//------------------------------// // Of Griffers and Alignments // Story: The Life and Death of a DJ // by Syn3rgy //------------------------------// A jolt woke me up from my peaceful slumber. Rousing, I moved my head from Orrick’s side to sit upright in the lightly rocking carriage. “Finally!” Orrick exclaimed, stretching his wings and groaning softly. “I thought you’d never get up.” “You were comfortable.” I murmured, rubbing up against him and smiling. “I had no inclinations to move.” “Comfortable or not,” Orrick countered with a smirk, “I’m a griffon, not a body pillow!” His smirk manifested into a chuckle-one which I eventually joined in on. Once we had calmed, I spoke up: “Say, what did that note from Celestia read again?” I asked. Orrick shrugged. “I don’t remember. You have it on you though; I think you put it in your saddlebag before you dozed off.” “Really?” I asked, slightly doubtful. After a little effort on my behalf, I brought my magic to my horn and started rummaging through my saddlebag. I could have easily done the task in a more mundane way, but then again, if I ever hoped to bring my magic up to par with how it was before my Buck episode, I’d need to give it as much exercise as I could. After a moment or two, my object of desire was attained; I floated it out to hover in front of Orrick’s beak. Raising a feathered eyebrow, Orrick began to vocalize what he saw on the parchment in front of him. ‘Dear Vinyl Scratch and Orrick Headwind, You have been invited as guests of honor to attend the royal Canterlot wedding, where my niece, Princess Cadence, and her fiancée, Shining armor, are engaging. In accordance to the recent Changeling invasion, an extra checkpoint at the main gate has been established to ensure that you are you…’ I’d heard about the Changeling attack, and the trip through the damaged villas and bungalows of Ponyville swiftly brought the magnitude of the devastation to a blatant reality. I counted my blessings. If I hadn’t decided to move back to Manehatten, I would have been caught in the midst of the drama that unfolded mere weeks before. I returned my attention to Orrick, who had started reading again. ‘…This note, signed by me, will double as physical tickets as well. Once you two have cleared the checkpoint, please present this parchment as verification to the Ticketmaster at the main gate. Signed, Princess Celestia’ Orrick folded up the parchment and placed it back in my Saddlepack. “There you have it!” he exclaimed. “I do. Hey, do you know how much longer it’ll be till we get to the gates?” I asked, looking out at the rolling scenery. “No, but I can ask.” Orrick stuck his head out the window, addressing the lead stallion pulling the carriage: “Hey, you.” The carriage rolled to stop. “Yes, sir?” The muffled response from the lead pony came to my ears. “What’s the eta?” Orrick asked. “Fifteen minutes, sir.” “Thank you.” He said, pulling his head back into the cabin and turning to me. “Did you catch that?” I nodded my confirmation as the carriage started up again. As we rounded a corner, Canterlot, with its lavish décor and silver trimmed spires, appeared. The feat of architecture itself was enough to amaze me, so when the castle of Luna and Celestia came into view around the peak of the mountain-rising above Canterlot like a lone goliath-I forgot to breathe. I might have knocked myself out if the carriage hadn’t stopped; prompting me to get off. As I walked up to the checkpoint, Orrick counted out some bits and paid for the taxi ride. When I arrived, a burly looking pegasi stallion, wearing a fine set of armor, stopped me in my tracks. “Identify yourself,” he demanded. Taking out the parchment, I levitated Celestias note over to the waiting guard and he lapsed into silence. Almost immediately, his stern gaze softened as he recognized something on the sheet. “Wait, you’re Vinyl… DJ Pon3?” I nodded, and his grin spread. “It’s an honor, ma’am.” He raised a hoof and I bumped it. “And where is your lucky pony-friend?” “Orrick?” I questioned. “Yes. That’s the other name on the page, right?” he clarified. “It is,” I replied. “However, Orrick is a griffon.” “A Griffer?” the guards tone dropped. “Pardon me?” I said, surprised at the rude term. “Is there something wrong with that?” “Yes.” The guard replied; I felt myself bristle.“He’s a griffon, you’re a pony; isn’t that sort of self-explanatory?” In a sudden turn of events, I found myself hating the guard with all my being. “Griffon, pony, donkey-by Luna-dragon! What’s the difference? Don’t you think that if there’s a mutual love connection between two individuals-species aside-it’s fine?!” “No.” I went to retort, but caught myself. “Listen, I’m not here to argue. I was told that there was a mandatory test I and Orrick had to take before we were let in.” “Yes, there is.” The guard replied. “I thought so.” I shot back. “So instead of gawking, would you please perform it? I don’t think Celestia is paying you to throw racist slurs at the guests passing through.” “Correct, she isn’t; Luna is. I’m part of the night shift. She’s told us that we need to keep a firm reign on potential shit disturbers.” “Law breakers?” I repeated. “Are you telling me that before you’ve even seen Orrick, you think he’s going to be a threat?” “Yes. Listen, Miss Vinyl; like it or not, Griffons and ponies have had a long standing feud—” I cut him off. “Had, a long standing feud; the treaty was signed years ago!” “Well, Canterlot has a tendency to hold on to things.” The guard shot back pointedly. I went to interject, but then stopped; clearly, I was not going to get anywhere with him. What’s more, Orrick was coming up the trail. “Vinyl, is everything alright?” He shouted, his soft voice drifting to me on the wind. After giving a final disgusted look, I turned and met Orrick half way up the path. “No.” I replied, scowling bitterly. “They aren’t going to let you in.” “But I was invited!” Orrick exclaimed. “Why not?” “Apparently, Mr. Checkpoint-Stallion over there has some qualms with you,” I replied spitefully “Qualms; what sorts? He hasn’t even met me yet!” “He’s blabbering on about pony superiority.” “Pony superiority; by Gadanias tail feathers that’s absolutely foalish!” “Well, foalish or not,” I grumbled. “He’s our ticket in.” “Let me talk to the stallion, see if I can put some sense into his brain.” I cringed slightly; the last thing I needed was a scene at the entrance. This DJ gig meant so much for me, and I’d hate for it to get ruined. The fact that Celestia even gave me a chance after my Buck problem was, well, heaven-sent; and this was my opportunity to bring back my carrier. I trailed behind Orrick, far enough to allow him his room, but close enough to intervene with my magic if things got out of hoof. “Gentlecolt?” Orrick greeted, approaching the Guard Pony. Looking as if he’d just seen a snake, the guard scrunched up his face and scowled. “What do you want, Griffer? I’m guessing that you’re the featherhead Miss Scratch over there landed with?” “Sorry to break it to you, but yes.” Though Orrick’s voice remained even, the slightest raising of his shoulder blades told me that he was offended; I found myself hating the guard even more. “Well, that’s unfortunate. So, why are you here?” “You know why I’m here,” Orrick said pointedly. “Well, it’s not going to happen.” The guard replied. “The day I let a filthy griffon like you past my checkpoint, is the day I’ll raise my ass up and moon Luna—” a slight chuckle. Orrick was not amused; I could tell that the stallion’s ignorance was getting to him. Taking an aggressive step forwards, he puffed out his chest and addressed the guard venomously. “Listen here, Sir. I don’t know why I’m putting up with your foalish antics, but this is getting ridiculous. All we want to do is get in. You’ll never have to see me again, and clearly, I’m trusted. Celestia wouldn’t have added my name if she didn’t trust me.” “Trusted or not, the only way you’re going to get in is over my dead body. Worthless half-half’s like you are not welcome here.” I felt my blood boil. This guard was really, really, getting under my skin. The fact that he was being so rude sent me reeling; was there even room for such prejudice anymore? Clearly, there was. All I wanted to do at the moment was go up to that basterd, and shove my unicorn horn up his precious little you-know-what. Re-engaging myself with the conversation, I took note that Orrick’s tone had become icy. I concluded that if a fight broke out, I’d let Orrick get a few hits in before I broke them up; Celestia knows that Guard Pony deserved it. “Over your dead body, eh?” Orrick growled. “I can arrange that, you know.” Whelp, here it comes. You; take on a royal guard? I doubt that. I’d bet those light bones of yours would break if I hit you once.” The guard stopped momentarily to drop his pike. “So how about we call it a night and you fly back to that shithole you call home.” “How about you close that damn muzzle of yours and put it up. I can tell you’re all neigh, and no bite.” “Hay, I guess I could have some fun with you; why not? I think it’s about time a pony beats a griffon again; that war must have been a hard hit, no?” Instead of replying however, Orrick began to circle the guard. Tension. Unease. Frustration. Figuring that things were about to go down, I relaxed and began to loosen up my mind-allowing the flow of magic to creep in. The moon was nestled in the sky, and the three of us, just like old times, sat side by side on a terrace overlooking Canterlot. The DJing gig had gone over better than I’d expected, and I found-to my greatest joy-that the colors I used to be able to see had returned. After the party, I, Octavia-who happened to be a guest of honor as well- and Orrick, retreated from the rowdy crowd of drunken mares and stallions to sit where we sat now. It was indeed as if the last few months had never happened. “You don’t say!” Octavia exclaimed as I finished up telling my story. “And Celestia appeared right before you? What did it feel like?” I sort of stopped at that, recalling Princess Celestias vibrant appearance when Orrick and that ass-the checkpoint stallion- started fighting. Orrick, as expected, had quickly gotten the upper hoof-err-talon on the guard, and I was about to cast my levitation spell when the sun goddess herself teleported in. It was such a jaw dropping scene-and I tell you, my jaw dropped- such a fearful scene. Though at the time, the first inklings of night battling with day had swathed the sky in an orange sunset, Celestia glowed with an almost supernatural light; one that had no heat, but blazed brilliantly. What’s more interesting however, was her mane; a myriad something that looked oddly celestial. “What did it feel like? That’s something I can hardly explain, Octy; it was… unreal.” I stopped to take a deep drink of my cider mug, blanching slightly as the strong taste hit my tongue; as if I’d initiated a movement, Octavia and Orrick took a drink as well. “Here was Celestia, one of our deities… arriving to stand above me! The interesting thing though was that she felt pony; it was almost like, if I’d known her in another life, we could be friends. I guess I always thought the goddess to be, well, more goddess-like! She wasn’t though, she was, she was…” I couldn’t spit the right words out. Sensing my stutter, Orrick started the story up again: “When Celestia appeared, Vinyl’s levitation spell was not needed. I know Celestia isn’t my deity, but you can bet your eggs that I quickly realized that I should respect her. Jumping off the guard, I bowed beside him deeply, rising with Vinyl only when I was told. The checkpoint stallion was then spoken to by Celestia, and I could see that he was humbled by the time she had finished. He had turned to Vinyl and I, asked up some questions to make sure we were who we said we were, and then let us through without a grumble.” Octavia snickered. “By Celestia, I’d be humbled as well if the goddess came down and talked to me directly; not to mention frightened to no ends.” “You’ve got it!” I exclaimed, taking back control of the conversation. “I tried telling Orrick that as well, but he wouldn’t listen.” I laughed, allowing my cider-heavy head to fall against Orrick’s chest. Smiling he wrapped a wing around me and pulled me close. Octavia grinned. “Look at you two lovebirds… no pun intended, Orrick.” “No pun taken,” he chuckled. Octavia continued: “And to think where we all were only a few months ago.” “It’s amazing how fast things can… change.” I murmured into Orrick’s downy feathers. The mood plummeted. Quickly, Octavia piped in, stopping things before they got dramatic. “Yes, change can happen fast. Vinyl, you’ve changed… for the better. You’re such a stronger mare now. Personally, I don’t think you’ll ever fall to temptation again.” Her words filled me with courage, and I raised my head a bit to smile at the gray cellist. “Thank you.” I said. “Don’t mention it.” she returned. We lapsed into silence. With a hiccup, Octavia broke the bubble. “I’m jealous.” “Jealous?” Orrick repeated, raising a feathered eyebrow. “Yes. You two have it so good; I need a mate.” “There was a pony checking you out-a stallion-when you were at the party; I saw him from the DJ stand. I think it was one of Cadences brothers.” I smiled coyly. “I’d bet snagging him would lead to endless bonuses.” Lazily, I rolled off of Orrick to hoof her lightly in the shoulder. She rolled her eyes. “Stallions are all the same; I’m looking for a mare-friend.” Did she just tell me she was a fillyfooler? “Vinyl, did you see any?” I shook my head, attempting to cover up my surprise with the sudden turn of events. “Er, um… no. I didn’t, I didn’t know you liked mares.” My words jolted Octavia, and suddenly, she seemed to be sober. Her eyes widened in horror and she perked up, blushing heavily as she realized that she had just told her friends where she stood relationship wise. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean. I know it’s bad but… oh!” Octavia blathered, getting up to make a mad dash for the door. Orrick jumped up to stop her, but I was faster, using my magic to hold the doors shut as she attempted to fling them open. “Octavia, wait,” I said, bracing as my friend continued her pulling. “Wait!” The gray mare stopped struggling and dropped her head. Letting out a moan, she collapsing against the door and fell to the ground in a heap. I got up and trotted towards my distraught friend; resting my head on her shoulder and pulling her close. “Look at me.” I murmured; she shook her head and shivered bitterly. “I can’t, Vinyl; I’m too embarrassed. I know my alignment’s wrong, slewed, different… but, but I can’t help it I –” “Stop jumping to conclusions,” I scolded. “Are you crazy? What made you think I’d not accept you for who are? By Celestia, it was only this evening that I was preaching to that jerk-off checkpoint stallion about equality. What makes you so different from me, or Orrick?” “Everything!” Octavia began, tears welling up in her eyes. “Don’t you see Vinyl, I like mares, mares! You like stallions. I can’t repopulate, you can… the list is endless. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve tried resisting, tried going out with stallions-but every single time I’ve felt… empty.” “There’s nothing wrong with liking mares, Octy.” I cooed. “Hay, you should have told me earlier… I might have been able to help.” “So, so you don’t hate me?” “No, silly.” I said, hugging her. “You’re still the Octavia I’ve always known in my eyes… Orrick.” We both turned to look at the griffon that was a few paces back, watching in silence. He nodded encouragingly. “Really?” Octavia pulled away from my embrace to look into my eyes. “You guys don’t mind?” “No, we don’t.” I concluded. Now stop sobbing and grab a drink. To my greatest triumph, I heard Octavia chuckle. Disaster… averted. “I do have a question though.” I mentioned, helping Octavia get up from the ground. “Yes?” “How did you find out about your alignment?” Octavia froze up by my side, and her face flushed a new sheet of crimson. I had an epiphany, and I found myself subconsciously flushing red as well. “You know what, that’s a story for another day.” I replied. Octavia nodded sheepishly, and we got back in the position that we’d left as the drama unfolded. Orrick sat back down; I fell back against his chest and Octavia… well, Octavia leaned in, but this time, rested her black maned head against my shoulder. “The stars are beautiful tonight,” I said. The other two nodded in agreement.