The simple storm was becoming more violent. Thunder and lighting revealed themselves every few seconds. The rain hit hard against everything, it was also dark. The only light source around Shadow and Garren was the moon, that didn't glow very bright tonight, and flashes from the lightning.

"Should we call off the hunt?" Shadow was trying to make himself heard because the winds picked up and got louder.

"No. This is perfect. Our scent will not be picked up. We have to do this on the ground. If we fly the wind can take us off course. Follow me."

They headed north. Garren scanned the trees just in case they were still hiding in them. Shadow searched the floor.

"Don't you think they can just fly from the island, you know leave?"

"They won't. We have a blockade set up around the island. Get down. Look over there. Behind those rocks."

They crouched behind a bush,"I don't see anything."

"Look carefully Shadow. You can see a tail."

"So what?"

"That's a griffon's tail."

"It could be the tail of anything."

"Look at the bush nearby. It has feathers, brown ones, being blown against the tree there."

"And?"

"Wait for the wind to blow toward us, then you'll be able to smell them."

Shadow was sparring at a beach with his teacher Garren. They were both using wooden batons. The weather was nice and the skies were clear. Garren's son , Zaz, was resting nearby just reading one of his novels. The waves were calm as they moved up and down the sand. A boat anchored a few hundred yards off the coast.

"Shadow come on you can be faster can't you."

"Garren I'm just so distracted right now."

"Put down the equipment. Why son?"

"You know this whole thing with Dawn's accident. I went back and apologized but I'm giving us a little distance."

"Sounds like you have it all figured out."

"I don't like the distance. I mean it might be good because, Starflare might kill me in my sleep."

"I'm pretty sure you would want to kill her in her sleep if she injured your kids."

"You have a point there."

"Give Starflare some time, especially Dawn. I'm sure if Dawn forgives you Star will also. So how is everything with you three so far?"

"Really awkward." Shadow chuckled,"We barely even speak now. Star has been forgiving but by very little."

"That's good I hope."

"Yeah. I want things to go back to the ways it was. You know, me, her, and Dawn just walking and playing all over the beaches, forests, and whatever was around."

"The hill?"

"Why wouldn't we? That's our favorite place. Green grass, good shade, and peaceful."

"Good shade? There's only like one tree there?"

"Now when you say it like that it sounds negative. Since there is only one tree we get to be close together."

"That's nice. We would have a lot of trees if somepony didn't have the tendency to cut down stuff."

"What?" shouted Zaz,"I get that from you. Plus Dawn and Lacoden help me so you can't pin all of the blame on me."

"He's right, he does get that from me. As a kid I loved cutting stuff."

"Geez kind of dark don't you think?" said Shadow."

Garren replied,"Not really."

"I beg to differ." Shadow laughed.

"Enough chitchat. Put the baton back on."

In the crazy weather it didn't take long for the wind to change."That's a griffon's scent."

"Right. Strong scent. Wait for it to make a move. You want to know the condition of your prey before you kill it. If the storm dies down and it comes out examine every little aspect of it. Is it strong, weak, fast, slow? Don't forget that these griffons are aware of our presence on the island. They will be looking for us as well."

Shadow felt like he was slacking off,"I just want to get in there and kill it."

"Wait for an opening Shadow. You are rushing in too quickly, you're not thinking of the pros and cons of your strike."

"I'm just thinking about hitting it."

"What happens to you if you don't? That's how you lose."

They sparred for a few more minutes when Zaz jumped up,"Dad! Look over there."

"What is it?" Garren turned to the open ocean and saw what looked like a black cloud."Are those griffons?"

Shadow was looking also,"What would they be doing here?"

Zaz shouted,"They're attacking that boat!"

"They're hostile. Shadow go back to your family immediately after you have gathered them look for Barrier. After go to my place. Zaz grab your things we're going."

Shadow headed south. Garren and Zaz went to the house and started gathering what can be used as weapons."Dad what's going on?" They ran into the living room.

"I don't know. They just assaulted that boat like nothing. I'm going to get my blueprints. You stay here and wait for the others." Garren ran to his studies and grabbed just about everything from the shelves. He came back to the living room."Zaz come over here and- What are you doing?"

"Finishing this book, gimme a sec." He read aloud,"....those flowers regrew into the field. Giving nothing but happiness. The previous flowers found a way to work there problems but it came with a great cost. The present flowers will have to unite against the upcoming storm. This storm will bring the demise of many blades of grass. Can this storm wipe out the six flowers?" Zaz shut the book,"That's a weird ending."

"What was that rubbish titled anyway?"

"The Six Flowers and the Storm"

"Who wrote it?"

"No author is credited. I read the other version of this but I like this one more. It has more truth to it."

"Truth?"

"Like it seems more likely to happen to the flowers. You see the six flowers represents six fillies that played in a field."

"That's odd but-"

There was a loud boom outside.

"They're back."

"Hide."

"Okay." Zaz ran to hide behind some drapes.

Griffons entered through the front door, around 4 of them.

"What are you doing here?" Garren asked forcefully.

One of the griffons came up to him and yelled,"Why did your land activate the crystal?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You're like the rest of your island."

Zaz thought,"The crystal? It can't be,"Zaz came put from hiding and said,"Magnas Lumen. Is that it?"

The griffon pushed Garren to the floor to get to Zaz,"You know of it?"

"It's the heart of the world. Myths and legends tell of its location being brought down to the ground. Leaving a five-pointed crater."

"I'm sure you know the name of your island." the griffon scolded.

"Fallen St- Fallen Star."

"You know far too much."

Garren shouted,"Run!"

It was too late. The griffon had already placed his claws on Zaz's neck and broke it. He turned to Garren,"Knowledge can be used to bring peace and prosperity or death and destruction. Move out, rendezvous with the commander in the center. I'm sorry."

They left as fast as they entered.

The storm died down enough for Shadow and Garren to speak normally. Garren saw movement coming from the rocks and whispered,"They're coming out. Remember go for the wings."

A griffon came out slowly, beak first, then the head next. It didn't notice them, it was a female."Come on out." she said. Two baby griffons followed.

Shadow did not want to kill them. Did he have a choice?"We shouldn't do this."

"Getting cold hooves?"

"It might be more fun to hunt those two when they're are grown up. That's all."

"Get the mother then." Garren sneaked around too fast for Shadow to reply.

"Damn." he said.

The griffon said to the two children,"Only if we could find out of a way to leave this place."Come on we need to-"

"There is no getting off of his island."

The griffon looked around and saw Garren between two trees."Kids fly off."

"Why-"

"NOW!" As soon as the two got air and flew off the mom tried to do the same.

Garren shouted,"Shadow get her!"

Shadow was hesitant. He looked to his left hoof, which had the hoof-sword, and looked to her. Shadow got frustrated. He flew high into the air and used the clouds as cover. He came down like lighting on top if the griffon striking it on it's spine. They made contact with the ground where Garren waited.

"Goodness. I never thought of that, hitting the spine leaving the target paralyzed. Ingenious!" He laughed,"Now finish it."

"What?"

"You heard me, finish what you started. She's still alive."

Shadow got it done quickly. The clouds moved allowing the moon to shine. In front of the moon Shadow saw two griffons. They got a good look at him and flew off.

Garren lied on he ground for about three hours, fin ally he got the strength to say,"Zaz........" Garren was left speechless. He heard friendly voices enter.

"Garren!" one shouted, it sounded in distress.

"......In here."

Dawn came to the room crying,"They killed my mo- Oh no.......Zaz!"

Shadow was right behind her, following in sluggishly. He saw Zaz's body. watching his daughter cry over the body of another one of her best friends. He was tired of it all, he shouted,"Get over here! He's gone, we can't do anything. Dawn, please don't cry. Not again."

"Garren. Dragaitas is waiting outside. They don't seem to be going to the center so we're headed there." Dawn got up and wiped the tears from her face.

Garren felt nothing,"Let's leave then."He hoisted the body of Zaz to his back.

Dragaitas was outside, he was collected,"I don't think this attack was on purpose. Maybe caused by.......never mind. Get on" They loaded on the large dragon and lifted off."They will not attack me so don't worry you three."

"I'll make them pay for this. I will kill all of them." said Garren.

Shadow and Garren went back to the house,"Where's Lacoden?" Shadow asked.

A Changeling answered,"Upstairs. She has been there since you two left."

The RAK were in the council room of Canterlot. It was late night and dawn was helping Iril take care of Luna in Luna's chambers. Mist was furious,"First Dust is revealed to be a spy and now Shadow betrayed us almost killing Soul in the process!"

Soul was wrapped in bandages and she argued,"Calm down."

Randall said,"How can we be calm?"

"He didn't seem to want to kill me."

"I'm sure. Soul I think your denying the truth." replied Tal.

"He's right. It was clear Shadow wanted you dead." Seng added.

Aero asked,"Who will run things from now on?"

Cloudfire said,"Soul. She is the highest ranking one here."

"Not now. Give her time to heal." said Fyn Cour,"Let's continue with training our present recruits. Soul I'll take you to your bed." Fyn Cour led Soul out of the room.

"He was showing me his true colors then,,,,then he turned his back to us." Soul whined.

"That's why your denying it. He was telling you his past and you felt for him. Dawn needs to know about this."

"I will do it. Take me to her."

Fyn Cour got Soul to Luna's chambers. Iril, Dawn, and the princess were chatting.

"Oh my gosh. Soul what happened?" cried Iril.

Iril ran to her,"I'm fine."

"I thought you were with my father."

"That's what I came here to talk about. On our way to Shining Water he cut my chest and flew off."

Dawn had a dull facial expression. Her face grew angry. Her brows slanted,"I'll take over. I'm heading to the griffons tomorrow."

"You can't go by yourself." said Luna.

"I'll go." Iril said.

"It's settled. We leave tomorrow."

"Soul cried,"Unsettled! We need to know what we need to do if your father attacks us."

"I don't have to worry about that. He made his choice it is my choice to fight him if I have to. I can't worry about the future, I worry about the present. The present is the future."

"Dawn you can't just leave this unattended." replied Soul.

"Watch me. Iril are you sure you want to come?"

"Yes I am Miss Dawn."

Dawn chuckled,"You don't have to call me that."

"I want to though."

Fyn added,"I'll go as well. Could be fun."

"No weapons. I want our visit to the griffons to go without bloodshed. We leave as the sun rises."

"I give up." whined Soul.

"Soul when the time comes I'll deal with my father. You just heal for now."

Dust came running inside,"They're awake!"

"Who?" asked Luna.

"Phew.....hold on......let me catch....my breath. Okay, Storm and the others." she was panting hard. Fyn, Dawn, Iril, Luna, and even Soul made their way fast to the infirmary."I just came back from there. UGGGHHHHH!" she followed them.

In the infirmary Storm, Lancer, and Tint were sitting up.

"I'm tired." said Lancer.

"Really?" asked Seng.

"Kinda weird how we woke up at the same exact time." Tint exclaimed.

"Well I'm done laying down." Storm got out of bed and fell right on his face."Nevermind, my body thinks otherwise."

Aero helped him back into bed."You're still going to need to time to rehabilitate."

Cloudfire added,"And to strengthen your muscles, joints, and all the other stuff but most importantly your stomach." Cloudfire paused,"Now that I think about it I think about food when I'm sad."

Storm chuckled,"So if I died would you be hungry?"

Tint said,"Well this is fun. How the heck are we alive anyway?"

Flood answered,"Shadow sacrificed his immortality to save you three and the princess."

Storm added another question,"Which one and what happened?"

"Celestia. She was critically injured as well. She died but Shadow brought her back. She was in a coma just like you three." Bladedancer replied.

"Well go check on her, she may be awake as well." Lancer scolded.

Seng and Cloudfire left to go down the hall. When they entered they saw Dawn, Luna, Iril, Fyn, and Dust huddled around Celestia, she was still in a deep sleep.

"Maybe because she's an alicorn it takes longer." Luna suggested.

Fyn Cour replied,"That could be, remember how much power Shadow had to use to bring her back?"

Seng interrupted,"Still asleep isn't she?" Dawn nodded,"Well those three are up so you can come by when you're ready." Seng left and so did Cloudfire.

"Let's go in and show ourselves." said Dust.

"You can go, I'll be staying here." Luna answered.

"I'll stay with her," said Dawn,"You all can go."

Soul, Fyn, and Iril came inside. Seeing the division leaders that have just arrived. When Dust came to the door and saw Mist she ran off. Mist followed her after saying her "hellos". Dust went to what used to be the garden.

"What's wrong?" Dust heard a voice and saw that it was Mist.

"Nothing." she frightfully answered.

"I forgive you." Mist said.

"No you don't. How can you?"

"Yes I do. Look at me." Dust did and Mist gave her a light kiss on her cheek,"They had leverage and used it against you. You had no choice."

"What about all your friends and and and-" she was stuttering.

Mist put her hoof over her mouth and said,"It's alright, no need to worry."

Dust removed her hoof and spoke,"No it's not. They still have Canon and my sister. They can be dead for all I know!"

"Shadow won't let that happen."

"He betrayed us. How can you say that?"

"He did but I have the feeling he won't be on their side for very long."

"Oh yeah?"

"He has the capability to kill Soul and he even had the perfect chance to do it. Why didn't he? He's smart. I'm sure he would've gone a long time ago if he wanted to. Hopefully Garren doesn't realize that. Shadow can provide intel on their military."

"Okay. I'm a pretty formal pony so let me get this off of my chest. I am sorry for betraying you and our friends. I am sorry for the wrongs I have done. I am-"

Mist again put her hoof over her mouth, she chuckled,"It's alright. I know how sorry you are. It's getting chilly out here. Let's get back inside."

"No let's stay here. Let's get to know each other." Dust lied on the ground. Mist went next by her, huddling for warmth.

At the door Tal and Randall were talking.

"What the? Is she bonding with her?" Tal cried.

"Geez what's the big Idea? You got on crush on Dust or..........Mist?"

"We have to stop her Randall! Dust can't have her!"

"Pfft!Yeah, like you were good enough for Mist anyways." Randall trotted away.

"I am just wait and see." I'll show her, you, Storm, and Soul!"

"Sure lovercolt." Randall was getting further and further away. Tal ran after her.

Author's Notes:

No Mist is not lesbian, she was just showing affection to Dust. Or is she?(lol best cliffhanger)