//------------------------------// // As the Founding Father's Intended // Story: Coffee vs. Equestria // by aegishailstorm //------------------------------// Rainbow led them down the cobble paved road towards the royal castle. They drove straight through the front gates, as before. The guard's simply stepped aside and let them pass. From there they took a left and parked in order along a path just south of the royal gardens. From there, they dismounted and headed into the palace. " Damn, I mean, I've been to Europe a few time's but this take's the cake." Evan remarked. Just as the word's left his mouth a cart with a cake atop it rolled past them, followed by a rather angry stallion wearing a chief's hat. "...Moving on. I would assume that your leader's are waiting for us up there?" Rainbow nodded. " Yes, they are. Now quick, walk faster!" Brandon rubbed his sore eyes. " Please shut up, we've going on full for a whole day. So for the love of Kalashnikov, let us go at our own god damn pace-" Before he could finish his sentence the walkway in front of them was filled with a burst of light. When it faded, Princess Celestia was standing before them. While Rainbow was quick to bow, the humans stood there in confusion especially the BRCC member's, who hadn't met her before now, John and Lucas were fascinated more than anything. After a few moment's of awkward silence, John stepped forward. " Good morning ma'am, I would presume that you know why we're here?" She smiled, " Why yes, I do. You may rise Rainbow Dash." She nodded, and jumped to all fours. Celestia turned to a nearby guard. " Please show our guest's to the dinning hall and guest rooms. They look like they could use it. " She glanced back at the weathered humans. Their rifle's dangled from their slings. And their boot's were covered in thick mud. Angry popped out from behind Mike. "Where are they!?"He rushed up to Celestia at a near inhuman speed and stared into her eyes. " The griffon's that you apprehended are in the dungeon below the castle. Sister!" A second, smaller alicorn appeared by Celestia's side. She crossed her hooves and smiled at the humans. Evan let out a chuckle. " Heh, she looks nice enough. Hey, didn't Donut and Brandon almost kill her?" Her gaze shifted to him, and she opened her mouth to speak. "GREETING'S, MY SISTER HAS REQUESTED THAT I ASIST YOU IN YOUR INTROGATION." Evan Hafer blinked and readjusted his cap. " Holy shit... Still not as intimidating as Angry." A murmur of agreement rose up amongst the humans. Celestia looked down at her sister. " Would you mind not using the 'royal Canterlot' voice in the presence-" "IMPRESSIVE VOICE PRINCESS! YOU ARE MOST AMUSING!" Angry roared back. he folded his arms. "Well? Let's go." The team split up into two groups, Brandon and the BRCC member's with Celestia. And Angry and the... Well, they didn't really have a name for themselves yet. Meanwhile, in Griffonstone... General Blackhawk set down on all fours just outside the palace. Which was still in the midst of being repaired and rebuilt on account of the overthrow of the previous regime. A process which was significantly hampered by the fact that Equestrian griffons are traditionally very neglectful beings. Though now they were nowhere to be seen. " Hey!" Blackhawk called out. " Your ruler has returned!" A pair of griffon's poked their heads above the palace walls. "Sire! You're back! Uh... I apologize, it's lunch time." "Don't worry yourself with it. Send word to the army. I require more troops. There was an... Incident." He cleared and trotted off. As the forces of the Griffon Empire ready their forces for another round at Equestria's defenses, and the American's made themselves at home in Canterlot. Yet another human had emerged from the rift between the 2 worlds. A man by the name of... "Ian McCollum." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out 2 thing's, a long range radio, and a compass. " Guy's, it's me, Ian. I know I'm a bit late to the party, but... I would gladly like assist you. Hello? Brandon, Scott, John, Lucas? Garand?" He groaned in annoyance and stuffed it back into his pocket. He slung a Mosin Nagant from a leather sling and took a look around at the deserted Point Liberty. " Well... I suppose I'm walking." He began his way down the road leading to Ponyville. Only to encounter a lone griffon. "Oh! Well hello there." He muttered as he shifted closer to get a better look at her. " It appears as though I have stumbled across a griffon. And no, I am quite certain my sanity is intact" He rubbed his eyes. The creature huffed." What are you talking about?" He blinked, " And a talking griffon at that. Astounding! Do you have a name?" "Gilda. And you." He smirked. " It's Ian. I'm here at the request of some of my fellow industry members." Gilda raised an eyebrow. " Oh? And what is this industry you're involved in?" McCollum laughed. " Firearms. Thing's that go boom." Her eyes widened, and she hoover up off the ground by about 6 inches. "Cool!" He nodded, " Well... I've got to get going, nice meeting you. It was certainty a... Unique experience. " He took off walking a slightly faster pace than normal. Ian had been given a basic rundown of the situation over the phone, but wasn't given any specifics. So he got his car, a few weapons, some snacks. And headed for the BRCC ranch in Texas. He had left his vehicle back at on the other side of the rift in a safe-ish spot. He had taken 3 very different weapons with himself. A kitted out Five- Seven pistol, and a Mosin Nagant, and a double barreled hunting shotgun. They weren't his favorite guns of all time, he just happened to have them on his person. Unfortunately, the intrepid antique weapon's collector wouldn't get the time to use them just yet. As a group of unsuspecting griffons had decided to bring him with them back to Griffonstone. Ian was fine with it, as long as he had his radio on him, he could talk with the others. Plus, he had a plan.