//------------------------------// // The Case of the Curious Griffin // Story: Pinkamena Diane Pie: Consultant Detective // by Time Pony Victorious //------------------------------// The wedding had concluded. A small party was held at the manor. It was beautifully designed, with blazing red walls and elegant golden fixtures, in the center of the dining hall stood a very large stone statue of a griffin that stood at attention. Everyone there was having an excellent time, there were numerous griffins mingling, dancing, and otherwise enjoying the party. In the very back of the party, behind the table which held the bride and groom and their close family, sat maybe a dozen of griffins. As customary, each griffin that attended the wedding must approached the bride and groom's family to give them a good wish for fortune. The groom, Captain Thunder Boom, was a stout griffin with snow white feathers colored blood-red at the tips of his feathers. His wings were amongst the strongest in his unit, he was a griffin of action, strong, brave and swift. Despite his very Spartan personality, he smiled warmly as the wedding attendees approached him, biding him good fortune to his marriage and promising a bright future of both the militaristic and domestic sort. Lady Tempest Wings, the bride, was a homely yet quite exotic griffin. She was born into royalty, far from Equestria, however, and had moved there in her childhood. Unlike most Equestrian-bound griffins, she was much smaller and darker. Her face was thin which accented her bright green eyes and mouth, her neck was very graceful and led to a shapely body that would make any griffin turn to get a better look. Her coat was, however, much darker. Instead of white in tandem with brown feathers, she was purely chestnut brown all over, from her neck and up the brown became much lighter in color. She, along with her husband, smiled at everyone and thanked them in the sweetest voice she could muster without straining herself. She was very calm and gentle in her mannerisms, which heavily contrasted with most female griffins. Female griffins were often much tougher and confident, generally speaking, approximately ninety percent of all female griffins served in their military, most males were often officers, Thunder Boom and his father were the exception. On the groom's side sat his family, and the same were true of the bride's side with her family. The closest to Thunder was his father, Commander Storm Talons; a very proud, very tough looking griffin. He was much larger than his son and looked as though he could take a dozen griffins in a fair fight, two dozen in an unfair fight. A scar had blinded his left eye, but did nothing to impede his combat capabilities. He sat next to his son, with a proud expression on his face, smiling along with him. Everyone and everything was happy. Except, of course, one griffin. She sat right next to Storm Talons and she was much smaller than the other griffins, she looked like a child right next to Storm! She was still much bigger than Tempest and appeared very similar to Storm and Thunder, like them, she held a proud look in her eyes which shone with an intelligent glint. But tonight, she wasn't quite as happy as everyone else. She should be happy, shouldn't she? In griffin culture, there was no best pony or bridemares, no, instead the siblings of the bride and groom would take that honor. She was the only sister of Thunder, and was the one who stood proudly next to him as the wedding had proceeded. So, why in all of Equestria was she so upset? Her big brother just got married! It should call for a happy occasion, not brooding and feeling sorry for yourself. "Griffis?" Thunder asked, looking at her downtrodden sister, "Are you okay?" Griffis smiled politely, a smile she had perfected at a young age, "Yes, of course. I've just been feeling a bit… under the weather. Would you mind if I…." Thunder's eyes widened and a sheepish smile appeared on his face, "O-oh, yes. You may, though, there is very little need to be so cordial with my little sister." Griffis stood and managed another smile toward her brother, "It is your wedding night. It wouldn't do well for me if I spoke candidly, would it?" "I… suppose not…" Her dear brother was very caring and sweet, but he wasn't the sharpest griffin she knew. Thankfully, however, he hadn't questioned her anymore and allowed her to excuse herself. Griffis looked to her father, gave him a reassuring nod, and left the hall. She hadn't made her way to the bathroom, however, and instead up to her bedroom. After entering the room, her cool, confident demeanor broke apart immediately and she plopped to the ground on her rump. Sighing dejectedly, Griffis glared at her talons and wondered why she wasn't made into a shapely griffin? Or at least a much more confident one? Why was it that everyone she knew was getting married and jumping into committed relationships but she was the only one left out? She knew that being the daughter of Commander Storm Talons would result in some trepidation from potential mates, but it wasn't even him that was the problem! It was her. She wasn't pretty enough, or shapely enough, or smart enough, or something. There was some sort of defect in her that repelled everyone away from her, she may have been surrounded by a loving family and caring friends, but she was so painfully alone. "What's wrong darling? Bad wedding cake?" Griffis snapped her head forward and looked at the source of the voice. An absolutely dazzling white unicorn stood by the window, bathed in the moonlight, she looked like something straight out of mythology, the type of pony that deserved to be immortalized in art to be admired by everyone. She wasn't alarmed when the unicorn showed herself, she wasn't even suspicious, no, she was curious. Griffins don't get curious. "W-who are you?" Griffis asked. The unicorn smiled at her, which made Griffis's heart melt. Then in a very slow and painfully tantalizing speed the unicorn made her way toward the griffin. "I am Rarity, but who I am isn't very interesting," Rarity said, looking into Griffis's eyes, "What interests me, darling, is the reason why you're so sad." "I-I'm n-" she stopped as Rarity's gaze focused on her with such intensity it had temporarily struck her dumb. She had never gained such attention from anyone, much less anypony, and to have earned it so quickly by this mysterious mare was… lovely. "Words can't explain much darling-" The way she rolled darling out of those tender lips made Griffis ache, "-Action does better. Show me your sadness, I will take it all for you. A pretty griffin like yourself doesn't deserve to wear such a sad face, as a great mare once said, 'Smile, smile…'" Then, Rarity kissed her, so briefly that Griffis blanked out at the moment, only to recover when the kiss was broken and Rarity smiled at her, "'Smile'." ~--~ Pinkie Pie was an inquisitive pony, as you can tell from my other recollections of her. She liked to investigate essentially anything that interested her, despite my small checklist I had produced a few weeks ago that describes her proficiencies and faults, it seems it didn't mean much as she knew a lot more than I gave her credit for. And she took it upon herself to keep her mind sharp, it seems, for her cases. Although, I could hardly see the uses of some of the things she knew. For example, she had published a paper on the analysis of two hundred forty-three different types of cake frosting. That hardly seems very conducive to her detective work, right? Well, I stood very much corrected when one day it had helped. It was a difficult case, one that the Royal Guard could not crack! Pinkie was called in to investigate a horrific crime… against cake! I kid you not, someone had defaced this beautiful four-tiered cake and the culprit remained unknown until Pinkie came by and with her extensive knowledge in cake frosting had swiftly deduced the criminal. "What are you gonna call this case?" she asked as we left the theater, a huge smile on her face as she licked up what was left of the cake from her lips. "The Frosting Case?" I suggested. Pinkie laughed, "Well, it'll certainly be something to entertain your fans." It was obvious that Pinkie didn't exactly enjoy the fact that I published her cases, "Well, you make everything sound all… weird Twilight! You don't really focus on the deduction that I can do." She had said. She'd never stopped me from publishing them, but would occasionally offer an almost bitter tone when bringing them up. These stories had gained a large fan-base, everypony seemed extremely interested in the Great Detective, and she seemed particularly annoyed that nopony was interested in her analysis of cake foresting. "Media is here," remarked one of the Royal Guard, "They'll want pictures. You'll have to walk fast." Pinkie grimaced, she didn't enjoy what the press was saying about her. No, they weren't saying anything negative, all they had were positive things to say about her, but all of this attention was making her uncomfortable. Every time she would try to trot casually in Ponyville, she would get mobbed by ponies asking for autographs and demonstrations of her deductive powers. It had brought a bad taste in my mouth. After all, Pinkie only became a detective to help ponies, to try to bring a conclusive end to mysteries that would elude others and to (of course) make ponies smile. But being a sideshow attraction was not part of that deal. We walked into a corridor, the exit ahead of us, but before we approached it, Pinkie ducked into a changing room and produced two hats. "Here, cover your face," she told me as she tossed over a small black bowler hat. I frowned, this was exactly the same hat as the one I wore on The Mystery of the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. Glancing over at Pinkie, I saw her putting on a very large brown hat with flaps that came down the sides of her face. What a strange hat. Without another word, I donned my hat and followed Pinkie out of the door. Dozens of ponies were waiting for us on the other side, and as soon as we appeared they snapped off a hundred or so pictures, all the while they were shouting questions at us. I stayed close to Pinkie as she weaved past the crowd. We got into our cab and immediately left the swarm of ponies. By the time we got back to Ponyville, it was night. The Cakes were gone on a second honeymoon, apparently, and Sugarcube Corner was left closed because of the nature of Pinkie's business. She was very good at managing the place, an excellent baker, but with her detective work she sometimes has to leave Ponyville. So, she had offered me to stay with her, since we were both exhausted from this case and even though the Golden Oaks library wasn't very far. I couldn't deny her, especially with that pouty smile she gave me with those puppy-dog eyes. So, I took her offer and together we walked into Sugarcube Corner. I may not be very fast on Pinkie's deductions, so, the reader will have to excuse me if I seem a bit dull. But, the lights were on when we got inside, which was strange considering nopony was supposed to be here. And right across the room and behind the counter, window-shopping for some cupcakes, was Rarity, the Canterlot fashionista and international master thief. "What're you doing here?!" I jumped to action, charging my horn with magic to zap that arrogant little unicorn if she so much as looked at me funny. Pinkie was, however, much calmer than I and stood at the door looking at Rarity with interest. And the thief in question was wearing strange clothes. She wore a silky blue dress that hugged her body in such a manner that it had accented every curve she had. Her hips, flank, chest, and legs were shown off beautifully. Diamond earrings hung from her ears and a similar tiara sat upon her head. She looked over at me and gave me a smile, the type of smile that wasn't very friendly, it was very cold but had a playfulness in it. No, not like when Pinkie wants to play hide-and-seek, the… flirtatious type of playfulness. "Oh, dear, there is no need for violence," she spoke with an air of sophistication, with an accent I suspected wasn't Canterlotian, "I don't like to get my hooves dirty. Well, except if you fancy that sort of thing." She stepped from behind the counter, casually looking around the shop, uninterested in me but I never dropped my guard. "I was just window-shopping, as it were," she turned to me and smiled again, "A mare has to indulge herself sometimes." "What do you want?" I asked, keeping my horn aimed at her. "It's always difficult finding a low-fat snack, you know, I wouldn't want to lose this figure. And I know someponies would agree with me, right Pinkie?" I spared a glance at Pinkie and saw her entirely focused on Rarity. I blushed, thinking that she was ogling her body, and was prepared to protest when I noticed the glint in her eyes. Her eyes no longer held the foalish charm that she was famous for, no, it was distant and calculative, she were using her full mental capacities at the moment. But why? Pinkie never used so much effort on a single mare, no, she'd use it if she were stumped on something, puzzled or confused! Could it be… She couldn't read Rarity properly? "But, I must say Pinkie, you have done an excellent job as of late!" Rarity then trotted right past me, brushing me slightly with her tail, I smelled the faintest hint of Jasmine on her, "You've become quite the famous pony. The Great Detective of Ponyville is what they call you, dear." She was right in front of Pinkie, nearly nose-to-nose with her, but she looked over her shoulder at me, "Oh, and I've been keeping up with your stories. My personal favorite was The Speckled Mare. But, do you really not know that the earth revolves around the sun?" Pinkie didn't answer her question and kept staring at her, trying to figure her out it seems. Finally, the party pony asked, "What do you want?" "And no funny business!" I warned, "Or I'll-" "You'll what?" she looked over her shoulder and her playful look in her eyes disappeared, it was replaced with a frosty glare, "Attack me? No, dear, you won't, not if you want Pinkie to be upset with you." "Upset… what do you mean? You're a thief! A criminal! You do realize her job is to catch them, right?" "Yes, but Pinkie doesn't want to detain me, darling. She's curious as to whether there is a larger game ahoof. She wants to know why me, Rarity, the great thief of Canterlot, is here, defrocked, as it were, standing in front of her with nothing to lose. She wants to know what I want." "Twilight," Pinkie said in a cold detached voice, "Let's hear her out." "Pinkie, what are you saying? You know who she is, right? We should have her arrested!" I protested, whining like a little foal. "Yes, she knows, and that's why she's so interested," Rarity explained, turning back to Pinkie with that seductive smile of hers, "Ooh, dear, you are cute. I may be a playful mare, but I've always had a soft spot for smart ponies, it is always the smart ones that are such… freaks. The things I would do to you dear, would leave you speechless. I would leave you, right here in this spot, writhing on the floor, begging for more, aching for my touch." "I never beg," countered Pinkie. "You'll learn, dear." "I- you know I'm still standing here?" I asked indignantly, but bit my lip when Rarity turned to look at me and trotted to me, swaying those hips of hers. "Ah, yes, Twilight Sparkle, esteemed scholar and pupil of the Princess. You are intelligent, but you are so… inexperienced." I stepped back, almost fearfully as those blue eyes melted my muscles and impaired my ability to speak. "Could it be…" She was now only inches away, her eyes boring into mine, "Interesting…" "W-what is?" I stammered pathetically. "You are untouched, untainted by mare or stallion alike. You are… fresh, dear, ripe for the picking as it were." "N-no I'm not!" She stepped closer, causing me to step back. "I wonder if you know any tricks with that horn of yours, I am deeply interested in what you can do," she purred. "Enough," Pinkie said, stopping her mid-trot, "Tell me, what do you want?" She gave me one last look, and said, "Oh, we'll play soon darling, don't you fret." Before she turned back around to Pinkie. "I need you to find someone," she answered simply, "She might be in trouble, and yours is the only mind I can trust." "Someone?" I asked, trying to recover from Rarity's little trick. "Yes. She's a griffin." We sat down at a table. I brought over a tray of tea and cookies for us to enjoy, although, I couldn't bring myself to look Rarity in the eyes. That frosty look in her eyes made me uncomfortable, knowing that she could affect me so much with her words alone was… jarring. Rarity thanked me as she took the cup and, for good measure, she batted her eyelashes at me. Pinkie hadn't partaken in the tea and only sat across from Rarity, still staring at her intently. "Here is a picture of the darling," Rarity said, pulling out a photo from within her dress and placing it on the table. I am not very familiar with griffins, the only one I know is Gilda and she barely likes us, so, I don't know what passes for an attractive griffin, but this one was very pretty and young. She might have been my age, I'm not sure, but compared to Gilda she was thinner and had a lovelier face. Her neck was much more graceful than Gilda's, her eyes were big, bright and inquisitive and shone with an intelligent light in them, her, ah, "hair" (for lack of a better word) was much more tame than Gilda's wild feathers. Around her eyes her feathers were colored the lightest of pink, and at the ends of her "hair" were pink tips on her feathers. Her wings were much thinner than Gilda's and they were fully opened, showing off their figure. Her claws weren't as rough, either. She held a very delicate figure, it seems, one not suited for the rough and tumble lifestyle of most fliers. She was, dare I say it, very cute. "Griffis," Rarity said, "A lovely griffin, she is so painfully shy and apprehensive. We met at a wedding and hit it off from there. She is absolutely darling." "What happened?" I asked, suddenly very interested in this Griffis character. As I said, I don't know any other griffin other than Gilda, and if there was a sweet and kind one out there, I would want to help her, even if it is Rarity asking for the help. "There were… complications. You know how griffins are, very proud and stubborn, they generally aren't allowed to speak with ponies much less fraternize with them, and if anyone knew what Griffis and I did, well-" "Just stick to the facts, please." A blush rose to my face as I said that, I really wasn't very interested in her personal life. "Point being, she was frazzled the next morning, scared to death it seems, and for good reason. Her father had... intruded and I was forced to make a quick escape out the window," she smiled, as though it were a fond memory. "I bet you have a lot of experience doing that," I grumbled. "Why is she gone?" asked Pinkie, "When did you find out she had disappeared?" "After I left her home and made my way back to Canterlot, I had found out that she had left only four hours later. As to the reason why, well, it is quite obvious isn't it?" She looked at both of us, waiting for either one of us to spit out the answer that was hidden in plain sight. But after a few moments of awkward silence, Rarity only laughed, a very quiet and restrained laugh as if she didn't want to embarrass us, then smiled at me. "The reason she left, I suspect, is because of her father. He must have figured out what we were doing and did something to her." Then, that confident expression on her face swiftly became one of tranquil fury, her brows were furrowed and a frown came upon her face as she spoke, "If Griffis was harmed somehow because of me, I would never forgive myself. And if her father is somehow behind her disappearance, well… even a nice mare like me would get very angry and would have to teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget!" I must admit, it was odd hearing Rarity speak so passionately about someone, much less a griffin. I had always thought she was an over dramatic, theatrical thief who enjoyed showing off. Rarity seemed extremely manipulative and untrustworthy, but when she spoke of Griffis I heard pangs of regret come out of her voice; as if she sincerely cared for her. "We'll need to talk to the family then," sighed Pinkie, "We should leave first thing in the morning." "Pinkie, you're seriously not going to go through with this, I mean, you know Rarity. She probably cleaned out Sugarcube Corner for all we know!" "Darling, you realize I can hear everything you're saying," remarked Rarity. "I don't trust Rarity," Pinkie admitted, looking her straight in the eyes, "But if what she says is true, then somewhere out there is a griffin who is probably in trouble. If I can help her, and I can, then it makes sense that I try everything to help, right?" It was just like Pinkie to be concerned for everypony, even griffins. She didn't care who they were, if they were in trouble and she was capable of helping, she would do anything to help. "Noble," mused Rarity, "Except, there is one tiny little detail that I forgot to mention. Ponies are, of course, not allowed in griffin country, and if they see three ponies approaching the manor of Commander Storm Talons it would be tantamount to war." I had almost forgotten that the political relationship between griffins and ponies was strained, at best, and nonexistent, at worst. There were a few exceptions to that rule, of course, like Gilda, despite her rough personality she was on relatively friendly terms with us ponies, but otherwise griffins were much too proud to fraternize with us ground-pounders. "So, we'll have to work outside the law, and that's my area of expertise," Rarity smiled which made me all the more nervous, "And forget about leaving in the morning, if we are expected to reach griffin country as soon as possible, we'll have to leave now." "You can't be serious," I complained, my mouth agape at the prospect of sneaking into a foreign country whose citizens would be happy to tear up anypony stupid enough to come through with an international thief. It was an impossible situation, but, knowing Pinkie, she'd probably say: "Okay! Let's go right now, any ideas Rarity?" "Oh, I've got a few." The way Rarity smiled brought dread to my heart, because if Pinkie actually agreed with her I knew that everything was going to hit the fan. And I was right. An hour later, we were all dressed up and ready to head out to griffin country. For anypony curious about heading out to griffin country, here are a few tips: 1. Don't go to griffin country 2. If you're stupid enough to go to griffin country, it is best to go incognito 3. And if you're stupid enough to go to griffin country with an international thief and a curious detective, bring a book, the trip will be long. We headed east, toward Manehattan, on the express train. From there we headed toward the coast and found a very helpful sailor who was more than happy to take us aboard. I wasn't very sure why this pony was so eager to take us aboard on his ship, until Rarity had explained. "I know him," she said simply, "Or, rather, I know what he likes." I didn't ask any more questions. Anyways, this pony was transporting a shipment of apples to the northern European front; apparently the weather up there is absolutely dreadful and didn't provide conditions proper enough to grow any apples. Where he was heading was only about four thousand miles from griffin country, so, a nice walk was required. "Oh, don't worry," promised Rarity, "Once we get there, I know a few ponies that will be more than happy to give us a ride." "Right… and how, pray tell, will we actually get inside of griffin country?" I asked, shivering slightly from the cold. "Easy, we'll be disguised. Twilight, dear, how do you feel about plaid?" "Uh, what?" Rarity dragged me back inside, with Pinkie following us, and she forced these extremely ugly, extremely itchy, clothes on me. I had insisted that I could dress myself, but Rarity was determined to get the measurements right and she was unnecessarily thorough. Within minutes, I found myself standing in front of a mirror with a displeased expression on my face. "I look ridiculous," I noted. "You look perfect!" promised Rarity, "An exact copy of a vagabond." Well, she wasn't wrong. I wore red and black rags that covered my entire body, dozens of heavy, and rusty, necklaces which held strange symbols on them. There were queer shoes on my hooves that went black over time and a very large purple hat sat atop my head, I was dressed very much like a gypsy. Rarity wore similar clothing but she managed to make everything look fashionable. The only thing that made her look like a sophisticated mare was her mane, but even that she had opted to make messy. Using her magic, she ruffled up her mane and tail so that it was curly and a proverbial rat's nest. Then, Pinkie joined up with us wearing the same clothing, she laughed when she saw me. "You look silly!" she said, barely controlling her laughter. "Good, that's what we're going for," explained Rarity, "Griffins are quite superstitious and treat gypsies with such reverence you'd think they were holy ponies." "Then why not dress us up as priests or monks?" I asked. "Gypsies go anywhere and everywhere, it wouldn't be strange for them to end up in griffin country, monks and priests, however, will seem strange being so far from Equestria." I knew she was right. A few months ago when Pinkie's sister, Blinky, went missing we searched for her and found a traveling group of gypsies that helped us out. Gypsies were typically a kind group, if you knew how to talk to them, and Pinkie had a lot of experience around them. "Right…" The three of us went above deck to see the horizon of the European coast ten minutes away. As nervous as I was for illegally entering this country, I was somewhat excited. The thrill of adventure and the prospect of a grand mystery had chilled my blood and made me anxious to jump right in. But, we needed a plan of sorts. Griffin country was just as expansive as Equestria, except many times more dangerous, who was to say that Griffis was even still in here? She could've escaped to Equestria, but then again, it would be difficult to hide a griffin anywhere in Equestria. "What's the plan then?" I asked. My breath was clearly visible, a cold wind blew over us, nearly toppling off my hat. "We go to her house, ask around, and then we search for her," explained Pinkie very simply, "I have a few ideas on where she can be. But it'd be a good idea if we can get some information first." "Simple enough, well, unless they figure out that we aren't real gypsies then they'll imprison us for the rest of our lives or execute us. But still, good plan." "Oh, Twilight, when have I ever led you astray?" Pinkie wrapped her arm around my shoulder and gave me a partial hug. "Well, there was that one time with that Minotaur." "How was I supposed to know that he didn't like cake?" "Still, you shouldn't have thrown it at him." "It worked didn't it? I mean, he was stunned and we got away!" Pinkie defended with that huge smile on her face. "Ah, Pinkie, might I borrow Twilight for a moment?" asked Rarity in the sweetest voice she could muster. Pinkie looked over at her with suspicious eyes before turning to me, "Don't drink anything she offers you, okay? And for Celestia's sake, don't look her straight in the eyes." "I think I'll be okay, thanks for the concern," I promised with a reassuring smile on my face. Pinkie nodded and let me go. Rarity led me to the ship's bow. She stood there in those gypsy clothes but she still looked like a million bits. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?" I asked. "How far are you willing to go for her?" Her voice was a bit heavy and slightly emotional, like she was… distressed? "I don't understand-" "I said-" Rarity turned around and looked me straight on, "'How far are you willing to go for her?'" "Pinkie? Uh, I-I don't really know, but-" "Oh, Twilight, sweet, innocent and naïve little Twilight. You really do care for that silly detective don't you?" What kind of a question was that? I stepped back and raised my eyebrow, "What do you mean? Of course I do, she's my friend." "No, no dear, I meant you care for her in a romantic way. Beyond the ties of friendship, you actually love her, don't you?" Like a silly little foal I wasn't sure how to answer. Glancing at my hooves, entirely self-conscious of myself, I muttered underneath my breath, "I.. don't know." To my surprise, Rarity hadn't burst out in laughter and instead patted my shoulder affectionately. When I looked up, I saw her with a sad smile on her face. "It hurts doesn't it? To not know whether or not that brilliantly dim detective returns your feelings? She really is quite something, isn't she?" We turned back to look at Pinkie who was staring at the coast, sniffing the air like a wild animal, even licking her hoof and holding it against the wind. "A brilliant mare who can see right through anypony instantly, but she has a flaw. She can read anypony with a single glance and can deduce anything about them through the smallest of details, but she can't deduce anything about the heart. About somepony's feelings, whether they are romantic or platonic." Rarity smiled as Pinkie eccentrically trotted in a circle, "I really do feel sorry for you dear, for falling for that silly little detective." "I… haven't fallen for her, I just…" I couldn't defend myself. Even I wasn't very sure on my own feelings, I've been with Pinkie for such a long time now that imagining life without her was nearly impossible. And even though I knew plenty about her, I still didn't know the first thing about her. I wasn't sure if she had any sort romantic feelings toward… well, anything. "It's okay darling. I know what it's like to have unreturned feelings toward an oblivious pony." I looked at Rarity and saw that wistful smile of hers, and even though I still didn't fully trust her, I could tell that she was being sincere. Although, I wasn't sure if she was talking about another pony or… Nah, it couldn't be. "Which brings me back to my original question darling," she said as she turned back to look at me, "How far are you willing to go for her?" I looked at Pinkie and a smile came to my face as I remembered all of those crazy moments we had. The Gypsy Bard, the Cutie Mark Caper, The Five Pips… "I'd give my life for her," I decided. "Good," she smiled, "Then, might I welcome you to the European front then?"