//------------------------------// // Enter Leon // Story: Sins of the Mother // by Chelis //------------------------------// "Well, this is romantic," Claire said to her boyfriend in the dark of night. They had been walking for hours, their hands in the air while being marched away from their hideout. To their right and left, the young couple found themselves among hostile-looking, hooded figures that would kill them if they did anything out of line. Behind them, the young couple found themselves with hostile friends that would kill them if they said anything out of line. "So, was the sex worth it?" Bolt Prism asked in frustration, and with a small tinge of jealousy. "We didn't do that!" Illusion snapped. "Really? last time I checked people who are on guard don't get surrounded." Starburst pointed out. "Can we just figure out what these guys want and go on about our business?" Claire asked. "You mean back to you two shtooping?" Anthea said with a giggle. Claire growled in frustration and ignored everyone behind her. They marched for hours on end in the dark, the path only being lit by the lantern held by the lead hooded figure. As dawn broke, a small dot appeared in the distance. As they got closer, they saw smoke that surrounded the encampment. There were also tents there, and more importantly: humans. "Oh wow, a settlement!" Cotton Candy squealed with joy. Golden lowered his hands. "You all are humans! So glad to meet-" The hooded figure next to him raised its claws as if it was about to strike down the taller man. "Okay, nevermind," he said as he raised his hands again. When they entered the camp, it looked like a small village. The women were going from shop to shop, carrying baskets filled with food and other things for their homes. The children were either in a large group playing or being mischievous. There men were in armor and held muskets whilepatrolling, or men in clothes and armed with muskets preparing for their daily hunt. Outside of the village were ten to fifteen large wooden carts filled with dirt. Crops were growing out of them When they were escorted, they were more interested in the young prisoners than the hooded figures with sharp blades sticking out of the hand holes. The villagers looked on in curiosity, then continued on with their day. The Children of Harmony realized they were being escorted into the largest tent that sat in the middle of the village. It was maroon in color, with gold trim. "I guess we go in there?" Claire asked. "Yeah. I wonder what's in there?" Illusion asked. Starburst had seen it all before. The maroon color, the gold trim, and the fact the village looked like it was in the custom clothes of the Middle Griffon Kingdom, the location of the capital. "Aw shit," Starbursted breathed. Everyone looked at Starburst in curiosity. "What's wrong?" Cotton asked. "Leon." Everyone looked at the young woman, confused... All but two. "Oh man! That guy who has a crush on you is here?! This is going to be fun!" Claire and Illusion laughed. They entered the tent and found something directly out of a lavish party. Food and wine were sprawled out and served to everyone in attendance. There were dukes, knights, maidens, and barons enjoying the feast. Everyone watched the humanoid figures walk in, escorting the young group. The hooded figures flipped their hoods to revealed that they were humans as well, their claws were actually gauntlets tied to their fingers. The black robed griffons took a knee "My Lord, we found survivors!" Starburst huffed as she saw their lord. He was as young as they were; thick, tall, and handsome. His steel colored hair was a sight to behold. And he was dressed in fine robes and a crown with many gems. "Thank you, Nightwatch. You are free to retire for the day." The robed figures got up and walked out of the tent, leaving the Children of Harmony in front of the court. "So, you no good, sneering, slimy Equestrians decide to show up at my door, eh? You all think you can come to my land and take over?" The king said as he walked up to Illusion. Illusion gave him a glare and expected the worse Illusion was then grabbed by the king and pulled into a hug "You sons of bitches! What are you all doing here?! It's been like forever!" Illusion and company took a sigh of relief, all but Starburst. The young man stopped when he saw her. His demeanor changed from a confident young man to a nervous careful one when he came up to Starburst. He took Star's hand and dropped to one knee. "It’s good to see you again, m'lady," he said as he give her hand a short, warm kiss. "Can't you find another girl to be infatuated with, Leon?" Starburst groaned. "Yes, but that means I would have to choose less than perfection. And, that's ‘King’ Leon now, a title I take with great sadness." That remark brought Starburst to attention. "You're king now? What about-" "Parents? Dead in the siege of the capital. My brothers and sisters died in the battles afterward." "Princess Armonia?" Cotton asked in concerned. "My little sister? We sent her away with a good amount of our reminding gold to Sweetie Belle and her husband Button Mash. She should be in good care with them." Leon said as he sat on his throne. "This roaming village is the last of the free griffons, all the other ones are either in a disorganized rabble of freedom fighters or enslaved by the drones of the Changeling Horde. In the meantime, since you all are accompanying both a prince and the most beautiful princess this world has ever known, you are all welcome to join us in this feast. And as for you Prince Illusion and future princess Crystal Clarity, our advance party told me of your state when you were found. We have a few tents in the back to continue your 'extracurricular activities'," he said with his biggest shit-eating grin he could muster.