Family Frustration

by PonyPixel

Heading to the Big City

School was done for the day and free period was here again. Sandbar and Yona were with Silverstream, who was showing them she learned with the saxophone. "I wish I knew more songs," the hippogriff said as she stopped playing.

"Still better than Yona on yovidaphone," Yona said.

"Or Professor Pinkie," Gallus said as he flew up to the group.

"She's been getting better," Sandbar stated.

"Yeah, but she kind of needs a few more years."

"Gallus."

"Hey, I'm just being honest."

"You could be a little kinder," Ocellus said. "That's another Element of Harmony."

"Can't help it."

"What friends doing?" Yona asked.

"Smolder said she needed our help with an assignment she was working on," the changeling explained. "You guys?"

"We're just listening to Silver's music," Sandbar said.

"You want to listen?" the hippogriff asked.

"Maybe later," Gallus said. He and Ocellus walked off as the hippogriff shrugged and continued playing her saxophone.

Smolder was in the library as the griffon and changeling walked in. "So, what do you have?" Ocellus asked.

"Okay, this may sound farfetched," Smolder said, "But I'm wanting to do a paper about different worlds."

"You mean... Different universes?" Gallus asked as he sat down.

"Yeah." She looked around for and sighed with relief as they were the only ones there. "I found out about this one where dragons become dogs."

"Really?" Ocellus asked.

"Yeah, and there are things that are called... Humans."

"What are those?" Gallus asked.

"They walk on two legs like me. Except they don't have fur, scales, wings, or magic and the always wear clothing."

"Should we be talking about this?" Ocellus asked.

"We didn't anybody about the universe I went to," Gallus said.

"Exactly," Smolder said. "But what I don't know where they came from. If the worlds are the same then how is there one with ponies and another with humans."

"Okay, Smolder, calm down," Ocellus said. "Let's just slow down and we'll figure this out. Maybe they came from different creatures that evolve differently." The changeling started drawing what looked like a tree branch as a blinking glow started blinding her. "Gallus, turn off that light."

"Um... I can't," the griffon replied. The girls looked and saw what he meant. For some reason, Gallus's beak was glowing. He tried to cover it but the light kept blinking.

"Guys!" Sandbar cried as he ran in with Yona and Silverstream. "There's something wrong with Silverstream." He was right, the hippogriff's beak was glowing just like the griffon's.

"What's happening?" Yona asked looking at Gallus.

"That's what we want to know," Gallus replied. Suddenly, two blue and pink lights in the shape of the griffon's and the hippogriff's heads and the flew down the hall. The students followed them and the light shapes flew into Twilight's castle and stopped while hovering over the map.

"Are we even suppose to be in here?" Sandbar asked.

"Well, Princess Twilight is moving to Canterlot," Gallus stated.

"Which means we could be breaking and entering," Ocellus said.

"There's a reason you're here," said voice. The six looked and saw the Spirit of Harmony sitting Twilight's throne. "Your teachers would use this map to help creatures all over Equestria. Now, it's your turn." Before any creature could ask anything, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew in and the spirit vanished.

"What are you doing in here?" Dash asked.

"Rainbow," Fluttershy said, "I'm sure they..." Her eyes widened when she saw the map with Silverstream and Gallus's heads silhouettes floating over it.

"This... Can't be real."

"We don't know what's going on either," Ocellus admitted.

Silverstream looked at the map, amazed. "You have a map of all of Equestria?" she asked. "That's amazing." Gallus was looking at a specific part of the map. He looked where his and Silverstream's heads were floating, Manehattan. "So, when do we leave?"

"You're not going by yourselves," Dash stated.

"Couldn't one of you just come with us?" Gallus asked.

"Well, Rarity does have a shop in that city," Fluttershy said. "We'll have to ask Starlight about this. Wait here until we get back." The two pegasi flew back to the school as the students looked at the map.

"Are you sure that the map will call one of us?" Ocellus asked. "What if this is a trick by Discord?"

"Didn't Professor Fluttershy tell him off?" Sandbar asked.

"She did," Gallus confirmed. "Plus, you saw the spirit. I don't think he would be able to fake that."

"It just... Doesn't seem right," Ocellus stated. "Why not one of our teachers? They're more experienced."

"Maybe they weren't the right ones," Smolder said.

"We did help create the Treehouse of Harmony," Sandbar stated.

"Yeah," Silverstream said. "Plus, it'll be fun to visit new places."

"I guess," Gallus said.

The hippogriff suddenly gasped. "We should start packing."

Before Gallus could say anything, Silverstream flew off back to her dorm. "Welp, there's no stopping her." He flew back to the school to get prepared for their trip.

---

Rarity walked with the students to the station, still surprised that Gallus and Silverstream were called by the map. "I still don't understand," she said.

"I feel the same," Starlight agreed. "But it's best not to question the map. It's usually right."

"You have no idea," Gallus said under his breath.

"Okay, Rarity, make sure to keep an eye on them."

"There's nothing to worry about Starlight," Rarity said. "I'm sure the two will be on their best behavior."

"Okay, let them know how you handle the friendship missions."

"Of course."

"Good luck guys," Sandbar said to his friends.

"Thanks, Sandy," Silverstream said as she carried her bookbag.

"Did you really need to bring your saxophone?" Smolder asked.

"Some of the other students said they saw some music players so I thought I would give it a shot."

"You've only been practicing that for a month at best," Ocellus stated.

"How long have you been cheerleaders?"

"Yona don't know," Yona replied. "Five weeks, maybe. Yaks not best at math."

"I thought you were the best at everything." Smolder couldn't help but snicker at this.

"Smolder," Sandbar groaned.

"What, it's funny when someone's proven wrong," she said.

"Like when your homemade caught fire after you said it wouldn't catch fire," Ocellus said making her dragon friend blush.

"Okay, in my defense, that was on the first month of school."

"Gallus, Silverstream," Rarity called. "You're going to miss the train."

"Coming," the two students replied.

"See you guys soon," Gallus said to their friends. The griffon and hippogriff boarded the train with their professor before it set off. The creatures waved to them until the engine was out of sight.

The unicorn and students sat down across from each other to wait for their destination. "So, how long until we get there?" Silverstream asked.

"A few hours," Rarity explained.

"Aw. I can't wait that long."

Gallus looked through his bags to find his book to pass the time. He only packed some books and some bits just in case. "So, why did you come with us?" he asked Rarity.

"I have a shop in Manehattan, so I can keep an eye on you and check on my store is doing," Rarity explained.

"Wow," SIlverstream said. "Question, is this going to count as extra credit?"

"I doubt it."

The hippogriff sighed. "Eh, it was worth a shot," Gallus said, making his friend feel better.

After what felt like forever, the train soon got to Manhattan, with Silverstream gazing out at the city. "Wow," she cooed. When everyone disembarked Gallus took a moment to look around. He was trying to get his bearings while his friend was about to burst with excitement.

"Should I step away from you?" Gallus asked, "Because, you look like you're going to burst."

"Silverstream," Rarity said, "It isn't all that much to get excited about."

"But I've never been anywhere like this before," the hippogriff replied.

"The ponies aren't really that kind around here."

"Oh, so they're like griffons," Gallus said.

"...Sort of," Rarity said. "They aren't that bad, but still, not as kind as the ponies in Ponyville."

"Alright. So, where is the problem?"

"That's the hard part. We have to find it."

"In this a city this big? How?"

"I guess we just have to start looking," Silverstream as she took off.

"Silver! Did no creature tell her how to stay still?"

"Trust me, I've tried," Rarity said as she and Gallus gave chase.

The hippogriff flew above the street looking around until she could feel something pulling on her tail. "Silver, Professor Rarity said we had to stick together."

"I'm sorry, I'm excited," Silverstream apologized.

"She said we could easily get lost here. Just land so we can figure out where we need to go."

"Okay, sorry." They both landed and their teacher caught up with them.

"What did I say?" Rarity asked.

"To stick together," Silverstream replied knowing she was likely in trouble.

"I'm not mad. It's just I'm telling you to stick with somepony who's been here before."

"Right, and where to?" Gallus asked.

"To Rarity for You."

"But you're right here," Silverstream said a bit confused.

"I'll explain on the way." She quickly called for a taxi and she and her students rode off the dress shop. Along the way, Rarity explained many things about the city, like the large green statue of the mare on the outskirt. Silverstream took it all in amazed as always, while Gallus searched around if there was anyone who needed help with friendship.

They made it all the way to Rarity for You but the griffon didn't find anything. "So, this is your store?" Silverstream asked.

"Yes. Rarity for You." The unicorn paid the stallion who got them there and he raced off.

"Professor Rarity, how does this help us find the problem?" Gallus asked.

"It may not. But since you've never been here before, I thought you should see a place you should meet if we ever get separated." She let the creatures in the shop where they found three raccoons inside. "Smoky, Soft pad, Junior."

"I guess you know them because of Professor Fluttershy."

"Of course. She helped them settle in and they help around the store."

"Should've we start finding who needs our help?" Silverstream asked.

"She's right," Gallus said. "The sun's setting and we don't even know what who needs us."

"But both of you are just teenagers," Rarity stated.

"Who've saved Equestria. Twice if you count the king who shall not be named." Silverstream shuttered when she heard that.

"You've never been to Manehattan before, the last I want is for you to get lost."

"We understand, but the longer you keep us here, the longer you keep us from fixing the problem."

The mare sighed. "Alright, you know the location of this building. You can fly back here, right?"

"Of course," Silverstream replied.

"And I got this at the station," Gallus said as he held up a map of the city. "I think this will be useful."

"Right. Meet me back here in two hours."

"Roger. Come on, Silver, let go." The two left the dress shop as Rarity turned to the raccoons.

"You think I should follow them?" The raccoons shook their heads. "You're right, this is their mission, they need to figure this out. Though, I will like you to help if they don't come back in the time I told them." The unicorn walked off to help the raccoons and inspect how the store was doing.

Gallus and Silverstream flew over the street. The griffon kept looking down at the ponies below while looking back at the map multiple time. The hippogriff meanwhile was just looking at all of the many tall buildings. "So, where do we go?" Silverstream asked.

"I don't know," Gallus replied. "You think that the spirit would be a little specific." They kept flying for a bit, but eventually, Silverstream's bags started weighing on her. She started panting as she started losing altitude. She landed on the sidewalk to catch her breath as a filly walk up to her.

The filly was an earth pony with copper fur and had a dark orange mane and tail which were braided and her eyes were emerald green. "You're a weird looking griffon," she said.

"Actually, I'm a hippogriff," Silverstream stated. "A tired one at that."

"What's a hippogriff? Are you part hippo?"

Silverstream chuckled. "No, I'm part pony and griffon." Gallus then landed behind them.

"Like that one?" The filly pointed to the griffon.

"Like what?" Gallus asked.

"She doesn't really know what hippogriffs are," Silverstream explained.

"I'm Copper," the filly said.

"Well, I'm Silverstream, and that's my friend Gallus."

"Hey," the griffon said as he continued to look around.

"What is he looking for?" Copper asked.

"We're trying to find a problem," Silverstream explained. "It's supposed to be about some friends arguing."

"I don't think it'll be me or my friends. We're getting along fine."

"Aren't you a little young to be out here by yourself?" Gallus asked. Copper did look fairly young, ten years at best. She didn't even have a cutie mark.

"I'm very grown-up for my age."

"Sure you are."

"COPPER, WHERE ARE YOU?" cried a male voice that sounded very angry.

"I've gotta go," the filly sighed. She walked off as the hippogriff began to think.

"Maybe that was the voice the pony who needs help," Silverstream suggested.

"It could be," Gallus said, "But Professor Rarity said that most ponies around here are angry." The hippogriff didn't listen and followed Copper. "Gosh darn it." The griffon let out a frustrated sigh before following his friend.

When they caught up with Copper they found she was walking with a stallion who looked to be rather young. He was a unicorn with golden fur and white mane and tail that had a shaggy look to them and his cutie mark was a golden shovel. He looked back and the two creatures following them. "What do you want?" he asked.

"We were just looking for the pony who scream," the hippogriff explained. "You sound like him."

"This is him," Copper said.

"Copper," the stallion groaned. "What have I told you about talking to strangers? Let alone, griffons."

"Hey!" Gallus cried a bit offended.

"Goldie," Copper groaned.

"Copper, stay out this," the stallion ordered.

"I'm actually a hippogriff," Silverstream stated. "I'm only half griffon."

"Do I look like I care?"

"Goldie, she's nice," Copper said.

"I am," Silverstream confirmed. The stallion didn't reply and just used his magic to lift the filly onto his back and he picked up the pace.

"Hey, buddy," Gallus said as he flew beside the stallion, "Can you at least tell about some ponies who have a rocky relationship?"

"You going to scam that out some bits?" the stallion replied. He got kicked by Copper and he turned back at her.

"Stop being mean," the filly ordered.

"I'm twice your age, why would I listen to you?"

"Because you're not giving them a chance."

"A chance is something I can't take right now. You know how many bits it's taking me just to help you through school?"

Silverstream flew up to Gallus and whispered to him. "I think we found the problem," she whispered.

"Are you sure?" Gallus replied. "I'm not liking this guy by what he said to me."

"Gallus, you can't just let one insult ruin everything." The hippogriff flew up to the stallion and flew backward so she could look at him. "Can you tell us your name?"

"Gold Digger," the stallion replied. "Now, leave us alone."

"Goldie, shut up," Copper groaned.

"You literally just met these guys. How can you trust them?"

"The fact we haven't tried to mug you is one thing," Gallus said.

"What's mugging?" Silverstream asked.

"Not important, look Digger, we've been given orders to help out some ponies that are having a friendship problem. And my friend thinks you're one of them."

"Goodie," Gold Digger groaned.

"I can show you the way to our place," Copper said as she jumped off the unicorn's back. She ran off with Silverstream following behind, both of them giggling.

The stallion and looked at each. "This is going to be a drag, is it?" Gallus asked.

"Probably," Digger replied. The two followed the girls embracing themselves for what was to come.

---

"Here we are," Copper said as she stopped outside of an apartment building.

Silverstream didn't seem to like the looks of the building. "This place looks pretty..."

"Dirty?" Gallus interrupted.

"Yeah," she confirmed.

"It's not much, but it's home," Digger said. He and the filly walked inside as their guests followed inside. They got to the ponies' room and it was quite... Small. It seemed hard to tell what was the kitchen and what was the living room.

"Let me show you my room," Copper said. The hippogriff followed her and could see the filly's room had a small bed and small bookshelf across the room.

"Don't you have any toys?" Silverstream asked.

"Not anymore." Copper showed her one of her books, "But my brother did get some books." Only a few of these books looked like something a filly Copper's age would enjoy. A good majority of them were educational books.

"Do you enjoy reading these?"

"Only some of them. Goldie says I need to read them to get through school." She then showed some papers of incompleted assignments of math, English, and even some history.

"Would you like some help with these?"

"Sure."

"Okay, so I think you're missing some commas in this sentence here." Copper saw this and so she grabbed a pencil to fix it. "And you wrote a word twice, I think that's redundant."

"And repetitive." The two shared a chuckle as they kept going.

Back with the boys, Gallus and Gold Digger kept staring at each for a while. At last, the griffon was the first to break the silence. "So, you and your sister don't get along pretty well," he said.

"Yeah," Digger replied dryly. "Who sent you here."

"Some friends of the princess of friendship."

"You met the princess of friendship's friends."

"Well, they're my teachers."

"...Really."

"It's much easier to believe than a map told us to come here."

"Okay, if you told me that now I know you'd be messing with me."

"Thought so. What is it with you and griffons?"

"They're not the kind of creatures who are friendly."

"That's true. Princess Twilight planned to change that with the school of friendship."

"Why would they let a griffon like you and your friend into a school?"

"First of all, Silver's a hippogriff. Second, Princess Twilight is changing the relationships of all the creatures."

"Right."

"Are you taking any of this seriously?"

"Not really."

"Of course. You know, I could leave at any time."

"Be my guest."

"Goldie," Copper cried as she ran out of her room.

"Hey, I said you weren't supposed to leave until your homework is done."

"But I am done." She showed her brother the papers and the stallion couldn't believe it.

"There's no way you could've finished in that time."

"Silver helped me."

"It's true," Silverstream confirmed in a sing-songy voice.

"So, can I go out now?"

The unicorn groaned. "Fine."

"I could go with her," Silverstream said.

"Exactly why I should I trust you?"

"Again, not mugging you," Gallus informed.

"Alright, fine. Just be back in an hour."

"Got it," Copper said.

"I'll go with you," Silverstream said. "I want to see more of this city."

"Okay, let's go." The girls left the building as the boys looked at each other.

"You know, not all griffons are greedy," Gallus stated. "There's this one named Gabby."

"Right," Digger replied not really carrying. He looked towards the clock and his eyes widened. "Ah, crud. I'm going to be late for work."

"You have a job?"

"How else do I earn bits?" The unicorn raced out of the apartment while using his magic to drag Gallus behind him.

"Put me down."

"Look, I don't feel comfortable leaving someone alone in my home. Much less a griffon I just met." Gold Digger locked the door and then left the building while still carrying Gallus.

Comments

[Yoshifan30]

So basically this is the 1st friendship quest with the young six or at least some of them That's pretty cool and as Goldie person is very trouble or pony lol