//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: The Griffon War // by ihaveofficiallyretired //------------------------------// “Well, you haven’t really missed a whole lot. Things have been pretty crazy since the attack. Soldiers running around hectically, trying to gather volunteers and making sure Canterlot doesn’t get attacked again. I…I’m thinking about fighting. I dunno yet. It’s not something I would have done before. But now…I just don’t know anymore. I’ve hardly eaten. I’ve hardly slept. There’s just so much I should have told you…and now I never will…” The pegasus’ words trailed off, leaving him standing silently in the graveyard. A whole new area had been added, dedicated to those lost in the griffon attack. There was a monument in the middle detailing it all. The official ceremony had already been held, the bodies identified and buried. “Anyway, I suppose I should get going. Since you’ve not got any family left, I’ve got to figure out what to do with all your stuff. It’s weird, ya know? Not having you around anymore. Especially with Ray missing…for all we…I know, he’s dead too. Maybe his cousin knows something. It’s hard adjusting to life right now, Rose. I dunno. I’ll try to visit soon. “ Storm Chaser slowly walked away from Rosebud’s tombstone and exited the graveyard. He moved rather slowly, still recovering from his injuries. There were three deep wounds on his chest, from where the griffon clawed him. Unicorn magic had healed most of it, but the damage had been quite severe. Magic could only do so much. Storm Chaser flew through the morning air, his vibrant yellow mane wildly flailing about. “Hey Ray! Keep up, would ya?” he shouted mockingly back to his friend. “Nochutup! You’ve always been a better flier!” replied Golden Ray. “Awww can it and fly faster!” Storm Chaser took off, leaving Golden Ray to desperately try to stay close behind. Not much later, the duo had arrived at their destination: a small tavern hidden away on the outskirts of Canterlot. Storm Chaser and Golden Ray had been going there weekly since arriving in Canterlot. “Haha! You remember that time back in flight school when you nearly killed yourself?” Storm Chaser shook his head, laughing. “Which time?” “When you set yourself on fire trying to get lightning out of that cloud.” “Oh jeez. I still don’t know how I managed that one…” The two pegasi silently stared off into the distance for a few moments, not sure of what to say. “So, I’ve been thinking…” “Yeah?” “I think I’m gonna ask out Rose.” Golden Ray downed the rest of his drink. “You’ve been saying that since we moved here two years ago.” “Yeah, yeah, I know. But this time I mean it. I really do.” “Mhmm. The day you find the courage to ask her out is the day I quit life and become a mare.” “Haha, very funny.” “Stormy, I’ll become Captain of the Royal Guard before you ask her out.” “That’d be the day. I can hardly believe you’re joining the guard in the first place. I mean, you’ve always been great at clearing the skies. I think your talents would be much better used in the Weather Patrol.” Golden Ray sighed, beckoning the barkeep for another drink. “Yeah, maybe you’re right. But it’s more than just the completely awesome uniforms. You remember my cousin?” “Creepy unicorn, right?” “Yeah, that’s the one. I’ve heard rumors about him. He’s gonna get himself into some serious trouble if any of them turn out to be true.” “Yeah, but Silver Tongue has always managed to talk his way out of just about anything.” “I suppose. Still, I’d rather be safe than sorry.” “But isn’t he packing up to move out with the caravans soon? Establishing a new city or something like that?” “Manehattan, yeah. Still, though…I don’t like what I’ve been hearing. I just want to make sure the kid doesn’t get into any more trouble than necessary.” The pegasus smiled and guzzled down his now fifth drink. Storm Chaser shook his head. “You probably shouldn’t drink that much the night before you officially join the Guard. It can’t be good.” “Bah! I’ve handled more stressful situations under significantly more alcohol. Trust me when I say that I’ll be fine.” “Fine, fine. Suit yourself. I’m off though, I told Rose I would go with her up to the castle. She’s supposed to host the Summer Sun Celebration in a few years. It seems so far off, but she’s already planning. Wants everything to go perfectly. Anyway, I’ll catch ya later.” “Aww, we’ve just started drinking! I’m still coherent and have yet to make a complete fool of myself! But whatever, go on.” Golden Ray laughed heartily while bidding his best friend farewell. Storm Chaser found himself lying in his bed, his vision still blurry from his sleep. He looked around his bedroom, trying to make sense of everything. That dream…seemed so real… he thought to himself. It had felt like he was back at that tavern almost three years prior. He crawled out of his bed and stumbled to the window. From there he looked out over rows of buildings to peek at the clock tower. It read 4:22 AM. For a brief moment, he contemplated going back to sleep, but ultimately decided against it. He prepared his miniscule breakfast while contemplating his dream. The bright sun shone through one of the windows, blinding him for just a moment. He turned away and continued on his task. As the day progressed, Storm Chaser could only seem to focus on his dream from the previous night. Certainly there was something hidden away in that memory he needed. Or so he thought, anyway. Still, one name seemed to reverberate throughout the chambers of his mind. It was a name he probably only heard once or twice. Perhaps this individual knew the whereabouts of Golden Ray. After all, they were cousins.