//------------------------------//
// Chapter Four 
// Story: Something's Ahoof 
// by Monsoon Rose 
//------------------------------//

He had flown towards the next cloud circle. Just as he was about to dive through it, another Pegasus crashed into him. A screamed escaped his lips as he felt pain in his wing. His wing fell to his side, screaming in agony as he lost control of his wings. He plummeted to the ground, through a bright cloud. 

"Hold on!" A voice came. In front of the sun, a black figure appeared before diving towards him. Flash screamed in terror. Suddenly, he felt claws wrap around him, slightly digging into his fur. 

"Griffin!" He cried as they fell. 

"Shut up for a moment, will ya?" The creature huffed as he spread his wings. "Now, you can thank me when we get back up there." The griffin carried him up back towards the clouds. "What happened, dude?" 

"Somepony hit me," he muttered as they reached a cloud. "That was fast."

"Griffins can usually fly faster," the griffin shrugged as he let go of Flash. "I'm Storm Breeze, a griffin at your service."  Storm Breeze laughed as he did a fake bow. 

"Flash Sentry," he smiled as he held up his hoof.

"How's your wing?" Storm Breeze questioned as he shook his hoof. His own eyes dropped to the wing. It was slightly swollen and the more he looked at it, the more it hurt. 

"Could be better," he managed. 

"Well then, let's go," the griffin grinned as he helped Flash over to an adult Pegasus. 

After that, the two were like a horse shoe to a hoof. They stuck together for the rest of the summer camp. When they left, they kept in contact for four years until Storm Breeze moved with his family to a different part of Equestria. That was just six months before he joined the Royal Guard and when he met Twilight. 

Suddenly, a knock came at his door. Flash jumped awake, startled that he was no longer flying with the black griffin among the clouds. He rubbed his eyes, tired, before standing and walking to the door. As he opened it, a sense of malice seemed to cover him. 

"Princess?" He questioned as he stared at the purple pony in front of him. 

"May I come in?" She asked politely as she gazed at him. He nodded and opened the door for her to step in. 

"Princess, what is it that you need?" His voice came out shakily as he watched her sit down in a chair. 

"Nopony is giving me any clue as to which path I should choose," she murmured. "Before I left the crystal empire, I got a letter. A prince from some kingdom, he threatened to take over Equestria unless I convinced Princess Celestia or Pricness Luna to marry him." Her purple eyes found his. This time, they didn't flash green. "I wrote him back, asking if I could take their place. And he said yes. I can't let Equestria be destroyed by a tyrant without trying to stop him. I know you overheard."

He gasped as he looked at her. "Princess, I didn't mean to." 

"No, it's not like all of Equestria will never know," she shrugged. "But you do understand?" He slowly nodded. "Thank you. Now, I do believe that I am suppose to be with my friends. I had to see you though. My brother didn't understand so it's okay if you don't too." 

"I understand," he murmured, though he did feel an ache in his chest as he said it. "Is that all, princess?"

"Yes," she smiled. "Thank you for understanding, Flash Sentry." She stood to leave. "Would you like me to mail those? I'm passing the Royal Guard mailbox as I leave. It will save you the trip."

"Thank you for the offer, princess," he bowed his head. "But I must refuse."

"Very well," she laughed. "Have a good day, Flash." 

"You too," he nodded curtly as he followed her to the door and held it open as she walked out. As he closed it, he knew why he refused. He was onto her, though she seemed perfectly normal. He couldn't have her knowing that. He trotted over to his desk and grabbed the letters. The sooner he mailed them, the sooner he could get to the bottom of it. If it was into that easy.