Lightning Dash
The cyan colt flies away from the ceremony with tears in his eyes. He had to get out of there. He could not deal with this right now.
The last few days, Lightning Dash had been an emotional wreck, what with learning who his real parents were and then expected to continue life as usual. He had kept to the skies as much as possible, not wanting anypony to see his misery, but, when forced into social occasions, he put on a proverbial mask to hide his pain.
He is lying on a cloud when something cast a shadow across his body. He looks up to see a Gryphon hovering just above him.
“Are you Lightning Dash?” the stranger asks.
“I am. Who are you?”
“My name is Swift Beak. I am an emissary from the Gryphon Kingdom. Our king, Talonwing, has asked me to bring a Pegasus to him. He wishes to learn more about ponies. I thought that none would be better than the grandson of the legendary Rainbow Dash. I have already spoken to both of your Princesses, and they have kindly agreed.”
“Uh, OK,” Lightning Dash looks skeptical. “Let me just go tell my sister.”
“NO,” Swift beak laughs. “I mean, we don’t have time. We are supposed to arrive at the castle before nightfall. We need to leave now.”
“OK,” he looks down at Canterlot, then back up to Swift Beak. “Lead the way.”
The pair flies west for about seven hours before the Gryphon city of High Heart appears. They land in front of the castle, and the doors open to admit them.
Sitting on the two thrones on the dais are the king, Talonwing and his queen. Swift Beak and Lightning Dash walk up to the pair, stopping right before the first step leading up to the thrones.
“Sire,” Swift Beak says, “I have brought you the pony you wished for.”
“Ah, yes,” the king replies in a deep voice, smooth like warm honey over bread. “Lightning Dash.”
Lightning Dash bows low. “Your Majesty.”
“Rise, young Pegasus. I am King Talonwing, and this is my lovely queen, Gilda.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Lightning Dash.” Gilda speaks with an arrogant tone to her voice, a tone used to getting what it wants.
“The pleasure is all mine, Your Grace.”
“You look a lot like your grandmother, except for the mane of course.”
“I never knew her Your Grace.”
“Please, call me Gilda.” She pauses before she continues. “I knew her… once. She betrayed my friendship for that of her new friends. But, still, I always held a soft spot in my heart for that cyan filly. I was sorry to hear of her passing.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, er, Gilda. But, may I ask, why am I here?”
Talonwing speaks up. “You are here to be my ward. I have been in discussions with you princess, Celestia, and we have both agreed that it is best for there to be a pony who is well versed in both Gryphon and pony culture. You will be treated as one of my own for the next ten years as we teach you in our history and mannerisms and train you in the arts of combat and flying.”
Lightning Dash bows again. “I am honored, Your Majesty.”
“I am glad you approve.” He gives Lightning Dash a warm smile. “Swift Beak will show you to your chambers where a meal will be brought up to you shortly. You may leave us.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Lightning follows Swift Beak out of the throne room.
After the two are gone, Gilda looks over to her husband. “Do you really this will work, love?”
“I do, Gilda. That pony is the key to our survival.”
“But won’t Celestia send out a search party for him? Won’t we be discovered?
“No, my sweet. She might send out a search party, but there is nothing that can tie his disappearance to us. In ten years time, young Lightning Dash will have utter loyalty for us, and, with his help, we will topple the rule of ponies in Equestria.