Far north, in the cold and barren wastelands, there is an airship. The cold and freezing winds forced against it with all their might, but they could not move the anchored airship. On its deck, multiple griffins dressed in warm and fur clothing that protected them from the harsh winds as they worked on the multiple parts of the ship that needed tending to. Below deck, protected from the harsh winds, a Griffin with grey feathers, blue eyes, and the feathers on the back of his head was styled to look flown back. He was walking down the hallway, passing by doors which led to the crews living chambers.
But the griffin had no interest in the crews living quarters. He was only interested in the one at the far end of the ship. A black, metal bolted, door which blended in with the wall texture on the entire ship. The griffin knocked three times, only to receive silence as a response. The griffin knew that he was in there, his theory was confirmed when he opened the door and entered the room.
The room was different compared to the other quarters that belonged to the crew. It was more spacious, and seemed to belong to someone of high stature. Sitting on the edge of the bed, his back to the door, was a griffin with black feathers on his body, white feathers on his head and chest, and yellow eyes. He was staring at the floor, his head held by his claws. The elder griffin entered the room and closed the door behind him and locking it, ensuring that no one would disturb them.
"Hello Gideon." The Elder griffin spoke to the younger one. "I see your still moping around."
The younger griffin remained silent.
"The winds have died down a bit." The elder Griffin rubbed the back of his awkwardly, the conversation he was trying to start wasn't going to well.
"Three days." The younger griffin croaked.
The elder griffin became confused and startled by the younger Griffin's response. "What?" He asked.
"Three day." The younger griffin repeated, slightly turning his head. "Three days we've been banished to this god forsaken land."
The elder griffin sighed, his gaze meeting the floor.
The youngest griffin was Gideon, prince of the Griffin Empire. Or ex-prince that is. Gideon had a certain hatred for ponies, ever since he had met Celestia, who was visiting on royal business, he had hated them. It was in his nature, as it was in every living thing. Everything hated being beneath someone. It wasn't Celestia herself, but that pompous, stuck up, arrogant nephew of hers that goes by the name Blue Blood. He insulted the Griffin culture and history, being racist and hateful towards everything that made Griffins who they were. Gideon had had enough, he lashed out against the prince and as a result felt the wrath of Celestia's power. He was banished by his father to the frozen north, where he would spend the rest of his days. But he didn't go alone, Gideon's soldiers were loyal to him and would lay down their lives for him, so they didn't think a second thought about being by his side.
The Elder griffin, was known as Lexus. Elder brother to the Griffin emperor, and uncle of Gideon. He too, stood by his side when he was banished to the frozen north.
Gideon would never forget that day, and every day he looked in the mirror and saw the permanent mark Celestia had left on him, he was reminded not of the shame he felt, but the fear. The towering gaze of the solar goddess struck fear in Gideon's heart, stabbing him with the painful truth. That he was powerless, and he hated that. Every night when he tried to sleep he would picture himself above Celestia, letting her experience the fear he had felt. Letting her know that she wasn't all powerful, that even she, a goddess, could be slain. But all that it was was a mere fantasy, one that would never come true.
Lexus took a seat next to his nephew, letting all of his wait shift so that he would fall on the bed. "I'm sorry Gideon, I wish there was something I could do but..." he hesitated. "But this is how things have to be, you know this."
Gideon faced Lexus, showing off his right eye which had a red and charred scar over the entire area of his eye with a small part of it blown back, indicating where the golden beam had struck. "It isn't fair, why must we submit to these weak creatures? Why do we cower in fear when we can unite and destroy them?"
"Because they know it is pointless." Lexus answered. "They know that for every pony we kill, ten of ours will suffer the same fate. Many have tried, all have failed."
"They fail because they let fear drive them." Gideon stood up. "They let themselves be afraid when we should be striking fear into them. My father may have succumbed to fear, but let me tell you this Uncle. I will never be afraid of them, and once my banishment is done. I will do everything I my power to make them know fear."
Lexus was about to speak but was drowned out by the sudden and loud commotion by the crew on deck. "What in the world?" He asked as he could hear a loud crash from the front of the ship.
Their was a high pitch sound that drew closer until the locked metal door was literally thrown off its hinges by a floating object that was glowing yellow. Before the two could understand what the object was, it closed the gap between itself and Gideon and sunk into his chest. It's glow became brighter, shining from the inside of Gideon's chest.
"Uncle." He spoke, his voice full of worry. "What's happening?"
Lexus said something, but it was drowned out by the loud mechanical voice that only Gideon could hear spoke.
Gideon, you have the power to instill fear. YOU ARE WORTHY!
The bright and brilliant glow enclosed Gideon's entire body, shining out of his eyes and mouth. His wings flared and shot through the ceiling, a yellow trail following behind him. Gideon soon became a glowing yellow spot as he soared higher and higher into the sky.
When Gideon could no longer see the ship, he stopped, his body glowed yellow even more brightly. The yellow glow continued to intensify, entrapping Gideon in its brilliant light until,
KA-BOOOOOM
The light exploded, a yellow ring of magic flew away from Gideon, fading as it grew in size. Slowly, Gideon regained consciousness. His first reaction was panic, upon seeing that he was somehow floating and how high up he was.
Calm yourself Gideon.
"Who's there?" Gideon demanded. "Show yourself!"
I can't do that Gideon, you see, I am the Element of fear and I have chosen you as my host.
Gideon froze. "Element of fear?" He repeated what the voice had said. "I don't understand, the only Elements are the Elements of Harmony."
That is incorrect. There are many Elements, and each one serves an equal purpose. To give magic to the one who wields us, I am no different.
"Magic?" Gideon asked, making sure he had heard correctly. "Your telling me that I...have magic?"
Think of something, anything, and it shall appear.
Gideon closed his eyes, thinking of the first think that came to mind.
Open your eyes.
Gideon did as instructed and opened his eyes and saw before him a creature that was completely yellow that had the resemblance of a snake, but it had insect legs along both sides of its body, and pinchers on its mouth. Gideon scrambled his body back, startled by the strange creature that hovered in front of him.
"What is that?!" He demanded.
That is your embodiment, the very persona of your newfound power..
Gideon became furious and shouted, "you told me to imagine something and it would appear. I imagined a spear, not...this." He gestured.
A spear hmmm? Look in your left claw.
Gideon did so and saw that it held a yellow spear that seemed to be made of the same thing the creature was made of.
"What are you?" He demanded.
I have already told you. I AM THE ELEMENT OF FEAR, I EXIST ONLY TO SERVE MY HOST. USE MY POWER AS YOU WISH.
The image of Celestia cowering before him in fear flashed before Gideon once again. He swallowed and asked, "and, just how strong is your magic?"
The power of fear knows no bounds. It is only limited to those who fear you, my power feeds off fear, so the more who fear you the more powerful you'll become.
"Not many fear me, so I can only assume I don't have much power." Gideon assumed, the spear he held faded away.
Correct. But there is a way for you to gain more power. Would you like me to tell you?
"Tell me everything." Gideon smiled with eagerness, "and don't skip any detail."
Panic arose from the airship as perplexed crew members tried to figure out what had happened while also tending to the ship's needs. There was shouting and roaring from everyone all around as those of higher command tried to regain order amongst the brewing chaos. One of the crew pointed and shout, directing everyone's attention to yellow bolt which was closing in. Those who stood where the bolt was going to crash quickly rushed away until they could be certain that they were a safe distance away. The bolt drew closer and closer and began to slowly descend. Soon the bolt's shining light dimmed and the crew could see what, or rather who, the bolt was.
"Your highness." One of the captains pronounced as he and the rest of the crew took a knee and bowed before Gideon.
Lexus made his way past the crowd and towards his nephew. "Gideon, what happened? Where did you go? What are you...wearing?"
Gideon looked at himself to see he was wearing a yellow armor that covered his entire body, from his claws to his neck. On his chest was a symbol which had been engraved. Gideon lifted up his right claw and observed, smiling while in the process. "Tell me," he spoke in a cool and orderly tone, "the Crystal Empire is south of us is it not?"
Perplexed by his nephew's question, Lexus answered, "yes...it is. Why?"
Gideon looked up at his crew, the soldiers who had sworn to die for him if need be. "Prepare for battle, were invading the Crystal Empire."
Overwhelming shock overtook the crew and Lexus. "What? Gideon you can't be serious-"
"Aaaahhh!"
The scream of one of the crew members had caught the attention of everywhere as they directed their gaze to who had screamed. Their eyes widened I horror upon the sight of the large persona of fear which hovered in front of the ship.
"Battle Station's!" One of the captain's ordered.
"Belay that order." Gideon commanded. "Their is nothing to fear, this beast is under my control." Gideon said as his persona drifted over to the side of the ship. "I have recently gained a new power, one that will give us an advantage in our invasion."
Gideon noticed the look of fear on his soldiers faces and knew that a leader was needed. "My loyal soldiers, how long have you served by my side?"
"Five years...your highness." One of the crew answered.
"And have I ever, given any of you a reason to question my judgment and orders?" Gideon asked.
"No." A couple of the crew answered, while the others remained silent.
"Have I ever led any of you astray?" Gideon asked.
"No." More of the crew answered, this time louder.
"So I ask of you, not as your prince or leader, but as your friend. Aren't you tired of being oppressed by the Ponies? Aren't you tired of waking up everyday and knowing that you are beneath someone? Don't you think it's time for a change? Don't you think it's time that the ponies learn there place?" Gideon's voice rose with confidence and spirit, he opened his claw and a yellow ball of magic appeared. "I wield the power of fear, and it is with this power that I will make them fear me. I will topple that iron throne they stand so proudly on and pull them down to ground and then, and only then, will they truly know fear. So I ask of you, my loyal soldiers, will you fight with me!"
"Yes!" The entire crew roared.
"Will you stand by my side throughout the entire battle?" Gideon asked, his voice becoming a shout.
"Yes!" The entire crew shouted once more.
"Then let loose the anchor and set course for the Crystal Empire." Gideon ordered. "Let us show them the true power of our might."
The Crystal Empire was said to be the most beautiful and peaceful place in the whole world, and those who said that weren't wrong. The Crystal Empire was a thing of pure beauty, shimmering in the sun's daily glow. Inside the palace, in the room belonging to the newly born Princess Flurry Heart, Shining Armor and his loving wife Princess Cadence were playing with their daughter. Flurry Heart giggled in delight as she was held by her father.
Cadence, who was leaning against the side of Flurry's crib, gave her husband a warm smile. "And you thought you were going to be a terrible father." She said smugly.
"Yeah yeah." Shining gave his wife an eye roll. "Laugh while you can, because Flurry's first words are gonna be 'dada' and I'll get to rub it in your face."
Flurry became entrapped in pink magic as she was brought over to her mother. "I wouldn't be to sure about that, 'mama' seems to roll off the tongue."
"Don't bet on it." Shining gave his wife a coy grin.
The doors to the room were burst open as a crystal royal guard charged in. First he bowed and apologize for barging in, then he spoke, "your highnesses, a Griffin airship just touched down two miles from the Empire's entrance. Over a hundred soldiers armed in what seems to be scrap and strange utensils, we think they might be planning an attack."
Cadence laid Flurry back in her crib before addressing the situation. "Send the guard to the entrance before those griffins hurt themselves. We'll be with you shortly."
Cadence, Shining, and the Royal guard exited. Shining stopped and turned to the guard standing at the doorway. "Keep an eye on Flurry till we get back."
"Yes sir." The orange fur Pegasus saluted.
Not once did Gideon's soldiers ever lose faith or trust in their Prince. But at this moment, the trust and bond formed between Gideon and his soldiers, was now very shaky. 117 soldiers were what Gideon had, and they were armed with the most pathetic looking weapons ever seen. Metal poles, wooden sticks, and some utensils. Compared to the arsenal that the Crystal Royal guard, the Griffin army was screwed.
Gideon could practically taste his armies fear, he couldn't blame them. He would be afraid to if he were in their shoes. But now was not the time to be afraid, now was the time to show the ponies just how powerful they were. Gideon took a step forward past the entrance and as a result the Crystal Heart, the very soul of the Crystal Empire, fired a beam of magic that sailed down towards the entrance. Gideon only had a split second to react as he extended his claw and braced himself. The beam collided with Gideon, the full force of it pushing him back. He dug his hindlegs firm into the ground, preventing the beam from pushing him back.
"Your Highness!" One of Gideon's soldiers shouted, taking a step forward.
"Don't come any closer!" Gideon ordered and his troops complied. "Why is this happening?" He demanded to the Element of fear.
The Crystal Heart is seeing you as a threat to the Empire, as such it is trying to destroy you. The only reason it hasn't yet is because my magic is protecting you.
"How do I stop it?" Gideon demanded.
You can't, you're not strong enough yet. It seems I have miscalculated, perhaps it would be wise if we were to retreat-
"NO!" Gideon shouted. "I will not run with my tail between legs! I said that I would make these Ponies know fear and they will!" Gideon said wth grit. "We were once a proud race, all feared our might and strength. But that all changed when the Ponies arrived. We were reduced to cowering greedy rats because of them. They have forgotten to fear us, so I will remind them." His entire body glowed brighter with every word he spoke. "I will remind them to fear us. They will fear the Griffin race, and they. Will. Fear. Me!"
In a single moment all of the bright yellow magic which radiated off of Gideon was transferred to his palm and from it a beam of yellow magic pierced through the Crystal Heart's. The beam spliced through magic and forced towards the Heart. The yellow beam touched the Crystal Heart in the center, cracks formed as the magic sunk in.
And then it exploded.
KA-BOOOOOM
The Crystal Heart shattered into pieces, a shockwave of yellow magic was sent from where the Crystal Heart once stood and cut through the four arched bases which supported the Crystal Palace and shook the entire empire itself. Then there came an earsplitting groan from the Palace, a sound that resembled that of a tipping tree. That's when realization hit everyone.
The Crystal Palace was falling.
Chunks of Crystal fell as the building began to tip forward. Everyone screamed in horror as the towering building drew closer to the ground. But before it could it came to a sudden stop. It took everyone a second until they saw what was happening. Princess Cadence was flying in front of the Palace and used her magic to slowly lift it back into place. Once the Crystal Palace was being held in place, Shining armor and the rest of the guard who were unicorns used their magic to wield the broken pieces back together.
But despite their act of heroism it couldn't settle the horrified look on everypony's face at the sight of the shattered Crystal Heart. Gideon took a whiff of the air and exhaled with the look of satisfaction on his face.
Fear. The entire Empire reeked with the emotion, and it was their fear that gave Gideon strength. Even now he felt his power growing, he looked to his soldiers and with his magic transformed their pathetic armor and weapons into ones that suited them. Pieces of scrap used for makeshift armor became steel suits of enchantment armor. In each claw every soldier held a steel tipped spear accompanied by a tall shield. Gideon looked at his army and was proud to call them his soldiers. They all had smiles on their faces, showing their eagerness and determination. All they were waiting for, was orders from their prince.
Gideon created a yellow aura sword in his claw and pointed at the Empire. "Take the Empire!" Gideon ordered.
The army roared as they charged the entrance, ponies that stood in their way ran in terror. When Shining Armor and the unicorns were finished wielding the bases shut, Cadence released her magical grip on the Palace. Her first instinct was to rush inside and make sure Flurry was okay. But before she could, a yellow aura chain wrapped itself around her hindleg and forced her down. She smashed against the Crystal floor with such force that it had made a mark.
"Cadence!" Shining Armor shouted, rushing towards his wife.
Cadence, still dazed, was unable to shield herself from Gideon's next attack. Gideon landed on top of Cadence and a black metal ring appeared in his claw with a yellow flash. He slid the ring onto Cadence's horn, where small spikes dug into it. Disrupting the flow of magic.
"Get away from her!" Shining Armor charge, his horn aimed towards Gideon like a lance.
Gideon didn't even bother shifting his gaze towards Shining Armor as he swiped his claw towards him, yellow aura shackles appeared on all of his hooves, chains attached to each shackle restricting his movements. He tripped and slid until stopping right in front of Gideon, who put another black ring on Shining Armor.
"Well this is a beautiful sight." Gideon smiled, watching as his troops raided the homes in the Crystal Empire. "Never did I think I would be able to witness such a thing."
"You monster."
Gideon glanced down at Shining Armor, who was glaring at him. "How could you do this? These ponies are innocent, they've done nothing wrong!"
Gideon gave Shining a look of perplexity before shaking his head and slightly chuckling. "You don't know, you will never know nor will you understand. But that's alright, you're not the ones I want to kill." Gideon said before giving it some thought. "Although, maybe if I killed her niece. Maybe that'll send the right message." Gideon smiled sinisterly at Cadence.
"Prince Gideon!"
Gideon looked away from the royal couple and towards one of his soldiers who was running out from the Crystal Palace. The soldier stood before Gideon and bowed.
"My loyal warrior, you're in the midst of battle. Kneeling before me is only gonna get your head chopped off." Gideon joked, receiving a laugh from the soldier.
The soldier then cut off his laughter like a switch and his tone became serious. "I bring good news and...unfortunately, bad news as well." The soldier said. "The good news is we've secured the Empire. They're Royal guard we're pathetic and helpless against us. Seems as though the only form of defense they had was the Crystal Heart."
Gideon raised a brow, cautiously he asked, "and the bad news?"
The soldier's expression became that of embarrassment. "Its princess Flurry Heart, we can't find her anywhere. She's disappeared."
Both Shining Armor and Cadence released a sigh of relief. Gideon took notice and grabbed Cadence by the next and lifted her to eye level. "Where is your daughter?" He demanded.
Cadence spat in his face.
Gideon watched as the slob of salvia trailed down his cheek. His grip on Cadence's neck tightened, closing her airway. But even as Gideon choked her, Cadence didn't show any sign of fear. Instead she closed her eyes, happy knowing that her daughter would be safe.
Gideon.
"What?" Gideon growled. "I'm busy."
This Flurry Heart you speak of, is she an Alicorn?
Gideon's grip on Cadence loosened. "She is." Gideon answered.
As I thought, there's an orange Pegasus carrying an Alicorn child away from Crystal Empire.
Gideon dropped Cadence, she fell to the ground limp. "Where?" He demanded.
Approximately three thousand feet in distance and five hundred feet in elevation. If you use my power you'll be there in seconds.
Gideon looked to the soldier and ordered him and others to watch Cadence and Shining Armor. The soldiers did as they were told and Gideon blasted off, a trail of yellow magic following behind him. He soared at speeds he had never reached before, in fact, he soared so fast that he appeared in front of the Pegasus in seconds.
The Pegasus was startled by Gideon's sudden appearance and stumbled to a halt, still keeping himself in the air. In his hooves he held a small newborn filly wrapped in a pink cloth. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the filly was Flurry Heart. Gideon extended his arm, opening his claw. "Give me the Alicorn Pegasus." Gideon asked politely. "Now."
The Pegasus shielded Flurry from Gideon and responded, "now way in Tartarus."
Gideon lowered his arm. "Suit yourself." He said as the Pegasus' wings became enveloped in yellow magic and were bent back. Breaking the bone.
The Pegasus roared in pain, and then he fell. He tried to ignore the pain and flap his wing to at least try and slow his descent but it was to no avail as he plummeted out of the sky. The ground came into view and the Pegasus knew that there was no point in trying to fly. He moved his body so that his back faced towards the ground, and he completely shielded Flurry with his body.
His body sunk into the snow until it had hit the ground.
Hard.
The first thing he did was check to make sure Flurry Heart was okay. He was relieved to see that she was, then the relief was replaced with pain from his broken wings and bruised back. He muffled his screams of pain as he slowly rose from where he had fallen.
"I must commend you on your..." Gideon paused as he landed in front of the Pegasus, thinking of the word to describe his action. "Bravery I guess is what you call it?"
The Pegasus took a step back, and his hindleg slipped. He spun his head around to see he was on the edge of a cliff, and at its bottom were sharp jagged spikes.
"But I'm afraid that your noblism ends here." Gideon extended his arm and opened claw once more. "Abandon the child and I shall let you live." The Pegasus looked back and forth between Flurry and Gideon's opened claw. "It isn't a hard choice Pegasus. Abandon the child, and you will live, stay and protect the child, and I will pry her from your cold dead hooves." Gideon threatened.
The Pegasus looked back down into the cavern filled with jagged spikes. In the corner closet to the edge there was a safe spot void of any spikes. The Pegasus knew that he had to protect Flurry no matter what, even if it meant his life would be spent in process. The Pegasus looked back to Gideon and without breaking eye contact, jumped off the edge.
Gideon's once face of triumph twisted into one of shock as the Pegasus once again plummeted down. Only this time, it was to his death. But he didn't care, he would die happy knowing that Princess Flurry Heart would be safe. As long as that happened, Flash Sentry didn't care if he had lost his life.
As he came closer and closer to the spot that was void of spikes, he saw a gold and blue light shine before him and three words spoken to him.
Flash Sentry, YOU ARE WORTHY!