Gilda swayed uncontrollably. Her vision swam as her head spun at a rate of a million miles an hour. She lost control of her balance, and promptly face-planted into the cool, cobblestone floor beneath her. She took a few moments to calm herself, her vision began to clear. She carefully planted her feet beneath her, and surveyed her surroundings.
She was standing in a gigantic, dimly lit, dome-like room. In the dead centre of the room, directly beneath the only source of light, stood a low-set stone table: tomes, scrolls and maps were strewn over the entire surface of the table. Whirling on herself, she found Fluttershy behind her: plopped on her haunches, holding her head in her hooves.
“Fluttershy!” She cried as she rushed to the Pegasus’ side, “Are you okay?”
Fluttershy faced her with a dazed look, “I-I think so…” She shook herself back to reality, and glanced around the ominous room, “Where are we?”
“Canterlot,” A familiar disembodied voice answered, “More specifically, the catacombs beneath Canterlot.”
Gilda and Fluttershy turned toward the stone table, Twilight stepped forward out of the shadows, watching them impassively.
Gilda helped Fluttershy to her hooves, “I didn’t know Canterlot had catacombs,” Fluttershy commented.
“It was originally a crystal deposit. I discovered it two years ago, during Chrysalis’ invasion. I’ve been spending most of my time since then harvesting the crystals, and building this chamber.”
“Why?”
“Two reasons, actually. It turns out the crystals are highly magnified with a magical energy, more so than I’ve seen before. The residual energy that this entire chamber is saturated in, allows me to channel my magic much more effectively.”
“And the second reason?”
“Said residual energy also radiates a type of cloaking aura. So we don’t have to worry about any unwanted eavesdroppers.”
Gilda glanced uneasily at Fluttershy, “Okay, why did you bring us here, what do you want?”
Twilight sighed, “We need your help.”
Fluttershy and Gilda made their way towards the table, they stood directly opposite Twilight.
“What do you want me to do?” Gilda asked.
A lavender aura flooded over Twilights horn, she levitated a large, old looking tome from beneath the stacks of papers, and set it down in front of Gilda and Fluttershy. The pair examined the book before them, the language written on the pages was not something Fluttershy had seen before: sloppy scratches formed strange looking symbols, rather than words. Gilda clenched her jaw.
“T-that isn’t Equestrian, what is that?” Fluttershy questioned.
“It’s Prench,” Gilda replied evenly, not taking her eyes off Twilight, “Where did you get that?”
“Information is my job, Gilda.”
“Wait,” Fluttershy turned to Gilda, “You can read that?”
Gilda glanced back at her, “Of course I can.”
“Well, what does it say?”
“It’s a lineage chart,” Twilight interjected, “It details every member of the Griffin Royal Family.”
Fluttershy glanced between Gilda and Twilight, “What does that have to do with Gilda?”
Twilight nodded towards Fluttershy, “Do you want to tell her, or should I?”
“Tell me what…?”
Gilda faced Fluttershy, she opened her beak.
“She’s a Princess,” Twilight blurted out.
Gilda glared at Twilight, while Fluttershy’s eyes flew wide, “W-what?”
“More specifically, she is rightful ruler of Grifforia, and next in line to take over the throne.”
Fluttershy stared at Gilda, dumbfounded. Gilda continued to glare at Twilight.
“No. I won’t do it.”
“Gilda…”
“Information is your job, right? You know why I left?”
“I have been able to put some of the pieces together, yes.”
Gilda narrowed her eyes, “I am not going back.”
“Gilda, we don’t have a choice. Tomorrow, the King of Grifforia will formally resign, and appoint his successor. That is the only chance we will have to put you on the throne.”
“I don’t care, it’s not my problem.”
Twilight gritted her teeth, “This is as much your problem as anyponies, we are facing certain extinction here!”
“Ooo, I’m just shaking in my feathers, here,” Gilda mocked.
Twilight glared, “How many lives do we need to lose before you accept your destiny?!”
“Oh, why don’t you just shove it up your a-”
“STOP IT.”
Gilda and Twilight flinched, and turned towards Fluttershy: She sat before them, panting harshly, tears streaming down her face.
She turned to Gilda, “Please, s-stop fighting.”
A pang of guilt stabbed at Gilda’s chest, her features softened as her shoulders slumped, “Fluttershy…”
“S-stop,” She sobbed.
Gilda stepped forward and wrapped her in a comforting embrace, all of her anger melted away at once, “Fluttershy, I’m sorry.” The yellow Pegasus buried her face deeply into Gilda’s chest, heaving with shuddered with sobs.
Gilda tightened her embrace, she frowned as she glanced at Twilight. Twilight lowered her head remorsefully, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Fluttershy pushed Gilda away as her sobs began to subside, however she kept her at arm’s length. Gilda cupped a single talon under the Pegasus’ chin, raising her head to meet her gaze; she used her ‘thumb’ talon to gently – and carefully – wipe the tears from her face.
“I’m sorry, Shy.”
Fluttershy gave her a small smiled that didn’t touch her eyes, her smiled slowly faded as she sniffled, “Why didn’t you tell me you were a Princess?”
Gilda absently caressed Fluttershy’s cheek with her talon, “Because I’m not, I gave up that privilege a long time ago.”
“Why?”
“I didn’t have a choice,” she half-turned to Twilight, “Isn’t there something else we can do?”
Twilight shook her head, “If there was any other option I would take it, but there isn’t. I’ve checked, double and triple checked. Gilda, this is the only way, you are the rightful ruler of Grifforia.”
Gilda sighed, and released Fluttershy from her grasp, “But I’m only a half-breed. My father was nobility, sure. But my mother wasn’t. They’ll never accept me as one of their own, least of all their ruler.”
“Then we will convince them that there is no other way,” Twilight said with an air of finality.
Gilda frowned, “Let’s say that I wanted to do this – which I don’t, by the way – What about the debt I still have to work off?”
“I can annul your community service,” Twilight said, authoritatively.
Gilda narrowed her eyes, “Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
Gilda frowned again, “Okay, then let’s say this plan of your works. What then? I wouldn’t know the first thing about running a country.”
Twilight smiled, “We will be there to help you, Gilda.”
Gilda scoffed, “Yeah, because that’ll totally help win me favors – a Griffin being told how to run a country by a Pony.”
Twilight nodded, “That thought has crossed my mind. I’m not saying it will be easy – at least not to begin with. But you have to believe me Gilda, the lives you will save in the long run, will be well worth the hardships you will face.”
Gilda thought for a minute.
Gilda shook her head, “Hell, how can I say no? Now that you’ve guilt-tripped me into it.” She glanced back at Fluttershy, “You should stay here, in Equestria. There’s no telling how dangerous it’ll be.”
Fluttershy nodded, “You’re right, I should, but…”
Gilda quirked an eyebrow, “But?”
Fluttershy smiled, “I’m not going to. I said I’d stay by your side, and I fully intent on doing just that.”
Gilda huffed, she shook her head with a grin, “Stubborn. As. A mule.”
Fluttershy smiled, and took her place beside Gilda, the pair turned back to Twilight, “Alright, I guess that settles that. Twilight, when do we leave?”
Twilight smiled, “Immediately.”
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Gilda couldn’t sleep. The trip from Equestria to Grifforia was long and arduous, and would easily take them all night. Twilight had repeatedly assured her that they would arrive by the morning.
Although, that was the problem. Between now and morning, Gilda had nothing to occupy herself with, and her mind overflowed with nervous thoughts. She plopped herself onto her haunches and stared aimlessly up into the night sky.
She exhaled a long, slow breath. She sat in silence, accompanied only by the dull, practically non-existent hum of the skyship’s engines.
Gilda was a little sceptical at first, when Twilight had revealed their mode of transportation to them. She didn’t even know such things existed. As far as ships go – it looked like any ordinary water craft. Save for the minor addition of the gigantic hot-air balloon, that was anchored to the ship’s main deck, directly above them.
Gilda still wasn’t entirely comfortable with it. It just didn’t feel right to her – flying without actually flying? It made her feathers itch. And there was the other thing that was bugging her. ‘What happened if that balloon popped?’ Gilda would be fine – The perks of wings and all that – but what about the crew? She had seen a fair amount of Earth and Unicorn Ponies mulling about the ship before lights out…
“Gilda?” a soft voice called.
Gilda jerked involuntarily, snapping her out of her stupor. She turned her head. Fluttershy stood a few feet away from her, looking as if she had just woken up.
Which was probably because she had, “Are you alright?” She asked, slightly dazed.
Gilda smirked briefly, “Yeah, I couldn’t sleep.”
Fluttershy made her way towards the Griffin, and sat by her side, “Would you like some company?” she asked with a yawn.
Gilda smiled as she returned her attention towards the sky again, “Yeah, I’d like that.”
Wordlessly, Gilda encompassed her wing around Fluttershy’s shoulders, holding the Pegasus close to her body. The two sat silently within their embrace, gazing up into the vastness of the star-painted night sky.
“It’s beautiful,” Fluttershy mused.
“Yeah,” Gilda nodded, “I don’t know why, but watching the stars at night – it always makes me feel better.”
Fluttershy hesitated as she glanced up at Gilda, “Um, Gilda?”
“Hmm?”
“You never told me why you came back to Ponyville, or what happened while you were away.”
Gilda glanced down at her, tightening her jaw, “You’re right, I didn’t.”
Fluttershy fidgeted nervously, “D-do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really, no,” Gilda replied, a little hotter then she anticipated.
“Oh, okay. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No, it…” She shook her head, “I’ll tell you about it, someday, it’s just not… easy, to talk about.”
“I understand, and I’m sorry. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here for you.”
Gilda smiled slightly, “Thanks, Shy.”
The two fell into another lull, as they continued their silent stargazing. As the seconds wore on, and another bothersome question popped into her head, Fluttershy couldn’t help her fidgeting.
Gilda glanced down at her impassively, “Something wrong?”
“Well…” Fluttershy pawed to wooden deck beneath her, “Do you mind if I ask you something?”
“Depends what you want to ask.”
“It’s just something you said earlier, that keeps bothering me…”
Gilda cocked her head, “And that is?”
“You said that you gave up your right to rule a long time ago, and that you had no choice. What did you mean by that? I-if you don’t main me asking.”
“Oh, that.”
Gilda shrugged, “Well, my father was the King of Grifforia, a long time ago. My mother was just a service Griffin – a maid. When he was killed during the war, I was supposed to take over the kingdom, but I was only an eaglet. At the time, it had never been heard of – ‘a child Queen?’” Gilda scoffed.
“My uncle wanted the throne – said it was his right to take over, that he was of purer blood,” Gilda shook her head, “I don’t remember much about the night they came for us, just a lot of running and screaming. My mother was able to smuggle me out of the city, she… wasn’t so lucky. I wound up in a settlement far to the south – a little place called Griffes de fer – some of my mother’s friends took me in. As soon as they could, they shipped me off to Equestria, said I’d be safe there.”
“So, you grew up in Equestria?”
Gilda nodded, “I spent my first few years here in and out of orphanages. That’s actually how I met Rainbow Dash. Funny how things work out.”
Fluttershy rested her head against Gilda’s shoulder, “I’m sorry about what happened to your parents.”
Gilda pressed her cheek into the top of Fluttershy’s head, “Thanks, Shy. I appreciate it.”
“Do you feel better?” Fluttershy asked after a moment.
Gilda chuckled, “Yeah, you know what? I do, a little. Thanks Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy broke away from Gilda’s embrace, and smiled up at the Griffin, “I’m glad I could help. Are you coming back to bed now, or…?”
Gilda ginned smugly, “Sure, just give me a minute, okay?”
“Of course,” Fluttershy leaned forward, and planted a kiss on Gilda’s cheek. Gilda watched through half-lidded eyes as the meek Pegasus sauntered away from her.
She turned her attention back towards the cool evening sky. She inhaled through her nose, as she allowed herself thoughts about Grifforia. Her home. She felt a lump catch in her chest. Home. It seemed so surreal to her, after all these years, she was finally going home.
“Accueil...” She breathed, “Je rentre chez moi…”
“Pas vraiment,” A level voice beside her objected.
The sudden appearance, and proximity of another Pony would have caused Gilda to jump out of her skin. Were it not for the fact that her heart was already pounding faster than a runaway steam train.
Slowly, she turned her head to the right, and smiled at the sight of her companion, “Princess.”
Luna smiled back, “Greetings, Old One.”
Gilda’s smiled faded, “I’m dreaming?”
Luna shook her head, “No child. You are very much awake, and this is very real,” A brief smirk crossed Luna’s mouth, “I felt you deserved a more… personal visit, before you left our fair shores.”
“Right. So, did you want something, or…?”
“I wanted to thank you.”
Gilda cocked her head, “What for?”
“For doing what you were born to do, for ‘playing your role’, so to speak.”
Gilda shifted uneasily, “Yeah, sure, don’t sweat it.”
“I understand if you are nervous, or anxious…”
“It’s not that, not really.”
“Then what ails you, child?”
“What Twilight said – that I would be saving lives by doing this. Princess, what did she mean by that? I know there’s a lot of stuff you guys aren’t telling me, and I feel like I should know what’s going on if we’re gonna pull this off.”
Luna nodded, “You have a fair point. You are correct, we have withheld certain pieces of information from you. However, we have been most upfront in telling you everything you have needed to know. The truth is, we did not wish to overburden you.”
Gilda furrowed her brow, “I think I deserve to know just what the hell is going on.”
Luna sighed, “Of course,” Her shoulders slumped as she continued, “The truth is, there is a darkness coming.”
“A darkness?” Gilda echoed lamely.
“Yes. We are taking all of the necessary precautions, we have rallied warriors from across space and time to fight for us; we have done everything he has asked us to do, and I fear it is not enough.”
“What do you mean, time and space? And done what ‘who’ asked you?”
Luna smirked knowingly, “That is the question, isn’t it?”
Gilda stared as her, dumbfounded, she shook her head, “Princess, you’re not making any sense.”
Luna blinked, “No, I suppose not. My apologies, for digressing. You wished to know how you would save lives?”
Gilda nodded.
“Equestria will be attacked, very soon. By something we have never encounter before.”
Gilda’s eyes widened.
“When that happens, we will try to minimize civilian casualties as much as we can – but those Ponies will need somewhere to go.”
“Grifforia,” Gilda breathed.
“Exactly,” Luna nodded.
“But, won’t Grifforia be at risk too? What about Druhgon? Or Saddle Arabia?”
“No,” Luna shook her head, “This force – this darkness. It is only after Equestria, it wants what we have.”
“And… what do you have?” Gilda asked cautiously.
Luna grimaced, “Something more powerful then you could ever hope to comprehend, and older then time itself. If it fell into the wrong hooves… the horrors that could be unleashed, are unfathomable.”
Gilda blanched, “Seriously?”
Luna nodded, “Yes. Now you know what is at stake here, and why you must succeed.”
Gilda gulped, “Well, no pressure or anything.”
Luna smiled kindly, “I know you will not fail, though it may seem it at times. And in the coming days, it will feel it, but I know you will not let us down.”
“Oh, why did you have to go and say something like that?” Gilda whined.
Luna chuckled, “You wished to know your role in all of this, do you feel educated?”
“Yeah, now I wish I kept my big beak shut…”
Luna smiled.
“Hey, look. Thanks for levelin’ with me, I appreciate it.”
“Of course,” Luna turned, and took a step back from Gilda. She unfurled her impressive wingspan, “Apologies, but I must be off.”
“Uh, Princess?”
Luna glanced back at her.
“Earlier, when I thought I was by myself – you said ‘not really’, as in I’m not really going home. What did you mean by that?”
Luna smiled, “I believe your people have an old saying: Accueil? La maison est où le coeur est.”
Gilda blinked.
“Tell me, child. Where does your heart truly lie?”
Gilda swallowed, her beak pressed into a firm line as she contemplated deeply, “With Fluttershy.”
Luna quirked an eyebrow, “Are you certain? The last time we spoke at length, you told me you did not return her affection.”
Gilda straitened her posture, “That was then, this is now. I wouldn’t have said so if I didn’t mean it.”
Luna beamed, “Then this is one of the few circumstances that I am glad I was wrong. So long as you are with her, you will always be home.”
A small smile crept onto Gilda beak, as she watched Luna silently take to the sky, and vanish among stars. She sighed a content breath as she turned her attention back to the night sky, and gazed nowhere in particular. She felt lighter, like everything had suddenly become clearer to her. Sparing one last glance to the direction Luna had departed, Gilda promptly made her way to the aft of the ship, towards her cabin.
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Gilda stood on the main deck of the skyship, watching as they slowly made port. She adjusted the brown, hooded cloak Twilight had supplied her – ensuring that it hung loosely enough to not restrict her movements. She glanced briefly to either of the Ponies that flanked her: Twilight and Fluttershy both wore cloaks identical to Gilda’s. While Fluttershy wore her hood down – like Gilda did – Twilight had opted for the exact opposite look, brandishing a half-face mask in addition to wearing her hood up.
When Gilda questioned her about that, she replied: ‘One Princess returning is enough, it would be better for all of us if The Royal Family did not know who I was.’
Gilda decided not to press the matter further.
The skyship shuttered, and surrendered a resounding groan as it was pulled into the dock, and secured. Once the draw-bridge was lowered, the trio made their down to the gangway and onto the sand soaked cobblestone of the capital city of Grimoria.
Grimoria, was technically two cities built directly atop one another. The upper level – where Gilda, Twilight and Fluttershy currently stood – was considered the actual city. Built onto the the slopes of the largest mountain in Grifforia, it house the upper and mid classes of the Griffin elite, it also contained the only ports in all of Grifforia – west of The Great Divide, that is – for ships to dock and trade.
The Undercity made up the rest of Grimoria. As you can probably guess, the Undercity itself was built directly into the side of the mountain. When overpopulation quickly became a rising issue, and they could no longer build upward, the next logical step was to dig down. In just a few short years, the mountain was mined and hollowed out to make way for construction of what is now known as the Undercity.
However, as time wore on, the Undercity was disregarded. With ridiculously high overcrowding, and a non-existent justice system – it was no surprise that the Undercity quickly fell into disrepair, and became little more than a slum not long after.
The dock looked pretty much how all docks look: shipping containers and barrels littered the stone streets, which backed onto tall, solid clay houses. Griffins of all shapes and sizes, clothed in blue overalls mulled about the dockside – occupied with the task of either loading creates onto one of the many other ships that lined the dock, or retrieving cargo from them.
The trio quickly made their way through the bustling crowd, and stepped onto what appeared to be a main street.
Gilda stopped, and swayed against the side of one of the clay huts that flanked either side of the street. A shuddered breath caught in her chest as she gazed ahead. In the distance, past the wall that separated the inner city form the outer, the towering spires of the Royal Palace could be seen. They were barely distinguishable through the haze of dust and sand, which blew in from the desert that sat at the base of the mountain.
“Gilda, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked, as she made her way to Gilda’s side.
“Y-yeah. I’m good, i-it’s just been so long since I was here last… nothing’s changed, but everything’s different, you know?”
Twilight joined them, “If you need to take a minute…”
“No, I’m good,” she pushed herself off the building, “Let’s just do what we came here to do.”
Leading the way, Gilda and her companions made their way through the crowded streets, towards the inner city. The main street that backed off of the docks, was the primary market place: Set up in front of virtually every clay house along the street, was a merchant stall. Traders of every kind peddled their wares, selling everything from baked goods, to rugs, pots, clothing and even jewellery.
Gilda and Twilight knew what needed to be done, they kept their heads down, and maintained their focus. Fluttershy, however, hadn’t set hoof out of Equestria – as such, she jumped at the opportunity to absorb as much of the local flavor as she could. Trotting past every stalled she could find, and examining as much of the wares as she could.
Turning back to find her friends, she realized that she had been separated from the group, and fallen behind in the crowd. Pushing through the crowd, towards the outskirts of the market stalls, she rushed as fast as she could to catch up.
She was barely a few meters away from Gilda and Twilight, when she felt something snag her hoof, and pull her into the shadows of a nearby alleyway.
She grunted, a brief pain flooded through her as her back was slammed against the cold stone of the house beside the alley.
She blinked, in an attempt to clear her vision. She was sitting on her haunches, with her arms being held firmly in place by her sides. The Griffin holding her was old, she could tell that much. A single, ugly scar ran diagonally across his face, and his once white feathers were caked in dirt and grime.
“Hello pretty Pony,” He grinned, revealing crooked yellow teeth.
“O-oh, h-hello,” Fluttershy replied, not meeting his eyes.
“You’re a long way from home, Pony.”
“Oh, w-well I…”
“Hey!”
Fluttershy snapped her gaze to the left. Relief flooded through her as she spotted Gilda and Twilight. They stood a foot apart, by the mouth of the alley. Gilda gazed impassively at the Griffin holding her, while Twilight stood in a lowered battle stance.
“Is there a problem here?” Gilda asked.
The Griffin glared back at her, “This doesn’t concern you, youngling.”
“It does – when that’s my bondmate you have there.”
The older Griffin blanched, her glanced between Fluttershy and Gilda. A sneer crossed his beak. He stepped back, and released Fluttershy from his grasp; allowing her to fall to the ground. He made a disgusted sound as he slinked further into the shadowed alleyway.
Gilda calmly stepped up to Fluttershy, and helped her to her hooves.
“Thank you-”
“You do not leave my sight, you understand?” Gilda berated.
Fluttershy blinked, taken aback, “I-”
“Dammit Shy! Do have any idea what could have happened to you?!”
Fluttershy shank back, “I-I’m sorry, I-I didn’t mean…” she whimpered.
Gilda sighed, shaking her head, “Just… don’t do that again.”
Fluttershy trembled, “I’m sorry…” she whispered.
“Hey…” Gilda hooked her arm around Fluttershy’s neck, “Hey, it’s okay. Everything’s fine.”
Fluttershy buried her face in Gilda’s chest, “I’m s-s-sorry,” she sobbed.
Gilda wrapped her other arm around Fluttershy, and fell onto her haunches, “Hey, shhh. It’s alright…” she cooed. Gilda rocked back and forth, as she comforted her fillyfriend.
“Gilda…” Twilight objected.
Gilda shot her an unimpressed look, “Not now, Twilight.”
Twilight groaned, and rolled her eyes, “I’ll be outside,” she stated curtly, before she stepped out of the alley.
Gilda ignored Twilight, all of her attention was focused on calming the hysterical Pegasus in her arms. She tightened her embrace.
“Fluttershy…”
Fluttershy sniffled, and wiped her eyes.
“We need to go,” Gilda said, softly.
“Why?”
“Because we have to, I’m supposed to take over the throne-”
“No, I mean – why did that Griffin grab me, and then just to let me go?”
“Oh…”
“Why?” Fluttershy glanced up at Gilda, dried tear lines stained her eyes.
Gilda shook her head, “I’m not gonna lie, we was probably looking for a good time. He would have used you and moved on. But, the thing is – Grifforia isn’t like Equestira. A lot of Griffins here aren’t that open-minded. And, well… he left because he was disgusted.”
Fluttershy frowned, “That is just horrible, love comes in all shapes and sizes!”
Gilda half-heartedly nodded, “Yeah, well. Tell them that.” She glanced over her shoulder, “Come on Shy, we still have a long way to go.”
Fluttershy swallowed, “Okay.”
Gilda helped her to her hooves. When they were both standing, Gilda released her from her grasp, “Are you alright?”
“I’ll be fine,” Fluttershy replied with a small smile.
Gilda nodded, “Stay by me, you don’t leave my side for anything, got it?”
Fluttershy nodded, “Got it.”
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Gilda, Fluttershy and Twilight reached The Royal Place by midday. It was easily the tallest building in the entire city: being situated directly on the mountains peak, may have contributed to that factor, adding to its already immense size. From the tallest tower, one could easily gaze across two thirds of the vast expanse of the Grifforian countryside.
It was no secret why Grimoria was the capital city, after all.
The entire Palace was constructed from smooth, white marble. Atop the Central Chamber, – which doubled as the Throne Room, and meeting place – sat an enormous dome. Flanking each corner of the dome, were four towers, which easily surpassed the highest point of the central dome. The rest of the building was square in design.
The trio walked through the Entrance Archway of the Palace without so much as a second glance from any of the armed guards, that littered the hallways and balconies.
The guards themselves were a most impressive sight: they all wore brilliant crimson helms and armour, which covered their chests, hindquarters and rear feet. The helms rounded around their heads, – to compliment the natural curves of their bodies – and were fully enclosed. The only opening on the helm, was a single slit for their eyes. The only other exposed area, was the bottom half the helm, which was molded around the Griffin’s beaks, exposing them, and making them the only distinguishable features.
Each guard wore crimson armored gloves over their claws, these gloves had razor sharp nails that extended past where the Griffins actual talons ended.
Gilda averted eye contact as they strolled past an entire regiment of Royal Guards. Her heart was pounding her chest as they slowly made their way towards the central dome.
They were only a few metres from the central chambers archway, when a white Griffin swooped down and landed in front of them.
“Gilda? What are you doing here?” The Griffin asked, only slightly amused.
Gilda’s heart stopped. She recognized the Griffin instantly. She could never forget those glaring, golden eyes. Or how the midnight black feathers around her eyes, matched her beak and claws perfectly.
“Gretchen, I should be asking you the same thing,” Gilda had to fight to keep her voice level.
Gretchen smirked, “As if you don’t know. I’m here for the new crowning, obviously.”
“New crowning?” Gilda feigned confusion.
Gretchen’s smirk faltered, “You mean you really don’t know?”
“No. Why don’t you tell me,” Gilda replied hotly.
Gretchen grinned, “Father is stepping down, and appointing his successor,” She pointed her thumb talon at her chest, "Namely, me."
Gilda blinked, her chest tightened, “Father? Y-your father is the King?” She didn’t need to feign her surprise that time.
Gretchen’s grin widened, “I told you I had connections.”
Gilda swallowed, suddenly her mouth felt excruciatingly dry.
“So, uh… who are your friends?” Gretchen asked, only just staring to pay attention to Gilda’s companions.
“Pilgrims,” Gilda answered, a little too quickly, “Pilgrims from Equestria, come to pay their respect to your farther.”
Gretchen quirked an eyebrow, “Is that so?” she glanced at Fluttershy.
“O-oh! Yes, um… Gretchen, was it? We’re here to pay our respects to your farther,” Fluttershy smiled enthusiastically.
Gretchen blinked, “Dude, your Prench in amazing, where did you learn it?”
Fluttershy blinked rapidly, “W-what? I’m sorry, but I don’t speak Prench…
Twilight groaned, “She has to do this now?.
Gilda shook her head, “Fluttershy…”
“Yes?”
“Do you remember when we were on the ship?”
“Of course.”
“And Twilight cast that translation spell?”
Fluttershy’s eyes widened, “T-translation spell?”
“It was actually a translation filter,” Twilight explained, “It’s effects are only temporary, but basically it allows the recipient to filter a foreign language into that of one which is understandable. And vice versa – instantly translates anything the recipient says into said foreign language.”
“So…?” Gilda prompted.
Fluttershy’s mouth fell open, “I-I’m speaking Prench? Right now?”
Gilda nodded methodically, “Yes.”
Gretchen glanced between the trio, “Okay, what the hell is going on here?”
Gilda waved a dismissive claw, “Nothing. Hey, we should get going, right?”
Gretchen nodded, “You’re right! Come on, I’ll lead the way.”
Gilda silently followed Gretchen, with a still confused looking Fluttershy, and an uneasy looking Twilight.
“Gilda?” Twilight asked in a hushed voice.
“Yeah?”
“If your uncle is the King…”
“Yeah.”
“And Gretchen is his daughter…”
“Yeah…”
“Then that means-”
“I know. This complicates things.”
“Correct. But according to the lineage, you are still the rightful ruler.”
“He won’t see it that way,” Gilda said tensely.
“So, what will he do?”
“Honestly, Twilight? I don’t know…”
“So what does this mean for us?”
Gilda sighed wearily, “It means, things are about to get really ugly, or really interesting.”
Gilda, Fluttershy and Twilight followed Gretchen through the marble archway that separated the expansive assembly area, and into the Central Chamber. As soon as the trio passed into the dome-like room, their ears were assaulted with an explosion of heated voices, bickering and arguing.
Closing their distance between Gretchen, the group slowly waded through the crowded maze of Griffins; they received only a few questioning looks as they trudged onward.
The inside of the Central Chamber actually resembled that of a semi-circle. The first half of the room – the half Gilda and her companions entered through – was a recessed area, with what appeared to be spectator boxes lining the walls either side of the entrance. Each spectator box overflowed with rowdy Griffins, yelling and hollering. The boxes themselves looked as if they were simply carved into the marble. In fact, the entire building looked as if it were carved and hollowed out of a single, gigantic piece of the rock.
The second half of the room was elevated, ascending up a wide flight of stairs. At the pinnacle of the staircase, stood a tall and regal looking throne: fitted with deep burgundy silk, and trimmed with gold plating.
And then Gilda saw him.
Standing next to the throne, caped in a burgundy cloak, gazing out at the crowd of rambunctious Griffins, was him. Gilda’s Uncle, Geoffrey.
Gilda froze. Her breathing hitched, coming in short, ragged breaths. She didn’t know how she would feel seeing him again. He was the Griffin responsible for exiling her, after all. Gilda narrowed her eyes, his feathers suited him: black as a moonless night, and twice as treacherous. He had the same eyes as his daughter: a brilliant golden color that was also present in his beak and claws.
Gilda never believed in this plan of Twilight’s, she had been doubting and second guessing herself since they left Equestria. She had felt nothing but dread since they touched down in Grifforia. Truth be told, she was ready to just call the whole thing off, and leave Equestria to whatever fate awaited it. But now that her nerves had subsided, and the Griffin responsible for ruining her family's name was within spitting distance...
She didn’t feel nervous, or anxious anymore.
She felt calm, cool and collected.
The way a hunter felt – right before she took the killing blow.
Gilda glanced back at Twilight, after she received a small encouragement nod from the Alicorn, she returned her focus forward. She took a deep, steadying breath. She knew exactly what she was going to do, and nobody was going to stop her.
Geoffrey smirked as he raised a single talon to his beak.
The rabble within the chamber died almost immediately.
Gilda struggled to contain her scowl as her Uncle addressed the room, his voice was too smooth, and suave. It made her feel dirty.
“Brothers and Sisters. We are gathered here today, to witness a momentous occasion.”
A few cheers rang out through the crowd. Geoffrey smiled warmly.
“As you may know, today is the day that I formally relinquish my rule of Grifforia, and appoint my successor.”
Gretchen glanced at Gilda, she was grinning like a maniac. Gilda fought to maintain her neutral expression.
“My one, and only heir. The only Griffin truly worthy of ascending the throne, and continuing my legacy.”
Gilda looked away, she felt like she was going to be sick.
“My darling daughter, Gretchen Gridlock!”
A roar of cheers and applauds exploded around the room. Gretchen squealed like an eaglet with a school crush as she bounded up the throne stairs, and took and place beside her farther.
Gilda gritted her teeth, she turned back to Twilight and nodded. A magical aura encased Twilight’s horn as she levitated an old looking tome from beneath her cloak, and floated it toward Gilda. Gilda snatched it out of the air, and held it tightly against her chest.
All she had to do now was wait for the right moment…
Once again, Geoffrey held a talon to his beak. Once again, the room fell silent.
Geoffrey smiled at his daughter as he addressed the room for a second time, “I can think of no better Griffin to lead out magnificent country into a bright and prosperous future!”
“I can!” Twilight called out, Gilda smirked.
Geoffrey narrowed his eyes at the crowd, “Who said that?!”
Gilda wiped the smirk off her face, “I did,” she stepped forward, out of the crowd.
Gretchen scoffed, “Oh, you have got to be kidding me…”
“And just who the hell are you?” Geoffrey sneered.
Gilda held her head high, “Gilda Grimfeathers: daughter of Gerald Grimfeathers, and rightful ruler of Grifforia.”
A flurry of scandalous murmurs, and shocked retorts echoed around the room. Gretchen stared at Gilda, dumbfounded. Geoffrey narrowed his eyes, “I’m assuming you have proof of your claim?”
Gilda smirked, “Of course,” she drew back her cloak, and tossed the tome she was holding with all her might. Gretchen caught the tome between her claws, and immediately began flicking through the pages of the book. The Central Chamber was muted with a thick and oppressive silence; punctuated only by the sound of pages turning.
Geoffrey quirked as eyebrow as he silently read scanned the lineage chart before him. A sly grin crossed his beak as he double checked his findings.
He closed the tome and tossed it aside, “Your only a half-breed. Little more than a pleb, your claim holds no weight here.”
Gilda swallowed discretely. She could feel the scrutinizing and scornful gazes of every Griffin in the Central Chamber, she did her best to ignore the hot feeling on the back of her head.
“Is that so?” She questioned.
“It is. So why don’t you run along like good little eaglet, and stop wasting everyone’s time?”
Gilda clenched her jaw, “I have a better idea. Why don’t you give me the throne, because the rule of law dictates that a single bloodline must be completely exhausted before a new one can attain rulership.”
“Unless another bloodline challenges the legality of the ‘rightful’ bloods claim. Which would result in an honor duel between bloods,” Geoffrey retorted.
Gilda grinned, “Are you challenging me to an honor duel?”
Geoffrey smirked, “No. Gretchen is.”
Gilda’s grin died immediately.
Gretchen blanched, “Wait, what?!”
Gilda’s beak pressed into a hard line.
Geoffrey grinned, “Unless you would wish to forfeit-”
“I accept.”
Geoffrey’s grin widened, “As does Gretchen.”
Gretchen glanced between Gilda and her father, “Farther, I…”
“Gretchen,” His tone was harsh, “You are honor bound now. For the preservation of our bloodline, you will fight.
Gretchen bowed her head, “Yes, farther.”
Gretchen leapt from her elevated position by the throne, and half-glided to the base of the stairs. Landing on the left side of the recessed area. Gilda shrugged off her cloak, and took up her position on the right. The crowd hustled, and squirmed it’s way backwards, in an attempt to give the two Griffins more room.
Gilda’s features hardened, “Gretchen, we don’t have to do this. Yield.”
Gretchen shook her head, “No way.”
“I don’t want to kill you.”
Gretchen scoffed, “You can try, I kicked your ass before, I can do it again.”
Gilda tensed her muscles, “Two years is a long time…”
Gretchen barred her teeth, “Enough talk!” She rushed forward.
Gilda lowered herself to the ground as Gretchen sped towards her. Gretchen lunged forward, slashing her right claw at Gilda. Gilda kicked off the ground with all of the force of a coiled spring, she twisted her body around, and narrowly avoided a face full of claw as Gretchen sped through the air beneath her. Gilda arched her body, and slammed her hindlegs down onto Gretchen’s back.
The full weight of Gilda being brought down on top of her, forced onto the smooth stone floor. With her accumulated momentum, Gretchen slid along the floor and collided with a group of Griffins spectating. Gilda, having pushed Gretchen into the floor, didn’t have enough force behind her blow to continue holding Gretchen down. When Gretchen slid out form under her, Gilda was thrown into the opposite direction: landing on her back with a grunt, she tucked herself into a ball, and followed through with her own momentum. She pushed herself off the ground, and flared her wings in an attempt to stop herself. She slid backwards a few feet before she stopped: standing on her hind legs with her clenched claws held up in a fighting stance.
Gretchen struggled to regain her footing as she glared up at Gilda, questioningly.
Gilda furled her wings, and dropped down onto her claws, “Like I said – two years is a long time.”
Gretchen righted herself, gritting her teeth and glaring daggers at Gilda.
“This is your last chance, cousin. Yield,” Gilda pleaded.
“Go to hell!” Gretchen spat. She lunged forward again, keeping low to the ground.
This time, Gilda met her charge. She sped towards Gretchen, keeping herself at an equal height. Gilda tucked herself into a ball as the two of them collided. Pain flooded through Gilda’s left shoulder as the two Griffins smashed into each other. Gilda jabbed her left elbow wildly into Gretchen's midsection. The Griffin jerked involuntarily. Gilda used her right claw to push off the ground, forcing both herself and Gretchen onto their hind legs. Wasting to time, Gilda broke away from Gretchen, and swung to the right with a wide haymaker. Her claw collided with Gretchen’s left cheek, causing her to hunch to the right. Gilda followed through with a left claw uppercut in rapid succession, temporarily stunning her. Gretchen stumbled backwards, dazed and bleeding form her beak. Gilda rushed forward and grabbed her by her chest feathers, she slammed her forehead into Gretchen’s, in an unrelentingly brutal assault.
Gilda turned, and tossed the barely conscious Griffin onto the throne stairs. Gretchen groaned as her back collided with the jagged edges of the steps. Gilda wasn’t done yet, she gritted her teeth as she pounced onto Gretchen: pinning her right arm in an outstretched manner from her body, Gilda wrapped the talons of her other claw around Gretchen’s throat.
Gretchen’s eyes flew wide as she gagged, and gasped for air. She kicked and squirmed violently as she struggled to break away from Gilda’s grasp. Gretchen slashed her left claw at Gilda’s arm, in an attempt to loosen the Griffins grip: Gilda fought to ignore the pain, she kept her features solid as she tightened her squeeze.
Gretchen’s kicks became less violent, her squirming became more subdued. Her chokes, and gags became less and less audible. As her eyelids began to fall shut, her eyes rolled back into her head. Gilda kept her talons wrapped around Gretchen’s neck until she felt the Griffin fall completely limp, once that happened, she grabbed Gretchen by her chest feathers, and tossed her carelessly down the stairs, onto the recessed area. Gretchen landed with a dull thud in a limp, and lifeless heap.
Low murmurs filled the central chamber. One of the many spectating Griffins stepped forward, and place a talon on the base of Gretchen’s neck.
A moment later, he glanced up at Gilda, and then Geoffrey, “She’s dead.”
The entire Central Chamber fell silent. Gilda spared a glance towards Fluttershy, she was staring at her, horrified doesn’t even begin to describe how the Pegasus looked. Gilda clenched her jaw, I’ll deal with that later, she told herself.
She briefly glanced down at her claw, Gretchen had managed quite a number on her before she passed: Long, vertical lacerations spiralled down the length of her arm, from her elbow to the base of her claw. She made a tightly clenched fist of her claw, and tried her best to ignore the pain as she faced Geoffrey.
Slowly, Gilda carefully traversed the stairs, compensating for her wounded arm. She reached the top, greeting Geoffrey with a glare.
He gazed back at her impassively, “You know, you’re more like your farther then you realize.”
Gilda narrowed her eyes, “Get out of my sight.”
A sly grin crossed Geoffrey’s beak, “Of course, but I would like to claim my daughter’s body.”
“No.”
Geoffrey grinned, “As you wish, your Majesty,” he shrugged off his royal cloak, and retreated down the marble steps in front of the throne.
He stopped half-way through his descension, and turned to address Gilda, “You know, if our roles had been reversed, you would have done the exact same thing.”
Gilda half-turned to face him, “We can already see that I haven’t,” her voice dripped with contempt.
Geoffrey flashed her one last sleazy grin, before he turned and promptly left the Central Chamber with his head held high.
Gilda watched him leave. That’s gonna bite me in the ass later, she thought. She turned her attention to the rest of the Griffins in the assembly; everyone in the Central Chamber was eying her expectantly. She steeled herself.
“You are all dismissed,” She spoke with an air of finality that she honestly didn’t know she could pull off.
Every Griffin in the central chamber cupped a clenched claw over their chest, and bowed before her. They muttered their acknowledgement as they slowly exited the chamber.
In just a few short minutes, the entire Central Chamber was completely vacated: save for Gilda, Twilight, Fluttershy and Gretchen’s body. Gilda glided briskly through the air, and landed before her companions.
“So, what happens now?”
“Now, I go back to Equestria,” Twilight replied, using her magic to pull down her hood and mask, “There are a few things we need to prepare for.”
Gilda nodded, “Right,” she glanced over her shoulder, “I guess, I’ll just… run the country?”
Twilight smiled, “I meant what I said, Gilda. I’ll return tonight, then we’ll formulate our plan of attack.”
“Right, well. Don’t be too long, ‘casue I’m pretty sure Geoffrey’s gonna try to take the throne back, one way or another.”
Twilight nodded, “I had better not waste any more time, then,” Twilight’s horn glowed with magic. A blinding flash exploded from her horn, when it cleared, Twilight was nowhere to be seen.
Gilda sighed, all they had to do now was survive until nightfall. Provided that Geoffrey hadn’t already started a slander campaign against her, or amassed a crowd of enraged citizens. He was a crafty son of a bitch after all. Gilda glanced at Fluttershy, she look awful. Her coat was uncharacteristically pale.
Probably because she just watched her girlfriend kill another Griffin, Gilda mentally chided herself, the sooner she explained herself to Fluttershy, the better.
She opened her beak…
“Excuse me, your Majesty?”
Gilda clamped her beak shut, and whirled on herself. She blinked, and tried to look and uninterested as she could – in an attempt to mask her surprise.
Standing before her was a very tall, very noble looking snow colored Griffin. His feathers were the most pristine shade of white Gilda had ever seen – so much so that the sheen of his fur was almost making it difficult to look directly at him. This was quite the contrast to his black beak and claws. His eyes were an amazingly bright shade of green, and were obstructed behind the spectacles that sat atop the bridge of his beak.
He spoke in a reserved, upper class manner, “My apologise – I did not mean to startle you, your Majesty.”
“It’s fine,” Gilda brushed off, “And you are…?”
“Fredric Freatherbottom, at your service ma’am,” he gave her a small bow, “I act as the royal adviser: it is my job to assist you in your royal duties.”
“Okay…”
“I understand that this is sudden, however there are a few matters of importance that require your attention.”
“Such as?”
“Well, first and foremost? The disposal of, well…” Fredric trailed off as he gestured towards Gretchen.
Gilda nodded, “I’ll take care of that.”
“As you wish, there are several other matters that-”
“Look, Fredric? It’s kinda been a long day. So, can we do this tomorrow?”
Fredric smiled politely, “Of course, ma’am. Is there anything else you require of me?”
“Yeah,” Gilda trotted over to Gretchen’s body. She hauled Gretchen onto her back, ensuring that none of her limbs would hinder her movement, “Can you show me where my bedroom is?”
“Of course, your bedchambers is this way…”
Gilda glanced back at Fluttershy, “You coming, Shy?”
Fluttershy nodded, and followed them silently.
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The Royal Bedchambers was towards the rear of the Palace, just behind the Central Chamber. Like everything else inside the massive building, the entire room was carved from smooth marble. Along the right side wall, was a study area – complete with a wooden desk and small library. Along the left side, was a small balcony, which provided an almost three hundred and sixty degree view of the city. The last feature of the bedchambers was the bed itself. It dominated the rest of the room. Among the burgundy sheets, were four posts that sat on the corners of the bed, and reached towards the ceiling. Draped between the bedposts were sheer curtains of burgundy, with laces attached to the post, allowing for the material to be tied back, if the occupant so wished.
Gilda crossed the room, and gently laid Gretchen’s body on the foot of the bed.
“Do you require anything else, ma’am?”
“No thanks,” Gilda called over her shoulder.
“Then I shall bid you both, a good evening,” Fredric exited the room, and closed the large wooden door behind him – leaving Fluttershy and Gilda alone.
Gilda examined Gretchen’s body: her feathers were ruffled, and unkempt. Although, considering what she had been through, that was to be expected. A thin line of dried blood stained the right side of her beak, and the makings of a bruise was already begging to take shape on the side of her face.
“How could you do it?” Fluttershy asked.
Gilda turned around, confused, “What?”
Fluttershy stared at her, still horrified, “H-how could you kill her?”
“Flutter-”
“How could take a life like that?!” Fluttershy wailed.
Gilda’s beak pressed into a firm line, “Fluttershy. Come here.”
Fluttershy’s eye widened, “N-no, I-”
“Fluttershy.”
The Pegasus flinched.
“Come. Here.”
Fluttershy trembled as she pulled herself to her hooves. She slowly made her way to Gilda’s side, shuddering more profusely with each step. She stopped, and glanced up at Gilda.
“Fluttershy…” Gilda reached up to touch her with her claw.
Fluttershy yelped as she flinched away from her, tears spilling down her face.
Her eyes flew wide as something cold clasped onto her chin. Her breath caught in her throat as her face was involuntarily guided until it met Gilda’s. Gilda’s eyes softened as she gazed at the timid yellow Pegasus.
“Fluttershy…”she breathed, “I would never hurt you. You know that, right?”
Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat, and nodded timidly, “B-but you killed her… how am I not supposed to see that every time I look at you?”
Gilda removed her talons from Fluttershy’s chin, “First: It was an honor bound duel to the death, there was nothing I could do to change that. Second: Gretchen was the reason I was sentenced to twelve months of hell… and third. Kill her? I can’t believe you think that little of me…”
Fluttershy blinked, confused. Gilda smirked, and held up a single talon, “You might wanna stand back.”
Gilda turned back to Gretchen, she carefully cupped her talon under the other Griffins chin, and applied a microscopic amount of pressure.
Her reaction was instantaneous.
Gretchen’s eyes flew open, as she jerked and gasped for air. Fluttershy jumped back, and exclaimed with surprise, “W-wha… b-but how?!”
Gilda grinned back at her, “I told you – I learned a lot of things during my time away.”
Gretchen coughed and massaged her sore throat, “Ugh, w-what happened?”
“You want the short version? I won.”
Gretchen groaned, “Great, just great.”
“You would have preferred that I kill you?”
Gretchen rolled off the bed, and righted herself. She glared at Gilda, “Better than being dishonored, why didn’t you kill me?”
“I’m not a killer,” Gilda replied evenly.
Gretchen scoffed, “Yeah, right. Well, if it’s all the same to you, I’ll be going now,” Gretchen strolled past Gilda and Fluttershy.
“Where to?”
“To find my Father,” She called over her shoulder, “He’ll probably want to know that I’m alive.”
“I wouldn’t waste your time,“ Gilda said casually.
Gretchen stopped, “What?”
Gilda inspected her unwounded claw, “He’s probably half-way to the Undercity by now.”
Gretchen whirled around and glared at Gilda, “Bull. He wouldn’t have left without me.”
Gilda quirked an eyebrow, “Really?”
“Yeah, really.”
“Hmm,” Gilda mused, “He tried to claim your body, you know – when you were still out of it. Didn’t even bat an eyelash when I refused him, he just scurried out of the Throne Room with his tail between his legs.”
“You’re lying!” Gretchen roared.
Fluttershy spoke up, “I-it’s true! Well, the past about leaving you, that is…”
Gretchen shifted her glare between the two of them. With a huff she turned and exited the bed chambers, slamming the door behind her.
Gilda sighed, “Stupid, spoilt brat…” she shook her head.
“S-should we go after her?”
“No point. She wouldn’t listen to us even if we did,” Gilda clenched and unclenched her right claw.
“Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy exclaimed.
“What?”
Fluttershy rushed to Gilda’s side, “Your arm! I’m sorry, I completely forgot about it!”
Gilda half-grinned, “It’s fine, Shy.”
“No it isn’t, you were bleeding! You simply must let me take care of it.”
“You a doctor?” Gilda asked
“Well, n-no. But I work with animals, and I know a few things about medicine,” Fluttershy carefully grabbed Gilda’s arm, “Here, let me have a look at it…”
Gilda shook her head, amused. She relaxed, and allowed Fluttershy to examine her arm.
The yellow Pegasus carefully turned and examined Gilda’s arm. Her wounds were completely stable, and showed no signs of actively bleeding. In fact, most – if not all – of the lacerations along her arm appeared to be… scabbing?
Fluttershy stares at Gilda, questioningly, “T-this isn’t possible…”
Gilda shrugged, “What can I say? I heal real fast.”
Fluttershy released Gilda’s arm, and took a step back. She frowned, and pawed the marble floor, “I-I see. Well, now that that’s taken care of, what would you like to do now?”
“Well…” Gilda turned to examine the Queen sized bed before her, a sly grin crossed her beak as she glanced at Fluttershy, “Twilight said she’d be back by nightfall, right?”
Fluttershy nodded, “Yes…”
“I can think of something we could do, that would pass a few hours…” Gilda breathed.
Fluttershy fell onto her haunches as she blushed furiously, “W-what?! I-I, oh, um…”
Fluttershy clopped her hooves together, “W-well, I mean… it’s just we’re so different, and…” She stared at the floor.
Gilda snickered.
She couldn’t contain herself any longer, she fell onto her back as she roared with laughter, “O-oh man, I-I’m sorry Shy, but that was just priceless!”
Gilda glanced up at Fluttershy, she stared at the Griffin with an unimpressed look. Gilda wiped a tear from her eye as she climbed to her feet, “Oh, come on Shy – you have to admit, I got you good.”
“That was not funny,” Fluttershy chided.
“It was just a joke,” Gilda defended.
“How can you joke about something like that?”
“Look,” Gilda consoled, “I know you’re not ready for that, and I didn’t mean anything by it. It was just a stupid joke.”
Fluttershy glanced away, “What if I was?”
Gilda blinked, “Say what?”
Fluttershy swallowed, “What if, I’m ready now?”
Gilda’s beak fell open, “Uh…”
Fluttershy sauntered towards Gilda, swaying her hips exaggeratedly. Now, it was Gilda’s turn to blush. Her eyes widened as Fluttershy stopped directly in front of her.
Fluttershy gazed at her through half-lidded eyes, “What would you do, if I told you I wanted you?” she breathed.
Gilda swallowed. Her heart was racing in her chest. She could feel sweat building on her brow, since when was Fluttershy so assertive? She wondered as she stared at her, dumbfounded.
Fluttershy delicately placed a hoof on Gilda’s chest, Gilda involuntarily flinched at the contact. Fluttershy grinned slyly, “Why are you so worked up? We haven’t even started yet…” As she leaned towards Gilda’s beak, her eyes slipped close.
Gilda clamped her eyes shut, as she both dreaded, and eagerly anticipated Fluttershy’s warm lips.
Her was pounding so fast, it threatened to fly out of her chest.
Any second now…
Gilda swallowed.
She felt… nothing, why didn’t she feel anything?
Cautiously, she slowly opened her eyes.
Fluttershy sat before her, grinning from ear to ear, “Gottcha.”
Gilda blinked, “W-what?”
Fluttershy giggled as she bound past her, “You’re right, Gilda. That was priceless.”
Gilda shook her head, “Oh, you little…” she turned to follow her, grinning as she did so.
The pair found themselves on the small balcony, overlooking the rest of the city.
“So, what do you wanna do?” Gilda asked.
Fluttershy leaned into Gilda’s shoulder, “You could tell about your country.”
Gilda raise an eyebrow, “Seriously? All the things we could do, and you wanna do that?”
Fluttershy nodded, “I’ve never been here before. I’d like to know more about it.”
Gilda smiled, “You sure? I could just show you…”
“That’s alright. I’d much prefer to hear you to tell me, if you don’t mind.”
Gilda leaned into Fluttershy’s embrace, “Not at all, Shy. Not at all.”
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The sun had fallen below the horizon well before Gilda had finished reiterating her people’s entire history to Fluttershy. Well, all that she could remember, anyway. The truth was – no Griffin had a complete record of their history, it was just one of those things that been lost with time.
As Gilda finished her tale, the pair was left in their embrace, illuminated by the glow of the full moon. Gilda would have been content to spend the rest of her evening like that – held within her lovers embrace, gazing wordlessly at the stars. However, fate had other plans for her.
The door to her chambers bust open, as two Royal Guards scurried into the room.
“Your Majesty! We are under attack!” One of them declared.
Gilda whirled, “What!?”
“Equestrian troops, ma’am. Marching down the main street, they’re heading straight for the Palace.”
Gilda narrowed her eyes, “That can’t be right,” Gilda stood, “Take me to the entrance of the Palace.”
“Yes Ma’am,” The guards turned and left the room.
Gilda half-turned, “Fluttershy-”
“I’m coming with you.”
Gilda frowned, but nodded anyway, “Alright then, let’s go.”
The pair left the royal bedchambers, following the two guards as the led them through the Palace.
“This can’t be right, Twilight said she’d come back for us,” Fluttershy whispered.
“Yeah,” Gilda agreed, “I guess we won’t know what’s going on til we get there.”
The four of them hurried as fast as they could to the Palace entrance. Through winding corridors, illuminated only by small oil lanterns embedded within the walls. It only took them a few minutes to reach the expansive foyer. Dozens of guards lined the hallway, either side of the entrance – armed with spears and swords, and ready to give their lives in the defense of their home.
The two guards that had escorted Gilda and Fluttershy, joined their comrades in a battle stance. Gilda and Fluttershy stopped mid-way down the hall, the stood in the centre of the walkway.
What they saw next, confused them, to say the least.
Twilight stood in the Entrance Archway of the Palace, clothed in her Princess attire. From half-way down the hall, Gilda could make out a very rows of royal Guards flanking her sides. Gilda and Fluttershy glanced at each other nervously, they slowly made their way towards Twilight.
When they reached her, their jaws dropped.
Standing in front of the Royal Palace, in a segmented and professional manner were hundreds of Royal Equestrian guards. But the sheer amount of Guards wasn’t what awestruck them. It was the simple fact that, these weren’t typical Royal Guards.
Ordinarily, Royal Equestrian Guards wore brilliant golden armour, and were solely comprised of either Pegasai or Unicorns.
These Royal Guards were clad tip to hoof in armour of a dark, midnight purple. In place of the plumes that sat upon normal guards helms, were webbed spines, a darker shade of purple then that of their armour. They were all Pegasus Ponies, only, not quite – in place of their bird-like wings, were those of a bat. Their eyes were different as well. More specifically, the pupils of their eyes – they were slitted, similar to those of cats’ eyes. Finally – and most disturbingly – they all brandished two small fangs that protruded from mouths, and lapped over their bottom lips.
Gilda blinked, she shook her head, “W-wha… huh?!”
Twilight smiled, “I told you I would return.”
“Yeah, ya did. You didn’t say you’d bring an army with you!”
Twilight chuckled, “Luna was feeling extremely generous, and donated a Battalion of her Shadow Guard. They are yours to command.”
“What? Why?”
“Two reasons. First, they are a peace offering – and a symbol of good faith. Second: they are here to help enforce the peace. Things will become very ugly in the days to come, these guards are here to help you.”
Gilda shook her head again, she still had a hard time processing this, “T-thanks, Twilight. But I have no idea what I’m gonna do with ‘em.”
Twilight nodded, “Lieutenant! Front and center!” She yelled.
Fluttershy flinched slightly, Gilda gave her a reassuring shoulder pat.
“My advice? Coordinate with the company officer,” Twilight smirked, “I believe you two have already met.”
Gilda cocked her head.
The ‘Lieutenant’ was a purple Pegasus pony: draped in sliver-blue armour, the pony saluted Twilight, “Yes ma’am?”
Gilda squinted, wait… where have I heard that voice before?
Twilight smiled at the Pegasus mare, “Lieutenant, I believe it would be within everyponies best interests if you worked directly with Her Majesty. As I understand it, you two have a history?”
No, it can’t be, can it?
“Yes ma’am,” the mare turned her head to face Gilda. The helmet that covered her face was not like the other soldiers’ helms. In place of the webbed spines atop her helm, was a large plume of white feathers – swept back along the length of the helm, and ending just past her neck. The opening for her right eye was covered with plate mail, exposing only her left eye.
Gilda felt her chest tighten.
No…
The brilliant pink of her iris brightened as her eye widened.
No, no no.
She removed her helm, allowing her short, dark green mane to fall over the right side of her face.
No! No no no no no! “You,” Gilda breathed, she fell onto her haunches.
“Gilda…” The mare whispered, dumbfounded.
“Ahem?” Twilight cleared her throat.
The pair glanced at Twilight, “I’m sure you two have some catching up to do, but right now we have more pressing matters.”
The purple mare shook her head, snapping herself out of her daze, she nodded, “Right, we need somewhere to house all these Guards. Does this Palace have a Barracks?”
Gilda blinked, she half-turned to the first Griffin Guard she could see, “You! Does this Place have a Barracks?”
He glanced between Gilda and Twilight, confused, “Of course-”
“Good, I want you – and everybody else – to take all these Equestrian Guards there, and get 'em settled in.”
“B-but your Majesty!”
Gilda narrowed her eyes, “Did I stutter?”
“N-no-”
“Then what are you waiting for?”
He hastily saluted, “A-at once, ma’am! You heard her Majesty, move!” Griffins flooded through the archway, meeting the Shadow Guardsmen, systematically sectioning them into groups, and funneling them around the sides of the Palace.
“Well, I can see you have things under control here,” Twilight announced, “Now, I must take my leave – there are still a few preparations that need to be made, I trust you two will be able to handle things here efficiently?”
“Of course, ma’am.”
“Yeah, what she said,” Gilda added.
Twilight smiled, “Then I wish you both the best of luck,” with a near blinding flash of her horn, Twilight disappeared.
“If there was nothing else?” The purple mare asked.
Gilda turned to Fluttershy, “Hey, Shy. Think you can remember how to get back to the bedroom?”
Fluttershy nodded, “Um, I think so.”
“Great! I’ll meet you there.”
“Um, okay?” Fluttershy gave Gilda a brief peck on the cheek before she turned and trotted down the hallway they had come from. Gilda watched her leave, she turned to face the purple Pegasus only when she was certain the she was out of earshot.
“We need to talk, follow me,” Gilda said evenly.
“Yes ma’am.”
The pair walked in silence through the long corridor, and into the Central Chamber. Once inside, Gilda whirled on her companion.
“What the hell are you doing here?!” She hissed.
The purple mare blinked, severely taken aback, “Well, it’s nice to see you too, sunshine…”
Gilda shook her head, “No, I mean – what the hell are you doing here?! And why are you dressed like a guard?”
The purple mare’s eye darted to the left, “Because I am one…?”
Gilda groaned, as she face-clawed, “Spirit…”
“Hey, I’m just as surprised as you are! I mean – Queen of Grifforia? Like, seriously?”
Gilda nodded.
“Damn… I did not see that coming. Still, congrats and all…”
Gilda shook her head, “That’s all you have to say, Spirit? ‘Congrats’, after everything that happened?!”
Spirit frowned, “What do you want me to say? You spoke your piece, I spoke mine – we kissed and made up, so as far as I’m concerned, we’re good.”
Gilda narrowed her eyes, “You keep saying that, but I’m not buying it.”
Spirit matched Gilda’s gaze, “Seriously? You're still on about this?”
Gilda pressed her beak into a firm line.
Spirit sighed exasperatedly, “Okay, fine. You want to know how I really feel? It sucks. It fact, it monumentally blows! But I’m making lemonade out of it. Don’t get me wrong, it took me months to get right, but I did get right. You happy now?”
Gilda clenched her jaw, “What would you say, if I could give you the Griffin responsible?”
Spirit furrowed her brow, “Gilda…”
“She’s here. In Grifforia.”
Spirit scowled, “I would say, thanks but no thanks,” she used her hoof to sweep her mane behind her ear. Three long, well healed scars ran vertically down the length of her right eye – the once brilliant pink of her iris was now just a dull grey, offset by the lighter grey of her pupil. Gilda frowned.
“How is revenge gonna fix this? Hmm? What’s done is done, no point dwelling on it.”
Gilda shook her head, dejected.
Spirit straightened her mane, “Besides, if you wanna get technical – I should be apologising to you.”
Gilda cocked her head, “How the hell does that make sense?”
Spirit’s shoulders slumped, “Gilda… I didn’t know what they’d do to you.”
Gilda’s features hardened.
“Hell, I didn’t even know about that place till I join the Guard. I didn’t…” she sighed, “I’m sorry, Gilda. For what happened to you.”
Gilda squinted, “You, have got a really screwed up way of looking at things.”
Spirit grinned broadly, “Maybe that’s cause I’m a really screwed up Pony.”
Gilda huffed, she half-grinned as she glanced away. She gave Spirit a small smile, “Still, it’s good to see you again,”
Spirit smiled, “Yeah, you too. Still can’t believe it though – ‘Queen of Grifforia’, I mean, wow.”
Gilda scoffed, “Forget that, how the hell did you become a Guard?!”
Spirit shrugged, “I enlisted right outta high school. Did me eighty days at Kapooka: Basic Guard Training, and then – for some damned reason – I was shipped off to Duntroon: Officer School. I guess I impressed the right Ponies.”
“Then you joined the Shadow Guard?”
Spirit nodded, “Yup.”
Gilda quirked a skeptical eyebrow, “But you don’t have… I mean you’re not… you know…”
Spirit grinned as she glanced over her shoulder, “You noticed, huh?” She fluttered her wings, “Ordinarily, you have to undergo the procedure to become a Shadow Guard, but, I don’t know. I think they made an exception in my case – cause my great great great something-or-rather was a Shadow Guard.”
“Huh.”
“Yeah…”
The two fell into an awkward silence.
“So,” Gilda began, “Now I’ve got an entire Battalion of Shadow Guard?”
Spirit nodded, “That is correct.”
“You guys know what’s going on?”
“Princess Twilight briefed us on the flight over. Which reminds me – with your permission, I’ll begin coordinating with your Palace Guards first thing tomorrow morning.”
Gilda nodded, “Yeah sure… say, you answer to me, right?”
“Correct ma’am.”
“Then, I want you to assign some Guards to watch over Fluttershy.”
“Fluttershy?”
“Yeah she’s the-”
“Element of Kindness, I know.”
Gilda narrowed her eyes, “It’s just that I can’t keep an eye on her all the time and-”
Spirit held up a hoof, silencing Gilda, “Say no more ma’am, a squad has already been detached to look after her.”
Gilda blinked, “Already? How?”
“Princess Twilight was adamant in the protection of Miss Fluttershy. The last thing she wants is the loss of a Bearer.”
“Oh, I guess that makes sense.”
“Yeah, I don’t mean to pry but… are you two…?” Spirit quirked an eyebrow.
Gilda glared, “Yeah, is that a problem?”
Spirit shook her head, “Never said it was, ma’am. Just curious is all.”
“Yeah, well. You’re dismissed. I’m pretty sure the rest of the Guard are at the Barracks, so…”
Spirit saluted, “Ma’am,” she stared off down the one of the many winding corridors.
“Hey! You even know where the Barracks is?” Gilda called after her.
Spirit waved a dismissive hoof as she called over her shoulder, “Don’t worry ma’am, I’m sure I’ll find it… eventually.”
Gilda half-chuckled, shaking her head, “She’s the head of my security? We’re so screwed…” she muttered to herself.
She stretched, and yawned. Blinking to tiredness from her eyes, she turned and began making her way down the opposite corridor, towards her chambers.