//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4: The Game with the Griffons 
// Story: Agent Con Mane in Mission to the Griffon Kingdom (to be rewritten) 
// by Fairytail 
//------------------------------//

	So it was that Donut Joe once again dusted off his favorite white collared shirt, black dinner jacket and bright red bowtie, slicked back his shaggy brown mane the best he could, closed off the donut shop, apologized profusely to Red Velvet, hopped on the airship and flew to the east towards the booming thunderheads that marked the skies of the Griffon Kingdom.
Joe cradled a half-eaten banana-nut muffin in his hooves while he stared out his window seat. Dark, grey swirls of heavy, wet clouds raged outside leaving sharp, cold droplets on the window. It was a flight that Joe, under the Equestrian given alias of Con Mane, had flown several times before. And even though it had been over a year since he had been in Griffon skies, the thunderheads all looked precisely the same. Naturally, like all creatures blessed with wings, the Griffons could stand on clouds as easily as earth. And like the Pegasi they could move and manipulate the clouds as they saw fit. He recalled visiting the Palace of Bloodbeak several years ago-- truly the finest example of Griffon inspired architecture made entirely of very expensive hail clouds. Unlike the Pegasi, however, the Griffons lacked the ability to manipulate the weather. They could lead the clouds to the sky, but they could not make them rain. Perhaps, Joe thought, that is what made the Great Storm Cloud so intimidating.
Joe fantasized about his inevitable meeting with this Roseluck. He could still see her picture in his mind. Her legs confident as any pony who, like Joe himself, were descended from the old Earth Pony families. He could visualize the petals of the rose on her flank dancing with her strut. It would give her tail a cute bounce, he thought. He liked tails that bounced. Most mares in Canterlot, Joe had noticed, usually had a wiggle or, in Red Velvet’s case, a swagger. But bouncing tails suggested youth, innocence and a disregard to the feminist movement running rampant throughout Canterlot. Joe believed Such a sense of independence tended to make things complicated.
Joe was reminded of another mare he recently met that also bounced her tail. She was an orphan from Janeighca named Sea Swirl. She spent her life in the wild and so had the fortune of never been corrupted by the avant garde ideas of how fillies should act. The last he’d seen of her was when he took her back to Equestria. She had become a property of the state and Joe could only imagine that she had been adopted by now. Oh well. A foal’s niavity can’t last forever.
The turbulence grew worse as the airship made its descent through the thickest part of the storm cloud. The earth below revealed itself as vast fields of yellow grass. Dead but moist. occasionally, a few select acres of green, healthy farmland could be seen fenced in along with uniform buildings. The airship approached a particularly large colony with its own airdock.
“Now landing within the sovereign territory of the Mighty Griffon Kingdom.” Rang the Griiffyk accent over the intercom, “Remember, it is an honor to walk on these grounds and fly in these skies. You are required to obey all Griffon laws during your visit and to stay within the areas which you have been granted access to by your visa. Flying above the Great Storm Cloud and the unauthorized use of pony magic is strictly forbidden. Please enjoy your stay.”
The airship unloaded its passengers into the airdock lobby. Griffon soldiers were lined up throughout the terminal. All the passengers kept their eyes forward and their hoofsteps quick under the Griffon’s heavy gazes.
The lobby was bustling with ponies-- most of them Earth Ponies moving heavy luggage for the passengers. Joe noticed each worker was oversaw by a Griffon soldier. None of the Griffons raised a claw or a wing. The crowded building was naturally filled with the sounds of indecipherable chatter. But unlike the ambient white noise of a typical crowded room this chatter was mostly screeching roars. The throaty gurgles of Griffyk barked orders like thunder.
Traditional Griffon wares and souvenirs lined the little shops, but Joe was resolute on leaving the airdock quickly. Joe left the crowded airdock lobby, but the Griffyk still scarred his ears. Outside the main building, yellow taxi carriages were lined up waiting to make their modest wages. Most of the taxi drivers were Earth Ponies but a modest amount of Pegasi and even Griffons were there too. As Joe glanced up and down the row of taxis, a hoof tapped him on his shoulder.
Joe turned around and was muzzle to muzzle with a handsome chocolate colored Pegasus Stallion in a smart blue tuxedo. His Cutie Mark was the monetary symbol for the bit. He had a blonde mane and dark eyes. He was young. Barely a colt.
“Mr. Mane, Cloak Daggers has sent a carriage for you.” The colt spoke calmly and with purpose.
Joe took a step back. He had learned from past endeavors that drivers approaching him in an airdock was something of which to be wary. “Ok, fine, but first I’m hungry. Do you have a muffin?”
“I prefer donuts, myself.” The colt answered.
Joe kept his eye square on the colt’s. They were still, devoid of deceit. Still Joe continued, “Better still.”
“Until they go stale.” This last statement was what Joe needed. With the password confirmed, Joe removed the black saddlebags that was given to him by MARE-- which now bore his Cutie Mark of a donut with pink frosting and sprinkles-- and strapped them around the colt.
“I’ll fetch the carriage.” The contact said as he trotted off with rehearsed condescendence.
“That’s fine by me.”

The carriage on the outside was simple. black, square, unpolished and unnoticeable. The inside was well upholstered and comfortable but not loudly luxurious. The most conspicuous part of the carriage was the advertisement plastered on the side that read ‘Cloak and Dagger Exotic Rugs and Curtains’. The colt drew the carriage quickly but not too quickly. The street was at one point probably cobblestone. Now it was mostly dirt with occasional patch of unweathered stone that popped the carriage into the air. The buildings were of Unicorn design and mostly worn down. Repairs to the necessary building were obviously done by Griffon design. The sophisticated elegance clashed with the bare practicality. Joe imagined this must have been a beautiful Unicorn city before the Great Storm Cloud crept in however many decades ago.
“It’s going to take me a long time to get used to having the sky constantly covered by storm clouds.” Joe commented. He looked up but couldn't find the sun. He found himself pining for the beaches of Janeighca. “Hell, the eternal night in the New Lunar Republic is brighter than this. How in blazes do those Griffons even see where they’re going flying up there?” The colt didn't answer. “Speaking of which. Those two Griffons have been flying above our carriage since we left the airdock. Is it normal to have Griffons follow you in the Nest?”
The Griffons in question made no attempt to hide their tail. They were close enough to the carriage that Joe could clearly hear the flapping of their wings. They barely flew above the old Unicorn buildings.
“Oh yes, sir.” The colt answered nonchalantly. “Today it’s Storm Team Y-H7 on duty. They are a detachment from SkyClaw. They follow us, we follow them. It’s a sort of… understanding that we have.”
Joe’s eyes remained fixated on the Griffons. One of them looked down on him with a twinkle of hunger in its eye. Joe’s skin crawled up his neck. “Oh yeah, that’s very friendly. How much farther is it to Cloak Daggers’ office?”
“Hold on tight.” was all the colt said in amusement. The colt picked up his pace. He was now galloping down the dilapidated streets. The Griffons kept up their speed effortlessly. The carriage, hopping around on the uneven pavement, entered a market. Both pony and Griffon merchants were attempting to hawk their wares. The carriage turned a tight corner. At the dead end of the road sat a small rug store. Several rugs with exotic patterns sat out on the lines. The colt continued to gallop towards the shop, heading straight towards a solid brick wall. The colt did not slow down. Joe’s body tensed in instinctual panic. He closed his eyes tight and prepared himself for whatever was just about to happen.
Joe horn tingled for just a second.
“Ah, my friend. Come in! Come in! Glad to see you!” Sang an unfamiliar voice. “Welcome to the Griffon Kingdom, for all that it’s worth!”
Joe opened his eyes and he found himself in a large exotic sitting room. It was carved out of local stone and decorated with local color. Bright paintings, rainbow rugs and carved statues depicting Princess Celestia did their best to modify the stark Griffon architecture. Joe hopped out of the carriage-- the room was large enough to hold at least three side by side-- and looked behind him. He faintly made out the pattern of a brick wall but his eyes couldn't focus on it. It was as if the wall was both there and not there. Beyond the not-wall the two Griffons sat on their haunches staring patiently forward.
“Thanks for the carriage ride but my heart could have done without the illusion magic.
The chocolate colt bowed respectfully. “I am sorry for the inconvenience, sir.” He didn't sound like he meant it. “Now if you’ll excuse me.” The colt excused himself from the room.
Joe was left to face the middle-aged, mustard yellow Pegasus that remained in the sitting room. He had a very angular muzzle-- a mark of purebred Pegasopolan heredity-- and his mouth was very wide. His smile was a display of massive, white teeth. He had a curled wisp of a mustache, very very dark blue almost black. His mane was likely the same color, but it was hidden under a black hat with a very wide brim that shadowed his mysterious pink eyes. Stitched into the hat was a large, extravagant, bright red feather. Around his mustard body, he wore a matching black cape that draped over his haunches so that Joe could only just barely make out a Cutie Mark of a pair of classical theatrical masks-- a white comedy and a black tragedy. The stallion took a bite out of a large bar of chocolate.
“That carriage was hardly discrete, Daggers.” Joe barked at his contact, “It has an advertisement for your shop on it. Rather ties you in with me, don’t it?”
Cloak Daggers laughed it off, his deep voice boomed from his great mouth. He theatrically flared his cape and lifted a hoof over Joe’s shoulder with a friendly pat. “You're in the Nests now, my friend. The game with the Griffons is played a little differently here. In day to day matters we don’t make it too difficult to keep tabs on each other.” Daggers offered a bar of chocolate to Joe who accepted.
“Yeah I kinda got that feeling from your driver. He’s a pretty smart colt.”
“He should be.” Daggers smiled proudly, “He’s my son!” Daggers reached over to a small bell that sat on the nearby table and gave it a ring. Almost immediately another colt entered the room. The colt had the same exact coat and mane colors and Cutie Mark. Joe would have sworn it was the same pony if it wasn’t for the fact that this one was a Unicorn that wore a green tuxedo. “Coffee?” Daggers asked Joe.
“Extra black with marshmallows.”
“Two coffees! Extra black with marshmallows!” Daggers repeated the order and the colt bowed and left. “He is also my son. All of my key employees are my sons. Blood is the best security in this business.” He happily took another bite of chocolate.
“You must be doing pretty well for yourself?” Joe started on his own chocolate.
“Biggest family payroll in the Nest. Not bad for a pony who started out breaking chains and bending bars with his teeth in the circus. But enough of my youthful exploits. Let us talk about this business of yours.”
Joe tutted and glanced to the sides. “Well I think I’m wasting my time here.”
“And so do I. My nose is an old friend of mine and it’s telling me something smells.” Daggers chuckled and finished off his chocolate.
“Maybe… But if there’s a chance of getting the Grimoire…” Joe grunted and wrestled with his thoughts. He still hadn't figured out why he was here or what it was he truly wanted. He only mentioned the Grimoire because he felt it was the correct answer. “Now you tell me. Where can I contact this mare?”
“She will make her own arrangements. You’ll just have to wait.” Just great, Joe thought. The door opened again and the Unicorn colt entered levitating two mugs of coffee with his horn. “Ah the coffee is here!” Daggers cheered optimistically. “Thank you. My friend if you want my advice, you should spend a few pleasant days with us here in the Nests and then,” he chuckled.  “And then go home.”
The idea was tempting. Joe stared into his coffee and used his horn magic to swirl around the marshmallows inside. Just going home. It would certainly be that simple. And it would certainly send MARE over the edge. Either way, Joe decided, he was already in the Griffon Nests. Might as well make the best of it.

The Claw ‘n’ Paw Hotel. It was a dump. It sat in a square near the center of town that before the occupation might have been bustling. The walls were sunken and the paint peeling. Holes were patched up with grey something that resembled the grey of the storm cloud that hung high above. The lobby was grungy and stripped of all decoration. The tile floor had lost its vibrant color and the fountain in the center of the room poured out a stream of creeping vine as opposed to water. Joe approached the unpolished wooden reception desk and rang an old bell. A young female Griffon appeared and smiled like a receptionist should. Joe noticed she had very pretty eyes.
“Welcome to the Claw n’ Paw. How may I help you?”
“Con Mane.” Joe said, “You have a reservation for me.”
The Griffon taloned through a small registry book and nodded pleasantly. She grabbed a key from a wall of hooks behind her-- very few keys were missing-- and hoofed it to Joe. “Mr. Mane your room is ready. Room 32. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
A Unicorn bellhop levitated Joe’s luggage and led him up to the third floor. The room was surprisingly welcoming. The bedding looked new as did the carpet and wallpaper. A plush chair sat in the corner and the bathroom was fully operational. A fancy chandelier shone brightly on the ceiling with the light being refracted through several dozens of clear crystals. Joe deeply breathed in the violet scented air and walked over to the wall mounted mirror in an attempt to straighten his messy hair. A loud cough caught Joe’s attention and he noticed that the bellhop was still in the doorway.
“Will there be anything else, sir?” The bellhop asked. Joe took out five bits and discreetly dropped them into the front pocket of the bellhop’s bright red uniform. The young Unicorn’s eyes widened in utter disbelief as he stared into the pocket to recount the generous gratuity. “THANK you, sir!”
The bellhop exited the room very quickly with a giant, stupid smile. Joe wondered if he did the right thing. He hoped the Griffons would allow him to keep it.
Joe lifted his saddlebags up onto the soft bed. From a side pocket he took out an expensive looking watch and strapped it around his hoof. The watch had a shiny, black, leather strap and the face was made with fine horsemanship. He approached the mirror again and adjusted his bowtie. Joe turned a dial on the side of the watch and lifted the beeping accessory of towards the mirror. Nothing.
Joe charged his horn and surrounded his magic around the chandelier before relaying the energy towards the watch. Still no reaction. He carefully marched around the room until he approached the bedside table. The watch beeped more quickly. A simple phone sat on the table. Joe lifted it with his magic and he could feel it in his horn. A spying eye spell.
Joe was slowly understanding what Cloaks Daggers had meant when he talked about the game with the Griffons. No pony could enter the Griffon Nests without the Griffons taking notice. They were far too anal retentive for that. Joe knew the Griffons would be watching him like a hawk and the Griffons obviously knew who he is affiliated with. So why hide it? There was no need to pretend. Put the spy in the most obviously lavish room in the hotel and don't even bother to disguise the enchanted phone. The game was indeed different in the Nests. But Joe figured that these Griffons had never played against the likes of him.
“Hello?” Joe spoke into the phone to reception, “This is Con Mane, room 302.”
“Yes, how may we help you, Mr. Mane?” spoke that Griffon Girl.
“I’m afraid the room won't do. The bed’s too small. You got anything else?”
Joe could hear harsh whispering on the other end. No doubt a superior Griffon was listening in on the call through the spell.
“I’m sorry, sir. I’m afraid that’s all we have available.” Joe remembered the large collection of unclaimed keys behind the desk downstairs but didn’t raise an objection. “Well, except for the bridal suite.”
“Well show it to me. I may like it.” Joe called their bluff.
More desperate whispering.
“I’ll send the porter up right away.”
“Thank you.” Joe hung up and proudly awaited the same bellhop to come greedily take his bags.
The bridal suite on the top floor was massive, but poorly furnished and badly kept. Joe used the trace magic detector in his watch to quickly identify the spying spell in the room. It wasn't nearly as powerful as the one in his old room and he could easily counter it. But instead he decided to have some fun with the Griffons by occasionally allowing the spell to pick up some choice phrases that meant nothing.
Luckily the bathroom was still fully operational. Joe took off his suit and drew a bath. The hot water wasn't working and so he used his baking spell to heat the water.

Across the street from the Claw n’ Paw was an almost equally tall building, old and abandoned. On the rooftop sat a Griffon. Her eyes stayed glued upon the silhouette in the bridal suite window. She was the most diligent scout in SkyClaw. She could watch her prey for days without moving. Without blinking. She was the best and she was proud of it. She had been following the Equestrian since he left the airdock. She followed him to the home of Cloak Daggers and then followed him here. It was routine, it was boring, but it was her duty to the aerie.
Her vigil was distracted by the sound of hooves approaching her from behind. With a frustrated grunt she turned around. A pony was approaching her on the rooftop. He was an Earth Pony with a massive frame. His coat was a sickly grey and he oddly lacked a Cutie Mark.
“Inferior pony class,” she barked, “this area is restricted.” The grey pony continued to approach her. His breathing was heavy and coarse. His eyes were listless. There was something odd about this pony and so the Griffon ruffled her feathers and readied her talons. “It is forbidden for worker class ponies to approach Griffons of rank without--”
The pony’s grey eyes exploded with life. He leaped towards the Griffon with speed she had never seen from a pony. She unfolded her wings and held out her talons in defense. Her sharp claws made contact with the pony’s flesh but they wouldn't dig in. His skin was firm and unbreakable. She attempted to take to the skies but she failed under the weight of her attacker. She was pinned to the rooftop by hulking hooves. She clawed and snapped her beak but they did nothing. The pony heaved with ravaged breath and the veins in his eyes pounded with bloodlust. He pressed one of his massive hooves against the Griffon’s throat and slammed down hard. The Griffon’s continuous struggles waned and weakened until life left her eyes.
The grey pony’s breathing calmed. His eyes once again fogged up with lifeless disinterest. Another Griffon flew down and landed on the roof. She looked down on her dead comrade and smiled.
“Good work.” said General Griselda, “Leave her somewhere she will be found. Who can the Griffons suspect but the Equestrian spies? Whatever semblance of Harmony still remains in the Griffon Nests will soon collapse into chaos.”