//------------------------------// // Chapter Three: Itching Of The Mind // Story: Prison of Ice with Silver Keys // by RadBunny //------------------------------// Muscles still aching from an intense workout and still slightly damp from a quick shower, Gallus trotted into Headmare Twilight’s office, sitting down and looking at the Alicorn expectantly. “Thank you for coming Gallus; this will be pretty short, obviously.” She began. “Simply put, are you sure about this? I mean you’ll miss a chunk of studies, but I can condense the material easily enough. Actually, it’ll be super fun to do and I’ve already started, but ANYWAYS-I certainly approve of this, as does Starlight.” Gallus simply nodded, ears perking up slightly. “I’m sure, Princess Twilight, and thank you. I’ve put a lot of thought into it, and it’s only for a month or two. That said, I couldn’t have done it without your recommendations and help. I wasn’t sure how to afford it, not completely at least.” Twilight nodded, getting up from the desk and giving Gallus a kind smile. “You are most welcome; Starlight and I are very proud you’re choosing to handle things this way; there’s plenty of less constructive ways of dealing with such things. As for payment, since you’re technically ambassador of the gryphon empire, consider it a diplomatic gesture. At least that’s how it’s being said. It’s just a bunch of boring paperwork.” She waved a hoof with a smile, then offering it to Gallus. The gryphon nodded, shaking her outstretched hoof in thanks. “Well, thank you. I don’t really know what else would help at this point. I was considering it before these nightmares, but this kind of made it clear.” “Have you told Silverstream?” “I-I’m telling her today after I drop off the checks at the bank.” Gallus added, Twilight nodding briefly. “She’ll understand at the very least. Of that I’m sure.” “I hope so; thank you again.” “Take care Gallus.” ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -Two Hours Later- “Squish.” “Silver….” “Squiiiiiish.” “I think you’re having too much fun with this.” “SQUISH!” Gallus rolled his eyes, not able to resist a slight smile as Silverstream tugged at his cheeks. “Yes. I have squishy cheeks. This is not new.” He remarked good naturedly, reaching over to lightly pull on Silverstream's cheeks in payback. “Let’s see how you-” Gallus' words abruptly cut out as Silverstream’s expression got completely dreamy, the hippogriff sagging into his claws at the gryphon’s touch. So much for giving the hippogriff a taste of her own medicine. “Hmm. Someone happy?” He asked with a smile, prompting an ever so slight nod from the pile of lovey putty that was now Silverstream. The kiss Gallus planted on her beak certainly didn’t help her recover, but the completely content expression had him chuckling. Worth it. “You certainly look happy. Really, really happy.” Gallus remarked, trying his hardest to not burst into laughter as Silverstream’s eyes cleared slightly, focusing on him briefly. “I aaaaaaammmm.” “Well, I still need to go to the bank, as much as I’d love to stay like this and watch that blush turn your entire head and neck a different color.” “It does not!” Gallus now couldn’t help but laugh as Silverstream's ears perked up, the hippogriff glaring at him briefly. “Well now is definitely is. Hmmm. I wonder if your entire body would eventually turn a new shade of pink..” He whispered, giving her a brief hug before sitting beside Silverstream, waiting for her before setting off. The glare intensified for a good moment before Silverstream let out a huff and walked alongside him, finally breaking into giggles. “I turn dark pink, you turn purple. It’s a super power!” Gallus raised an eyebrow as they walked along one of Ponyville’s main roads. “Not exactly a useful one though?” He remarked, prompting Silverstream to nudge his shoulder with a grin. “Maybe not. But I guess it caaaaan be used to judge how effective a kiss or hug or cuddle or anything like that is!” The gryphon couldn’t argue that point in the slightest. “So, you said you’d tell me why we’re at the bank. Some sort of story behind all this?” Silverstream asked, happily sitting next to Gallus on a bench next to the target building. “It’s a story alright, let me see…” ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -Ten Years Ago- The scrawny griffin shivered, shoving more burned timbers aside as the cold wind howled at his back. “Of course the place burned down. And of course they used big stupid beams.” He grumbled, shoving the final pieces aside. Forcing one of the two massive doors in front of him open, Gallus took a peek inside before wiggling in, torch in claw. “Ok. Still cold, but no wind. I hope this was worth a week of digging out.” He huffed, glancing around and then grinning. “Whoaaaaaaaaa…” Taking out a small note, the gryphon promptly squeezed out of the door briefly, tacking the durable parchment to the old wooden entrance. Then wiggling back inside, the gryphon walked through the massive hall, looking at the various shelves on either side. Buried in the remnants of what used to be one of the ancient kingdom’s marketplaces, the underground room was massive! And he just claimed all of it. ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- “Waitwaitwait. You dug out some abandoned creepy ruins and claimed it all? THAT’S SO COOL!” Silverstream squealed, literally bouncing on her haunches as she waited for more. “Wait. How does that work? I thought Griffinstone didn’t have to many laws other than…y’know, don’t hurt, steal, and so on?” Gallus nodded, waving a set of claws. "That’s true. But there were so many ruins around that had been looted, many used them for shelter and stuff. So the basic ideas was this; you paid a bit for a certificate. Then you tack that certificate onto an abandoned dwelling that didn’t look like anyone had lived in it for over a decade or two. You then had claim to use that as shelter, and one item inside it. The rest of the items were to be turned over to the government; which didn’t really exist yet. Now that there’s a council, they handle all that sort of thing.” Gallus couldn’t help but grin, fishing out a stack of small papers from the satchel around his neck. “But I paid ten bits for the certificate.” Silverstream blinked, looking at the papers curiously. “Those are…checks? For currency?” Gallus nodded, stowing them before continuing. “If you paid ten bits, you still could only claim one item. But that fee marked it as a cultural or historical site. If that turned out to be true, you’re entitled to one percent of whatever that may yield. The law is…literally that vague. But I had heard stories of an underground room packed with loot, and I was freezing, so I dug it out.” “Okandthenwhat?!” ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Gallus walked through the massive stone halls, the only light emanating from the small torch in his claws. Dulled metal shone off the dozens upon dozens of racks on the walls, dampness itching through his fur and feathers all the while. “What is this place…?” Suits of armor were piled on the racks, many having fallen to the floor as the connecting straps had disintegrated. Weapons lined other metal racks next to the armor, and passageways led out in different directions halfway through. At the end of the massive granite hall were six stone statues, all surrounding a larger carving of King Grover. The metal armor on these hadn’t fallen; at least mostly. A few pieces were scattered here and there, but somehow they looked different.” ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- “So you found like, a bunch of ancient armor and weapons? THAT’S SO COOL!” Silverstream exclaimed, looking over to the sheepish gryphon. “That’s basically it. But uh, apparently only part of it.” He admitted. “Part of it?” Gallus held up one of the checks, still clearly a tad confused. “Apparently it was an armory. Like. A big, big armory. Since I dug it out, or in other words, found it, that made my claim even more valid. I thought the stuff would just get sold, but apparently the statues and everything have been taken for refurbishment and use or put in a museum. More like ‘renting’ the stuff out. So I get a sliver of that.” He stared at the check, then shrugged before looking to Silverstream. “So apparently I have bits that need to be put into a bank every month- or rather, now get automatically put there. I have no idea what to do with them though. Twi-erm, Headmare Twilight helped me set up an account; I just have to show them I’m me, give them the checks, and then the council will send me my portion each month. So…yippie I think?” He huffed, shrugging his wings. “One of the few things I tried that actually paid off. It feels really weird, to have bits I mean. It’s enough to survive comfortably, but that’s about it. But to be able to buy stuff is odd.” Gallus shook his head, letting out a slight squawk as Silverstream surprised him with a hug. “That’s. AWESOME!” She yelled, now hopping off the bench to hover in place. “So you basically went treasure hunting, and because you were freeeeezing, dug out an ancient armory with tons of weapons and armor, laid a claim on it, and now museums and places are renting that stuff and paying you so other creatures can see the history and it’s all due to you first-” Gallus reached out and closed her beak with a genuine smile. “Silver. Breath.” The hippogriff did just that, taking a few deep breaths before looking back at him, still ecstatic at the tale. “That’s like a story just out of a Daring Doo novel! That’s so neat Gallus! Can we tell the others?” She asked, prompting the gryphon to nod. “I guess it does make a good story.” He admitted, then gesturing to the bank. “Yea, I think that’d be fun. Let me deposit this first, then we can meander back for lunch and then tell them?” He suggested, prompting Silverstream to nod. “Ok! I’ll wait riiiiiight here!” She emphasized her words by plopping down on the bench, the gryphon chuckling as he gave her a brief kiss, then trotting inside the bank. ----- Silverstream sighed happily as Gallus vanished inside the simply stone structure, still floored by his story. So. Cool! The fact he had no idea what to do with money was adorable; but also sad. The hippogriff’s ears flattened slightly at the thought, but the fact Gallus was doing ok made up for it. At least now he could afford stuff- I wonder if that’s how he bought me that book? Silver mused, claws tapping across the wooden bench in thought. Something else had been bothering Gallus as of late. It had been a week since he had finally opened up to her- and in that respects he seemed better. There was something behind his eyes that was different from before though. He was sleeping better, yet in the mornings she had caught him looking scared at times. Something was very wrong, but she trusted him to tell her. Perking up as Gallus arrived, the gryphon held up a small receipt as they walked down a side-road. “Well. That was easy. Monthly payments from my claim. It’s kinda awesome actually.” Gallus remarked, prompting a giggle. “It is TOTALLY awesome. Hey, what item did you claim by the way? A sword? Shield? The head of a statue?” She asked, prompting him to look a tad flustered. “Umm, to be honest Silver, I want that to be a surprise.” He admitted, prompting a happy squeal. "Oh? I love surprises! Well, good ones. Is it a good one?” She asked, prompting Gallus to give her shoulder a nudge. “I think it’s a good one. But it won’t be for a while though.” “Oh, ok!” As they walked through one of the many parks on the outskirts of Ponyville, Silverstream sighed, reaching over and giving the gryphon’s shoulder a squeeze. Sitting down, Silver waited for him to do the same with a curious expression. “Gallus, I trust you to tell me stuff, but I know something is wrong. This past week, you’ve looked almost scared in the morning.” Silver asked softly. ----- At hearing Silverstream’s question, Gallus' heart rose to his chest. His wings flattened to match his ears, and Silverstream actually took a surprised breath at seeing his eyes widen. “Gallus?” Her body covered in blood. “S-silver, I-” Fighting through a laughing horde, unable to reach her. Gallus' chest heaved, grip tightening on the offered claws of Silverstream to his side. “You couldn’t save her, AGAIN!” Her screams. A never ending hallway as swords and spears were driven into- A tight hug brought the gryphon back to reality, Silverstream rocking him back and forth. “Gallus? S-say something…” The gryphon took a shaky breath, not having realized the tears that coursed down his cheeks. “Sorry Silver. I’m here.” He said, prompting the hippogriff to sniffle. “What is going on? You just stared off into the distance and started to cry.” The gryphon shifted his arms to hug Silverstream close, letting out a sigh. “I was planning on telling you. I wasn’t sure if it was a regular thing; but it’s just nightmares. These are worse though, much worse.” He admitted, voice getting softer. “I looked scared in the mornings because I was.” Silverstream pulled back to look at him curiously, still not fully understanding. “Huh?” “The past week, every night, horrible dreams. I still sleep, but every night, you’ve…died. And I’ve been helpless.” He whispered, letting out a slow breath. “And yes, we’re safe here, but I-” The gryphon frowned, trying to find the words. “We are safe, and I’m ok Gallus.” Silverstream whispered, ears perking up as a determined look entered Gallus’ gaze. “For now, and hopefully that won’t change. But there’s something else. It’s like an itch.” “An itch?” Gallus held out a set of his talons, looking at the razor-sharp tips. “I know I haven’t told you too much about my past, and I do want to slowly do that. But for my entire life, I’ve had to fight to stay alive. It’s what kept me alive through the blizzards, pushing me to find shelter and not freeze to death. It was my will to live I guess. I was willing to fight to stay alive, not just accept fate and give up.” Now he brought Silverstream in for a deep kiss, a whirlwind of emotions behind his eyes. “I held on to the scrap of hope that someday things would be better. Even if it was a one in a million chance, I knew it might get better. And it did.” He whispered, reaching over to cup Silver’s cheek in a set of claws. “It got so much better, more than I could have imagined. But-” He sighed, and while Silverstream expected some downcast words, Gallus’ eyes held only love and determination. “That thing, this…beast that helped me survive, it’s still there but with nowhere to go. It’s just spinning around, and has so much energy but nothing to use it on. Maybe part of it is being a predator, but I think it’s a bit more than that. There’s plenty of fight left, but nowhere to aim it.” Silverstream’s expression lightened, recalling the past week. “Is that why you’ve been doing extra workout stuff?” Gallus nodded, shoulders slumping. “It’s what has helped the most. It’s like a fighting animal inside with nowhere to run, no direction. I can’t apply it to studies or whatnot; it’s more physical than that. It’s more primal, I think is the right word, like just knowing the basics of fishing or hunting.” Gallus looked up to the curious hippogriff with a sigh. “Ever since we got lost in the Everfree, I’ve wanted to protect you.” The gryphon admitted, a slight blush forming on his cheeks. “When we fought those wolves, that’s when I first realized there was something that needed a direction. It wasn’t until these nightmares that I knew where to point it, what I needed to fight.” Silverstream’s face was a rather dark shade of pink, the hippogriff letting out a slight squeak. “You’ve wanted to p-protect me?” Gallus nodded, not able to resist a slight smile. “Despite the fact you took on three wolves all on your own, the fact you were in danger made me feel something. You said yourself, I looked scary. That was when this thing- it just…” Gallus sighed, shaking his head. “I grew up feeling helpless, Silverstream. I was at the mercy of the weather, any angry gryphons, life, just because I was young and in a cruddy situation. But now, I’m not.” His eyes narrowed, and Silverstream’s blush flared up on her cheeks. While his eyes were brimming with love, there was a fire behind them that hadn’t been there before. “I love you with all my heart, and even if it may seem like a fool’s errand, I want to keep you safe, no matter what. So I’m going to a different school for about two months. And I haven’t forgotten about the visit to Mount Aris after that.” He explained, taking her claws in his. “If I don’t do something, I feel like these nightmares will just keep getting worse, and this fighting itch won’t go away. It need to be directed, otherwise it will just make me go crazy. I guess ‘fight’ is the best word. I’ve fought all my life to survive, and now that I don’t, I need to use that for something else.” He smiled, a genuine loving expression that made Silverstream scoot closer. “And since it has to have a direction, I’m going to put all that energy into protecting you, or learning to do so. Even if I never have to use it, at least I’ll know that I won’t ever be helpless again, that I can at least try to prevent these nightmares, real or not. Headmare Twilight and Starlight think it’s a good idea, and I got accepted to a pre-guard combat school, s-so…yeah.” Silverstream let out a soft hum, then reaching forward to wrap her gryphon up in a hug. “I don’t like the idea of you going away, but the f-fact you’re doing that for me. I-I-” She let out a sniffle, a few tears brimming in her eyes. “T-that’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done f-for me. T-thank-MMF” The kiss abruptly cut off the rest of her words, Gallus pulling her close and making sure the expression was passionate enough to make Silver’s wings flare. “No thanks necessary. I just- I feel like this is the best way to handle it.” Gallus explained, letting out a sigh. “I still plan on seeing you on my days off, as best I can. Discord has actually agreed to help with that.” Silverstream simply snuggled closer, enjoying his close touch for a moment. “I think it’s all really smart, and rather sweet.” She remarked, looking up into his eyes briefly. “So I’m glad you’re doing something to help yourself, even if it takes you away for a bit. You really are m-my knight in shining armor.” She whispered happily, burying her head into his chest feathers. “I guess this technically would be a step closer to that. I’m just-I’m glad you’re not upset or anything.” Gallus ran his talons through her headfeathers gently, prompting the hippogriff to let out a huff. “I’m upset you’re leaving, of course. But I’m absolutely excited that you’re helping yourself and trying to feel better. I can’t help you in every way. So the more you can help yourself, all the better.” She then paused, her loving eyes meeting Gallus’ gaze. “You said Discord was willing to help?” Gallus chuckled, nuzzling her beak with his briefly. “Well, sort of.” ------- ------- ------- ------- -One Hour Earlier- “…you what? Really?” The chaotic god sighed, looking at the piece of paper held out in front of Gallus. “I just explained it. Not a favor, because I know it takes time out of your day; but if you’d be willing to teleport me or Silverstream to each other and back each weekend.” Gallus quipped, waiting expectantly. Discord sighed, rubbing the bridge of his muzzle with a claw. “I really am happy for you two lovebirds, but I don’t like being used as method of transportation…” “Discord, this isn’t for free.” The Draconequus rolled his eyes, glancing at the gryphon with a shred of amusement. “What will you pay me with? Bits? I already filled up my entire washing machine with the things.” “My Shawl of Deception.” Now Gallus had all of Discord’s attention as a sly smile began to twitch at the Draconequus’ muzzle “Excuse me? What was that?” Gallus grinned, gesturing to the paper. “In return for aiding me in seeing Silver each week, you will receive the Shawl of Deception when I return for our adventures again. You know, the shawl I was thinking of selling for gold, but would go great with the pieces of armor you’re trying to-” “I know what you’re talking about you crafty bird.” Discord chuckled, reading over the offered paper. “This is a contract for the God of Chaos to aid Gallus in seeing his love Silverstream once a week-ok too many emotions blah blah…in return, the Shawl of Deception will be traded to Discord on completion of the contract. As a sign of good faith, halfway through a correctly executed contract, Gallus the Knight agrees to trade the ring of mesmerizing! Really?! Oh I could use that perfectly with-” Discord looked over the contract again, eyes narrowing at the fine print. “Note- contract will be canceled if any shenanigans take place to disrupt or otherwise impact negatively the purpose of the contract.” He looked up to Gallus, who was looking at him expectantly. “Really? Was that necessary?” The gryphon shrugged in response. “How would you feel looking forward to a tea party with Fluttershy, only to have your time interrupted by a rude pony or an impromptu friendship lesson by someone?” Discord raised a claw to object, and then simply nodded. “You raise a fair point.” Pulling out a massive square stamp, Discord painted the entire contract red with a slap, the image of his face covering the entire paper. “I accept, Sir Gallus. I will aid you in your quest for…love. And I look forward to resuming our adventures (and my reward,) on your return.” Gallus chuckled, shaking the outstretched limb. “The pleasure is all mine Discord.” ------- ------- Silverstream’s eyes were wide as Gallus finished his tale, the hippogriff letting out a squeal. “You’re doing all this for me?” She squeaked, nuzzling his chest feathers with a happy hum. “Well yeah. I love you, so of course. I want you to be happy and safe, whatever that entails." “Im lmf yumf tmm.” “…um…” Silver giggled, looking up to speak away from his chest this time. “I love you too.” Gallus sighed happily, then looking a bit unsure of his next words. “I need to pick some stuff up from Griffinstone next week actually. Would you like to come? I’d really like that.” The unsettled look in his eyes was more than enough alone to prompt Silverstream to nod, giving him a brief squeeze around the middle with her arms. “I’d love to, and I promise I won’t ask too many questions if you start to get uncomfortable. I know there’s a lot of stuff in that head of yours.” Silver replied, her tone tender but serious. Gallus wrapped her up in a hug of his own, caressing his beak along her cheek and then nuzzling the hippogriff’s neck lovingly. “Thank you Silverstream, for everything.” The hippogriff’s returning affectionate nuzzles were enough to make Gallus sigh happily. “You deserve every bit of thanks too Gallus. And I won’t let you forget it.” Leaning his cheek against hers, Gallus couldn’t help but smile. “Oh? How will you not let me f-MFFFF” Oh. That’s how. The gryphon wrapped up Silverstream in his arms, yanking her close as he returned the passionate kiss. As all of Gallus’ worries bled away at her touch, he couldn’t help but hold Silverstream tighter. I’m not about to let you go Silver, not now, not ever.