//------------------------------// // Griffonstone // Story: Breaking Barriers // by TheGamerBrony //------------------------------// One very long train ride later, Gallus finally arrived in Griffonstone. He only stopped crying because his eyes became dry. He got off the train and as soon as he walked to town central, he was immediately met by Grampa Gruff. “Oh no!” Gallus murmured to himself. “Gallus! Here to ruin Griffonstone?” Grampa Gruff asked. “Please, Gramps! Don’t start with me! I already had to leave the school to come here, I don’t want you and the others to ridicule me!” Gallus retorted. Grampa Gruff became angry. “Y’know, Starlight Glitterglatter or whatever her name is said that you’d be here and that gave me time to prepare a housewarming gift for you” Gallus smiled. “Wow! A housewarming gift? You’ve never done anything nice for me before! Thank you, Grampa Gruff fo- “ Gallus paused mid-sentence when he saw Grampa Gruff pointing a gun at him. “Oh, come on! You’re not gonna kill me, are you?” Gallus asked, now feeling worried. “Yes, I am! Now that you’ve graduated from the pony school, I’m not taking any risks! I won’t let you turn Griffonstone into another Equestria with your stupid friendship! Any last words?” Grampa Gruff replied. Instead of saying anything, Gallus pushed Gruff onto the ground and flew right off. He was now nowhere to be seen. “I swear, Gallus! I’ll find you and I’ll have your head!” Grampa Gruff yelled. “Phew! That was a close one!” Gallus said. “Now I gotta find someplace to hide. *gasp* I know, Gabby’s house!” he exclaimed as he made a beeline for Gabby’s house. He knocked on the door and out came Gabby. “Hi, Gallus! How are you? Come in! Come in!” Gabby cheered as she dragged Gallus inside her house. Gallus took a seat on an armchair in the living room. “Sorry I couldn’t make it to your graduation. Grampa Gruff didn’t allow it. He’s been nastier than ever since he found out you were graduating” Gabby said. “It’s alright. I don’t think you would want to see how I was during graduation. Looking back, I was being ridiculous. But I made it clear that I didn’t want to leave. That school was a safe haven for me, the staff and my friends were like family to me” Gallus replied. “I understand. Here, some letters for you” Gabby said as he gave Gallus a couple letters. The first one was from Sandbar. Dear Gallus, I’m writing this letter mainly to apologize for being so hard on you. My entire family was there, and I wanted things to be perfect for them. The last thing I wanted was to be embarrassed by your behavior in their presence. I know how much you wanted to stay at the school and/or to live with one of us, but sometimes, you can’t always get what you want. I just wanted to make sure you knew that. I didn’t want you to become scared of me or anything. I’m having a going away party at Sugarcube Corner sometime during the summer before I move to Manehattan. I would really appreciate it if you came. Well, that’s all I’d like to say for now. See you soon, buddy! Your friend, Sandbar And another is from Princess Twilight Sparkle in Canterlot. Dear Gallus, Congratulations on graduating from the School of Friendship. However, that’s probably not what you would want to hear. Headmare Starlight told me everything. Although your conduct at the ceremony was far from appropriate, it was completely understandable and honestly, I don’t really blame you for acting that way. That school was your happy place and you made it clear that you wanted to remain in a safe environment. After my conversation with Starlight, she has made the decision to apologize for being angry at you and has left a replacement diploma for you, which is available at my castle in Canterlot for pickup. Hope you can make it, because I have a special surprise waiting for you! XOXO, Twilight Sparkle “Hey! Twilight’s got a surprise for me! I like the sound of that!” Gallus exclaimed. “I think I have a hunch as to what that surprise probably is, but I think you should go and check it out” Gabby replied. “You’re right. I’ll go over there first thing tomorrow” Gallus replied. “Okay. Feel free to spend the night here if you want” Gabby offered. “Thanks, Gabs! *yawn* Think I’m gonna go off to bed now! Goodnight!” Gallus said as he went off to bed.