Oh shit. This can't be good. I thought as I sat on the ground, with three mean looking griffons standing around me. I was planning on spending the day hanging with the CMC and just having a good time, but oh no! These fuck-heads had to left the barrel that we was playing in the air, before letting it drop to the ground. And all while I was inside it. So yeah, saying that I was a little pissed was an understatement. That, and I was still hurting from the fall. The barrel took most of the impact, but it still left my body soar and throbbing in pain. From what I could tell from the looking at the griffons, there was one female and two males. The female had a white eagel head (well, I mean they ALL had eagel heads, but her's was white), while the rest of body was all brown, except for her front talons. I also notice that she had what almost looked like light purple eye shadow around her yellow eyes that gave her an attractive look, if she didn't look at me like she wanted to rip my face off.
One of the other males was all white, head and all. I guess even griffons could be albinos. He stared at me with his pink eyes, trying to look tough, but I saw the nervousness in them. Must be the low leveled one. I thought to myself. One in every group. And then there was the other male. If whitey was the weak link, then that made this one the leader. He sure looked like it, cause he was a little bigger and more built then the others. He was all black, with a gray eagel head to match. His eyes were yellow, and he had a nasty scar on his cheek under his left eye. One look at him, and I knew he meant business. Not that I cared at the moment. I was pissed at being tossed around like a rag doll, and I wasn't going to stand for it!
"What the hell is your problem?!" I yelled at them as I got myself to stand up. "You say you've been looking for me and you choose now to show up? Wrecking mine and the kids fun by smashing our barrel, with ME IN IT?!" Next time..." I could actually see the white one lunged at me in a not-quite-slow motion, and I barely sidestepped out of the way. I guess my adrenaline was kicking into overtime. "Next time, make an appointment!"
"Give it up, you lame-ass stupid pony." The girl one said from behind me.
"Oh, that's nice," I snapped. "You don't even know me!"
As I turned to face her, I had the strong urge to move again.... thank you, inner voice.... and this time I ducked as low as I could go. Just as she dove at me, sailing over my head and landing a few feet away.
"Ohhh..... he's good." The black leader looking one said with a smirk. "This one should be fun."
"Fun? What the fuck is your problem?!" I yelled, as I turned to face him. "What did I ever do to you?"
"Nothing." He simply replied. "But someone paid us quite a bit to find you. Our orders are to bring you in dead or alive."
"What?"
Move.
Just then, the white one jumped at me again. I was able to dodge him, but not without one of his talons stratching me on my side. "OWWWWWW!!" I complained. Thankfully it was nothing more then small cuts, but they still hurt like hell.
"Stand still, you dumb equine." He cursed at me, as he landed and turned to face me with an annoyed look.
"Are you on drugs? Do I have Giant Moron written on my forehead or something?"
"No." My would-be killer admitted.
"And would you guys stop with trying to jump attack me? I'm sure we can talk this shit out like normal sane people." I tried to reason with them. Hopefully I can learn more about who ordered them to jump me, and why. "Who are you jerk offs, anyway?"
"We're the Talon Warriors," the female one said from behind me. I rolled my eyes, and the leader circled around me before stopping right in front me, all while staring right at me. "We're the best mercenaries in all of Equestria."
Talon Warriors? What are we, in a Fallout parody or something. I didn't mean to. I didn't want to. But I started to laugh and just couldn't stop. The other two griffons froze in place as they shifted their gazes from me and their leader. The leader just stared at me with an arched eyebrow and twisted his lips, but he didn't smile. It was more of a snarl, as he studied me with an icy gaze.
"Stop it!"
"I can't." I giggled. "The Talon Warriors? Seriously? You guys actually thought that up and said, 'yeah, that name doesn't blow, we'll go with that one'?"
There was an embarrassed silence.
"And as far as being mercenaries goes," I continued smugly, "you're sort of sucking at it. How many times did I dodge your attacks?" As soon as it was out of my mouth I knew I'd gone too far. He lunged for me, crossing the feet between us in a blink of an eye, his claws going to my throat, closing off my air. He raised me in the air until we were face to face, while my legs kicked wildly and my front hooves tried to grab his talons to relieve some pressure from my neck.
"Not so cocky now, are you?" He said with a smirk.
"GLLAAK!" I said, or something like it. He shook me like a maraca and, on cue, the other griffons came closer to us. Not that I cared, I was to busy trying not to pass out as he continued to squeeze my neck with a firm grip.
"MARK!" the girls screamed, as they ran down the hill to join us. As they made it halfway down to us, the female griffon took a huge breath, faced them, and let loose a frightening lion sounding roar. The girls stopped in terror as they shrieked, huddling together in fear.
"Nice work Gilda." The white griffon said. "Hey Dark Claw, what should we do about these little brats?"
"Leave them be, Snow Feather." Dark Claw said to his friend before looking back up at me. "This annoying pony is the one we want. We don't need to waste our time on small fry."
Thankfully, he let loose his grip just enough for me catch some much needed air. I gasped and coughed as I started to turn my head to face the girls. "Girls.....run....get outta here." I weakly yelled to them.
"HA! That's rich, thinking that you can save your little friends." Gilda said, looking at me with a mean smile. "You can't even help yourself."
"But... but Mark, we... we can't leave you like this." Applebloom weakly said, still filled with fear. They all were. Their cute colorful eyes were full of worry and tears.
"You know," Dark Claw began, twisting me so we were facing each other again. "I was going to go easy on you. What with being a weak worthless pony and all. But now, I'm thinking of going with option TWO." He smiled, and his yellow eyes gleamed with excitment. "Maybe we'll even get a bonus for it. Cause shutting you up would be a huge favor."
That's it!
"Well..." I began, focusing on the little ball of magic in me and summoning all the strength I had in me. "I hope you enjoy the victory with ONE FUCKING EYE!!!" I yelled before taking a hoof and jabbing it into his eye as hard as I could. Dark Claw screamed in pain as he released me and grabbed hold of his eye.
Managing to land on my hooves, I didn't waste any time. I spun around so my rear was facing him, and used all my strength to buck him as hard as I could. The blow casued him to fall flat on his back, knocking the wind out of him. The other griffons looked at me in surprise, unsure what to do next.
"Girls, run as fast as you can back to Ponyville and find Twilight and the others!" I yelled at them. They no longer seemed as frighten as before, but were still unable to respond. The griffons, however, recovered much faster then the little fillies. They both jumped at me one after another, but this time I was ready for their attacks. Moving to the side, I let the female, Gilda, sail right by me as she flew straight at me. The other one, Snow Flake or whatever, I dropped to my back as he came at me, and used my hooves to grab him and give him an extra boost. The momentum sent him flying straight into a nearby tree, knocking him silly. Thank God Dad had me take Karate classes when I was younger. I thought As I quickly got back to my hooves as fast as I could. Sadly, All three griffons were also starting to recover to attack again.
"THIS IS THE LAST TIME I'M GOING TO TELL YOU!" I yelled at the girls, just a tad more meaner then I meant to. "Get outta here right now girls!"
"R... right Mark." Scootaloo nodded, being the first to snap out of their fear trance. "Come on girls, let's go!"
As she pulled her friends up the hill to make their escape, Sweetie Belle turned to look at me on last time. "Be careful, Mark. We'll send help as soon as we can!"
I smiled. At least the girls were outta harms way. Which was good because all three griffons were on their feet and ready for action. If they didn't want my head on a stick before, then I sure gave them reason for it now. Trying to take on all three of them was suicide, so I figured it was time to get going before my luck ran out. Unluckly for me, however, we were in the plains. Only a few trees and bumpy hills around for miles, making it easy for them to swoop down and grab my ass. Not waiting for them to make the next move, I bolted as fast as I could the opposite way from the girls, which was towards Ghastly Gorge.
"After him you fools!" I heard Dark Claw curse from behind me, and then I heard the flapping of wings as they all took to the sky.
The chase was on.
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"That was incredible!" Lyra exclaimed as she watched the events from down below them from their hill. They had long since left the bush they were hiding in and was watching in plain sight. Thankfully, with everything that was going on, no one seemed to even notice them.
"I... I can't believe he moved that fast." Bon Bon said, her mouth was hung open from watching all the action. "I never seen a pony able to best griffons like that, except for pegasi and a few skilled earth ponies. The way he moved was... was..."
"Told you something wasn't right with him!" Lyra proudly stated.
"But he's still in trouble!" Bon Bon turned to face her friend, worry was written on her face. "Mark maybe different, and fast, but it's still three against one! I don't think he can handle them on his own."
Lyra paused as she pondered on that. "True. He wasn't able to avoid the big one, and fighting three at once would just be crazy." Lyra looked at her friend with a serious look Bon Bon had barely seen before. "You're right. Mark needs help!"
"Then what do we do?"
"Those fillies already ran off and are most likely on their way to get Twilight and the others. But I dought they'll make it in time to help." Lyra told her, with an almost determend look in her eyes.Just then, Mark took off in a mad dash with the griffons in hot persuit. "We have to follow them and help out anyway we can!"
"Are you nuts? What good can we do?" Bon Bon asked in surprise.
"Well we gotta do something! You heard those griffons, they mean business. If we don't help, Mark's gonna be in real trouble!"
And with that, Lyra ran down the hill, as she tried to catch up to Mark and the griffons.
Why do I always get myself into crazy things like this? Bon Bon thought to herself, before racing down the hill to join her friend in their mad quest.
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Just my luck! As soon as I start to get comfy and used to living life as a pony, this happens. I thought, as I ran for all I was worth, all while those crazy ass griffons were flying right behind me. Can't I go more then a week without something trying to kill me?! I ran as fast as I could. I could feel my lungs burning, and breathe laboring as I pushed myself as hard as I could. I was never a fast runner before coming to Equestria, but now as a pony, I was alot more quick and fit. It also helped that I spent alot of my free time playing with the girls or walking around Ponyville. Still, as much as my fitness had improved here, I was still no match for three griffons flying at me like a bunch of bats out of hell!
Everytime one would dive-bomb at me, probably in a adtempt to snatch me up, I'd swivel and swerve out of the way. A few times I had to stop and duck completely, barely able to miss as their claws missed me by mear centimeters. This is getting bad. I thought as I continued to avoid them as best I could. I kept running towards Ghastly Gorge as fast as I could. It was the only place close enough to where we were, plus I figured I could use the terrain to my advantage. Maybe I could climb down it and find a cave or something to hide. Because at this rate, I'd drop dead from exhaustion long before I got there.
I don't know how long I ran, but I knew I was getting closer to were I wanted. As fewer and fewer trees were around us, and grass was giving way to dirt and rocks. Just ahead of me I saw what looked to be a huge cliff way ahead of me. Almost there. I thought as I panted, as I was still push for all I was worth.
"This was you're plan? To lead us all the way out here?" Dark Claw asked from behind me, still flying in the air along with the other griffons.
"Eat shit!" I yelled. I was too out of breathe to say much more. I gave myself one more push of energy, as the edge of the cliff was fast approaching. I skid to a falt as I reached the edge of the cliff, huffing and panting all the while.
Whoa! this place is huge. I thought as I look at my surrounding. It reminded me alot of the Grand Canyon, except at the top, on either sides, some trees and bushes were still close to it. In fact, along some points of it, forest ran along it. Figures I come to the section that's all bare. I remarked to myself. The Ghastly Gorge was running along like an empty river, with the bottom being well over a hundred feet. But I didn't get anymore time to study the view, as the griffons landed just behind me.
Come on! Where is? Where is it?! I cursed to myself as I frantically looked for a small path, bumpy formations, ANYTHING, to help me climb down. But all I saw was a straight drop below. With nothing for me to grab onto. Fuck me!
"All outta places to run to now, little pony." Glida said in a mocking tone.
"Not very smart, are you?" Snow Feather asked.
"So this is the place you have chosen to die." Dark Claw said in a calm, evil tone. "So be it."
I turned around to face them, still panting all the while. They had me against the ropes, and they knew it! The three of them blocked my path, and certain death awaited me if I tried to jump off the cliff. Plus, I wore myself out from all the running I did, which meant I'd be useless in a straight fight. It's the timberwolfs all over again.
"Well.... shit...." I said between breathes. I was screwed.
"Looks like ah win again, sugarcube." Applejack said with a smile.
"No way! You just got lucky is all. 9 outta 10?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Whatever you say." AJ said with a giggle.
They were at Sweet Apple acres, playing house shoes, and trying to see who the better mare was. For the tenth time today. It was a great day out, all the yard work was done and Applebloom was off playing with Mark and her friends today. Rainbow Dash showed up earlier, and before Applejack knew it, they were having one of their usual contests to see who could beat who in what. So far, she was winning, much to Rainbow Dash's dismay.
"So... you looking forward to the Grand Galloping Gala?" Rainbow Dash asked as she flew over and grabbed the horse shoes so they could start the match again.
"Of course. I'm hoping this will be better then what happened last year." Applejack said, remembering the events at the last Gala. "Hopefully Pinkie Pie won't run around scaring all those hordy-tordy rich folks there, and Fluttershy won't flip out like she did." She giggled at the thought. "Or you bringing the house down."
Rainbow Dash laughed at the thought. "Hey, you don't have to worry about me this time. I'm done trying to impress the wonderbolts. Besides, now that I'm in the reserves, I'm a shoe in." She boasted proudly. "As far as the others go, Rarity loves high class parties like that, Twilight's a princess, Fluttershy won't do anything like that again, and Pinkie Pie... well..."
"Pinkie Pie is just Pinkie Pie." Applejack finished. They both laughed.
"So..." Rainbow Dash began, tossing her horse shoe first. It missed the metal pike by a few inches. "Shoot!"
"So?" Applejack asked, getting her friend to continue.
"You got anypony special in mind to take with you to the Gala?" Rainbow Dash asked with a smirk, arching her eyebrow at her. "Like Mark?"
That threw Applejack off, as she released her horse shoe a little too soon. It flew into the air before smacking off the side of the barn. Rainbow Dash laughed while Applejack looked at her friend in complete shock.
"Wh.. what do you mean?" Applejack asked, looking more then a little nervous.
"Oh come on, AJ! We all know that you and Mark have a thing going on." Rainbow Dash stated.
"N... no we don't. We're just close friends." Applejack tried to reassure her.
"Close friends, huh? That's a bunch of bull, AJ! We both know that Mark has his eye on you."
"He... he does?" Applejack asked surprised, her cheeks beginning to blush.
"Oh give me a break. Do I have to spell it out to you?" Rainbow Dash sarcastically said, before holding up her hoof to count off her examples. "First off, you two have been spending alot of time together. He almost always seems to hanging around you more then anypony else."
"No he doesn't. He j..."
"Secondly, everytime he's around you, he's always got a big silly grin on his face. The writting's on the wall AJ, I think he likes you. And I KNOW you like him." Dash finished.
Applejack knew she couldn't lie about it. After all, is was the element of honesty. She let out a sigh before hanging her head down and taking her hat off, a thing she did only rarely. "Okay, it's true. Ah do like Mark.... Alot. He's the best stallion ah've ever met. He's funny, nice, smart, gets along well with Applebloom, doesn't care to help out and is easy on the eyes. He's everything Ah ever wanted in a coltfriend." She addmitted outloud. Having said all that, she realized that she truely cared for Mark, maybe even loved him.
"Then tell him how you feel. You both seem to like each other, so what's the problem?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"My problem is that he's far away from his home. From his friends and family. You heard him when he first told us about where he was from, about his parents. They need him. Ah may care for him, but ah can't... Ah won't, keep him away from his family." Applejack stated seriously. Rainbow Dash knew what AJ was getting at. Family was important to her, and she cared about her farm and family more then anything else. Ever since her parents past away, Applejack has done everything she could to make sure her family was happy and well taken care of.
They both stood there for a long moment, neither one daring to say anything else. Suddenly, the silence was broken as she heard a familiar voice call out. "APPLEJACK!!" They both turned around to see Applebloom, Sweetie Belle & Scootaloo running towards them as fast as they could. Applejack instantly knew something was wrong, because Mark wasn't with them and they looked scared. As they came to a falt next to them, they took a moment to catch their breathes. As Applejack and Rainbow Dash got a better look at them, they saw something had truely frightened them. Sweetie Belle was crying, Applebloom was shaking and Scootaloo looked like she was scared out of her mind.
"What's wrong girls?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Why isn't Mark with you?" Applejack asked, now starting to worry a little herself.
"It... it's Mark. He's in trouble!" Applebloom said before fresh tears rolled down her face.
"It was horrible! We were playing with Mark when three mean griffons showed up." Sweetie Bell said between sobs.
"Mark tried to hold them off, but there were too many. He told us to run and find you guys and Twilight!" Scootaloo exclaimed.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at each other for a moment, before Dash went into the air. As she hovered above them, Applejack wrapped the three fillies in a warm hug, to help calm their nerves.
"It'll alright girls." Applejack cooed, holding them tightly. "Where was they at last?"
"In the fields between Whitetail woods and the Ghastly Gorge." Applebloom sobbed.
"Rainbow Dash..."
"On it!" She said with a small salute. "You go find Twilight and the others, and I'll go help out Mark!" And with that, Rainbow Dash took off in a flash, leaving a rainbow streak in the air as she took off towards the area the girls said Mark was at. "What have you gotten yourself into now, Mark?" She asked to herself as she tried to get to her friend before it was too late.