. You must be SUPER important for them to get all worked up. Gilda took it hard too, but Fire Streak said he's going to look after her, and I'll help too! I'll also help take care of Soarin while you are away.

Nightshade keeps waving her pie in front of him all the time. I can only bolt-block for so long! I fear he is slipping to the darkside

Gilda is going off for a while now, she has some sorta big delivery to do for work. Soarin' and Nightshade are now talking about how they slept together. Soarin' says they cuddled. Looks like I failed at my job

Speaking of jobs I got one now! I'm working on a farm for Apple Bloom's sister Apple Jack! It's for strength training. Also the farm has less drama than other places. Now she has him staring at her butt! Hurry back Fleet!

P.S. IF you want to know more about that one filly I can't tell you unless you come back so you gotta come back to find out! Signed Rumble!

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Fire Streak: Woozi made double sure to check that no one hid in your boxes Fleet. Hopefully theres no more surprises for you

Fleetfoot: This was a good surprise.

Gildaway: ^^; good

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Another OOC Moment:
Fleetfoot: ((I RETURN]]
Fleetfoot: [[The rest of my cast still here? XD]]
Fire Streak: ((Still here!))
Spitfire: [*distracted<<*]
Fluttershy: (Fleet in the Family is filmed in front of a live studio audience)

---

Fleetfoot: -takes the scroll 'Caddy' wrote on and turns it over- I need to draft a reply to Rumble, do you have something I can write with?

Fleetfoot: -glancing between Gilda and Firestreak-
Fire Streak: Gilda should have something to write with Fleet

Gildaway: Yeah * hands pen over*'
Fire Streak: So, get a good letter Fleet?

Fleetfoot: It was very good! -writes on the back of the caddy-scroll- I'm in trouble. There are people following me, listening to everything that I say. They took my passport. They read everything I send. They might be following us now. I'll tell you more later. Tear this up and tell me I cant send this letter to Rumble. How about this, for a reply?

Fire Streak: -looks over at the scroll and shakes his head- You can do better than this Fleet, you can do better for Rumble. -rips up the note and stuff it into an inside pocket of his to dispose of later-

Fleetfoot: You're right, of course. I have to write something really special to
Rumble. ^^

Gildaway: O.o....

Fleetfoot: -Cart pulls to stop- Here we are! Not to shabby, huh? -to the driver, as she hops out- <Thank you very much. We'll be just a minute.>

Fire Streak: Not too bad Fleet.

Fleetfoot: -Helps unload her boxes, thankfully they arent TOO many in number- You should see the inside. Here, this one's heavy, you take it, Streaky.

Fire Streak: -takes the heavy box and balances it expertly-

Fleetfoot: -Bows to the driver- <Thats everything, thank you very much!>

Gildaway: <.>....company policy out the window...*holding luci*

Fire Streak: Since when do you follow all the rules Gilda?

Fire Streak: -jokingly of course-

Gildaway: Since it involves a job.

Fleetfoot: Sorry, Gilda. I never dreamed you'd be the one delivering my things.

Fleetfoot: Be sure to wipe your feet well, it's polite here. -does so herself-

Fire Streak: -follows Fleet's lead-

Gildaway: *does so careful not to dig her claws in*

Suspicious Griffon: -spying from a distance, holding sushi in talon- So that's where she is...

Suspicious Griffon: -noms sushi- ...I should get more of this later.

Fleetfoot: -leads the way to her room, bowing to the innkeeper along the way,- <I have returned with friends. Could you please bring us some food? The Griffon would appreciate some fish- not fugu, though.> -and pushes open the sliding door.-

Fleetfoot: Come on in and sit anywhere, there's no chairs. -laughs- ^^

Fire Streak: -carries Fleet's heavy box in and sets it someplace safe-

Gildaway: *sets luci somewhere*

Luci: -opens her eyes sleepily and wanders over to a cushion by the table to flop-

Fleetfoot: -opens the screen door with a view of the courtyard... and then checks the rooms leading off from hers, on either side- ... What do you think? Do you hear anything? -quietly-

Fire Streak: -listens quietly then shakes his head- Nothing close enough to make out a quiet conversation -quietly-

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End of Part Two

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[Deleted]

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Part Three: The problem and the Plan

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Gildaway: *nuzzles luci*

Luci: -Nuzzles back!-

Gildaway: *purrs*

Fire Streak: Luci looks like she's holding up well Fleet.

Gildaway: *pulls away, realizing she's in front of two pegasi*

Fleetfoot: -Grins at Luci and Gilda- I've been spending lots of time with her.

Gildaway: Yeah? How's her flying, hunting?

Fleetfoot: -Sits with her back to the open courtyard door- I dont know everything that's going on.

Fire Streak: What can you fill us in on?

Fleetfoot: I haven't let her do any hunting. Her flying is...ehhh, about the same. -More quietly- There have been a rash of dragon slayings around Neighpon, lately. The Griffon Kingdom is suspected to be behind it.

Fleetfoot: Neighpon apparently wants to remain neutral between the two, like Equestria, but... they hold a deep reverence for Dragons here.

Fire Streak: Luci would probably pet and cuddle up with a bunny rather than eat it, she cant be a threat to a dragon.

Fleetfoot: When I brought Luci through, they asked me all kinds of questions about where she came from, which I answered honestly. I just assumed it was a 'pegasus with a griffon cub is kind of odd' and they let me through, and I thought that was that.

Fleetfoot: The next day I was arrested, and they seized my passport and papers
'pending further investigation' and let me go.

Fire Streak: ...aaand then they connected some dots that may or may not be on the same page

Fleetfoot: You dont know it, Streak, because you weren't there, but in getting Luci, I was involved in a dragon slaying. It wasn't ...exactly related, but it was closely enough related to get mentioned.

Gildaway: >.>....*might just have to keep a closer eye on luci*

Fire Streak: ...-looks at Gilda, and is SO glad Dash's flank is back at home-

Fleetfoot: The slaying was on Equestrian ground, but I'm guessing they're considering turning me over to some Dragon Council.

Gildaway: *isnt from the griffon kingdom...but is a griffon...suddenly realizes while fleet had her initial reaction*

Fleetfoot: Sort of a gesture of good will

Gildaway: *growls slightly*

Fire Streak: -covers Gilda's mouth with a wing-

Suspicious Griffon: -is listening in a neighboring room, good thing for paper thin walls- !

Fleetfoot: If that happens, I dont know what this 'dragon council' will do.

Fire Streak: I helped with the cleanup for that issue. Everything should be smoothed over.

Fleetfoot: It is... Between Equestria and Dragons. They wouldn't want to take on a whole kingdom, I dont think.

Gildaway: ...so...why'd you be all your stuff brought here?

Fire Streak: -taps hoof and thinks-

Fleetfoot: I'm given freedom to go wherever I want, provided I dont try to leave....

Gildaway: *was also highly involved in this event....not quite sure how that'll go down*

Fleetfoot: I decided I might as well make myself comfortable for however long it takes them to make up their minds.

Fire Streak: If they're going to conduct a serious investigation they'll be contacting HQ for our records on it.

Fleetfoot: I dont think they will. They dont want Equestria to know what they're doing.

Gildaway: *feels like the three of them coulda totally made it out if they didnt have stuff to tow*...*0 ****s given about diplomacy*

Gildaway: *would like to point out that neighpon is imprisoning a military figure*

Fire Streak: They can't give you away either.

Fire Streak: Not without Equestria finding out about it.

Fleetfoot: Not legally.

Gildaway: So...is...waiting the plan?

Fire Streak: Wouldn't doing something that shady kinda be dishonorable?

Fleetfoot: I think they're either looking for a legal loophole, or waiting for a good moment to look the other way.

Suspicious Griffon: Th-those bastards! No wonder Fleet was so obscure in her letters...

Fleetfoot: That was why I was so horrified to see you at first, especially you, Gilda.

Fire Streak: Annnnd someone, a griffon, directly involved in the incident is right here. -face hoof- Okay... I have an idea.

Fire Streak: Fleet, you asked Soarin' for my vacation time... if that time was denied, you'd be AWOL, correct?

Fleetfoot: ...I suppose so...

Fire Streak: If you're AWOL, a couple of bolts can be dispatched to track you down and bring you back kicking and screaming for leaving your post to face the consequences.

Fleetfoot: Yes...

Fire Streak: So they'd either have to make an official deal of all of this, or let you go.

Fleetfoot: I like it. Nothing like Official Military Scissors to cut through the proverbial red tape.

Fleetfoot: There's just one problem.

Fleetfoot: Now that they know we're associated, they may not let you take anything suspicious back in writing.

Fleetfoot: I dont doubt that Spitfire and Soarin will believe you- But you'll have to carry the message yourself. And you need to take Gilda with you. And Luci.

Fleetfoot: You see where this is going.

Fire Streak: I have a writ of safe passage from Princess Cadence, and official documents on protecting Gilda. I can get us back in a figurative flash.

Fleetfoot: I'm grateful for that.

Fire Streak: Gilda and I probably shouldn't stick around too much longer.

Fleetfoot: You'll need to spend the night, at least. If you run right away, they'll know the jig is up. I'll probably get questioned again after you leave. And I'm serious about you taking Luci with you.

Fire Streak: We'll take Luci

Fleetfoot: Thank you.

Fire Streak: We'll rest up and head out after we get some food in us.

Fire Streak: Then we'll head for one of the cloud towns across the ocean and catch an airship -wink wink-

Gildaway: *conflicted over this*

Fire Streak: Gilda, think of this as a tactical re-positioning to gain the highground.

Gilda: ...I get it...

Gilda: I think we should travel seperately...nothing shady, but I'm probably more likely to get stopped,...but you'd stand out just as much as fleet with only luci...

Gilda: ....you think they know I was...involved with the incident? *more shushed*

Fleetfoot: No. I only spoke of my own part.

Fire Streak: -deeeeeeep relaxing breath- Gilda. I said openly I'm here to look after you. If they picked up on that, use going our separate ways looks MORE suspicious

Fire Streak: Also if we fly together we can take turns on who flies in the lead so the other pony can rest a little in their wake. It'll conserve energy and let us go faster.

Fleetfoot: ...Someone's coming.

Gilda: ....we'll continue this later

Suspicious Griffon: ...Well what the heck do I do now? Should I go back with
Gilda and Fire Steak? No, that'd make it even harder for them to get back with Luci...

Fire Streak: -waits to see if the oncoming being passes or stops-

Fleetfoot: -Goes to the door, then brightens- Ah! <thank you very much. Yes, they are quite hungry> Hahahah ^^ -Comes back with a tray of Sushi and Takoyaki for Gilda and Luci, and Steamed grain and vegetables, as well as mochi-cakes for Streak and herself-

Fire Streak: Oh right, the food. Hehehe

Fire Streak: -waits and listens to hear if the person leaves-

Fire Streak: -gently takes Luci from Gilda, nuzzles the cublet, and passes her off to Fleetfoot- Take this for a moment Fleet. ^-^

Gilda: ....*looks at the food, practically drooling* is that fish?!

Gilda: They serve fish here?...is that a thing?!?

Fleetfoot: -Huggles Luci- It is!

Suspicious Griffon: -stomache growls- ...Damn it, now I'm hungry...

Gilda: *stops for a moment at the stomach growl,....but assumes it was her own!!! FISH!!*

Gilda: ...it...it is safe, right?

Fleetfoot: It's safe. there wont be anything dangerous like blowfish in it.

Gilda: *quickly bites into a piece blissfully, after spearing it with her talon*

Fire Streak: -walks up to Gilda, and in a flash is in her face with his wings flared around her and a hoof firmly, but not painfully on one of her talons- Gilda. This is a VERY important mission we're on. Fleet is in some real danger here and you and I are being trusted to help her AND Luci. Like it or not we're a team now. If anything goes wrong to help Fleet out, it could make things a lot worse. If you get caught on your own we cant pull the same strings to help you. Do. You. Understand?

Fire Streak: -rare moment of Streak's agression-

Suspicious Griffon: Can I tell them I'm here? Its not like they're going to inform the authorities about me. But, they'll probably just be angry at me if they knew I was here...

Fleetfoot: -looks more than a little startled-

Suspicious Griffon: ...Streak sure sounds serious. I can't blame him though. Fleet, Gilda, and Luci are in pretty serious danger here.

Gilda: *actually looks angry and growls for a moment before shrinking back as his speech continues*....I...didn't think of that last part.

Fire Streak: -lets off of Gilda slowly and calms down- I need your help Gilda.I need you to be my Wingpony. I know your heart is in the right place, I really do. Your head just needs to catch up.

Suspicious Griffon: But what if something happens to Fleet while they're gone? What if they come back too late to help her?

Gilda: ...so if we get caught...guess that makes you the distraction? *weak joke attempt...though she legitly sounds disappointed that she wouldn't get to test her air combat*

Fire Streak: This is a political situation. We make a wrong move and give them a reason to do something, they will. As far as we'll let them know We're taking
Luci back so she can be with another caretaker.

Gilda: ...shouldn't we have a name ready?

Gilda: ...guess I'm pretty lucky you tagged along streak.

Fire Streak: Woozi Booz takes care of Luci when Fleet can't.

Luci: OvO WoooooOOOOOooooOOOOOzee!

Luci: -stuffs her beak with Takoyaki- ^V^

Gilda: ...if we get seperated or are going to, who takes luci?

Fire Streak: We won't get separated. -places his wing around Gilda gently- you're my wing griffon. You never leave your wingmate

Gilda: >.>....*thinks thats pretty idealistic but doesn't press it*

Gilda: *eats more sushi*....gotta admit, this is something I could get used to.

Gilda: *is also quite worried that these neighponese guards will somehow know that she was involved in the incident*

Gilda: ...so...neighpon wouldn't seriously go to war with the griffon kingdom over dragons would it?...and have the dragons retaliated?

Fire Streak: -starts eating as well, slowly- Gilda, I won't let anything happen to you, or Luci. Once we hit international waters there will be a LOT of sky for us to get lost in. We got wings and a writ of passage. They detain us they need to let Cadence know, and from what I hear you do NOT want to see her angered.

Gilda: ((*wonders if elder dragons are like ents* it takes a long time to say anything at all in draconic, and we don't speak unless its worth taking a long time to say))

Gilda: ...the ocean isn't that bad a flight, just saying. *didn't take a airship here after all*

Fleetfoot: No, Neighpon doesnt want a war. They're just a little island country stuck between two much bigger, hostile ones.

Gilda: and the dragons?

Fleetfoot: I dont think they want to go to war with Neighpon, but they'll probably be happy to get their claws on a dragonslayer.

Fire Streak: The ocean's a long distance, and in the morning your wings will feel it. Also we burned a lot of energy getting here and need to make it back in record time without gorging ourselves into a food coma.

Gilda: *smirks at fire streak's lack of griffon physiology knowledge!...but lets him have is moment since she probably couldn't make the same speed back*

Gilda: I wonder if the stories about dragonslayers are true

Fire Streak: There's also a lot of water for something to go missing in if there was an accident if you get my drift. The last thing we need is a worked up dragon being lead to believe we're up to something and deciding to take matters into his own claws.

Fleetfoot: -sighs-

Fire Streak: We get to Equestria airspace, we're safe. We get to Soarin', the day is saved.

Fleetfoot: I just realized... my perfect Wonderbolt Record.... It's gonna get a nasty mark on it from this...

Gilda: ...*gives fleet a quick hug*

Fire Streak: -puts a wing around Fleetfoot- Don't worry Fleet, I have a plan for that to.

Fleetfoot: I know it doesn't really matter, in the big picture, but still...

Fleetfoot: -takes her group hug!!-

Gilda: um...I know it's not a big deal or anything...but I told rumble I might bring him something back...any ideas? ^.^;

Fire Streak: ...another little tree like Fleets?

Gilda: ...don't think it suit's him ^.^;

Fleetfoot: Yes. I've got something pretty rare for him, I think they'll let you take it out. -Hands Gilda this photo -

Fleetfoot: One last thing, and then we'd better drop the subject. There's a good chance you might get questioned on your way out, even with papers. I shouldn't have to tell you this, but be polite, and all we've been discussing is my lovely vacation. Right?

Fire Streak: -combs his mane back- I'm tired, and a bit cranky from the flight, but I still have some charm in me fleet.

Fleetfoot: So, I spent two days at the Poneikei Ryokan, and then came to Wheoyto for the hotsprings. Tell them that, and "forget" the minor details.

Fleetfoot: -Munches her steamed grains before they get too cold-
Fire Streak: Just so our stories are straight, why do we have Luci with us?

Fleetfoot: ...

Fleetfoot: ...You're taking her to see ... my parents. Ugh.

Fleetfoot: not really, but as her adoptive mother, I guess it makes... some sense. It was about time they were of some use, anyway.

Fleetfoot: Dont really take her there though

Fire Streak: Pushy parents want to see the baby and wont give you a moments rest. Gotcha.

Suspicious Griffon: Ouch, Godzilla sized burn

Fleetfoot: Aw, man, now I'm almost off my feed. -laughs-

---

End of Part Three

---

[Deleted]

---

Part Four: Consequences

---

We resume our tale in the open sky over the ocean as our intrepid heroes Fire Streak, Gilda, and now Luci, have managed to pass through a suspiciously more rigorous Neighpon checkpoint than they had done to get in. Fire Streak carries two letters. Gilda carries Luci. Luci just carries two pounds of Takoyaki in her belly.

Gilda: v.v

Fire Streak: Hows Luci doing Gilda?

Luci: LooooOOOOOooooooOOOOooooCeeeee~? ^v^

Gilda: she's fine *shortly*

Fire Streak: Hows she holding up to the long distance trip?

Gilda: fine. *shorter...obviously*

Luci: Twee~ Twee~ Tweeeeeeeeeeee~?

Fire Streak: Whats on your mind Gilda?

Gilda: ...Fleet's still there.

Fire Streak: And we're going to get her back

Gilda: ...yeah...

Fire Streak: Gilda, ites a delicate situation. If we simply grabbed Fleet and
left it could have caused a LOT of trouble for everyone.

Gilda: ...yeah...

Fire Streak: There's a bigger picture to it all. we're doing the best we can, and that's better than doing nothing right? We got Luci out, and now she's safe and sound.

Gilda: yeah

Fire Streak: Think Luci's hungry? We can catch a cloud and let her have a snack for a few minutes.

Gilda: *looks at luci* you hungry kiddo?

Luci: Toast? -hopefully-

Gilda: ...what do we have to eat?

Fire Streak: -dives a little to catch a cloud and sift though his backpack- I grabbed a bunch of snacks we can munch on for the way back. There's some stuff Luci can nibble on safely. No toast or takoyaki though.

Gilda: *stares down at the ocean solemnly*

Luci: -Looks up at Gilda-

Luci: -Trills softly and puts a tiny talon on Gilda's- ....Twee...? O^O

Gilda: *nuzzles the cublet*

Luci: -Nuzzles back for all she's worth, guessing that something's wrong but not sure what it is- ^v^ ~?

Gilda: ...*gives luci some food*

Gilda: *isn't hungry*

Luci: -Stops trying to wedge snack's into Gilda's face then, and eats her
gummi-fish with concentration- ÒvÓ

Gilda: *spots a live fish in the water* >.>

Luci: -Drops one of her gummies and tries to make a dive for it- OvO;;;

Gilda: *flies after and immediately catches her!!!*

Luci: -Watches her Gummi get eaten by a fish- ¬v¬;;

Gilda: *puts luci back on the cloud* >.>...no

Luci: ÒvÓ Yes!

Luci: -Plays this game with Fleet allllllll the time XD-

Gilda: *face talon*,,,you want fish?

Luci: Yes! ^v^

Gilda: ....watch and learn...might wanna close your eyes fire streak, ponies can be a bit queasy *jumps into the air and dives at the fish, pulling up at the last second and sinking her talons into the fish*

Luci: -Watches delightedly from the edge of her cloud... because this is her
first time seeing a griffon hunt.- ÒvÓ

Gilda: *brings it back to the cloud then sinks her beak into the fish to snap it's spine*

Luci: OvO Want it! Want it! -does the gimmie, gimmie talons- [[XD]]

Gilda: *fish totally floats on cloud* dig in.

Luci: -Pounces on the fish and, to put it lightly, has her own personal mini-sushi bar-

Gilda: *watches to make sure she doesn't eat any bones wrong*

---

Meanwhile, at home...

---

Princess Cadence: *Glances momentarilly at Soarin'*

Soarin': Hmm?

Spitfire: -sits-

Soarin': Oh, Hey Captain.

Spitfire: Hey Soarin'...how are you feeling?

Soarin': Okay. Got something I need to take care of, though.

Spitfire: Oh? I finished up what I wanted to give you finally.

Topaz: -Wanders in with a cinnamon danish balanced on her head- ^.^

Soarin': You did?

Soarin': *almost forgot*

Spitfire: Mhm. Wrote up papers to find Fleet. Everything you need, like I
promised. -nods-

Soarin': Really?

Princess Cadence: <.< Um.....

Princess Cadence: *cough* About that <.<;

Soarin': Uhh...yeah...?

Spitfire: Streak -.-

Soarin': ...Yeaaah.....

Princess Cadence: ^.^; S-sorry...............

Princess Cadence: D-don't blame him! I....I requested it <////<

Spitfire: Streak is gone after Gilda...to see Fleet.

Topaz: -Nibbles on her danish, listening to the conversation-

Princess Cadence: Most likely ._. ....They should be on their way back by now, if Gilda isn't giving them any trouble.

Spitfire: If I loose another Bolt .-. ...

Princess Cadence: Neighpon...is a small country. He shouldn't have any troubles... *Stares at the ground*

Princess Cadence: And I asked him to pass along a message to Fleetfoot, though...I'm not sure what her answer will be.

Spitfire: I pray he doesn't have any trouble. -sighs-

Princess Cadence: He won't. He has enough paperwork and permissions to get through any country <.<

Soarin': Same...but hey, if he does? We have paperwork, too.

Princess Cadence: No, if he has trouble, you won't need paperwork.

Princess Cadence: *Taps her hoof* Shining and I will make sure of that ~.~

Topaz: -Divides up the Danish and places a piece in front of Spitfire, Soarin, and Cadence- ^.^

Princess Cadence: ^.^ *Back to somewhat cheery Cadence* Thank you, Topaz~

Topaz: -Hums happily-

Spitfire: No thank you Topaz. ^^

Spitfire: Let's just hope he does not have trouble at all. -.-

Topaz: -Slumps slightly and takes the piece back from Spitfire-

Princess Cadence: *Nom*

Topaz: -Nibbles down the rest of her danish- ^.^

---

Back on Cloud Nine

---

Gilda: *cuts off her own bit of the fish*

Gilda: *still eating fish*...*smirks at firestreak*...want some?

Fire Streak: -looks back at Gilda- You know what. Sure. I'll try a bite.

Gilda: o.o...you sure, didn't go so well for sweetheart.

Fire Streak: Sure I'm sure

Gilda: *hands him a strip*

Fire Streak: -takes the strip and noms on it- Its... certainly different.

Luci: -watches Firestreak curiously-

Gilda: *cuts of flesh off the fish's head for luci and fire streak* here, these are called fish cheeks, best part of the fish.

Luci: OVO -noms hers happily!-

Fire Streak: o.o Why don't you cut it and half and we'll share Gilda ^^

Gilda: *does so*....rest of the flight then?

Fire Streak: -munches on his piece- I can see the appeal of this. I don't think I'll turn carnivorous, but I can see why you like it.

Fire Streak: But you're right. Rest of the trip. You want to take point? We need to find either Soarin', or Cadence.

Gilda: *puts luci on her back and flies off *

Fire Streak: -flies a little off to the side of Gilda, letting her take the lead for a while-

Fire Streak: Hey Gilda... I'm sorry I had to get up in your face like that yesterday.

Gilda: ....*doesn't really wanna have this talk, already pretty turmoilly over leaving fleet*....apology accepted *pushes forward*

Fire Streak: I shouldn't have snapped. I lost control of myself for a moment, and I shouldn't have.

Gilda: ....*speeds up a bit more*

Fire Streak: -keeps up with Gilda-

Gilda: *is just trying to go fast enough the streak doesnt want to talk*

---

OOC Moment:
Gilda: *is just trying to go fat enough the streak doesnt want to talk*
Fire Streak: ((Just more of you to love Gilda ;D ))
Fluttershy: (LOL)
Fluttershy: (Best time to walk walk in)
Fluttershy: (*walk walks, never just walks*)

---

Fire Streak: Luci's a really well behaved cublet

Gilda: yeah...almost there.

Fire Streak: Got to hand it to you, you're holding up well given the distances we covered

Gilda: ....have you ever studied griffon physiology?

Fire Streak: Not too much to be honest. There was a time during some night maneuvers I landed at the wrong base and walked into the wrong bunkhouse, but I don't think that counts.

Gilda: *laughs*....

Gilda: well, maybe you know that soaring birds can lock their wings?

Fire Streak: You can do that? I wish I could do that!

Fire Streak: -jealous-

Gilda: yeah, I can do that, usually I don't but cross continental flights sorta call for it.

Gilda: and keeps me from burning out. It's a lot harder to keep bigger wings straight without doing it.

Fire Streak: I got big wings for a Pegasus, I'm not too proud to admit once this is all over I'l going to be grounded for a while to rest them up

Gilda: yeah?...wimp *snickers*

Fire Streak: -lets her have it-

Gilda: *has a luci on her back and hasn't landed yet!!!!*

Fire Streak: -At least Luci doesnt toss and turn in her sleep!-

Gilda: *flies down and lands, narrowly escaping streak's wrath*

Fire Streak: -lets her have the victory, doesn't unleash any wrath on Gilda-

Fire Streak: Laugh all you want Gilda, you and your fancy wing locking physiology

Gilda: hey, I can still fly just as long without locking them, it's a decision...and it still takes muscle, just one you don't have.

Fire Streak: Well I have something you don't have either. A sweet looking mane. Lets find Cadence or Soarin'

Princess Cadence: *Is still waiting anxiously and silently, staring at the ground*

Gilda: I got these awesome feathers, if you haven't noticed~~

Fire Streak: Oh I have Gilda. ;D

Gilda: And I have Luci...and we have to talk.

Fire Streak: ((NOW she wants to talk))

Fire Streak: We need to let the others know whats going on, but if you want ot take a moment to talk about something, I'm all ears Gilda.

Gilda: ....just a question...how confident are you about this plan?

Gilda: *was waiting until they were close to home so she couldn't get lectured*

Fire Streak: Ideally, 100% will work. Realistically I'm putting it in the high 80s. There are ways things can go south, but it'll put them in a really bad spot, and I don't think it's a risk anyone would take. I do, however, have to acknowledge that it's there though.

Gilda: ...got any books on air combat I could read?~...just in case of course. I think I'm already pretty good, but you never know what might happen...*tries to find a cadence, soarin or spitfire*

Fire Streak: If I didn't feel comfortable with this Gilda, I wouldn't have left Fleet's side. She's my best friend.

Princess Cadence: *Is sitting by the fountain in the Mall area*

Princess Cadence: *The sound of the water is distracting*

Gilda: ...is that a no I don't have any? or a no, Im not going to give you them?

Fire Streak: As for air combat... I'm going to be talking to Dash about dragons that will eventually lead into some flight practice. If you want to sit it you're more than welcome to so long as we clear it with Fleetfoot, I don't want to mess with her plans for you.

Luci: -Yawns-

Fire Streak: You got to sit through them all though if you want to get into the practice flights though. No showing up just for the combat training.

Princess Cadence: ......

Gilda: well, I'm better than dash already. We used to play a griffon game called 'hunters'...almost always wo-...there's cadence.

Fire Streak: Princess Cadence! I have returned Gilda back in one peace and physically unharmed. I also come bearing a truck load of bad news

Soarin': Streak!

Rufus: -head pops out of ground-

Fire Streak: Soarin' you're here too. You have a letter from Fleet, and I need your help

Princess Cadence: ....I was afraid of that. But it's good to have Gilda back.

Rufus: Gilda! Streak! Rufus is glad to see yous safe.

Gilda: ...*isn't too happy about cadence sending streak after her despite how useful it was....but that can wait*

Gilda: *is gonna flip if she's hugged by a diamond dog*

Fire Streak: -pulls a letter out from his backpack for Soarin' and begins to to explain the entire situation to Cadence and Soarin'-

Princess Cadence: *Sends an apologetic look towards Gilda anyway* Did you want anything?

Luci: Orin~ Orin~ Orin~ ?

Rufus: -knows Gilda is afraid of him, would never be so cruel-

Rufus: So...is Fleet alright? Did yous see her?

Soarin': *gets the letter* You're lucky I don't give you a hoof right in the
schnoz right now for what you pulled.

Soarin': But considering the circumstances, I'll let it slide!

Fire Streak: -points to Cadence- Royal orders Soarin'.

Princess Cadence: *Grins somewhat apologetically*

Soarin': <_<"

Princess Cadence: ....*Takes a deep breath and holds her hoof up, as if to sweep it forward to calm herself down* ....

---

This is the part where Fire Streak relates the bit about Fleet's Passport being seized and her mail censored

---

Princess Cadence: *Hoof shakes a bit, then slams down onto the floor* They've WHAT!?

Rufus: ...

Gilda: ...I'll have some stuff to say in a bit >.>

Soarin': .....

Rufus: Fleet...

Fire Streak: So... now that we know Fleets all right, but in some trouble, I have a plan.

Rufus: -face suddenly turns grim and serious-

Princess Cadence: .......Do tell.

Fire Streak: Its a bit sneaky. Soarin' or Spitfire has to deny Fleet's request for an extension of leave and declare her AWOL. Then some bolts can be sent to bring her back without much hassle. When she gets back whoever didn't sign the paperwork says they totally approved it, and it was all a miscommunication, just a bad clerical error. That way Fleet's record stays spotless.

SilverTongue: -Wanders in- I assume that there's a group keeping her under watch?

Gilda: Nope...nothing obvious anyways.

Princess Cadence: ....I agree that you should deny her vacation time.

SilverTongue: Then why is it she can't just... come back?

Fire Streak: They have her wrapped up in some red tape and under the oh so ominous "pending investigation" so they took her passport

Princess Cadence: And by took, he means stole.

Soarin': ....Hmmm.

Fire Streak: Its like in police shows when they say "we dont think you did anything, but dont leave town" only on a bigger scale

SilverTongue: I see. Then how would declining her Vacation work? She's still not got a passport.

Soarin': And obviously, a Black Ops search and rescue mission uncer the cover of darkness is completely of the table, right?

Princess Cadence: Because if she is on vacation, she's staying of her own accord.

Spitfire: Why in the world are they investigating our Fleet? <_< -walks in and sits-

Fire Streak: She'd be declared AWOL, away without leave. We could walk in and "arrest" her and bring her back to face the charges. Excepts its all a smokescreen.

Shining Armor: (Soarin' I would personally let you handle all of the fallout that would come of that plan xD)

Shining Armor: (Because ain't nobody got time for that)

Princess Cadence: No, Fire Streak. She will not be declared AWOL.

Gilda: *growls* thats the point of the plan.

Princess Cadence: Because when her vacation time is denied and they prevent her from leaving to perform her military service, she's openly being declared a prisoner.

Fire Streak: Fleet was involved in a dragon slaying incident. Something that's very serious over there. Fleets not entirely sure why she's being held either but she has some ideas.

Soarin': ...how was the incident reported?

Soarin': wasn't that just you guys finding Luci's egg?

Fire Streak: Fleet was asked whys he had Luci and she told them everything about it.

Gilda: .... her involvement, in that ...is my fault

Soarin': Oh.

SilverTongue: -Ponders- I kinda like Soarins plan of getting in, getting her, and getting out. Leave somepony else to deal with the problems in her place.

Soarin': Sadly, it can't be that easy.

Fire Streak: -puts a wing on Gilda-

Princess Cadence: I don't think you understand, Silver Tongue.

Gilda: *brushes wing off with her wing*

SilverTongue: Then what am I missing?

Princess Cadence: This is not a small incident. This is theft and the holding of a military officer from another country against her will.

Rufus: -the more he thinks about it, the situation, the madder he gets-

SilverTongue: I know that.

Soarin': In smaller countries, this would be grounds for war.

SilverTongue: And you want to avoid incident, yes?

Luci: OvO -stares at scary Spitfire-

Soarin': That's the plan.

Princess Cadence: Yes. And so do they.

Gilda: *takes luci off her back...can't remember if I've done that yet*

Spitfire: I wonder if I even have that event on file >__>

Princess Cadence: I agree, deny the vacation time. At the end of the week, either Fleetfoot will walk out of that country or they will be openly declaring war against Equestria.

Luci: -Looks around uncertainly- >v> <v<

Soarin': Honestly, that is our best present option.

Fire Streak: I helped with the clean up of the incident Spitfire, I can show you where the official files are.

SilverTongue: ... -sighs-

Gilda: *should not have gone looking for a dragon*

Spitfire: Later. I'm going to need to look those over.

Princess Cadence: Let me find Shining, he can explain all of this better than I can...

Princess Cadence: But we will not need to sneak around anything.

Fire Streak: <.< >.> <.< -leans close to Gilda to whisper something for only her to hear when Cadence goes to get Shining- I do not want to be Shining Armor when she starts getting mood swings

Spitfire: Fire Streak <_<

Rufus: -wonders if Spitfire has really good hearing like he does, being able to hear Fire Streak-

Fire Streak: Yes ma'am? -scoops up Luci intending to bring her to Woozi in the near future-

Princess Cadence: *Would be dragging Shining back if he isn't coming willingly, though has no reason to suspect that he wouldn't*

Spitfire: If you pull what you did again, ever..you know what >> Let me save the lecture this time -mess up his mane- Don't fix your mane. >_> That's an order.

Soarin': oh damn, cap

Soarin': that's messed up!

Soarin': There's a kid here!

Fire Streak: -pulls out official documents from his backpack- Official orders from Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, signed and sealed ordering me to go after Gilda, who happened to be going to Fleet.

SilverTongue: -Wanders off-

Gilda: ...

Princess Cadence: *Returns looking particularly unhappy, but with Shining in tow*

Gilda: ...

Shining Armor: Welcome back, Fire Streak, Gilda

Gilda: ...>.>...hi Shiny.

Spitfire: Streak, order from a princess or no princess. You left in uniform, I am your Captain. I need to know where you are, just in case if was to happen to you. I already have one Bolt gone, last thing I need is another Bolt out of my sight -semi-rant over- <_<

Shining Armor: >_>

Gilda: ...*grabs luci back from streak*

Spitfire: Let's just all be glad she isn't yelling or has her shades on in her full get up

Princess Cadence: ....*Glances apologetically at Streak, and then Spitfire once more*

Rufus: -is lost in thought-

Gilda: ....*glances at rufus and almost jumps*

Shining Armor: *is very much on Spitfire's side*

Luci: O^O ....

Princess Cadence: I've given him the short version.

Shining Armor: *But has an obligation to the realm to not go in to that in public

Princess Cadence: And I owe him so big for sending a Bolt out without consulting him first ;.;

Gilda: So....we have a plan?

Shining Armor: Several, it seems.

Soarin': Seems like it. We bide our time, me or Cap declare Fleet AWOL and we have permission to go in and "arrest" her.

Princess Cadence: Again, nopony is getting declared AWOL.

Spitfire: If they let us walk in and out so freely is what I question...

Princess Cadence: .....*Actually goes through her calming routine fully this time and steps back, hanging her head and letting Shining go*

Shining Armor: If it gets that far, they won't be in a position to stop us.

Shining Armor: The delegation won't be one they can say no to, forcing them to say yes to save face, make it look like it was their own decision

Derpy Hooves: *is just kind of lurking about with muffins*

Soarin': *c'mon, Derpy, we need your strategic genisu here!*

Fire Streak: -could really use a muffin right now-

Derpy Hooves: *has no idea what's going on*

Gilda: *steps off to the side and motions to cadence to come too...though she lures luci to follow with her tail :3*

Spitfire: Does that mean, we could possiably get her home in the next two weeks?

Princess Cadence: .... *Follows Gilda*

Luci: -pounces after the tail-

Shining Armor: Yes, it's delicate, but we have the tools to make this happen

Gilda: ...Im guessing you didn't expect all of this, if that's true...why did you send fire streak after me?

Princess Cadence: ..........I didn't expect...everything. But it was simple enough to figure out where you'd gone. A large part of it was concern for your safety....And...I know, I'm sorry...

Derpy Hooves: *just begins offering muffins*

Gilda: ...you're lucky you're a princess, even luckier your husband is captain of the guard. *picks up luci and turns back to the military buffs*

Princess Cadence: ....I wouldn't change my choice, you know.

SilverTongue: -Wanders in, sitting away from the group-

Gilda: you're pushing your luck, you know?

Princess Cadence: *Watches Gilda evenly*

Fire Streak: -still just tanding there silently with a messed up mane-

Shining Armor: *should be relieved that no one asked who the delegation would get to be yet has trouble feeling relieved right now*

Princess Cadence: *Walks over to Shining's side*

Rufus: ...

Shining Armor: Anything you wanted to add?

Luci: O^O

Princess Cadence: ....Should I contact Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Shining?

Shining Armor: That'd be best, they have a right to know

Gilda: *ignores the princess's gaze*...so when do we leave?

Rufus: -looks at Shining and Cadence with a extremely serious expression- Rufus wants to help.

Princess Cadence: .... *Conjures a quill and a roll of parchment and turns, the quill scratching quickly against the papyrus*

Shining Armor: ...*is leery to respond given the situation*

Shining Armor: Fleetfoot is at no loss for friends, I know that if I asked for volunteers, I wouldn't be shorthanded, but things have to be handled a certain way

Shining Armor: *shorthooved? Like Rook pointed out to me yesterday, they use feet to measure

Rufus: Rufus doesn't want to just stand around and do nothing anymore. Rufus doesn't want to be cowerd. A friend to Rufus, to all of us, in in trouble, and Rufus doesn't want to sit and let something bad happen to her.

Spitfire: Last thing we want is to get her in any more trouble...

Topaz: -Pulls a small box into the 'meeting'-

Rufus: If there is something, anything Rufus can do, he will do it.

Topaz: -Starts pulling ice cold beverages out of the box and giving one to every pony, diamond dog, and griffon-

Gilda: *tail twitches and she looks to the ground...expecting shining to not have good news for her*

Big McIntosh: *takes one and sits back in his corner* Thanks Topaz

Topaz: -Nods happily as she continues handing them out.- E-everyone seemed upset... I t-thought everyone c-could use a nice c-cold drink~

Shining Armor: Since we're not leaving tomorrow, there's always a possiblity that an opportunity could present itself, so I'll keep you in mind

Shining Armor: As for your question, Gilda

Princess Cadence: *floats the drink over as her quill scratches quickly, though it slows down just a little as she drinks a little bit*

Shining Armor: As I said earlier, the delegation's membership is a crucial detail that has a lot of facets...

Topaz: -Slowly nudges one toward Gilda, eyeing her carefully as she does-

Gilda: *gives him the most neutral glare she can manage while still seeming imposing*

Shining Armor: *isn't intimidated even a little*

Gilda: *can dream!!!* ....and?

Shining Armor: So my question to you is, under what pretense would you be a part of that group? *genuine tone*

Spitfire: Streak I want you to rest. Even for a Bolt, your body and your wings need time to recover from that flight.

Topaz: -Once she's done handing out beverages, she grabs one for herself and sits next to Cadence, mindful of the privacy of the letter-

Gilda: I...was also involved in the killing of that dragon and I'm a griffon! exactly what they're looking for, if things go south, we could trade and if I try to escape there won't be an international incident because I don't represent equestria's military....? *realizes her explanation was about as long as a shot as it gets*

SilverTongue: Aren't the wonderbolts training you, Gilda?

Fire Streak: Jobs still not finished ma'am. I still have a letter I need to deliver from Fleetfoot, and I also promised to see Luci get to Woozi safely. I'm not going to let Fleetfoot down on either account.

Soarin': One of them, Silver.

Gilda: not officially, I never signed anything.

Gilda: It's just...happening.

SilverTongue: I see. They may still see you as training for the military, or at least a conscript.

Gilda: SilverTongue....shut up.

Spitfire: You can finish that but once that is done. Rest...and you can fix your mane now.

Gilda: >.>...

Shining Armor: Either way, it'll be important for our ambassador to know when a team member will zig and when they'll zag....

Princess Cadence: *The scroll rolls itself up and seals itself, the quill dissappears*

SilverTongue: Why, so you can be the one locked away?

Rufus: More likely found guilty by the dragon council and promptly eaten

Fire Streak: -fixes his mane wand walks over by Gilda and sits by her, wrapping a wing around Luci-

Luci: OvO ...

Gilda: I can do that!

Fire Streak: -smiles down at Luci- I'm going to take you to see Woozi and you can get some toast.

SilverTongue: No. You cant. You have ponies here who look up to you.

Luci: TOAST! ^v^

Princess Cadence: *Concentrates for a moment and the letter dissappears shortly afterwards, with a slight 'pop'*

Shining Armor: You do realize it won't be some glorious affair, don't you?

Topaz: -Nudges the Princess softly when the letter disappears- T-things are getting... -can't find a word to describe it-

Fire Streak: -gently taps Gilda on the shoulder- I'm going to swing by and drop off Rumble's letter on my way to take Luci home. Will you be okay?

Princess Cadence: *To Topaz* Complicated.... Fire Streak, before you leave...

Shining Armor: *is actually pretty sympathetic toward Gilda in this moment*

Fire Streak: Yes Princess?

SilverTongue: -Watches Gilda for a few moments- Unless you think they'll be better off without you.

Gilda: of course

Gilda: I'll be fine. *is ignoring silvertongue*

Princess Cadence: I suppose I don't really need the answer to this, given the circumstances, but for formality....What was Fleetfoot's answer?

Shining Armor: I'll be blunt, neither my post as the Captain of the Guard nor station as a Prince allow me to take you as a formal member of the group.

Topaz: -Moves away from the princess, allowing her and Fire streak to talk-

Fire Streak: Given the time and circumstances she has to politely decline.

SilverTongue: -Grumbles and wanders off-

Princess Cadence: I understand.

Princess Cadence: ...I believe you ahve a letter to deliver. You can go...

Topaz: -Sits down, staring toward the floor-

Gilda: ...*sighs*...*walks away and lies on a bench*

Topaz: -Watches as Gilda walks off, following her slowly, sitting next to the bench with a frown-

Fire Streak: -picks up Luci and sets her on his back- Shining Armor, I know I mentioned this before, but I helped oversaw how the remains were handled and put to rest for the dragon incident. If paperwork on the matter would be helpful I can send you a copy of the reports.

Gilda: *growls at topaz*

Shining Armor: *somber* Certainly couldn't hurt to have them drafted so long as the incident went as I've heard it went. But do make sure to take care of yourself, as well. You're not expendable.

Topaz: -Looks scared but doesn't back away quite yet- I'm s-sorry Miss G-gilda... I know y-you want to help y-your friend... I j-just thought maybe y-you wanted to t-talk to someone else a-about it...

Rufus: -somberly goes off into the mall for reasons unknown-

Fire Streak: I'll have Lightning Streak fly them over to you once I've found them. They'll be on your desk in the morning.

Gilda: I'm fine

Shining Armor: That'll be great.

Topaz: O-Oh... It's just y-you didn't look f-fine... -Lowers head slightly- S-sorry... I'll j-just go t-then?

Rufus: -comes back holding a compass and a map-

Fire Streak: If you need me for anything else, you know how to contact me. -carries Luci off to go play mail carrier, then go home-

Shining Armor: -nods as Streak leaves-

Gilda: That'd be awfully nicce *antagonistically*

Shining Armor: *isn't sure if Soarin' is still around, doesn't want to ditch him*

Rufus: -sits down and reads the map-

Topaz: -Sets one of the ice cold drinks in front of Gilda- I-if you need to t-talk, I'll a-always have an open e-ear... -Wanders back to the princesses side and flops over, shivering slightly-

---

OOC Moment: Princess Cadence didn't notice that Topaz sat near her..
Princess Cadence: ...*Goes over and sits by the fountain again*
Shining Armor: (Cold shoulder'd)
Shining Armor: (That's rough, Topaz)
Topaz: (D: Sadtopaz)
Topaz: (B-but princess :c)
Big McIntosh: so sad

---

Gilda: *ignores the drink*

Topaz: -Looks over to Shining Armor, unsure if she should say anything-

Topaz: H-hello, Mister S-shining Armor.

Rufus: -looks over to Gilda- ...You care for her, don't you?

Topaz: Yup

Shining Armor: Hm? Yes?

Topaz: E-everyone seems on e-edge... I-is there anything I c-can do to h-help? I t-tried talking to M-miss Gilda.... She s-still scares me...

Rufus: Yous aren't the same Gilda Rufus saw when you were mean to that cheerful pony.

Shining Armor: I don't think I can answer that question, everyone is different and sometimes we only want to be comforted by our closest friends

Shining Armor: But I do believe you can help, you just have to find the right time

Topaz: S-so Miss Gilda d-doesn't want to hear f-from me... -lowers her head-

Gilda: *not in a talking mood, rufus*

Rumble: -flies in energetically- Hey everyone I got a letter from Fleetfoot!

Rufus: ...Rufus is on your sides, you know. If things go wrong, if theys can't get Fleet back...

Shining Armor: Perhaps just, not at the moment?

Topaz: T-That's wonderful, R-rumble~

Princess Cadence: ...*Starts pacing*

Rufus: Rufus will do whatever it takes to get her back. Rufus will swim all the way to Neighpon if he has to.

Gilda: *growls at rufus*

Topaz: -watches Cadence with a frown-

Shining Armor: How's she doing, Rumble?

Topaz: -Moves over to Cadence slowly, standing out of her way-

Rufus: ...Be that way if yous want. -continues reading map-

Rumble: She says she's a bit lonely, but she's fine and staying busy. She also says the letter I had Princess Luna help me send to her got there before Gilda did, and if she hadn't heard about it, she wouldn't have seen Gilda and Fire Streak!

Topaz: P-Princess?

Princess Cadence: Oh, um, yes, Topaz? ^.^

Shining Armor: Don't tell me you were worried Princess Luna couldn't deliver~?

Topaz: F-forgive me in advance for t-this, but... -Hops up and gives Cadence a tight hug-

Princess Cadence: O.O.... ....o.o.... *Hugs back*

Rumble: I wanted the letter to get to Fleetfoot SUPER fast since everypony was
worried so since I made friends with Princess Luna I made Spike give a not to Celestia to give a note to Luna to help send my letter on to Fleetfoot. ^-^

Topaz: Y-you looked like you n-needed a hug...

Shining Armor: Sounds like she'll be happy to see you and the rest of her friends once she's back

Rumble: and since I was writing to Luna anyways I also got to ask some questions and tell her how I was doing since she helped me with some problems of mine.

Shining Armor: My, my, someone is building himself quite the peerage. Planning on running for mayor next year?

Rumble: Pfff no.

Rumble: I'm going to be an awesome flier like Gilda is.

Gilda: *still angry*

Princess Cadence: ...*Hugs tighter*

Shining Armor: Not a bad way to go, either

Topaz: -Hugs tighter as well-

Rumble: -walks over to Gilda and sits down by her bench- Hey GIlda.

Shining Armor: -uses this moment to wander off-

Topaz: -Squirms a little in Cadences embrace- S-so, I was r-right that you n-needed a hug~!

Princess Cadence: Yes...You were. *Watches Shining go* ....

Gilda: hey rumble

Rumble: Can I get you anything? You look kinda tired and I don't want to bother you too much, but can I get you anything?

Gilda: Im fine *shortly*

Rumble: Oh... okay. I'll let you relax then. -has noticed a trend of Gilda coming back from long trips grumpy-

Princess Cadence: ...*Sets Topaz down and gives her a light nuzzle* I have to go....thank you. *Trots off to catch up with Shining*

Gilda: ....*tips over her cold drink* >.>....*doesn't feel any better*

Rumble: -watches the princess leave-

Topaz: -Looks over to the tipped over drink and frowns, walking back over to Gilda-

Shining Armor: *looks at the sound of hoofsteps, wasn't going that fast* Feel better?

Topaz: -Picks up the bottle and looks at Gilda sadly- If y-you didn't want it, y-you could have just s-said so.

Gilda: >.>.....

Topaz: I k-know you're upset... But t-that doesn't m-mean you should be r-rude to those who w-want to help you... -Takes the drink and wanders away from Gilda-

Rumble: Hey Topaz cna you walk with me for a little bit?

Topaz: S-Sure, Rumble~

Shining Armor: -hesitates but nuzzles back- Sorry for leaving without saying anything

Rumble: Don't worry about Gilda too much, she's always grumpy about something after long trips for work. -blissfully unaware of the entire situation- Want to go with me to get a pretzel?

Topaz: -Nods happily- Sure!

Topaz: -Follows Rumble-

Gilda: ...*watches them leave*

Rumble: -goe sto find Wetzel and their pretzels-

Gilda: *flies off and to white tail woods to find some food...and take out some anger*

Princess Cadence: It's alright....I...understand....

Shining Armor: You know something funny?

Shining Armor: *You want to know something funny?

Topaz: -Follows behind Rumble happily-

Rumble: What kind are you going to get Topaz?

Rumble: -still unaware of the whole situation and is happy with what he knows-

Topaz: -Looks at Rumble with a raised eyebrow- W-what do you mean what k-kind? Aren't P-pretzels just pretzels?

Rumble: You can get the plain, with salt, or other stuff like cinnamon, or cheese...

Topaz: O-Oh~ I was u-unaware~ Hmm... -Thinks for a moment- W-what kind are you g-getting?

Shining Armor: ...Might not be the kind of funny you're hoping for.

Princess Cadence: *Closes her eyes* Anything will do.

Rumble: I like just salt with mustard on the side for dipping.

Topaz: I t-think I'll try C-Cinnamon~

Shining Armor: I was just thinking that it's funny that even when I'm a little upset with you and a lot upset about someone keeping our people captive, the first thing I think when I actually see you is how dangerously in love with you I am ^^"

Princess Cadence: *Swallows hard and smiles, closing her eyes and cuddling closer*

Shining Armor: Maybe the funny part is that it still surprises me. Was there anything else we needed to figure out tonight?

Princess Cadence: *Shakes her head, keeping her eyes closed tight*

Shining Armor: Best news I've heard all day

Princess Cadence: Shining...?

Shining Armor: Yes?

Princess Cadence: -sadly and worn out-...Can we go to bed?

Shining Armor: Yeah, let's go

---

End of Part Four

---

[Deleted]

---

Part Five: Royalty, Diplomacy, and the art of Waiting.

---

The Next Day...

Topaz: -Sneaks under Cadences wing as it's stretched-

PumpkinSpice: -Nuzzles back happily-

Topaz: H-hello Princess~

Princess Cadence: *Looks down* Hello, Topaz ^.^....

Topaz: H-how are you feeling t-today? Better t-than last night after a b-bit of sleep?

Princess Cadence: ....Better, yes.

Topaz: B-but you still have a l-lot on your m-mind...

Princess Cadence: ....Very much, yes.

Topaz: -Nudges Cadence softly- A-anything I can do to h-help?

Princess Cadence: ....Unfortunately, I don't think so. This is something to which the burden falls to me.

Gilda: *still moping around*

Fire Streak: -walks in out of uniform and looking tired-

Topaz: A-alright... I-if you need to t-talk a-about it, I'll be here~ H-hello, Mister F-Fire Streak~

Fire Streak: Hey Topaz

Princess Cadence: ...*Notices that Gilda and Fire Streak are here*

Fluttershy: Hello Fire Streak

Fire Streak: -is off the clock and not doing anything strenuous-

Fire Streak: -Hi Fluttershy. How are you and Dash doing?

Fluttershy: We're doing well, thank you. *isn't one to mention how sad it was not to be allowed to care for RD when she was sick*

Fluttershy: How are you?

Fire Streak: I had some back to back long flights and I've been given time to rest Fluttershy.

Fluttershy: Oh, that's good. It's important not to wear yourself out o.o

Topaz: Y-you still look like you n-need more S-sleep, Mister Fire S-streak~

Topaz: and Hello, Miss F-fluttershy~

Fluttershy: Hello, you don't have to call me Miss if you don't want to... ^^"

Fire Streak: Long flights take it out of you.

Topaz: I f-figure it's more than j-just the flight. Is that r-right? -Looks to Fluttershy- O-okay~

Princess Cadence: *Stares determinedly at the water*

Fire Streak: -lies down on a bench by the fountain-

Fluttershy: If you need anything I'd be happy to get it for you o.o

Fire Streak: Have you been helping Dash with her biology homework?

Fluttershy: ...A little... .__.

Princess Cadence: *Closes her eyes and takes a deep breath* ..........

Topaz: -Sits next to the Princess, a worried look in her eyes-

Gilda: *sitting on a cloud, looking at cadence*

Princess Cadence: *Glances and smiles weakly at Topaz for a moment, then goes back to watching the water*

Fire Streak: I heard your afraid of Dragons Fluttershy. I gave Dash a big biology book on them.

Fluttershy: ...o.o Do you think she's going to find a dragon? Is she being sent to go find dragons?

Fire Streak: -shakes his head- No, not at all Fluttershy. I just want her to know more about how they work. The only dragon around here will be Spike.

Rufus: -digs out of the ground, and marches over to the food court without saying a word-

Fluttershy: That's a relief... *isn't sure she understands the first part*

Topaz: -Looks over to Rufus for a moment, then back to Cadence- I'll be back~ -Follow Rufus to the food court-

Rufus: -buys nachoes and sits by himself-

Topaz: -Sits near Rufus- H-Hello, Mister Rufus~

Fire Streak: -smiles at Fluttershy- I thought maybe if you knew more about them too you might not be so scared. ^-^

Gilda: *looks down at streak and shy* >.>

Topaz: Nope, totally didn't see the double post

Rufus: ...Hello Topaz. Do yous want nachoes?

Fluttershy: O-oh I um... it's what I know about them that makes them scary o.o

Topaz: -Moves Closer to Rufus, sitting at the Same table- S-sure~ -Pauses for a moment- H-how are you f-feeling?

Fire Streak: Well its easy to be scared when you know the scary bits. I think spiders are scary.

Fluttershy: But they're so teensy and cute, dragons are big and mean

Rufus: -offers some nachoes to Topaz- Rufus feels helpless. Like bad things are happening around him and Rufus is just sitting here, unable to do anything.

Topaz: -Eats one of the nachos, unsure of what to expect- O-oh... You know, I f-feel that way a lot too... I j-just do what I can t-to help...

Gilda: shes right, dragons are pretty mean >.>

Rufus: That's the problems. Rufus is always big cowerd, running away from danger. But when Rufus finally decides he's not going to back down, not going to run from troubles, Rufus can't even do anything...

Fire Streak: But spiders look so weird and they have so many eyes and fangs with venom, and they can walk on walls and webs.

Rufus: That is just how it is for Rufus, Rufus guesses. Whether Rufus runs or stands, he's useless either way...

Fluttershy: Yes, they do

Topaz: B-But you're a big D-diamond dog! Y-you're not useless!

Rufus: If Rufus wasn't useless, then why can't he help Fleetfoot? If Rufus tried to help her, she'd only get into more trouble...

Fire Streak: And they're so small they can be anywhere, just lurking. Thats scary.

Topaz: -Hugs Rufus Tightly- Just because y-you can't get to her d-doesn't mean you're useless... I remember w-when Gilda made fun of s-somepony, you defended the Pony. I'm s-sure if someone wanted to h-hurt your friends, you wouldn't be u-useless. R-right?

Fluttershy: ...I understand, but you know all of that and they're still scary to you ^^"

Fire Streak: But I know a lot more about dragons and they're not so scary to me. You have to know something about spiders to think they're cute

Rufus: ...But theys do wany to hurt Fleet. Rufus knows Dragons; if Neighpon gives Fleet up to them, they'll...

Princess Cadence: ...*Ear perks*

Fluttershy: *thought they were cute when she first met them*

Rufus: -slams paw on table- ...Rufus is furious. But being mad isn't going to help Fleet at all...

Topaz: -Jumps away from Rufus when he slams the table-

Fluttershy: I'm sorry, I don't think it'll work that way ^^"

Fire Streak: -smiles weakly- Can't blame me for trying

Rufus: Rufus couldn't even help that pony Gilda made sad. A Changeling had to apologize for Gilda instead...

Fluttershy: N-no, I don't blame you... Do you have a friend that's a dragon?

Gilda: >.>

Topaz: T-that's because Gilda i-isn't all too friendly... -Lowers her head- B-but I'm sure she didn't m-mean anything by it... And Im s-sure your friend will be f-fine. She's got a-all of these ponies that c-care for her and wont let a-anything happen to her!

Fire Streak: -thinks- Not really, but I know some dragons well enough I can knock on their door and talk to them politely.

Fluttershy: ....Really?

Rufus: Rufus wants to do his part though. It doesn't matter if Rufus tries or not though, either way Rufus fails...

Topaz: -Carefully hugs Rufus again-You'll find what you c-can do to help... I'm s-sure.

Gilda: *rolls her eyes*

Fire Streak: -nods- Really. Yeah there are some dragons that aren't so nice, but there are some that will conduct themselves politely. You just need to know how to approach them. And you know Spike.

Rufus: ...Rufus is sorry for getting mad. It isn't your fault...

Fluttershy: Spike was raised by a pony and he's only a baby o.o

Gilda: *finally flies down and lands near streak and shy...away from rufus though*

Topaz: I k-know, Mister R-rufus~

Fluttershy: Hello Gilda ._.

Fire Streak: Hi Gilda.

Gilda: hey shybaby

Rufus: -eats some of the nachoes- ...At least these nachoes are still good.

Topaz: -Nods, looks over to Gilda, but doesn't greet her- Yeah, they a-are pretty tasty~

Rufus: -has been listening to the other conversation thanks to good hearing, personally does not care for Dragons or spiders-

Fluttershy: Recovering from your trip alright?

Gilda: no recovery needed, I would be on my way back now...If I could be >.>

Fluttershy: O-oh...

Gilda: yeah *obviously not happy with...anything xD*

Princess Cadence: ...

Fluttershy: ...o.o

Fire Streak: gildas made of some stern stuff.

Soarin': Gilda's hardcore.

Fire Streak: Hey Soarin'

Fluttershy: Hello, Soarin'

Gilda: shut up >.>

Soarin': ....I never left? But hi anyways!

Fire Streak: Hey Soarin', want to get a pie together?

Princess Cadence: ....*Starts pacing back and forth again* ...

Soarin': ....Certainly, Streak.

Soarin': ....something up, Princess?

Fire Streak: -carefully gets back up on his hooves-

Princess Cadence: I'm......*Sighs*

Gilda: .......

Fire Streak: Hey Gilda.

Gilda: what?

Princess Cadence: *Glances behind herself at the pair*

Fire Streak: Want to get a milkshake?

Gilda: ...*sighs and lowers her head* sure.

Fire Streak: You want one too Princess? -stretches out his legs and neck-

Topaz: -Wanders back, humming happily-

Princess Cadence: ....I'd....no,thank you....

Topaz: -frowns at Cadence- She wants a Strawberry Milkshake. -Sternface-

Princess Cadence: o.o

Topaz: Hello, P-princess~

Princess Cadence: H......Hello, Topaz o.o

Topaz: How are y-you~?

Princess Cadence: I'm.......alright.....

Fire Streak: C'mon Gilda, lets get something to drink -starts to walk off-

Topaz: Y-you're obviously not a-alright... -Hugs Cadence softly- B-but if you w-want to tell yourself t-that...

Princess Cadence: *Sighs* ... *Hugs back*

Gilda: *goes with firestreak*

Topaz: -Hums happily-

Fire Streak: ORder whatever you want Gilda, my treat.

Gilda: I can pay for it. *orders a chocolate shake*

Fire Streak: -also orders chocolate, and two strawberry ones, one for Topaz and one for the Princess-

Gilda: *sips on her shake greedily*

Fire Streak: How are you holding up Gilda?

Gilda: ...

Fire Streak: Get any sleep?

Gilda: sleep is for dweebs

Fire Streak: Does passing out count as sleep? I don't want to be a dweeb.

Topaz: No, Passing out makes you a pansy, not a dweeb

Gilda: ....I couldn't sleep.

Fire Streak: I passed out at Woozi's for a few hours, then got back to base after Luci woke me up.

Gilda: I....kept waking up, how'd luci wake you up?

Fire Streak: Walked all over me when she was called for breakfast.

Fire Streak: and by walk I mean tried to jump over me and landed on me.

Princess Cadence: *Sighs, closing her eyes lightly, pondering on something for a
moment*

Topaz: -Sits next to Cadence, humming softly-

Lazuli: -Sits on her other side-

Topaz: -Waves at Lazuli with a smile-

Lazuli: -Smiles shyly and waves back-

Fluttershy: *finishes up her writing*

Topaz: -Looks over to Fluttershy with a soft smile- W-whatcha doin, Miss
F-fluttershy~?

Princess Cadence: ...*Winghugs the both of them*

Fluttershy: I had a song picked out for my choir, but it was outside the comfort
range of one of the members, so I was changing it a little

Gilda: *walks back to cadence* yeah, sounds like her

Topaz: I s-see~

Lazuli: ^///^

Fluttershy: Nothing as important as what everyone else has been up to ._.

Topaz: -Cuddles against the princess under the winghug- Y-yeah... Everyone's been
in a b-bad mood~

Fluttershy: I don't know Fleetfoot very well, but I'd be sick with worry if it
was a close friend of mine ._.

Topaz: Y-yeah~ I'd be w-worried too...

Princess Cadence: *Looks rather miserably at Gilda* ...H....hello, Gilda...

Fluttershy: *puts the papers back in her saddebags*

Topaz: -Watches Gilda carefully-

Gilda: *ignores topaz though she glances at the princess rather harshly* got you
two your drinks

Topaz: -Perks up slightly- Y-you got me a s-shake?

Princess Cadence: ...*reaches out to take hers, setting it down on the fountain*
.....Thank you, Gilda....

Lazuli: -Peeks out from Cadence's wing- Hi, Gilda... ouo

Gilda: firestreak, not me.

Topaz: -About to take a drink of her shake, she looks over to Lazuli- Hmm...
-Slides the shake over to Lazuli-

Topaz: I s-see...

Lazuli: -looks at it- It's... it's not spicy, is it? ^^;;;

Topaz: -Blinks, raising an eyebrow- Of C-course not...

Lazuli: -takes a sip- We can share it~ ^u^

Topaz: ^.^

Princess Cadence: But....Thank you for bringing them.....

Topaz: -Nods- T-thank you, Miss G-gilda~

Gilda: like I said, it was fire streak.

Topaz: B-but you brought them t-to us~

Lazuli: -Snuggles against Cadence and thinks about how much she loves her
Princess- UuU~<3

Gilda: *rolls her eyes*

Princess Cadence: Thank Fire Streak as well for us, then...

Gilda: ...so princess, I know you're stressed out an junk. I gotta know though,
why were you worried about me?

Lazuli: Because she likes you. I do, too! You always try to make me smile even
though I cant do anything to help you OuO

Gilda: >.>....*looks at the princess questioningly*

Princess Cadence: ....I've...always been protective of those around me. Always.
But....ever since becoming a Princess, I've had....a lot more to be protective
of. I would stretch pretty far to help even someone I just met, or I didn't know
at all. That's just....who I am. So when someone closer to me may be in
danger.....

Princess Cadence: ......I overreacted, and moved without thinking. I stepped out
of bounds....I didn't trust you, and that was wrong. In the end, I'm know I did
the right thing in sending Fire Streak along, but....
Princess Cadence: I....I hurt your feelings. And it reflected negatively on Fire
Streak. And I went over Soarin', Spitfire, and Shining's heads to do all of it...



Gilda: ....you.. *sighs* we're cool, alright? And...Firestreak doesn't seem hung
up on it at all...except for when he got his hair messed up

Princess Cadence: *Shakes her head* ...It's something I shouldn't have done. Not without at least checking with Shining first...

Gilda: yeah...but you got lucky, so its cool *Smirks*

Lazuli: -Snuggles against Cadence and takes another sip of milkshake- ^u^

Princess Cadence: .....Thank you, Gilda...

Topaz: -Looks to Gilda for a few moments before smiling softly-

Topaz: -Gives Cadence a tight hug- I'll be back princess, I'm gonna go for a
walk~ -Hops up and gives Gilda a hug as well- And g-goodbye, Miss G-Gilda~

Topaz: -Wanders off-

Gilda: *resists hug* er, bye.

Princess Cadence: Alright, Topaz....

Princess Cadence: And Gilda.......thank you. Really. *Rubs her eye gently*

Gilda: Don't thank me, just don't baby me.

Princess Cadence: *Winces a little bit*

Gilda: Look, its nice and all, but I hate it. When I get taken care of I end up
having to take care of problems.

Fire Streak: Gilda Gilda Gilda... s-hakes his head and chuckles a little-

Princess Cadence: Gilda...I wasn't trying to baby you. I'm sorry that it came off
that way....I know you're capable of doing what you set out to do....

Princess Cadence: ...Certainly more capable of it than I would have been...

Gilda: *glances at firestreak*...princess, you need to cheer up.

Princess Cadence: *Takes a deep breath*

Fire Streak: Gilda, you don't like being taken care of, but you want to be a
Wonderbolt, and Wonderbolts take care of each other.

Gilda: yeah...well....

Princess Cadence: *Tries*

Gilda: I mean....

Princess Cadence: Ok, that felt.....strange.

Gilda: o.o...

Princess Cadence: <.<;;; I'll....Try. Perhaps a little more subtly than that.

Gilda: ...when I'm captain of the wonderbolts Ill just tell everyone not to take
care of me, simple.

Fire Streak: That MIGHT work Gilda, but you got a long way to go before you can
make captain.

Gilda: ...I doubt any of the problems Im talking about will show up when I'm a
wonderbolt anyways.

Spitfire: -sits- o.o

Fire Streak: Lots of problems show up. Lifes a grab bag Gilda, every time you
reach in you never know what you'll pull out.

Gilda: my problems have been pretty stagnant.

Fire Streak: Stagnant or not, I think its best to deal with problems more than
ignore them.. But that can wait for another time.

Fire Streak: -waves a hoof at Spitfire-

Spitfire: Hey Streak -waves back- Anypony seen Thunder? ._.

Fire Streak: Not today. I can take a walk and look for him though if you want.

Gilda: I deal with them most the time, it just took a while for me to figure out
how.

Spitfire: That's ok Streak. He will pop up sometime.

Rumble: Will I make a good substitute Spitfire?

Spitfire: Awe even better ^^ -snuggles-

Rumble: -snuggles Spitfire back- <3

Rumble: How are you feeling Spiffy?

Spitfire: Could be better. But that's just me being a Captain, always worrying.

Rumble: You worry too much sometimes. Watch out or you'll get wrinkles from stress

Spitfire: Me not worry too much? I'll just hope Thunder loves me and all my
wrinkles ^^

Rumble: Hehehehe

Gilda: ...

Spitfire: o.o ...

Fire Streak: ^-^

Gilda: *curls up tightly on the ground and tries to go to sleep*

---

OOC Moment:

Gilda: *curls up tightly on the ground and tries to go to fleet*

Princess Cadence: ((Something tells me that you've got something on your mind,
Gilda.))

Princess Cadence: ((Either that or you're trying to teleport by making yourself
as small as possible.....but I don't think that works.))

Fluttershy: (I feel a showtune-esque song coming on)

---

Fire Streak: -puts a light sheet over Gilda-

Gilda: take it off. >.>

Princess Cadence: *Puts a light Rumble over Gilda instead*

Gilda: *growls* really?!

Rumble: -is lifted on to Gilda- o.o -flops on gilda, and totally doesnt cuddle
with her <.< liarjack.jpg-

Spitfire: o.o

Princess Cadence: Sorry <.<....He tends to cheer me up a little bit, anyway.

Derpy Hooves: Speaking of cheering up! *offers muffins to everyone*

Gilda: ....*flips rumble under one of wings and holds him close*

Princess Cadence: *Smiles......just a little bit*

Rumble: -snuggles close to GIlda-

Fire Streak: I'll take a muffin Derpy

Fire Streak: I'll take two if you have one thats low fat and healthy

Derpy Hooves: All my muffins are healthy ^_^

Derpy Hooves: When your diet is 50% muffin you have to make some efforts to
ensure nutrition ^_^

Fire Streak: I'll take two then please Derpy. ^-^

Derpy Hooves: What kind?

Fire Streak: blueberry and a strawberry?

Derpy Hooves: *hands him the requested muffins*

Fire Streak: Thank you Derpy -takes the muffins, walks over to Spitfire, and
offers her on-

Fire Streak: one*

Spitfire: Last time I had a muffin. Thank you -noms-

Fire Streak: -sits with his captain and noms-

Gilda: *falls asleep, purring*

Topaz: -Wanders in, humming happily-

Gilda: *purring~*

Rumble: -keeps Gilda warm and comfy-

Gilda: *gilda jumps up, her wings flaring outwards and her claws scraping the
floor of the mall* O-O *looks around wildly*

Rumble: -strokes Gilda's side- Calm down Gilda, its just a bad dream.

Topaz: Y-you okay, Miss G-gilda?

Gilda: *breathing hard*...I...it was....just...

Rumble: Just a dream Gilda -keeps petting Gilda gently- Just a dream.

Topaz: -Moves a little closer to Gilda, a soft smile on her face as she starts to
sing a Lullaby, hoping to get Gilda back to sleep-

Gilda: I'm fine >.>

Rumble: I'm not saying you aren't fine. Everyone gets bad dreams from time to
time.

Gilda: ...well...I'm not tired anymore anyways *stretches*

Topaz: -Stops singing and sighs-

Gilda: *stretches her wings and grabs the sheet draping it over rumble* there ya
do kiddo...I'm gonna.....*pauses and thinks* go hunting, yeah, cya

Princess Cadence: ...Gilda...?

Gilda: ...what, you want me to bring you something? *obviously joking*

Princess Cadence: *Smiles a little bit* ...No, I just wanted to say...that I
understand how you feel. And I think Shining understands even better than I do.
No matter what happens, we're going to help her, ok?

Rumble: Help who?

Princess Cadence: *Winks at Rumble* Official Princess business

Rumble: Need me to cover my ears then?

Luna: -Teleports in, as though on the mention of 'Princess Business'-

Gilda: *flies awaaaaaaait*

Rumble: Hi Princess Luna! -waves- Thanks for writing back!

Princess Cadence: *Looks somewhere between happy and nervous to see Luna*
H-hello, Princess Luna ^.^......

Topaz: H-Hello there, P-Princess~

Gilda: >.>....princess luna *nods*

Luna: -Smiles at Rumble- Greetings Rumble, We hope thou art well.. Greetings,
Crystal Pony Topaz. Gilda, we wish thou to remain but a moment.

Rumble: o.o Gildas not in trouble is she Princess Luna?

Rumble: -is always in trouble when Cheerilee asks him to stay a moment after
class-

Luna: Nay, she is not.

Princess Cadence: <.<...

Luna: Princess Cadence....

Gilda: *is quite tempted to leave anyways....thinks about it....decides to
stay...BUT NOT CUZ SHE WAS TOLD TO!!!*

Luna: ....Thou lookest most weary.

Princess Cadence: ^.^; It's...a normal condition. I'll be alright after tonight,
I think.

SilverTongue: -Wanders in-

Luna: We would help thee if we could, thou knowest.

Princess Cadence: I know, thank you Princess Luna.

Gilda: ...*looks to the sky for something to eat, since she doesn't really wanna
fly all the way to a forest*...

SilverTongue: Oh, hey there, Princess.

Luna: Greetings, Silver Tongue. That is not the form of one of our subjects, is
it?

Soarin': We're a sun short of a full house of Princi tonight.

SilverTongue: If it is, then I haven't met him.

Gilda: >.>...*begins to stalk off, searching the skies*

Luna: Gilda...

Luna: We have not excused thou. A moment only.

Gilda: *groans*...and for the record, I don't need permission to leave >.>...

Luna: Thou art an Equestrian Citizen, hold an Equestrian Employment, and are on
Equestrian soil.

Luna: Thou fallest under our protection whether thou likest or no.

Gilda: >.>....whatever.

SilverTongue: -Chuckles-

Gilda: Shut it silv.

Luna: These are troubled times, and we wish thou to take a pledge of thy honor to
remain on Equestrian soil until such time as thou are called to act on behalf of
Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, or the dipomatic tension has eased.

SilverTongue: -Backs away from the conversation slowly-

Gilda: >.>....what

Luna: -more slowly, and deliberately- We wish you, to make a pledge, on your
honor, to remain within in bounds of Equestria, Until, and Unless, Princess
Cadence and/or Prince Shining Armor give you an order otherwise, or this crisis
hath passed.

Luna: -struggles with the modern language-

Princess Cadence: Don't take it personally, Gilda. It isn't just you. ....*Looks
around* ...Rufus is around here as well. And don't go too far, Silver.

Rumble: ...What does Gilda have to do with some crisis?

Gilda: ....yeah...right. I think I can schedule that in for....thursday.

SilverTongue: -Rubs the back of his neck- I'm not going anywhere, I swear~
-Chuckles nervously-

Gilda: sound good? Awesome, bye

Luna: Thou wilt not give such willingly?

Princess Cadence: Gilda, I really, really suggest you agree to this <.<

Gilda: ...that sounds...forboding >,>

Princess Cadence: <.< It is. This is a matter of national importance, Gilda.

Princess Cadence: I promise that we will not leave you out of this completely. I
owe you at least that much.

SilverTongue: -Starts backing away while everyone is distracted again-

Rumble: 1) Gilda, that IS foreboding, and 2) Now I'm starting to worry. What
happened on that delivery you made Gilda? -stops himself from asking if Gilda
caused anything-

Princess Cadence: *Throws a quick glance at Silver* Ahem...

Gilda: I don't make promises when I don't know what's gonna
happen....actually...I usually don't make promises....which reminds me, I got
something for you rumble.

SilverTongue: I.. um... Was just going to get Beverages for Everypony~ heheh....

Gilda: *hands rumble that picture of fleet and luci*

Luna: We require this one of thee.

Gilda: Im not going to promise anything. How about you just trust that I don't do
anything stupid.

Rumble: -looks at the picture and carefully tucks it under a wing so as not to
mess it up- My letter said Fleet ran into you and Fire Streak.

Princess Cadence: Silver, I've taken it upon myself to make sure you're alright
here, and that you fit in as perfectly as possible, and that you don't cause
trouble that would strain the relationships between Pony and Changeling <.<

Princess Cadence: Drinks can wait.

Luna: ..And that is thy final answer?

Gilda: or do I have to bad a track record for that princess?

Gilda: ...what if it is?

SilverTongue: -Returns to the group and sits with a grumble-

Luna: We made it a request, an honor oath only. If thou wilt not, we shall
enforce it with magic.

Rumble: O.O

Rumble: -now knows something very serious is up-

Gilda: >.>...what the heck did I do to deserve that?!

Topaz: C-come on Rumble. Lets go get some I-ice Cream~ -Nudges Rumble to get him
walking-

Princess Cadence: Gilda, all we ask is for your word. If you can give us that,
then you have given us all the reason we need to trust you.

Princess Cadence: But if you can't, if you refuse to promise this, then we can
only assume that you plan on going back ahead of time.

Luna: It is not what thou hast done. It is for what thou, for thy friend, might
do.

Rumble: -resists budging- I wanna know whats going on Topaz

Gilda: .....*looks to the skies and back to the princesses a few times*,,,you two
both suck

Topaz: P-please, Rumble... It d-doesn't concern us... Let's l-let the princesses
conduct b-business...

Luna: -waits-

Rumble: But it does concern my friend.

Princess Cadence: *Winces* I rather agree. It's...not a pleasant thing to do,
either....

Gilda: go ahead with her rumble *smiles*

Topaz: I k-know.... Rumble... They'll tell you w-whats going on later...

Gilda: *sits and glares at the princesses*

Rumble: -sees Gilda smile, knows Gilda rarely if ever smiles- Gilda started a
feud with the YAKuza didn't she?

Topaz: y- you figured it out. Lets g-get thar ice c-cream~ -bad lie-

Luna: For the last time, I ask thee. Wilt thou take the pledge or no?

Gilda: *growls*....

SilverTongue: No offense, Princess, but maybe we should pause this conversation
until the kids are gone?

SilverTongue: It's a... Delicate matter, and we don't need to worry them, do we?

Princess Cadence: Gilda, I will personally make this up to you.

Luna: ...

Luna: So be it.

Gilda: yeah sure you will.

Gilda: I didn't say no...just..ugh...

Princess Cadence: *Hasn't looked so honest since the "I do"s*

Topaz: -Pushes rumble a little harder- Come on, R-rumble... They n-need to talk.
P-please?

Luna: -hesitates one last moment-

Gilda: I promise I won't go out of equestria unless the crisis ends or Im told
to. alright

Luna: By Princess Cadence, or Prince Shining Armor.

Gilda: by prince shining armor or *with a glare* princess cadence

SilverTongue: -Taps his hooves together, squirming from all the tension in the
room-

Rumble: -sighs- fine. I'll go with you Topaz

Princess Cadence: *Relieved sigh* ....Thank you, Gilda. Silver...I'd like to get
the same from you. After that, will you be finding the others, Princess Luna?

Luna: Very well. We accept thee at thy word.

Topaz: -Breaths a sigh of relief- I h-hear they have a Rocky Road I-Ice cream~

Gilda: you're not welcome. I'm going hunting now, bye. *takes off into the sky*

SilverTongue: Yay, my turn... So. Lemme just make sure of what I'm agreeing to
here...

Rumble: v.v They better have coffee flavored.

SilverTongue: Since I'm technically a foreign national, only here due to a
promise to stop from causing chaos, you want to make sure I wont turn my back to
Equestria should they need me?

Luna: We wish to, but we will be content with Gilda's and Silvers. T'was,
actually, not our purpose for coming.

Topaz: I'm s-sure they do, Rumble~

Princess Cadence: <.< Since it's a delicate situation, we just need to make sure
that those closely related to the issue stay here, just for now. It should only a
be a few days longer...

Gilda: *not happy with this, not at all*

SilverTongue: -Shrugs- I have nowhere else to go, and I actually have somepony that I can't leave behind.

SilverTongue: You have my word. On my honor as a citizen of Equestria.

Luna: We thank thee.

SilverTongue: However, know this...

SilverTongue: Should something come up and you try conscripting me... I can't
fight... At all.

Topaz: -Orders the Ice Cream and carries the two cups over to a table, setting
one in front of Rumble- One for R-rumble, one f-for Topaz~

Princess Cadence: *Chuckles a little* I don't think it'll come to conscripting
anyone.

SilverTongue: That's good to know. I can't fight my way out of a paper bag...
Could probably talk it into thinking it's plastic, though~

Luna: -Turns back to Cadence- Princess Cadence.

SilverTongue: -Thinks for a moment- Well dang, I just agreed not to leave
Equestria... Looks like I have to cancel my trip to the Hive... -Looks to
Princesses With a grin-

Princess Cadence: *Rolls her eyes a bit at Silver* ......Yes, Princess Luna?

Luna: We, that be, Princess Celestia and ourself, wish to leave this matter to
thee and Prince Shining Armor, to represent Equestria for us. We feel that thy
position and thy unique talents makest thou most suitable. Yet we know the heavy
burden that thou carry. Canst thou manage?

Princess Cadence: I...I........us? Me?

Luna: Indeed. We know it to be much to ask of thee, and yet, we do ask it. Thou
hast a more... -smiles- delicate way of managing ponies than ourselves.

Rumble: -just stares at the icecream- Thanks Topaz...

Topaz: -Nods, taking a bite of her ice cream- C-Come on, Rumble... Cheer up~
E-everything is f-fine...

Princess Cadence: <.< *Not gonna admit out loud how true that is....clearly...*
I, um.... *Takes a deep breath* ....Yes. If Shining is Willing, then I will as
well. Though, I'm sure I know his answer...

Rumble: Everythings not fine. Gilda better have some answers next time I see her.

Luna: So be it. All that Equestria can offer you, is at your disposal for this
mission, including the full use of the royal Libraries and Airship One.

Rufus: -listening from below-

Topaz: -Sighs softly, thinking for a moment- It's just... W-with the Crystal
E-empire coming back, and S-sombra being.... Sombra. T-The Princesses want to
make s-sure nopony i-is going to leave i-if they're needed. -Smiles, hoping
Rumble believes the Lie.-

Rumble: That's not it.

Topaz: -Slumps over again-

Luna: We Hereby fully authorize thee to represent Equestria in this matter,
choosing the means thou seest fit, even unto the declaration of war. May it not
come to that.

Topaz: I thought kids were supposed to be Naive...

Princess Cadence: O.O...Y-Yes, Princess Luna

Gilda: *flies back in, having failed to find a nearby equestrian border to sit
right next to just to get as close to defying the princess as possible*

Rumble: I'm going to ask Gilda about it when I see her again. I want to hear her
side, she's still my friend for now.

Topaz: -Takes another bite of her ice cream- D-did you want to b-bring her some
Ice cream, too?

Gilda: *sits on a cloud and cleans the bl....red off off her claws, though a few
seem to be broken now*

Rumble: No.

SilverTongue: And Cadence has the Keys to Equestrias fate... Must be a big
burden, eh?

Topaz: O-Oh...

Luna: We knowst thou wilt serve us well, and makest us proud. -Gives Cadence an
affectionate nuzzle before taking flight and teleporting out-

Gilda: *watches all the ponies from the cloud*

Princess Cadence: O.O Silver?

SilverTongue: Yes?

Princess Cadence: Hush

Rufus: -digs out of the ground-

SilverTongue: Saw that one coming. Howdy, Rufus

Rufus: Hello...Rufus was sleeping but he heard talking above.

Topaz: -Sighs- F-fine... Lets head back... I know you w-want answers, but I
c-cant give them to y-you -lowers her head, carrying her ice cream back-

Rufus: Cadence...you are in charge of helping Fleet now?

Rumble: I'm going to sit here and brood for a little bit Topaz. When Gilda gets
agitated it takes a while for her to calm down.

Princess Cadence: O.O I....I....No. Well, sort of. Shining and I are.

Princess Cadence: Together.

Topaz: Brood away... -Continues walking back toward Cadence-

Rufus: Okays.

Rufus: ...Rufus wishes you good luck in helping her.

Topaz: -Sneaks up to the princess as she talks with Rufus-

Topaz: -Holds the Ice Cream up to the Princess with a light smile- Want some,
P-Princess?

Princess Cadence: *Jumps 20 feet in the air. Literally. Slowly floats back down*

Topaz: -Giggles softly as the Princess floats back down-

Princess Cadence: .......Y-yes, sure, Topaz...

Rufus: ...

Topaz: ^.^ H-Hello, Mister R-rufus~

Gilda: *enjoys seeing the princess all stressed out...at least right now she does*

Topaz: I t-thought Ice cream would h-help Rumble. B-but I failed... He j-just
want's answers f-from Miss G-gilda...

Princess Cadence: I...Yes, that's understandable. *Bites a fairly large bit of
the ice cream of, pausing a few moments later after realizing what she'd done*

Topaz: -Smiles at the princess, nibbling what's left of her ice cream- H-he's a
smart little Pegasus... He k-knows something is up...

Princess Cadence: *Swallows the ice cream and winces at the brainfreeze*
....Y-yes. He's certainly a sharp one.

Topaz: -Looks toward Rufus- W-would you like a b-bite, Mister R-rufus? -Offers
the Ice Cream-

Rufus: ...Maybe it would help Rufus calm down. -grabs scoop of ice cream by the
paw and puts it in mouth-

Rufus: ...

Rufus: Ow! Coldcoldcoldcoldcoldcoldcoldcold

Topaz: -Giggles-

Rufus: ...Rufus probably shouldn't have eaten whole scoop before knowing how cold
it was.

Topaz: I t-think the P-princess did the same thing~

Gilda: >.>

Princess Cadence: <.< *Hadn't even registered that it was ice cream*

Gilda: *is amused, continue*

Rumble: -wanders aimlessly-

Gilda: *sits on her cloud*

Topaz: -Finishes off her ice cream happily-

Princess Cadence: o.o......*Plops down by the fountain again* ._.

Topaz: -Sits with the princess- Are you okay P-princess?

Princess Cadence: ...........I...was just handed all of the power of the single
most influential country in the world. *Voice cracking just a bit* ......

Soarin': Cadence, if I may make a sugestion?

Soarin': Go sleep. You'll feel less like jumping off the nearest bridge after it.

Gilda: respect you citizens freedom, oh wait, to late for that

Topaz: -Nuzzles Cadence- E-everything will be just f-fine~ Hello Mister S-soarin~

Princess Cadence: Y-yes, I...jumping off a bridge?

Soarin': Hi, Topaz.

Soarin': Yeah. Cuz of the stress?

Princess Cadence: .....Soarin', I have wings.....

Soarin': Been there before when I've had to sub in for the Captain.

Soarin': So?

Princess Cadence: Jumping off of a bridge might actually be kind of relaxing.

Soarin': I mean WITHOUT flying

Soarin': Yknow

Princess Cadence: <.< I'm not THAT sort of stressed.....

Soarin': *makes a whistling sound descending in pitch* SPLAT

Princess Cadence: *Actually jumps at the 'splat' sound*

Topaz: ... T-thanks, Soarin... I think s-she gets it.

Soarin': Gotcha!

Rufus: Be thankful yous in a position to do something, Cadence.

Topaz: B-but he has a point. Rest can do a p-pony good~

Soarin': Yep.

Soarin': Just calm down. You'll handle a whole country better on a clear, rested
mind.

Princess Cadence: *Whole country* .....

Soarin': ...Oh crap.

Soarin': <_<

Princess Cadence: N-no, it's just for this instance <.<

Soarin': >_>

Topaz: S-soarin... Have you ever wondered w-what life would be like w-without
your hoof in your m-mouth? -Smiles sweetly-

Princess Cadence: And....And I have Shining. *Deep breath, and sweeps her hoof
foward, relaxing a bit*

Soarin': Yes, Topaz.

Soarin': Boring and not very entertaining for anypony else

Topaz: -Giggles lightly- I g-guess that's true~

Topaz: -Starts humming a soft tune-

Topaz: G-goodnight Mister S-soarin!

Princess Cadence: o.o G-good night, Soarin'

Gilda: *flies down and lands near the fountain*

Topaz: -Waves to Gilda with a soft Smile-

Princess Cadence: G-Gilda o.o *Too shocked to look as bad as she feels*

Gilda: hey, heard you're commander in chief. have fun

Princess Cadence: *Looks down a bit* ....This Commander in Chief is going to do
everything in her power to get Fleetfoot back here, safe and sound, and as fast
as possible.

Gilda: already noticed that.

Princess Cadence: So....I need your help with that, Gilda.

Gilda: >.>.....

Princess Cadence: Gilda...the only way I can involve you in this is if you're
willing to help me....

Gilda: ...I try not to commit to things before I know about them...doesn't work out some times....what do you need me to do?

Princess Cadence: I don't know yet, so I won't make you agree to anything. Not until I know for sure what I would need you to do. All I need to know is that I can come to you, and you'll hear me out. And I will only ask you to do something if it's helping Fleetfoot.

Gilda: ....*begrudgingly, even given the circumstances* I'll hear you out.

Princess Cadence: *Sighs, relieved once more* Thank you, Gilda. ....Would you
prefer if I sent Shining to talk to you? <.<

Gilda: I don't care.

Gilda: *trying to work out words in her head*

Princess Cadence: Alright....can I get you anything?

Gilda: Not really...I just...you're lucky this involves Fleet.

Princess Cadence: ....

Gilda: ....

Princess Cadence: <.<

Gilda: >.>

Rufus: ...

Princess Cadence: ...I understand, Gilda.

Gilda: ...yeah, sure.

Gilda: Just don't screw up while the whole co-commander in chief thing is still
happening.

Princess Cadence: I don't intend to. With Shining backing me up, I have full
confidence.

Gilda: ...*lays down*...so, what would have happened if I hadn't made that stupid
promise?

Princess Cadence: ...Princess Luna would have enforced it. I'm not sure what kind
of spell she would have used, but it would have been effective.

Gilda: uh-huh....*keeps in mind that if refusing to do something, running, while
not the best option, is the only one*

Princess Cadence: <.< I know what you're thinking. She can teleport.

Rumble: -goes back to wandering around the mall-

Princess Cadence: And running would likely net you a straight out jail sentence <<

Princess Cadence: I'm a tad bit more lenient and ponyable than Princess Luna is.
It's....why she chose Shining and I for this, I think.

Princess Cadence: *Not gonna mention how she nearly went to kick down a country's
door by herself when she heard the news*

Rumble: -looks at Gilda and Cadence talking and keeps his distance from them-

Gilda: ...

Rufus: -has been watching Cadence and Gilda from a distance-

Princess Cadence: ._. ....

Gilda: *still isn't happy with the princess...but only because she's super
stressed*

Rumble: -watches the stareoff-

Princess Cadence: *Sighs* ...Perhaps I should go to bed. Otherwise I'll just be
apologizing to you all night, and I think you'd find that more annoying than
anything else...

Gilda: *also, hard to take your anger out at the rulers of countries*

Gilda: it's....*deep breath*...it's whatever

Princess Cadence: Hopefully, things will be straightened out soon.

Gilda: hopefully

Rufus: W-wait, Cadence, before you go...

Rufus: ...Rufus does not means to impose, but...If there is anything you need
Rufus to do, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask Rufus.

PumpkinSpice: Same with me ^^

Princess Cadence: ....If I need you for anything, I'll be sure to inform you IF!
....If you promise, right now, that you won't take anything into your own hands.
No moves are to be made in this situation unless Shining or I tell you directly
to do so.

Rufus: -nods- Understood.

Gilda: ...>.>

PumpkinSpice: -nod nod-

Gilda: *swishes her own tail quite a bit*

Princess Cadence: Alright...If I need you, I'll call you right away, ok?

Gilda: *examines her talons....which aren't in the best of shape...but still
looking better than a certain group of trees*

Gilda: yeah, whatever.

Gilda: ....*looks over at rufus*....

Rufus: -looks back at Gilda, wondering why she's looking at him-

Rumble: -walks up to Gilda and sits down, waiting to see if shes done talking to
the Princess-

Gilda: *puts her tail around rumble*

Rumble: Can you tell me whats going on Gilda? I'm really confused right now and I
don't want to get the wrong idea.

Gilda: well...if fleet didn't tell you...I'm not sure I can ^.^;

Rumble: Gilda, I saw Two Princesses talking to you about something serious. It
sounded like you might be in trouble, and... you dont have the best track record
of staying out of trouble.

Gilda: they were making me promise to stay in the country and I swear I didn't do
anything to deserve that.

Rumble: Tell me whats up Gilda, I can handle it. Better to know than worry
without a clue.

Gilda: *mutter-mutter* like to see luna enforce that without her fancy magic
*mutter*

Gilda: ....I...it's complicated...sorta.

Rumble: I have time.

Gilda: *looks around to make sure no princesses are about to gang up on her and
force a vow of silence under magical threat*

Gilda: ....Fleetfoot..is in some trouble...

Princess Cadence: *Sits back and looks down*

Rumble: -thinks- and we all know you'd go after her if she was in trouble, and
they didn't want you going off half cocked like a renegade cop?

Princess Cadence: Thunderlane needs to watch what movies Rumble's watching,
doesn't he?

Gilda: No! I'm the main reason we even know she's in trouble, but I never said I
was gonna go running back. They just decided I probably would.

Rumble: If you weren't made to stay put, would you have gone back?

Gilda: No.

Rumble: Fleets going to be safe and come back soon right?

Gilda: That's what all the plans are for.

Rumble: Does this have anything to do with the nightmare you had?

Gilda: no-....sorta.

Rumble: -nods and leans against Gilda- There's more I want to talk to you about,
but it can wait until this is all over.

Gilda: ...well now you have me all curious.

Rumble: -thinks on his wording- I think... you can still be a big jerk sometimes
and you should work on it more.

Rumble: work on not being one.

Rumble: But I know its not easy for you. You live in the moment of stuff.

Princess Cadence: o.o

Gilda: I...I know v.v *sighs*

Princess Cadence: O.O.....

Rumble: Celestia and Luna are strong enough to move the heavens every day.
Cadence is the princess of LOVE. Unless you want a life long dry spell, don't
tick her off.

Gilda: ...Luna had it coming, I've met her all of one time...and I could care
less, not like I've got a line at my door ya know.

Rumble: I don't know what a dry spell is, but I hear it's not good.

Rumble: -blinks- Why would there be a line at your door?

Gilda: cadence is...a bit beter, probably should have just kept it focused on
luna....*subject change!*

Princess Cadence: O.O

Gilda: ,,,that doesn't mean you're off the hook cadence, just that you have more
to worry about >.>

Rumble: Luna is still a Princess, and she used to be Nightmare Moon. I don't
think you want to get on her bad side. A little kindness with her goes a LONG
way, and she deserves respect.

Rumble: But I agree it wasn't very nice to just show up making demands of you.

Gilda: I only give anyone respect when they earn it from me....might not be the
best waty to do things, but its the best for me.

Rumble: -nods- Just try to meet ponies half way. They'll give you more respect in
return if you do that.

Gilda: I...this place is just different than I'm used to.

Rumble: I know. But think of it this way. If being on Cadence's bad side gets you
a dry spell, which I thinks a bad thing, wouldn't the opposite mean being on her
goods side gets you a rainy spell which should be a good thing? I don't really
know what I'm talking about.

Gilda: lets just say...I'm not interested in a love life.

Rumble: I don't know. I'm too young to understand lovey stuff.

Princess Cadence: <.< *Pats Rumble's head*

Rumble: So umm.. that's all the serious stuff I wanted to talk to you about Gilda.

Gilda: ...Im going to bed, we should talk more cadence...tomorrow.

Princess Cadence: Yes, we will.

Rumble: So Princess Cadence, you're the authority on Love. So what's a dry spell
anyways?

Gilda: *flies away!*

Princess Cadence: *Thinks* ...Hm....Rumble, have you ever gotten a kiss before?

Rumble: o///o Once.

Princess Cadence: Did you like it?

Rumble: >///> ...maybe.

Princess Cadence: Imagine never getting one of those again. Ever.

Rumble: o.o

Rumble: Not even from family?

Princess Cadence: Not counting your family.

Rumble: That'd be bad.

Princess Cadence: It would be something like that.

Princess Cadence: .....It's....*Thinks* TECHNICALLY something I could do.
Theoretically. I could cause that not to happen. But I haven ever tried, have no
desire to try, and would never even dream of attempting.

Rumble: -sighs- So... I'm not horribly emotionally scarred. That conversation
went really well I think ^^

Princess Cadence: *Ruffles his mane* ^^

Rumble: -leans against Cadence- I know you're going to be busy and your job won't
be easy, but I think you can do it.

---

End of Part Five

---

[Deleted]

---

Part Six: Deadline days and Neighpon Nights

---

Princess Cadence: *Stretches her wings out and takes a big breath in, sighing*

Fire Streak: -bops Spitfire- No thinking like that.

Spitfire: >< It was just a thought.

Fire Streak: Well its one you don't need to worry about -puts a wing around Spitfire-

Shining Armor: *tilts head at Cadence*

Fire Streak: You're looking a bit better Princess ^-^

Princess Cadence: *Not feeling much better* Shining, I know what we talked about before, but....it is rather late, isn't it?

Shining Armor: Yeah, it seems the easiest option isn't going to work out

Princess Cadence: ...Shall we prepare, then?

Shining Armor: Yeah, let's get ready

Princess Cadence: *Takes a bit of a shuddering breath in, then nods*

Lazuli: -Senses a serious change in the mood- >n>

Fire Streak: Hey Lazuli, ever had Pineapple before?

Lazuli: No.... o.o

Fire Streak: Want to go try some with me?

Lazuli: Okay! ouo

Fire Streak: -lowers a wing to the ground like a boarding ramp for Lazuli-

Lazuli: -is surprisingly careful where she steps so that she wont hurt him when the climbs up- Where are we going?

Fire Streak: To get some smoothies. I'll let you try my pineapple one, and if you like it you can get one of your own, or another flavor. ^u^

Lazuli: ^u^
Fire Streak: -carries Lazuli off to go on an adventure in flavor town-

Princess Cadence: Fire Streak....

Fire Streak: Yes Princess?

Lazuli: -'s flight was delayed!- XD

Princess Cadence: This may not be the best time. ...We're preparing for a trip. Spitfire?

Spitfire: I heard my name o.o

Princess Cadence: You'll accompany us?

Rufus: -digs out of the ground-

Spitfire: I believe so. But I'm not sure if Soarin' wanted to go instead...It is just finding him to ask

Princess Cadence: We'll be bringing several ponies, I'd like you to choose which Wonderbolts you want to bring with us. I think 3 wonderbolts in total would be ideal.

Rumble: Hi Spitfire -walks in (dressed like a Wonderbolt)-

Sweetheart: Princess Cadence, may I make a request?

Princess Cadence: Yes, Sweetheart?

Sweetheart: I would ask that you take Rufus with you. I know he wishes very badly to go, and he might be very useful.

Princess Cadence: =S *Looks at Shining*

Rufus: Sweetheart...

Spitfire: Rumble -scoops up and hugs- ^^. Soarin' is coming then. Maybe Streak too >>

Rumble: -hugs Spitfire back- =D

Shining Armor: I'm willing to hear out the reasoning, but if it's just desire, then... I think we'll end up taking most of the Kingdom

Fire Streak: Only if you think it's the right thing to do Spitfire. I have my stuff packed already just in case, but I'll understand if you want me here.

Spitfire: I'm more worried about burning your wings out Streak. But if you are 100% sure you can make it, I'll let you come with us

Sweetheart: Besides being particularly strong and imposing looking, Rufus can dig quite effectively, which would be the last thing any pony would expect, should there be a need for covert operations.

Sweetheart: In addition, we are dealing with dragons, and, knowing their love for gems, it cannot hurt to have an expert on your side.

Princess Cadence: Spitfire <.<

Princess Cadence: We're not flying there. At least, not with wings.

Spitfire: You never know <_< Gotta be prepared for anything.

Princess Cadence: *Points to Shining, who is decidedly a unicorn*

Spitfire: *totally that pony that thinks of everything that can go wrong. no matter what* <<

Rufus: Rufus is worried about Fleetfoot, Rufus can't run from trouble anymore. Rufus has to do what he can to help, whatever it may be.

Shining Armor: *Thinks; has had his fill of wild cards but isn't going to not consider things* We'll need to think about it, but I can't stress enough that I'm not promising anything

Rufus: And, Rufus promised he would control follow orders from Cadence.

Fire Streak: -thinks- Spitfire, just to be safe would it be alright if I stopped by Dr. Juniper's office and had her look over my wings?

Sweetheart: I appreciate your consideration. Whatever your decision, I'm sure Rufus will accept it.

Spitfire: Yeah go ahead. Tell her I sent you over. Get a full exam, let me file it in for the year one time since you are going to be there anyway.

Juniper: I'm a healer!

Fire Streak: That was quick. o.o

Spitfire: Very quick o.o

Juniper: I have alarms that go off whenever someone calls me a doctor. They sound like this -Blasts an air horn-

Fire Streak: o.<

Spitfire: ><

Shining Armor: >.<

Rufus: -covers ears-

Rumble: >.<

Sweetheart: >.<;

Juniper: Now get over here, and lets have a look at you. -smirk-

Fire Streak: -walks over to Juniper-

Juniper: For crying out loud, is this the kind of energy you show at work? I mean Today, Fire Streak. Chop Chop!

Fire Streak: >.< -flash steps to Juniper-

Juniper: That's better. -uses magic to pull his wings out to full extension for proper examination- Any pain, weariness, weak-feeling in these?

Fire Streak: I flew to Neighpon and back a couple of days ago as fast as I can. There's a bit of each of those, but it's a lot better than yesterday. -would rather be honest, then dishonest and having it bite him in the rear later-

Gildaway: *sits, tail swishing*

Juniper: -gently feels along each wing personally- Yeah, I can definitely feel some strain in these, but nothing the will cant overcome. How's the back and legs?

Fire Streak: Shlouders still sore, but I have full range of motions. Minor discomfort in the adjoining areas.

Juniper: Lay down~

Fire Streak: -lies down-

Juniper: -feels around his shoulders a bit- Any headaches, jaw pain, neck ache?

Juniper: -Applies hard pressure to an area, which hurts for an instant and then feels really good-

Fire Streak: Nothing in my head or jaw. Neck was a bit stiff when I woke up, but its better nOOOw.... whatre you pressing on?

Soarin': the wing wingboner spot?

Juniper: Trigger point. Supraspinatus.

Soarin': Gesundheit, herr doktor~

Fire Streak: I'm not sure I like the sound of spine in that word. o.o

Juniper: Dont worry, I'm done with it. You can have it back now. -eases up- Now you can get to your feet.

Gildaway: >.>

Fire Streak: -stands back up-

Juniper: -gets an auriscope- lets see those ears.

Gildaway: *was gonna be charged 35 bits for a massage*

Juniper: -is getting paid by the crown for this-

Fire Streak: This is the part that always feels weird. o.< -keeps his ears up and easily accessable-

Juniper: -softly- hm, hm, hmmm~ just a couple bats, nothing to worry about.

Fire Streak: Oh I knew about those already.

Juniper: -Gets a tongue depressor- Say ah~ that's so cliche, isnt it?

Fire Streak: Aaaaahhhhh

Juniper: No sore throats lately, I see.

Fire Streak: nuuhh-uuuh

Juniper: -summons a stethoscope, and warms it up before putting it on his chest- Now shut up. ^u^

Juniper: -listens, and then moves it to his back and listens more-

Juniper: Alright. No problems there!

Fire Streak: That's good.

Juniper: I'd say you're a bit fatigued overall. You need a little junk food, maybe a pretzel with cheese, maybe a little pie.

Juniper: But you're perfectly servicable and ready for duty.

Fire Streak: That's good to hear!

Fire Streak: Hey Soarin'. Spitfire said she'd like to see me try and beat you in a pie eating contest for who can eat the most.

---

OOC Moment:
Fluttershy: (Soarin's here? o.o)
Sweetheart: [[He better be. Pink hair club needs someone to swoon over]]
Fluttershy: (He is pretty dreamy o.o)
Sweetheart: [[ Ikr?]]
Soarin': ((Also, *prepares to be swooned over*))
Sweetheart: [[*u* ~<3 ]]
Fluttershy: (*w*)
Soarin': ((Thank you very much, Pink Hair Club))
Soarin': ((You do myself esteem wonders))
Sweetheart: [[Anytime <3]]
Fluttershy: ( <3 )

---

Soarin': Eh. I don't think your chance are too good, pal.

Fire Streak: I think i can give you a run for your money Soarin

Soarin': I could eat more pie in a day than you could in a week, Streak.

Soarin': *my self

Rumble: -snuggles Spitfire-

Spitfire: -snuggles Rumble- ^^

Fire Streak: So I got the okay to go Spitfire.

Spitfire: Good. ^^ I'll file it in that you are going.

Topaz: -Sneaks up to Sweethearts Side-

Sweetheart: -Is watching the preparations and doesnt notice the sneaking Topaz-

Topaz: Hello S-sweetheart~! -Smiles innocently-

Sweetheart: -Starts slightly, but turns and smiles- Hello, Topaz! Are you well? ^u^

Topaz: -Nods happily- W-what's that?

Topaz: -gestures to the preparations~-

Gildaway: >.>

Sweetheart: It seems that Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence are preparing a flight to Neighpon.

Topaz: Oh~ For Miss F-fleetfoot, right?

Sweetheart: Yes. They're also choosing who will go. It must be an agonizing choice.

SilverTongue: I'm not one of em, right?

Sweetheart: Nor will I be chosen.

Sweetheart: -politely-

SilverTongue: Makes sense. -smiles at Sweetheart-

Sweetheart: ... -decides that was probably not intended to be an insult and moves on- I wish I could help in the preparations, though.

Princess Cadence: *Is leaving all such decisions to Shining at this point, burying herself in preparation*

SilverTongue: -Wanders up to Cadence- Need any help, Princess?

Spitfire: Snorin' Soarrrrrin'

Sweetheart: I would like to help as well, even it its just moving boxes.

Soarin': Yes, Captain?

Topaz: -Stands next to Cadence quietly-

Spitfire: I know I don't have to tell you but you are coming along too.

Soarin': If I wasn't coming along, I would've been pretty mad, Captain.

Soarin': *salutes* Understood.

Topaz: -Blinks at Soarin- M-Mister Soarin... Can you e-even get m-mad?

Soarin': i-i'm gettin' muh fleets back ;~;

Soarin': Yes.

Spitfire: It is kinda scary, won't lie.

Soarin': ^^

Topaz: O-oh... B-but you seem too... N-nice to get mad~!

Princess Cadence: No, I think I've got everything handled....Thank you, though.

Soarin': I'm an unstoppable monster fueled by rage!

Sweetheart: -Gently- Can I get you anything, then? a cup of coffee, even?

Soarin': It takes a very concentrated effort to make me mad, Topaz.

Topaz: -Nods- U-understood~

SilverTongue: So, Captain... -Looks to Shining- Am I on the short list?

Spitfire: or stolen pie

Soarin': PieS. Plural

Shining Armor: Sorry, now that Soarin's been told, almost everyone on the list has been notified

Soarin': concentrated effort, cap

SilverTongue: -Shrugs- I was hoping I wasn't on the list anyway. You don't need me getting in your way~ I'll just take care of people back here with my Pal Sweetheart~

Sweetheart: -keeps her expression decidedly neutral-

Fire Streak: You said almost. Who's left?

Spitfire: sorry soarin'. won't happen again

Shining Armor: *distracted teleporting off a letter* *doesn't have an easy time with that spell* One more time, Streak?

Big McIntosh: don't question Emporer Shining Armor he's great at his job

Fire Streak: You said almost everyone has been notified. Who's left to notify? I can deliver some messages.

Rufus: -looks from a distance-

Shining Armor: Assuming my messages have been disseminated swiftly, the only one on the roster who doesn't know it yet is Gilda

Princess Cadence: *Pauses for only a moment, then goes back to working*

Rufus: -turns away and sits by the fountain-

Topaz: A-are you sure you don't want a d-drink? -Nuzzles the princesses forehoof softly-

SilverTongue: -Sits next to Rufus- What's wrong, Big Fella?

Rumble: Want me to see if I can track her down Shining Armor?

Shining Armor: *think think think, consider consider* *uses spell to carry his voice so he doesn't have to yell* You can come along, Rufus, but you'll be staying on the ship unless your skill set is needed.

Princess Cadence: I'll be fine...I would like to just get everything done as soon as possible.

Soarin': You and me both, Princess.

Rufus: -ears perk up, has good hearing so Shining could've muttered it and Rufus still would've heard- R-really?

Topaz: -Wanders off to sit off to the side, watching everyone work-

Shining Armor: Do you know where she is, Rumble?

Sweetheart: -Nudges Rufus- Looks like it! Better get anything you might need, but pack lightly.

Shining Armor: Really, really

Rumble: I know where she could be and can probably get her to come over quickly if you tell me too.

Rufus: Sweetheart...thank you. -hugs her gently, but again still manages to make the hug really tight-

Sweetheart: -hugs back!- I'm glad you get to go. I know you'll help any way you can.
Rufus: -nods-

Rufus: You're right though; Rufus needs to pack...

Shining Armor: Hmmm... No, that's okay, Rumble. I'm sure she'll turn up

Rufus: Rufus better go and prepare. If things go wells, Rufus shouldn't have much to do. But Rufus must be prepared if something goes wrong...

Topaz: W-would you like some help, M-Mister Rufus?

Rufus: Only if yous want to help.

Topaz: I w-wont be in your w-way, will I?

Gildaway: *watches rufus get on*....*almost glad she isn't on*

Rufus: No, Rufus didn't mean it like that. Rufus meant he didn't wants to impose on you, make yous think yous had to help him...

Fire Streak: Hey Gilda

Topaz: N-No~ It's not an i-imposition! I'd l-love to help~ -Follows after Rufus happily-

Gildaway: *if I get a seat next to rufus I'm flying*

Fire Streak: ((Psh you're hanging in the wonder suite))

Gildaway: Hey streak *watches the ship*...they're leaving huh

Rufus: -nods- Okays.

Rumble: Just loading stuff up Gilda

Shining Armor: (I want a Rumble/Gilda version of that classic Mean Joe Green coke commercial)

Shining Armor: Hey, Gilda. There's a spot on the ship if you want it

Princess Cadence: *Glances back at Shining*

Gildaway: O.o....r-really!?

Shining Armor: As I said before. Nothing I could do. Situation changed.

Princess Cadence: ....*Making a point of making it difficult to close a suitcase*

Shining Armor: *catches on* Oh hey let me help you with that

Shining Armor: *goes over to her*

Princess Cadence: Er... *Not the point she was trying to make <////< * Th-thank you, Shining.

Topaz: S-So... Mister Rufus~ Are y-you excited to g-go?

Princess Cadence: *Was just trying to avoid conversation*

Rumble: -was gonna help close the suitcase but Shining beat me to it-

Rufus: Not exactly. Its hard to describe...

Shining Armor: *OH* *shuts the suitcase* There you go

Topaz: Y-you're excited to g-go, because it means y-you get to help M-Miss Fleetfoot, but y-youre upset y-you're going b-because of the c-circumstances?

Rufus: Rufus feels...somewhat relieved. But at the same time, Rufus feels worried...

Rufus: Rufus just hopes he can help...

Gildaway: >.>

Topaz: -Hugs Rufus Lightly- Of c-course y-you'll help~

Rumble: Whats with the look Gilda?

Gildaway: I have to be on the ship rumble. Don't do anything dumb while I'm gone.

SilverTongue: Don't worry, Gilda. I'll be here to keep him out of trouble.

Rumble: When Spitfire was asked who she wanted to take with her she said me, Soarin', and maybe Streak, in that order. ^^

Spitfire: Rumble xD -nuzzles- I have a special job for you.

SilverTongue: Heh... Ouch

Spitfire: Rumble wants Soarin's job too xD

Rumble: What kind of special job? Better not be watering Fleet's plants Woozi has me doing the ones she slooking after already!

Rufus: Well I guess we all know when Soarin' will be retiring~

Gildaway: O.o....*ready to get on the ship*

Spitfire: There are a couple written out stunts on my desk. Think you can look them over and give me your opinion on them? Bolts need something new to do. But you have to find your m.i.a brother to take you there.

Rumble: Which desk?

Spitfire: The one up in my office, in Wonderbolt Academy.

Rumble: Oh I know where that is!

Spitfire: But your brother has to take you up there. >_>

Rumble: Why?

Rumble: I can make the flight on my own. ^-^

Spitfire: Two ponies are always better then one. Make him your wingpony.

Thunderlane: Who's MIA now?

Rumble: Like he isn't already.

Spitfire: ....-bops Thunder-

Rumble: Hey Thunderlane! Spitfire wants me to keep you out of trouble while she goes off to fight ninjas.

Fire Streak: More like NONjas. Terrible for what passes for a ninja these days x.x

Thunderlane: *Bopped*

Thunderlane: Heh....Yeah, I figured it'd be something like that. ........Be careful out there, Spitfire...
Gildaway: <.>...

Spitfire: -glomps Thunder- I will try my best.

Gildaway: *walks up to the ship* o.o....

SilverTongue: -Makes his way over to Gilda, placing a hoof on her side- Gilda, Hold up.

Thunderlane: *Snuggles close* I heard what was going on through the grapevine. I won't insult you by telling you what you need to do~.

Spitfire: -snuggles- I won't mind one last Thunder lecture before I have to go.

SilverTongue: -Clears his throat- Be careful over there... And please come back in one piece. If you don't come back, there will be no one to torture me, and things will get sooooo boring.

Thunderlane: Well, in that case, you bring back that Fleetfoot in one piece. You've got the power behind you to back it up ~.^

Rumble: Also come back in one piece yourself Spiffy!

SilverTongue: -Awaits one last punch to the face from Gilda before her departure-

Spitfire: I will ^^ -mess with Thunder's mane- Don't worry Rumble I'll do that too. ^^

Thunderlane: >.^ Of course~

Spitfire: For second I thought you pulled a flank joke on me before xD

SilverTongue: He probably did.

Thunderlane: ^.^;; Me? Never.

Thunderlane: I'll have something prepared for you when I get back, alright?

Spitfire: You will?...Can I get a hint at what it is? :3

Rumble: -snoopy younger brother powers activate!-

Gildaway: *punches silvy*

SilverTongue: -Flops over- THAT'S WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR~ Thank you, Gilda! My point still stands. Come back in one piece. I don't want to be bored. -Wanders off with a pain-filled smile-

Princess Cadence: <.< ....

SilverTongue: -Sits near the fountain, rubbing the side of his head-

Juniper: -Slooooooooowly rises up from behind Silver- ¬u¬

Juniper: -Blasts her airhorn- HELLO! you look like you're in pain. Perhaps I can help.

SilverTongue: -Yelps and jumps away from Juniper- N-no, I'm good~! Just got punched by a Griffon... Nothing big... You and your sister can go now~

Juniper: Ahem. You may not know it, but I happen to be a healer. So let me take a look.

SilverTongue: -Grins- Nope~ Im good!

Princess Cadence: ...*Looks about* ....Are we all accounted for, then? *Several other ponies were already aboard the airship as it pulled in, mostly royal guards*

SilverTongue: Rufus and Topaz haven't gotten back yet. Wonder if he decided the Crystal Pony would make a good snack. -chuckles-

Rufus: -comes in with backpack- Rufus is ready whenever yous are.

Topaz: -Trots in behind Rufus happily- I w-would make a horrible snack.

Rufus: -in a sincere tone- Rufus agrees; Rufus does think Topaz would taste as good as nachoes.

Rufus: And unlike what some ponies think. Diamond Dogs don't eat gemses like Dragons do.

Topaz: -Hugs Rufus tightly- Good l-Luck mister Rufus~ A-and Princess~ And P-Prince~ And W-wonderbolts! -Hugs each of them in turn-

Gildaway: Not the best thing to say bright one.

Rufus: Thanks you Topaz.

SilverTongue: -shrugs- If I couldn't live with the consequence, I wouldn't have said it. Part of the Job.

SilverTongue: -Looks to Doc Juniper- What does this /healing/ of yours entail?

Juniper: Let me see, first. ¬u¬

Rufus: Rufus will do what he can to bring Fleetfoot back, he promises.

SilverTongue: -Grumbles and moves closer to Juniper-

Topaz: Y-you better~

Rufus: -boards the airship, with an expression akin to an astronaut boarding a rocket-

Gildaway: *boards after Rufus...giving him pleanty of room*

Shining Armor: *gazes upon the ship and takes a deep breath*

Juniper: -looks it over thoughtfully.- You seem to have a pretty hard head. -gives him a icepack-

Juniper: Annnnd... some pain relieving tea, I think.

Princess Cadence: ...*Moves to stand by Shining*

SilverTongue: Yeah... I've been called hardheaded before...

Topaz: Good Luck P-Prince and Princess~

Lazuli: -Sneaks under Cadence's wing- OnO

Princess Cadence: *Smiles down at Lazuli and hugs her close with her wing* Don't worry, we won't be gone long.

Shining Armor: Thank you, Topaz

Lazuli: -Worst fears confirmed- You're going away?! ;n;

Topaz: -Stands by Lazuli- Y-yep~ They have to get their f-friend. They'll be b-back, though!

Princess Cadence: Just a little trip. And to make up for it I'll make a trip for us to go on later, ok?

Lazuli: .... 0n0 ...okay

Lazuli: -Gives Cadence a really tight hug!- >n<

Princess Cadence: *Leans down and nuzzles Lazuli* ^.^ Don't worry. Vinyl and Trixie are still here to keep you company. *Hugs back*

Spitfire: -checks to see if anypony is watching- >>..<<

SilverTongue: -Secretly watching Spitfire-

Spitfire: o__o

Shining Armor: Meet you on board, Cadence. *trots off to check in on the guards*

Lazuli: -deep breath, sweeps her hoof just like the princess- Come home soon! O.O

Princess Cadence: o.o....Y-yes...I'll be there shortly. And we will, don't worry ^.^

Princess Cadence: <u< *Leans down to give Lazuli one last kiss on the nose before checking to make sure that everyone's on board*

Topaz: -Waves to the princess happily-

Spitfire: -gives Thunder a quick kiss- Don't miss me too much... -get on the ship-

Thunderlane: o////o o//u//o....No promises.

SilverTongue: D'aww~ -Chuckles at Spitfire and Thunder-

Gildaway: *across the room from Rufus, staring at floor*

Rufus: Why are we sharing a room

Rufus: -staring outside a window, lost in thought-

Princess Cadence: ((*Assumes everyone who's getting on is on*)) *Takes a deep breath and walks onto the airship* ....

Princess Cadence: *Looks around, having only been on this airship once before* o.o

Shining Armor: *remembers begging to work on this ship*

Soarin': ...what a nice place....

Soarin': I forgot how AWESOME airships are!

Soarin': *calls first dibs on standing on the edge of the bowsprit like a badass*

Soarin': ...so, what's the plan now that we got this thing moving?

Shining Armor: We allow them to do the right thing and continue giving them more incentive to do so until they do it. We'll start with a simple, formal request. Tell them that we're sure it was a misunderstanding.

Soarin': We've got all the official documentation, correct?

Shining Armor: Yes, we do

Princess Cadence: *Nods* And remember, we're currently going under the pretense that Fleetfoot is needed for an important assignment, which explains the need for Shining, Spitfire, and myself to all be there, each with our own guard, of course.

Soarin': So it's just a matter of getting there and hoping things go smoothly once we arrive.

Shining Armor: If by hopeful, you mean that I don't expect there to be a war, then yes

Soarin': ...I more meant "We go there, we say WHAT'S UP, they give us Fleet and we go home."

Shining Armor: That's one possibility, more or less. But if it doesn't go that way, then everyone will need to be ready for things to ramp up. Try to read Cadence's tone and body language. She'll be leading the talks if things go long.
Princess Cadence: *Nods*

Lazuli: -Is Staring after the airship- ; n ;

Soarin': ....Ramp up as in "Kick plot and Chew Bubblegum?"

Princess Cadence: Ramp up as in negotiating with a country for the release of Fleetfoot.

Soarin': Oh.

Soarin': ...So I should hang onto my bubblegum, then?

Fire Streak: Not to be a downer, but I'd like to let everyone recall that there is still an unknown variable active. Melody went off ahead of Gilda and I, and the two of us didn't encounter her. We can't be sure of what she's done or planning to do.

Soarin': ...oh crap, you're right.

Soarin': Next time Fleetfoot asks for a vacation, everyone please remind me to say no, okay?

Princess Cadence: ...Melody is a rogue element. I don't mean any offense to her or anyone else involved in all of this, but if she does anything to jeopardize relations between our two nations, we cannot help her.

Shining Armor: *nods*

Soarin': I agree.

Soarin': Friend or not, this mission is too critical.

Princess Cadence: And I'll also add that if legitimate charges are pressed against her by the country of Neighpon and she somehow comes back to Equestria........

Fire Streak: Bang zoom right to the moon? -has been watching the honeymooners recently-

Princess Cadence: *Glances at Shining, preferring not to continue the thought herself*

Shining Armor: The mission is to retrieve Fleetfoot, but if Melody accumulates legitimate charges, we'll have to extradite her back to Neighpon

Soarin': So...

Soarin': Political turmoil, eh?

Soarin': Ain't it great?

---

Meanwhile....

---

Suspicious Griffon: -watching the place Fleetfoot is staying in from a distance- Everything has been going well so far.

Suspicious Griffon: Unfortunately, looking into who may have been causing the dragon slayings here hasn't yielded much, but at least Fleet is still alright, at least for now...

Suspicious Griffon: I just hope Gilda and Streak get back soon, with ponies to back them up too.

Suspicious Griffon: I just wonder what she's been up to. She must be worried about Fleet.

Tech: -tilts the hat he's wearing up so his face is visible- ...Melody...wherever you are, I won't let you down.

---

OOC Moment:
Tech: ((And you all thought you were so clever when you mentioned Melody on the airship, as if the "suspicious griffon" was her. ))
Tech: ((Except I'm pretty sure Coffee was onto me))
Fluttershy: (You must look a bit like a girl o.o)
Scootaloo: ((I thought he was playing a tomboy for a while, actually))
Fleetfoot: [[I've always been one for detail, AND I've been recording the logs. there was no way I wouldnt know]]
Fleetfoot: [[as soon as you mentioned a her that wasnt fleet, gilda, or Luci, I knew]]

---

Black Griffon: About Marcelia... *laughs from behind Tech*

Tech: ! -turns around-

Tech: I've never met you, yet I feel that you're familiar...

Melody: *looks around, keeping to the shadows* <_<

Tech: You know Melody...? -puts pieces together- ...Shadow, I presume?

Fleetfoot: -Seems some other beings are keeping to the shadows, not far off-

Black Griffon: Yes, but let's keep that on the down low, lots of people aren't too fond of the name Shadow

Tech: -rolls his eyes- I can imagine why...

Melody: *walks over* ....

Tech: M-Melody! -keeps his voice down- What's happening here?

Shadow: Have you found who you're looking for Marcelia?

Melody: No, but she's near... Hi Tech

Tech: I guess I shouldn't be surprised to see you. Though I must question why he's working with you...

Fleetfoot: -The other group of shadow-stalkers moves on-

Melody: I, uh, ran into him. He... Well, we came to an agreement, and it's the best thing for everyone <_> I can't say why, though

Tech: If you say so. He's your mentor, if you can trust him enough to work with him, then I won't second guess you.

Shadow: Don't worry, Marcelia, everything will be fine, soon. Bells will fill the air, everyone will be full of joy, and things will work out

Tech: Melody...what do you plan on doing?

Shadow: If you'll excuse me~ *flies off for a second*

Melody: *watches Shadow fly off* All my plans went sideways when he showed up. Everything's crap now. I can't explain anything other than that. Shadow won't let me

Tech: What? Melody, this is serious. If you try to take Fleet back to Equestria by yourself, it could cause a war.

Melody: I'm not taking her back, Tech. I wanna talk to her... See Luci... v_v

Tech: Fire Streak and your sister visited Fleet earlier. They know what's happening, and should be coming back soon with other ponies...

Tech: They took Luci back with them. She's safe, don't worry.

Melody: She's... Oh... That's actually good. She needs to be far away from here... From me

Tech: Melody, what's happening? The whole country is suspicious of Griffons thanks to the recent dragonslayings. You have to tell me what is happening.

Melody: .... I can't.... I'm not going to be able to say anything for a long time... I just hope you'll trust me

Fleetfoot: -A dragon flies high overhead, flaming green and violet-

Tech: I told you I wouldn't get in your way, didn't I? I trust you.

Tech: -looks up in the sky- What the...?

Shadow: *walks out, seeing the dragon* Whoa, that's a beaut!

Shadow: Alright, Marcelia, go find your little friend

Fleetfoot: -Suddenly all hell breaks loose at the inn across the way, and soon the lone dragon is joined by a group of teens!-

Tech: The hell?

Tech: Aw crap, Fleet!

Shadow: *rushes over, grinning* Aw, Tartarus' got nothing on this!

Tech: The dragons must be after her...! --runs off towards the inn-

Melody: *rushes after them*

Fleetfoot: -By the time they get there, there's no one in Fleet's room (which Tech knows) except the terrified innkeeper. And it's been completely torn apart-

Tech: -bashes in room- <Where's Fleet?!>

Shadow: Where'd the dragons go?

Fleetfoot: Innkeeper: <I dont know! I didn't see!>

Tech: Damn it, damn it, damn it! -flies out of the hotel and goes upwards, to see which way the Dragons went-

Shadow: Ah, whatever, there are teens in them. They'll draw attention *flies out*

Fleetfoot: -As in the wake of most disasters, the night is utterly silent. There's nothing in the sky now-


Tech: -flies down and back into the hotel room-

Tech: ...I...I failed...

Tech: ...I couldn't protect her...

Melody: Nothing's ever failed, Tech. Only prolonged.

Melody: It's only failed when we give up

Tech: ...You're right. We have to find Fleetfoot.

Official: "You're not going anywhere"

Tech: What?

Official: -Says the room now full of Neighponese military-

Tech: You...you're with the dragons that took Fleetfoot aren't you? Where did you take her?!

Shadow: *looks in from outside* ... Hm

Shadow: *rubs his necklace, looking at their numbers*

Official: The Questions, we will ask!

Official: -There's about 10-12, of all three types of pony-

Tech: I'm not answering any questions until I know where you took Fleetfoot.

Melody: .... *sees that their backs are to the gaping hole* ....

Tech: -notices Melody eyeing the hole in the wall-

Shadow: Whatever you plan to do, Marcelia, do it quickly. And try not to die
Official: You are under arrest! Do not resist, and add to your troubles!

Melody: I'm not resisting. *falls backwards, and then quickly snaps open her wings and flies around the inn, shooting off in the opposite direction of the hole*

Tech: -the moment Melody flies, Tech pulls out his Solar Gun and blinds the soldiers with it!-

Shadow: There we go, Marcelia! *takes to the air*

Tech: -quickly flies after Melody and Shadow-

Shadow: Alright, we need to split up, and meet back in a few. They're still looking for us, so we'll do better seperated

Tech: Agreed. We'll meet up here later.

Melody: *immediately veers off from them, looking for a suitable place to lay low*

Tech: -mutters to self- Fleetfoot...I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. But I won't let this go any further, not while a pulse still runs through my veins.

Shadow: *picks the lock to someone's cellar, and hides in the darkness... Like a Shadow XD*

Melody: *flies back to the police* I told you I'm not resisting. I'm turning myself in.

Fleetfoot: -To say the military force is surprised is, well, an understatement. But they rally and arrest Melody anyway XD-

Melody: *allows herself to be arrested, complying completely*

Shadow: *still thinks Melody's hiding*

Tech: -only escaped because he was going with Melody, would turn himself in as well if he knew Melody did-

Fleetfoot: -Melody is taken to a secured room, but not a dungeon, until someone can get there-

Melody: .... *pulls a rubber ball out of her jacket, and begins bouncing it off the wall*

Lady Cinnabar: -Lady Cinnabar appears to be a tall and imposing unicorn, wearing ceremonial robes and an official, but gracious, manner. She enters the room quickly- Welcome. I trust you have not been unjustly treated. I have some Questions for you. Will you answer them?

Melody: *stops bouncing the ball* Why of course, Lady Cinnabar *has taken down her fair share of neighponese immigrants*

Lady Cinnabar: Do you represent the Griffon Kingdom?

Melody: I've never been to the Griffon Kingdom, to be entirely honest

Lady Cinnabar: ... Direct answers to direct questions would be appreciated.

Lady Cinnabar: Do you represent the Griffon Kingdom?

Melody: I do not represent them

Lady Cinnabar: Then are you a representitive of the Dragon Tribes?

Melody: I am not a representative of them

Lady Cinnabar: Are you, then, A representitve of Equestria?

Melody: I do not represent Equestria

Lady Cinnabar: Would you care to explain why you were sneaking around the inn?

Melody: I was looking for a friend. She has been caught up in some political troubles

Lady Cinnabar: And the name of your friend?

Melody: Fleetfoot

Lady Cinnabar: Indeed. And where is this friend now?

Melody: That's the problem, Lady Cinnabar. I don't know. The Dragon Tribes might have kidnapped her. They think she's responsible for killing dragons

Lady Cinnabar: If so, where would they take her?

Melody: I don't know. I'm not familiar with the traditions and political ramifications of the Dragon Tribes

Lady Cinnabar: I see. Do you have a passport?

Melody: Yes. *reaches in her jacket, and pulls it out*

Lady Cinnabar: -takes it and checks it for name and country of origin-

Melody: Passport: Marcelia "Melody" Mivaeriua Country of Origin: Zebrica

Lady Cinnabar: Very interesting. -returns the passport-

Lady Cinnabar: Forgive the repetition of the question, but are you a representitive of Zebrica, then?

Lady Cinnabar: Or just a citizen?

Melody: I was found as a chick, and taken in by a Zebrican group, who brought me up in Zebrica. I am not a representative. I moved to Equestria during my time with a griffon who taught me what it means to be one.

Lady Cinnabar: I see. Are you aware of the tension between the Griffon Kingdom and the Dragon Tribes here?

Melody: Slightly. I have spent most of my life in Equestria, so I don't know much of the events of my homeland

Lady Cinnabar: Why did you turn yourself in after fleeing?

Melody: There was a griffon traveling with me. He is a criminal. He needed to believe that I didn't want to be taken in

Lady Cinnabar: What are the names of your companions?

Melody: Tech Gaensweld, who probably fled only because I did, and the criminal's name is Shadow

Lady Cinnabar: What are his crimes?

Melody: Petty theft, arson, vandalism, assault, aggravated assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, treason... And I'm sure there's more

Lady Cinnabar: And why have you chosen such as a companion?

Melody: I had to make an agreement with him, in order to keep someone safe

Lady Cinnabar: Whom?

Melody: A griffon chick, by the name of Luscinia Spitfiria Talaria

Lady Cinnabar: That was the chick that the pegasus Fleetfoot had with her, was it not?

Melody: Yes, it was

Lady Cinnabar: Where is that chick now?

Melody: I believe she is back in Equestria. That is what my companion Tech led me to believe

Lady Cinnabar: I see. Tell me about Tech.

Melody: Tech Gaensweld... I know that his father was a military type. Tech moved away when he was young, in order to invent things. I believe the guards got a glimpse at one of his inventions, tonight

Lady Cinnabar: Where is Tech now?

Melody: I don't know. We scattered to lay low while the guards searched. I circled back to turn myself in, and then here we are

Lady Cinnabar: -Nods- You've been most obliging. We must detain you further, I'm afraid, but since you have been cooperative, is there anything I may do for you?

Melody: Could I get something more comfortable?

Lady Cinnabar: As in, a more comfortable room?

Melody: If it is available, yes

Lady Cinnabar: It will be arranged.

Melody: Thank you, Lady Cinnabar

Lady Cinnabar: No thanks are required. You have been most informative.

Melody: *bounces the ball some more, simply waiting*

[Deleted]

---

Part Seven: Plots and Plans

---

Our story resumes as our heroes, having passed a restless flight, are approaching an airship port in the city of Tokyoats....


Shining Armor: *takes a pause* Almost time to dock...

Shining Armor: Hanging in there?

Princess Cadence: *Smiles at Shining* Yes...

Shining Armor: I know I don't have to tell you... but be careful, some of the risks we've taken are well, risky

Princess Cadence: *Glances at their company* Indeed....

Princess Cadence: *Nods* Shining....If I start losing track of what I should be doing,you know what to do...

Shining Armor: *nods* I'll be ready, but I believe in you.

Rufus: -standing on the deck, looking over the railing-

Lady Cinnabar: -is looking back at Rufus from where the airship has/is going to dock-

Gilda: *walks around on the air ship...has only preened a little*

Rufus: -returns stare to Cinnabar, confused as to why she's looking at him-

Lady Cinnabar: -is staring at him because she's seen lots of airships, but never a diamond dog. also, one must look at something-

Soarin': *pacing around on the deck*

Fire Streak: -isn't staring at Lady Cinna, but isn't letting her out of his sight~-

Gilda: *walks up to firestreak* almost there...bout fricken time


Fire Streak: Just a little longer Gilda, be patient. At least the welcome wagon looks nice.

Rufus: -walks over to Cadence and Shining and salutes, assuming that is an appropriate thing to do- Rufus is ready to follow orders.

Gilda: huh? *looks at cinnabar* you mean her?

Lady Cinnabar: -adjusts her robes and pulls a shawl a bit tighter over her back and shoulders, looking more impassive than 'nice'-

Fire Streak: Yeah.

Princess Cadence: We'll give you instructions as they come up. For now.... *Glances at Shining* Just wait until we dock.

Gilda: *examines her*...hmm...

Shining Armor: *nods*

Rufus: -nods-

Soarin': Understood.

Lady Cinnabar: Is a tall and imposing pony with a calm and unruffled demeanor- and the robes of an official~

Gilda: ...I have a bad feeling about her >.>

Fire Streak: -smirks at Gilda- I like a challenge.

Rufus: Rufus hopes she has good intentions...

Soarin': Don't feel, Gilda. Know.

Soarin': Now is not the time for uncertainties.

Gilda: *Rolls her eyes a bit*

Shining Armor: *has generic air ship crew ponies begin the descent protocols*

Lady Cinnabar: -Says something indistinguishable to an assistant, who leaves as dock workers help tie down the ship-


Princess Cadence: *Stands near the area they will be departing the ship with Shining, speaking to him quietly* Who should we bring with us initially?

---

OOC Moment:
Gilda: *is awfully majestic...just sayin..even though griffons are sorta the problem xD*
Fire Streak: -is dashingly handsome ?-
Rufus: -has the exotic factor to him-
Shining Armor: (To paint this picture, my thought is that Cadence has 4 generic guards and Gilda as her guest, Shining has 4 and Rufus as his, Spitfire has the 2 bolts she brought as her escort)
Fire Streak: ((We're so awesome Soarin' Spitfire just needs the two of us))
Shining Armor: (That's not why but okay owob!)

---

Shining Armor: I think it'd be best to bring all the key members and their escorts, show them we're here for communicating, not hiding any sort of trump card

Shining Armor: (You wonderbolts are here to make your Captain look important xD)

Lady Cinnabar: -Waits without the slightest sign of impatience-

Lady Cinnabar: -or anything else, really-

Fire Streak: -is intrigued by Lady Cinna's neutrality-

Princess Cadence: *Nods* alright, then...

Shining Armor: Would you rather go another way? *genuine*

Princess Cadence: *Shakes her head* No. I agree one hundred percent.

Shining Armor: Okay, well I think we're all ready to go, then

Shining Armor: You are ready, right?

Gilda: *sits*

Princess Cadence: *Nods*

Rufus: Rufus is ready!

Soarin': Let's do this.

Shining Armor: (Yup~)

Fire Streak: -fluffs up his feathers and adjusts his wings so he looks nice-

Princess Cadence: Remember. No theatrics. No acting out. The only ones who should be talking are Shining, Spitfire, and I, unless we address you specifically.

Gilda: *nods*

Soarin': <_< Right.

Rufus: Rufus understands.

Fire Streak: -silent, wasnt adressed specifically-

Princess Cadence: Alright then. *Nods to the crew, who lower the.....gangplank?*

Lady Cinnabar: -Studies their party as they disembark, and speaks to another assistant- <Fifteen>.

Princess Cadence: *Smiles and heads out the opening*

Shining Armor: *follows her out*

Lady Cinnabar: -Said assistant also dissapears. The remaining ponies, and Lady Cinna, bow-

Princess Cadence: *Bows identically in return*

Soarin': *also bows, knows his etiquette*

Shining Armor: *bows equally*

Rufus: -imitates all the ponies-

Gilda: *bows enough*

Princess Cadence: Good afternoon. I am Empress Mi Amore Cadenza of the Crystal Empire, representing Equestria. This is Emperor Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire, and Spitfire of the Wonderbolts.

Lady Cinnabar: Neighpon welcomes you. I am Lady Cinnabar, a minor noble and an ambassador. We apologize for not sending someone more worthy to greet you, but I speak your language the best.

Lady Cinnabar: There is a Teahouse over there where we may speak more comfortably, or if you prefer, I am willing to go to your ship.

Princess Cadence: *Glances at Shining only for a brief moment* The tea house would be perfect. We thank you for inviting us.

Shining Armor: *agrees with this*

Lady Cinnabar: -Leads the way to the teahouse, to show that there is no betrayal afoot-

Rufus: -follows along, being sure to keep quiet and just look like a big bodyguard-

Gilda: *follows along looking oddly calm for a gilda*

Princess Cadence: *Follows quietly, keeping her head high and her eyes forward*

Soarin': *follows, not looking around*

Soarin': *he's been here before one better terms, he's seen this country already*

Fire Streak: -continues to make Spitfire look good-

Lady Cinnabar: -The room everyone is eventually shown to is large and regal. There is room for everyone at the table, and tea is being laid out, without ceremony-

Lady Cinnabar: -but it is definitely a neighponese-styled room.-

Rufus: -is still focused on the mission, but can't help but admire all the new and interesting sights-

Lady Cinnabar: I must admit, we were not expecting such a quick response to our message. You must have acted upon it immediately.

Gilda: *looks a bit confused but stays quiet*

Princess Cadence: *Moves to stand by one end of the table.* I'm afraid we didn't receive a message, we came here on our own accord. We left before any notice arrived.

Lady Cinnabar: -poker face- Then it is very fortunate that you have arrived when you have. There is much to discuss.

Princess Cadence: I see... *Sounds ever so slightly disappointed* Perhaps, then, since we did not receive your missive, you could inform us as to what it contained?

Shining Armor: *stays to Cadence's right*

Lady Cinnabar: .... -actually hesitates a moment, though her expression doesnt change- ...Some days ago, a message was sent from Equestria to one Fleetfoot, a visiting Equestrian, denying what I believe was an extension of leave. This message was detained by us, and has not been sent on.

Princess Cadence: *Her face falls into a visible, but light frown* And I presume that your letter gave explicit detail as to the reasoning behind this?

Lady Cinnabar: It did not. But it did request a conference between representitives 'as quickly as could be arranged.'

Rufus: -tries to get comfortable in a seat obviously not made for someone his size-

Gilda: *examines her talons a bit to stay calm*

Princess Cadence: I see. *Pauses for a moment.* Then am I to presume that this meeting will reveal this reasoning?

Lady Cinnabar: ...no.

Lady Cinnabar: Or at least, that is not the purpose of the meeting.

Princess Cadence: .... *Pauses, looking more seriously, and for a little longer, at Shining.* Then what, may I ask, is the purpose of this meeting?

Lady Cinnabar: -takes a moment to sip her tea- I presume, that since you did not come to answer our summons, that you have come to request the return of the pony in question. Unfortunately, it is no longer in our power to fufill that request. Fleetfoot has dissapeared.

Rufus: -ears perk up-

Gilda: *officially not happy, talons dig into the floor a bit as she slowly looks at cinnabar*

Lady Cinnabar: -is watching the expressions of everyone in the room-

Shining Armor: What is the suspected cause of this disappearance?

Princess Cadence: *Shoots a subtle, warning glance at both Rufus and Gilda*

Shining Armor: *can be neutral for days*

Fire Streak: -is displeased, but composed-

Gilda: *calms herself a bit and goes back to looking at her tea, not drinking though*

Lady Cinnabar: From what we gather, it was an action by a tribe of dragons. It was... something we had been expecting.

Soarin': ......

Princess Cadence: Expecting? You were....expecting that a dragon tribe would attack a foreign military officer?

Gilda: *stays calm..on the outside*

Lady Cinnabar: Yes.

Soarin': ......

Lady Cinnabar: We had taken our own measures to prevent it, but...

Fire Streak: ...

Princess Cadence: But you did not feel that it was important to inform Equestria of this.

Rufus: -tries to put on a brave face and not look upset-

Lady Cinnabar: No, we were unable to safely relay the information to you.

Princess Cadence: And how long was this attack "expected"?

Lady Cinnabar: Almost as soon as she arrived.

Gilda: o.o

Lady Cinnabar: Please allow me to explain. Neighpon is home to quite a few tribes of dragons, who are revered and hold something of a status of their own. Some hold a place in our government.

Princess Cadence: *Clearly waiting for the explanation*

Lady Cinnabar: When I say that 'We were unable to safely relay the information to you' I mean we could not do so- without it being found out.

Princess Cadence: "We" referring to the Neighponese government?

Lady Cinnabar: Some of it.

Lady Cinnabar: Yes.

Shining Armor: Found out by the other portion of it, then?

Lady Cinnabar: Exactly.

Fire Streak: -is regretting leaving certain items back in Equestria-

Soarin': *tapping hoof against ground, clearly frustrated*

Lady Cinnabar: We are in the midst of tension between the dragon tribes here and... -gaze flicks towards Gilda- The Griffon Kingdom. It has only been the close relationship between ponies and dragons which prevents actual fighting over Neighpon soil. Which would be disasterous for our grain producing country.

Fire Streak: -studies Lady Cinnabar-

Princess Cadence: So, then, why would Miss Fleetfoot be in danger? Why was she attacked?

Lady Cinnabar: When Fleetfoot passed through our border, it was noted that she was the guardian for a Griffon chick. When the situation of how she came to be so was explained, it was noted in our official records.

Gilda: *looks back at her*

Lady Cinnabar: Which, naturally, was either espied or passed on by a favor seeker... to some Dragon or other.

Princess Cadence: Ah, yes, I recall this event. The one in which a griffon egg was found among its broken bretheren, with signs of a struggle around.

Lady Cinnabar: Indeed.

Lady Cinnabar: When pressed, Fleetfoot openly admitted that the cause of the destruction was a dragon. And that the dragon had been slain.

Princess Cadence: ...Did she use the word 'slain'?

Lady Cinnabar: The record uses the word 'slain' but I was not the interrogator.

Princess Cadence: I see. The distinction should have been made. The typical definition of "slain" does not apply. But that is neither here nor there at this moment. Was she informed of this when she entered the country?

Lady Cinnabar: No. Nor was she harassed in any way at the time. We know incidents happen. Not all dragons will coexist peacefully.

Lady Cinnabar: However.

Princess Cadence: *Is expecting an exceedingly good 'however'*

Lady Cinnabar: Almost immediately, there was a request for the official Neighponese government to extradite Fleetfoot as a criminal to the council of Dragons. We could not agree. We could not refuse.

Soarin': *almost lets out a sigh of relief, stays stoic*

Lady Cinnabar: we seized her passport and papers so she could not leave, but put a guard around her to thwart the attack we expected would come.

Princess Cadence: *Holds up a hoof* Seized her passport?

Lady Cinnabar: Yes.

Lady Cinnabar: -poker face-

Princess Cadence: That does not fall under your jurisdiction. Our embassy should have been contacted immediately if Fleetfoot were suspected of any crime.

Lady Cinnabar: You are correct. However, our Emperor chose not to do so. I do not know his reasons.

Princess Cadence: .....The theft of a passport and detainment of a foreign military officer will be dealt with. I can only assume that you are here to give us all the information we need to get Fleetfoot back.

Lady Cinnabar: -looks a little uncomfortable-

Fire Streak: -the poker face changes!-

Lady Cinnabar: I will tell you all that we know to aid you. But I can make no promises.

Soarin': *staring daggers at Cinn*

Gilda: *eyes closed right now as she controls her breathing*

Fire Streak: -is less glarey than Soarin-

Lady Cinnabar: Neighpon is desparate to stay neutral.

Princess Cadence: I do not wish to cause you discomfort, Lady Cinnabar, but if these dragons are a part of the Neighponese government, as you have suggested, the kidnapping of Fleetfoot is considered an act of war. No one wishes for this less than I do. So, I will say this. If Neighpon wishes to hold neutrality, then I should expect the government's full cooperation and support.

Lady Cinnabar: I wish that I could offer it, Empress Mi Amore Cadenza. I cannot. All help that we can give must be done unofficially. To do otherwise is to declare war upon the dragon tribes already here.

Lady Cinnabar: You are a big nation, and far away, and may not muster for a single incident. We are a small nation, with dragons already on our soil, who are already upset and will be only too happy to take out their aggression on the Neighponese ponies.

Lady Cinnabar: You see why 'officially' the government must run this terrible risk.

Princess Cadence: *Frowns visibly* ...We wish to avoid conflict if at all possible. We will work within these constrictions, but only temporarily. If these methods do not suffice, we will expect further cooperation. The blame here falls to the Neighponese government, Lady Cinnabar. I can offer our full assistance as well.

Lady Cinnabar: I agree that Neighpon has made grievous mistakes. We will do everything in our power to mend them, but it must look unofficial. At least, until there is no other choice.

Gilda: ...

Princess Cadence: I'm sure I don't need to remind you, but Equestria's reaction to your grievous mistakes will depend on this outcome.

Lady Cinnabar: -nods-

Fire Streak: -is thinking he'll unofficially need to fill out a requisition form and get a box that falls off a truck later-

Lady Cinnabar: -Studies the room again- Do you wish to take a moment to speak among yourselves? Or shall I continue?

Princess Cadence: *Glances at the rather on edge group for nods or shakes of the head or shrugs or what have you*

Soarin': *nods?*

Fire Streak: -makes appropriate head movement to indicate a request to discuss something-

Princess Cadence: A moment to discuss would be appreciated. Would you mind if we went back to our ship to do so?

Lady Cinnabar: Of course. Or if you prefer, I can retire.

Gilda: >.>

Princess Cadence: The ship would be preferable, thank you.

Lady Cinnabar: -rises to her feet and bows- When you are ready to resume, send a messenger. I will come to you, or we can meet here again.

---

Meanwhile

---

Melody in the Wind: *scratches the last note on the wall, finishing her second song* .... Roc, I am so bored

Melody in the Wind: *groans, pacing the room* >~>

Melody in the Wind: -__- *pulls her rubber ball back out, and bounces it against the door*

Melody in the Wind: *puts her ball away*

Melody in the Wind: *staring at the songs she has scratched into the walls*

Melody in the Wind: *presses her head against the door, trying to see if maybe the guards outside are saying anything* <~<

Melody in the Wind: *knocks on her door* Anybody even there? Hello?

Lady Cinnabar: -Outside Melly's door, guards are playing Shogi-

Melody in the Wind: This is bull! *slams a fist against the door* Hey! Let me out! I'm sick of waiting!

Melody in the Wind: .... Oh, you are not ignoring me! *punches the door again* Let me out!

Lady Cinnabar: -The guards look at the door- < What is she saying?> <No idea. Your move.>


Melody in the Wind: *leans back like a pitcher and slams her fist into the door as hard as she can* Buck that hurts! *shakes her hand*

Melody in the Wind: *throws herself against the door* C'mon, you stupid door, break!

---

Princess Cadence: *Nods and rises, turning to brusquely walk out, assuming everyone else is following behind*

Soarin': *follows, fuming*

Fire Streak: -Follows, less angry that Soarin'-

Rufus: -follows Cadence with the best poker face he can muster-

Gilda: ....*follows fire streak*

Princess Cadence: *Steps on the ship and points to a room off to the side, where a line of heavy punching bags have been hung from the ceiling*

Rufus: -stares at a punching bag-

Soarin': *stares at a punching bag for a moment*

Soarin': ....RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHH!

Princess Cadence: Always be prepared ~.~...

Soarin': *kicks the thing with all his might*

Rufus: -punches a bag so hard that the chain connecting it to the ceiling breaks off, causing the bag to fall to the ground-

Soarin': What the buck?! ****ing DRAGONS have Fleetfoot?!

Soarin': GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH *begins mauling a punching bag like a velociraptor*

Fire Streak: -deep breathe- ... -siiiiigh- Right. Princess Cadence if I were to give you a list of supplies do you think some of them might happen to fall off of a cart unofficially?

Princess Cadence: If you were to give me a list of supplies I'd likely tell you that they were in the cargo hold.


Rufus: Rufus hates dragons. Theys care for no one, not even their own kind. Even Diamond Dogs hate them...

Fire Streak: o.o So there is appropriate equipment in the cargo hold with which to combat a dragon? Should things turn that way.


Princess Cadence: *Staring straight at a wall* Always be prepared.

Soarin': Equipment? I'll take one of those sons of *****es down with my hooves if it means getting to Fleet.

Fire Streak: -wanted cool samurai armor- Soarin' you stay with the punching bags until you can thrink straight again. I'm going to do inventory and maintenance.


Rufus: The only thing holding Rufus back is you, Cadence. Give the word, and Rufus will do it. Even if it means fighting Dragons...

Princess Cadence: I will do no such thing, Rufus.

Fire Streak: Gilda, you want to come with me?

Rufus: Rufus means it. Do not hold back just because Rufus is a big dumb dog. This isn't for Rufus, this is for her.

Gilda: sure fire streak...what are we doing?

Fire Streak: Going to take stock of whats in the hold, and I'm going to fit you for some armor. I don't want to be in a situation where you need it, but you should know how to get into it and size it just in case.

---

OOC Moment:
Soarin': ((Does the Dark Side get me Fleetfoot?))
Soarin': ((Also, coffee's right))
Rufus: ((Yes, but then you become evil and force choke her to death))
Rufus: ((On the bright side, you get to shoot lightning out of your fingertips))
Soarin': ((I don't have fingers.))
Rufus: ((...Or rather hooves, I guess.))
Melody in the Wind: (( Soarin' = Vader XDDD ))
Rufus: ((Nightshade was only the first part of tempting him to join the dark side))

---

Gilda: ...erm...armor, really?

Gilda: Im pretty sure I'm the one most fitted to getting into a fight here...claws and all.

Rufus: -if he ever actually fought, he'd disagree, but isn't really that used to using his strength for fighting-

Fire Streak: Every little bit helps Gilda. It can be the difference from a severed artery to a flesh wound.

Fire Streak: -walks down into the hold and grabs a clipboard to start taking inventory-

Fire Streak: You coming Gilda!

Princess Cadence: *Sighs slightly and waits for everyone to return*

Gilda: yeah yeah yeah. armor stuff

Rufus: -sighs- This place seems so nice, too. That's what these ponies get for trusting Dragons, Rufus guesses...

Fire Streak: Just need your measurements for the moment. We're using break time at the moment.

Rufus: Are you sure armors will fit Rufus? Rufus isn't against wearing armor but...

Rufus: Rufus isn't sure any of your armors will fit him...

Gilda: *examines her claws, which are much sharper than usual, as she glides down the corridor*

Soarin': *walks out of the rage room, noticeably deflated*

---

OOC Moment:
Lady Cinnabar: [[Just like the punching bags, which are empty with stuffing strewn around the room?]]
Soarin': *No, not that much is left of them*
SilverTongue: (He had to keep his energy up. He ate the punching bags as nourishment)
Lady Cinnabar: [[Dammit, I spewed coffee all over my keyboard thanks to that XD]]

---

Gilda: ...so, fire streak, you must have some armor, right?

Gilda: ...

Fire Streak: -uses a clipboard to take rough measurements of Gilda when she lands such as leg length, shoulder width, etc- You're doing a great job Gilda. I'm really proud of you right now. My personal armor is back at base. I didn't think it'd look good if I brought dragon fighting armor to Neighpon. All I have are some inserts that'll protect me from pony sized threats.

Gilda: ...there's dragon fighting armor...theres dragon fighting armor for me?

Gilda: you know I can't wear normal stuff right? Literally no part of my body fits pony....anatomy or whatever

Rufus: Rufus is fine with not wearing armor if yous have none that fits him. Rufus will do what he can either way.

Fire Streak: The Princess said she was prepared. There might be a griffon suit down here. If not I know some tricks to make it comfortable for you to wear. The stuff I use and trained with is lighter that what you see other guards with.

---

Meanwhile...again...
Melody in the Wind: *throws her weight against the door again, growling*

Lady Cinnabar: -A guard comes to Melly's door- Request....you... help?

Melody in the Wind: *huffs* Lemme out of here. Now.

Lady Cinnabar: Guard: Food? Water?

Melody in the Wind: I'm bleeding >> I need help

Lady Cinnabar: Guard #2: < I think she said she was bleeding.> Guard #1: < Lock the hall door.> Door Open I. Back stand, please.

Melody in the Wind: *stands against the wall, growling*

Lady Cinnabar: Guard #1: -comes in with a med kit- Help I will.

Melody in the Wind: You should get Lady Cinnabar. She needs to know about a foreigner getting injured in her custody. Might look bad for the Neighponese...

Lady Cinnabar: Guard #1: Lady Cinnabar...? I bring?

Melody in the Wind: Yes. Bring Lady Cinnabar

Lady Cinnabar: Guard #1: -Nods to Melody- I bring. Injuries...? -holds up the medkit-

Melody in the Wind: *takes the medkit* Thank you. Go bring Cinnabar.

Lady Cinnabar: Guard #1: -leaves- <She wants Lady Cinnabar. I'll take the message myself>

Melody in the Wind: *bandages an imaginary wound on her arm*

Melody in the Wind: *taps her chin, waiting for Lady Cinnabar*

---

Princess Cadence: *Sits quietly and looks out at the city they're docked at*

Soarin': Princess?

Princess Cadence: Yes, Soarin'?

Soarin': ...I'm scared.

Soarin': What if we can't get Fleet back? I mean...how are we?

Princess Cadence: *Pats Soarin' on the head* Dragons can be the most patient beings in Equestria, save Celestia and Luna, but they can also be brash and sloppy in the way they exercise certain things. I have some idea of what to do. But in a way, I'm just going to... *Pauses long enough to flop him in the face with her wing* Wing it.

Soarin': ....that was terrible, Princess. I like your guts.

Fire Streak: You're doing good Gilda, you're keeping it together better than some of the others. -gently punches Gilda in the shoulder-

Gilda: thats what you think >.>

Fire Streak: I know inside you gotta suck right now. When we have downtime you can vent on me in a sparring match.

Fire Streak: Now lets get back up before I get all sappy and give you a nickname Gilda. -smirks, cockily and walks back up to join the Princess-

Gilda: >.>....no nick names

Lady Cinnabar: Not... yet. Wait until they have come to a decision.

Gilda: *flexes her talons*...ya know...,we might be able to lure the dragons out if we tell the neighponese government I was involved with that whole.... thing

Fire Streak: -bops Gilda with a wing- No. Out of the question.

Gilda: I mean...it seems like a good option to me

Fire Streak: I looked over the inventory list Princess. There are a few items I'd still like to request, but nothing too big. I'm rusty on Neighponese dragons and I'd still like to check out what they use to see how well our stuff measure up. Other than that, I'm ready whenever you are.

Princess Cadence: o.o What did you need?

Fire Streak: I'd like time to examine their body armor and such for whatever dragon response force they have. Different country, different combat style, different dragons. Just like to know where we stand.

Princess Cadence: ...I can't guarantee we'll have time to get any shipments.

Fire Streak: All I ask is to fill out an index card and make a request, nothing more than that. I know you can't guarantee anything at this moment Princess.

Princess Cadence: Fair enough.

Fire Streak: -bows his head to the Princess- Thank you.

Soarin': Okay, what plan gets us Fleet ASAP?

Princess Cadence: <.<;; I don't have it fully fleshed out yet. We need more information.

Gilda: *wonders what the princess would think of her plan*

Gilda: I...have an idea <.>

Princess Cadence: ........Yes, Gilda?


Gilda: well...I was involved in the same incident as Fleet and Im a griffon. So...wouldn't we be able to lure out the dragons by ...just letting some facts slip?

Princess Cadence: .....I would prefer if we didn't do that.

Princess Cadence: We're going to talk to Lady Cinnabar, and see what information she can give us.

Soarin': ...And then what? What's our big plan?

Princess Cadence: We'll know for sure when we get the information. But we're going to go straight to that dragon tribe when we can.

Gilda: ....v.v.

---

Another Meanwhile...

---

Guard #1: (returning) Lady Cinnabar not arrive. You... I bring.

Melody in the Wind: *nods* Alright

Guard #1: -Unlocks the door and leads the way to a waiting rickshaw-

Melody in the Wind: <.< *gets in the rickshaw*

Lady Cinnabar: -Melly is taken to the Teahouse where Lady Cinna is, just as promised, and shown into the same room- You wished to see me?

Melody in the Wind: Yeah. I've been in that room for days. I can't tell how many, because I don't have a window. I had to throw myself against the door in order to- *pauses* .... *looks around* ...

Lady Cinnabar: -looks at Melly- It's been less than a day.

Lady Cinnabar: But come look out this window.

Melody in the Wind: <.< They're here. *doesn't even need to go to the window*

Lady Cinnabar: They are. That is why I could not come to you. I apologize.

Melody in the Wind: <_> *sighs, sitting down, and stretching her wings wide* ... I've never felt so thrown off

Lady Cinnabar: They do not know you are here. Do not take it to heart. -To Melody-

Melody in the Wind: ... Can I go see them?

Lady Cinnabar: -considers- Not... yet. Wait until they have decided.

---

Lady Cinnabar: -Is waiting, but take your time -

Princess Cadence: No, is there anything else?

Soarin': *sighs*

Fire Streak: We shouldn't leave the cute ambassador waiting much longer.

Soarin': Yea-wait, what?

Princess Cadence: Focus, Fire Streak.

Soarin': *was too blinded by rage to notice*

Princess Cadence: *Stands in position next to Shining, waiting for everyone else before nodding to reopen the passage to the docks*

Fire Streak: I'm not distracted Princess, you can trust me.

Princess Cadence: *Was waiting for other people. Was just gonna go back to the teahouse, but that works too*

Princess Cadence: *Nods to Lady Cinnabar*

Rufus: -standing by Cadence's and Shining's side-

Lady Cinnabar: -inclines her head and leads the way back to the tea house, without comment. Melody is, apparently, now in that room, and unless Snow's still around, is asleep XD-

Soarin': *stitting off to the side*

Princess Cadence: *Blinks at Melody gently* ..........How much trouble did she cause? ~.~

Lady Cinnabar: A great deal, most of it undesigned.

Princess Cadence: *Sighs* ......Though she was not sent by us by any means. I still apologize ~.~......

Lady Cinnabar: -Shakes her head- She caused no harm to us, and for the most part has been cooperative, only...

Princess Cadence: ....Only? I'm assuming she was involved in all of this in some way....

Lady Cinnabar: ...Only that she and some other griffons behaved suspiciously, creating a convenient diversion which drew the attention of the guard I had ordered to protect Fleet. Which gave the draconic tribes the opportunity they were waiting for. u.u;

Princess Cadence: *Groans lightly* .....

Lady Cinnabar: And though she did resist arrest and attempted to flee...

Lady Cinnabar: she hurt no one and came back to cooperate fully with us.

Fire Streak: -tries hard not to face table-

Soarin': *glares at Melody*

Princess Cadence: *Sighs* ....Very well. That will be left for later, as well. For now, we need as much information as we can get.

Lady Cinnabar: -Nods- Where shall I begin?

Princess Cadence: Firstly, who we should be looking at and where they might be.

Gilda: *newfound hate for her 'sister' *

Lady Cinnabar: -nods to an assistant who hands her a scroll, which she unrolls. It happens to be a map- There are three minor tribes we suspect. All of them have different ... different... the closest words are 'bases' or 'villages'... they're something in between both. They're all on this northernmost island, Haykkaido.

Princess Cadence: *Nods* ...

Lady Cinnabar: The group we feel is most likely the culprit is, of course, the furthest away -looks a little annoyed- They hold residence in Mount Riding, an active volcano. If they have her, I think it most likely that they will hold on to her until they can call a dragon council.

Fire Streak: -makes mental notes-

Lady Cinnabar: At which point they would probably hold some sort of trial and find Fleetfoot guilty of murder before ... punishment.

Soarin': ....

Soarin': *has a sudden and very understandable prejudice against dragons*

Rufus: P-punishment?

Princess Cadence: A trial? How....quaint. *Looks markedly less happy than when she arrived.*

Fire Streak: -Looks at Cadence-

Lady Cinnabar: -dryly- Dragons have their own... idea of justice.

Soarin': *grumbles*

Soarin': *very quietly*

Lady Cinnabar: The next group we need to be concerned with hold territory on the eastern coast of Haykkaido. They will be hoping to trade Fleetfoot as political prisoner to the Griffon Kingdom in exchange for information about crimes against dragons that have been taking place here. I believe they feel she might hold some value to the Griffons.

Princess Cadence: Hm....

Lady Cinnabar: When they find out that isn't the case- I dont know what they will do, but I highly doubt it will be 'let her go'

Princess Cadence: We'll have words directly with the dragon council if we must.

Lady Cinnabar: The last group is the smallest, and lives in the center of the island, in a series of caldera. These actively wish for war between the Griffon Kingdom and The draconic Tribes. I suspect them only because, if they feel that Fleet holds some value to the Kingdom...

Lady Cinnabar: They will use that to try and incite an actual war.

Fire Streak: -slowly moves his wings a little to work out the tension in them-

Gilda: *low, but nearly silent rumble in her chest*

Princess Cadence: .....

Lady Cinnabar: -is watching them intently-

Gilda: *sighs*....*not sure if she can talk now xD*

Fire Streak: -Glances at Cadence-

Princess Cadence: You know this area better than we do. What do you suggest?

Gilda: *watches firestreak*

Lady Cinnabar: ... Time is utterly critical in every case. You might send one of your ponies, or a small team, to each site to see if you can find out which has her. Once there, they might attempt a rescue.

Fire Streak: -perks his ears up-

Lady Cinnabar: Or, you could send out messages to each, offering to pay a large ransom in gems for her return. This will work better if its one of the less likely groups which have her. They may try to salvage a sinking ship. It might also inspire other dragons to get involved, hoping for the reward.

Gilda: ...

Lady Cinnabar: You might attempt to reason with them. This would work best with the northernmost dragons, the ones who will be calling a council.

Lady Cinnabar: I suppose you could declare all out war on them and attack each site as you go, but I do not really recommend that.

Lady Cinnabar: They might respect the show of strength but giving them a reason to justify anything they might do- probably wont resolve matters happily.

Soarin': *holds in laughter at that last idea. He rather liked that one*

Gilda: ...do we have a map?

Lady Cinnabar: -offers the one she was using- The sites are marked.

Princess Cadence: *Taps her hooves together thoughtfully* We cannot send a proposal to pay a ransom to each. I do not know these dragons personally, but there is a chance that all three would respond in the positive. No...our strongest card in all of this will be the dragon council. Without having all of the correct details, calling the dragon council to sit trial is an incredibly dangerous thing to do.

Princess Cadence: As for the two who would not involve the dragon council, holding a hostage of such standing as Fleetfoot's from such a powerful nation without informing them would be extraordinarily dangerous, as well. In that case, we'll inform them that WE will call the dragon council over this matter.

Lady Cinnabar: -Is passed a written message from guard to assistant to Cinnabar, who reads it-

Fire Streak: -glances between Cadence and Lady Cinna-

Lady Cinnabar: It seems I have another of your party here. Another Griffon, by the name of Tech. He apparently requests to be allowed to join us.

Rufus: -ears perk up, hearing talking outside-

Gilda: ....*just sitting here, being the most obedient griffon around, not sure what life is right now*

Lady Cinnabar: Shall we admit him, Empress?

Gilda: *tries to transmit 'no' to cadence psychically*

Fire Streak: -rubs his face for a short moment-

Princess Cadence: ....Tech? ....Was he involved in whatever got miss Melody in trouble?

Lady Cinnabar: Yes.

Princess Cadence: ......If you'll excuse my exasperation for just a moment..... *Facehoofs*

Lady Cinnabar: -smiles, just a little, sympathetically-

Fire Streak: -takes mental notes-

Princess Cadence: ....*Glances at Gilda and receives her 'no'* ....Perhaps he should wait until we're done here....

Fire Streak: -glances at Lady Cinna again, then is up on his hooves, wings extended in a flash at the sound of combat-

Lady Cinnabar: -Looks at Fire Streak, noting that he has been looking at her for some time- but leaps to her feet the moment the scuffle reaches the door, aura already alight on her horn-

Tech: -shouting can be heard outside, as Tech enters through the entrance...and promptly hold his talons up as if surrendering- I apologize for barging in, but I don't mean trouble.
Princess Cadence: *Glances back at Tech and blinks*

Gilda: *seems pretty calm comparitively, just looking at the door xD))

Princess Cadence: *Holds her hoof up gently to Lady Cinnabar, still somewhat surprised, but recognizing Tech*

Tech: -takes off his bags and tosses them aside, to show that he is disarming himself-

Lady Cinnabar: -Is still on her feet, looking significantly stressed, but does, at least, trust Empress Cadence enough not to singe off all Tech's feathers-

Tech: With everything happening, I knew it wouldn't be so simple to merely walk in say my word. I am willing to take liability for my actions.

Tech: ...Hmph, this is going to be difficult. I guess I should start with explaining why I am here...

Lady Cinnabar: -Glances at Cadence and Shining for some sort of cue. Being the highest ranked in the room, it is their call whether he will be heard or not-

Princess Cadence: ...*Nods.....to Fire Streak*

Gilda: *smiles for the first time since landing*

Fire Streak: -walks up to Tech briskly- Talons in the air, wings to your side.

Tech: -does what Streak tells him-

Fire Streak: -quickly moves around Tech taking his talons and pinning them behind his back before restraining them with a zip tie-

Tech: Argh, can't say I don't deserve this- wait, you were carrying that with you? Do those uniforms have pockets?

Fire Streak: Yes.

Gilda: totally in a position to ask question tech, keep going, it not as if time is of the essence or anything

Princess Cadence: I Can say you do indeed deserve this. I assume you have an exceedingly good reason why you've broken into a diplomatic hearing between two countries, assaulting Neighponese officials in the process?

Fire Streak: -brings out another zip tie and gets Tech bound higher up where his talons can't reach-

Lady Cinnabar: -Is reassured by the fact that Tech seems to be some sort of nutcase, and this isnt some sort of Equestrian, gryphonic or Draconic coup and sits down again.-

Gilda: *reminds self never to put limbs to close together when fire streak is mad at her*

Princess Cadence: I apologize Lady Cinnabar. It seems that we may need to institute some mandatory behavioral seminars back in Equestria ~.~.

Princess Cadence: *....Is actually not kidding*

Tech: I didn't get myself in this situation for myself, mind you.

Tech: This was for Fleet, and for Melody. I can't let them be wronged for my own mistakes...

Princess Cadence: As Miss Gilda said, time is of the essence. Kindly explain. Now.

Tech: ...Knowing that Melody would investigate on her own, I initially came here to learn of what happened to Fleetfoot, unbeknownst to Melody. I happened to find tht Fire Streak and gilda has came here too, and listened in as they spoke to Fleetfoot.

Tech: As they returned to Equestria, I took it upon myself to try to watch Fleet while they were gone, and further investigate what was happening. Not too long after however, I ran into Melody and her mentor, Shadow.

Tech: She was not working with him by choice. It seemed he had blackmailed her into working with him, for reasons I yet do not know, other than that is involved Luci.

Tech: When I had told her that Streak and Gilda had taken them back, she was relieved, and not just because of this particular incident. Shadow is up to something.

Princess Cadence: *Raises an eyebrow* ....

Tech: ...Anyway, us conversing created a scene, causing all of this to happen. Since I think Shadow first approched me he's mainly to blame, but still I don't deny my part in it...

Princess Cadence: *Waits impatiently*

Gilda: The point tech.

Tech: Well, my first point was to take full responsibility for what happened; it was not Melody's fault.

Princess Cadence: ........

Gilda: *Facetalon*

Gilda: the important point?

Tech: Other than that, I've heard about the tribes suspected to take Fleet, and I think I may have a plan for the eastern one in particular.

Lady Cinnabar: -is watching everything intently, noting reactions-

Tech: I know that if they have Fleet, they'd want to turn her in to the Griffon Kingdom in exchange for information about the recent dragonslayings. Of course, the problem with that is that the Griffon Kingdom of course has no interest in Fleetfoot.

Fire Streak: -is waiting for orders and standing behind Tech-

Tech: In the event that Fleetfoot is confirmed to be there, I believe I have a plan to rescue her.

Gilda: *ready to give tech a black eye so he actually looks like an adventurer*

Princess Cadence: ......*Sighs* I'm willing to hear you out. Make it short. VERY short.

Princess Cadence: *Damn being the princess of love and compassion...*

Fire Streak: -rules and boundaries are a part of love and compassion-

Tech: We get a group of Griffons who pretend to be emissaries from the Griffon Kingdom in order to exchange for Fleetfoot. We make a deal, give them false info for Fleet, whilst making them believe that the Griffons represent no country so that they have no group to retaliate against.

Princess Cadence: ....You want us to impersonate Griffon Kingdom officials?

Fire Streak: You do know that impersonating a government official is a hefty crime, correct?

Tech: ...That's why I would volunteer myself, so that I take full responsibility for this. I represent no country. I've made a grave mistake, and I'm willing to do what it takes to correct it, even if it means become a criminal to my own home country.

Gilda: *had a similar idea rejected, so doesn't say anything*

Princess Cadence: But you wouldn't take responsibility for it. We would.

Princess Cadence: *Sighs* Tech.....I understand that you want to help, but I assure you that we can.........

Princess Cadence: Wait....

Tech: Hm?

Princess Cadence: You were there? When Fleetfoot was attacked?

Tech: Yes, I was. Shadow and Melody were as well.

Princess Cadence: Melody and Shadow aren't what I'm concerned about. You saw the assailants?

Tech: I did.

Tech: Wait a moment...

Tech: ...Cinnabar, do each of the tribes all have distinct scale colorations?

Lady Cinnabar: -looks more alert, if not excited- No. All three tribes are mixed breeds and colors. But if you tell me what you saw, there may be a clue.

Lady Cinnabar: -Accepts, with patience, by the way, the omittance of her title without comment. but it was noted for the record-

Princess Cadence: *Too excited to point it out, but noticed as well*

Gilda: ...Lady Cinnabar, Tech

Fire Streak: Tell me colorations along with body shape, and notable horns.

Princess Cadence: *Nods*

Tech: I saw a large one, and many smaller ones, definiately teenagers. The large one shot green and violet flames...

Fire Streak: How far away were you from the flames?

Tech: A sizable distance, the dragon was over the inn while I was across the street.

Fire Streak: Did you feel the heat from the flames?

Gilda: *has got this*

Tech: It...did get hot momentarily, I think. Though it could have just been adreniline...

Tech: Why, does this stand out to you?

Fire Streak: I spent several years dealing with dragons. The more you can tell me the better.

Tech: Let's see...the large one, it seemed longer than most dragons, but the teenagers were more mixed, which now that I think about is odd, because Dragons of various sizes and shapes tend to not get along well...

Fire Streak: Unless someone is incharge.

Tech: Right...so obviously the large dragon was keeping them in check. Whoever that dragon is, he or she must demand a lot of respect from its peers.

Princess Cadence: Non-standard flames and a unique body shape? *Looks hopefully at Lady Cinnabar*

Tech: Enough that they're willing to work together in order to fulfill the same purpose...

Fire Streak: Was it long like it had a long neck and tail, or long like a snake?

Tech: I think...I think it was more serpentine, like an oriental dragon.

Gilda: *to firestreak* I'm going back to the airship, can you fill me in later?

Fire Streak: I'll fill you in later Gilda.

Princess Cadence: Gilda, I'm afraid we can't let you move alone.

Princess Cadence: You'll have to take some of the guard with you.

Gilda: *sighs and walks off with guards*...*mumble grumbles*

Fire Streak: Empress Cadence, Lady Cinnabar, would it be too out of line of me to make a request?

Princess Cadence: Of course not, Fire Streak.

Lady Cinnabar: I will hear you.

Fire Streak: The type of dragon described is not one I have had a lot of experience with in the past. Would it be possible to get me a meeting with members of your dragon response force to learn more about the dragon involved?

Lady Cinnabar: Alas, no. We have no such office.

Lady Cinnabar: Here, the task of dealing with rogue dragons is managed by the council of dragons.

Fire Streak: Then may I be allowed to interview others who were in the area and on the scene?

Lady Cinnabar: -is quiet a long time-

Princess Cadence: That....may not be advisable.

Princess Cadence: We need to be as unobtrusive as possible. We may have some information on them on the ship...

Lady Cinnabar: I would agree. To allow you access to witnessess is to... officially grant you permission to investigate.

Tech: I would like to mention that the innkeeper probably got a good look at the dragons though. She was in Fleetfoot's room by the time I got in there.

Lady Cinnabar: I could provide you access to scrolls about our dragons, only... -looks embarrassed- I do not think you could read them.

Tech: Lady Cinnabar, does the description of the dragons sound familiar?

Lady Cinnabar: Yes.

Tech: Of which group does that sound like?

Princess Cadence: <.< I would not presume to translate them with magic.

Lady Cinnabar: We can, thankfully, discount the Caldera group, the war-like, example-making group. Thankfully. They are too small to be that organized.

Tech: So that at least rules out one of the groups? Is that not enough information to know which of the other two groups did it?

Lady Cinnabar: Sadly, no. the other two are well established, and I dont know enough about them myself to make a good deduction.

Tech: I see...

Tech: Also, I would like to mention that I know how to read Kanji. I learned it when I first came here, which was shortly after first leaving the Griffon Kingdom.

Fire Streak: Mixed bag of news. Diplomacy with dragons is tricky to put it lightly.

Lady Cinnabar: ...

Tech: Combat with them isn't much better though, especially with such small of a force.

Tech: Besides, fighting would likely only make this situation go from bad to worse. Most likely, it'd end with both Fleetfoot and all of us dead, and leave the tribe with incentive to declare war on Equestria.

Lady Cinnabar: -To Cadence and Shining- If you will allow me, I will take your Fire Streak and translate scrolls for him. But I would prefer not to do so with your Tech.

Princess Cadence: I believe that would be for the best. ...We should also contact the Griffin Kingdom to inform them that they may be getting a missive from a dragon tribe. If we're careful, we may be able to get them to stall a little bit instead of responding immediately.

Lady Cinnabar: -Nods- So it shall be.

Tech: I assumed as much, I can understand if you don't trust me. I think I should probably mention though that Shadow, Melody's mentor, is still on the loose, and he's up to something.

Lady Cinnabar: I am aware.

Tech: Apparently it involved Luci though, not Fleetfoot. I can't imagine why...but its something that should be kept in mind. Empress, I suggest you send a letter back to Equestira and inform whoever is currently taking care of Luci to watch out, just in case.

Tech: Perhaps Melody can shed some light on the situation once she's able...

Lady Cinnabar: Unless Empress Cadence wishes to take you back with her to her airship, I will be placing you both under arrest.

Lady Cinnabar: You did, after all, break numerous laws of this land.

Tech: I am aware...

Princess Cadence: *Nods* We'll also send back to Equestria for information about this Shadow. And it would be best if you and Melody both stay with Lady Cinnabar for now.

Lady Cinnabar: We will treat them properly. You may safely leave them in our care, Empress.

Princess Cadence: Both of you have broken Neighponese laws...we will help you if we can afterwords, through the proper channels. But first and foremost is Fleetfoot's safety.

Tech: Well at least Melody won't be locked in that room alone now

Princess Cadence: Tech, I ask you to be one hundred percent cooperative, and please spread that message to Miss Melody as well.

Lady Cinnabar: Well then, Empress, with your permission, I will withdraw with your Fire Streak, to go over scrolls. Your Tech and Melody will be held in a secured room on my own estates. Will you be staying upon your airship, or shall I have a place prepared for you? Your safety is a concern, but I cannot order you.
Tech: I intend on it. And although its probably unlikely at this point, I'm willing to assist in any way if you ask anything of me.

Princess Cadence: Accomodations would be accepted, but we ask for our own guard to be present as well as yours.

Princess Cadence: If, of course, you don't think it would be too risky for our forces to be seen working together.

Tech: I really hope the dragons don't catch wind of us being held and assume that because we're Griffons that we are also dragonslayers...

Lady Cinnabar: I am only a minor noble -modestly- but I have hosted royal guests before. It will not be too far out of line for me to receive you.

Princess Cadence: *Would worry about Tech's point, but they will be on Lady Cinnabar's private estate.*

Lady Cinnabar: They will assume my doing so is a mark of disrespect to Equestria. You, of course, know better.

Princess Cadence: Tech, I will warn you once more as I did those present here. If one toe, one hoof, one talon, or one feather falls out of line, I won't be able to help you. Before this, you were acting of your own accord. From this point forward, you act under Shining and I. The same goes for Melody. You will do as you are told or you will face the consequences. Am I fully understood?

Princess Cadence: *Will drive this point home with an ice pick if she needs to*

Tech: -nods- I understand.

Tech: -fidgets around a little, lying on the floor with your talons tied behind your back isn't very comfortable-

Princess Cadence: Lady cinnabar, would you prefer to hold on to his possessions as well?

Lady Cinnabar: We would indeed.

Tech: Erm, be sure to be careful with my things, some of it is fairly fragile...

Princess Cadence: Very good. In that case, Fire Streak can help you with that as well? *Looks for permission from both of them*

Fire Streak: Lady Cinnabar, I am keenly aware that my uniform is designed to draw attention. If you would prefer, I can change into something less attention grabbing. I can also help you with whatever you need of me.

Lady Cinnabar: I would appreciate that, Fire Streak.

Lady Cinnabar: All the arrangements for your quarters have already been prepared. You may collect your things and take the transportation that will be awaiting you. Anything that you might need, you may ask my assistant, Jade Leaf. He is utterly trustworthy. And of course, I wll be entirely at your service.

Princess Cadence: And.... *Hesitates* ...Would you mind if I set an enchantment on the rooms we will be staying in ourselves? Just an alarm, so that if anyone enters unbidden.....

Tech: Um...how am I going to be taken anywhere? Because I can't really move with these things tying my talons up...

Lady Cinnabar: By all means. Whatever measures you can add to ensure your safety.

Princess Cadence: Well, you could be floated there~. But I believe we'll release your bonds, once your possessions are secured.

Princess Cadence: <.< In that case, you should ensure that anyone entering the room knocks, and that the doors are opened from the inside...

Lady Cinnabar: I will so instruct my staff.

Princess Cadence: *Horn glows and the zip ties snap. Perhaps a little painfully*