Chapter 5: Tempest Trouble

After riding on the stairs, and walking up the stairs, Capper open the floor door of his home for the girls and the young dragon.

"Welcome, my little ponies, to my little manor," Capper says.

Capper jumps out of the way so the girls and the small dragon can get in. When they look around, they are surprised to see the place is full of old stuff.

"Ooh! A sort of a roco-hobo-Bohemian hodgepodge," Rarity complements.

"Apologies for the state of my litter box. I wasn't expecting guests," Capper replies.

The gang walks around the place to see many different bottles, glasses, and other kinds of decor around Capper's home.

"Ooh! So many fun breakables!" Pinkie happily says.

"Whoa!" Rainbow replies, looking at a teapot with multiple spouts.

Applejack chuckles to see the pot herself.

"Y'all sure y'all want the Hippos?" Capper asks.

"Yessirree! The Queen of the Hippos!" Pinkie loudly answers.

"Not like the Queen of the Lions, or Tigers, or Bears?" Capper questions.

"Oh, my!" Fluttershy scaredly reacts.

"I doubt it's any of those," Aria replies.

"You won't know for sure," Capper replies.

During the conversation, Princess Twilight and Sun are looking around the room to see a bookshelf. The two look at the different books that is on the shelf. Then they notices one of the book that has a map on the cover

"Huh?" Princess Twilight questions.

Sun takes the book off the shelf and opens it up. She looks at the book to see that this book has different kinds of maps, and information about cities, islands and other places.

Sun turns her head, and asks, "Hey Capper, mind if I read this?"

"Knock your off kid," Capper answers.

"Thanks," Sun says.

Sun places the book down, so that she and Princess Twilight can start reading it.

Meanwhile in the marketplace, Tempest, Grubber, and the storm creatures have already reached the city, and are looking for Princess Twilight and the others.

As the storm creatures search, they move the stands, look in boxes, and crates, and scaring the citizen in site.

A shark creatures scaredly says, "Please! Please! I don't know anything!"

The storm creatures shoves the items off the standing causing the shark creature to scream.

As the storm creatures search, Tempest and Grubber walks down the market.

"You really think the ponieth got thith far?" Grubber asks, as he holds a caramel apple.

Tempest sniffs a little, then look at the board to see a pink strain of hair on it.

With a grin, Tempes says, "Oh, they're here."

Then Tempest calls out to the different creatures, that catch their attention, "Attention! A little purple pony passed this way. Tell me where she is…"

"...or thumpin real bad'th gonna happen," Grubber adds holding a caramel apple and showing a confident look on his face.

Just then, someone steps forward causing Grubber to meap, and move out of the way. The creature is the fish creature from earlier. And he is not very happy.

The fish creature angrily says, "You think we're gonna fall for this again? I don't know what kinda scam you're workin' with Capper and the rest of your friends, but…"

"Friends?" Tempest questions, arching her eyebrow.

"Poison or no poison, you're gonna pay!" The fish creature adds in anger.

He then swings his fish to punch Tempest. But Tempest moves her head, and uses her back hoof to punch him in the stomach sending him back. Tempest runs over, and trips him from his feet. She then grabs him by his tail, and throws him from the air, and slams him to the ground.

"Ohhhh, Fishman juth got dropped!" Grubber shouts.

Tempest walks to the fish man and puts her hoof on his back, "Now…"

"Ihhhh…" The fish man groans

" ...about this... 'Capper'..." Tempest evilly says, sparking up her horn, causing the fish man to get scared of her and her horn.

Back in Capper's place, the girls and little dragon are having a great time with Capper. They are telling him stories about their adventures. The gang are laughing with smiles on their faces.

"Stop playin' me! A sonic rainboom? That's not a real thang!" Cappers says in disbelief.

Then asks, "Is that a real thing?"

"I'll show ya!" Rainbow says spreading her wings, and about to fly in the air to prove it

But Capper stops her, "Naw-naw-naw, I don't need you sonic "rainbooming" up in my place, thank you very much."

Suddenly, Capper feels his arm being pulled in front of him, making him react, "Whoa, hey, hold up now."

Capper looks to see a needle and thread are sewing together a rip on his jacket. Then the thread is pulled off

"Whoa," Capper replies.

Just then, Rarity uses her magic to place two gold buttons on the collar of Capper's jacket,

"Here you go. I do apologize. If we were back home, I could've done something truly fabulous," Rarity apologizes.

Capper is rather confused to see Rarity spiffing him up a little, and the fact Rarity wants to do something nice for him.

"Okay... What's the catch?" Capper asks.

"Nothing. After all that you've done for us, consider it a 'thank you,'" Rarity says.

This makes Capper surprised to hear it.

Feeling a bit remorse, Capper says, "Oh. Uh, don't thank me. Really."

"Guys!" Princess Twilight calls out.

She goes up to the table and puts the map on it.

Then she explains, "We've been looking for the wrong queen! We don't need the Queen of the Hippos! We need the Queen of the Hippogriffs! Part pony, part eagle!"

"Oh! Oh, the Hippogriffs! Now, the trouble with that is... no one knows... where they are… Or was it no one has ever heard from them in a while," Capper says, sounding unsure.

"Says here they're on the top of Mount Aris. Far south from here," Sun confirms.

"You mean the mountain right outside the window?" Pinkie asks, pointing out the window.

"Woah! That is so far away," Sonata says.

"How are we going to get there?" Aria asks.

"We can fly there," Rainbow suggests.

"Not all of us can fly, and our wings can't get there from that distance," Sun denies.

Adagio turns to Capper, and asks, "What do you think?"

"I don't know. I guess an airship or something," Capper answers, feeling a bit sad.

Seeing the look on his face, Sun walks up to Capper, and asks, "Capper, is there something wrong."

Capper doesn't fully know what to do. No one has asked him about his feeling before.

Capper sighs, "There is something wrong. Which is why you all need to get out of here."

Everyone look at Capper with confused look on their faces.

"What? Why?" Spike asks.

"Because… I am making a terrible mistake right now. In fact, I think I made a lot of mistakes," Capper says, feeling remorse.

"Mistake? What mistake?" Applejack asks.

"It's… kind of a long story. But it's part of the reason why I had to sell you guys" Capper says.

"What?" Exclaims.

"You were going to sell us?!" Rarity shockley asks.

"I knew it! Let's get out of here!" Princess Twilight says in anger.

But Sun grabs her by the tail, "Hold on Twilight, I think there's more to it than just that."

"Like what? For all we know, he's planning on selling us to the Storm King" Princess Twilight asks.

"It's not like I had much of a choice. And there is not way I'll be involved with the Storm King, not after he invaded my first home," Capper says.

"What?" Sun questions.

"Maybe you can tell us about it. Perhaps that will make you feel better," Fluttershy says to Capper

Capper sighs, "I guess so… you might as well know the whole story."

Everyone sit down and circle in front of Capper to hear the story.

"Well, I guess you all are victims of the Storm King too?" Capper suspects.

Everyone nod their heads.

Capper then tells the gang his story, "Well years ago, The Storm King invaded my home in Abyssinia, which is known to be the city of cats. My friend Chummer and I were able to get away by stowing away in a ship. But the Storm King attacked the ships. Back at home, Chummer and I were homeless and had to steal what we need. Of course, I don't want to be a thief anymore. Anyway, we found our way to Klugetown and we started stealing to survive. Chummer and I ended up with Vergo, and I wanted to sell the gem we had to him. We did agree to it, and were going to leave Klugetown."

Capper stops and feel sad.

"Did something bad happen?" Fluttershy asks.

"I'm afraid there is. Chummer and I were going to leave, and he already climb on the airship. But then, Chummer started leaving without me, and cut the rope. Then he tricked Vego with a plan rock. I tried to get him to stop, and that we can still be together that doesn't involve stealing. But instead, he throw me overboard and stranded me here. I come to realize that he was never me friend to begin with. And since then, I only look out for myself, and spend my hears here trying to pay the debt I owed him," Capper sadly explains.

After telling his story, the girls and young dragon look sad.

"That must have been so hard on you," Sun sadly says.

"Yeah. It was. Selling you seems to be my only chance to pay off my debt. But then, you all were nice to me, and you all are so cool. I realized that… I just couldn't do that to you. Which is why you all need to get out of here before Vergo comes," Capper answers.

"But how?" Pinkie asks.

"There are airship at the otherside of the city in the docks. If you can reach there, then you'll be on your way to Mount. Eris," Capper answers.

"Sounds good to me," Sonata happily says.

"Then let's hit the road," Rainbow says.

Just then, the front door to Capper's home opens, and another resident of Klugtown enter the house. The creature is a pink mole rat with buck teeth. He is wearing a black-red tuxedo and wearing a black top hat, and yellow goggles over his eyes.

Capper puts his hand on his face, and mutters, "Too late. He's here."

"That's Vergo?" Aria questions.

"Pretty much," Capper mutters.

"Cappr, how are thing doin? I got you message about the magical laser ponies and cute two legged creatures. I got the cages out. So where are they?" Vergo says.

"Uh, did he just said laser ponies?" Aria questions.

"And did he call you guys cute?" Pinkie adds.

Princess Twilight bluntly says, "Let's just get out of here."

"Yeah. I just met him, and he's already getting on my nerves," Adagio replies with a glare.

Suddenly, they hear evil laughter begins to surround the room.

Just then, a familiar pony walks in front of the room with an evil grin saying, "Silly little girls."

Princess Twilight gasp, "Tempest!"

Everyone gasp and yelp in shock to see the pony they're trying to get away from. Fluttershy even tried to hide under the lamp cover.

Tempest evilly chuckles, and says, "Trusting strangers? Big mistakes."

"Huge," Grubber comments.

"Hoo-hoo! My goodness!" Vego says with glee, and walks up to Tempest.

He then grabs Tempest's face, and rubs her cheeks, "Well, look at you! With your scary broken horn and scowly eyes. What tricks do you know, my little pony-wony?"

Sonata gulps, "I really think he shouldn't have done that."

And Sonata is right, Tempest becomes annoyed and light up her horn. Then uses his magic to give Vergo an electric shock

"Not bad…"

Verko faints soon after. Tempest then see Princess Twilight, Sun, and the otherss escaping from, the window onto the windmill

Princess Twilight screams, "Go! Go!"

"Get her now!" Tempest angrily demands with her horn lighting up.

"You gonna be thcared now, ponieth!" Grubbed replies.

The gang who are not flying are holding onto the windmill with all their might. Sun and the Dazzlings use their magic to gain their pony ears, long ponytails, and wings to they can help the others.

Just then, one of the storm creatures breaks out of the window, and grabs the wooden mill, stopping it front moving.

Princess, Twilight, Rainbow, Sun, and the Dazzlings, grab on to another part of the mill, and push it against the shadow creature.

The girls and the shadow creature push against the force so hard, that the support pole of the windmill is starting to break loss. Just then, the fan the storm creature is pushing breaks off, and other hits him on the head. That cause him to fall inward of the window.

The windmill is spinning so fast, that it begins to bounce and roll away.

At each bounce, Applejack screams, "I'm... gonna... be... sick!"

"Me… Too," Sun adds.

The girls, and Spike scream as they are spinning on the windmill like a spinning ride.

Finally, the girls are able to jump off the windmill and on to the platform. Soon they begin to scream and pant as they run on the platforms. As they run, the windmill is rolling behind them, breaking the platform behind them.

They run and jump over gaps, until they are able to run through an opening. Everyone continue to run to find a way to get out of the city.

Sonata panics, "Where are we going?"

"Anywhere but here, of course!" Aria screams, giving Sonata an answer.

Just then, Princess Twilight sees airships, and shouts, "We have to get there! To the docks!"

"Great! We'll be able to get out of the city that way," Sun agrees.

The girls and Spine run up the a stairs,and reach the docks. By that time, one of the airship is starting to leave the docks.

"Hurry!" Princess Twilight shouts.

Rainbow Dash, and Aria fly fast, and grab the rope on the airship. Rainbow grabs the rope with her teeth, and Aria grabs it with her hand. Soon, the two are able to pull the rope back. And the others begin to climb on it.

The others are starting to yelps and freak to se them walking on the tightrope to the ship.

Applejack gently pushes Rarity as she calmly says, "That's it… Don't look down now!"

"Yay!" Pinkie shouts with a smile, and jumps on the rope.

"Dah!" Spike screams.

That grabs the drop down with Rainbow and Aria in tow. Luckily, the two are able to use their wings to fly the rope back up. But Pinkie isn't able to grab the rop, and now falling.

"Woo!" Pinkie screams.

"Pinkie!" Princess Twilight and Sun screams as they jump off the docks.

Pinkie screams as she is falling down to the ground, but Princess Twilight and Sun are able to catch her just in time. Princess Twilight and Sun fly Pinkie into the air, and are getting tired trying to catch up with the airship.

Finally, they are able to land on the deck of the airship, and Princess Twilight and Sun are tired from the flying

"Best... escape... plan... ever!" Pinkie happily shouts with a smile on her face.

Princess Twilight looks at Pinkie, and exclaims in shock, "What?!"

Suddenly, a rope lasso the three, and pull them in.

Causing Princess Twilight to scream, "Thwa!"

The rope comes from Applejack, who uses it to pull the three inside the cargo behind crates and boxes.

"Shh!" Spike quietly replies, having his finger in front of his mouth.

The group remain quiet when they hears footsteps. And begin to hear voices

"Did you hear something?" A deep male's voice asks.

And then theories a loud squawk.

The deep male's voice says, "Eh, probably just the rats. If we find 'em, we'll eat 'em."

Then the two hear footsteps leading away from the boxes

Rarity quietly exclaims, "Rats?"

"I hate rats," Adagio replies.

"At least it's better than being caught by Tempest," Sonata replies.

"Yeah," Sun quietly replies.

Then says in her thoughts, "I hope Capper is alright."

Back at the docks, Capper has been captured by the storm creatures, and is thrown on to the docks, with a thud. He looks up to see Tempest slowly walks up to him.

With stern look, Tempest calmly asks, "Now... where are they going?"

Capper gets up on his feet, and says, "Okay. No need for violence. Uh, they're headed…"

Before Capper can answer, he looks down on the gold button Rarity has sewn on to his coat. He starts to feel a little remorse about tricking them, and wants to do something for them for the kindness they gave to him. Suddenly, Capper has an idea on how to fool Tempest.

"They headed east! Yeah, to... to Black Skull Island," Capper lies, pointing to the direction he wants them to go.

Tempest and Grubber look at the direction of east, then look at each other.

"So, uh, glad I could be of service to His Majesty, the Storm King. I'll just be on my way," Capper says, slowly walking past Tempest, and about to leave.

But the storm guards get in front of Capper, causing him to yowl in fright.

"When I get my Princess. Until then, your fate is still... up in the air," Tempest says

Grubber laughs, and says, Oh, you're gonna go in the thkiff! Which ith a boat! Thpethifically, a air-boat!.

Grubber laughs again, and follows Tempest

Capper yowls after being pushed by the storm guard, and is forced to walk to the airship. He just hope that the girls and Spike can get to Mout. Eris without any problems, and hope his diversion will last long.

As they get on the ship, Grubber says to Tempest, "We make a great team. I love it how you thaid hith fate wuth "up in the air", and then I thaid, 'you're gonna be in the air on an air-boat!'"

Tempest sighs, "Grubber."

"I'll be quiet," Grubber calmly replies.