//------------------------------// // Chapter Fifteen: Tours and Relaxation // Story: Of Stars and Sails // by RadBunny //------------------------------// “That’s it? That’s all we know?” Galen asked the Ashen council before him, the group of creatures nodding slowly. “We are unable to get close; they have patrols around all of Mount Aris. We believe an assault on the palace will come within a day, and the rangers are standing by.” A familiar gryphon replied, Skystar recognizing his voice, as well as all the others’ from when she overheard their talk about Galen’s ship. The hippogriff was sitting to the side of the large circular room, the others gathered at a crystal table in the center of the dark stone area. Only a few words from the Prince’s beak had ensured that where Galen went, she went. Skystar was not a fan of early morning anything, but the kiss that Galen had given her when she had walked into his room at first light had certainly had begun to change her mind on the subject. “So, my uncle is the nexus in Mount Aris, and they are preparing for an attack. That’s as much as we know?” Galen asked, the council members nodding. “Very well. Keep everything on standby. I’m going to show Skystar around the city, and perhaps boost some moral. We’re about to take back our home…your home, with this operation. Once my uncle is gone, Old Anthracite’s skeleton crew will easily be taken care of. I think that deserves a bit of celebration.” he mused, then standing a bit taller as he addressed everycreature. “Thank you for your continued faith in my, Councilcreatures. I hope-” “Oh, just hush Galen.” An old gryphon chuckled, waving a set of talons. “You’ve done so much for us; we are in your debt. That much we have stated and will continue to state. Now, leave the preparations to us, and go show Princess Skystar around the city. Congratulations by the way.” the gryphon remarked, glancing over to the princess as Skystar blushed slightly. “Thank you, Ja’lin. I suppose an announcement is in order. Something simple. Perhaps ‘the prince is now dating a gorgeous hippogriff by the name of-’ “Galen….” Skystar hissed, covering her face as everycreature chuckled. Ja’lin, so that’s the name of that nice gryphon. But REALLY Galen!? “We’ll see to it. Now shoo.” Ja’lin remarked, waving a set of claws as a cheekily-grinning Galen walked over to Skystar, leading her out of the room and into the large castle halls. “Well, want to see the city?” the gryphon chuckled, getting a shove from Skystar’s shoulder, the hippogriff trying to glare at him. Before Skystar could reply, she heard a familiar voice pipe up. “Well, about time we could see you!” Gears grumbled, the hedgehog jogging up and tossing Galen a brief salute. “Good to see you Captain. Or rather, Prince.” the hedgehog mused, all of Galen’s crew rounding the corner with matching grins. “Heard you got into a bit of a trouble.” Pergin mused, Staunch then letting out a relieved sigh. “So, you got the emergency packs I tossed overboard?” Skystar nodded, not able to resist walking over to give the pony a hug. “And the bag of crystals, and the message. Thank you.” The medic beamed as Tilly walked over and shook Galen’s talons firmly, his second-in-command nodding in approval. “We were worried for you two, but we got help as fast as we could. And I’ve never seen such a response…” “Oi. Don’t think we stayed away either.” Alabaster piped up, his wife waving at his side. Galen chuckled, nodding briefly as he looked over his crew happily. “I’m just glad you all are safe. The next few days are going to be interesting.” his shoulders then slumped slightly. “I don’t know if, or when I’ll go back to being your Captain, honestly. Until then, or we make such a thing formal, Tilly, you’re in charge.” The crew looked to each other, back to Galen- and promptly burst out laughing. “Yeah, right. I give it what, a month?” Gears gasped, his sides heaving with mirth. Even Pergin was grinning, head shaking slightly. “I’ll give it two.” Seeing Galen’s confused features, Tilly piped up with a kind smile of her own. “It’s what you do, Galen. Maybe you won’t be the captain of our ship personally, but we know enough about you that you’ll be back. If you’ll have us as part of Anthracite’s fleet, we’ll be here to stay.” Tilly remarked, Staunch then piping up. “Galen, can you honestly say you’ll never Captain the ship again, be it for an emergency or exploratory mission?” Skystar’s own beak began to turn up in a smile as her gryphon shook his head. “I suppose not.” “Well there you have it! I’ll keep the ship warm for you until then! Now please, let these arcane gentlecreatures know we’ll be joining your fleet! I’ve had enough of sitting at a dock!” Tilly asked in exasperation as Galen sighed, shaking his head slowly with a smile. “I’ve missed you guys. I’ll let them know, and it’s good to see you all.” “You can’t get rid of us that easily. We’ll leave you be to show your Princess around though. Alabaster promised us a short tour at long last!” Gears added, pausing as Galen waved the hedgehog closer. “If you’re free at the usual tavern later…I’m thinking of giving evercreature a boost in moral, things being as tricky as they are.” The widest smile Skystar had ever seen split Gears’ face, the hedgehog nodding once and walking off. “Huh?” the hippogriff asked, promptly letting gout a pleasant hum as Galen nuzzled her neck. “You’ll see later. Now, let me show you my home, at least a bit. A full tour will have to wait until we’re not at war.” “I’ll just be happy to see any part of your home Galen.” Skystar’s neck hurt form turning this way and that, her head having been on a swivel for the past hour or two. From the stone and crystal palace, Galen had led her through the main streets, the hippogriff marveling at the neatly placed cobblestone and crystal lampposts. Markets were in full swing, Ashen of all species hawking their wares this way and that. It was similar to Canterlot and Mount Aris, in many ways. Everycreature went about their daily lives- they just happened to be made of energy. The homes were of stone and wood, and the only large difference were the ever-present groups of soldiers that trotted towards the palace or docks. The massive airship had finally returned; the beetle-like craft docking at the main airship facility. It was low enough that Skystar could see the runes etched into its hull, as well as see numerous Ashen fly up to inspect the dented armored sections. According to Galen, it was their main battleship, and Skystar could only marvel at the engineering wonder. She was still curious about this tavern Galen had mentioned, and couldn’t help but wonder what sort of surprise he had planned as they paused in a small museum. Galen had been pulled aside by an important-looking minotaur for a few minutes, and the hippogriff was left to read a small plaque, set underneath a replica scouting airship. “So, this is the first airship Galen bought? And that’s how you all got to his island?” she asked, a peppy pony Ashen nodding, apparently excited to finally give someone a tour of the museum pieces. “Yup! After Ley spoke with him and the Prince realized where we were all hiding, he used his first funds to buy a ship. It wasn’t the sturdiest thing, and it actually ended up crashing here. But the goal was to get us here as fast as possible, and Prince Galen did that. After activating the Seal Gem in the amulet, we set about building what you see here.” the pony proclaimed proudly, then managed a slightly sly grin. “Only took us little over a decade, but New Anthracite is more glorious than Old. But the place in the gryphon provinces is still home to many, which is why I hope we get it back someday.” A touch to Skystar’s wings made her let out a soft chirp, Galen grinning as he nudged her shoulder. “Sorry about that; there were a few final preparations they wanted my input on.” Skystar nodded, waving to the pony as Galen looked down to her. “Thank you for explaining things; I haven’t had as many moments as I’d like to go over Anthracite’s history.” The museum curator stammered briefly before nodding, waving a dismissive hoof to the Prince. “I-it was my pleasure, your Highness.” Galen blinked, as though hearing such a title didn’t register, but finally bowed his head briefly in approval as they left. Huh. I’ve seen that before- in the markets, a lot of these Ashen really respect him. Galen doesn’t seem to understand it all, or appreciate it. I can understand that to an extent….Hmmmmm. “Sorry. Not used to hearing that. I’ve never liked such a title.” Galen mused as they walked down the streets once again. “It’s just a term of respect, which the Ashen really seem to hold for you. I was just thinking; you’ve given up a lot for them, haven’t you?” Skystar mused, happy to voice her thoughts out loud. “I suppose.” “Suppose?!” Skystar squawked, letting out a sigh as she paused, Running her head along Galen’s neck, she pressed her cheek to his, ending the gesture with a gentle kiss. “You’ve given up a lot for these creatures. If I recall from a certain eavesdropping session I had, the council was quite adamant about that fact. Do you think, perhaps, the only one who doesn’t understand that is you?” Skystar asked, now pulling back to look into Galen’s gentle eyes. “You’re an incredible gryphon, Galen. Give yourself some credit now and again. That said, I’ll gladly keep reminding you of it.” A final nuzzle sealed the Princess’s words, Galen not able to do anything but smile for a moment. “Thank you, Sky. And is it bad I look forward to these reminders?” A long kiss shut up the cheeky gryphon, but did nothing to disprove his words as Skystar pressed her chest against his briefly. A soft flash caught her attention; Galen’s gauntlet lighting up after the long period of dormancy. “Oh, looks like we’re set. Follow me, Sky. I think you’ll enjoy this.” Galen remarked leading her down the road once again. What are you up to Galen? With the notification from Gears spurring him onward, Galen couldn’t help but smile. To many, it’d be a silly, simple thing. Yet right now, he had a feeling this was exactly what evercreature needed. We’re on the cusp of finally meting out justice, avenging all those dead. But that’s not what everycreature needs to focus on right now. I need to remind them that this is about us, everyone up to this point…I need to remind them of what we have accomplished, what we can accomplish. That’s what I’ve always tried to do, lead and show what good we can do in this world together, even if it’s just me proclaiming it at times. Leading Skystar into a large wooden building, Galen nodded to the bartender, who was still dishing out sparkling drinks to various patrons. Ashen couldn’t get drunk- so those drinks were only for tourists and not served yet. But there wasn’t a creature around who didn’t enjoy a drink with enough spice and seasoning to make your throat burn. Perhaps that’s just an Ashen thing; I’ll have to offer Sky one sometime… Meandering through the numerous chairs and tables set in front of a medium-sized stage of sorts, Galen paused at one near the front, turning to the hippogriff briefly. His limbs turned to jelly as her curious eyes met his; full of nothing but curiosity and care. “Galen?” He blinked, shaking out of his stupor with a grin. “Sorry…kind of easy to get lost in your eyes.” The honest words had the desired effect, the modest hippogriff turning a new shade of crimson with a huff. “Just wait here Skystar. It’s a performance of sorts; I think you’ll like it.” The Prince then vanished to a side hallway, grinning as Gears greeted him with a wave. “You haven’t done this in ages…do you think they’ll remember?” The hedgehog mused, holding up a small crystal container. “Got it right here by the way. You think it’ll attract a crowd? I mean, White Mask Grooms is always a hit.” Galen grinned, poking an eye out from the curtains on the stage as a few individuals began to trickle in. “Oh, give it thirty seconds after the music starts. They’ll remember.” After testing his magic, the gryphon weaved his armor together, the golden symbol of Anthracite standing out on the breastplate as Gears chuckled, waving his paws excitedly. “Oh! Do I get some? Pleaaaaaaase?” he begged, letting out a sigh of relief as a matching breastplate encased his frame. “Awesome, I love this armor. The others will be here shortly of course- but they never really wanted to try this sort of thing.” Galen nodded, glancing over to an Ashen waiter who handed him a small amplifying crystal. “Well, as long as they’re here…I think they’ll enjoy this, impromptu as it is.” Skystar blinked, a low hum resonating through the room. Two speakers crackled on either side of the stage, and the hippogriff couldn’t help but stand up curiously. What are you up to Galen? And I swear I saw Gears behind those curtains. To her surprise, the room filled up within moments, Ashen astral forms overlapping slightly as more than one creature hopped up and down with excitement. The music rose quickly, but not enough to immediately shock the listeners. What did startle Skystar, was of how every Ashen present immediately began to pound the floor with one of their claws or hooves in time to the beat. Without much fanfare, Galen walked onto the wooden platform, Gears at his side with the biggest grin on his spikey features. Dark armor clad the pair, and the Prince seemed to radiate a powerful confidence. And then Galen began to sing. She wouldn’t have bet on him this decent of a singer, yet his deep voice thundered out through the room and sent a shiver down Skystar’s spine. What it lacked in perfect tone was made up for in excess by the determination and emotion in the gryphon’s voice. Gear’s own slightly-raspy and nasally tone spun into a perfect harmony with the words, the diminutive hedgehog’s voice only bolstering the Knight’s. She recognized the song; yet something about it piqued her interest. What was it.. --Music Begins--*click* With every line, the floor shook as every creature sent a hoof or claw slamming against the stone foundation. “The glory of a nation dies, a symbol of this war is coming…” *Thump* “Out of the depths we crawled to light, Never give in when the fire rises.” *THUMP* A warning meant to save our lives from fear’s religion *THUMP* Standing here we are unified, Our hearts bear crosses” *THUMP* Skystar’s ears perked up, a strange energy filling the room. “Can’t turn back now! WE ARE,” As though rehearsed a thousand times, evercreature present joined in, and the emotion that carried with hundreds, if not thousands of voices made Skystar’s fur and feathers stand on end. She then remembered the name of the ship she had seen in the museum that had carried Galen and all of the Ashen to the island, and the large letters emblazoned on the battleship; being one of the same. “WE ARE THE ‘REVELATION’, SO SCREAM IT OUT NOW!” The words now took on a deeper meaning, enough to make Skystar join in with the song with gusto. The creatures who had once been enslaved for centuries now sang without abandon, hope filling everyone’s veins. “We are, we are the birth of a nation!” What few creatures had weapons raised them high, their gesture being joined by free claws, paws, hooves, or empty tankards. “So join as one! It's time to raise our flags up high!” The rest of the lyrics burned themselves into Skystar’s memory; each line taking on a different and unique message when sung by this group of refugees and warriors. As she joined in for another chorus, the Princess’s heart fluttered at seeing Galen gesture to the crowd, his own claws raised up high. Breastplate shining in the crystal lighting, the Prince seemed to be in his element. Not singing, but inspiring; Helping his subjects remember how far they had come, and how much higher they could rise. Giving them hope. Watching Galen grin as the gathered Ashen joined in for another verse, Skystar couldn’t help but smile, her freckled cheeks refusing to do anything else but light up. You’re a leader, Galen. Even if you were forced into it…look what you’ve done. I thought I didn’t like the idea of ruling, but I’ve never seen a leader like you before. Look at the creatures who would follow you to the ends of the earth because of what you have done, because who you are. Skystar’s own heard thudded in her chest, her final thought bringing a blush to her cheeks. I’m certainly one of them. [End Music] As the song wound down, Galen’s sides heaved, still clad in the very attractive breastplate as the Knight hopped off the stage. The Ashen dissipated rather quickly, either walking or vanishing as they appeared elsewhere on the island. “So….um…?” Galen stammered; his words being cut off as Skystar jumped into the air with a flare of her wings. “That. Was. AWESOME!” She exclaimed, still all smiles as Galen beamed. “Really?” “I’ve heard that song before, but it takes on a muuuuuch different meaning being sung by you, here, and with evercreature. I’m guessing this has happened before?” Skystar mused, then seeing Galen nod. “A few times. Evercreature seems to enjoy it, and it is fun. I’m not the best singer, but…” “Galen, you sounded great, but I don’t think it’s just your voice they come to hear, it’s what you’re saying, and how you say it.” Skystar gushed, not able to help herself. “I’ve seen creatures look at royalty with different gazes; and they came here to hear you. These Ashen really do care about you…it’s rather incredible.” the hippogriff mused, then looked down as Gears nudged her forelimb. “Yea, we’ve tried to tell him that for ages. But his head is harder than armor plating.” the engineer chuckled, waving to Galen as his armor began to dissipate. “I saw the rest of the crew outside; I’ll meet you there for a moment?” “Aye, give me a second.” Galen mused, happily turning to Skystar with a smile. “I’m just glad you liked it. It’s a bit of an odd thing, I know, but-” ‘Are you kidding? We toooootally can dominate karaoke night sometime!” Skystar giggled, then nudged Galen with a shoulder “If you’re up to it that is.” Before Galen could give his answer, a familiar lime-green Kirin flashed into existence next to them. However, she wasn’t smiling. “Galen, it’s Mount Aris; the palace is under attack.”