//------------------------------//
// The Hero of the Fallen City 
// Story: The Gryphons of Griffinstone 
// by misskoifishpony 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 3: The Hero of the Fallen City

In the sky high above Equestria, near the mountain ridges of the east, Emerl and Rainbow were getting closer to their destination: Griffinstone. Because they left so early in the morning, they will soon be arriving around 2:30. It was a hazy yet serene day in the sky. The sun would shine through clouds every now and then,creating a soft greyish light shining on the snowy land below.

Emerl was enjoying the feeling of the cold mountain air caressing his wings, breathing in it's chillness, and the adrenaline of flying such a long distance. It had been so long since he had done something like this, especially at such a relaxed speed. He closed his eyes for a moment and sighed peacefully to himself.

He looked over to Rainbow Dash on his right, and he smiled. She was wearing a white fuzzy and blue cap to keep her ears warm. She insisted that all she needed was the cap to keep her warm, but Emerl could clearly see her body shake and shiver in the breeze. All that the big griffin wanted to do was keep her warm in his wings and hold her gently into his furry chest. But due to her adorable stubbornness, that wasn't going to happen anytime. Bur what truly made him was the cute sight of Rainbow wearing that fuzzy cap.

"Hey M!" Rainbow called out to Emerl, drawing him slightly out his thoughts, "which way should we go?"

In front of them were three giant yet steep peaks. Emerl closed his eyes once more and took a good whiff of the wind. He focused his beak towards any large gatherings of griffon scent.

He opened his eyes and pointed towards the peak in the middle of the other peaks, "Thattt wayyy. We ssshould be arriving sssoon."

"In that case,...race to Griffonstone!"

Rainbow Dash quickly left Emerl in the dust with a giant grin on her face. Before Emerl before he even knew it was racing behind her rainbow trail. All of this made him chuckle warmly. That Rainbow Dash...always finding a way to race no matter where she is.

However, he didn't stay behind her for long. Once they got closer to the spikey top of the mountain, Emerl was soon able to fly side by side with her and hear her sweet giggles. He couldn't help but giggle with her.

Then, she surprised him with a rapid dive towards the ground. And he followed right after, tucking his wings in for a direct flight to the ground. They were neck in neck in the last leg of the race, the settling of Griffonstone was just below them. Getting closer and closer in their view.

Rainbow's hooves and Emerl's claws landed on the ground at the same time. Dust settled all around their fast yet booming landing.

"Yeah!" Rainbow cheered, "That was awesome! Nice racing there M!"

Emerl laughed in his reply, "You toooo Rrrainbow."

In the midst of her laughter, Rainbow noticed what was in front of her. And her jaw dropped when she saw it. Rainbow's sudden silence made Emerl concerned, he took a look at what was in front of them. He then understood why.

"Wow, Griffonstone is..." Rainbow uttered, "a total dump."

Emerl and Rainbow looked back each other with slightly confused expressions on their faces before walking towards the run down capital.

Despite the beautiful mountain snow everywhere, Griffonstone still looked like a mess. Their houses were falling apart and filled with holes, hay and straw was everywhere on the dirt streets, garbage filled the narrow and dark alleyways. Emerl felt that this capital must have suffered from some war or a tyrant king like Ruber.

When the griffons saw Emerl walking down the main boulevard with Rainbow, their grumpy and uninterested looks turned into expressions of awe. The griffons couldn't stop staring at Emerl, but Emerl didn't pay any attention to this. Or at least, tried not to. Rainbow noticed the other griffons staring at Emerl and it was then that she noticed Emerl's massive height. She chuckled at the fact that other griffons were tiny and small compared to her towering friend.

Then, at the end of the main boulevard, Rainbow saw Gilda. "Gilda!" she shouted, to get Gilda's attention.

Gilda stopped in her tracks, her eyes big and wide. However, she quickly got over her shock and turned to face her old 'friend' with a scowl. Rainbow ran towards her, with Emerl following right after her.

"Hello Dash." Gilda growled when Rainbow finally arrived in front of her.

"Look Gilda, I know this is awkward, and you don't want to talk me. I get it. But that's why I'm here. I came here to tell ya that..."

Rainbow stopped her explanation when she saw Gilda's beak drop all the way to the ground. Her eyes became wide saucers as she stared high up to Emerl. Rainbow then realized that he was behind. "Oh, uh, sorry. Gilda, this is Emerl. Emerl, this is Gilda."

"How do you misssss?" Emerl greeted to Gilda.

Gilda's awe struck gaze soon turned into a smirk. Then, Emerl could hear and see Gilda try to contain her own chuckle. She even tried to hide her smile behind her claw. Eventually, she couldn't hold it in any longer. She busted out laughing and fell to the ground.

"Wasss it something thattt I sssaid?" Emerl asked while cocking to side, expressing his confusion sincerely.

"Yeah, what's so funny?" Rainbow muttered defensively, her eyes piercing towards Gilda on the ground.

Gilda had to take breaks in between her fits of laughter to exclaim, "You...hahaha...sound like...hahaha...a...haha...chipmunk gargling rocks! Hahaha, and it came...out of...a griffon like you! Haha!"

Rainbow's nostrils began to flare hot stream. She digged her hoofs into the ground,almost preparing herself for battle "Why I outta...!"

But Emerl held her back and whispered, "Rainbow!"

Gilda's hysterical laughter was soon interrupted by a rough elderly voice, "Gilda!"

She turned around and said, "Huh? Grandpa Gruff? What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be taking a nap or something."

Grandpa Gruff was a scraggly looking griffon. He had the head of a balding vulture, and the body of a grey black house cat. Skinny bones and patches of fur all over. He had a blind scarred right eye and a small round red hat on top of his head.

"I was," He groaned, "untill I heard ya insulting this magnificent griffon's honor."

The old griffin's attention was immediately turned to Emerl, his grumpy frown instantly turned into a proud grin. He placed his talon on Emerl's shoulder and proclaimed, "Oh sonnie, I haven't seen a griffon like ya since...oh who I am kidding?! I've never seen a griffon as big as you!"

"With a voice like that, he shouldn't be considered a griffon." Gilda mumbled under breath.

"Gilda!" Grandpa Gruff scolded, "A griffon is not measured by his voice, but by his strength." He looked back at Emerl and casually stated, "And you're probably the strongest fellow in your flock. Am I right?"

"I uhh..." Emerl nervously replied, "I don'ttt know. I haven'ttt seen other griffonsss for quite some time."

"Would you look at this? Strong and modest, truly a griffon to respect! Ha ha!"

Gilda rolled her eyes at Grandpa Gruff's excited compliment. Then, she crossed her arms and hunched her shoulders.

"It's such a shame that a griffon such as yourself had to see our city like this." The old griffon sighed.

"What happened to Griffonstone? Was there a big war, or an invasion, or something?" Rainbow added.

"I'm afraid it's far worse that that." Grandpa Gruff replied in a reminiscent tone.

"Oh great, here we go." Gilda commented sarcastically.

"It all started with King Grover and his glorious golden idol; the Idol of Boreas."

Grandpa Gruff turned around because he saw something moving behind him. He saw Gilda holding her claw out in the air like he did just now. But then, she quickly put her arm down and whistled innocently. Grandpa Gruff brought his attention back to Rainbow and Emerl and continued with his story.

"The idol gave us griffons pride and identity. Even just sight of it can make any griffon cry tears of joy." Grandpa Gruff almost choked up with tears of pride at the last statement.

However, he forced himself to get over it and go on with his own story, "From one king to the next, Griffonstone and the griffon empire prospered. We became the envy of all other species. That is...untill the reign of King Gutto."

Grandpa Gruff almost hissed at the mention of King Gutto's name. And this dark tone and secret hatred continued as the story progressed, "In the black of night, the Arimaspi stormed the castle. He fought with Gutto and his soldiers...and snatched the idol for himself. They followed the beast out of the castle, but...the stormy night destroyed the castle bridge. The Arimaspi fell to his doom in the Abysmal Abyss...along with the idol. Without the idol, our proud kingdom fell into despair. Our shameful King Gutto was our last king, and Griffonstone became a mockery to all other kingdoms."

Silence filled the air in the group after the story ended. Rainbow looked over at Emerl and saw the large griffon's eyes. They were focused on Grandpa Gruff. They were wide, so Rainbow assumed that Emerl was shocked by Grandpa Gruff's story. Or...he was in disbelief...denying that tragedy didn't strike his kind. Rainbow also notice that his eyes looked soft, sympatric, and gentle. She wanted to know what he was thinking.

"But!" Grandpa Gruff proclaimed, holding his arm and head high and a smile returning to his face.

This caught everyone's attention immediately, especially Emerl's. His ears perked up at the sound of Grandpa Gruff's hopeful exclamation.

The elderly gruff pointed his claw towards Emerl and said, "You can help us boy!"

"I-I cannn...?" Emerl answered.

"He can what?!" Gilda hissed in a surprised tone.

"Uhhh, I agree with her. Say what?" Rainbow added.

This group conversation soon drew the attention of every griffon in Griffonstone. They slowly gathered around, with curious and almost hopeful eyes. Their gaze was on two griffons: Grandpa Gruff and Emerl.

"You...you can save Griffonstone." Grandpa Gruff explained, placing his talon once more on Emerl's shoulder. "With your strong and mighty wings, you can fly down into the Abysmal Abyss and bring back the idol!"

Rainbow then finally noticed the crowd gathering around them. She saw the grumpy griffons' faces light up and their tails wagging with happiness.

While looking back between Emerl and the crowd, she whispered "What's going on here?"

Then, she noticed in the corner of her eye that Gilda's face was just getting redder and redder by the second, her feathers getting hot with steam.

Ah geez, Rainbow thought to her, this can't be good. 

"What da say?" Granda Gruff questioned Emerl positively.

Emerl looked around the crowd surrounding him, seeing all their grins and innocent eyes staring up at him. Then, he gazed back at the griffon before him...just waiting for his answer. He subtly stared at Rainbow behind him, hoping that her face could give him some clarity. Her beautiful raspberry eyes shined in the soft light. However, her wide and confused eyes didn't help in making his decision.

His mind didn't know the proper answer, but his heart did. "I'll do it."

The mob of griffons and Grandpa Gruff cheered at Emerl's answer. Celebration filled the winter air in Griffonstone. Grandpa Gruff gave the huge griffon a hug, while the rest of the griffons gathered closer around Emerl to give him their thanks. Emerl looked overwhelmed by the crowd and the reception he was getting. Meanwhile, Gilda and Rainbow were standing outside the group with their mouthes wide open.





Emerl looked down at the Abysmal Abyss. From the edge, he could already feel the unnaturally powerful gust of wind coming from the bottom of this endless pit. Even though he had never witnessed such a strange gouge, he has faced stranger things than this...for a less than worthy cause. This time...it's different.

He turned his head slightly to the crowd of griffins behind him, waiting for his next move with excited anticipation. Seeing their smiles made his ears drop and for him to let out a sigh.

"So M," said Rainbow as she joined Emerl by the edge of the Abysmal Abyss, "what's the plan? Face this head on or try to tackle it from the sides?"

Emerl turned his head towards Rainbow and replied, "The plan isss forrr you to ssstay here."

"What?! You can't be serious!"

While walking away from the edge, Emerl explained, "I'm ssserious."

Rainbow followed him and exclaimed, "There's no way that I'm allowing you to face this alone!"

When they both stopped, Emerl calmly continued with, "Rrrainbow."

"No M! It's too dangerous! It's either me or not going after the idol at all."

"Rrrainbow, whattt about Gilda?"

"What about her?" Rainbow's tone softened.

"You stillll need to talk to her. That'sss why we're here."

Rainbow looked away from Emerl and mumbled harshly, "She doesn't want to talk to me. You heard her. She doesn't want anything to do with me."

"Besides," Rainbow stated with her voice a little louder than before, "why do I wanna be friends with some griffon that insults ya?"

"Because...ssshe was your friend...once. And you want herrr to be your friend again."

Rainbow lifted her gaze back up to Emerl, his face close to hers and his green eyes gentle and kind.

"D'oh alright, alright. I'll do it." Rainbow sighed in defeat, "But just...promise that you come back. Okay?"

Emerl smiled. He slowly reached towards Rainbow's face and softly cupped her chin in his giant claw. Rainbow's face immediately reddened. The gentle yet subtle touch of his smooth claw sent shivers down her spine and wings. Her forehead began to sweat, her mouth tightened. Here eyes were staring deep into the beautiful depths of his eyes. Those eyes that can make her do anything.

His eye lids were half way down on his eyes, and he whispered sweetly, "I promise."

Before Rainbow could respond, his claw rapidly vanished from her chin and Emerl galloped towards the Abysmal Abyss. He flew high into the air before diving into the dark and endless abyss. Rainbow trotted after him and stopped at the edge. She shouted, "Emerl!"

Meanwhile, the griffon crowd cheered and applauded for Emerl. Grandpa Griff hugged the speechless Gilda with great joy. Rainbow,however, didn't pay attention to any of them. She was too focused on the griffon that flew straight into his doom. And her horror was clearly expressed across her face.

While the griffon crowd was chatting among themselves, Gilda was staring at Rainbow. She was trying to figure out what Dash's deal was. Why was she here in Griffonstone? Why did she want to talk to her? More importantly, why was she so protective and defensive over this guy?!

What makes him so special? She pondered angrily to himself.  Besides, he's a griffon. He can take care of himself. He doesn't need a pony's help, especially Dash's. Just you wait bub, as soon as you get use to having her around...WHAM! She stabs you in the back and walks away. Not that...I care or anything. Anyway, Dash was acting like I was the threat. Like I was the bully! And he was the innocent griffon chick in her eyes. Typical Dash, only likes things weaker than she is. That way, they can follow her around like a lost puppy. Hehe guess that just proves how weak that Emerald guy is. Although, the one thing I still don't get is...why did he grab her chin like that? I mean,that's such a weird way to say good bye. Why did Dash just allow that happen? It's like she wanted it to...wait a minute...

Gilda's eyes grew wide and she muttered in her awe,"No freakin' way..."

Then,her frozen expression cracked into a smile and uncontrollable laughter escaped through her break.

Her laughter caught Rainbow's attention, and caused her to spin around to see the chuckling Gilda coming towards her. Through her bursts of giggling, Gilda told Rainbow, "There's no way! HAHAHA! You haha can't be serious!"

"What in Equestria are you talking about Gilda?!"

When Gilda got closer to Rainbow Dash, some of her uncontrollable laughter has settled down, "I'm talking about you and chipmunk face."

Rainbow brought her face close to Gilda's and snarled, "Don't call him that! His name is Emerl and don't you forget it."

Gilda chuckled and sneered in Dash's answer, she had to hide it behind her claw. This made Rainbow's face fuming red, and steam coming out her ears.

Gilda then explained, "You see?!That's exactly what I mean!"

"What are you talking about?" Rainbow asked agressively while trying to understand Gilda's messed up logic, she wanted to rub and soothe her temples.

"You and Emerl are totally a thing!" Gilda teased with a devilish smirk on her face.

"W-WHAT?!" Rainbow backed away slightly from Gilda with an emerging blush on her cheeks. While backing away from Gilda, Rainbow accidentally trips and lands on her back legs.

Gilda's uncontrollable giggles returned and she exclaimed, "I can't believe it! The Rainbow Crash has a crush! And on a griffon of all things! Oh geez, and here I thought your visit here in Griffonstone would be boring."

When Rainbow slowly returned to a standing position, she could see Gilda looking down on her with a victorious yet sickening smirk on her face. But Rainbow wasn't going to let her win, "Even if I did have a crush, WHICH I DON'T,why is that so important to you anyway? I thought you didn't care about me anymore."

Gilda's laughter stopped. She looked straight onto Rainbow. There was silence between them,but more importantly, there was tension. Gilda could see Rainbow narrowing her eyes, and this made Gilda narrow her eyes in return.

She then growled, "Don't worry, I don't care about you anymore. I just thought it was hilarious that a griffon would stoop sooo low in having a pony as his girlfriend. Especially a pony like you Dash."

Rainbow's mouth dropped as she watched Gilda walk away from her. Then, she began to breathe deeply, in and out...but in a menacing tone. It was like her breathing was building into something more. Each in and out quickened with each minute. Soon,she was breathing through her teeth,and she sounded like she was hissing. Her raspberry eyes became orbs of violent flames of Celestia's sun, and they directed on Gilda's back. She reared and screamed before flying towards Gilda.

Before the griffon crowd knew it,there was a fight in their mist. They gathered around and cheered for the female griffon to win. The bets were already set. Although, there were some older and more risk driven griffons that placed their gold on the pegasus. Just because dreams of winning a huge loot against all odds. And Grandpa Gruff was leading this particular group. Meanwhile, Rainbow and Gilda were fighting like a cat and dog would in a fight. There was a lot of scratching, pulling, attempts on biting, and wrestling. However, for the most part, Rainbow had the upper hoof.

Suddenly, a loud and high pitched screech echoed in the Abysmal Abyss. The screech was filled with agonizing pain and it was louder than any gust of wind.

Rainbow stopped the fight and whispered, "M..."