E.S.S: 16
The Gryphon Kingdom and a Gala
The train arrived for hours until it reached a mountain area. He stepped of with a bag full of supplies, there was a shop there by the train stop that sold fuzzy hats, it was mostly gear for the mountains. There he browsed for long-lasting foods and filled his canteens full of water, also he purchased a map of the area. At the top of the map was a little bird icon that symbolized the kingdom, it was a long ways up from where he was now. Alloy started his climb up, there was a rocky road that spiraled to the top that was littered with holes, chasms, and wrecks. It took hours but eventually he reached the top of the mountain by late afternoon. The place, visually, was a messy place. Destroyed houses, low-maintained roads, broken carts on the sides of roads, and plenty more. No sort of tourist shop was in site, only a bunch of gryphons walking and flying around in mutual silence. Only a few were interacting, mostly with betting games, sales, or small talk. One or two were fighting each-other. Alloy needed information on Dr. Flower's whereabouts, but it didn't seem that anyone would be willing to aid him. He found an older half blind gryphon that was shouting at some youngins.
“Excuse me sir” Alloy coughed a little. The old gryphon kept yelling at the youngsters, “Sir” He says a bit louder.
“What? What? What is it??” The gryphon turns to him.
“Er, I need some help in locating someone.”
“Yeah? And what you think I can help? Well I can! For some bits of course” He says with a greedy smile.
“Depends on if you know about this guy first” Alloy says.
“Fine, tell me who and if I know, you give me the bits yes?” He grins again.
“Deal.”
“You're a pony eh? Haven't seen your kind up here in...Uh I don't remember, heh or care.” The old guy says.
“Right, so this is a pony I'm looking for is a unicorn, he has a pot full of soil as a mark on his flank which ironically is his name as well”
“A flower pot..? Yes...I think I know who! He had a bunch of those damn trouble making mercs with him..” The geezer says and extends his claw had, “Bits for the info” Alloy nods and gives him 10 bits. The gryphon smiles and places the bits in his hat.
“Now, tell me all you can” Alloy says.
“Not here, we don't want to be caught talking about it...well, let's just go. Quickly my home is near here.” He starts to fly slowly, some feathers fall out. Alloy follows him as fast as he can.
The old gryphon's house was not too far away, it was, like the other buildings around them, in ruins. He flew in from the top and open up his cracked door Alloy, “You might as well know my name, folks around here call me Grandpa Gruff.” He closes the door after Alloy enters.
“And I'm Blur.” Alloy sits on a shaky stool.
“What are you really here for? Our idol of gold or something??” Gruff questions him.
“Not at all, I told you, I'm looking for Flower Pot.”
“Ha! I'll tell ya something, that Flower fellow, he was picking around looking for the idol as well!”
“Do you know what for?”
“Eh, beats me! Anyways, Flower came here about a year or two ago. If memory serves me right he came with only himself and bags of bits!” Gruff coughs a little, “At first I thought he was going to get ambushed or something, but he started to shout out for the most ruthless of our mercs to come and join him and get paid. So that's just what happened...”
“Seems like it, where are they hiding out now?”
“There are a few cliff side towns along the mountain, he's usually at one called Old Dragon's Nest”
“You're certain?” Alloy asks.
“Yes! I am, what's your business with him anyways?”
“My business is my own, are there any hotels or inns I could stay at?”
“Yes, a few, but it'll cost you” Gruff chuckles a bit.
“Fine with me. Thanks for the info” Alloy starts to walk out.
“Yeah, just remember it wasn't free!” Old Gruff laughs. Alloy closes the door and starts to walk around the street semi-randomly. He takes out Nott's scroll, it was for a group of gryphons that had some sort of gang symbol. The scroll included instructions for Alloy on code words and such for whenever he encountered a member of the group. As he put it away he began to look around for any gryphon that may carry the symbol. He easily spots one on a gray gryphon who has it marked on his left wing.
Alloy calls out to him, “Signs of the down cast!” He shouts out at him. The gray gryphon turns around with two small firearms ready in claw. Alloy forms a shield of magic which deflect the small barrage of bullets the guns unleash.
The gryphon lands on Alloy's shield making it hard to keep up, “Oh looks like someone's been meddling in things they're not supposed to!” It screeches, “Once your shield collapses, I'll shoot your brains out!” He reloads his guns.
“What are you, trying to get on Notts' bad side or something??” Alloy shouts at it. The gryphon's expression changes to one of sudden surprise.
He gets off Alloy's shield, “He sent you? Fine, put your shields down, you're good” Alloy nods, he takes away his shield, “At least you had good reflexes” He laughs, “Name's Blind Spot, but I suppose you just made a mockery of my name”
“And my name's Blur, that's my job” He says slyly, “I got a message for your leader”
“Great, you can give it to him personally. I'll escort you” Blind says to him. Alloy nods and follows him on hoof.
After sometime they reach a cliff side, “Okay, I'll carry you here on my back” Blind says. Alloy teleports to the other side.
“No need” Alloy says. Blind frowns a little but smiles.
“Alright, good I didn't want to carry you anyways” They continue on for about 20 minutes until they reach a small town. It's actually in better shape than the capital, with it's more patched up building, agriculture, and shops.
“What type of government is there here?” Alloy asks.
“There is none. There are only small local ones, mostly mayor types. Some alliances here and there, but no one is big enough to make any real change. Either way all us gryphons don't really attack each other, we all keep to ourselves and that's that” Blind says. A few little ones come up to Blind and hug him.
“Daddy who dat?” A little gryphon points to Alloy as Blind picks him up.
“That's an associate, go along to mother, it's getting dark now” Blind says to the kid and the other small ones. They all nod and rush away quickly.
“How many kids do you have?” Alloy asks.
“I've have five kids, they're all ten or younger. Enough about them, just keep following me, no more questions, you seem like a tourist or something” Blind frowns a bit. Alloy nods and follows. Nearing the center of the small town, they stop at a random house. Blind knocks, says a few things, and soon the door is opened to them. Inside a bunch of gryphons suited in light armor are sharpening knives along with swords, some have guns, bow & arrows, and other weapons. Others are conversating in a low voice, eating, or drinking. There's a few of them even sleeping in hanging hammocks. Overall, it's like a larger version of Notts' wine base.
Another darker colored gryphon comes up to Alloy and Blind Spot and looks at them with an emotionless face, “Who's this, another random runt that hasn't had the mercy of being killed?” He says in a dark low voice.
“He's a messenger from Notts” Blind Spot replies. The other gryphon looks only at Alloy with his deep black eyes he grabs Alloy by his bag's harness.
“I don't like weak ponies. I don't like any ponies at all. There all below us you got that?” He says to Alloy.
Alloy looks at him dully and says, “Whatever suits you. I'm only here to give the one in charge the needed information” The gryphon sets him down.
“Good. We understand each other. Do something, try anything, and I'll make sure you don't wake up again.” He says ruthlessly. Some of the other gryphons look at the scene but shortly resume they're own business.
“Where's Top Nest at, this unicorn has a message from Notts form him” Blind Spot asks the big guy.
“In his usual spot. Be good or I'll break you, unicorn” He says and leaves them with his final words.
“That's Break Neck, he's one of our strongest warriors here. It's best to not mess with him. Let's keep going, Boss is in his office” Blind says to Alloy. Alloy casually nods and they go on to the very back of the place. Blind knocks on the metal door, there is a buzz and the door unlocks allowing them in. In the middle the room sits a large dark brown gryphon he had on heavy armor and looked as if he was the strongest one amongst them. He stands up.
“Greeting Unicorn. I am Top Nest. I believe you have something to give me?”
Alloy goes up to him, “Yes, here it is” Top takes it.
“It must be important if Notts sent you, he usually makes calls or has a pegaus fly it over here.” Top says then sits down and reads it his eyebrows rise, “Very interesting...looks like we got an important job.” Top turns to Blind, “You go tell the others to come here.” Blind nods and exits. Top now turns to Alloy, “You can stay here as long as you'd like. A friend of Notts is a friend of mine” He smiles.
Alloy grins a little, “I won't take too long here, though I may need one of your warriors to guide me to Old Dragon's Nest.”
“Very well, after this meeting I'll assign someone with you Mr.-”
“Blur.” Alloy replies.
“Yes, Blur. Take a seat we'll have everyone crowd in here soon” Top states. In moments the room is filled with the feathered creatures sitting and making their way in, some pushing others aside and grunting. Top Nest stands up and makes a strange pitched noise that hurts Alloy's ears but silences the other gryphons into attention.
“Now listen hear all!” Top shouts, “We got a mission to do, prepare yourselves! Notts wants us to make our way to Appaloosa and hunt down some traitors” The group begins to mumble amongst themselves. “There's good money to be made, I'll choose who's to go” He says, the gryphons start to smile at the mention of money. “That being said, I need someone to lead this unicorn, Blur, to Old Dragon's Nest. Any volunteers?” Everyone quiets down. Nobody says a word, “Fine. Blind Spot, go with him”
“Sir, I'd like too but-” Blind starts.
“You dare disobey an order!?” Top says with authority. Blind says no more and nods, “Good, that's settled. Blur and Blind leave now, we have more planning to do.” And with that, Blind was now assigned to aid Alloy in his journey.
In Cantorlot, the Grand Galloping Gala had commenced, all three female agents were there, even Lyra had tagged along to spend time with them all.
“BonBon...I don't want to be here..” Sugar says.
“You need to put your emotions away for tonight, we're here to ensure the safety of everyone.” Sweetie says to her.
“I-I..know..but, it hurts” Sugar says.
“Now now, stay with Muffins, I have to take care of Lyra” Sweetie says and leaves her. Sugar sighs and goes with Muffins.
“Isn't it pretty here Sugar?” Muffins smiles and dances a little, “All the fancy ponies are here!”
“Yeah...I guess” Sugar sighs again.
“Oh what's wrong?” Muffins asks the depressed mare.
“I..we need to focus on the mission, don't worry about me Muffins”
“Hmm, okay! But, don't be so sad, this place is a big party!” Muffins smiles and spins her around. Sugar smiles a little then suddenly jumps.
“Wha..what is that..??” She points at a draconequus who is accompanied by a large jello-looking slime ball.
“That's...Discord! And I don't know who that other fellow is, he looks kinda cute though!” Muffins smiles. Sugar is trembling with fear.
“C-cute…?”
“Yeah! Come on we should go greet them!” She smiles.
“No thanks! Um..you can do it” Sugar suggest.
“We have to stick together come on Sugar” Muffins drags her along, but before they reach Discord, the two things teleport away, “Aw, they left!”
“Good! Maybe we should warn BonBon about it!”
“Discord is a friendly being now, don't worry.”
“I heard he was the Lord of Chaos! He was imprisoned in stone!”
“Shh, yeah that's true but he's been reformed” Muffins whispers.
“Wha..I can't believe that..are you sure?” Sugar looks around them, nervous that at any moment Discord might appear behind them.
Muffins sighs and smiles, “If you want we can go tell BonBon, she'll tell you the same thing”
“Yes, let's find her.” Sugar starts to walk, already searching.
After a few minutes, the two find Sweetie and Lyra in a food line. Sweetie looks over to them, “Something happening?” She asks.
“Yes, no..kind of..” Sugar starts.
“Lyra save my spot” Sweetie says to Lyra who nods having already stuffed her mouth with some treats, “What's going on then Sugar and Muffins?”
“Discord is here and Sugar is freaked out” Muffins speaks up.
“Oh, yes. I spoke not to long ago, to Celestia about him and his guest. He's all clear, she asked me to check up on him sometime when I could” Sweetie replies.
“Then..,it's all good??” Sugar asks.
“Yes, but I personally don't trust him to well” Sweetie admits, “I recommend not minding him, focus on any possible Notts agents” Sweetie says and leaves the both.
“It's hard not to focus on that creature...” Sugar closes her eyes.
“Don't worry Sugar, come on let's scout around the entrances” Muffins recommends.
“Fine...” Sugar says, still feeling nervous. Muffins grins,
“It'll all be good, all the powerful ponies are here just in case something happens” They start to go to the less populated areas of the grand party, there were some gates for guards to rush in, other places for escaping in case of emergencies. “We should look through the barracks of the guards, most of them are on duty, so if there's something out of place we may get a lead”
“Do you think somethings going to happen..?” Sugar asks as they both enter a guard door.
“Nah, but if does we'll be ready!” She grins.
“I hope nothing happens...did you see that?!” Sugar jumps as a shadow seemed to have moved from it's spot.
“Saw what?” Muffins looks towards Sugar's direction, “I don't see anything.”
“A shadow...” Sugar thinks back when she saw Alloy and that other stranger slip into a shadow like a phantom, “We...might not be alone..”
“It seems empty here to me” Muffins says, “Hellloooooo!” She shouts aloud. Only her voice echos, “See, nobody.”
“Maybe you're right, I'm just imagining things” Sugar laughs a little, trying to remove the thought. They continue to look around, everything looks in place, there were swords, armor, spears and bedrooms for the guards.
“All clear, let's go to another section” Muffins says. They go past another set of gates to another section of the castle, there was no one anywhere to be seen except outside. Large colored windows showed some outlines of the guard stationed outside the building.
“Who even lives in the castle?” Sugar asks Muffins.
“Celestia, Luna, the servants, and the guards. The usual ponies, oh and the cooks!” Muffins' stomach growls.
Sugar chuckles,“You should have grabbed some food”
“We could go back but maybe there's a kitchen near here!” Muffins says with some excitement, picking up her pace.
“Do you think there's anyone here…?” Just as Sugar asks that a group of servers go past them from a kitchen not to far ahead, “Nevermind”
“Food! Come, to the kitchen!” Muffins flies in the direction from where the servers came from. Sugar speed walked the best she could in the dress she was wearing. At the entrance of the grand kitchen, two guards were stationed.
“Halt!” They guards both say simultaneously.
One continues, “State your names” He takes out a list that Muffins and Sugar can't see what is about.
“She is Sugar and I am Muffins” Muffins speaks up.
“I asked both of you to state your names” He says rudely.
“Agent Muffins. Soldier” Muffins frowns. The guard looks at his list.
“Agent...excuse me, my apologies” He says, “Is there something going on?”
“Agent Sugar and I were just stopping by to get a quick snack, hope you don't mind” Muffins says with a firmness in her voice that Sugar never thought was possible.
“Yes, of course” The guard both step aside and allow them entrance.
Sugar stares at Muffins, “We..can do that?”
“Hmm? Yeah hehe, I don't like doing it but sometimes it's necessary” Muffins smiles. She start to lift her nose and sniff around the kitchen, chefs and cooks are hard at work preparing various meals for the Gala's guest. “Don't be shy, get something Sugar” Muffins says as she herself takes a cupcake and consumes it.
“Are you sure?” Sugar asks, she herself being hungry.
“Here!” Muffins stuffs Sugar's face with a cupcake. The others in the room don't pay much mind to the two intruders, both begin to eat more and more from the plates being prepared.
“This food-” Sugar munches, “Is so...good!”
“For sure!” Muffins eats more, “Okay okay...we need to get back to work now” Muffins cleans her face. Sugar nods but sees a shadow near them move again. She jumps, bumping into Muffins, “You okay?”
“Hu? I saw the shadow again..” Sugar swallows.
“If you see it again then you may have a point..” Muffins whispers to her. Sugar nods nervously. After cleaning up, the gals leave the kitchen and proceed back to main hall. There is a little dance going on in the middle, most are enjoying themselves. Discord can be seen with the gooey creature roaming around attempting to speak with Fluttershy and this hippie-dressed mare. Both Sugar and Muffins go on and mingle into the dance.
Alloy and Blind Spot were both on a hike to Old Dragon's Nest, the day had now become night. The only light source was Luna's light from the moon and the far off the stars. Occasionally on their walk they'd see a few small farm lands, barns or even more smaller villages. It seemed that every other town was in better shape than the capitol. The gryphons were not moping around, they were moving on with their lives. Though they were all in slight poverty and rude, they continued to live with fallen pride. “I don't know much about this kingdom and why it's in shape it is, is there something you can tell me about it Blind?” Alloy asks.
“If it keeps you company, fine. Let me tell you why we are in the state we are in now” He coughs a little, “Now, the reason the capitol is utter trash is because we had a big golden thing, a sort of idol that represented our prideful people, the gem of our high point. A creature stole it and fell into a dangerous ravine and was never heard of it again. After that the gryphons became depressed, someone had taken what all cherished the most. Riots occurred, trade stopped, and the government collapsed. Years passed, and all that remains are clans. We had a line of kings, the last being after the treasure was taken. Nobody has taken the throne, probably because it's not worth ruling this place”
“Quite the story, is there any major things that may cause conflict”
“Not that I know of, everyone keeps to themselves. If you get in a fight, it's your fault and you deal with it alone. Unless of course, your clan helps you, but I wouldn't rely on it. It's best to stick out for yourself and your family.”
“I see, it's a dog eat world here” Alloy says.
“That's the way it always been Unicorn, though your kingdom may appear well, there is always conflict, even if it's non-violent. It's the way the world works” Blind says as he stares slightly into the night sky. Alloy nods in agreement.
“We'll stop here for the night” Blind says as they see the lights of a small town. When they reach the town gate, one guard opens the door,
“State your business!” He orders.
“We're looking for a place to stay, we have bits” Blind says.
“Paying passers are welcomed” The gate opens revealing the inner small town, it is lined with a market area (closed for the night) and several homes. “None of these places are cheap Blur, so expect to pay a hefty amount”
“I got that covered, how about yourself?” Alloy asks.
“I have no need of a bed, I'll sleep outside.” Blind says.
“I'll pay for you, besides it smells like it'll rain tonight” Alloy offers.
“You'll pay? That's a first. In that case, I'll take a bed at the inn” Blind smiles. Alloy opens the door of the nearest in, just then a pegaus mare is thrown out from there.
“You bunch of feathered bastards!” She shakes her hooves at the inn keeper who slams the door. Alloy picks her up.
“Are you okay ma'am?” Alloy asks her.
“Do I look okay??” She dusts off her leather jacket and lights a cigar. She takes a second look at Alloy, “Say what are you doing here? I haven't seen any other pony around here in a long time”
“Just traveling” Alloy states.
“Must be a heck of a tourist to end up in this junk yard” She says. Blind frowns, “No offence to you, big guy” She says to Blind.
“Are you done talking to this...thing?” Blind asks Alloy.
“Almost, here take some bits and buy the rooms” Alloy gives Blind the bits. He gladly takes it and goes inside the inn.
“You're traveling with a gryphon? I often do that myself, unfortunately they're all about the shiny bits.” She chuckles, “I myself am out of bits, figures, I was robbed!” She frowns and spits at the ground, then puffs some smoke.
“That's a real tough spot. What are you doing here?” Alloy asks.
“I live here, if you can believe that. My brother, A, left me here to sell arms”
“A is your brother? I know that sly guy, I did some business with him.”
“Is he still a cowardly wimp?”
“Sure is” Alloy says, they both chuckle.
“Glad to know he's still alive, I haven't heard from him in a few months.”
“That's because he's supposed to be dead, he's been keeping a low profile.” Alloy says, he starts to walk, she follows him.
“Dead?? What the hell did that bloke get into this time?” She asks.
“Apparently he had some loose ends that didn't quite get tied up” Alloy says.
“How do you know this?”
“I can't say, for my own security, but he's alive. At least I think, I haven't seen him in a few weeks, which is good”
“Oh...well, I reckon I should go find him” She limps ahead of him.
“Are you sure? You don't look like you're in the condition to do so” Alloy says.
“Of course I'm not, I can't even fly anymore, my wing fractured a while ago and there aren't any cheap doctors to fix me up” She sighs and continues to the gates.
“Stop. Let me help you, you can't go on like this” Alloy says to her. She turns to him.
“You would..?” She then laughs, “Don't be joking around with a disabled mare, I can take care of myself” She frowns.
“I try not to joke about these matters, I may not know you, but I know you need help. Here.” He tosses her a bag of bits, “This should be enough for your travel expenses”
She looks at the bag and picks it up, “T-thank you...what's your name?”
“Blur, and yours?” He asks.
“Ranna. Thanks a million Blur.” She smiles and leaves the town. Alloy grins a little and returns to the inn.
End of Chapter 16.