It had been a week since Crimson's people were introduced to Celestia and Luna's leadership. During that time, Crimson had noticed a certain pony that seemed out of place. Amethyst Hoof seemed to have had taken the role of the stewards right hoof adviser in Crimson's absence, but from what Crimson could remember, Amethyst was not well liked by Crimson's parents, nor many others who had been part of the royal staff. This didn't make any sense. But, Crimson thought he might be too quick to judge right now. He had to see how this pony operated. So far, he hadn't done anything out of the ordinary.
Today, Celestia and Luna were meeting with the Griffon King and Queen. Crimson, having a bad run in with griffons, wasn't at all thrilled. Luna understood his feelings, and in all honesty didn't know how this was all going to play out. To avoid any unwanted attention in the wrong manner, Luna suggested that Crimson spend time in the Castle gardens. She knew that they gave Crimson some relaxation and a way to clear his head. He never argued with Luna recently, because one, he had no need to, and for another, with each passing day, she was feeling like a mother to him.
As Luna and Celestia met with the Griffon royalty, they made their way past the gardens, and Crimson thought he caught a glimpse of something, but he was unsure since it they were only seen for a split moment. As Crimson made his way though the garden, he came upon a statue that, for some reason, looked familiar. He couldn't place his hoof on it though at the moment. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard a feminine voice say, "I see you admire mother Gaea."
Crimson jumped in surprise and then saw who the voice belonged to. It was a griffon, but she was smaller and, seemed to be around his age. "Hey, no need to be scared. I won't bite," the griffon giggled.
"S-sorry. You just caught me off guard, that's all," Crimson admitted.
"I figured. So why were you staring at Gaea?" she asked.
"Just, thinking," Crimson said, still feeling uneasy about her.
The griffon then tilted her head, "Is something wrong? You seem a little tense... for a kid."
Crimson sighed and gave an honest answer, "I-I just... I haven't been fond of griffons since my first run in with them."
"Ah. I can guess you already met some, how did my parents say it? Oh yeah, unsavory characters of our kind," the griffon said.
Crimson nodded. The griffon replied, "Thought as much. I've met a few of my own kind I am not fond of, but you should never judge a griffon by their claws. But I will say this, most of us have respect for the Magic of Friendship. In all honesty, we're a lot more alike with you ponies then you may think. As my parents say 'si si ni sawa'."
"Your saying we're the same? I don't see how griffon," Crimson said.
"Hmhm, the name's Helen. And I'll explain," the griffon said.
This is a song that I got from the new show "The Lion Guard" so I do not take credit for the song and I did change some words around that I think would fit the tune. I would also suggest use of imagination of how the scene plays out somewhat after you have watched the song "Si Si Ni Sawa" on youtube. Here is a link: Si Si Ni Sawa
Helen
You've gone seen so many things,
and you have felt a great few stings,
and were turned away for having a horn and wings.
You have to look past what you see,
try not to judge so easily,
believe it or not, you're a lot like me,
... say believe it or not you're a lot like me.
Si si ni sawa means we're the same.
Crimson
I hear what you're saying, but you need to explain.
Helen
At the end of the day, it's like water and rain.
Si si ni sawa we are the same.
.......maybe I screech, maybe you neigh,
but look at this a different way,
because our hearts may have something to say,
Cause we both know a higher call,
like every creature big and small,
the Magic of Friendship should be what's guiding us all.
The Magic of Friendship will guide us all.
Si Si Ni Sawa means we're the same.
Crimson
You have your feathers, and I have a mane.
Helen
At the end of the day, it's like water and rain.
Si si ni sawa we are the same.
Helen and Crimson
Si Si Ni Sawa we are the same.
Crimson
Never thought that we'd see eye to eye.
Helen
I can't imagine why.
It's some much easier if you tryyyyy.
Crimson
Still to me they all are brand new thoughts,
not to judge a griffon by their claaaaws.
Helen
Si Si Ni Sawa,
Si Si Ni Sawa means we're the same.
Crimson
Forget about the past, when there's nothing to gain.
Helen and Crimson
At the end of the day, it's like water and rain.
Si si ni sawa we are the same,
Si Si Ni Sawa means we're the same,
Forget about the past, when there's nothing to gain.
At the end of the day, it's like water and rain.
Si si ni sawa we are the same.
Helen
Si Si Ni Sa Wa we are the saaame.
end of song
Crimson smiled, "Thanks Helen. I guess I was a little quick to judge you. Sorry about that."
"It's alright. I can understand. I mean, I heard about what happened, even the parts the grownups didn't want me to. I am really sorry for what happened to you. You deserved far better than that, but I am glad you found your way here, or this may never have been known by my parents," Helen said.
"Wait who are your parents?" Crimson said.
"The King and Queen of the Griffon Kingdom. If you're wondering why I don't have my crown, I'm not really fond of wearing it, but I can tell I am not the only one," Helen pointed at him.
Crimson blushed. He had to admit he wasn't fond of his regalia either, and much rather prefer not to wear it. "So that makes you... Princess Helen?" he asked.
"Yep yep yep," Helen replied.
"Wow, oh, and to answer your question from before. The reason I was looking at Gaea's statue was well, this may be hard to believe, she visited me in my dreams. Told me where I came from. What I was," Crimson told Helen.
"Wow. Seeing Gaea, that's something only few have ever gotten to see. You're a lucky pony," Helen said.
"Thanks," Crimson said.
They're conversation was soon interrupted as they saw their guardians and a few nobles step into scene. Crimson heard the griffon king say, "I am glad we could clear things up your majesty, and I swear to you, I will find the ones who are responsible for such treachery. I cannot stand for such crimes. And I will be sure to inform you if I find them."
Crimson would be thankful for that, but he froze in place for a moment when he saw a face that was all too familiar. His pupils went to the size of pins as he layed eyes on him. How could he be here? The last thing Crimson expected was to see him. As the griffons left and their daughter bid her new friend goodbye, Crimson finally sprinted to Luna and hugged her leg close. "Crimson... what's wrong? You're trembling. What's going on?" Luna asked.
"It... it was him. That... that griffon with the royal griffons....... He killed my parents," Crimson answered, his knees were wobbling.
Luna's eyes went wide as she stared at the griffon with the battle scar. She was about to charge him when Celestia stopped her. "Not yet sister," Celestia said.
"Not yet?! We're letting a murderer get away!" Luna bellowed.
"Yes, but if we charge him, he'll know we're onto him, and he will come up with a story to cover his tracks to turn the Griffon King against us. We must be patient and plan carefully. This may be deeper then we think. Now, I have a plan. Do you trust me?" Celestia asked.
Luna looked one more time and saw the griffon shake his claw with the hoof of an all too familiar pony. She knew her sister was right. "Alright, but we can't keep this going for too long," Luna said.
"Agreed," Celestia, answered.
After the carriage left, Luna looked to Crimson. "Crimson, I was wondering if I could talk to you in private for a moment. There's something I want to tell you," Luna said.
"Okay," Crimson breathed with relief the murderer was far away for a while.
Soon, the two trotted to the Lunar chambers to have their discussion, while elsewhere, far off the borders of Equestira, dark eyes stared towards the land.