//------------------------------// // 114 - One Hot Ring // Story: An Extended Holiday // by Commander_Pensword //------------------------------// Extended Holiday Ch 114: One Hot Ring Act 17 “So let me get this straight. Daring Do is A.K. Yearling, and she’s going on a massive adventure against the evil ruler known as Ahuizotl, who is now gathering a series of magical artifacts that will give him the ability to rule as a tyrant for 800 years, because these objects cause unrelenting heat for that period of time. And because of his natural affinity with water, and the position of his stronghold as a water control unit, he would be able to rule the valley with an iron fist,” Vital Spark said. “Pretty much,” Twilight agreed. “Why didn’t somebody just try destroying the ring, then? If they all have to be together, then just destroying one of them would mean he could never invoke the power, right?” Vital asked. “Ancient Ponies weren’t always the brightest,” Twilight offered. “Twilight, these books were only published in the last few years, which means the events in them probably happened shortly before they were published. The only reason I can think Daring didn’t destroy it outright is because it’s a valuable ancient artifact.” He sighed. “And yes, I guess ancient Ponies weren’t always the brightest. You girls are all okay, though, right?” “Fine, Vital. We talked, we watched Daring fight, my mind got officially blown, Rainbow became a raving fangirl, and then she chased off after Daring to try to help.” “Well, if everything is all right, then I need to go clear the ship of any unwanted individuals,” Hammer Strike commented. “I’m guessing we don’t have to worry so much about that, Hammer Strike. They’d be pretty stupid to try to take the Gantrithor,” Vital said. “And Circlet would have sensed them.” “Yes, but interior weapons haven’t been implemented, at least any that won’t damage the Gantrithor.” “So ask Caring to smoke them out, and then we capture and/or interrogate them, should any be there?” Vital asked. “Again, interior based weapons haven’t been fully implemented. That includes forms of gas to deal with intrusions. Not non-explosive ones.” “I meant by telling us where to look, not actually asking her to smoke them out,” Vital deadpanned. “Um, I hate to break up this precious moment, but could we please get going?” Twilight asked. “Ahuizotl could enact his plan at any time. We have to intercept the ring before that happens!” “Grif, Pensword, and the others are on their way already,” Hammer Strike replied simply. “But, all right. Follow me.” Grif waited as Daring Do entered the clearing. Moss and grass had been fashioned into a makeshift beard on her face, and she entered the camp carrying a large sack of bits. Grif watched as she put on a false accent, and began attempting to bribe the corrupt archeologist. The moment all heads went to the bits, he acted. Erupting from the bush, he grabbed the first stallion, and, with a deft movement, snapped his neck. Then he drew his knife, and slit the second stallion’s throat, before he had a chance to react. Lastly, he drove the knife blade into the back of the third thug’s skull. The three hit the ground in almost synchronized thumps as Grif tapped Caballeron on his shoulder. Caballeron turned around in shock. “What? A Gryphon! Are you here for the ring–?” he was cut off as Grif’s fist impacted with his face, before the Gryphon lifted him off the ground, grabbed the ring, and tossed it to Daring Do. He then proceeded to tie the archeologist to a nearby tree trunk. “Seriously, Miss Do, you do know there is a reason you don’t show the money until you’re sure of the transaction, right?” “I could’ve handled them,” she replied gruffly. “Also, dinner and a movie first, bud.” “Keep your money, Ma’am. This was a matter of national security, so I’m certain Celestia will be able to pay me more.” He retrieved his knife. “Grif Blad–.” He was cut off as an orange-and-black blur proceeded to pounce him from behind. The two forms crashed across the ground. Claws, talons, fangs, and beak flashed periodically. Several other large cats made an appearance, and began encroaching on Daring, as well as a small white cat, which seemed unable to tell it was a non-element in the current situation. “Ah, Daring Do, my nemesis.” A large creature emerged from the brush. He had deep blue fur with an awkward elongated face. His front legs ended in two ape-like hands complete with five fingers, and a thumb, and his long prehensile tail ended in a third identical hand. “I must admit your new ally caught me off guard, but I’m sure my pets will be able to handle him.” He sneered. “Now, the ring, if you please.” “Oh, Ahuizotl, you know I love you, but I can’t give you the ring till I’ve properly proposed,” Daring said as she hung the ring from one of her wings, flipped into the air, and struck the creature on its face with a hoof as she zoomed past, and braced for combat. The large cats pounced at her, and she bucked them away admirably, using well-aimed kicks with all four hooves. For a while, it seemed like the battle might be winnable when Daring Do, Grif, and a camouflaged Pensword all proceeded to groan as Rainbow cried out. In a few moments, Ahuizotl had Rainbow Dash in his clutches, and used the mare as a hostage. Grif attempted to help, but the tiger was surprisingly strong. In the end, Daring relented, and she was bound. Soon she and the ring were taken away as the creature slammed Rainbow into a tree. The other big cats covered their retreat as they vanished into the forest. Just at this point, Grif finally found an opening, and sunk the tip of his beak through the top of the tiger’s skull. Pushing the dying cat off him, he moved to follow, only to find the attackers gone. He winced in pain as he checked the deep claw marks over his body. “This is not good,” Pensword muttered as he limped into the clearing. “Puma attacked me.” He grit his teeth. “I can fly, but not nearly so well as normal. That cat took a few primaries. Still–.” He broke off when he saw Rainbow Dash’s expression, even as he heard the approach of other hooves. “Well this is bad.” “Bad?” Grif looked incredulously at him, before kicking the tiger’s corpse repeatedly, until the ribcage gave in with a sickening crack. “This is a disaster.” “Ever hear of us understating the situation? You know, the British do that a lot,” Pensword replied. A sudden gust blew through the clearing as the shadow of the Gantrithor fell over the group. In a matter of moments, the trees bent and cracked, forming a makeshift airdock for the ship as it extended its gangplank for its passengers to disembark. Vital Spark groaned as they came on scene. “We can’t leave you guys alone for five minutes without you getting into a life-or-death fight, can we?” He sighed. “Twilight, you come with me. I’m going to need some help patching these two up, and I know you know at least a little bit about basic healing spells. Every battle mage knows basic first aid. The rest of you, stick with Rainbow, and make sure she stays put. I know that expression pretty well. She needs some support, and a sober perspective. Oh, and Circlet, if Rainbow does try to fly out of range, shoot her down, but only on stun. We need everybody here, and we need to hear what happened from her.” “Is that really necessary?” Twilight asked. “Tell me, Twilight, what happened the last time Rainbow’s pride got destroyed by an incident her actions caused?” “. . . Good point.” “I’m afraid I can’t reduce the power that effectively just yet, Vital Spark. The cannons weren’t designed to go below 3 gigawatts. I’ve managed to reduce it to about 1.21 gigawatts, but that’s still strong for most Ponies to withstand,” Caring reported. Vital sighed. “Fine. Girls, just keep an eye on Rainbow, then. Yo, Hammer Strike! You gonna come down here?” he shouted as he approached Pensword, and his horn ignited. A light blue aura surrounded the Pony’s open wounds, and they slowly began to close. Twilight was swift to enact the same spell on Grif. Pensword nodded his head, “Thank you for the help, Vital, but please keep an eye out. There might be more felines out there in the wilds.” He winced. “It stings, but I’ve had worse.” “Stinging is good. That means your body’s natural defenses are working with the magic.” Vital smiled. “Who knows, maybe I’ll be this party’s medic by the time we’re done in Equestria, eh? Or better yet, the white mage.” He chuckled. “Just don’t call me Little Green, all right?” “Why would I call you Little Green? You are white, and you are not an alien. Plus, you are a little bigger than I am.” “Check with Matthew, Pensword. You’ll get the joke.” Pensword looked at Vital. “We are both confused,” he answered. “Only Little Green thing is Little Green Men, aliens, and the like.” “Team Four Star, Matt.” Vital sighed, and rolled his eyes. “I’ve never heard of them. Or, at least, I’ve heard so little that I’ve forgotten. Remember, over twenty years of Pony memories are up here,” he said as he tapped his head with a hoof. “I’m amazed I still know so much about the Titanic, Star Trek, and history in general.” “Well, assuming there really is an audience out there somewhere, I hope they at least appreciate it,” Vital grumbled. “Okay, you’re done. You should probably see about keeping Rainbow from running away. If that look and those drooping wings are anything to go by, she’s been crushed.” “Thank you. And don’t worry. I’ll keep her from going AWOL,” Pensword promised as he trotted to join the girls in their attempts at consolation towards the downtrodden cadet. Grif turned to Caballeron, even as Twilight worked to mend the wounds the tiger had managed to inflict. The corrupt archaeologist was still tied to the tree trunk, and struggling to escape. The Pony fixed Grif with a look that felt somewhere between smug arrogance and fear as the Gryphon’s rage-filled eyes drew ever closer. “So, Mister Caterwaller–.” “Dr. Caballeron,” the stallion interrupted. “Duly noted. Dr. Jerkface. Here’s how this goes. I’m going to ask you a few questions. If you choose to answer, then we’ll just knock you out. I’m sure a smart guy like the person you try to impersonate will know how to escape, before something predatory comes along. If you say no, and please, please say no,” Grif said as he leaned in uncomfortably close to the stallion, and sneered. “I’m going to peel you like a banana, until you talk. Then, after you’ve talked, I’m going to peel you some more, and dump you into a vat of saltwater and lemon juice. I could use the stress relief, after what’s just happened, but the choice is yours.” Caballeron took a look at Grif, the bloodstained talons, the clotted fur, the residue of the blood from the wounds, even as Twilight’s magic worked diligently to close them. The pulsating purple magic inevitably drew Caballeron’s eyes to the ugly roadmap of white scar tissue beneath, and the corded muscles that flexed and relaxed with every movement Grif made. He also took a moment to reflect on just how sharp those dagger-like talons had been, the damage they had done in combat, and the unpleasant sensation they would doubtless cause, should they be turned on his beautiful hide. The blood from the tiger had hardened on Grif’s beak to form a speckled crust that seemed to cause the Gryphon’s eyes to glow. The tip caught in the light as the sneer broke into a malevolent grin, exposing Grif’s many sharpened fangs. Caballeron took this all in, and considered what Ahuizotl might do to him for giving up the information these people wanted over what he very much believed this very large, very angry Gryphon would do to him in the now. Naturally, he sang like a canary. After a rousing speech from Twilight, the group were on the move again. The Gantrithor continued its advance as they sped towards their goal, much to Grif’s annoyance as Pensword continued to refuse to call the ship anything but the Giant, and they maintained a slower speed, rather than putting the pedal to the metal, when time was of the essence. “So, we are racing into one Ahuizotl’s main fortress to stop, and I quote, ‘eight hundred years of unending, sweltering heat.’ Why does this sound so much like a normal Wednesday?” Pensword muttered to himself, then sighed. “So, Rainbow Dash, when we get to that pyramid, we need you to find Daring Do, and get her helmet back. Grif, you follow behind. I’ll go with the others to try to interrupt the ceremony before it can be completed, okay?” “Listen, Pensword. Each and every Pony in that fortress is a co-conspirator here. That means that if you meet anyone at all in battle, you don’t hesitate to run them through. Got it?” Grif leveled Pensword with a stare. “Don’t bother to stop and ask questions.” “Of course,” he replied as he caught the look that the other five were giving him. “Err . . . knockouts?” he suggested. That seemed to relieve the tension a bit. “Now go on. I’ll catch up with you.” He waited for the five to be inside the building. “Grif, I want to end this, but I would rather not have an Alicorn Princess mad at me. Twilight is powerful. When her horn glows, my feathers bristle from the mana flow, so … I am going to go at it with any who live past my attacks to be taken as POWs.” He shook his head. “Of course, how those six might get through this without killing, I don’t know.” “Yes, well I’ve got two little cubs at home, and one goddaughter that tells me what Twilight doesn’t know won’t hurt her. This is rebellion, if that soothes your conscience. Ponies aren't native to this area, so these tribals have turned against the crown to follow a would-be-tyrant. They’re as good as dead anyway.” “Still, you know me. Equestria first. Now go on. We’ll all meet up, most likely at the ceremony chamber. I would be for taking out his powerbase, but I have a princess over my neck.” He sighed, and shook his head again. “Just take care of yourself.” Grif signaled for Rainbow to follow him silently as they moved. He stopped every few minutes to analyze a mural here or there, before taking particular notice of a picture depicting a Pony being eaten by a fish. He took a deep whiff, then nodded. “In here,” he noted as he pushed on the left side of one section of the stone. It immediately gave way, opening to a narrow corridor. “When we get to the chamber, you help get Daring to safety, okay? According to the idiot, this passage leads to a long wide-open chamber with spiked pillars in the corners, and piranha-infested water. There will be a narrow opening with a ledge nearby, where you’ll find Daring Do. You got all that?” “You bet.” Rainbow smiled confidently. “That Daring’s going to get help, whether she wants it or not. What are you going to do while I’m helping her, though? Act as backup? Guard the rear?” “You ever taste fresh piranha?” Grif asked with a chuckle. Much as he had predicted, they found the chamber just in time. Daring Do seemed to be attempting to fly with four heavy stone weights tied to her hooves. Grif shot Rainbow a wink, and dove into the water, while Rainbow flew in to catch Daring beneath her forelegs. After a minor gruff exchange, in which Rainbow finally came out the victor, Daring gave a begrudging acknowledgement, before the two raced out through another passage, and Daring explained the reasoning behind her harsh behavior from before. While it wasn’t a full apology, it was certainly enough for Rainbow to forgive her, and to respect her all the more for her military strategy. Grif landed on the ledge a few seconds later, soaked, and snacking on several still-wiggling piranha shish kabobs on the edge of his sword. “Now where’d those two troublemakers get off to?” he pondered. A pebble wrapped around in a rainbow-colored cloth plopped onto Grif’s head. He quickly unwrapped it, and read the contents. Grif. Gone to throne room to stop evil ritual. Catch up when you can. RD Grif moved through the hallways, chewing on his fish. He found the ritual chamber as Ponies ran around trying to catch the five Mane Six members as they raced around the room, playing a game of keep away with a gold ring, while Rainbow and Daring Do attempted to remove the other rings from the stack, and Hammer Strike used the small white housecat from earlier as a flail to beat down the surviving larger cats. Grif reached up casually, and grabbed the ring out of the air as it sailed by. A second later, Pensword raced past, and bowled into one of the spear-wielding Ponies. As he had expected, many of the Ponies dressed in tribal uniforms encroached upon him with their spears at the ready as they tried to look as threatening and intimidating as possible. “Uh, I’m over there,” Grif said casually as he pointed behind one of them. The guards rolled their eyes, and charged. There were several wet squelching sounds and sickening thunks as the Ponies charged forward, some knocking themselves out, while most impaled themselves on each others’ spears as the speed mirage they charged fizzled out of existence. Grif looked at the bloody mess, and shook his head, before taking another bite of piranha. “Amateurs,” he tsked. “Hey, Pensword! Heads up!” he yelled, before throwing the ring to his friend. Pensword zipped under Ahuizotl’s tail, snatched the ring, and zipped up into the air as he passed it back to Fluttershy. As the deadly game continued, Rainbow and Daring struggled to pull each of the rings off, with each one being larger and heavier than the last. “Vital, can you run some interference?” Pensword shouted as he motioned to the rings, then to Ahuizotl. Thankfully, Ahuizotl didn’t notice, since he was busy chasing Pinkie Pie. “Well, that depends,” Vital said as he smashed his staff into another guard’s face, and knocked him out. “You think he’d be interested in little old me?” “There is a tank of water in one of the chambers. Think if I can get him in there, you can freeze him solid?” Grif asked. “I just have one thing to say to you, Grif,” Vital said with a malicious grin as his staff began to glow. “Winter is coming.” Grif nodded, and proceeded to snatch the ring from the air. “Hey, monkey face! Follow me!” he shouted as he took off. Ahuizotl let out a rage-filled scream as he followed the Gryphon through the halls. After a very long chase scene, including the obligatory montage, he saw the battle-worn Gryphon standing at the other end of the hallway, holding the ring out teasingly. The beast charged forward, and through the opening. Grif didn’t move. He didn’t even blink. If Ahuizotl weren’t so focused on his prize, this behavior might have given him some pause. Unfortunately for him, this was not the case. He laughed in triumph. He was only a few feet away from Grif now. And that laughter continued for a time, at least until he heard the lapping, and smelled the substance that was his element. He looked down, and his fears were confirmed. There was nothing beneath his paws. For a cartoonish moment, he hung there, and then gravity kicked in, pulling him head first into the water “You really need to chill, man,” Grif chuckled. “How about a nice, relaxing ice bath?” Vital asked as he emerged from a side corridor and approached the trap, before touching his staff’s tip to the top of the water. The ice spread quickly, forming a thin sheet that rapidly thickened and descended like powder sifting in the air as the water froze into a massive ice cube. “Congratulations, Vital,” Grif said as he launched across the gap, and landed behind his friend. He laid a claw on the Unicorn's shoulder in mock solemnity. “Now you are a man.” “On the contrary, my dear Grif,” Vital said with a playful smirk. “Now I am a stallion.” And then the ground began shaking beneath their paws and hooves respectively. “Well that can’t be good. What do you figure someone triggered the collapsing temple booby trap?” Grif asked. “Oh, I’d say our odds are probably in the one hundred percent category,” Vital replied. “Mind if I hitch a ride? I believe we have our escape route waiting for us up there,” he said as he pointed skyward. Grif wrapped his arms around Vital’s barrel, and took off into the air through the conveniently-placed open roof. After planting the Unicorn safely on the ground, the Gryphon made his way back in, and exited moments later, carrying Pinkie Pie and Applejack as Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Daring Do, and Pensword followed behind him. The wall closest to Vital Spark exploded a moment later as Hammer Strike walked through casually with Rarity across his back. “Wow. That wall didn’t even stand a chance, did it?” Vital asked. “There was a wall?” Hammer Strike questioned. “Hammer Strike, can you kiss Rarity already, so we can finish this adventure?” Grif asked. “. . . Okay.” Hammer Strike smiled as he turned his head around, and leaned it down to kiss his beloved, who was blushing profusely, before she melted into the kiss. Steam rose from her rapier as the blood from the enemies that had tried to kill her slowly vaporized, revealing a glowing cherry-red blade that was quickly cast aside in the moment to burn some scrub that had grown between the cracks of the ancient stonework beneath their hooves. A group wolf whistle promptly followed. “As for you, Miss Yearling–” Grif turned to Daring Do “–my companions and I need you to accompany us. We have some private business to discuss, after which we will happily see that you get to any destination you desire by whatever means you wish.” “Just leave us out of any books you are planning to write,” Pensword added. “Please.” He turned his head as part of the wall that still stood fell forward, and a small white ball of fluff stepped out and hissed. Seeing just how outnumbered it was, the cat did the smart thing, and fled into the underbrush. Meanwhile, the tribal Ponies poked their heads up from the rubble with dazed expressions on their faces as they tried to recover from the disorientation of nearly being buried alive under several tons of rubble. “Speak for yourself, Pensword. I think it’d be fun to be a character in a book. Any writer worth his or her salt knows how important it is to base book characters off of real events. It lets you get more sincere personalities, and makes it more relatable to the reader. As a matter of fact, Miss Yearling, if you have the time between books, I’d love to exchange notes on writing styles and techniques. I majored in Language with a Creative Writing emphasis back in college, so it’s always a pleasure to interact with a fellow writer,” Vital said. “Yes,” Pensword muttered, “but you are not the Avatar of the Winds, nor the Commander who bathed in the blood of his enemies and commanded the damned in an act of vengeance, nor–.” He brought himself up short. “You get my point, I hope. Having the two of us show up can ruin the immersion of the book, and the readers’ personal experiences.” Grif looked at AK Yearling, and sighed. “Ma’am, please, as one professional to another, forgive my friends. You, of course, can write whatever you feel is valid for your book with our blessing. We didn’t come here just so Rainbow Dash or Vital Spark can go rabid fan either. What we have to discuss involves several key artifacts you have found previously, and a few of your early research papers, the ones referring to symbols and glyphs that you believe may have,” he cleared his throat, “higher origins?” “Hey! I’m not being a rabid fanboy here, Grif!” Vital protested. “How can I be when I’m still working through the series?” “Either Way, let's get going back to the ship. I want to glass this place before we head off,” Grif said as he took wing. “Glass?” Vital balked. “Grif, there are still Ponies struggling to get out of that rubble.” “And under Equestrian Law, Statute 338, Paragraph Six, Subsection Two, they’re all traitors to the crown, and, upon proving of their treason to a high enough official, are susceptible to capital punishment. I trust you're convinced, Hammer Strike?” “He’s not wrong.” Hammer Strike shrugged. “And under Military Statute Six of the old military command laws, high ranking Equestrian military officers must approve or disagree with the orders of the noble. In short, this is the two key system. I think you can guess my answer, Lord Hammer Strike.” Vital Spark took a deep breath, and did his best to keep himself from hyperventilating as the full gravity of what was about to pass, and the justification thereof, struck him. “I know it don’t seem right,” Applejack’s familiar voice spoke up as a gentle hoof was placed on his shoulder, “but sometimes the best cider comes from the weirdest apples.” “I know that was supposed to be a helpful phrase and all, Applejack, but how in tarnation is that supposed to apply to the apples that are literally being thrown into the fire?” Vital sighed. “I don’t know if I have the stomach for this just yet. I know it has to be done. Just . . ..” “Right, uh, Princess, would you please take Vital to his quarters, and keep him away from any windows when we get on?” Pensword asked. Twilight nodded. “We’ll take care of him, Pensword.” She ignited her horn. Seconds later, the Mane Six, Vital Spark, and Hammer Strike had all vanished in a flash. “And I think I will be seeing how I and Recruit Dash can be of work in the Gallies,” Pensword muttered as he veered up towards the ship. “This way, Miss Yearling,” Grif told her as he headed for the ship. “A royal commission, huh?” Yearling asked with a smirk. “I suppose I can make some time for it, provided you can make it worth my while.” She laughed. “The least I can do is hear you out, since you’re the ones giving me a lift back.” “Ma’am, Lord Hammer Strike has enough money to buy Canterlot, overlay the city in gold, encrust that gold in diamonds, overlay the entire thing with platinum, have it demolished, and then start the process over with rebuilding the city. If it’s bits you want, you just have to say how many zeros.” “How about we discuss the details of this little venture of yours first. I’ll hold off on judgement till then. No promises, though,” she stated firmly. “Well then, let me be the first to welcome you to the Gantrithor, former flagship of the emperor of Gryphonia himself, a sort of thank you gift for saving his life,” Grif said as the massive ship loomed before them. “Caring Circlet’s lost weapons platform? And he parted with it willingly? This is some of the most advanced Crystal Pony tech the empire ever produced in its heyday,” Daring gushed. “If I could get even just a few minutes to analyze its rune structure and power relays. . ..” “We’re in the middle of swapping the relays to a more efficient system,” Grif noted as they landed. “The last ones were less than adequate for the task.” “Please tell me you at least kept the core?” Daring begged. “The one of a kind power source that there will hopefully never be another one like it ever made? Yes, we kept that. Not sure we could keep the ship running without it.” “May I see it?” “Two conditions to that,” Grif said. “The first is you can’t attempt to remake it. The second is you’re not toting it off to some museum somewhere. The last thing we want is some alchemist trying to recreate Circlet’s work.” “As if I’d let her try,” Circlet’s voice carried over the ship’s speakers. “Who was that?” Daring asked. “Miss yearling, how much do you know about the bloodstone core?” Grif asked. “Vital, you can come up to the bridge, if you want,” Grif’s voice called over the PA. “The crater’s no longer visible.” “Thanks for the offer, Grif,” Vital said as he spoke into his own receiver, “but I need a little more time first. I’m okay. Just . . . still got a few things I need to work out first. See you in about a half hour or so?” “Take your time,” Grif responded a second later. Vital nodded as he knelt down on his bed, and looked over two thick leather-bound books, the one with an Alicorn embossed on its cover, the other with English words engraved on its edges. He sighed as he looked over the both of them. “Now who to pray to for their souls?” he wondered. Grif shook his head as he surveyed the horizon. “You were right, Pensword. He really isn’t ready for what duty requires of us.” “You are correct. Though, in his defense, I didn’t know if I was ready, either, and I trained for it. He doesn’t have that benefit.” Pensword sighed. “Besides, like it or not, we need his innocence. While I do enjoy teasing him as much as the next person, he is why we fight, or at least one of the reasons.” “I shouldn’t have pushed for him to come with us,” Grif said stubbornly as he shook his head. “Well he did choose to come, and he did create a means that most likely assured the survival of our main rival to Daring Do, so it’s not like he’s broken any rules in this universe, or even shed any blood, truth be told. If anything, I’d like to know what in Faust’s name those Ponies were thinking. This was treason. Did they honestly think they could have hidden from the crown forever?” “Nevermind that. I’m sure Celestia would have noticed the building heat.” “Well, I kept some of the fragments from that ring we smashed. What worried me was if these rings might have done something to our princess.” He sighed. “We really need to open a research division into these artifacts. Perhaps they’ll be able to develop proper countermeasures and safeguards for them.” “Wouldn’t dream of it.” Grif chuckled. “In case you hadn’t realized, my friend, I became a father recently, and I plan to put as much time as I can towards that vocation.” “Well, I hope it is a good endeavor for you. Moon River is getting old enough that she can come with Daddy. She already knows about the White Knight project, and I truly think she will be one of the first sights he sees upon waking up.” “I certainly hope I’m good at it.” Grif chuckled. “But as for the endeavor itself? I’ve been told it’s one of the best there is.” “So, what, we wait for Hammer Strike, Daring Do, and Caring Circlet to finish in that core room, and we can get this conversation going?” “You got a better idea for convincing the world's most skilled archeological explorer to help us look for an ancient island that may or may not be a fairy tale?” Grif asked. “Well, with the budget Strike can give her, I doubt she can say no, and it lets us clean house in the underworld as well.” “Money isn’t what she wants. You didn’t see it in her face? The money line was just testing us out. She wants knowledge, history, a challenge.” “Well, she needs the resources to hunt for this. After all, research, travel to lost archives, resources for aerial recon. As one good professor states, ninety percent of archaeology is done in the library. Research.” “Yes, but as another pointed out, that's why so many supposed facts get disproven yearly, not enough people out in the field to see the environment.” “Ah, so we give her that chance to go into the field?” Pensword asked. “We give her a chance to prove this,” Grif said as he slipped a file to across the captain's table. Inside was a series of documents making up a dissertation, which had received a notably poor grade for being a flight of fancy. “‘An archeology dissertation paper on the possible existence of Atlantica,’ submitted by one AK Yearling, former student at the University of Hidalgo. This particular paper had said student laughed out of the institute.” “I am both surprised and not surprised you have that paper,” Pensword replied. “You certainly seem to have the pieces, and your plan. Far be it for me to cut in from the upper drafts on your project.” He paused. “Can I have a copy to read?” “Actually, Hammer Strike was the one who asked me to look into this. I was just thorough.” Grif shrugged. “You can take that one. I have several.” “Thank you. It will give me something to read on the trip home,” Pensword replied as he tucked the paper under his wing. Three days later, the Gantrithor finally pulled back into its berth, and six mares and a dragon disembarked wearily. Some were simply tired. Some, like Rarity, were covered in a new set of scratches and bruises, and Rainbow Dash was particularly tired, sore, and finding herself with a lot more on her mind. The seven made their way off the airship dock without a fuss, and headed home. Back in the ship’s war room, Grif, Pensword, Hammer Strike, Vital Spark, and Daring Do sat at a large strategy table, where a pile of the last of the assorted exotic fruits onboard stood alongside a small keg of gwarkhala, one of the last of the ship's supply, which Grif had been saving for a special occasion. He slid a folder across to A.K. Yearling. “Did you really believe what you said in this paper?” he asked her. Daring narrowed her gaze. “You know I do. Why else do you think I had to settle for Hidalgo? Bale called me a laughing stock,” she growled. “And yet, with all the expeditions you’ve done, I’ve yet to see Daring Do and the Alicorn Island amongst your memoirs. Why?” he asked. “The usual reasons. Power hungry terrorists, cults, various other organizations that keep trying to track me down, so they can use me to bolster their bases.” She shrugged. “Ahuizotl was just the tip of the iceberg.” “It sounds like you need an ice breaker. Tell me, with the correct resources, do you think you could find it?” Grif leaned back, raising an eyebrow. “If I could get a closer look at the artifacts recovered from Yakyakistan and the Crystal Empire? Certainly. Heck, half my thesis was based on the existence of the empire itself. If I could get the permission to review their archives, see their reliquaries, I should be able to confirm my thesis, and find the next clue.” “I thought you were going to request something complicated,” Hammer Strike commented. “I can put a good word in for you as well,” Pensword added. “We’re rather close with the royal family.” “All we’re asking, Miss Yearling, is that you won’t go to anyone else to receive funding or resources for this expedition. In exchange for working exclusively with Lord Hammer Strike on this venture, we can assure you everything you’d need,” Grif noted. “We have no reason to doubt your discretion; we just want to be sure you don’t underestimate Lord Hammer Strike’s ability to fund this venture.” “You realize this is going to take time. Evidence of ancient Alicorns is rare enough as it is. I may have to broaden the search, in order to find the way to the island.” “Do you believe there are archeologists out there more capable than you at finding the way?” Grif asked. “Only the idiots like Caballeron would dare to even try.” She paused for a moment. “Well . . . there was one other, but he disappeared a ways back. Last I heard, he was heading to the empire to research the roots of its culture.” “Well then, we’ll just have to make things tough on him, won’t we?” Grif chuckled. With a nod from Hammer Strike, he tossed over an envelope. “First month's pay, plus signing bonus, if you agree. That's a promissory note good at any bank in the Equine nations.” “You do realize I have a contractual obligation to finish my book first,” she said. “I can’t start there till after I present my manuscript for publication. Give me about a couple of weeks, and I should be ready.” “Keep the pay,” Hammer Strike commented dismissively. “I assume you want this kept on the down low?” “Perhaps for the best.” “And the girls?” “Do not let them know.” Pensword groaned. “Rainbow Dash would want to come with; Pinkie Pie would talk, unless we get her to pinkie promise; Twilight will research it to the point where she might even try to hold up the investigation, because she can’t find any proof or evidence; Rarity will freak out about the fashions, and demand we take her with Hammer Strike; Fluttershy will be nervous; and we can’t have Applejack involved. She is away from the farm enough as is.” “I think I can manage that.” Daring smirked. “I think I’ve mentioned how I tend to work better alone enough that it doesn’t bear repeating.” She chuckled. “That Rainbow Dash is pretty stubborn. She reminds me a little of myself when I was her age.” Pensword’s ears shot up, and he groaned, before smacking his forehead on the table. “Faust help the Wonderbolts,” he whispered. “I don’t know if I am excited at that or dreading the impact such an assessment could have on that mare’s future.” “So then, Miss Yearling, where can I drop you off?” Grif asked. “I’ve got an apartment near my publishers in case of events like this. Just drop me off in Manehattan, and I’ll get things sorted.” “Okay, I can handle that,” Grif noted. “The rest of you guys can disembark.” “I guess I’ll see you all later, then,” Vital Spark said. “Clover’s probably going to want a report as soon as I’m settled back in, anyways.” “Right. I am going to spend time with my family,” Pensword said. “You all take care. I’ll see you when you get back, Grif.” With that, the commander got up, and left the room to disembark. Vital Spark soon followed. “When you get back, could you remind me to finish exchanging the relays over, Grif?” Hammer Strike asked as he stood from his chair. “Yeah. I’ll find you. I have a few stops to make on the way back, but I shouldn’t be more than a day, maybe two,” Grif noted. “Got it,” Hammer Strike replied as he left the room. “So what now?” Daring asked. “You’ll want to sit in one of the weird-looking chairs,” Grif noted as they made their way to the bridge. “The inertia dampeners are powerful, but they have limitations when the field’s as big as it is. The inertia-canceling chairs do a much better job at ridiculously high speeds.” “Are we talking rainboom speed here?” “Maybe back when we had Gryphic runes transferring power at one one hundredth a percent efficiency. Miss Dash may be the fastest biological flyer in Equis, but let’s just say the Gantrithor is no slouch either.” He chuckled as he moved behind the central panel. “We have clear weather up until New Hoofshire. After that, there is, supposedly, a mandatory storm.” “Not an issue,” Caring circlet confirmed as the ship detached from the dock, and the engines began to thrum. Grif got into his chair, and motioned for Daring to do the same. When she did, he nodded. “Brace for G-force. And if you feel a pain in your eyeballs, don’t panic. Your vision should clear up within an hour or so of stopping. . .. Probably,” he warned “Oh, this is going to be fun.” Daring smirked as she leveled her pith helmet, and braced for the spectacle to come. Outside, the Gantrithor suddenly hurtled forward at startling speed. Less than a mile away from the dock, it turned to face the east coast, and then put on another burst of speed. A familiar rainbow-colored wave broke off the ship’s hull, followed by a trail. Grif smiled smugly as he was absolutely certain he heard a loud, “OH, COME ON!” from Ponyville’s direction, even as the town shrank behind them. Gilda sighed as she pulled open the door to Little Willow’s infirmary. The mare was busily checking on stock for medical supplies, healing herbs, and supplements with a Unicorn assistant, while various Gryphons turned out the beds or gathered sheets and gowns for proper washing. It seemed every time she tried to visit someone, even at that person’s request, she always came at the worst times. She braced herself, then cleared her throat. “Um, Willow?” Gilda asked uncomfortably as she brushed her crest backwards and let it bounce back into place again. “You . . . wanted to see me?” “You can calm down, Gilda. You’re not here for a check-up,” Little Willow said, smiling at the younger Gryphoness. “I would have thought the two of us had become good friends over the past few months.” Gilda blushed as her fur bristled briefly, and she wrestled with her ego. ‘Come on, Gilda, pull yourself together,’ she thought to herself. ‘Keep it cool.’ “Can you come a bit closer?” Little Willow asked. “Um . . . sure. You need something?” Gilda asked. She wasn’t that good with all that communication stuff after all that time in Griffonstone. Rainbow was one of the few people she could really open up to without feeling so nervous. She sighed to herself. If she could have something to do, that would make this a lot easier. “You‘ve heard the story of how Grif saved us a few dozen times by now, so I’m sure you also know Grif taught us a lot about your culture in that time,” Little Willow noted as she produced a small wooden box from amongst the array of medical tools. “Yeah, so what’s your point?” Gilda asked. Then she mentally smacked herself. She really needed to work on that rough edge. Stupid nerves. “Gilda, hold out your dominant talon, please.” Gilda did so, though she still wasn’t certain what was going on exactly. “Grif told me what little he knew of bridal customs, and Kalima has helped me to fill in more,” she said as she opened the box, and then proceeded to reach out with her hooves. Gilda’s talons were obscured for a moment, but she felt something being tied. “When a Gryphoness is to be a bride, she weaves a cord from her fur: one double braid, and three or so single braids. She then proceeds to braid them across the talons of the gryphonesses she wants to stand beside her during the ceremony. The single braids go to the bridesmaids, and the double cord–” she removed her hooves, revealing the double-braided cord crisscrossing Gildas index talon “–to her shield sister.” Gilda’s brain immediately crashed as she gaped down at the braid. “But . . . but I haven’t done anything! I mean, sure, we’ve gotten to know eachother a bit, but this. . ..” “Gilda Bladefeather, would you stand beside me as I go to meet this challenge in my life?” ‘Crap, crap, crap!’ Gilda swore internally. To deny the request would be to dishonor and disrespect Willow. Gilda knew better than to do that, but to receive such an honor. . .. “I . . . I don’t know that I deserve this,” finally came out. “What have you done that makes you less worthy of this? I can guarantee you I have done much worse to make myself unworthy of the happiness I’ve found. You lashed out, Gilda. I have murdered. I have tortured. You think the clan members are scared to come into this infirmary? You should have seen the Gryphons Grif dragged into my care during the Third Gryphon War. I’ve made warriors die in terror, Gilda. By far, you have no sins that make you even a fraction less worthy than I am.” “Willow . . . I don’t know what to say.” Gilda’s pupils had contracted as her heart rate rose from the stress. Here was a Pony who was, by far, one of the most prominent figures in the village, after Grif and his family, and she had deemed the passing relationship they’d gained after all of Gilda’s sparring injuries enough to be worthy of this great an honor. She did her best to get her breathing under control as she shut her eyes, and concentrated on the darkness to stop her body from hyperventilating. A warrior must keep control of all her emotions, whether it be fear, annoyance, or astonishment. She had to maintain control. She couldn’t let herself break. And then she felt that same set of gentle hooves holding her talons, then stroking her breast feathers in a calming sweep. “It’s okay, Gilda. I won’t tell Grif. Tell me how you feel.” Gilda chuckled, then sat down on her hind quarters. “You sound like Twilight, though I guess that’s not necessarily a bad thing, seeing as she’s a princess and all. I’m just . . . overwhelmed, I guess? I mean, I didn’t think we were that close for you to want to do this for me, though I guess it’s for you more than me.” She groaned. “Doing this emotion stuff is hard, after growing up in Griffonstone, you know? I don’t know how to really talk to people.” “Gilda, tell me, how many friends do you think I have?” Little Willow asked. “Are you kidding me? Everyone in the clan loves you. Big Mac and his family welcome you with open arms, your big brother, Hammer Strike and his friends, need I go on?” “Gilda, the clan loves me, because my wealthy brother took them out of poverty. Sure, I’ve gained a reputation for my work in here, but I still treat warriors who don’t really know my name. Big Macintosh and his family love me, yes, but, honestly, I’m still getting hints for names for most of them from Mac. I’ve had precious few conversations with Hammer Strike, and all of them have been, essentially, because he was talking to Grif, who happened to have been talking to me. My war buddies either died when Grif was captured or kicked the bucket from old age more than a thousand years ago. “I have a few friends amongst the Demon Slayers, but, in all honesty, the group I consider friends isn’t that big. And out of all of them, the one I’ve spoken the most with happens to be a sometimes overly-irritable Gryphoness who first came into my office because my brother had just finished showing her several large flaws in her fighting style. The one who I taught to throw knives, and the one who I have, on more than one occasion, had to elbow in the ribs to take her eyes off his impressive array of battle scars.” She chuckled at that remark, and smirked in Gilda’s direction. “Honestly, Gilda, you are the best friend I have alive in this era of time. Now stop dancing around the issue, and tell me. Will you be my shield sister?” “You . . . you really mean all that?” Gilda asked. The smack on her head more than answered that question for her, and addressed the idiocy of implying Willow wasn’t speaking the truth. Then Gilda laughed. “Okay, okay, I give. I give! You’re about as determined as Rainbow, and relentless as Pinkie PIe.” She grabbed Willow’s hoof. “It would be my honor to stand at your side, and guard you in the time to come.” Willow hugged her quite suddenly. “Thank you, Gilda. You’re a good friend.” Gilda sniffled. “All right, I’ll cry just this once. But don’t expect me to break down at the wedding,” she said as she leaned into Willow’s shoulder. Willow laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Grif checked his surroundings one last time as he dug the spade into the earth. After dropping Daring Do off just outside Manehattan, he had stopped at one of the locations where he had buried his loot from the Third Gryphon War. Fortunately, this one ended up in the center of an arid area with hard, solid ground that had not been investigated, due to the region’s harshness. Unfortunately, a thousand years’ worth of environmental shifting, and other unforeseen events, had pushed the chests deeper than Grif had intended. He could already see the first rays of morning light on the horizon as he hauled the first chest out, causing a minor cave in, which meant more digging. This process repeated itself, until he had extracted five other identical chests. Smiling, Grif turned to the first one. It was made of heavy black iron with several sturdy locks carved with equestrian runes that glowed a heavy blue. He rubbed his talon over them, and spoke the word, the same word he’d given the Unicorn who enchanted the chests for him, a word in ancient gryphic that probably hadn’t been used in centuries. As he finished the last syllable, the runes turned red, and the locks clicked open in rapid succession. Grif opened the chest, and smiled as the gleam of artifacts in fine gold and silver: old gryphon statues, and fine cloth banners rolled up in a small pile greeted him. He checked the many jeweled pieces, and confirmed everything was present and accounted for. He closed the chest, and re-locked it, before checking the others. When he was certain everything was secure and accounted for, he hauled each into the Gantrithor, which was not an easy feat, given each chest’s impressive weight. Filling the hole was mercifully easier than excavating it had been as he pushed the piled earth back into place with several blasts of wind, before packing it down. Grif smiled to himself as he told Circlet to get them back to Unity as fast as she could, before turning back to the chests. He ignored the inertia from the ship as he searched the chests again, before retrieving a single small jade bottle. An apple had been carefully etched on the outside. He chuckled as he stowed it inside his armor. Now he had a perfect wedding present. It was a day like any other at the Apple family farm. In other words, it was chaotic as Gryphons and ponies alike raced to and fro to decorate for the wedding. The pig pen had been properly mucked, and the hogs and sows washed with bow ties and straw hats included for each respectively. The barn had been decorated with gold-trimmed yellow ribbon accented by flowers at each of the hanging points. Applebloom’s contribution to the event had been a carefully constructed platform for the bride and groom, along with a proper altar crafted from some wooden crates, and draped over with one of the finest tablecloths Granny Smith could muster. From far and wide, wagons and carts alike flowed in, each laden with gifts and extended family as more and more Apples flooded back to their ancestral home. Even the Oranges had seen fit to set aside enough time for their Nephew’s special day. A separate space had been set up near the barn, where Fiddlesticks and a few of the more musically inclined Apples had gotten together to practice their numbers for the hoedown to follow the wedding nuptials. Big Mac was busy hyperventilating by a water barrel, where Tall Oak dutifully dunked the stallion’s head under each time he got too nervous to be coherent. Naturally, this drew quite a few chuckles from the family, but it was to be expected with such a momentous occasion. Even the princesses themselves were to make an appearance, if word from the noble grapevine could be trusted, and though the apple trees were bare of leaves, they had been replaced with glowing lanterns that hung from the branches in every color of the rainbow. As an added bonus, the Gryphons had taken one of the stormstone cores Daedalus had given them as a boon, and connected it to a stream of lights, which they’d had strung up throughout the clearing outside the barn to light up the space at night, and to offer that proper romantic touch. As a tip of the hat to Little Willow, jars of healing herbs had been set up as centerpieces on each of the tables inside the barn, and the Gryphons had brought in sets of armor and shields as decorative pieces to hang beneath the light posts, and form a perimeter of sorts in the shape of a large apple, while also including sets of Pony armor for the interior of the barn itself. “Well now, this is a sight,” Grif said as he landed on the acres. He wore his finest dress armor, what had been lovingly polished to a mirror shine. However, as a precaution and a service to his younger sister, he had decided to carry only his hidden weapons. “Your family truly works miracles, Ma’am,” Grif said with a nod of respect to Granny Smith. Granny cackled cheerfully. “Well, what’d you expect? We’re about to grow the family. Of course we’re gonna do it right.” She laughed again. “Besides,” she said with a wink, “you could call this payback for all that woodwork you did for Mac when he was laid up.” “After everything that's been happening, this seems like a good omen,” Grif noted. “I think everyone needed this.” “It’s been awhile since we had a good old fashioned party, hasn’t it?” Granny smiled as she watched the blur of motion that was Pinkie Pie busily setting the tables and platters, while snitching cupcakes and various other baked goods to fuel her party frenzy. “Pinkie’s sure excited for it.” “This will be good for Willow. The only time she’s spent any extensive time around other Ponies was during the war. You and your family have welcomed her with open hooves. I appreciate that.” “The way Big Mack flirted with her? How could we not?” Granny chuckled. “I ain’t seen him that worked up since the girls spiked his punch on Hearts and Hooves Day.” “I only met Apple Core once or twice during the war, but from what I remember, Mac is a lot like him. I wonder just how much like him he might be.” Grif chuckled. “If he is as much like him as I believe, I think he’ll find my gift very interesting indeed.” “Sounds like somebody’s got a surprise planned,” Granny said with a smile. “You seen the bride yet?” “No. I was away last night. By the time I got in, she was already off to get prepared at the spa. You know how Rarity is. She had to make sure she was perfect. Should make things interesting when Rarity finds out Willow’s not wearing a gown.” “That so?” Granny asked. “And what’s she gonna wear, then?” “Armor.” Grif Shrugged. “Willow served in the Third Gryphon War as a medic and a warrior. By our customs, this means she can choose to wear her armor, instead of a gown. I hope that’s okay with you?” “Don’t see why not. It’s her wedding, after all,” Granny pointed out. “We also have a little something for Big Mac, if he so chooses, but I figure I’ll let Oak dunk him a few more times.” Grif chuckled. “Can you blame him?” “Mac or Oak?” “. . . Yes.” “Well, I’ve been in Mac’s shoes twice now,” Grif noted with a shrug. “It’s frightening, but when you see that face, then you know it’s worth it. As for Oak, he still thinks Mac should have to bring us the tails of a hundred manticores or something, so it’s cathartic for him.” “Did Ponies really have to do that back in the day, or is that just him being the father figure to scare Mac?” “I don’t know about Ponies, but with Gryphons, it was expected of the groom to pay in either money or blood. It’s not a custom I personally respected, but Oak’s earned the right to be a little protective, I think.” “That, and he likes pushing people around a little.” Granny chuckled. “Boys will be boys.” “So how many bits have you all spent on everything so far?” Grif asked. “And don’t start trying to downplay it, Ma’am. The bride’s family pays.” Granny just cackled, then made a zipping motion with her hooves. For added effect, an actual zipper appeared as she pulled it shut, and she smirked as a flash of scales and a familiar tail tuft disappeared behind a tree. “Fine then. I suppose you’ll just have to take all of this, and settle it there.” Grif chuckled as he dropped a very large sack of bits in front of Granny Smith. “See you later, Ma’am.” Before Granny could react, he was already halfway gone in Mac’s direction. Granny promptly unzipped her lips, and kicked some dust up. “Consarn it, we were that close,” she said. “Oh, don’t worry yourself about it so much, Granny. Grif does that to everyone he meets. I think Hammer Strike is having a rather unhealthy influence on him,” Discord said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a Fluttershy to escort, a suit to air out, a ravenous starch-eating bowtie to catch, and an expandable cumberbun to inflate, and don’t even get me started on my slacks. Honestly, I don’t know where they got such a lazy streak from.” He sighed dramatically. “So much to do, so little time. Ta ta,” he sang as he disappeared in a flash of white light. Big Mac gasped again as Tall Oak pulled him up from his twelfth dunk into the water barrel. His eyes were wide, and he couldn’t help but cough as he struggled to get the life-giving substance that was air into his lungs. His wet coat and mane glistened in the afternoon light as he braced his hooves over the edges of the barrel, and looked at himself in the mirror Rarity had been kind enough to offer to aid in the groom’s preparations. “You calm yet, Mac?” Tall Oak asked. Big Mac’s legs were shaking as he shook the water from his mane, scattering it everywhere. “Nnnnope,” he said as he shook his big head. Before Tall Oak could dunk him again, a familiar voice spoke up. “That's enough, Oak. I think Willow would skin us both, if you drowned him today.” Oak sighed, and let Mac go, grumbling to himself. “So, Mac, why, might I ask, are you so over-the-top nervous about today?” Grif asked him. “You know,” Big Mac said as he locked eyes with the clan leader. Not much more needed to be said as they engaged in the wordless conversation the three had come to use so often in their time together. “Perhaps this is not an event for Big Macintosh.” Grif signaled to someone unseen. “Perhaps it would be best suited for one Sir McBiggun?” Pensword carried a familiar set of armor and a helmet on his back as he came around the corner of the barn. His wings had been spread out on either side to help support and carry the extra weight. “Uh . . . okay, not going to even pretend that made any sense.” Big Mac blushed at the armor, but, despite himself, he still couldn’t help examining it. He tapped the metal, tested the shield and greatsword. They’d even gone so far as to include a spiraling attachment to synthesize the Unicorn horn from his fantasy, though this ornament would prove a deadly weapon of last resort, should he be stripped of his other defenses. Indeed, it appeared to be an exact replica from his character’s design in Ogres and Oubliettes. “How. . .?” “Money.” Grif chuckled. “How else?” With some display of effort, Grif unsheathed the greatsword, and held it. “Kneel.” Big Mac’s blush increased, but he did as instructed. “You may not be a warrior in skill, but you are in heart. For love to your family, loyalty to your town, and honor to your princesses, I dub you. Rise a knight of Equestria, first of the Order of the Apple. Rise, Sir Big Macintosh!” “Does Willow know?” Big Mac asked as he rose to his hooves again, and took the armor. What had been so heavy for Pensword proved incredibly light for the giant stallion. “No, and you will not reveal who raised you to this position to her or to anyone else. Let the questioners be settled knowing the person had the authority to do so. This is an honor for you, Big Macintosh, and not because I am your brother-in-law-to-be.” “Apple Core would be proud of you.” Pensword muttered. “And I am not just saying that. He would be proud of what he sired from so long ago. You got a bit of Blue Vase’s smarts as well, even if you don’t always share them.” He paused. “In fact, I see her stubbornness in all of you.” “I thought you said this’d be as McBiggun,” Big Mac said with a playful smirk. “While changing your name is well within my power, I don’t think your grandmother would let me hear the end of it, but best to keep in mind the right is there for the future.” Grif gave him a wink. “So be a good stallion to my sister.” “Dunno if this’ll work, but you know I’ll do my best for her,” Big Mac swore. “Just . . . gotta beat these jitters first.” “Big Mac, a little advice from someone who’s been in your place twice so far, and has yet one more to deal with. You won’t beat these jitters, until you look her in the eye at the altar. This is how you know it’s love. This is how you know it’s real.” “How’d ya deal?” he asked. “I put on my best war face, and prayed it convinced people.” Grif chuckled as he turned the sword blade down, and impaled the ground. “I trust you, Big Mac. Willow trusts you. By Sleipnir's blazing saddle, you kept this family going since you were a colt! You’re more than ready to start this journey. And if you find yourself needing help, New Unity’s just a few hours away.” “Oak?” Big Mac asked as he turned to his other brother-in-law-to-be. The question was half worried, half reproving. Oak considered Mac for a minute with an unreadable expression. Then he saw Grif’s glare over Big Mac’s shoulder, and sighed, before smiling. “You take all the fun out of this, Grif. But yeah, Mac. You’ll do alright by Willow.” Big Mac chuckled. “Just wait till your wedding.” “Well now, let's get you dressed, Mac. You're the star. Come on, it’s your wedding day!” Grif grabbed the chest piece, and moved to help the stallion get outfitted. Big Mac shook his head. “Nnnnope,” he said. “Willow’s the star.” Then he chuckled as he took the buckles, and let Grif and Oak work on getting him ready. The time for the ceremony came quickly. Mayor Mare stood at the altar wearing an old official-looking robe. Big mac stood in front of her in his armor with Braeburn, Grif, and Spike lined up in order behind him. On the left, the Apple family filled the seats to near-bursting as Apples from all over Equestria anticipated the coming ceremony. On the other end, a mix of Ponies and Gryphons sat or stood at attention, many wearing polished ceremonial armor or starched uniforms. The bridal march played to the strange sound of the fiddle, banjo, water jug, and other such instruments. What surprised all the guests was what came next. Pensword walked forward, leading two lines of Demon Slayers. They marched in unison as they walked down the aisle. As they marched, the two guards in the rear stopped, and turned to face each other. Animal Control used her magic to pull out a ceremonial sword, while Clean Whistle did the same to create an arch overhead. This pattern continued as each pair of soldiers lined up, and extended their swords, until Night Prism and Lighting Dust ended it. This left Pensword standing alone on the bride’s side of the aisle by the altar. He pulled his own officer sword from his scabbard, and raised it above his head. It was then that Little Willow emerged through the barn doors, and began her march down the aisle under the arch of swords. When she first saw Big Mac in his armor, she nearly spilled over the dirt floor. Were it not for the quick actions of her brother, she would have. Tall Oak chuckled as he picked his sister up, dusted off her dress, and motioned towards the groom. Having managed to regain her composure, Willow resumed her march down the aisle in a slow, practiced step, with her brother at her side as Gilda followed behind, proudly displaying her new polished axes at either side. Applejack and Rarity trailed behind them, looking somewhat out of place in their gowns. In short order, they arrived at the altar, where Tall oak nuzzled his sister gently, and then took his place behind her as Willow took her place across the aisle from Big Mac. When all had taken up their positions, the Demon Slayers sheathed their swords in a single fluid motion. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today. . ..” Mayor mare began. She wasn’t a priestess, so her speech wasn’t particularly based on faith or belief, but on love. She spoke about the love the two shared, and the way it had affected the community. She made mention of Little Willow’s service, and the Ponies whose lives she’d saved. Mayor Mare continued as she spoke of Big Mac, and his love for growing plants and nurturing life. Then she spoke about how these two lovers’ talents came together to truly represent the nurturing healing nature of love. When she asked who would give Willow away, Tall Oak stood spoke the words. And, although he’d never admit it, Grif could see the tears in the stallion’s eyes as he did. “And so, do you, Big Macintosh Apple take Little Willow to be your mare, to care for her, and look after her as long as you both shall live?” Big Mac looked at Little Willow with a loving smile. “Eeeyup.” “And do you, Little Willow, take Big Macintosh Apple to be your colt, to care for him, and look after him as long as you both shall live?” Little Willow smiled back at Big Macintosh, and, in her best impersonation, went, “Eeeyup,” causing small bits of laughter to emanate from the audience. “Then by the power vested in me by Princess Twilight, and the duchy of Ponyville, I now pronounce you mare and colt. You may kiss the bride!” However, before Mac got the chance, Willow kissed him. The crowd stomped and hollered in approval. Several Ponies and Gryphons on the bride’s side saluted happily. The Gryphon slayers in the aisle drew their sabers again, this time as both Big Mac and Little Willow Apple moved happily down the aisle. Grif smiled as he watched the couple walking away. He almost didn’t notice the tap on his shoulder in all the happiness, but he did, and so he turned to see Tall Oak. The large stallion pulled the Gryphon out of the crowd, and behind the altar. “Grif, I know we haven’t spoken a lot lately, and I know I don’t say it enough, but with what happened during the war, and what happened that day we met, I. . ..” Oak looked at him again, this time with eyes made glassy with tears. “I’d given us up, Grif. I was making my peace with Faust, and then you gave us our life back. I never thought we’d be alive to see a day like this, and here we are.” In a very uncharacteristic display, Oak grabbed Grif in his forehooves, and hugged him, which would be sweet, if Tall Oak wasn’t strong enough to lift a fallen oak in his bare hooves. “Thank you.” “Oak . . . air,” Grif managed to gasp. The stallion finally seemed to realize the issue, and quickly loosened up. Grif coughed a bit, caught his breath, then returned the embrace. “Any time, big guy.” Releasing the hug, the two brothers watched as their sister, and her new husband, were led away by the crowd. “Any time.” With the wedding finished, all that remained were the festivities. Since the crowd of the Apples and extended family were too large for the barn to hold, extra seating and catering had been set up in the field near the red barn. Fiddlesticks and others played lively country songs as Ponies danced, while the two newlyweds remained at the center of the dance floor, bereft of armor and wedding gown. The two were there to enjoy themselves without the interference of formality. In short, it was time to cut loose, and have some fun. Pensword had just finished a dance with Fox Feather as he took a breather near some of the punch bowls and cupcake platters. He caught sight of Grif, and waved a wing to him as he watched Little Willow and Big Mac dance. “It is strange, seeing her get married. Before you know it, the rest of the Demon Slayers will marry, most likely to one of my Gryphon sons.” He sighed. “So how does it feel having a direct relation to the Apple clan?” Grif chuckled. “I imagine it’ll get Filthy Rich offering them a fairer deal on zap apple jam every year, and make cider season more orderly.” “Well, we will see, but that sounds good.” “I think everybody needed this,” Grif said. “Finally, some happiness to start cutting through the gloom.” “Agreed,” Pensword replied. “So, next up is. . ..” He trailed off. “Grif, this is the season for weddings, isn’t it?” “Yeah. Tomorrow, I’m headed to canterlot with Rarity to work on the venue.” Grif chuckled. “Apparently, doing the wedding stuff Hammer Strike’s not good at is part of my duties now.” “Well, you still are somewhat a part of House Strike. Wait, does that mean that Clan Bladefeather could be called in for favors by House Strike?” “That shouldn’t be a surprise to you,” Grif noted. “I did give him my oath.” “True, just as my oath is to Equestria.” His eye twitched. “And the US,” he muttered in Draconic. “Let's hope we never have to worry about these oaths being called at the same time for opposing purposes, then.” “That would be a very, very horrible pear shape, let alone if both oaths of mine are called at once on opposite sides.” He frowned. “There wouldn’t be enough Dwarven ale to make that headache go away.” “Anyway, the Apples know how to celebrate, huh? I think Fox Feather’s been enjoying the free cider. The Apple family's good stuff, too, if I’m not mistaken.” Grif chuckled as he looked to the mare, who smiled just a bit too widely. “I worry about her liver,” Pensword replied. “But yes, they know how to party. Oh, look, I think I saw Hammer Strike’s left leg twitch to the music,” he replied with a smirk. “Heh, so are you feeling better about the emperor's wedding, then?” Grif asked. “No,” Pensword answered. “This is. . .. Grif, last time was what I hoped to be the only time. You saw the orders. I was to be delivered alive to the Emperor for his table. So, a wedding, with some Gryphoness that can see the future? It’s freaking me out.” “Well then, I’m not sure how you’ll react to this. It just came in yesterday from my secure line,” he said, offering Pensword a piece of folded parchment. “Oh boy. I don’t like the sounds of this,” Pensword muttered as he steeled himself, before opening the parchment to read. “It’s a statement of turnover. It came with a deed, a key, and several dozen banknotes to be split between you, myself, and Prince Bellacosa,” Grif summarized. “The entire estate of Grask Bloodbeak, and the Bloodbeak clan, has been seized by the government, and awarded to us for saving the emperor. We need to inspect the estate, before it can be officially sold.” “Oh my,” Pensword muttered. “It can never be easy, can it?” “It’s a valuable piece of property. It should go for an estimated twenty million beaks,” Grif noted, “a third of that would be a good start to the military funding.” “Oh.” Pensword’s eyes lit up, and a smile grew. “I’m starting to like this, at least a little more,” he replied as his tail swished excitedly. “I figured we could leave a couple of days early, and stop at the estate, before going to the wedding. We can survey the grounds, and see if there’s anything worth saving.” “Sounds good. Might be good to see, and I doubt it will be intact. Sieges can happen, and I don’t know. A good survey sounds good.” “This isn’t the house in Gryphelheim,” Grif noted. “This is the clan compound.” “Oh dear,” Pensword muttered. “That will take time to go through.” “Fortunately, he was the last of his clan, which had been dieing out for a while. We may need to free some servants of their oaths, but we shouldn’t have to deal with any family who would disagree with this choice.” “I’ll make sure we have berths ready, and diplomatic passes, if any decide to follow the Avatar to the ends of the winds,” Pensword muttered. “You gather Gryphons like sugar attracts ants.” “Speaking of which, how are Kahn and the others adjusting?” Grif shot back with a grin. “Anyway, I believe I need to find my girls, and take care of the twins for a bit. You keep enjoying yourself.” Pensword flapped his wings, and hovered in front of Grif. “Oh no. You asked, and I am going to answer. Kahn and his siblings are doing well. They are following their old man’s words well, and right now, they and the Demon Slayers are acting more like siblings, though Javier and Moon Kicker are … well, I most likely will be holding a wedding soon.” “Yeah? Well that should definitely be fun, then.” Grif smirked, and winked at his old friend. “Talk to you later, Pensword,” he said with a wave, before walking away. “See you later … I think. Ooh, are those pastries?” Seeing that the newlyweds had made their way off the dance floor, Grif decided to steal a few minutes with them. He had a gift to deliver, after all. “Well now, Willow, did you wear Big Mac’s shoes off already?” Grif chuckled. “Oh, shut up, Grif. It would take more than me to wear Big Mac out.” Willow chuckled. “Be that as it may, I have a little something that might catch Big Mac’s interest here,” he said as he retrieved the jade bottle from his neck. “Somebody say my name?” Big Mac asked as he returned bearing a glass of punch for Willow. “Big mac, your family brags they can grow any apple. You believe that?” Grif asked. “Eeyup.” “Even a type of apple that's been extinct for over a thousand years, and barely anyone heard of before that?” “Eeyup.” Grif showed him the bottle. “On one of my raids during the Third Gryphon War, we raided a forward camp. Amongst their captives was an old stallion who claimed to be the last living resident from a town called Appleseed. It wasn’t a big town, but they grew these strange apples. He claimed they were bright blue, and tasted sweeter than honey. Now I have no idea, having never seen these apples, but, before he passed on, he gave me these seeds. Now I give them to you two. A new apple for a new adventure,” he said as he handed the bottle over. Big mac opened the bottle, shook out a couple of the seeds, sniffed them, then nodded as he replaced them in the bottle again. “We can work with ‘em.” “I hope so, because I gave a couple to Apple Core, and he couldn’t get them to sprout,” Grif told him. “So let’s see if you can do better.” “Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded as he hung the bottle around his neck. Then he smiled as he put a foreleg over Little Willow’s side. “Thanks, Grif. For everything.” “My pleasure. You two lovebirds behave,” he chuckled. “I’ve got to go help with the kids, before Shrial stabs me.” On that note, Grif took his leave, whistling happily all the while. “So,” Willow smirked as she looked to her husband, “are you ready for tonight, hon?” Big Mac stared pensively in the distance for a time, just taking in the colors of the sunset as the winds blew over the orchard. “Maybe?” he finally said with a heavy blush. Little Willow laughed as she kissed him on the muzzle. “Oh, Big Mac, that’s why I love you so much.”