//------------------------------// // Griffon Slavers // Story: Luna's heir // by Gabrielangel13 //------------------------------// Luna's only regret by sundown was that she didn't have many hours left of her free day. She had enjoyed just wandering around the country without seeing anypony. Her only royal duty was to raise the moon, but she didn't consider that a chore, it was often the highlight of her day. "HELP! SOMEPONY HELP ME!" The cry shattered the peaceful silence. Luna sighed, knowing that it was her duty to help her subjects, even on her day off. She took to the air, her vision becoming sharper as the light faded, one of the advantages of ruling the night. If not for this advanced vision, she never would have seen the struggle below her. She flew lower to see what was going on. She landed behind a tree and watched. It appeared to be a group of Griffins slavers. It had become a problem, as pony slaves had become more popular in the Griffon Kingdom, groups of griffons would come and foalnap any unsuspecting pony they found to take back to the Griffon homeland with them. Luna's wings flustered angrily. The Griffons were often very cruel, and often ponies who could not be taken were killed for knowing about the groups. As Luna prepared to attack, she noticed a white streak in the darkness. She looked again and saw a black pony with a white mane and tail. He jumped out from behind the trees with less hesitation than Luna had. "Let her go, and I'll let you live." He growled at the Griffons, bringing laughter from them. "One lone unicorn, against all of us?" the largest griffon asked with a chuckle. Luna counted. there were six of them, and Griffons were known for being savage and heartless in a fight. An average unicorn had no chance. The Princess took a breath and was prepared to step out from her hiding place, when a set of hooves grabbed her, and magic held her muzzle shut. "Your Highness, we can not allow you to go." a voice whispered in her ear. "I'm sorry, but we have to keep you safe, and there is more Griffon activity around. We can't take our eyes off of you, even long enough to help. Don't worry, more soldiers will be here soon." Luna struggled against the hold of her guard, but she didn't want to hurt them for doing there job. Helplessly, she watched five of the Griffons abandon the bound mare to circle the lone unicorn, but he didn't look worried. As one, the five Griffons leaped at the unicorn, ready to kill. The unicorn lit his horn, and in a quick burst of magic teleported five feet away. "What? Can't even catch me?" He taunted. "Stay still, you foal of a #$%^@!" One of the Griffons shouted. Luna watched for agonizing minutes as the Unicorn held his own against the five griffons. He might have had a chance, if it wasn't for the three that snuck up behind him and tackled him to the ground. One pulled out a magic dampener ring and fastened it on his horn. "Why'd you fight us, kid? What's so special about this old mare?" The largest Griffon asked. The stallion said nothing, only stared back defiantly. The Griffon looked back and forth between the black Unicorn and the white Pegasus. "Ah, is this your mother? You have the same green eyes. That is so touching! Now you get to watch her die." An evil glint entered his eyes. Luna lost it. The Soldiers were taking too long. She used a trick that only a few ponies could master: Telepathy. "LET ME GO!" she shouted in their heads. "I know this kid. He has gotten out of dampeners, believe me, I've put some on him." The guard holding her assured. The unicorn's eyes narrowed. His horn glowed, but when the glow hit the dampener and the light bounced backwards, back into the stallion. Instead of fading, his eyes began to glow a blinding white light. after several moments of taunting laughter from his captors, The light ricocheted back up. In one swift beam it shot through the dampener, shattering it. Uncontrollable, pure magic poured from him, making it a danger both to the griffons and everyone around. Breaking free of the guards, Luna threw up a shield, barely protecting them as a blast of magic bounced off it. Luna looked away from the stallion, up to the sky to avoid blinding herself. What she saw and felt made her gasp. The stars began to move in the sky, shining brighter than they were supposed to that night. She ignited her own horn, ordering them to remain in her place. For the first time in centuries, they resisted Luna's control. For many minutes the group stood there, Luna's shield was the only thing keeping them safe. When at last the light faded, Luna released her shield and stumble forward. "Princess are you alright?'' A guard asked. Luna ignored him and ran out to where the stallion was shaking. "Are you alright?" She asked, stepping over the unconscious Griffons. " Princess? I-I think so. My Mom..." He began, and then passed out. Luna felt something yanking at her consciousness. "Guards, check his mother and the Griffons, no matter what happens to me, don't touch me." She ordered. "What are you doing?" One guard demanded. "Finding my heir." She replied and gave in to unconsciousness.