> The Last Medallion
>  by Thwaitesy
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> Humble beginnings 
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The old heavy book slammed down onto the wooden study desk with a bang that echoed through the old library, like a thunderclap from an angry storm unleashed after years of imprisonment suddenly venting its frustration.  A short gust blew the years-old layers of dust from the worn cover. Hazel eyes observed the intricacies that still emblazoned it. A tentative claw reached forward and tenderly opened the book. It was a surprisingly smooth motion, but then again, things were made to endure in Griffonia, historical books especially.

Noah Bluecrest, a griffon with the head, wings, and front feet of a blue jay, and the hind legs and tail of a tabby cat, carefully turned page after page in his careful but desperate search through its contents. He passed so many amazing moments: The building of the griffon royal palace and the crowning of the first king; the first war with the pony diarchy across the sea; the founding of the Kingdom of Griffonstone… so many other momentous moments in griffon history all recorded here for all time.

Finally he came to what he was looking for, and the crest on top of his head went up considerable bit as he looked on the beginning page of the list of the Noble houses of Griffonia that had come and gone. He began reading the names, names he learned from school, all names that would never be forgotten. 
After a half hour, he came to the name he was hoping with all his soul to find: Bluecrest. His family. He was right – they were once a noble griffon house. He felt the tears build up in his eyes as he looked upon the family crest for the first time in his life. A griffon looking almost exactly like him, but more muscular, crest proudly upright, holding a sword skyward in one claw and a shield in the other, roaring defiantly. The griffon on the heraldry was silver, and the backing was a brilliant blue, just the same as the midday sky. The surrounding trim was also silver in color and was incredibly intricate with interwoven streams forming the outlying shape of a pair of outstretched wings.

He looked at the print below the crest and saw the number of the page the details of his family was on and with an excitement that could not be matched, he turned the page, almost forgetting the book’s age. His smile left his beak and his crest fell as he saw the pages that should have contained his entire family history were gone. He went back a few, making sure he somehow hadn't missed them despite keeping track of the page numbers. But no, the pages were gone, apparently torn out. But why?

Standing up, he stretched his hind legs and made his way to the front desk to ask about this perversion of history. To tear pages from such an important tome was, to be honest, Noah had no words for it.
He reached the front desk and rang the small bell. It was not long before Mrs Gaia Riverquills, an elderly griffin approached him. She had an eagle-like front body while her hind quarters was that of a striped tiger. Maybe once in her youth she must have been a real looker; no doubt had her pick of the cocks. But now her feathers were faded and so was her fur.

“Can I help you, young one?” she asked in hushed tones.

Noah cleared his throat. “Um, yes ma'am. I think someone has vandalized the book I've been using for my research.”

Her eyes went wide at the words. Noah could see anger in those eyes, and he was not surprised. As far as he could tell, she had been tending this library for as long as she had been alive, or at least a young adult. When she next spoke it was with a determination that could not be denied. “Show me!” That was all she needed to say, and Noah lead her to his table.

They arrived at the table and he showed her the missing pages. At first she was livid; that book was a valuable record of history. She then took note of the numbers of the pages that were remaining. Her fury subsided as she looked at the young griff next to her. “I'm sorry, dear, but this isn't vandalism. This was done a long time ago and quite deliberately.”

Noah’s crest shot up in shock at the revelation. Someone had purposefully torn out his family history! The concept was mortifying.

“If you don't mind, dearie,” Mrs Riverquills asked sweetly, “why are you trying to learn about this particular family?”

“Oh it's… um… for a report I'm working on. I just need to found out who they were and what happened.”

She cocked a quizzical brow as if she knew she wasn't getting the whole story, but it was enough for her. “Well, dearie.” she said as she made her way to another book case. “if you want to learn about them, then I think this one would be much more suitable.” She plucked a book from the self and handed it to him with a smile before heading back to her desk.

Noah took a look at the title on the cover and his crest fell again. ‘Disgraced Houses of Griffonia: the New Edition’. Once again he sat at his table and opened the new book he had been given, and was greeted by a glossary of fallen and apparently disgraced houses. Fortunately it was in alphabetical order and it didn't take him nearly as long to find his family name. Though a part of him didn't want to know why his family was listed in this book, he turned to the page and quickly snapped his eyes shut, as though somehow hoping that if he cautiously peeked at the pagea it might not be as bad as he was dreading.

So he began to slowly open one eye. Then upon seeing what was written, opened the other quickly, blinking away the slight blurriness. To sum up what was written, the Bluecrest family was a firm supporter of the previous King, Troldus Ironclaw. When the current King, Argent Glimfeather, took power, they opposed and, as a result, lost their holdings. Reading this, Noah was left with more questions than answers. Chief among them was how could a simple opposition lose them everything they had? Deciding he had learned all that he could, he realized there was one other place he might be able to get the answers to his new question. As he made his way out of the library he suddenly skidded to a halt as he realized he hadn't put the books back. Every book must be returned to their proper place. Mrs. Riverquills was very particular about that rule and enforced it fervently. Noah had actually seen her make a grown griff cry with her admonishments about leaving a book out. He did not wish to have the same thing happen to him. No sir, he did not.

The small new book was easy to replace, but the big old one? Noah found it amazing he could actually lift the damned thing without a pulley or some kind of winch system, it was so heavy. Eventually he had it back in its proper place, and he began making his way out of the Library, giving Mrs. Riverquills a small wave as he passed her and getting one in return.

Upon exiting the Griffonia city library, he squinted a bit as he eyes were more used to the somewhat darker lighting within the library. Once his eyes fully acclimatized to the bright sunlight that now bathed him, he spread his wings and shot skyward, always enjoying the rushing of wind in his feathers and fur. Opening his eyes again, he let out a squawk as he had to suddenly bank to his left to avoid colliding with another griffon. He was unsuccessful. The two collided and fell the short distance to the hard stone street below. Some feathers were knocked loose, and belongings were scattered. Before Noah could fully recover, he saw the other griff already hurrying off back into their air, without even a backwards glance.

“WHY DON'T YOU WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING, SKYHOG!” Noah shouted at the other griff, but he was already gone. Noah stood up and began dusting himself off, and straightening the askew feathers while mumbling to himself, “Yeah you'd better keep flying.” He once again prepared to take off when something caught his eye: something small on the floor. Picking it up, he looked it over. “Some kind of medallion?” He thought about handing it into the royal guard as a lost item, which it certainly was, but a small voice in his head told him he should keep it. It was certainly something he'd not seen before and it felt right to keep it, if only as recompense for being so unceremoniously knocked out of the air. So he simply put it away in his backpack.


# # #


A short while later Noah found himself standing in front of the one place he might be able to get the answer he was looking for as to why his family were counted among the disgraced and fallen noble Houses: his parents’ house. It was a simple place out in the suburbs of the Griffonia capital. Looking at it, Noah couldn't help but wonder why he had always felt so intimidated by the place when he was a chick. Maybe it was the dark stone it was built from, or maybe it was the way it seemed to loom over you when you looked up at the highest point of it. Fighting off the small shiver that was starting to run up his spine, he walked up the few steps and found himself right in front of the old wooden door which looked to have been recently painted a nice shade of red.

Nervously he reached for the door knocker, then quickly pulling away, he made as if to run but stopped himself. “Come on Noah, pull yourself together. They're not evil witches that are gonna trap you and fatten you up to eat you. Now be a cock and knock on that door!” Steeling himself, more for what he was going to say than anything they might, he reached for the door knocker, pulled it back and knocked several times. The sound of the metal knocker hitting the wood seemed to echo over and over. It unnerved Noah to no end every time.

Finally the door creaked open and on the other side an aged, but not terribly so, female Griffon stood there. Kila Bluecrest looked wide-eyed at the unexpected visitor with a smile on her beak that could have stretched for a mile. “Noah?” She said quietly as if, if she said his name any louder he might blow away like a wisp of smoke.

“Hi, Mom.” 

No sooner had he spoken than his mother grabbed him, dragged him inside and tightly embraced him, almost squeezing all the air out of his lungs. It really made him remember why he hadn't visited since he moved into his own apartment in the city. He was, however, returning the tight hug. He really had missed his parents and always did intend to visit more. He just never got round to it.

“Oh chick, it's been so long. Let me take a look at you.” Kila said finally letting go and taking a step back to get a good look at her son. “You look so handsome,” she said with a smile. “Looks like you've been keeping up with your grooming. I remember when you were five – oh, you used to hate being groomed!” she said with a distant smile as though looking back through the fog of time.

Before she could start bringing up more, somewhat embarrassing memories, Noah snapped her out of it. “Hey Mom? Where's Dad? I kinda need to talk to him.”

“Oh he's out back, chopping some wood. He'll be done soon, but if you want to talk to him you know he won't mind.” With a nod, Noah made his way through the house. Everywhere he looked, he was reminded of things that had happened as he grew up here. The stairs to the next floor where he used to sit while he waited for dinner to be ready; the door frame where he accidentally broke a front toe when he was excitedly running around. Good times. Finally he reached the back door and pushed it open. There he was – Boreas Bluecrest. Noah watched his father chop wood for a minute or so, taking in the sight. When griffons or ponies or, hell, even Thestrals say their kids look like their parents, it was mostly a few superficial things like eyes or fur color. But with Noah and Boreas, they really did look alike. Were it not for the age difference, they could have been mistaken for twins.

Noah was about to speak up and announce his presence when Boreas stopped chopping and, without turning he head, he said out loud, “Welcome home, son. Been a good while.” Putting the old but reliable ax down, Boreas turned and smiled at Noah. “It's good to see you again, son. Now why don't you get over here and give your old man a hug!”

Noah quickened his pace a little as he made his way to his father, and the two of them wrapped their forelegs around each other in a tight, though not as breath deprivingly tight hug his mother had given him. “I've missed you too,” Noah said as the hug finally ended.

Boreas clapped his son on his shoulder with a slight laugh. “Then why don't you come around more often? You keep leaving me at the mercy of your mother’s gourmet cooking. Look at me! I feel like I've put on more weight.”

Noah couldn't help but laugh. He was so glad that his mom and dad were still together after so long, and it seemed to do with the fact that they made jokes about each other. “Oh come on, Dad, you look fine to me. In fact I'd dare to say you're in better shape than when I last saw you.” Noah honestly pointed out. “But Dad, I've gotta ask you something. Something important.”

The tone of Noah’s voice told Boreas all he needed to know. He knew why Noah was here and he knew what his son was going to ask him. “Okay, son. But we'd best take it inside. But first, could you put this wood into storage for me?”

Noah nodded and began the task of gathering up the chopped wood and taking it to the small storage shed nearby. As he did, he saw his father slowly making his way back to the house. The ever-present limp making him move slower than a griff his age should be. Noah had never known his father to not have that limp, and he could tell that it was still as bad as it had always been.

After almost half an hour, Noah had completed his task. All the chopped wood was now neatly stored and locked safely away for when it would be needed. He had even made sure to put the older stuff on top so it would be used up first before his parents moved on to the newer stuff. Noah nodded to himself for a job well done, and then made his way back inside the house and found both his mother and father waiting for him in the living room.

“Sit down, son,” Boreas said.

As the younger griff did so, his mother spoke up. “We know what's been on your mind for some time, Noah, and we're sorry that we never really told you anything, only leaving you to guess and speculate.” The sympathy in Kila’s voice was unmissable. “We wanted to tell you for so long, but we weren't sure you were ready to know or that you would understand.”

“But now you are,” Boreas added. “So, Noah, ask what you've been wanting to ask us, and you'll give you the answer.”

Noah suddenly found it hard to speak; it was like a huge lump had formed in his throat and he had to swallow several times to try and dislodge it and find his voice. When he finally did manage to speak again, it was with a bit of a nervous stutter. “I... I read in a b...book that we used to be nNobles,” his voice growing more confident with each passing moment. “It said we were supporters of the last king and when King Glimfeather took the throne, we lost everything. Why?” There it was. Noah had finally asked the question out loud that had been plaguing him for so long.

“It was because of me, son,” Boreas said, and the level of shame was so palpable that it almost overwhelmed him.

“What do you mean Dad?” This was unexpected and difficult to understand. How could it have been his father’s fault?

Boreas cleared his throat and looked straight into his son’s eyes. “Noah, when my mother died a few months after your mother and I were wed, I was the head of our House. Your mother and I were only young at that point, younger than you are now by a few years. Our marriage was an arranged one, but your mother and I spent every moment we could together so we could get to know each other before the wedding.” Noah couldn't help but find that really sweet. “But one day,” Boreas continued, “King Ironclaw was holding a meeting with representatives of all the noble Griffonian Houses. As the Lord and Lady of House Bluecrest, it was your mother’s and my duty to be present there.”

Noah sat in awe as his father told the story. He had never heard his father speak so openly about this stuff before. He was describing the other House representatives and his relationships with all of them. Some he liked and some he really didn't. “Then as the meeting continued,” Boreas went on, “There was a bang and a crash, the doors to the council room had been thrown open and there he was, Argent Glimfeather flanked by several of his House troops fully armed and armored. He was the same age as your mother and I was back then, but he had considerable influence even at his age. I always respected that about him,” Boreas added as a side thought. “Then he made his way up to King Ironclaw and challenged him. Right to his face! It was unbelievable.”


# # #


Argent Glimfeather stared down the King with all the other nobles present. “You're planning another war with the pony kingdom aren't you!” He demanded.

All King Ironclaw did to reply to the young griffon was laugh; a large loud booming laugh that echoed around the meeting room, slightly intimidating all those within. “And why shouldn't I? They're prime for invasion. They only have the ONE Princess now and she's too taxed to put up any real resistance to our forces!” He then turned to the nobles assembled. “And if you all lend the support of your House troops to bolster my army, or by helping fund the campaign, you can all enjoy the benefits of new land to own. And when Equestria falls, we shall all walk together in the gardens of Canterlot.”

A number of the nobles gathered found the concept of more land quite appealing. Not to mention the fact that conquering Equestria would of course lead to more slaves to work for them. However, half of the nobles were outright against the idea and openly sided with Argent Glimfeather. A small number however found themselves on the edge of the decision, neither wanting war with Equestria, nor wanting to oppose their King. Boreas Bluecrest and his wife were among them.

However, Boreas, despite his respect for Argent, was more likely to side with King Ironclaw. He had done right by them and they had prospered greatly thanks to him and his line. Sure, Argent had a point, but where did he come off opposing the King?

“Do you realize what you're doing to the Kingdom?” Argent asked somewhat disbelieving. “You increased the taxes just to pay for this crazy war plan, and now you're lining your supporters’ pockets while some families out there…” He gestured to the rest of the city beyond the walls of the meeting room. “…are finding it hard to actually provide their own family with food!” Returning his attention to the King, Argent continued. “Have you already forgotten what happened the last time we tried to invade Equestria? A quarter of our army dead and half too injured to keep fighting. Not to mention your own father lost his life. We're still suffering from what happened when the ponies pushed their attack on us! Most of the common griffons are so disheartened they're barely able to move on and forget. In spite of all this, are you really thinking of trying again?”

King Ironclaw looked at the young griffon in front of him. It was a look that brooked no argument and radiated the fierce authority that he was known for. “So what if I am? So what if the common griffons are having trouble feeding themselves? I am the king, and this city and lands are mine to do with as I see fit! And If I decree that they should assist in raising the funds to pay for an invasion that will garner more land so more jobs can be created so they can feed themselves, then so be it! Now if you'll excuse me” he said turning his back on Argent and making his way back to his loyal supporters, “I have a war to plan.”

Argent was taken aback by Ironclaw’s total lack of concern for those he was supposed to be serving. It was then clear that he knew what he had to do. Standing as upright as he could, Argent called to the King, “Troldus Ironclaw! I, Argent of House Glimfeather, challenge you to a Duel of Succession!”

This drew a gasp from everyone present in the meeting chamber. Everygriff knew that a duel for succession could only end with the death of one of the combatants. But never had a king been challenged to such a duel before, which is why the challenge shocked all those present. Everyone except for the king.

Ironclaw slowly turned to face Argent. “You really think you have what it takes to be King?”

“If it means not treating my people like they mean nothing to me and not running the kingdom into the ground, then yes, I do!” Argent responded with solid unwavering conviction.

Again Ironclaw spoke. “You do of course realize that a Duel of Succession can only end one way, don't you?” he asked in a slight mocking tone.

“Yes, I do,” Argent replied again with conviction.

All King Ironclaw did was laugh. “Very well, I accept your challenge. I'll fight you, and when I kill you I'll make sure you're buried with all the honors due to you.”

“Then so be it, Your Majesty.”

Boreas found it hard to miss that those last two words dripped with hate.

“Name the time and I'll be there to put you out of my misery,” King Ironclaw goaded, hoping to get a violent outburst from the younger griff so that his soldiers could take him down.

But no – all Argent did was stand tall and say “Tomorrow at noon.”

“Perfect,” Ironclaw said with a grin. “I'll be just hungry enough to finish you off quickly and have some lunch. Now get out of my sight!” And for the first time that day, Argent Glimfeather obeyed his king’s order and left, taking his troops with him. Those nobles that had sided with him all left too. Once again, Boreas was conflicted but stayed where he was. After all, while he might not completely agree, he was loyal to his king.

The next day came and soon enough that clock tower struck noon. Both Argent Glimfeather and King Ironclaw made their way to the center of the arena. Both drew cheers from the gathered crowd, but neither was sure who the crowd was cheering loudest for.

As they stood facing each other, the arena announcer made his way to them. Standing between them but without blocking their view of each other, he raised a magically enhanced megaphone to his beak. “A Duel of Succession has been declared! Argent, House of Gilmfeather has claimed that Troldus Ironclaw, King of all Griffonia, wishes to incite war out of greed and a lust for land and power!” He let the gravity of the situation sink into the crowd. All they had seen today was honor duels and disciplined fighting, but this was something entirely different. This time everygriff present knew that somegriff, be it their king or the young noble, was going to die in this arena today.

Again the announcer addressed the combatants. “King Ironclaw, do you have anything you may wish to say should the battle go ill for you?”

“I do not! For I shall not die today!” Ironclaw had a grin on his beak that made Argent somewhat nervous.

“Argent. Do you have anything you may wish to say should the battle go ill for you?”

“I do not!”

“The law does not allow an alternative, therefore the Duel of Succession is formally declared!” Several griffs entered the Arena carrying segments of armor and some were carrying weapons. Argent watched them take their places on both sides of himself and the king who kept smiling. As they began fastening the armor in place, the announcer spoke again into his megaphone.

“This duel is to be to the death! Only one my leave this arena! May the gods smile on both of you and the loser be granted passage to the Great Halls.” Argent and King Ironclaw were given a choice of weapons. Argent chose a sword while Ironclaw hefted a heavy and brutal looking hammer. Their weapon of choice was then chained to their vambrace so they could not drop them. Once all this was done, the announcer spoke again.

“Take position on opposite sides of the arena, and begin when the duel drum is struck.”

Argent and King Ironclaw did so and waited for the duel drum. The atmosphere in the arena was tense – painfully so. No griff in the stands really knew how they should be feeling right now, especially Boreas. Finally the duel drum was struck, and Argent and King Ironclaw charged at each other, both taking flight and speeding towards one another while keeping low to the ground. They raised their weapons, Argent his sword and King Iron claw his hammer, both ready to strike. Suddenly another griffon landed directly between them. Both combatants had to quickly stop themselves before they collided with whoever was stupid enough to get in the way.

Finally coming to a stop they both saw that it was Boreas. All four of his feet were firmly planted and his wings were spread to their fullest blocking the path. “Boreas! What are you doing? Get out of my Way!” Ironclaw shouted. Boreas stood his ground proud and defiant.

“No, sire. I'm doing what I should have done yesterday. I should have accepted this duel for you! I won't let this usurper take the throne! And neither will I let you kill him! We can talk this out; there's an opportunity here!”

“I appreciate the gesture, Boreas,” King Ironclaw said sincerely, then his expression turned hard. “But... Get... Out... of MY... WAY!!!” With that he swung his hammer and caught Boreas on the side right at his left wing joint. The force of the blow shattered bone and sent the griffon hurtling across the arena until he crashed into the hard stone wall. He was miraculously still alive as all in the arena could tell from his howls of agony. “One of us will deal with you later, Boreas!” the king yelled as a team of medics tended to injured griffon. Then he returned his attention to Argent, and again swung his heavy hammer in an attempt to knock Argent’s head clean off his shoulders.

A quick parry and a dodge saved the younger griffon’s life, and the duel began in earnest. The ease with which Ironclaw swung that huge hammer again and again was a testament to his strength. It was possible that it might have been magically enchanted somehow so it felt lighter than it would be, but either way Argent had to try very hard to not get hit with it, because he knew that if one blow connected, he would be in serious trouble.

Again the hammer came down, and Argent brought up his sword to block. The clang was loud enough that those in the back seats could hear it. This time Argent took the offensive, pushing Ironclaw off him and swinging his sword, aiming for a shoulder hit. A parry from Ironclaw knocked the blow away. Argent, determined not to give the king a moment to find an opening, attacked again, this time aiming for a hind leg. Seeing this, Ironclaw jumped, but also flapped his wings to enhance the jump and took to the air just long enough to evade the gleaming blade of Argent’s sword.

Several minutes pass as Argent and King Ironclaw fought, yet each only able to glance the other where the armor protected them. The crowd, while initially unsure, were all now on the edge of their seats, most of them leaning forward slightly to try to afford themselves a better view. The fight was at a stalemate however. Ironclaw's hammer kept Argent at bay with his longer reach yet both often tried to press an advantage. Argent knew that if he could get in close enough, it would make Ironclaw’s hammer effectively useless. The problem however was actually getting that close.

He didn't have much time to think as again Ironclaw came at him with another attempted fatal swing. Argent parried again and saw something that he had somehow missed before. Ironclaw was usually notorious for using flourishes when fighting with his hammer to keep his opponent guessing as to where the next strike would come from, but now he was actually using very predictable moves. Suddenly it hit him: the chain! The chain that kept both himself and Ironclaw from dropping their weapons was preventing Ironclaw from using his regular moves, forcing him to use a more basic, almost amateur fighting style with his hammer, while Argent had full range of movement with his sword.

Realizing he had the advantage, Argent grinned and to Ironclaw’s surprise reversed his grip on his sword and launched a lightning fast attack. Ironclaw tried to swing his hammer to counter him but he missed by mile, much to his annoyance. Even more so because, as Ironclaw realized, Argent had scored a hit: a small cut on his hind left leg. Turning to face behind him, Ironclaw was just in time to see another successful attack, this time on his hind right leg. King Ironclaw was not known for his patience, and his anger was coming to the boil. Again Argent came at him but this time Ironclaw’s swing was perfectly timed, but what happened next shocked him. Instead of the satisfying crunch of bone and spray of warm blood he felt a hard clash. Looking, he saw Argent with an eerily satisfied grin on his beak.

Argent finally had Ironclaw where he wanted him. As their weapons were locked, Argent threw his sword up and let it fall on the other side of the haft of Ironclaws hammer, then a quick flick of his wrist caused the chain connecting Argent’s sword and armor to wrap around the hammer. Summoning all the strength at his disposal, Argent heaved the now panicked king off all four of his feet and threw him over his shoulder.

Ironclaw slammed onto his back on the hard sand covered arena floor. Looking up, he saw Argent standing over him with his sword raised above him one handed, the tip pointing straight down. Before he could do anything to react and possibly change his fate, the younger griffon brought the sword down, puncturing the armor on Ironclaw’s chest and piercing his heart. Argent drove the sword down as deep as he could and watched as the life left the now former king’s eyes.

The entire crowd was still and silent. They had just witnessed their king slain by one of their own in a duel. Argent continued to stand over the body of Troldus Ironclaw. His breathing heavy and slow, he pulled the sword free and watched the blood run from the blade and pool slightly at his feet. Then the Announcer returned, flanked by several other griffs. One of whom proceeded to unlock the chain attached to Argent’s vambrace. Meanwhile the others went to the body of the former king, placed it on a stretcher they were carrying between them, and carried the body away.

Standing beside Argent, the announcer raised his megaphone again. “Cocks and hens!” he called, finally snapping the crowd out of their stunned daze. “May I present to you His Royal Majesty: King Argent Glimfeather! First of his line! May he rule long and his line never fall! LONG LIVE THE KING!”

The stunned silence continued for a few seconds until a griffon stood and raised his claw into the air and suddenly began chanting, “LONG LIVE THE KING!” He was soon followed by another and another until the entirety of the arena audience were all standing and chanting in support for their new king.

Argent bowed deeply to the audience and then made his way towards the stricken Boreas, now attended by his wife and seemingly stable now. Approaching one of the Doctors, he asked, “How is he?”

“Well,” the doctor said, stepping away from his work, “The joint in his left wing is completely shattered. It'll knit but there was a lot of nerve damage too. He'll be grounded for the rest of his life, unfortunately. Then there's the leg too.”

“His leg?” Argent asked. As far as he could tell the only damage that had been done to Boreas was the wing. “Yeah,” the doctor sighed a little. “Seems he hit the wall hard and at a bad angle. Broke his hind right leg in several places. He'll be limping pretty badly for the rest of his life too.”

Argent looked over Boreas and the sorrow was plain to see. Boreas had suffered so much in the space of a few minutes. He was unable to fly and would be limping. It made him wish he didn't have to do what he now had to. “Boreas Blucrest of House Bluecrest... in light of your actions to interfere with a sanctioned Duel of Succession, an action that shamed both you, your wife and your House, you are to be stripped of all titles and holdings. Your House will be counted among the fallen and the disgraced!”

Boreas was less shocked than Argent expected. If anything the blue jay griffon seemed to have been expecting it. He had done what he had done, fully knowing the consequences of his actions. Even if Troldus had won, the the Bluecrest name would be finished. “I understand my King”


# # #


“Argent Glimfeather’s coronation happened the next day, and he's been the best King Griffonia has ever had,” Boreas said as his recollection of the events drew to a close. He saw the look on Noah's face. He was in shock and Boreas completely understood the reason.

When Noah's shock finally wore off enough for him to be able to speak, he asked, “So… what happened to our place?”

Boreas actually smiled a moment. “It was held by King Glimfeather for a while, then he granted it to his nephew, Ravenwing, after he won some battle or another. But you and I both know what happened to him now, don't you?”

Noah quickly put two and two together and the four he got was both a surprise and a blow. “So... that means... House Path... They're living in....”

“The former Bluecrest estate,” Kila finished. Boreas and Kila gave Noah as long as he needed to fully come to terms with everything that had been told him.

Now so much made more sense to him, including why he had never seen his father fly, and why his mother was to one to teach him to fly. “Mom, Dad... thank you for telling me all this. It's been eating away at me for so long I'm glad to finally have it all.” Suddenly he changed the subject as he saw the time on the clock that hung above the fireplace. “But it's getting kinda late, so I've gotta go. I'll see you two later.” He gave his Mom and Dad a big hug, getting one in return. As the hug ended, he went to the front door and picked up his backpack.

“I hope you’ll come by sooner rather than later,” Kila said with a chuckle, but at the same time she honestly meant it.

With a smile as he opened the door, Noah replied, “I'll do the best I can, Mom. See ya!” And with that he was gone.

Both Boreas and Kila went to the living room window and watched him fly back to the city.

“Do you think he'll be okay, Boreas?” Kila asked. The level of concern in her voice, unmissable.

“No.” Boreas solemnly replied.


# # #


Noah entered his small apartment and, with an aggravated shout, he slammed the door behind him. He had put on a brave face for his parents, but what he had learned had hurt him deeply. Sure there was a part of him that knew he wouldn't like what he would learn, but there was some part of himself that was hoping none of it would be true, and that he was just hoping like so many others do that he was a real noble. He proceeded to vent his pent up frustration on random objects in his apartment, knocking lamps over and such.

After several minutes, his anger spent, Noah sat on his couch looking around at what he had done. Luckily nothing was broken and he hadn't caused too much of a racket or his landlord would have come knocking. So he started cleaning up. Placing the last item back in its proper place, Noah headed out to his balcony and stared longingly at the full moon high in the sky.

The feeling of hopelessness was overwhelming. there were parts of him that felt like he had nothing left now.  After so much time looking for answers only to find out the worst possibly true answer he honestly didn't know what to do anymore. Turning he headed back into his apartment and looked at everything he'd gathered in his search for answers.

He looked at his collection of items almost with disgust for the first time. Everything was so well kept and clean. as though they belonged to a noble, but now he felt he didn't deserve any of them and began to gather them readying himself to dispose of them.
He hung his head for a moment before suddenly regaining his former pride. "No...I am a Noble" he told himself a strong sense of self returning. "I maybe from a fallen house now...but just wait. I'll restore my Family name"

He went back out to the Balcony and spread his wings wide and proud " You hear me world. I am Noah Bluecrest! I will restore my name to Nobility!" he looked out at the city full of pride.

Glancing in the direction of his family's former estate, he again hung his head and made his way back inside.

"I hope" he said sorrowfully. He slowly closed and locked the balcony doors behind him.


# # #


The alleyway was dark, and the only occupants were the rats that called such places as this home, skittering about in their constant search for food. They suddenly stopped and looked up. They scattered with a cacophony of squeaks as a lone griffon entered the alley. The griffon was the same one that had collided with Noah earlier during the day. He was looking over his shoulder every now and then. A clatter behind him startled him, and he quickly spun around drawing a small knife. He was visibly worried, and the knife shook in his claw. He was being followed. He stood his ground ready for anything until he saw the shadows. Terror gripped him, his knife falling to the hard stone floor with a clatter. He turned to flee and suddenly found himself face to face with two more shadows. No, not shadows; something worse. He couldn't see their faces as the black cloaks they wore shrouded their faces. All that could be seen were their glowing eyes.

He tried to run but was tripped over by another two cloaked figures. Before he could get to his feet, they had him surrounded, each of them not saying a word, only staring at him.

“You were carrying...”

“...An item of incredible power.” Two of the cloaked beings said. One finishing the sentence of the other. 

Before the griffon could answer, the next two spoke.

“It is no longer with him; he...
“...has already delivered it to its owner,” the last two finally spoke.

“He is of no use to us...”

“...Let us dispose of him, now.”

All six of them held forth a forelimb. Dark energy began to crackle around them, and then a thin beam of energy shot forth from all six and hit the griffon from all sides. He squawked in agony as he was engulfed in dark purple flames and was burned down to his skeleton which dropped to the ground.

The Shrouded ones moved in closer to each other while still maintaining their circle around the remains of the murdered griffon. Suddenly in a flash of purple light, all six of the mysterious shrouded figures vanished.


# # #


The cave was dark and damp, lit only by the torches placed in seemingly random places, the light of the flames highlighting the runic carving on the walls. In the center of the cavern was an impossibly smooth circular onyx floor. Expertly carved into its surface was a series of concentric circles with a star in the very center. Just off from this was a large throne seemingly carved from a single piece of onyx. Upon it sat another figure hidden by the shadows created by the dancing flames of the torches. A bright flash heralded the arrival of the shrouded ones, each standing at a point of the star. As one they turned to face the one on the throne. This time only one stepped forward and spoke for all as they bowed.

“My lord,” his voice echoed, “We have failed.”

“Yes I know,” the seated figure said, his voice, gravelly and old, yet nonetheless portrayed the raw power its owner held.

“Surely, my Lord,” the shrouded speaker said, “there is nothing to fear. The Medallions cannot be so powerful. How can they be?”

The figure upon the throne laughed, although it was much more like a cackle filled with evil intent but no real humor. “The Medallions are the world’s only defense against the power we possess. If we take them away, our victory is assured.”

“Very well, my Lord,” again the lead shrouded figure said. “Shall I give the order for the Hunter?”

On his throne, the shadowed one smiled, his sharp teeth cutting through the dark. “It has been given.”


# # #


On the rooftops of Griffonia, another flash or purple light appeared and quickly disappeared, and in its place a dark-furred unicorn wearing a leather harness which had several daggers strapped to it, stood in its place. He chuckled to himself evilly as he surveyed the city. “Come out, come out, wherever you are, Medallion Master. I want to play,” he said as he drew one of his daggers with his magic and slowly licked the blade in anticipation for the kill to come.


# # # # # # # # # #

> The Griffon Knight.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Noah woke in a strange position on his bed after a long night of soul searching. But he didn't wake up because he wanted to. He would have much rather spend the whole day curled up under his blanket on his soft mattress. No, it was the KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, at his door that roused the blue-feathered griffon from his slumber.

With a grunt and a few unkind mumbles, Noah slowly rose from his bed and, letting his spine crack a few times, made his way down the three steps that led to his living room. Most times Noah would make himself at least somewhat presentable before answering the door, but he just didn't have the heart after learning the truth yesterday.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming. Keep your wings on," Noah grumbled as he reached a talon to the brass door knob. 

The door opened with a creak and before him stood his best friend, a dark grey-furred thestral stallion named Duskwing. He had bright yellow eyes and his mane consisted of two colors: pale brown and dull gold. Duskwing had a grin on his face until he saw the state which Noah was in. "Whoa dude," he said, "what in the Sisters’ names happened to you?"

Noah grunted and stepped aside to let his friend in.  "Well," the griffon finally spoke, "I went to the library, found out my family were noble but lost everything, then I got knocked out of the air."

"Sounds harsh," Dusk replied.

"Oh, it gets even better," Noah said. "Then I visited my Mom and Dad, and I learned that it was because of my Dad that my family is now disgraced."

Dusk swallowed, carefully planning on what he should say next. He knew what Noah was like. He knew that in moments like this, his feather-furred friend was like a powder keg with a short fuse. The wrong word would set him off. He looked around the apartment hoping he could find something to A: distract Noah from his funk and B: supply a new topic of conversation. It was then that Dusk spied an unfamiliar item among Noah’s memorabilia.

Duskwing made his way over to the table that the strange item lay upon, mesmerized by it. All the while, Noah kept on ranting on what had happened last night. His voice pretty much a blur now.

Swallowing hard, Dusk reached a tentative hoof towards the Medallion. He didn't know why, but it seemed so familiar to him. But the thestral knew for a fact he had never seen it before.

"You now, Dusk," Noah said, finally reaching the end of his verbal torrent. "You're always willing to listen even... when... I...." His speech slowed down as he saw that his friend hadn't been listening. "Typical – distracted by something shiny. I swear, thestrals."

Making his way over to Dusk, Noah noticed that his friend seemed to me totally entranced by the medallion he was holding in his hooves. His eyes were wide as saucers and his pupils almost filled them, his mouth was agape and there was even a small bit of drool.

"Hello." Noah waved a talon in front of the stunned thestral’s eyes. "Du-u-usk? Anypony in there?" Then he gently tapped Dusk on the shoulder. "Hey, bat-head!"

The Thestral jumped with a slight high pitched yelp, dropping the Medallion as he did. "Du-u-ude. Where did you get that?" Dusk asked as he recovered from his trance.

Noah picked up the medallion and held it, examining it. "Outside the library. That griff who knocked me out of the air dropped it then flew off." He then closed his claws around it, holding tight. "So it's mine now," he said with a smirk.

Neither Noah nor Dusk noticed the small glow from the medallion when Noah claimed it as his own.

"Well, I suppose you know the second reason I came by this morning, don't you?" Dusk asked. He had a look to him that seemed like it was something that would normally get a griff in trouble. Noah scratched the back of his head with his spare talon and looked around, trying to figure out what Dusk meant. For a moment, he was at a total loss until he saw the calendar on his wall. Then he looked to the clock by his bed "Oh no..." he said, face-palming hard enough for there to be a rather loud slap.

"Oh, yes," Dusk confirmed his friend’s realization "You, sir, are late for work. I had to spend all morning with those argumentative, obnoxious, disagreeable clients. ALL. ON. MY .OWN."

Noah couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Clients? Dusk, you talk like we're lawyers or something."

"We provide a valuable service to society, don't we?" Dusk replied, puffing his chest out proudly. Noah nodded and headed to his closet to get something. "Yeah, of course we do, but we don't go about handling legal cases or finding lost children. We certainly don't save the world. We're tour guides."

"Yes, we are. We're the premiere tour guides in Griffonia." Noah rolled his eyes a little; Dusk really did take pride in his work. "Yeah, right. We're pretty much the only tour guides in Griffonia," Noah said from inside his closet.

"All the more reason to appear respectable and be at work when we're supposed to. So your best friend in the world, and co-owner of our business, doesn't have to work your scheduled group."

Suddenly it all made sense. Noah exited the closet with his tour-guide uniform on. "Wait! Wait! Wait! So you had to take all those old-aged ponies around the city?" Noah could not help sniggering, knowing that the thestral had very little patience when it came to the elderly.

Dusk let out an exasperated sigh as he threw his forelegs up in the air. "Why do old beings feel the need to travel around so much, and then complain when the guide needs to 'Shpeak up shonny'?"

"Highlight of their twilight, I guess," the blue feathered griffon said with a shrug. "They wanna see what they never got a chance to while they still can. Besides you shouldn't complain. they're paying customers, and the elderly give some of the best tips."

"Yeah, but they count out Every. Last. Crown." Dusk whined. "Then if they lose count they scoop them all back up and start over again."

It looked like the thestral was on the verge of tears, which prompted Noah to ask, "How many times did they..."

His sentence was never finished as Dusk blew his top. "FIVE TIMES! The mare in charge lost count FIVE TIMES!"

As harsh as it seemed, Noah could no longer help it, and he burst out laughing. In fact, he found he couldn't keep his feet under him, and he collapsed and began literally rolling with laughter.

After several seconds, even Duskwing himself couldn't help but laugh at his little rant, and soon the two of them were recovering and standing to their feet. "Now then, let's get back to the store. I'll bet we've got another load of customers."

With House Path starting up relationships with so many varied cultures all over the world, Griffonia had been getting an increasing amount of visitors who had come to see what they had only heard rumors about. When it became noticeable, it was Duskwing who came up with the idea of opening a tour-guide business. After all, who would be better at showing visitors around than a couple of males who knew the city inside out and upside down? So Dusk and Noah had pooled their savings and opened up their tour-guide station. They had a steady stream of customers – more on special events such as Nightmare Night which had also been introduced by House Path. Noah himself had gone to the first Nightmare Night. He loved the show that had been put on. Of course he still had no idea how they did the special effects on the zombie. 

Arriving at their store, they could see a group of twenty ponies, two thestrals, and surprisingly, five griffons. Noah guessed that they were most likely from Griffonstone. The most surprising, however, were the five undisguised changelings – one Violet, one Green, one Orange, and finally, two Reds who seemed to have a protective air about them over the others. ‘This will be interesting,’ Noah thought to himself. Thirty-two beings in all. Noah and Dusk entered through the main door and squeezed themselves through the throng until they got to the front desk, which was manned by a cute young earth pony mare with a pale blue coat. Her mane and tail were a dull aqua and grey. Upon see her two bosses, her blue eyes lit up. "Welcome back Mr. Wing," she said happily. She then turned her attention to Noah. "Hello, Mr. Bluecrest", she said. Her voice had something of a tinge of seductiveness to it. It always did when she spoke to him.

Noah, as usual, felt a little uncomfortable when he heard that tone in her voice, but he never let it show. "Hello, Miss Dial Tone," Noah said with a smile. "So does the group have any particular requirements before I take them out?"

Dial thought for a quick second. "Not that they told me. They're ready to go however."

Noah nodded and turned to the gathered beings and smiled. "Hello all. My name is Noah Bluecrest and I'll be your guide today around our beautiful city. Now, if you would kindly follow me. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to speak up." With that, Noah began to lead the large group to the first significant place in the city and began to explain its significance.


# # #


Elsewhere in the city, a certain dark-furred unicorn was continuing his search for his target somewhere within the city. Every now and then, he would stop a griffon if they were wearing anything around their neck and demand to see it and know what it is. Most were reasonable enough to allow him to see it, but on one occasion a griffon wouldn't let him even see it. He told the Hunter to back off and mind his own damned business. That griffon was soon discovered dead in an alley with his throat sliced, his 500 meter glide medal lying next to him on the cold stone floor.

The Hunter continued on his way through the winding streets of the city, and as a result of not really knowing the layout, he got lost more than once. "How do these Tarturus-damned birdbrains find their way about this stupid city? It's a bucking labyrinth!" The Hunter was not known for his intelligence; in fact he was a simple pony and he liked simple things. Things like killing, maiming, causing pain in general. He was, however, extremely dedicated to his master’s cause, and did whatever he was tasked to do, which always involved finding someone and ending their life. Sometimes in very ingenious ways, but sometimes he went with the tried and true method of stabbing with each one of his daggers. And he always found who he was looking for; this time would be no different.

However, the length of time it was taking to find this target was starting to take its toll. Sure, the annoying griffon he had killed earlier had made him feel better, but he just needed one more thing to sort out his mood. The moment came when he saw a quartet of chicks playing ball. One missed his throw and the red ball bounced down the cobblestone street and stopped only because the Hunter put his hoof down lightly upon it. Perfect.

The group of chicks flew over to him and the leader, a Goshawk and cheetah griffon, said, "Can we have our ball back?" The Hunter looked down at the ball like he'd only just now noticed it under his hoof. Grabbing it with his magic he levitated it up to his face. "You mean this ball?" The chick nodded. "Yeah, that's my ball. Can I have it back?"

The Hunter looked down at the Griffon chick and back to the ball, then back to the chick. "Sure, you can have it back." The chick’s face lit up with a smile. The Hunter returned the ball, not because he was feeling generous, but rather because he had an idea pop into his head. "Before you go, I was wondering if you could help me out." he said, quickly grabbing the chicks' gathered attention. "See, I'm looking for someone here in the city," he said, casting his eyes around. "A ‘friend’, but I'm not having much luck finding him. I don't really know what they look like, see?"

The lead chick looked at the Hunter curiously. "How can we help if you don't know what he looks like? Oooh Is he a quill pal?" the chick asked happily before he continued. "I've got a quill pal in Equestria – he's a pegasus, so he can fly like me and he–”

The Hunter gently put his hoof to the chick’s beak to silence him. "That's great, kid. The only thing I know about my friend is that he has a medallion around his neck. It looks kinda like this.” Using his magic, he created a rough image of the medallion in front of the group of chicks. "If you see someone wearing this, that is my friend, and then you come and tell me where he is so I can ki... I mean, meet him." 

"So we go find your friend so you can meet and be cool friends?" The chick asked.

The Hunter nodded and grinned. "That's right, you clever little thing you," he said to the group’s leader while thinking to himself, 'Stupid, naïve little brat.'  "And for helping me find my friend, I'll give you some nice shinies," he said, and levitated a few gems from a pouch on his harness.

All four of the chicks’ eyes went as wide as saucers when they laid eyes on the shinies. "Ooooooooh," they all said as one. And before he knew it, they were off like a shot looking for his friend.

The concept of using these innocent little chicks to help him find and kill his target made the Hunter smile, his mood so much better now. "It's so good to be bad."


# # #


It was much later in the day when Noah and his tour group returned to the agency after having shown them all around the city. Many no doubt had somewhat tired hooves or talons, but all were very happy about it, for it had been worth it, having learned so much. Noah was, as it turned out, quite knowledgeable about the city. That's what came from spending a lot of time reading.

"So, I hope you all had a good time. I would like to thank you all for deciding to use the 'DuskCrest' tour guide agency. Now, before we go back inside and finish up, does anypony or griff or ling have any last questions?"

A dark chitinous hoof rose into the air. "Excuse me," the Violet Changeling asked, "What's that place up there on the mountain?" He pointed his hoof at the mountain that served as a constant backdrop to the city. "You never took us up there."

Noah followed the hoof and saw what the changeling was pointing at. The old fortress that had been carved out of the very mountainside, stood silent as if patiently waiting for someone to make use of it. "Ah yes. That, is Fort Shield, and no one is allowed to go up there unless given direct permission from the king."

"When was it built?" another a pegasus mare asked, asked joining in with the changeling’s curiosity.

Noah couldn't help but smile a little. He always loved sating curiosity. "Fort Shield was built when griffons first settled in this area. Its sole purpose was to protect this city while it was in its infancy. But over time, the city grew and grew and eventually Shield was abandoned in favor of the new, more readily accessible Fort Aerie, just east of the city."

Noah quickly surveyed the group. "Any more questions? No? OK then, let's head on inside and settle up." With that, they all moved into the agency, and the appreciative beings paid the remainder of the fare for the tour. Noah and Dusk always charged half before the tour and half after.

Unknown to Noah, the group of chicks that had been hired by the Hunter had spotted him and saw the medallion around his neck. As soon as they made sure it was the medallion the unicorn had shown them, they were once again off like a shot to find the Hunter and tell him they'd found his friend.


# # #


As the sun was setting, Dial Tone turned the sign in the agency's window from ‘Open’ to ‘Closed’, then went into the back where Noah and Dusk were in the process of counting up all the Crowns that they had made that day, and dividing it up between the three of them and setting some aside as ‘just in case’ money.

"So, how'd we do today?" the mare asked as she approached, taking a seat. Dusk passed her a hay burger they had ordered for her from a food place that catered to all types.

As she bit into it, Dusk replied, "We've made a good day’s profit. Overall, this week has been one of the best we've had."

Noah nodded. "Yep. It's getting so we won't have to worry about much soon. Tarturus! The tips alone from the group Dusk took out this morning was enough to cover the rent on this place," he said as he took a bite from his own burger. This one however was actually made of meat.

Suddenly Dusk stood and raised his cup. "I would like to propose a toast. Here's to a prosperous month. May the DuskCrest tour guide agency have many, many more."

"Hear, hear!" Noah and Dial said in unison as they touched their cups to Dusk’s.

As Dial took a sip from her cup, a thought popped into her head. "You know, I've always been curious – you two are best friends since you were young, right? But it's only until recently that Griffonia has started seeing much in the way of visitors and ponies and others wanting to live here."

Duskwing chuckled. "That's very true. I suppose you could say my parents moved here before it was cool. My dad was here as a negotiator to try and get a better deal on imports and exports between our countries and he fell in love with the place," Dusk said, recounting the story his father had told him. "He convinced my mom to move over here with him, and she really liked this place too. I was born maybe a year after they got settled."

Noah nodded having already heard this story. "And just guess who they lived next door to?" Noah added. "Our parents hit it off, and we did too. And that, as they say, is that."

Dial smiled as she tried to imagine Noah and Dusk as a chick and foal running around, trying and failing to fly properly the first few times. However, she was brought out of her imagination when she heard Noah’s dreamy voice calling her name.  "Hmm, what?" she said, a little dazed. "I'm sorry, what did you say Mr. Bluecrest?" Noah cleared his throat a bit. "The agency's closed, Dial; you can call me Noah. But I was saying, this has got me wondering how you came to live here. Dusk and I didn't really ask during your interview, and this whole thing just made me realize," he said, resting his elbows on the table and supporting his head in his claws as he looked right at her. "So spill it."

"Oh, there's really nothing much to tell," she said as she looked into her cup and sloshed the contents about a little. "I was bored at work and needed something to do that wasn't working in the mail room."

"So you came here to find a better place to work?" Noah asked. "You do know ponies didn't have it so well around here until very recently?"

Dial nodded her understanding, her mane bobbing up and down as she did. "I know. But I also knew that things were good enough that I wouldn't be treated harshly. And then on my first day of looking, I found the two of you," she finished with a smile. "The Best bosses this side of the ocean," she added with a salute with her cup.

Both Noah and Dusk returned her salute by raising their own. The next half an hour was filled with jokes, laughing, and banter about the day. Once the counting was done, Noah looked up at the clock on the wall. It was getting late, and if he was going to show up on time tomorrow, he'd need a good night's sleep. But on the other claw, it was Friday, and that meant no work tomorrow. And that meant night out!

Noah, Dusk and Dial exited the agency and prepared for a nice night out. Maybe they'd go to a bar, have a few drinks, and sing on stage a bit. Sure, they were no Village Ponies, but they were pretty good together. As Noah took the lead, no one noticed the medallion around his neck pulsing with a faint light.

Before they began to make their way to their destination and the fun they had planned, a blast of purple magic knocked all three of them down. Noah looked up to see a dark-furred Unicorn standing nearby. He tried to get up but found the same magic that knocked him down was also holding him down. The Unicorn was making his way over to them and, to Noah's horror, was drawing a dagger. 

The Hunter brought the dagger up to his muzzle and once again licked the blade, slowly as if savoring the taste. "I've been looking forward to this," he said once he was done. "I'll admit, you really made me work to find you. If it hadn't been for those chicks that told me where you were, I might not have. The gems I gave them were definitely worth it. I kill a Medallion Master and I get promoted to a Cloaked One, then who knows I might even become a Shrouded One!"

From where he was on the ground, Noah could see that both Dusk and Dial were also being held down by the strange unicorn’s magic. "Look," Noah said, trying to keep his voice even despite his growing terror. "If it's me you want, then you've got me. Just let my friends go!"

The Hunter looked at the downed griffon like he had sprouted an extra head. "Let them go? Oh no, no, no, no! Killing you – that's just business, but those two," he said inclining he head slightly in the direction of the thestral and the mare, "Killing them is simply for the love of the game." The Hunter then turned and took a look at Dial Tone held under his magic. "Though I will admit, I might be keeping her around for a while."

Dial saw the look he was giving her, and possibly felt more horror then Noah at the implication of the Hunter’s words.

Returning his attention to Noah, the Hunter used his magic to remove the medallion from around the griffon’s neck. "Let's just take this away shall we? Don't want you causing all kinds of trouble for me," he said while examining it. The medallion was glowing quite brightly now, and the Hunter couldn't help but raise a curious hoof to touch it. “YE-OUCH!!!”

It dropped to the floor, and for a moment the magic holding Noah and his friends down was released. Noah didn't know what was going through his mind, but he knew he had to get that medallion back. Meanwhile the Hunter was blowing and sucking on his hoof as though it had been burned. Noah grasped the medallion off the cold stone floor and then something in his mind told him that he should touch the center. With little thought of what might happen, he touched a claw to the very center of it and held it above his head.

The light that emanated from the medallion was as bright as the sun, but it was only slightly warm. A sphere of silver light grew from it and engulfed Noah. The griffon panicked and tried to drop the medallion, but found that he couldn't. However, in the next moment, he found he didn't want to. As the globe of light fully enveloped him, he felt so secure and warm like he did when he was younger and his mother would hug him and settle him after he'd had a bad dream. Then he felt something strange begin to happen. The light seemed to be coiling around him, and even more strange it seemed to be solidifying.

When the sphere of light faded, Noah was covered from beak to tail tip in silver and metallic blue armor. Even the crest on the top of his head was armored. Though they seemed more like blades, and he felt sure he was a least a little bigger. He didn't have much time to conduct a thorough examination of himself as a blast of dark magic hit him again. This time however, all it did was push him back a little. Noah looked to the Hunter just in time to see him use his magic to draw all the rest of his daggers, all six of them joining the other that was already drawn. They levitated around him in a loose formation for at least a second before they were all hurled forwards at an alarming speed.

Acting on instincts he didn't even know he had, Noah was actually dodging the daggers until the realization of what was happening distracted him, and one of the weapons found itself lodged into the griffon’s shoulder. It hurt, but not nearly as much as Noah thought it would. Gripping the hilt with an armored claw, he pulled it out expecting to see the blade covered in his blood, but found it to be remarkably clean. Not even a smear or any kind of stain. Curious, Noah looked at his shoulder where the knife hit him. While there was indeed a hole in this strange armor, he did not see his shoulder beneath it. Instead only a soft glow came from it.

He didn't have time to panic about this unsettling revelation as the Hunter blasted him again with his magic, but this time Noah dodged it. He saw Dusk and Dial in shock about what was going on, obviously rooted in place by events. "GET OUT OF HERE!" Noah shouted at them. He almost didn't even recognize his own voice; it was deeper and reverberated quite a bit, almost like he was speaking with two voices at once.

Dusk and Dial quickly found themselves shaken from their shock and both tried to get back into the agency and the relative safety it might provide. The Hunter saw them and charged up his horn again, but this time he aimed at the pony and thestral. He fired, the purple beam racing towards his intended victims. They were snatched out of harm’s way at the last second by Noah. He had saved his friends but the agency had taken the full force of the Hunter’s blast. The explosion was heard all over the city, and those at a higher vantage could even see it.

The Hunter stood stock still watching the fire burning within the now ruined tour guide agency. "Wow. Now that was an impressive explosion. Guess I don't know my own strength," he said with a laugh. Suddenly he was knocked off his hooves as an armored fist collided with the side of his head. Looking up from where he lay sprawled on the floor, he saw the Medallion Master standing firm, wings flared, with the flaming building behind him. Despite the lack of facial expression due to the armor, the griffon looked really pissed off.

Noah was fuming. The business he and Dusk had built together, gone through so much trouble to set up and get permission to start, was gone, all because of this strange pony. "You come into My city," Noah spoke again with that strange double voice, "Threaten and try to kill My friends, destroy My place of business..." Without thinking, Noah made a move as if to draw a sword that didn't exist from a sheath that didn't exist. When he reached the position a sword would be, he clenched his claw tight and a hilt appeared in his grasp. Then he drew the rest of the blade from out of nowhere. The sword itself was absolutely beautiful. It perfectly matched the contours of the Armor. The guard was metallic blue and had a heavy griffon motif, while the silvery blade had intricate engravings that ran all the length of the blood groove, while the pommel was shaped like a griffon’s head. "Big mistake!"

With a flap of his wings, Noah surged forward, swinging his new sword wide, hoping to decapitate this pony who had ruined everything. All the blade cut, however, was air as the Hunter had teleported just out of reach. Noah wasn't dissuaded and tried again. This time the Hunter brought up a dagger, hoping to block the weapon, but watched in shocked horror as the griffon’s sword cut right through the dagger’s blade like a hot knife through butter.

The Hunter stood and looked at the ruined dagger. The cut from Noah’s sword was so smooth, it had a mirror like sheen to it. "That was my favorite dagger..." He saw the Griffon coming at him again and this time blasted at Noah with a beam of magic. It knocked Noah back, but didn't cause any serious harm. "I guess I've gotta handle this the old fashioned way," the Hunter said, and manifested a sword which he held aloft using his magic.

And just in time too, as he had only a second to parry another strike from Noah. From there it was a furious back and forth between the two, each blocking and parrying blows from the other, moving faster than any normal fighters could have. The only difference was the Hunter was getting tired, which was proved when Noah managed to catch his right shoulder, cutting a gash almost half a foot long.

Before Noah could land another blow the Hunter teleported away again. He reappeared on the roof on a building across the road and called down. "Good fight, Medallion Master. Good fight. I'll admit it's been quite a while since I saw my own blood. I assure you we'll meet again." With one last look at Dial Tone, to whom he gave a small wink, he disappeared again in another flash of purple light.

With the fight apparently over, Noah turned and looked at the ruin of the agency. The sword vanished from his grasp and his armored form sat on his haunches and watched the building burn. He was engulfed in silver light again, and once it had faded, he was his normal self again. He didn't notice. He didn't even notice when Duskwing and Dial Tone made their way up to him and sat on either side of him. Together the three of them just sat together and watched the flames. Finally the firefighters arrived and began to ply their trade. 

Suddenly all eyes looked up as a group of griffons flew overhead, circled, and came in to land behind Noah, Dial and Dusk. Leading the group was none other than one of the four founders of House Path – Free Agent. He looked about the area and settled his eyes on the trio. "I think the three of you should come with me."

"But, Lord Free. I swear we haven't done anything. We're the victims!" Noah protested, earning a look of slight disbelief from Free.

Free Agent walked up close to Noah and leaned in so very few save Dusk and Dial could hear him. "Listen – we know something happened here, something magical, a kind of magic that hasn't been felt by anybeing for a very long time to boot. And the three of you were right in the middle of it. So come with me, we'll talk, and then I'll see what I can do about your... what did you three do in this place?"

"We're tour guides," Duskwing spoke up. "This is... was our agency."

Noah and Dial nodded in confirmation.

"I see. Well, come on. Let's go before we catch our death out here."

However, before the group took off, Free addressed two members of his squad. "Ophion, I want you to stay here and deal with the city guard and the fire brigade. You know the drill." Then he turned to a female member of the squad. "Themis, you're one of our strongest flyers. I want you to carry the earth pony."

"Yes sir, Lord Free," they both said in unison. Ophion went to talk the city guard that had arrived while Themis walked over to Dial. "Don't worry, I won't drop you" she said with a kind smile.

The group took off, Themis carrying Dial, while Noah and Dusk followed under their own power. Noah couldn't help but feel a little uneasy as they made their way straight for the House Path estate – the estate that once upon a time belonged to his family.

The flight was a little longer then Noah expected but it was blissfully uneventful. After everything that had happened with that strange pony and the agency being blown to smithereens, he was glad for it. Soon enough, however, Freedom squad landed in front of the mansion. Dial looked like she was about to lose her lunch. "I don't think I'm going to get used to that any time soon," she said, and Dusk couldn't help but laugh a bit.

Noah, however, was too focused on the building in front of them. Looking up, he saw the House Shield above the large double door.  Despite his wonder at it, he couldn't help but think that once upon a time, a blue and silver House Shield was displayed there. Noah felt a surge of emotions washing over him ranging from anxiety, fear, anger and even nostalgia. Of course, Free Agent, being a changeling, felt each and every one of them, and made a mental note to mention this to Path. After all, this rather attractive griffon had been here before, during that first Nightmare night. It was hard to miss a Griffon like him, and back then Free had only felt amazement, but now something had changed about the blue, black and white griffon’s feeling about the mansion which seemed to be the focus of the emotions.

Noah finally walked up the five steps to the front door and watched as Free entered. With a shaky talon, Noah took his first step inside, while Dusk and Dial watched and followed their friend inside. Dial was confused by Noah’s nervousness after what she had seen. "Why's Noah so...I dunno so...timid right now? You'd think he's never stepped into a big mansion before."

Dusk, despite himself, scowled a little at the mare. "He's nervous because this place used to belong to his parents."

Dial nearly raised the roof of the place as she replied maybe a little louder then she fully intended to. "WHAAAAAAAT!?!?"

However, before she could make any more of a scene, Dusk had stuffed his hoof in her mouth. "Shhhh!" he said, putting his other hoof to his own mouth for emphasis. Now quiet, Dial looked around to see every griff and pony in the building was looking at her, including Noah. Blushing, she rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry, just got a bit of a surprise." Then she smiled sheepishly, which was accompanied with a little squee sound. The group continued on their way following Free Agent’s lead.

A little further down the corridor, Noah saw a kestrel griff standing sheepishly by a door. Soon enough, an elderly eagle owl griffon exited, holding a plunger in his claws. He did not look at all happy. Erebus Mistclaw turned his gaze to the younger griff by the door. "HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU?!" he hollered at the hapless Krestrel griffon, "WHEN YOU HAVE TO USE THE BATHROOM, DO NOT USE THE WHOLE DAMNED ROLL, OR YOU BLOCK THE PIPES!" Despite his old age, Erebus was still able to intimidate any griffon if he chose to. Erebus was the estate maintenance griffon and had been working there since he was very young, helping out his father with the same job.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Mistclaw. I couldn't help it! They were serving fajitas for dinner, and I can't resist them."

All this did was serve to enrage the elderly griffon more, and the young griff could see the rage building. "WELL YOU'D BETTER, BECAUSE NEXT TIME I HAVE TO CLEAR A BLOCKED LATRINE, I'LL BE USING YOUR CLAWS AS A PLUNGER AND YOUR HEAD AS A MOP TO WIPE THE FLOOR AFTER!"

The younger griffon turned white and wanted to run, but knew to do so would only make it worse. Erebus Mistclaw was notorious for punishing those who ran from his scolding. It was better to face the proverbial music. "Yes, Mr. Mistclaw. I swear I won't do this again." The kestrel griffon stood tall and walked away around a nearby corner where he collapsed into a huddled ball, and if you listened closely, you might very well have heard him sobbing.

Satisfied with the work on both the rest room and the young offender, Erebus made ready to move onto his next assignment on the third floor when Lord Free Agent led a group past him. Erebus knelt as Free passed.

"Still keeping the younger generation on their toes, eh, Erebus?" Free asked with a chuckle.

"Always, my lord," Erebus replied. Then he saw the griffon following Free. Time seemed to have slowed down for Erebus as he looked at the blue jay griffon, and suddenly a long forgotten memory flooded back to him.


# # #


A twelve year old Erebus was running through the halls, smiling and laughing as his father chased him. He ducked around a corner and ran straight into a something solid, knocking him back. The young eagle owl griffon looked up to see what he had ran into, and gasped as he saw it was none other than the Lord of the House, Boreas Bluecrest himself and Lady Kila Bluecrest was right beside him.

"Well, hello there, Erebus," Boreas said in a calm friendly tone while smiling.

Erebus, however, was almost in shock. He'd been taught to always respect the House Lord, and here he had just collided with him! "I'm sorry, Mr. Lord Bluecrest sir!" the young griff squeaked.

Boreas and Kila just chuckled at the overuse of titles from the young one. "There, there! It's alright. See? No harm done."

At that moment, Erebus' father came round the corner and saw his son and Lord Bluecrest talking. "Sorry, my Lord; my Lady. I hope he's not been causing any trouble?"

Once again Boreas laughed and waved his claws dismissively. "Of course not; he's just being young is all. Can't blame him for that. Well, we have to go. King Ironclaw has called a meeting of all the noble families, so my wife and I will be gone for a little while." Then he continued on his way and left the mansion with his wife by his side.

The next day was the last time Erebus saw Lord and Lady Bluecrest as they had lost their titles and land, and had to leave the estate.


# # #


Coming back to the present, Erebus suddenly realized how much things had changed in the mansion. Long gone were the proud blue and white carpets and the heroic displays of all the previous Lords of the estate, even Lord Boreas' painting of his battle with the diamond dog chief, Harkah. This griff was too young to be Boreas, but he looked just like him. There was only one answer that came to the griffon, and he needed to know for sure.

Erebus approached Noah before he lost his chance to ask. "Are you the son of Boreas Bluecrest?" Erebus was never one for subtlety. His questions were always true to griffon nature, direct and straight forward.

Although Noah was surprised by the question, he knew how to respond to a direct approach. "I demand to know who asks before I answer!"

Erebus smiled and gave a curt bow. "Erebus Mistclaw, Head of Estate Maintenance, loyal servant of House Path, and House Ravenwing before that, and House Bluecrest before that."

To say Noah was a little surprised was a bit of an understatement. Not once did he consider that he might actually meet someone who lived or worked here when his Mom and Dad lad last walked these halls. "You know my father and mother?" he asked, therefore indirectly at least answering Erebus' question. Noah was surprised when the older Griff laughed.

"Know them? Your father was my hero when I was a chick!" Noah smiled as Erebus continued with his hero worship of his father. "But there’s one thing Boreas always said that really stuck with me. It was the day he and your mother left here. I didn't want them to go. I ran up to them and blocked their path... silly really. I knew why they were leaving but still... I didn't want things to change. But your father looked at me, smiled, and said, “Don't look to the past; it won't come back again. Instead, improve the present; it is yours. Go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a strong heart'. He gave me the courage to keep going. I just wanted to thank you, his son, for that." Noah felt incredible pride at that moment. However, a slight cough from Free returned Noah's attention to him.

"I know this is a mighty powerfully emotional moment for the two of you, but Path is kind of waiting, so let's go. You two can talk later."

After a few more minutes of walking, Free, Noah, Dusk and Dial found themselves in front of a pair of heavy wooden doors. The two guards positioned on either side of the doors opened them, and the four entered. The room was beautiful, with all the decorations matching the colors of the House crest. And there, sitting at a long semicircular wooden table, which was polished to an almost mirror sheen, were Lord Long Path, Lady Roseclaw cradling a young chick, and Princess Twilight Sparkle beside whom Free took his place.

"So," Path said, eyeing Noah and his friends, "I hear the three of you have quite a story to tell. We're all ears."

Noah swallowed a little nervous lump in his throat as he heard the doors close behind him.

> Work hard, play hard.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long Path sat dumbfounded as Noah, Duskwing, and Dial Tone told him of what had transpired earlier that day. However, it wasn't what they were saying that dumbfounded him, but rather how they were saying it.

The three of them were trying to tell their own stories all at the same time. The House founders could only discern a few words out of the jumble, but not nearly enough to get a full picture. Path felt like he was getting a headache, while Roseclaw was more concerned with her chick, Lucida, who was, thankfully, still fast asleep. Twilight seemed to be trying to catch as much of what was being said as she could, while Free was just chuckling to himself about the whole thing.

Finally, Path slammed a hoof on the table. The resultant bang of hoof on wood was enough to silence the griffon and thestral, but Dial on the other hoof continued for a moment, “...and I said to her, Mom, it's my life. If I want to take things to the next level with him... then...that's... my....” She finally realized that Noah and Dusk were no longer speaking. “Sorry” she said apologetically.

Path first checked to see if his hoof slam had disturbed his young daughter, but she was still sound asleep. Then he returned his attention to the trio in front of him. “Please – one at a time, for all our sakes.”

Noah, Dusk and Dial all stood in silence, looking at each other nervously, each trying to decide who should go first.

“How about the thestral goes first. I'm sorry what did you say you name was?” Twilight said, finally bringing a bit of order into the meeting. “But first could I ask that your friends wait outside? I would like to hear each of your accounts without any outside influence.”

Noah and Dial nodded in agreement and stepped outside the room where the two House guards still stood.

“Now then,” Twilight said calmly as she prepared a scroll to write everything down, “Please start with your name and we'll go on from there.”

Duskwing cleared his throat before speaking. “My name is Duskwing, Your Highness,” he said with a curt bow.

Twilight responded to his bow with a nod of her head, though she still blushed a little at being called 'Your Highness'. “Well then, Duskwing,” she said politely, “Why don't you tell us all your side of what happened today.”

Dusk began telling the House Path founders what happened during his day, making sure he pointed out that he had to take the elderly group around, and putting particular emphasis on how he managed to keep himself from breaking down from their complaints to speak up, or slow down.

After Dusk told his story, Twilight asked Dial Tone to come in and tell hers. Her day was pretty standard really, and she loved it – nothing truly exceptional. She told them of how she got up in the morning and, after her breakfast, she opened the shutters on the agency and waited for her bosses to show up. And, of course everything else that happened during the day. Needless to say it was the least eventful report, until she got to the last part involving the strange unicorn.

Finally, Twilight called Noah to enter. “Last but certainly not least,” she said with a smile. “Please tell us what happened from your perspective. However, I would also like to know what happened yesterday as well as today. I ask because both your friends’ stories put you in the center of the action, so to speak.”

Noah swallowed a little. Should he really tell them everything that he had learned? That they are sitting, no doubt, in the very same room his mother and father sat to hold meetings?  “Well… um...” Noah started. This really was a first for him. Not only was he in the castle that his ancestors built, but he was in front of the very group of ponies and griffons who made it possible for him and Dusk to start their business. “Well, I was looking into my family in the library and....” And so he began. 

An hour passed and Noah told Path, Rose, Twilight and Free his story. However he chose to leave out the part about his family history. No need to let the current Lords and Ladies of the House find that out at this juncture. The tale ended, of course, when Free arrived at the burning agency.

“So,” Path said finally after a few minutes of reflection on what he had just heard. “This unknown pony attacked you and your friends because of that medallion you're wearing, which then turned you into a larger armored form of yourself, and you have no idea why.”

“To be perfectly honest with you, My Lord – no, I don't,” Noah said with a slight shake of his head. “I don't even really know how I knew how to use the medallion in the first place, or how to get that sword. I was just acting on instinct, I guess. I can't really think how else to describe it.”

Path slowly shook his head with a smile as he turned to his wife beside him. “I swear, if I had a crown for every time somebeing didn't know how to describe something they did by ‘acting on instinct’....”

Roseclaw simply laughed a little, knowing the amount of odd things that had happened to them already. She turned her attention to Noah to address him fully. “Thank you. I think that will be all for now,” she said with a smile as Lucida started to stir a little. The infant hippogriff was starting to wake from her nap.

Noah smiled, and after a short bow, he left the room. Once the doors had closed behind him, Free Agent spoke up. “He's hiding something,” he said, his gaze not leaving the door, yet addressing all present.

“I got that impression myself. Do you have any clue as to what it is, Free?” Path asked.

The griffon just shook his head. “No, but it definitely has something to do with this place. We could launch an investigation.”

Twilight interrupted her husband at that point. “I don't think that's a wise idea. No offence, Free, but I think at the moment, Noah really needs to trust us. Investigating him behind his back is the least helpful thing we can do at the moment. He needs to make sense of everything that's happening to him.” She paused for a moment and her face lit up as an idea formed. “I want to help him understand his new abilities; study them with him. Then the more we talk, the more he'll open up to us. Then I'm sure he'll tell us what's bothering him, in his own time.”

Path nodded. “That sounds like a good idea. Okay then, Twilight – tomorrow get Techbird and pose this idea to Noah. I'll invite the three of them to stay here for now. We'll see how things go.”

The four founders stood and left the room using various methods and exits. Twilight teleported herself and Free to another part of the building while Roseclaw left the room through a door to her left carrying a giggling Lucida. Path however headed straight out the two main doors to the room, where he saw Noah and his friends still standing there, swapping their experience with the House founders.

“Ahem!” Path cleared his throat and the three turned to face him. Path smiled at the group before saying, “I understand that the three of you have had, to say the least, a trying time lately. So I would like to offer you all the opportunity to stay here for a little while until things have calmed down.”

Dusk and Dial looked to Noah, wondering whether they should accept or not. After a series of unspoken signals they had developed over the years they had known each other, Noah turned to face the grey-furred earth pony.

“Lord Path,” he said in as formal a voice as he could muster, “My colleagues and I graciously accept your offer.” Dusk and Dial nodded in agreement.

“Excellent!” Path exclaimed with a smile. “Then as your host, I will show you to where you three will be staying.” Path led them to the guest wing and to a room that was usually reserved for visiting dignitaries. The lavish decoration was beyond anything the griff, pony or thestral had ever seen outside of magazine articles on the rich and shameless. The room had three beds – one in the main room, and the other two in the adjoining bedrooms off to either side.

Once Path had left the room, Noah and his friends remained glued in place as they took in the room they now found themselves in. Not even the best hotel in the city had rooms like this. Finally Noah noticed one of the key elements of the room. With a sudden flap of his wings, he jumped onto the large bed and proudly call out, “DIBS!”

Dusk, stirred out of his awe, turned to his friend “Why do you get the big bed? That's not fair.”

The Griffon chuckled. “'Cause I'm bigger then you. Plus I need the extra room,” he said, spreading out his wings to make himself look bigger as he lay on his back.

Dusk tried to pull Noah off the bed but, while strong in his own right, he just couldn't move his obstinate friend. Dial simply watched the griffon and thestral go back and forth on the bed issue, like a mother watching her foals. With a shake of her head and a smile, she made her way to one of the adjoining rooms and settled into the bed there which was plenty big enough for two. She knew eventually Dusk would quit, and find his own bed that was just as good as the one Noah now occupied.


# # #


The next morning, Noah awoke to a hard, aching, and painfully loud growl in his stomach.  It felt like he hadn't eaten for a week. That was however, when the smell of something delicious hit him. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but he knew without a shadow of a doubt that he wanted some. Before leaving the room, he checked on Dial and Dusk, to find them both fast asleep. Dial was sleeping quite peacefully all tucked in. Dusk on the other hand was sprawled on the bed in a position you'd normally find a cat sleeping in. Either way Noah decided not to disturb them, and that he would bring them something later.

Leaving the room, Noah let his nose guide him to the wondrous smell. Eventually Noah's nose led him to the main hall where the dinners were held. His eyes widened to saucer size as he beheld the breakfast that was arrayed on the large table. His eyes drifted over the assorted foods: there was bacon, bagels, chocolate sandwiches, Prench toast, pancakes with syrup, waffles, sausages, and so much more. And the things to drink were also just as multiple, including huge pitchers of orange juice.

Noah had never in all his life seen such a spread, especially not for breakfast. He took note that members of the House staff were putting the food they wanted for breakfast on a tray that they collected from the far end of the table. So he did the same. However whereas some took only a few items for example, one griff took a plate of pancakes, a small serving of bacon and a glass of juice, Noah took as much as he could fit on his tray. By the time he sat down, he had three plates of pancakes all topped off with syrup, four large servings of bacon and sausages, two plates of waffles also covered with syrup and a whole pitcher of orange juice.

Everyone in the Hall, including Path, Free, Rose and Twilight, watched in amazement as Noah ate every single bite of everything he had gathered, before finally downing the whole pitcher in one long go. Once he finished, Noah leaned back in his seat with the satisfied look of someone who had just gotten exactly what he needed. Just as everyone went back to eating their own meager by comparison breakfast, Noah lurched forward and let out a loud belch that echoed throughout the hall. Clamping his beak shut afterwards, Noah looked around and saw that once again everyone was looking at him. Some in disbelief, some in amazement and some were just plain perturbed.

“Sorry.” he said with a sheepish grin. Noah then stood up and, again moved to collect some breakfast foods. But he assured the staff that this wasn't for him, but rather for his friends who were still asleep and might miss breakfast. As he left the hall, a tray in each claw as he walked on his hind legs. He saw the House founders sitting and eating together. He found it strange that Lord Free Agent hadn't actually told the other founders about what he, no doubt, overheard between himself and Erebus. Maybe he intended to tell them later. Or maybe he wanted Noah to tell them himself. Or it could have been possible that he didn't actually listen in. At the moment, Noah didn't know, but he was sure he would eventually find out.


# # #


Noah soon arrived at the room he had slept in last night, fluttering down the hall way carrying the two trays with Dusk and Dial's breakfasts on them. Entering the room, he set the trays down on a nearby table and went to check on and wake up both of his friends. Dial was still sleeping peacefully, her soft gentle snoring was almost a faint whisper. With a gentle claw, he gently shook her.

“Dial? It's time to get up. I've got breakfast for you,” he said softly as she stirred and sat up. It really was amazing. Her mane was still perfect; not one strand out of place. It made Noah wonder if she ever had to work on it at all.

With a gentle yawn, she looked up at Noah and smiled. “Thank you. It smells delicious.” With that, she climbed out of the bed and made her way to the next room to enjoy her breakfast.

Next the griffon made his way to Dusk’s side room. Before he opened the door, he could tell the thestral was still fast asleep. The griffon could hear his friend’s loud snoring through the door. Once the door was open, it was lots louder, not that Noah expected it to be quieter. Dusk was the complete opposite of Dial when he slept. The thestrals mane and tail were totally disheveled. He walked up to Dusk and, again with one claw, flicked the tip of Dusk's nose.

“BAAAAAAAAAAH! WHAAAAAAAAT?” Dusk bolted upright to see Noah sitting next to his bed, grinning. “What was that for?” he asked, his words still a little slurred from sleep.

“Breakfast,” Noah said simply while still grinning, knowing that was all he needed to say to get his friend’s attention.

Of course, it worked. As soon as the words left Noah's beak, Dusk's nose picked up the smell of the particular items of food that had been brought for him. Quickly getting out of the bed, Dusk almost stumbled into the main room as his legs were still somewhat tangled in the bed sheets. Noah did not envy the griff, or pony, whose job it was to make the beds every day.

Entering the main room, he saw his two friends eating as differently as they slept. Dial was eating slowly, savoring each bite. Dusk, on the other claw, was wolfing down a piece of pancake bigger than his mouth, the end of it hanging limply, syrup dripping off of it back onto his plate.

As Noah watched, Dial noticed he wasn't eating, nor was there any plate for him. “You're not having any?” she asked after swallowing a bite. The tone of her voice made Dusk turn his head to face Noah too, the remaining pancake swinging about as he did.

“No, I'm fine,” Noah reassured them both. “I had some earlier when I woke up. It was the strangest thing. I woke up feeling like I hadn't eaten for days. Then I smelled something and I followed my nose and it led me to the biggest breakfast spread I've ever seen. So I had a little something for breakfast, then got some for the two of you.”

“A little something is a bit of an understatement don't you think?”

All three turned to the voice that had startled them, to see Twilight standing in the doorway, smiling. “I hope I'm not disturbing any of you,” she said, a light frown forming as the notion crossed her mind.

“No, of course not, My Lady,” Noah said with a slight bow which was elegantly copied by Dial. Dusk however simply gave a curt nod and resumed eating.

“Glad to hear it,” she said, her smile returning. “Um… Noah, do you mind if we talk for a moment?”

Noah shook his head. “Not at all,” he said, but didn't leave the spot he stood on. After all, she didn't say it needed to be a private conversation.

The purple alicorn quickly caught on. “Well, I was just thinking – that medallion of yours is a very powerful magic artifact, and so far the three of you are the only ones to see what it can do. But you, Noah,” she said pointing a hoof at the griffon, “you're the only one who has actually experienced its abilities.”

“That's certainly true,” Noah said, bringing a claw to the item in question where it hung securely around his neck. “Tell you the truth, I'd love to study it and find out what else it can do. Maybe also find some answers.”

The quick clop of hooves hitting each other suddenly turned all eyes to Twilight once again. “That's great!” she said, beaming. “I was wondering how to broach the subject with you when you just did it yourself!” She moved closer to the Noah. “I want to help you study it and its properties. That way we can learn about it together. I might catch something you might miss and vice versa.”

Noah thought about it for a moment before smiling at the purple alicorn. “That sounds like a great Idea. I'm looking forward to it.”

Again Twilight clapped her hooves together. “Great!” she said, still smiling. “I'll come by and wake you tomorrow morning so we can have all day to study that magnificent medallion of yours.”

“Tomorrow morning?” Noah asked, curious about the apparent delay. “Wouldn't it be best to start today?”

“Well, we're not really set up to study such a unique artifact yet. It'll take most of today to set up all the equipment we'll need to run every kind of test we can think of, without damaging the medallion of course.”

That made some sense to the griffon. After all, this was a unique situation with a unique item, and he doubted that a simple microscope would be appropriate for the kind of tests Twilight was planning. “So, do you need any help setting up?” he asked looking for something to do.

“Oh no, you don't worry about that. I'll have some members of the R&D staff to help me.”

“So what do we do?” Dusk asked, deciding to join in the conversation, his muzzle covered in pancake syrup.

Twilight paused for a moment to think of an answer to the thestral’s question. “Well I'm sure the three of you would appreciate a full tour of the place. You didn't really get one when you arrived, did you? I'm sure one of the staff will gladly help out with that.  But for now, I've got to go. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow, Noah,” she said happily before trotting off.


# # #


The dark stone walls of the cave were dryer in this area, but the torches were not present. Instead there was a series of brightly glowing crystals that illuminated the medical section of the dark lair. On one of the operating tables sat the Hunter, watching as a fuchsia unicorn began to stitch up the wound he had received from the accursed Medallion Master. The Hunter watched her work, wincing every time the needle pierced his flesh.

“So,” a voice spoke up, the mocking tone evident, ”Looks like you weren't able to get the job done after all. I should have placed a bet on it.”

The Hunter looked at the source of the voice; it was one of the Shrouded Ones. As he approached the Shrouded One pulled back his hood revealing a dark grey pony with a white mane. “Maybe I should have gone instead? Then our master might finally have that last medallion for his collection.”

“If you had gone, I doubt you would have survived to be sitting here while I mock you, Storm Wind,” the Hunter retorted, earning a smile from the grey Pony. Soon enough they were both laughing, causing the unicorn to scowl as the Hunter's laughter made it harder for her to finish her job.

Eventually the laughter stopped and she finished. “Now stay off that leg to let it heal. I'll check up on you in a week.” With that, the Hunter and Storm Wind left.

After they arrived at the Hunter’s quarters, Storm Wind again turned to him. “So really – what happened? You never fail to take a target once you find them. How did this griffon give you so much trouble?”

With a sigh, the Hunter passed into the main living area of his quarters, making sure to keep his injured leg up. “He used that damn medallion of his!”

Storm Wind was taken aback by the Hunter’s statement. “What do you mean? He couldn't have used it! One has to go through intense thorough training to even begin to make use of the medallion’s powers.”
 
“Exactly, but this birdbrain didn't. He just used it! It was like he knew all along how to use it.” Hobbling over to a weapon rack, the Hunter replaced all but one of the daggers he usually carried with him. “It was impossible. But it happened. He ruined my favorite dagger too,” he added with a pout as, with his magic, he held up the dagger with the mostly missing blade.

Storm Wind examined the mirror smooth slice that cut the dagger in half. “Yep,” he said with finality. “A Knight’s weapon did this alright. Dark-forged blades like this should be easy to re-forge even after a Light weapon cut it. Told you to stop using these older weapons – they just don't stand up to what the Knights use. You're lucky it was just a gash you got. If he had been a few inches closer... let's just say you wouldn't have survived to be stitched up.”

The Hunter looked at his shoulder; it still hurt. The Dark Master didn't believe in pain killers. “I'm eternally thankful that it could be stitched up. I'm not very keen on the idea of bleeding out before I can have a re-match with that Tartarus-damned griffon. I'll need some newer daggers to fight him though.”

Storm Wind nodded and turned to leave. “Just make sure you get some rest. You're no good to the master dead. I'll get those new daggers for you too.”

With that the grey Pony left, leaving the Hunter alone with his thoughts. Despite his hatred for the griffon, the Hunter’s thoughts were focused more on the Medallion Master’s companions or, to be more precise, that earth pony mare. Her face kept popping into his mind unbidden. Those blue eyes, her cute freckles... “NO!” he shouted out loud as he shook his head, trying to force the image out. “Just forget about her. She's of no consequence. Cute... but of no consequence... totally....” Sitting on his bed, he hung his head and sighed. “Yep... I wanna see her again. Crap.”


# # #


It had been several days since Twilight and Noah began studying the medallion, trying to figure out its magic and how it all worked. The biggest revelation came when Twilight and Noah were studying the Knight form itself. One thing they learned that was the Knight form used the user’s own energy to power its manifestation, which finally explained Noah's huge appetite the following morning: he needed to replace all that he had lost. Today, they were once again studying the Knight form.

“So you said when you got hit by that strange unicorn’s dagger, you didn't see yourself under the armor, right?” Twilight asked as she, with her magic, was running a scan on Noah as he stood in the center of the room in Knight form. “Yeah,” he said, his voice once again that strange deeper double version of his own. “It really freaked me out, but I didn't really have time to think about it back then.”

“Well, I think I've figured out why,” she said as she finished her scan. “You can... um... power down now if you like.” The silver light filled the room and once again Noah was his regular blue, black and white self. He then proceeded to feast on the food prepped for him beforehand. “Sho,” he said with a beak full of two kinds of food at once, “you fink *gulp* you've figured out what was going on?” Once his question was asked he took another hungry bite.

Twilight couldn't help but smile at the griffon’s behavior. She had gotten very used to it over the past few days. “I think so. Take a look,” she said as she projected, with her magic, a profile image of Noah, and then she projected another image over it. I think what you saw under the armor was... well… I think the best way to describe it is a layer of semi solid light between you and the armor, forming a secondary level of protection, I guess.”

A loud belch signaled that Noah had finished his meal, and he moved to stand beside her as he looked over her projections. “I guess that makes sense. I did feel like I was there in the armor but it felt kinda warm and cozy. Guess this explains it.”

Twilight looked over at the Griffon. It had been several days since he and his friends had been invited to stay by Path, but still he hadn't brought up the one thing that he had been keeping from the House founders. Twilight had hoped he might have by now, but so far, nothing. “Well I think that's more than enough for today,” she said, ending the projections.

Noah rounded his shoulders and stretched his hind legs. Twilight was about to say something more before the griffon held up a claw to silence her. “Let me guess – ‘You shouldn't leave the grounds, just in case that unicorn is out there’,” he said in a perfect impression of the purple alicorn, which caused her to chuckle.

“Yes,” she said, “but in all seriousness, you don't know what else is out there. That unicorn could have brought some kind of backup. We don't know yet what you can stand up to. There are a lot of things you haven't been tested against yet.” She placed a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. “We're only looking out for you.” Noah gave her an appreciative smile and began to make his way out of the room. “Well, I guess I'll just head back to my room. I think Duskwing has got one of those new board games from town. Might have a game with him.” With that, he left.

Once alone, Twilight frowned. She was sure he would tell her what he had been keeping in. However she had the feeling that her husband knew what it was, so it was time to talk to him. Teleporting out of the lab, she reappeared in the room that she shared with the griffon-changeling. He was there, working on one of his paintings. This one was particularly beautiful – the Griffonia cityscape at sunset. The mixture of reds, oranges and yellows was amazing. It was almost like he'd just taken the colors right out of the sky.

“Free?” she asked once the reddish-brown feathered griffon added the final touch to his latest masterpiece.

“What's up, Twi?” he said with his trademark grin.

She swallowed a little before she continued. “You know what Noah's keeping to himself, don't you?”

Free didn't even stop in his tracks as he put away his art supplies, still smiling. “Why yes. Yes I do.”

“Then what is it?” she asked. “He's been keeping it to himself the entire time he's been here. It's something important and keeping it bottled up isn't going to help him in the least. So please tell me so I can help him.”

“Nope. Sorry, Sparkles,” he said without even a pause. “That's not for me to tell. It's his secret. I just happened to overhear it. If he wants to divulge it he will. Just give him the time that you suggested giving him. Besides, I highly doubt that Noah keeping his secret is gonna do him any harm for now. He'll probably tell eventually.”

At hearing her own advice used against, her all Twilight could do was pout.


# # #


As Noah entered his room, he did indeed see Duskwing unpacking the new board game he had picked up, but the griffon had no intention of joining in. He slumped down onto his bed and sighed.

The thestral looked up from the rule book he was reading and wandered over to his friend. “So, what's got ya so down?”

Another sigh came from the griffon as he rolled onto his back. “I'm so bored! We've been here for at least a week, and I've spent that whole time doing nothing but researching this medallion,” he said, flicking it with a talon.

Dusk shrugged. “Hey, it's not that bad.”

Before he could say anything more, Noah gently pushed him away. “Yeah, not so bad for you!” he said with a huff. “You actually get to leave the grounds… have fun... buy board games. Not me. I'm stuck in a lab.” Once again, Noah sighed. “Ugh... I just want to go out and have a little fun.”

“So why don't you?” the thestral remarked with a shrug.

“What?”

With a roll of his eyes Dusk repeated himself “So why don't you? Twilight's never said, to my knowledge, you can’t leave; only that you shouldn't. For your own safety and all that, right?”

Noah thought for a moment and finally nodded. “That's right, she's never said I wasn't allowed to leave.”

With a nod of his head, Dusk went back to his board game and continued reading the rule book. “So go out, have some fun and then come back. I heard about a great nightclub that you should check out. I'll totally cover for you.”

“Sounds great; I'll do that,” Noah said with a smile, and then he began to pace the room as he thought over several ways to get out unnoticed by any of the guards. All the while, he muttered to himself as he mulled the plans over in his head.

With a light chuckle, Dusk decided to interrupt. “Weren't you just yesterday going on about all these newfangled abilities that medallion of yours lets you do? If I remember correctly, did you not mention something on the line of... teleporting?”

“Well, yeah, I can a bit. It's not like Twilight’s – I can only jump if I can see where I'm going. I can't jump across the whole city,” Noah said as he continued his pacing, but paused when a sudden realization hit him. “But then again, I don't have to. All I've gotta do is get out of the grounds, then I can fly the rest of the way.” Suddenly he made his way to the door, stopping only to briefly thank Dusk before the door closed behind him.

Once Noah was in the hallway, he began searching for a window that faced the gardens while making sure no guards saw him. Once he found a good window with no guards or House staff in sight, he looked out into the gardens and focused. An instant later he was standing in the exact spot he was looking at, only a few thin wisps of smoke remaining where he had been. Next he looked for a good vantage point for his next jump. Finding it, he was soon enough on top of the highest point of the mansion. “Hmm... probably could have flown up here, but I need the practice,” he said to himself with a chuckle. From his new vantage point he could see all the grounds and, most importantly, he could see the wall that surrounded them. It was much further away than his last two jumps, so he braced himself a bit… and in an instant he was on the other side of the wall, out of the grounds and no one had seen him. With a cocky smile he took off and made his way into the city.


# # #


Walking the streets of the city at night brought back memories of when he, Dusk, and Dial would hang out after work on the weekend and have a general good time. That seemed like a lifetime ago, when in reality it had only been seven days. As he got nearer to the club that Dusk had mentioned, he could feel the beat travelling up his legs. It was energetic, lively, and he liked it. When he finally arrived at the club, he saw the line outside and knew that it was one worth going to, just by the sight of so many griffons lined up. At the door a single bouncer stood. He was huge. The harpy eagle/tiger bouncer stood like a statue in front of the door, a clipboard held firm in one talon. He was only letting griffs in very slowly.
Noah, however, did not have time to wait in line and so he made a beeline straight to the door. As he got within reach of the bouncer, he stopped Noah with a simple glare.

“Back of the line, shorty!” he said.

His strong baritone voice made Noah's feathers fluff up, but he quickly got it under control before any griff in the line laughed and stood his ground. “I don't think so!” he said asserting himself. “My name is Noah Bluecrest. I'm a guest of House Path and I am going to go inside!”

The bouncer actually moved, causing those griffs at the front of the line gasp and step back. “Listen here, runt, you can be the clucking King, for all I care. You're not on the list, so you go to the back of the line NOW!”

Noah's medallion began to glow softly, and the hazel irises in the griffon’s eyes took on a slightly golden glow to them as he said calmly, “I am on the list, and you will let me inside.” The glow in his eyes and the medallion faded, and the bouncer shook his head and looked down at the list.

“Huh... seems you are or the list. My apologies for the confusion.” With that, he lifted the red velvet rope and allowed Noah to pass.

Once he was inside, he saw the magic lights all around the club. Some flashed different colors in sequence, and others slowly faded from one color to the next. The beat that he felt in his feet was now running through his whole body, and it moved him to the dance floor. There were a lot of griffons, but even through the crowd he saw possibly the most beautiful griffoness he'd ever seen. She was a sea eagle/white lioness mix, and she had arranged some feathers on her head to drape over her right eye. Making his way over to her, Noah began dancing. She noticed the sudden company and was impressed by his moves. When he saw her looking at him, he flashed her his most confident grin. “I'll dance next to you. If you want to think we're dancing together, go ahead!”

“I do want to think that!” she said with a smile and continued to dance alongside Noah. Even though the two had never met before, they seemed to be able to anticipate each other. When one made a certain move, the other made a move to complement it. The two soon realized that they had gathered a lot of attention, as the crowd had parted around them giving them more space. For Noah it did not matter – all he could see was her. He didn't know how she felt, but he hoped she felt the same. However, they continued to dance and so it went on and on for the rest of the night.


# # #


It was early morning when Noah finally returned to the House grounds. Despite being wiped out from partying, he was still aware enough to not let the guards see him. Eventually he wobbled his way into his room and was greeted with a somewhat disgruntled Duskwing.

“What time do you call this?” the thestral asked.

All Noah could do was stand there swaying slightly, smiling like a goof, before he answered “Stime to slleeep” he said moments before collapsing onto the bed. He was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.


# # #


Elsewhere in Griffonia, a certain griffoness was also arriving home. The white-feathered griffon made sure to close her home’s huge front door as quietly as possible. Giving a satisfactory nod, she turned to make her way to her bedroom. As she got to the fourth floor where her room was, she came face to face with a member of the staff who had just left the rest room. He stood looking straight at her, eyes wide, and she was much the same.

Finally the griffon sighed and rubbed a taloned hand against the back of his head. “Opal Whitequill... you know that eventually your parents are going to catch you either sneaking in or out, don't you?”

“Maybe, but not tonight,” Opal said with a quiet laugh as she tossed her head to one side to sort out her stray feathers. “Besides, it's not like I'm running off and getting in trouble. All I'm doing is having a good time after all the crap I have to go through all day.”

The male griffon nodded. “I know all that. Just remember they just want you to be ready to take over should the worst happen.”

Opal rolled her eyes. “Ugh! Don't remind me. Got that speech about three times yesterday. Now I'm going to hit the sack. After all, granddad's visiting tomorrow; gotta look my best for him,” she said with a smile as she headed for her room.

The next morning, Opal was standing beside her mother and father, waiting for her grandfather to arrive. She really looked forward to his visits. Out of all her extended family he was the one who she felt really understood her. Finally he arrived, and upon entering the entrance hall, he was greeted by his daughter and son-in-law. Then as he laid his eyes on Opal, he spread his forelegs and gave a big smile. Her regular cue given, Opal smiled and ran to him, giving him a big tight hug and getting one just as tight in return.

“I've missed you, Granddad,” she said as she continued the hug. It lasted for a few more moments.

“I've missed you too, Opal,” Argent Glimfeather said as he let go of his granddaughter.


> Revelations and Mysteries.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

King Argent Glimfeather and his son-in-law, Abbadon Whitequill, walked through the halls of Whitequill Manor. The latter’s powerful muscles, earned from a lifetime working his family forge, rippled with each step he took. And despite every attempt that he made to be presentable, Abbadon still smelled like smoke and fire.

“I must say, Lord Whitequill,” the King said as they walked, “I've been very impressed with the latest batch of armor your forge has supplied to the army. It surpasses everything we've seen to date from all the other forges. Your work I presume?”

Abbadon chuckled softly as they continued. “Actually, your Majesty, it's Opal’s. She found a new method of heating the steel, making it lighter but stronger at the same time. Her mother and I are both very proud of her.”

“As well you should be after an amazing discovery of that nature,” King Glimfeather said with a smile. “I share your pride.” But then he noticed a strange look on his son-in-law’s face. “Is something bothering you, Lord Whitequill?”

Abbadon stopped in his tracks and quickly looked left to right. “Can I speak plainly with you, your Majesty?” A quick nod from the king gave the Lord of the House all the permission he needed. “I'm worried about Opal, Argent.”

“Is something wrong?” Argent asked, his concern for his granddaughter plain in his voice.

Abbadon shook his head. “No, she's fine, but I'm told that she's been seen out in the city late at night. At first, I just shook it off as rumors, but then I keep hearing more and more, and in each, they give a description of a she-griff who seems to fit Opal to a T.”

Argent thought for a moment before he spoke up. “Have you asked Opal about this? If it is her, then I see a conversation in the future that would hopefully shed some light on the reason.”

Abbadon slumped a little, a strange sight indeed seeing a griff with his impressive build. “I've asked her about it several times, but she always denies it. But the question keeps appearing in my mind, if it is Opal, why would she be spending her nights ‘out on the town’ as they say, instead of studying. I raised her better than that.”

“If it is Opal, as you yourself said,” Argent interjected. “Now, let's speak on more business terms. Forget this particular bit of hearsay for now. I wish to discuss your progress on the new suit of armor you have been working on for General Ironfeather,” he said as they began walking again.

***

Back at the House Path Manor, Noah had finally woken up after his early morning return. He didn't know what exactly to expect to see when he opened his eyes, but certainly not the purple eyes of Twilight Sparkle.

“Wha–?” he said in his groggy, heavily hungover state. Twilight stood up and coughed to clear her throat. It was a quiet little thing but to Noah, it sounded like a thunderclap directly in each ear. “Pleeeease don't be so loud,” he said, putting his taloned hands over his poor ears.

“Where were you today?” she asked in her regular tone, though to Noah it was as loud as the Canterlot voice. “We were supposed to study that sword you used to fight the strange pony, but you never showed up. I was really worried. So again, where were you?”

Groaning with the effort to move, the very hungover griffon opened his eyes and looked up at the Princess of Friendship and Lady of the House. “I was right here, trying to sleep off the mother of all hangovers.”

For a moment, Twilight was confused. “I don't understand. Any alcoholic drinks here have had spells put on them to prevent things like that. It helps keep the staff... and certain red griffons from drinking too much and getting so hungover they can't do their jobs in the morning.”

With a very slow nod of his head, Noah agreed. “That is very true, but I wasn't drinking the House's stock of drinks last night.”

Again, Twilight was confused. She began pacing the room as she mulled over the facts out loud. All the while, Noah carefully picked up a goblet of water and dropped a small tablet into it, which began to fizz gently. “But if you weren’t drinking from the House stock and you're hungover then...” She paused as it all came together finally. With a loud drawn-out gasp, she turned to look right at Noah. “You went outside the grounds!”

After taking a slow sip of the fizzing water, Noah put the goblet down. “Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!” he said slowly. “See, I was bored out of my skull last night and it was suddenly suggested to me that I wasn’t not allowed to leave – just that I shouldn't. So I did. I had a great night, then came home. No harm, no foul,” he said while he began to massage his temples.

“I'd say some harm was done,” Twilight said with a chuckle as she watched the griffon try to ease his headache. “Sooo…” she said almost conspiratorially “Did you meet anygriff?” Noah looked up at the young alicorn and smiled. Over the next hour, in spite of his hangover, he described in detail all that had happened the previous night.

***

While Noah and Twilight continued to talk about what had gone down last night, Opal Whitequill had just finished some of her duties as a Lady of House Whitequill. The young griffon was on her way to her own little study to continue her metallurgical research. When she entered the small room, she was startled to find the same griffon that she had bumped into the previous night when she had returned home. Her personal aid, Pike Notus. “What are you doing in here?!” she demanded. “This is my private space – no griff is permitted to enter!”

“I know, my lady, and I apologize, but I wanted to talk to you about last night. I mean usually you tell me all about what you do when you go out, but last night you didn't. I knew this would be the only place where I could bring up the subject without anygriff else overhearing and informing your parents.”

With a slight chuckle, Opal nodded. “You're right. I do, don't I?” she said as she took her seat and turned to face their other griff.

“So what happened last night?” he asked. “You came home a lot later than usual. Bad night?”

“Oh, it was very much the opposite,” Opal said with a smile as she thought back. “I had a great time.”

Upon seeing her mood change, Pike decided to ask something he had been wondering. “You met somegriff last night, didn't you?” The resultant Blush on Opal’s cheeks gave him all the confirmation he needed.

“How did you know?” she asked, still blushing.

“Well, when you came home you had a, shall we say, certain glow about you. You didn't...?” Once again Opal blushed, even brighter this time.

“Oh, gods! No!” she almost shouted. “We just danced and had a few drinks. He more than me, but that's all that happened.”

“I apologize, my lady,” he said honestly and bowed to show his respect.

After a moment Opal looked over to the other griffon. “Can I ask you something?”

“Always, my lady” he replied with a smile.

Opal took a moment to think about how to word her question. “When you and your wife first met, how did you know that she was the one?”

The male griffon paused for a moment and smiled as he recalled with perfect clarity the day, the very moment in question. She was a young handmaid and he was a simple butler, one among many. Their eyes met across the dining hall and at that moment they knew they were perfect for each other. “It was as if she were the only thing that existed in the world,” he said as he gazed back across the years.

As Opal listened to the description of her aid’s meeting with his wife so long ago, she recalled that the previous night when she first saw that strange blue griffon, and what had just been described was exactly the same way she felt. As soon as she saw that strange, handsome, griff, nothing else in the world mattered.

Seeing her dreamy expression as she was clearly looking back on events, Pike couldn't help but smile. “You felt it, didn't you?”

Snapped out of her reminiscing, Opal looked to her aid with confusion. “Felt what?”

Pike had a strange gleam in his eye. “An ancient calling – one that links two souls together and echoes across time.”

“What calling?” Opal asked, totally enthralled by Pikes mystery.

Smiling once again, Pike said the one word that gave a name to the feeling that Opal had been struggling with – “Destiny”

With a quick snort, Opal suddenly found herself laughing in her attempt to hide her belief. “Destiny? Seriously? Don't be ridiculous! Destiny isn't real; it's just something griffons made up to try to explain things they can't explain,” she said between fits of laughter. All the while Pike continued to look at her. Finally, once her laughing ended, he cleared his throat and locked eyes with her. “Mock it if you will, but there are greater forces in our world than you or I know. Remember that, my lady,” he finished with a smile and a bow and left her study, knowing full well his lady fully believed him.

***

The cold stone walls shone with purple light as the Hunter practiced his magic. In their first encounter, his magic did next to nothing to that accursed griffon, so he wanted to be ready for their next encounter,

which would be soon, he was certain. A knock on his door brought an end to his practice. His leg fully healed by now, he walked over to his door and opened it to reveal Storm Wind stood on his doorstep.

“I see your leg's feeling better,” the pony said as he entered carrying a fancy oak box with him. “These were just completed,” he said as he handed the box to the Hunter who took hold of it with his magic and opened it. Inside were six of the most amazing daggers he had ever seen, each was Identical to the last, the blades seeming to shimmer with the dark energy infused into them.

“Those should prove more effective against the Medallion Master than your last ones,” Storm said as he watched his friend admire the shining blades as he levitated them around him.

“I certainly can't wait to try them out against him,” the Hunter said with a cruel smile before he, with his magic, hurled all six at a crudely drawn image of Noah. Each blade buried itself into the center of the drawn griffon’s head.

***

It was getting late, and once again Noah was in the process of sneaking out of the manor to go to the club. Gliding on the wind as he made his approach to the city, he found himself hoping that he would meet the griffoness once more. Dancing with her had really been the highlight of that night and he wanted to feel that way again.

Once he entered the club, without hassle from the bouncer this time, he looked around for her. However, he saw no sign of her and his heart sank. He couldn't even ask about her because he didn't know her name. He slumped his shoulders and thought about leaving until he felt a bump against his left shoulder. Looking in that direction, he saw her standing there smiling at him.

“You weren't missing me were you?”

“Nah,” he said with a grin, waving a dismissive claw. “I was just not liking the music they were playing a moment ago.” He couldn't help but chuckle nervously. Deep down she knew he was lying, and he knew she knew too.

“So I forgot to ask last night – what's your name? I'm Noah,” he said as they both began moving their bodies to the beat of the currently playing song.

“I'm Opal, and it's nice to meet you, Noah,” she said with a smile.

As the night went on, Noah and Opal danced, ate, and drank, but thankfully not nearly as much as last time, and they laughed as they got to know each other better. Eventually, as it always must, the time came to make their way to their respective homes – or temporary home in Noah's case.

As they left the club together Noah turned to her. “It's pretty dark tonight; would you like me to walk you home?” he asked, smiling. Opal looked at him with her own smile and gently shook her head. “Oh, I don't think we're at that stage yet,” she laughed. “Maybe one day, but not today. Noah... what's your surname?”

“Bluecrest,” Noah said, puffing out his chest and looking as proud as he could which caused Opal to chuckle again.

“Well,” she said as she started to make her own way home while looking over her shoulder, “I hope I can see you tomorrow night, Noah Bluecrest.” She even gave him a small wink before she took flight. She circled above him once before flying away somewhere toward the outskirts.

“I hope to see you tomorrow too, Opal,” Noah said smiling as he watched her disappear into the distance.

With a contented sigh, Noah turned around and began walking back into the city he loved. He didn't really feel like going back to the manor yet, so he decided that he would go for one of his long overdue late night walks through the city like he used to do before all this craziness happened.

As he wandered the streets seeing all the sights that greeted him like an old friend, he wondered if he should go visit his apartment. While it was true House Path had made arrangements with the landlord so Noah wouldn't lose his apartment, he did feel somewhat homesick and just felt like dropping in for a little bit, maybe play his piano for a bit. He hadn't tickled its ivories for a while.

That was when a strange smell caught his nose. It was acrid and even smelled almost hot. Smoke! Looking skyward, the griffon saw a large pillar of smoke rising from somewhere in the center of the city. Throwing caution to the wind, Noah spread his wings, launched into the sky, and flew straight towards the pillar of smoke until he saw the building that was now fully ablaze. Landing near the fire he saw several of the city guards shouting orders to get the blaze under control. Feeling everything was as under control as a fire could be, Noah was about to turn and leave when a griffon couple ran up to one of the guards demanding that he help them.

“Our chicks are in there!” the female shouted.

Then her mate joined in. “They were fast asleep, so we went out to have a late dinner. Now, let us in there!” Before the guard could question why they would leave their chicks even if they were asleep, a bright, silver light distracted them all.

The three griffons turned to look and saw a larger, fully armored griffon standing nearby before it rushed over to them.

“What floor are your chicks on?” Noah asked in his double voice.

“The top floor, apartment six. They're in the back-most room. Save them!” the male shouted moments before Noah spread his wings and took off, making an almost ninety-degree turn in the air before crashing through the window in front of him.

Inside the burning building, Noah could barely see where he was going due to the smoke, but breathing wasn't a problem at least. And while he couldn't feel the heat of the flames, the endangered chicks certainly could, as the terrified shrieks attested. Quickly finding the apartment, Noah felt the door, testing if it was hot or not before he kicked it down. The shrieks were definitely louder and Noah made his way to the backmost room. This time, however, instead of kicking it down and possibly harming the young ones, he drew his sword and, with two diagonal cuts, sliced it open.

Inside the room against the furthest wall were three young chicks, one older than the other two, who were practically identical. Sheathing his sword in its pocket dimension, Noah made his way to the chicks and knelt down in front of them. “Don't worry, I'm here to help.”

Standing up from the wall, the three chicks made their way over to the armored griffon. Noah let the older one climb onto his back while he picked up the twins and held onto them tightly. Then he looked over his shoulder to the third sitting on his back. “Hold on tight now. I'll have you back to your parents in no time.”

The chick nodded his head and nervously tightened his grip.

Making his way out of the apartment, Noah found that the stairs that led to the lower floor were gone. Obviously, they had collapsed due to the fire and the window that he entered through was now also blocked by burning debris. He couldn't risk using many of his abilities because of his precious cargo, so he was running out of Ideas and the chicks were starting to cough from the smoke. A loud creak drew his attention and he looked up to see a large section of the ceiling collapsing. He quickly dodged the falling debris and looked up again.

If he was able to smile while in his Knight form, would have been grinning ear to ear. The hole in the ceiling was big enough for Noah to escape the blaze. Spreading his wings, he prepared to take off. Rather than his wings flapping to provide his lift, a strange energy was expelled from between his metallic feathers. Twilight had called it Magic Thrust, and it propelled him upward faster than any griff could fly. Wasting little time, Noah landed in front of the chicks’ parents, and as soon as he put the twins down and allowed their old brother to flutter off his back, they ran to their parents. However, Noah didn't have time to enjoy the adorable spectacle of the reunited family as he again turned his attention to the still-burning building. Once again he took off into the sky and began to hover just above the building as he thought of what to do.

The thought soon dawned on him. Fire needed air to burn, so he needed to starve it. So he angled his wings, one facing forward and the other backwards, and angling himself upright, he began spinning faster and faster, creating a vortex. All the griffons on the street below watched in amazement as the vortex began to suck up the fire and at the same time starving it. After several seconds, the fire was extinguished. Noah stopped his spinning and flew back down to the street to try and stop his own head from spinning. As the other griffons began to swarm him, he decided to not answer a lot of questions and started to dash into a nearby alley, only to lose his concentration due to his dizziness and the Knight form disappeared giving several of the onlookers a fleeting glimpse of a blue, white, and dark grey griffon.

Hiding in the alleyway, Noah took a moment to catch his breath. He was pretty sure no one had seen him, but not certain. He also knew that soon enough he would need to eat a lot of food. He decided that it was in his best interest to get back to the House grounds. As he prepared to take flight, a scream split the air. Noah couldn't help but wonder who it was and why they were screaming, so, against his better judgment, he took off and flew in the direction the scream had come from. Eventually, he came upon a scene he had not expected to ever see. Two males had a griffoness cornered and one of them had a crossbow to her neck and the other had a knife. What kind of lowlife would stoop to something as dishonorable as theft like this? Acting on instinct, he reached for his Medallion again and once more took on his Knight form. Then, leaping down into the alley, he landed with a loud crash, cracking the stone beneath him as he did.

The two thieves turned, the one with the crossbow keeping a tight grip on the female’s throat while he aimed the weapon at the new arrival. “What do you want?!”

Noah took a single step forward. “Let her go.”

The two looked at the armored stranger and laughed before the one with the knife also took a step forward. “Are you stupid or something? Let her go? What do we look like to you?!” he shouted.

Noah stood stock still for a moment, weighing up his words. He had to sound like he knew what he was doing and he had to answer the challenge and the insult they had given him. “You look like two cowards, so insecure that they only feel strong by ganging up on a griffon who can't defend herself.”

“Cluck you, bucket-head!” the one with the knife shouted then charged. Noah let him come, effortlessly dodging the clumsy attacks before finally catching the claw holding the knife at the wrist and gave a squeeze. The griffon cried out as he felt the bones in his wrist crack and splinter. 

A twang and a metallic thunk signaled that the other griffon had loosed the bolt from his crossbow, which had become lodged into Noah’s front foreleg.

Dropping the first griffon who had passed out from the pain, Noah turned his attention to the other, and in an instant, he had closed the distance and had taken him out with a strong backhanded strike. The offending griffon lay in a heap on the ground, the slight expanding of his chest proof he was still alive.

Approaching the frightened griffoness, Noah kept his distance to show he meant her no harm. “You're safe now. Are you alright, my lady?” A quick, scared nod signified the affirmative. Noah looked about before returning his attention to her. “The City Guard will be here soon. I can hear them coming.” Turning away from her, he spread his wings to take off but stopped when he heard her call to him.

“Wait!” she said.

Looking over his shoulder, Noah waited to see what she wanted.

“Thank you,” she finally breathed out before quickly asking, “Who are you?”

For a moment, Noah was struck with uncertainty. He hadn't considered what he might call himself if anygriff asked something like that. After all, he couldn't very well tell them his name. Nor had he ever really expected to go about doing stuff like this. So he thought for a few moments, which to her must have seemed like a pause for dramatic effect. Finally, the image of what he resembled the most came to mind. “I am the Knight,” he said simply before taking off high into the sky.

When Noah finally arrived back at House Path Manor he was starving, more than he had ever been, having used the Medallion to transform twice in one night. He was so famished that he could no longer keep himself airborne and made an extremely unflattering landing in the house grounds. Luckily he was close to the front door, so he let himself in.

Of course, at this time of night, there were very few staff members about, most being asleep or otherwise standing watch on the walls that protected the grounds. But he could not wait until the kitchen staff awoke in the morning to prepare breakfast, and so the blue and white feathered griffon had very little choice in the matter and made his way into the kitchen, turned on the stove in preparation and located the refrigerator. Opening it, he saw everything he needed to sate his growling stomach.

The next morning, Noah was not found in his bed by the head butler who would come to wake the House guests. But instead, he was found by a highly annoyed and somewhat befuddled kitchen staff. Noah Bluecrest was found passed out on the kitchen floor surrounded by bits and pieces of the food he had eaten the night before. Of course, the fridge was now completely empty.

***

Noah awoke to find himself still in the kitchen where he had fallen into his food coma from his large meal the previous night. He looked around him to see that every pot and pan was still where he had left them. However, there was one new addition to the mess. On either side of his head he found a violet colored foot with naturally rose-colored talons, and the three on the right foot were tapping the tiled floor with a trace of annoyance.

That was when Noah looked up to see Lady Roseclaw herself standing over him and looking even less pleased than her tapping suggested.

“So, I have a feeling I maybe ate too much last night?” Noah said in a humorous tone, trying to relieve the tension. It was less than successful, the frown remaining firmly in place. However, when she spoke, there wasn't a hint of anger. Her voice was calm and even, and that somehow made it so much worse. “You ate everything in the larder. Did you forget we're hosting the King tonight?”

“Oh no,” Noah moaned as he slapped a hand to his forehead. “That's tonight! I am so sorry!” he said as he quickly got to his feet. “I'll go get more right now!” he said as he prepared to bolt from the room to make good on his promise. However an extended wing from Roseclaw stopped him before he could even move an inch.

“That is already being taken care of. The whole kitchen staff is down in the city right now replacing everything you inhaled. And they are not happy about it,” she said once again in the calmest voice ever.

“Again, I'm so sorry. I'll do anything to make it up to you and them,” Noah said, hanging his head. “Just name it and I'll do it.”

Rose sat on her haunches and rubbed a taloned foot against her chin in thought. “Well, there is something you could do. It was the staff who suggested it, actually.”

Noah raised his head with hope in his eyes. “Name it!”

Roseclaw smiled. It was a little unnerving, to say the least. “You, my blue and white friend, can do us all a big favor,” she said as she placed a claw on his shoulder and promptly turned him around to face into the mess that was once the House kitchen. “You can clean up after yourself.”

Noah saw the devastation he had caused and his hopeful smile faded a little until he remembered his medallion. With its powers, he could have the whole kitchen spotless in no time. That was when he felt it being removed from him. He turned and saw Lady Roseclaw wrapping the gold chain around her right forefoot as she smiled.

“Oh, and you'll do it without this. Wouldn't be a punishment if it was easy now, would it?” she said smiling as she turned around and started to leave. As she did she looked over her shoulder. “I expect you to have this room spotless by the time the kitchen staff returns in two hours. Happy cleaning!”

Noah turned back into the mess of a kitchen and sighed a little before he made a start by picking up all the pots and pans that lay strewn about the floor.

***

Noah had finished a mere five minutes before the kitchen staff had returned with carts full of supplies. The blue and white griffon made a point of avoiding them and opted for leaving an apology note instead.

It had been several hours since then and the party was now underway. As a guest of the House, Noah, Dusk, and Dial were invited and had some attire made for them in advance, courtesy of Twilight’s fashionista friend, Rarity.

Noah had never been more uncomfortable in his life as he stood in the main dining hall dressed up to the nines as he mingled with nobles he'd never even heard of before, pretending to laugh at what they considered jokes and maintaining a smile. On the other side of the room, Duskwing was loving every moment and had gathered quite a group of griffonesses to him as he talked on about all the odd adventures he and Noah had gotten up to in order to build the funds for their ultimately doomed business.

Dial Tone, on the other claw, was engaged in a pleasant enough conversation with another griffon male, the son of one of the guests, and the two seemed to be getting along quite well.

Noah looked at his friends and couldn't help but be a little jealous. ‘Why do they get all the good attention, and I'm stuck with the snobs,’ he thought to himself. Suddenly, a series of horns sounded and the head butler announced the arrival of none other than King Argent Glimfeather himself.

As the king entered the hall, Griffons parted and made sure to bow until he reached Long Path and the other House founders. Path kneeled first, followed by Roseclaw, Twilight and Free. After a moment the king smiled. “Rise, Lord Path.” The Earth pony and his herd did so, then turning to the rest of the guests, the king gave the same command and all in attendance did so. “Let the party continue as normal,” the king said with a smile, and after a moment it was almost as if he were not there with the way the guests behaved.

Not long after, the butler announced another set of guests. “Announcing Lord and Ladies Abbadon, Melfina, and Opal Whitequill.”

Noah heard the name and looked to the entrance hall, not believing that it could be the same Opal, but curious to know all the same. As the crowd parted to make way, he saw her. She looked gorgeous. Even more so than she had the nights he met her in the club. The dress she wore shone like a diamond with silver highlights, and she wore a sapphire necklace that matched the small tiara she wore and her eyes.

As Opal parted from her parents to mingle with the other guests, Noah made his way towards her, nervous all the while. Sure – before she had just been another griff in the crowd that he really liked; now, however, she was a noble griff that he really liked, not to mention her father was the strongest griffon in all Griffonia.

Of course, he had no Idea what to say to her now that he knew who she was or how to even strike up any kind of conversation, that was until the music started playing. Before he could overthink things, he gently coughed to get her attention. She looked his way and almost lost her composure at seeing her club dance-buddy at House Path’s party. A million thoughts ran through her mind as she tried to make sense of the situation until he held out a claw.

“May I have this dance?” he asked.

Her mind went blank as she accepted, placing her claws in his and he led her to the dance floor and began to move to the music as many other couples were.

“I always thought you were special,” Noah finally said after a minute. “But I never thought how special,” he added with that charming grin of his.

“I was going to tell you,” Opal said. “After we’d gotten to know each other a bit better, but I guess those plans went to Tartarus, eh?” she said with a slight chuckle. “So you're with House Path?” she asked after a moment of silence.

“I guess you could say that,” Noah replied. “I'm more a guest than a member. Lord Path took me and my friends in after we lost our business,” he explained.

“Oh! I'm sorry about your business. What did you do?” she asked, realizing that they'd never really talked about their personal or professional lives before.

“Well... me, Duskwing and Dial Tone... we were... We were tour guides,” he said then shut his eyes and waited for the inevitable laughter. But it never came. He didn't understand, she was a highborn noble whose family was known for making some of the finest armor in the Griffonian army, and he showed beings around the city telling them what they were. He would have been prime mocking material for other nobles. In fact, he had been several times before while taking groups out.

“I like that,” she said simply, causing Noah's eyes to snap open in surprise and see her genuinely smiling at him.

“Really?” he asked. “Most griffs usually laugh when I tell them what I did for a living.”

“Well then, they don't know what a noble deed it is, taking it upon yourselves to educate others about our city and culture,” she said while still smiling as they continued to dance to the music.

Noah smiled in return. “You know, just as soon as I think you can't get any better, you somehow surprise me,” he said, giving her a spin.

Noah and Opal continued to dance, talk and laugh. This did not go unnoticed by Abbadon as he sat on his haunches with a goblet of wine in one claw watching his daughter dance with somegriff who looked extremely familiar. All the while, another griff was speaking, saying nothing that Abbadon cared about in the least at that moment in time, his eyes fixed on the cock dancing with his daughter.

On the other side of the hall, Free Agent was happily chatting with Twilight and other guests, drinking in more than the wine. As a changeling, he was soaking up the positive emotions permeating the air. It was almost intoxicating. That, however, was when he felt it. Something was out of place. Among all the happy thoughts there was one of jealousy – extreme jealousy. The kind that would drive a being to any lengths. He looked around trying to pinpoint who it was but to no avail; there were simply too many guests. It gave him an uneasy feeling for the rest of the night.

Eventually, the dance ended and Opal and Noah made their way over to the buffet to get something to eat and drink. As the griffon poured some wine for himself and Opal, he noticed Duskwing looking at him and smirking. The thestral then gave a subtle ‘come here’ gesture and Noah nodded. “Excuse me for a moment, Opal – my friend wants a word.”

The white feathered griffoness nodded. “Alright,” she said with a smile.

Noah made his way over to Dusk, not noticing Dial Tone make her own way over to the buffet too, and she just happened to end up right beside the white lioness/sea eagle griffon. Although they had never met before, each felt strangely tense by the other’s presence.

“So... nice party, isn't it?” Dial asked, trying to break the ice that so far felt to be at least a mile thick.

“Yes, it is,” Opal replied. “This is the first of House Path’s parties my family have been invited too. My grandfather told me all about them but stories don't do them justice,” she said, then quickly took a sip of her wine. She was feeling really uncomfortable for some reason. Suddenly, Dial turned to face Opal dead on. “He's mine”

Opal nearly spat out her wine. “Excuse me?” she said as she looked at the determined pony in front of her.

“You heard me. He's mine. I saw you two dancing. So I say again. He. Is. Mine.” Dial then quickly about-faced and made her way back into the crowd, leaving a perplexed griffoness in her wake. Before Opal could make any sense of what just happened, another griff asked her to dance, and while she would have preferred not to, she agreed just to get her thoughts back in order.

The rest of the party went by smoothly. Opal and Dial didn't cross again and everyone had a great time. As the party came to an end, many guests left for their own homes including Opal and her parents, while some asked if they could be permitted to stay for the night. Seeing no harm in it, and also the chance to gain more allies for the House, Path allowed it. However, Free still tasted the tang of jealousy. Even though he couldn't pin it down, he knew it had to be one of the guests.

***

It was midnight. Every member of the house was asleep save for those who had the night patrol shift. The ponies and griffons patrolling were keeping a keen eye on everything that they could, especially those on the outside of the mansion.

Inside, a shadow moved through the hallways, evading any guards it saw, carefully searching every room, peeking in through the doors. At one point, the shadow almost woke Twilight and Free but fortunately only made the red griffon mutter something in his sleep about the pony princesses.

Eventually, the shadow found itself at the right door. Peeking in, it saw Noah asleep on his large guest bed. The blue, black and white griffon was on his back snoring while his wings were fully splayed out under him.

The shadow carefully tiptoed into the room and over to the bed and finally saw what it was looking for.

There, still around Noah's neck, was the medallion.

Using slow careful movements the intruder deftly extended a foreleg with their claws extended. The intruder carefully tried to loop a claw under the gold chain around Noah's neck so the medallion could be gently lifted away. Suddenly the intruder felt a very strong grip on their outstretched foreleg. Looking down they saw that Noah was far from asleep. In fact, his eyes were very much open and he was looking right at them, and he did not look at all pleased.

***

Two of the house guards working the night shift were walking through the guest wing corridors as part of their nightly routine, idly chatting. “I'm telling you, she won't care. It's a common problem; a lot of males have it,” the first, a griffon, said to his pony partner.

“That's easy for you to say, you don’t...” he was cut off as a strange griffon came crashing through the door that led to one of the guest suites. Moments after, Noah walked through the now thoroughly ruined door and looked at the two shocked guards.

“Get me Lord Path. Now!”

***

Long Path was, to be fair, in less than a good mood as he listened to the details of the attempted theft of his guest’s Medallion. That it was another guest who attempted the crime made it all the worse. Not to mention the grey earth pony was, until a few minutes ago, fast asleep.

What was worse was it turned out that particular griffon hadn't even been invited. He had gained access to the party by showing forged documents of invitation to the guards. Path made a mental note to have the

guards train a little more to learn how to spot such differences – or maybe some kind of magic detector – but that was for another time. For the moment he had to deal with this griffon who kept struggling against the guards holding him.

“Tell me who you are and where exactly did you come from?” the Lord of the House demanded, showing the trademark sternness that all griffons are known for.

“The first of many!” the prisoner finally spoke. “Surrender the Medallion or this house will lie in ruins!”

“You don't get to make threats in my home!” Long Path responded before gesturing to the guards holding the griffon down. “Take him to a holding cell. We'll see if a couple of days under lock and key will change his tone!”

“Unlikely,” the prisoner said before tossing off the guards holding him. He spread his wings and took flight, or at least he tried to. Something was holding him back. Looking behind him the griffon’s eyes widened in horror as he saw a silver-clad claw wrapped around his left hind leg.

Noah had transformed the moment the griffon broke free and now effortlessly hauled him out of the air. No sooner had the griffon recovered than an armored fist made contact with his head, sending the thief sprawling across the hall. The griffon was staggered only for a few moments, but in those moments Noah had closed the distance and now had a firm grip on both the griffon’s shoulders.

“TELL US WHO YOU ARE AND WHO SENT YOU!” Noah bellowed.

To everybody’s surprise, the thief smiled, “Oh, you'll find out soon enough,” he said sinisterly before turning his head to the right then suddenly whipped it to the left with such strength and speed his neck snapped.

Noah dropped the corpse and reverted to his normal self once again and turned to look at Long Path as the pony approached. “Looks like it's time for me to leave.”

“What are you talking about?” Path asked, confused.

“This griff came here for the sole purpose of trying to steal my Medallion, which means he knows what it is and who it belongs to. Plus he said he was the first of many. If I stay, more like him will come, and you saw how easily he threw your guards off him. It's safer for every being here if I leave.”

The tense moment lasted only for a few more seconds as it was interrupted by a low growling noise coming from Noah's stomach. “Of course, I'll have something to eat first,” drawing a chuckle from Path.

***

The next day saw Noah, Duskwing and Dial Tone all ready to leave. Dusk and Dial had both insisted on leaving with Noah, stating they wouldn't feel right leaving him to face the dangers on his own.

“Well, Noah, we'll miss you,” Twilight said. “I was looking forward to continuing our research together.”

“Don't worry, Lady Twilight – once we've dealt with these guys, whoever they are, we'll come right back,” Noah said with a smile. Then he, Dusk and Dial all bowed and turned to leave. Before they got very far, however, Noah stopped and turned around. “Oh! Right – before I forget. Lords Long Path and Free Agent, Ladies Roseclaw and Twilight Sparkle, I'm glad it was you who won my family home from Ravenwing. I know you'll take good care of it,” he said with a smile as he turned around again and walked away.

Every member of the Herd Path was dumbfounded; all except Free Agent. “See,” he said with his trademark grin. “I told you all he'd tell us in his own time,” he said then turned about and headed back inside, whistling all the while.

***

A familiar purple-coated unicorn sat on yet another rooftop looking down at the street below, or rather at a certain blue and white griffon who was walking calmly down the street, going about his daily business. “Found you again,” the Hunter whispered and he continued to observe his target, somehow missing the fact the griffon he had his eyes on was walking with a rather noticeable limp.
> Time to make way.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been a week since the mysterious guest at the House Path party tried, and failed, to steal Noah’s medallion. Which resulted in said guest snapping their own neck. Noah was once again living in his apartment, he couldn’t help but feel slightly nostalgic when he walked through his door for the first time after all the time spent living as a guest of House Path.

Despite the passage of time nothing had really changed much. There was no further visits from any strange griffs or ponies, Noah, Dusk and Dial were hard at work figuring out how to get their business up and running again and Noah and Opal were continuing to see each other regularly at the same nightclub. In fact, Noah was currently looking himself over in the mirror as he preened and groomed himself, making himself more presentable for a meeting with Opal.

After he was done he looked at a white feather that was jammed in the space between the mirror and the frame he happily sighed as he gently stroked it.

***

In house Whitequill the young lady of the house was doing much the same, she was double checking herself for any feathers out of place or any uneven fur. Her eyes drifted towards the Blue feather that was also currently jammed between the mirror and it’s frame, she smiled and gently brushed a tender claw against it.

Opal left her chambers and looked about to see if the coast was clear, which it appeared to be. Not a griff in sight. “Perfect.” she quietly to herself. Before making her way to the large terrace overlooking the family properties extensive front garden. Without a second thought she took to the air and made a beeline for the city, all the while unaware of a pair of eyes watching her from the shadows of a higher vantage point. The figure in the shadows spread its wings and took off making sure to keep enough distance from Opal to not be seen.

***

The two met up a short distance from the club and walked the rest of the way together. Chatting about what had been going on with each other since they had last seen each other, despite the fact that was only 2 days ago. Once again they got in past the Bouncer without a fuss, weather it was because of Noah’s mind trick or Opals status Noah couldn’t tell. All he knew was he was going to be having a great time with a Griffoness he cared very much for in one of the best, if not THE best club in the city.

Of course the young duo entering the club did not go unnoticed by the figure who had been watching them. Eyes narrowed, the figure stepped out the shadows to reveal that it was none other than Abbadon Whitequill who had been following Opal the whole time. And what he saw did not fill him with very many happy thoughts. Not only was his precious daughter sneaking out of the house at night, which was bad enough, but she was doing it to meet up with a male griff whom Abbadon did not even know. And he still couldn’t quite place why this cock looked so damn familiar. So he decided it was time to get answers. He walked up to the club, right past the bouncer and even past the ticket booth “Hey! He didn’t pay!” she called out to the bouncer. Who promptly approached Abbadon where he stood eyeing his daughter and the strange blue and white griff she was dancing with. “Time to go pal.” the bouncer said as he placed his claws on Abbadon’s shoulder to lead him away. 

Without breaking eye contact with his wayward progeny, Abbadon calmly reached up to his shoulder, took hold of the bouncers claws and squeezed. The faint sound of bones breaking could be heard as the bouncer stifled he’s cries to not appear weak instead letting out a painful groan as he fell to his knees. Not looking back Abbadon inhaled deeply through his nostrils and then using all the outrage at the situation bellowed out two words.

“OPAL WHITEQUILL!!!!”

His voice even downed out the music and everything in the club stopped, even the music as the DJ, along with every other griff in the club was terrified at that moment. Abbadon slowly made his way down the small flight of steps leading to the dance floor. The terrified club goers all made way as he approached, none of them willing to get in his way. Among the terrified club goers were Noah and Opal, however both stayed where they stood frozen in place by outright
fear and both knew that if they ran it would only make things worse.

“Hi daddy” Opal said nervously as she saw her furious father staring daggers at the two of them.

“Don’t you ‘Hi daddy’ me young hen!” Abbadon angrily replied. “At first I didn’t want to believe it when I heard the rumors from the staff, saying you’ve been sneaking out at night. That in itself is bad enough, but sneaking out to meet this cock who I recognize as the one you were dancing with at House Path’s party!” The Musselbound griffon turned his attention to Noah. “Just who are you?!”

“Noah Bluecrest, son of Boreas and Kila Bluecrest!” Noah said, making sure to be as authoritative as he could. The name struck something in Abbadon’s mind and he mentally went back through time and remembered what had happened to the Bluecrest’s. He quickly began putting together a puzzle that formed a very bleak picture. “I see...Opal come here.” he said and while it was in a clam voice it was certainly not a request and Opal did as she was told. Once she was beside her father he spoke again “I see now what’s going on here” he turned his head to his daughter “No one can fault you my darling...it’s not your fault. You were deceived by this scion of a fallen house!” he finished focusing his gaze squarely on Noah.

“Daddy what are you talking about? Noah…” she was cut off by her father

“Don’t you see my dear, he’s simply using you. He’s from a fallen family. All he wants from you is your status.” Abbadon said again turning his gaze to his daughter.

“THAT’S A LIE!” Noah shouted, finally defending himself from Abbadon’s accusations. Causing the huge Griffon to once again look in his direction but this time walked onto the dancefloor until he and Noah were close enough to feel each other's breath.

“You must think I’m a fool.” Abbadon hissed. “All you fallen and desperate are all the same. You’ll do whatever it takes to regain some semblance of what your family once had. I’ve seen it too many times and I will not let you use my daughter as part of your schemes. I challenge you Noah Bluecrest. We’ll let the Arena prove your cowardice and deceit. When you run into a corner crying the whole city and, more importantly, my daughter will know you for what you truly are.”

“Fine. I accept. You’ll see first hand that my feelings are genuine.” Noah said defiantly.

“Good. I’ll give you three days to prepare yourself. Who knows, maybe you’ll wise up and back out before I make you Black out.” Abbadon said with a grin. He then turned around, his tail whipping Noah across the cheek as he did so “Opal. We’re leaving” he said as he walked past his daughter. Opal looked to Noah unsure what to do, but a nod from the blue and white griffon told her she should go with her father to not cause any more trouble for herself. She nodded in return before she turned and followed her father outside.

The remaining patrons didn’t really know what to do now after the scene that had just taken place before them. But More than a few found themselves excited and very much looking forward to seeing how the duel between the Strongest Griffon in the city and this regular everyday Griff would go.

***

“HE SAID WHAT?!?” Duskwing said a little louder then he intended, startling near by customers as he, Noah and Dial were sat in a coffee house, as Noah had just told him what had happened. “He seriously challenged you to a duel?”

“Oh yeah.” Noah said taking a sip of his coffee. It was black, it didn’t even have any sugar in it. “He’s decided to give me three days to prepare myself. Like I can seriously get in his kind of shape in three days!” He said before taking another sip.

“Uhm...haven’t you forgotten something Noah?” Dial said pointing a hoof at the Medallion that still hung prominently around the griffons neck. “Don’t don’t need to. You just have to transform. You’ll tower over him and in your Knight form you’re ten times stronger right? It’ll be a piece of carrot cake.” she finished. And soon began wondering if she might be able to get some carrot cake from this place.

“I won’t be using the Medallion.”

“WHAT!?!” The Thestral and Pony shouted in disbelief, once again startling customers. And earning them a perturbed glare from the barista. “Are you out of your cat-bird mind?!” Dusk said incredulously. Noah shook his head slowly. He knew his friends would react this way to his decision, “I am not thank you very much.” Noah said staring into his half empty cup. “You’ve lived here your whole life. You know the laws and rules as well as I do. This is an Honor duel. Using the Medallion to get such an easy win, would be dishonorable. I know I don’t stand a chance against him. But I’m going to go into that arena and do my utmost...who knows...if I’m lucky I may get a hit or two in before he pummels me into the sand.”

“But what if he tries to kill you? He thinks you were using his daughter to gain standing. He might try to take you out of the picture permanently” Dial said but it didn’t escape Dusk’s notice that she had put a certain emphasis on Daughter, he just couldn't make out what it was, but it sounded close to jealousy. “That’s something I don’t have to worry about Dial” Noah said with a slight smile, the first one they’d seen him do that day “This isn’t a duel to the death. He’s forbidden to kill me. He’d lose everything if he did.”

“Do you know what kind of combat it’ll be?” Dusk asked slightly stirring his coffee.

“No...But it’ll either be armed or unarmed. But I at least have a bit of skill in both those areas.”

The Next three days were a blur for Noah. He spent every waking moment he could either working out or practising. From sunup to sundown. Every few hours he would switch things up and start another type of training from hand to hand or armed.Of course he knew that it would do little good. Abbadon had fought in the Arena countless times. And a lot of those times Noah had actually been watching. Almost every fight ended after the first ten seconds. One ended even quicker when the opponent took one look at Abbadon and promptly soiled himself before giving up.

Finally the day of the duel arrived. Noah was unsurprisingly nervous, but he was also curious. He was stood in the center of the arena alongside the referee but there was no sign of Opals father. Noah could see Opal and her mother in the audience, in their own private seating area. And not far from them he saw a very familiar grey furred Earth pony with a green Mane and tail. The Griffon couldn’t believe Long Path was there. Not only that but he had brought his whole herd as well, he could see Roseclaw, Free Agent and Twilight, also sat in their own private seating area. When it started to seem like Abbadon wouldn’t show up a shadow soon came over them. Looking up Noah could see a shape falling towards him. He quickly realized what, or who, it was when it came closer. It was Abbadon, and he was in freefall. The entire arena gasped in horror as he got closer and closer to the ground seemingly intending to crash. When he was about a meter short of becoming a feather and furred pancake he opened his wings and with a single flap halted is terminal speed, pushing up a cloud of dust before touching down.

“Well well. You’re here. You may have more backbone than I thought.” Abbadon said calmly as if he had just waltzed in. “I wonder how many pieces it’ll be in once I’ve finished with you.”

“Now that you’re both here we can get started...never one to make a normal entrance are you Lord Whitequil.” the ref said as he moved forward a little to address the audience. He made the usual show of addressing the audience and asking either combatant if they wished to concede. After each gave a resounding “No” the referee addressed the audience again. “The Law does not allow for an alternative.” He then turned to Noah and Abbadon. “Once the bell rings, begin!” and said and then got out of the way as the bell was struck.

Noah immediately began circling the larger Griffon at a swift pace, occasionally changing direction. Eventually he stopped and charged right at the mountain of muscle jumping into the air and pulling his fist back ready to strike.

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In another part of the city, Boreas Bluecrest was returning from the market carting a small wagon of items, most of which was food. When he happened upon a mare he instantly recognised as Dial Tone. One of his sons’ friends. “Dial?” he asked. “What are you doing here? I’d have thought you would be at the arena.” 

The mare turned to look at the elder Griffon, “I can’t watch something like that. I know it makes me look weak, but I’m not a Griffon, I’m a pony. And I’m sorry but I don’t want to see my friend and your son getting beaten to a pulp.” to which Boreas shrugged his shoulders.

“Well I suppose that’s your prerogative.” he said as he began to continue on his way. Before stopping again “Aren’t you the least bit curious as to why I’m not at the arena and instead doing a bit of light shopping?” he asked which actually did spark the curiosity in the pony mare. The look on her face was all that Boreas needed. “It’s a couple of reasons really. One, it’s very far from where I live and with this limp it’s not an easy walk. And Two, with this busted wing I can’t fly there either. But in actuality I don’t think Noah would want me there to see him fighting and more than likely losing to Abbadon Whitequill.”

“You really think it’ll go that way?” Dial asked more than a little concerned.

Boreas looked at the pony “Abbadon is the strongest Griff in the city. Noah’s skilled I’ll admit. But he doesn't have nearly as much combat experience as his opponent.” That was when from out of the blue there was a yell, more a battle cry. Boreas and Dial looked up and saw a dark furred Pony jumping for them. In an act of pure reflexes Boreas took up a fighting stance and put himself in between Dial and the strange pony. “Dial Hide!” Boreas shouted. Dial’s eyes widened in horror as she recognized the Hunter and remembered what he wanted to do with her she then quickly did as she was instructed. As the Hunter got within arms reach Boreas’s fist collided with his face. The Hunter sprawled on the floor but quickly regained his footing “Must run in the bloody family” he said before he drew one of his daggers.

In response Boreas drew a sword that he had hidden in his wagon and, again, took up a fighting stance. The Hunter smirked and charged intending to impale Boreas but the Griffon parried the blade and then in the same fluid motion, brought his sword down in an attempt to cleave the pony in two, only for the Hunter to block the incoming blow with his dagger. Boreas attempted to overpower the Hunter but suddenly felt something odd. A strange cold feeling in his side. He looked down and his eyes widened as he saw another dagger buried to the hilt in his chest. He looked back to the Hunter who was wearing a wicked grin “You’re outmatched with me. Featherbrain” he said coldly as he drove a second dagger into the griffon before removing both.

“Now I would dearly love to watch you bleed out in the street but I’ve got a ship to catch. Give your son my regards. Now where is that lovely young mare?” he said looking around as he returned two of his daggers to their sheaths. Soon enough he spotted her hiding behind the Wagon “Found you.” he said calmly yet it held so much dark promise. Dial ran as fast as her legs could carry her. The hunter simply rolled his eyes and in a purple flash he was standing right in her path. Dial skidded to a halt but her momentum carried her into his waiting arms. “Oh don’t you worry. We’ll have all kinds of fun together” he said as he ignited his horn and cast a spell on the earth pony sending her to sleep. He then began to levitate her before disappearing again. And reappearing on the deck of a ship moored in the harbor. “Captain It’s time to set sail.” he said proudly. The captain, an equally dark feathered Hippogriff nodded and began to call out orders to get the ship ready to make way. As the crew went about getting ready the Hunter grinned “Soon the Dark master will have his final prize, while I have mine” he said looking over Dial’s unconscious body. While wondering how long it would take for somebeing to find the griff he just knifed. A shrill scream that filled the air soon answered that question.

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Noah went sprawling across the sand covered floor of the arena again. He was bruised, bloodied and panting heavily. But still he refused to stay down. This wasn’t about something as simple as his honor, which had been insulted that’s true. But this was, more than anything, to prove to Abbadon that he wasn’t using his daughter.

His vision impaired by the blood running from a cut on his forehead, forcing him to close one eye, Noah readied himself once again as Abbadon approached him. “I’ve gotta admit. You’ve lasted longer than I expected. Tell you what, why don’t you lay one on me right here” he said turning his head to the side and pointing at his cheek. “Really make it count.” he finished.

In the crowd, Opal saw what her father was doing. She had seen it before in many a duel her father had fought. It was what Abbadon always did when he felt a fight was near its end. He’d let his opponent get one last hit in. Then he would uppercut them, sending them flying across the arena and out cold. “Don’t fall for it Noah. Please” she whispered to herself, forgetting her mother was right next to her. She could see the concern on her daughters face as clear as day. But the duel was in progress and nothing could be done about it.

Noah was certainly on his last legs and he knew it. But wasn’t about to quit now. He saw Abbadon’s offer. ‘This is it’ he thought ‘I know I won’t be winning this...but that’s not the point of this duel. Time to give this all I’ve got!’ He steadied himself and summoning as much strength as he had left. Letting out a roar he charged and surprised everyone when he, despite the state he was in, jumped high into the air using his wings to get even more height. He pulled his right fist back and threw a punch, connecting with Abbadon’s cheek. The Whole arena gasped when the larger Griffon was knocked to the ground. With Noah panting heavily, exhausted. 

Abbadon slowly stood up rubbing his cheek, his eyes slightly widened in surprise as he saw some of his own blood. “Wow...wow. I mean I knew it was coming. but...I expected it to be weak and pathetic.” he then turned to face the smaller griffon. “But now it’s time to end this” No sooner had he said it, his fist made contact with Noah’s bottom jaw sending him up into the air. Once again he sprawled across the floor.

As Noah lay there a stray thought crossed his mind ‘Maybe it wouldn't be too bad to just lie down and lose.’ But no sooner had he thought that he began to stand up yet again. The crowd cheering for the extremely defiant Griffon drew Abbadon’s attention to his opponent. “Why?” he asked genuinely confused “Why Bluecrest? Why get up? For Nocturn’s sake, you’ve lost. Just stay down!”

Noah shakily got his feet under him and stood up to his full height “No...I won’t…quit.” he said taking a slight step forward “I won’t....quit...no matter how many times ...you beat me. I won’t go down...Because ...I...Love...Opal...I...won’t…” he vision went black, he knees failed him and he fell to the ground totally unconscious.

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Everything was dark and silent at first. However Noah soon became aware of voices, some he recognized and some he didn’t. One voice he certainly knew was that of Dusk Wing.The bat pony was obviously aggravating the nurse who was no doubt attending his friend. Then he tried to open his eyes and was greeted with a big light blur then soon enough cleared enough to see.

“Hey welcome back, bud” Dusk said sitting down beside the griffon. “I was starting to think you were gonna spend the rest of the day on your lazy ass in this bed.” he said with a grin.

“And who says I’m not.” Noah Replied “In case you forgot I totally got my ass handed to me by a griff made out of solid stone...least it felt like it.” he added and made to look like he was getting comfy “Now go ’way I need a nap.” he said shutting his eyes.

“OK” Dusk said nonchalantly “But Opal here is gonna be upset you chose to sleep instead of talk to her.”

At the mention of Opals name Noah’s eyes snapped open and he quickly sat up. “She’s here?” he asked, looking around the room.

“I’m here” came her reply. Noah looked in the direction of her voice and saw her, looking beautiful as ever, standing in the doorway. She entered the room and sat down on his other side and took hold of one of his hands. “I was so worried. You were so badly hurt...then Lord Path came by with his herd and did...something and healed you, but you were still out cold.”

“I guess that explains why I don’t feel any pain.” he said looking down at his own body.

“Indeed” a new voice said that Noah recognized and Opals father “After the beating I gave you you should be down for a week if not more.” he too sat down beside Noah’s bed, next to his daughter. “No creature would take a beating like that, if they didn’t truly have something worth taking it for.” he looked at his daughter and then back to Noah. “You really do love her don’t you.”

“I do. With every fiber of my being” he said looking right into Abbadon’s eyes. And Abbadon saw the same determination in Noah’s eyes that he saw during the duel.

The larger griff then looked to his Opal who so far had not taken her eyes of Noah. “And you really do love him don’t you my darling.” 

Opal finally looked at her father nodding her head “I do. As much as you and mother love each other.”

Abbadon couldn’t help but smile at that. It was no secret that he and his wife Melfina loved each other deeply, truth be told when ever they got the chance they could keep their claws off each other. His smile soon faded as he looked at the griffon in the bed “I accept that you and my daughter care deeply for each other, and I won’t stand in the way any more...but..there is something you need to know, Noah.” 
Noah’s attention was suddenly entirely focused on Abbadon. The larger griffon  inhaled deeply and exhaled before speaking. “It’s your father. Not too long ago, during our duel actually, he was attacked. The few witnesses who saw it all said it was a pony, a unicorn with purple fur.”

Noah was instantly out of the bed. “WHERE IS HE?!” he said, probably a little louder than he intended.

Abbadon didn’t take offence at the raised voice, it was perfectly understandable. “Boreas is here in this hospital, in the intensive care wing. From what the surgeon told me they did their best but the wounds won't seem to heal. They tried everything from Unicorn magics to Changeling healing gel. Nothing worked.” As soon as Abbadon was finished Noah was sprinting out of the room searching for his father.

After following the direction from the staff he soon found himself at the door to the room his father was in. Despite his worry he hesitated to open the door. His father had always been a source of strength for him. Was he really prepared to see him injured? He soon pushed those thoughts away. His father was hurt and he needed him. He entered the room and saw his father laid in a hospital bed, Kila was beside him holding one of his talons on hers. She saw her son enter and tried to keep the tears from falling. “The doctors said that...something’s keeping the wounds from being treated. Some kind of...dark magic...they…” she said fighting back sobs. Noah made his way over and hugged her. That was when Boreas’s eyes opened.

Noah felt something grasp his wing and turned to look at his father. “Hey Dad...how are you feeling?” Noah said, he could hardly bare to see his father like this, he looked so weak.

Boreas coughed a little “I’ve been better.” he said weakly but before Noah could answer Boreas spoke again “He took Dial...the pony that did this. I tried to protect her but he…” again another bout of coughing. Afterwards he started looking around as if he didn’t recognize where he was. “It’s…so dark...where are we?” he said weakly.

“We’re back home. In the estate.” Kila said fighting back tears as she stroked her husband's head while keeping hold of his claw. “We’re laying in the master bed...and you’re making a terrible mess of the sheets like you always do. The morning light is shining through the curtains that you never close...We can smell breakfast being prepared by the kitchen staff. Just the way you like it.” she stopped as she felt his grip loosen and his claws fall free from her grasp. One look at his face told everyone in the room the single dreadful truth. He was gone.

The next few hours Noah and he mother held each other. The Former with tears flowing freely from his tightly shut eyes while the latter cried openly.

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It had been several hours since Boreas had died. Noah still held his mother tight as she continued to cry, as she has been since her husband breathed his last. Noah however, while just as devastated, did what he could to choke down his sobs. His eyes were shut tight as he held his mother, tears leaving unmissable trails down his face. The only consolation either of them had was the knowledge that Boreas’s spirit would have already found its way to the halls of his ancestors.

A few more hours passed and Kila had finally calmed herself and was currently napping on the chair she now occupied. Noah watched her sleep wondering what he was supposed to do now. His father had been his source of direction and guidance his whole life, and now he was gone. It was as Noah thought this that he became aware of a pair of city guards who were standing nearby, keeping their distance out of respect. Noah signaled them to approach with a nod and a gesture of his claw.

The two Griffons approached and bowed their heads out of respect for Noah’s loss. When they raised their heads again one of them spoke.
“We’re very sorry for your loss” he said “But we felt it would be best if to wait until you and your mother had calmed a little before we returned your fathers effects.” he said and gestured to the other guard who was carrying a long box in his arms. Noah accepted the box and gave his thanks. After Noah answered a few standard questions the two guards left. Not too long after that Free Agent and arrived and delivered the sympathy of all of Heard Path and mentioned that Long Path himself would be taking care of the funeral costs and arrangements. He even told Noah that Boreas would be buried ‘Where he belongs’. Noah could only assume that meant in the Bluecrest family burial ground on their former estate.

It had been several days since Boras’s death and Dial’s abduction. Nobeing could find any way to track the Hunter to find out where he had taken the mare. But both Noah and Dusk remembered his interest in their friend, and the longer it took to find him the more time he had to do who knows what with her. But at that very moment Noah had to put those thoughts on the back burner as he was being called on to deliver the eulogy for his father.

He looked out at the gathering. All of house Path was in attendance. As Opal and her family because, as it turned out, Abbadon had always respected Boreas. Even King Glimfeather was there. As well as a few other lords and ladies Noah had never met but knew that they knew his father at one point in his life or another.

Closing his eyes he took a breath. Readying himself. This was a lot different then leading a tour group and repeating facts about the city he had committed to memory, this was his own account.

“My father one said to me ‘In life there are winners and there are losers. I may have lost a lot, but looking at the griffs in my life, I still feel like a winner’
“For a while I didn’t know what he meant. Now I get it. He may have lost his estate and his titles, but he had my mother. And then he had me. He had a roof over his head and his family and friends. That’s all he could ask for.
“He taught me that being rich and powerful is all well and good but real wealth is family.
“He gave his life defending one of my friends, my family.”

He paused, taking a moment to let his words settle before he continued pulling a small knife from a sheath on one leg. “And I want to make it known here and now. That I Noah Bluecrest will not rest until my friend is safe, and my Father avenged!” he said dragging the knife across his palm slicing it. “I swear it, on my own blood!” he finished squeezing his fist tight until several drops of blood dripped onto the soil under which his father lay buried.
He walked away from the group of assembled Lords and ladies all who whom were feeling more hen a little in Awe.

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Two days later Opal and Dusk went to Noah’s apartment looking for him. He hadn’t been seen since the funeral. Reaching his door Dusk actually knocked rather than his usual ‘let myself in’ approach. He heard Noah’s voice call “Come in” and he opened the door to find the apartment a total mess. But not a mess by normal standards. The floor was covered in maps and documents and Opal thought she saw a shipping manifest among the clutter.

“Uh...Noah? What’s all this?” she asked making sure to not step on anything.

“Well I’ve been trying to find where that Pony went after he took dial and killed my Dad. I looked all over the city and even asked at the docks. They said a ship left not too soon after the attack. And they said they saw a purple flash on the deck before it departed, so It’s a safe bet he was on that ship. Now I’m trying to figure out which way it went. Then I talked to a griff who liked to watch the ships come and go said it left in a south-west direction. So I’m trying to determine where it might be going. But so far...it’s proving to be a bit of a bitch.”

While he talked Dusk had moved over to the Box the guards had given Noah that was laying on the sofa. “You still haven’t opened this yet?” he asked.

Noah didn’t even look up to see what Dusk was talking about “No. Haven't really felt the desire.”

“Woah neat sword!” Dusk said causing Noah to finally look up from his work to see the Thestral had opened the box and was examining Boreas’s sword.

“Dude!” Noah exclaimed.

“What? You probably were never going to open it. I figured somepony should.” Dusk said putting the sword back into the box when something else caught his eye. “I didn’t know your dad had a dagger too!”

“He doesn't have a da…” Noah said pausing when he saw the dagger in Dusk’s hooves. The Griffon immediately recognized that dagger. It was exactly the same as the one the strange purple unicorn used. In no time at all he was right next to Dusk taking hold of the dagger. “This is it! This is what we need. Lady Twilight told me about scrying...with this we can find out where the Pony took Dial!” he exclaimed grabbing the dagger, by the hilt of course, and took a good look at it. “Map...we need a Map!”

Opal and Dusk quickly began searching for a map, Dusk found of the continent while Opal found one of the wider world. “Which should we use first?” Opal asked. “I mean maybe he’s heading for another land”

Or he could be heading for another side of this one” Dusk chimed in.

“I’m not sure sure, it could very well be both” Noah said rubbing his beak in thought. “Well we’ll start with the continent. Might as well” he added as he looked over the map. Tied the dagger to a rope and held it over the map. Then he channeled some power into it like Twilight showed him and the dagger began to move of its own accord. Eventually come to a stop pointing to the edge of the map. So Opal put another map down showing more of the world and the dagger began to move again finally coming to a stop over a large continent. 

“Saddle Arabia.” Noah said almost to himself. “He’s in Saddle Arabia right now.”

“That is no short distance.” Dusk added.

“No kidding. It’d take a least a three or four days with a good wind to get there. We can’t fly there either. Too Far.”

“And I can’t jump there. For the same reason. Plus I’ve never been there. We’ll need a ship”

“Easier said than done” Dusk said. It’s not cheap hiring or buying a ship. And I doubt either of us have the funds.”

“Well we need one. And we’re going to get one, even if I have to steal one.” Noah said determined, never taking his eyes off the map.

“Uhm, we might not need to take such a drastic step.” Opal said after a few moments gaining the attention of Noah and Dusk. “See, I’ve not really used it much, ‘cause I’ve not really needed too, buuut...I have a boat. It’s big enough for at least four”

Noah and Dusk were silent for a moment until Noah finally spoke up. “Can we see it?”

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Not too long after that Noah, Dusk and Opal were at the docks looking at what was less a boat and more a Dirigible, and one that was clearly big enough to hold way more than four. More like Ten, with room for a three being crew. “Say hello to the Sky Princess” Opal said proudly.

“Annnnd you’ve just been sitting on this for a few years?” Dusk asked not taking his eyes off the ship.

Opal blushed a little “Well no one asked,” she said with a small smile.

“It’s perfect!” Noah finally shouted, startling both Dusk and Opal with his sudden outburst. With this it’ll be a piece of cake getting to Saddle Arabia and wherever else the Hunter goes from there.”

“Great then” Opal said happily. “I’ll have someone bring all the supplies we’ll need, then we’ll be all set to leave by morning!” Noah and Dusk nodded.

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Later that night the supply crew had finished earlier than expected. They had left for home unknowing that they were being watched the whole time. As the last worker left a shadow detached itself from the wall and pulled off the black head wrap revealing it to be Noah. He untied all the lines holding the ship down. “Leaving without us?” a voice called. Noah looked around surprised to see Dusk and Opal were there.

“What are you doing here?” Noah asked surprised.

“Well we figured you’d feel like the whole ‘Hunter, taking Dial’ thing was your fault and would want to go after him alone.” Dusk said walking forwards “And I said to myself what kind of Friend would I be if I let my best buddy go and have, what could very possibly be the best adventure ever on his own.” he finished.

“Plus it’s my ship. And did you really think I’d let my male go without me?” Opal said making her way over to Noah and nuzzling him a bit.

“But it’s very probably going to be dangerous” Noah said “and I don’t much fancy telling your dad that you got hurt because of me” he added as an afterthought.

“You don’t have to worry about that. My parents gave me the best self defense training money could buy. I can take care of myself. Now let’s go. The sun will be coming up soon.” she said then walked past him gently brushing his chin with her tail. Causing Noah to almost melt. As pal made her way up the gangplank Dusk stood next to his friend. “Dude….don’t you ever. Let. Her. Go.”

Soon enough the rotors were up to full speed and the Princess was rising out of the dock. Opal was at the wheel while Dusk was looking over the edge in excitement. “Course heading Captain!” Opal called to Noah who stood at the Bow of the ship holding on to the rigging standing above the figurehead, which was a Sea eagle.

“To Saddle Arabia!” Noah Called back without turning and pointing off to the Horizon. With that the adventure had officially begun. They would find the Hunter, rescue Dial and avenge Noah’s father. None of the three knew what was to come, or of what dangers they would face, but they all knew without a doubt that they would face them all together.