113 - Don’t you Dare!
Extended Holiday
Ch 113: Don’t you Dare!
Act 17
One advantage to having a Black Tip for a messenger, Grif mused to himself as he sorted letters and correspondence from the empire, was that he no longer had to worry about any of the contents being false information from intercepted messages. He separated everything between military information regarding the coup, information in regards to Grask’s supporters (those that still lived, anyway), and updates on the status of the Farflyer clan and the new Winds Father. Strangely enough, when all was sorted, Grif found himself with one envelope left over.
It was a deep scarlet red affair with heavy gold filigree around the edges and the lip. It held no words other than To The Bladefeather Clan. The wax seal was gold, and proudly displayed Daedalus’ seal. Grif was just about to break the seal when the sound of someone at his door took his attention.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Pensword shouted as he waved an open letter in his wing. “I thought I would be done with this empire business,” he seethed. “What the buck did you drag me into now?”
“I take it I’m missing something?” Grif asked.
Pensword’s eye twitched as he noticed the letter in Grif’s hand. “OPEN IT!” he shouted, pointing to the envelope. “I don’t know which is worse, facing Gryphons that want to eat me or a fanboy Emperor.”
“Pensword, sit down and take a breath while I read this, or so help me, I will get your wife in here to force you to calm down,” Grif said as he broke the seal with a claw.
“That’s the problem. He is requesting my ENTIRE FAMILY! MY CLAN! From Moon River to my Gryphon sons!” Pensword roared back.
“SIT DOWN, AND BREATHE!” The air rippled, causing Grif’s voice to echo far louder than Pensword’s own.
Pensword did as instructed, but his face remained screwed into a frustrated snarl as he looked over the letter again.
“Thank you,” Grif said as he pulled out his piece of folded parchment flipped it open and read.
To the leader of the Bladefeather Clan, Grif Grafson Bladefeather, Avatar of Winds, Savior of the Emperor:
You are hereby requested to be in attendance for the wedding ceremonies of his holiness, Emperor Daedalus, and Lady Melody Prophetess on the thirty fifth of November of this year. Due to the travel required, your lodgings and food shall be taken care through the emperor's own estate. The emperor has requested that you bring no gift, save your blessing on his union. He looks forward to your attendance.
Yours in honor and glory,
~Ian Farflyer, acting steward of the Western Fortress.
“Daedalus has invited us to his wedding. That’s to be expected, I suppose,” Grif noted.
“But I’m the Demon. Why would he want me or any of my blood to be at the wedding, let alone, and I quote, ‘those who have mixed their blood with yours and become your warriors of old?’ I mean, how would he. . . ?” Pensword facehoofed. “Prophetess. How else would he know they insisted on that ceremony on the Giant? How would he know I have Gryphons as sons? And he wants Moon River and my three Thestral ghosts.” His eyes widened, and he began to tremble. “He even wants Lunar Fang there. Literally, the entire Pen clan will be there, plus Cosy, most likely, meaning the blood of the Demon could be wiped out.”
“Highly unlikely,” Grif cut in. “We’re being invited for support, not for an ambush.” He shrugged, and scribbled something on a piece of parchment, then sent it away via dragon fire. “He just survived a coup, and is still outing conspirators. He’s inviting us because he knows he can trust us. After all, the three of us were instrumental in his escape.”
“I know, I know, but this is me on a solo mission. This is me literally trusting a Gryphon that did not give an oath to stuff a pillow for me. I hardly even know him, Grif. Do you realize the trust I have to give, the image this could bring?” He broke off as he pondered that himself. His eyes narrowed. “Clever. That clever Emperor. If he shows that the Demon is at his call, who would really risk standing against him?” He chuckled despite himself as a respectful smile pulled at the edges of his face.
“Well, he is named Daedalus. But, honestly, I think you’re only weighing half the scale on this. There are risks on his end, too, and rewards on ours.”
“Oh?” Pensword asked as he borrowed Hammer Strike’s trademark brow raise.
“Well he’s not inviting Celestia, or Luna, nor an emissary of the Solar Court. This is the first time a Pony has been invited to an imperial wedding,” Grif took a moment to run the figures, “in four hundred years. This could be considered outright Thestral favoritism, if not favoritism toward the Lunar Court. That means it gives you, the court, and Luna a measure of unexpected power.”
Pensword shook his head in disbelief. “That ... Taze– I mean Grif,” he blinked in wonderment. “And it might, and would legitimize–.” He paused. “This is a lot to take in. I think I am going to have to talk with Lunar Fang and Fox Feather about this, not to mention the children, and the Demon Slayers.” He shook his head again. “So much to do.” He paused to look over his invitation once more. “Grif, there are a few gray areas that I don’t quite understand. Could I trouble you for some clarifications?”
“Ask away.” Grif nodded.
“I adopted the original Gryphon Slayers, the Ponies, as part of my clan, seeing as we were brothers and sisters in war. Does that mean I have to bring them as well?”
“Not quite,” Grif noted. “I’m expected to bring my family, but bringing the entire clan would be too much. The same should apply to you. Bring those closest to you, but not the whole tribe.”
Pensword gave a flat look to Grif. “Better stick with blood relations then. The Demon Slayers are close to me, but I think it would likely be better not try to give the Emperor’s guards a heart attack on the first day.”
“It’ll be okay. Heck, we won’t even be gone that long,” Grif offered as his friend headed for the door.
“Well, that is good, but plan for double time anyway. You know how it seems to go when we go off someplace. Maybe we should see if we could make a certain stop on the way home? I Think Cosy would enjoy it,” he noted as he stood, and stretched. “Let me know what you decide. I have some preparations to make.” With that Pensword left the room, and closed the door behind him.
Grif returned to musing over the letter for a time as he waited. He could hear the sound of approaching steps as the rhythm of many many steps echoed outside his door. He shrugged, and continued to wait. After all, Shrial and Avalon would know better than to knock, if they needed to talk to him. And if it was someone else, so much the better. He could use the distraction.
The door opened gingerly as Avalon and Shrial entered, each cradling one of the twins in their arms.
“These girls are as stubborn as their father,” Shrial whispered with a smirk.
“Wouldn’t go to sleep until we rocked them ourselves,” Avalon finished as she gazed lovingly down at Athena.
“So what’s this all about, Grif?” Shrial asked as she rocked Gentle Wing, even as the young Gryphoness cooed and purred in pleasure. “Pensword looked pretty upset.”
“Sit down, girls. We have a few things we need to discuss,” Grif said as he gestured to the empty chairs. “And you both look ready to drop.”
Both Gryphonesses sighed in relief as they laid themselves onto the chairs in question.
“They’re quite the handful,” Avalon said. “Were we ever this bad as cubs, do you think?”
“We must have been at one point,” Shrial said. “Where else would they get it from?” They each looked up at Grif.
“I was raised by a grizzled old warrior. Do you really think Graf bothered telling me if I was a handful or not?” Grif chuckled a bit, and then his face grew serious as he looked at Avalon. “How are you? How's the baby?”
“We’re both fine, Grif. I’m sure he’ll be healthy and strong when he comes, just like his father,” Avalon assured him as she placed a free hand on her side.
“You two need to read this.” Grif handed over the invitation. “Normally, I wouldn’t consider having you travel at this late point, but these are . . . unique circumstances.”
Avalon quirked an eyebrow as she read over the contents. “Grif, are you trying to play politics?” she asked as she handed the message over to Shrial.
“Avalon, our society has three beings who hold the lion’s share of the sway over how things go: the Winds Father, the Emperor, and the Avatar. Daedalus has shown how stupidly well named he is with this move. If I don’t show up, it makes it look like I don’t support him, and that I, who saved him during the coup, have no sense of loyalty. He has to watch his back for the rest of his life, and I have to deal with the possibility of Gryphonia sending people after us again. You know that I’d wade through a sea of blood to keep all of you safe. Unfortunately, instead, fate has deemed I put on a show.”
“And what about Cheshire?” Avalon asked pointedly.
“She has a point, Grif. Chesh is a lot further along,” Shrial agreed.
“Chesh is the leader of her own family at this point. As close as we are, she must decide for her, and the baby, and we must decide for us.” Grif sighed. “Honestly, if it were my choice, I’d tell her not to go, but do you think she’ll listen?”
“Well, she can’t necessarily object if we were to drug her,” Avalon noted. “She does seem to be rather fixated on her tea lately.”
“Avalon!” Shrial objected.
“Can you think of a better way to get her to stay behind? She’d just sneak aboard otherwise, and who knows what that could do to her baby.”
“And in the trade off would be a certain Zebra shamaness who would haunt me for the rest of my life if I dared drug a pregnant female. Seeing as she can manipulate actual spirits, I don’t want to take that chance,” Grif pointed out.
“So confirm she’s dead asleep, then hightail it out of here?” Shrial asked.
“For now, let's just confirm this part. Are you girls willing to go on this trip with me, Kalima, and Thalia to the empire for this? And are we agreed, if so, to bring the twins?” Grif asked.
“We’d need a rather special set of guards, if we’re going to bring the twins with us,” Avalon mused. “You know how tricky they can be together. Why, if they were to team up with Moon River. . ..”
All three of them shuddered.
“Did you have anyone in mind? I know the twins have been strangely fond of Gilda,” Grif noted as he shuffled through some papers.
“Afraid not, Darling. Gilda is certainly a possible choice, though we’re not sure how well she’ll do dealing with the children. She’s never had to babysit before, from what we understand,” Shrial said.
“I’d suggest we try one of our new additions to the family, but to do so would likely put their lives in danger, and draw a larger target on our backs.” Avalon frowned. “That really is rather frustrating.”
“Well, we could request guards from inside the empire. I’m sure your brother would be happy to lend us some, Avalon,” Grif noted.
“What an excellent idea! The girls should get the chance to know their extended family,” Avalon agreed.
“As long as they can put up with their antics. They’ll have to be incredibly clever,” Shrial pointed out. “Otherwise, Athena will run circles around them, and outfly them with her eyes closed and one wing tied behind her back.”
“Well, Avalon’s family is known for having a lot of cubs, so I’m sure they must have people trained for that sort of thing. Isn’t that right, dear?”
Avalon shrugged. “One can only hope.”
“Well then, I suggest you girls make time to see if Rarity can design a couple of dresses for the both of you.” Grif chuckled. “We’ll be leaving on the Gantrithor on the twenty-second.”
“Well, I guess that cancels my plans for the tower for the next few months,” Avalon said with a chuckle. “Ready to play some chess with the empire, Shrial?”
“Of course,” Shrial said with a smirk. “Once we get these two into bed, let’s go strategize a bit, hmm?”
“I like the way you think.”
Grif grinned as he kissed each of his wives on the cheek. “I love my family.”
Pensword walked into Hammer Strike’s office, and his ear twitched as he heard the nib of the quill scratching against the parchment. “Uh, Shawn? I’ve got something to tell you,” he said, not caring whether he was Pony or human. He just felt like he needed to use the human name. Besides, there weren’t any Ponies around to hear it.
Hammer Strike paused his writing as he looked to Pensword. “Yes?”
“We, as in Lunar Fang, Fox Feather, Moon River, the Gryphons I brought from Gryphonia, Grif, his wives, and his cubs have just received a wedding invitation from Emperor Daedalus. That means we’ll need to be heading off while you and Rarity do your honeymoon thing. I wanted to give you a heads up, because, when I tell my wives, I doubt I would get the chance to tell you this for a day or two at least. So, I wanted to give you a heads up. I’ve got my acting officer picked out already, but while I am gone, you can utilize any of the Thestrals for any projects you might need, unless, of course, you have some invite as well, and we don’t know about it.”
He scuffed his hooves on the stony floor. “I was … hoping we could schedule another training session, too. I think I am ready to advance to the next step. I can see or sense the fields, I can make and break down crystals, and, well I am getting good at it.” He took a moment to shuffle through his pockets, before pulling out two crystals and laying gently on the desk. “I made these this morning as part of my morning exercises. I think the field is helping keep Matthew better. I only wish I’d chosen to start sooner. When I take the time to think about it, I think the main reason I was so stubborn about it was because I wanted to learn how to do it as a human, not as a Pony, if that makes any sense.”
“Pony or human, it doesn’t matter. In the end, it depends on the field surrounding the user.”
“Right,” Pensword agreed. “So when is the next lesson? I doubt Grif can teach me while we are away, and, uh, you're not saying anything about the news that we are heading back to the Gryphon Empire.”
“The next major lesson will take time to teach, so that will come at a later point, when your your field is sufficiently strong in accordance with my standards. As for your trip back to the Gryphon empire, I assumed it was bound to happen based on the events I heard from your last trip. Sure, the wedding part surprises me, but aside from that, I knew a return trip was pretty much inevitable.”
“Yeah,” Pensword muttered. “Uh, Shawn, if you don’t mind my asking, well the Matthew part of me and the Pensword part of me, we both want to try and reconnect. Since the thaumic field stuff is going so well, we’d like to know. Can we start again? I mean, we kind of stand on the same footing now, but I ... I am sorry for being so distant and stubborn.”
Hammer Strike shrugged. “We’ve all been busy, and our conversations have dwindled, but it’s just the nature of things. If you want to chat, I’m typically in here. You just need to visit with a topic to discuss.”
“Agreed. I just… don’t know that many topics, I suppose. I guess I am worried about talking history and Earth. I suppose I should try to come up with a topic for next time.” He frowned. “Matthew was always so good at small talk. I seem to still view conversation as a tool for battle, instead of social interaction.” He sighed, and shook his head, before looking back at his friend. “So, I guess I’ll bring the tea and sugar cane, and we talk later?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Pensword nodded. “Then I guess I will see you later. Wish me luck with the girls. I think I might need it.” With that, he saluted, and did an about face, before leaving the room. He felt a little better now, knowing that Hammer Strike was open to conversation again, but he still had absolutely no clue what to talk about. Maybe the girls could give him some ideas as they prepared for the wedding.
Vital Spark smiled as he reviewed his handiwork, or hoofwork as the case turned out to be in this world. A towering statue of Discord in mid-self-glorification stood before him with a small tea table laid out in front of him. A smiling Fluttershy looked up at him with rapt and patient attention as she poured her cup from the kettle.
“I think I’ll call you Tea with Chaos Cakes, or maybe Madman’s Tea? Two Lumps of Chaos? Yes, I like that one.” He shot out two concentrated bursts of magic to create two falling ice cubes that rested on top of the tea cup in Discord’s free hand as the “liquid” sloshed over the side. Vital Spark grinned. “Who’d have thought honing my casting could be so much fun!” And then, just like that, everything disappeared in a flash of light, and a sudden sense of dizziness, along with the scent of slightly singed fur notified him that he had just been forcefully teleported.
“Hello, Vital Spark. It’s been a while.” Celestia’s familiar motherly voice drifted across the room, and tickled at the white Unicorn’s ears. Not a difficult feat, considering the fact they were still ringing, and trying to readjust.
“Vital Spark shook his head to try and regain some semblance of his normal composure. Surprisingly, it actually worked. He made a mental note to investigate cartoon physics and actions to see if there was a magical correlation to them in this universe. “Um, Celestia, why did you just take me from New Unity in the middle of my study session?”
“To check up on your progress, of course,” Celestia said as she rose from her throne. The grand hall was surprisingly devoid of any form of life. “And to invite the two of you to tea.”
“Two?”
“I’m sure she should be along any minute now,” Celestia said with an impish smirk.
“You have a lot of gall stealing my student, Celestia,” Clover’s voice thundered through the hall as she appeared in a bright flash of light. “I don’t care what Ponies around here call you now. I was one of the ones who helped put that tiara on your head, and those pounds on your flank, and you will show me respect.”
“I am sorry for the inconvenience, Clover, but this seemed the only way to actually get your attention. With everything that’s happened, we haven’t had the time to properly catch up. And besides that, I needed to borrow Vital Spark to discuss some matters of state involving the human world. That, and I’ll admit I wanted to actually spend some time to get to know Vital better,” she said as she summoned up a tea tray, and several jars, pots, and urns. “I thought these might help alleviate some of your sores over my little prank. A certain someone told me you were in need of some rather rare ingredients for your experiments.”
Clover begrudgingly accepted the offerings. “Be that as it may, Celestia, rest assured, this will not happen again. Star Swirl designed many wards you never saw, even ones capable of stopping an Alicorn with a hyped up ego from taking what she wants.”
Celestia sighed. “Ever the grumpy guss. Come on, Clover. Luna and I have been dying to catch up with you for ages. She would have spent some time with you in the dream realm, were it not for the wards you placed over your mind on the astral plane. She can’t even knock. You and Star Swirl were the Uncle and Aunt we never had, you know. Why not give us the chance to treat you like one from one adult to another?”
“You spilled a cup of blood, and lost your taste for battle, Celestia. Tell me, how do you think Luna would wade in the ocean I have spilled in my time? How would she survive the horrors that inhabit it?”
“You do realize this is Luna we’re talking about,” Celestia pointed out. “She enjoys battle, and relishes the chance to vanquish nightmares and horrors.”
“Yes. And the one time she visited The Doctor’s dreams, she cried for a week straight, and devoured enough ice cream that milk saw a stock rise for the next decade.”
“And you’re claiming yours are worse than his?” Celestia countered.
“No, but I could claim they aren't that much better. The things I did under Star Swirl alone would drive most to insanity. The people we killed, the creatures we contracted, the deals we made.”
“Clover, you’re being too hard on yourself,” Vital said with concern as he furrowed his brow.
“We shall see,” Clover said.
“Um . . . how can we see?” Vital asked, somewhat confused. “Isn’t the past the past?”
Clover sighed. “Bring me a mirror. I suppose it’s time we worked on this kind of thing anyway.”
“Aren’t you going to at least enjoy a cup of tea first?” Celestia asked as she conjured a mirror from the ether.
“One can learn while drinking tea just as easily as not,” Clover said. “Tell me, Vital, where are your memories?”
“Well, that depends. Are you referring to long term or short term memory? Both are located in the frontal lobes of the brain.”
“And where are those lobes located?” Clover asked him.
“I’m pretty sure I just said they were in the front,” Vital said with a deadpan expression.
“And what is the window into the soul?”
“The eyes?”
“So, if memories are contained at the front of the brain, and the eyes are the window into the soul, how would you project a memory?” she asked.
“And I assume that’s why you wanted a mirror.”
Clover nodded. “What will it be? A great battle, maybe? Consorting with a fallen god? Bargaining with a demi-lich?” she wondered, running her hoof down the mirror's surface.
“Is that how you were poisoned?” Vital asked.
“Not on this planet.” She shook her head.
“Slitheen?” he guessed.
“I’ll tell you another time. I think I know a fitting memory. Not as horrific as some, but possibly dark enough to prove my point.” Her horn ignited, and her eyes began to glow as a speck of light appeared on the mirror's surface. It held for a minute, before it began to grow, pressing outwards, until it claimed the entirety of the reflected surface. It was black for a moment, before it brightened enough for Vital to make out the room. It seemed to be some type of dungeon. From the mirror’s point of view, he could see familiar colored bangs hanging just on the edges of vision, with the tip of a horn jutting out, indicating they were seeing this memory as Clover had, which made sense.
“Are we really going to meet him?” Clover asked in a voice that sounded barely older than a filly, a voice filled with excitement and fear.
“If he decides to come. You must remember, young Clover, that a creature such as this is not a wisp or a sprite to comes at your beck and call. If he decides to grant you an audience, you must be sure to be respectful,” an old gray Unicorn spoke up. It took a moment to realize it was Star Swirl with a notably shorter beard, and streaks of black in his greying mane. He wore neither his cape nor his hat, and seemed to be finishing drawing a diagram on the floor. “Now prepare yourself.”
Without more than a few seconds for Clover to prepare herself, Star Swirl’s horn blazed brightly, and the diagram lit up. The stone in the center began to turn red, and then it almost seemed to melt and swirl. An unearthly moan rose through the chamber as the newly created magma whirlpool began to expand. Hooves began pushing outwards: skeletal hooves from a multitude of shrieks of pain and moans of anguish, all of them burning. Soon the magma pool was massive, and Clover shrank back from the heat. The familiar glow of her magic pressed out from her horn to create a heat shield. The magma swirled faster and faster, and with it the flailing hooves, moans, and shrieks increased dramatically. After what seemed like a horrific eternity, the hooves retracted as a large clawed hand shot out of the mass, and grabbed the lip of the pool. Its twin arrived a moment later to repeat the action.
With a roar of exertion, a figure climbed from the pool. It stood upright like a minotaur, but instead of bull legs, it stood on overly large and muscular goat legs with long black cloven hooves. Its entire bottom half was covered in angry red fur. It’s top half, however, was bare, and covered in irritated, almost scaly red burnt skin. It’s large muscular arms hung almost to the ground, and it’s paws were tipped with large curved, vicious-looking claws. Its face was somewhat like a Pony’s, yet undeniably like an ape’s, and yet the wide snout with the ringed nose reminded her of a bull’s face as well. Six horns jutted out the back of its head. The ugly things seemed to curve every which way. It’s snout possessed four jutting downward fangs, and a matching four pushing upwards. It growled lightly, showing off viciously pointed teeth. However, of all the terrifying traits this creature had, the most startling feature was its eyes. They glowed like fire in the low light, but didn’t offer the feeling of warmth or light. It seemed the more one looked into its eyes, the more one could hear Ponies screaming in agony as they burned.
“You have called me, Star Swirl. You have called, and I have answered.” Its voice was gravelly, and made Clover shudder with the feeling of flesh burnt in the sun, despite the protection of her shield.
“Thank you for your benevolence, Lord Ifrit, he who scolds, he who burns, he who ends,” Star Swirl said. Even his aged voice was somewhat shaky. Clover gulped, and did her best not to collapse as she attempted a shaky bow. She failed.
At that moment the image in the mirror vanished as Clover repressed the memory. “I’m sorry, but what was spoken in that chamber is not mine to relinquish,” she told the tea table. “But trust me when I say Lord Ifrit was, by far, one of the milder creatures I’ve met.”
“You know, I never imagined him acting like that. I suppose it depends on the reflection of the world he’s called to, and his individual relationship with various summoners,” Vital mused.
“Summons of that type are all of that kind,” Clover said “The hooves I saw that day were those who broke the terms of their contract, and were punished. Lady Shiva of Ice has a garden of frozen Ponies, and Lord Ramuh submits them to endless shocks.”
“Their bodies, or their souls?”
“Yes.”
“Have you been able to get on good terms with them? I’m sure there must be some summoners who’ve been able to befriend them before,” Vital mused.
“There may have been once, a long time ago,” Celestia said, “but if there are, they are long since lost to memory.”
“I wonder if that might not be why they act the way they do. Having your trust broken like that so many times must really hurt,” Vital said.
“They are the rulers of their elements,” Clover said. “When you’re ready, I think Lady Shiva will find you particularly interesting.”
“Because I had ice for my main aspect without having to compound in the first place?”
Clover nodded.
Vital shuddered as he took a long swig of warm tea. “Why do I get the feeling I might get freezer burn?”
“You don’t dance with the flames, and expect not to get burnt.” Clover shrugged.
“I pray you never have to experience it for yourself, Vital Spark,” Celestia said ruefully. “It is never pleasant, and often fatal.”
“What a joyous way to start off a tea party discussion. I’m sure it’ll get loads better from here,” Vital said as he rolled his eyes.
Both Ponies stared at him for a moment, and then Clover’s mouth began to curve into a smile. “Maybe it will at that,” she said as she took a drink from her cup.
Pensword entered his suite and looked around with invitation in wing as he sought out his wives and daughter. It was possible they had yet to return from their outing, since little Moon River still had to check on her troops. The thought of that brought a smile to his muzzle. Not even a year old yet, and already a leader.
“Something wrong, Pensword?” Lunar Fang asked as she approached him. “You look tense.”
He gulped. “I need to wait for Fox Feather and the children to arrive.” His his left ear turned as he heard said children and wife entering the room from behind. “Right.” He gulped as he sat down, and motioned his family to sit as well. Then he cleared his throat. “I have an announcement to make. I just received a letter from a very powerful political figure, and I want to get your opinions on it before I take any definitive action.” He cleared his throat, and began to read.
“To the Great Knight Commander High Duke of Fille De Ys, Moonkissed Pensword, along with his wives, Lieutenant Colonel High Dutchess Luna’s favored Lunar Fang, and Captain of the Proud Gryphon Slayers, she who slayed fifty Gryphons and second wife of Pensword, Fox Feather, with the current heir and betrothed Moon River to Prince Bellacosa of the Crystal Empire, along with your recently adopted sons: Baron Cristo, Great swordsmith Inigo, and the White Death Day Moon.
You are hereby requested to be in attendance for the wedding ceremonies of His Holiness Emperor Daedalus and Lady Melody Prophetess, for the thirty fifth of november of this year. Due to the travel required, your lodgings and food shall be taken care of by the emperor's own estate. The emperor has requested that you bring no gift, He also wishes that you dare not bring any flags, as they are rightful conquest, and yours by right of blood.
Yours in honor and glory,
~Ian Farflyer, acting steward of the Western Fortress.
Post Script: When we say to bring your family, we also mean those who have mixed their blood with yours and become your warriors of the old ways.”
Pensword looked to his family, and the children. “Yeah, half of this scares me, if for no other reason than it was written and transcribed by what we Thestrals call the gift of the sight beyond the years. So, yeah. We’ve been invited to a wedding, and Grif and Hammer Strike both seem to agree we should go. I will be informing the Gryphons soon, but I would like to know your thoughts on the matter first.”
“Didn’t you fight to save this Daedalus? Why would such an invite make you so tense?” Lunar Fang asked as she settled onto some spare cushions.
“Because, while it shows that it is unprecedented for the empire to even invite a mortal Pony, the last time a royal invite like this happened, they tried to kill Celestia. Also, the emperor and his wife were killed that same day after the vows. I am uncertain that I can guarantee absolute safety. Secondly, my role as the Demon, to them, is changing. Could it be that they see me now as a trained attack dog for Daedalus, could it be a way to try and tame the Demon’s soul?” He sighed, and shook his head tiredly. “Or it could be I am just worrying about nothing.”
Fox Feather grinned. “Or maybe you still can’t forget that the last orders from the empire concerning you was to be a head guest at the table,” she said as she struggled not to snark at her own joke. When she regained her composure, she leveled with him. “Pensword, you need to get over it. Daedalus is a progressive. He wants to institute change in the empire for the better, not murder you and our children. If you want my opinion, I say we should go. Besides,” she smirked, “I personally want to see how many Gryphons I can drink under the table.”
Pensword facehoofed at his mate. “If it wasn’t for how much it took to make you even drunk, I would worry for you, my dear wife.” He looked to the children. “Inigo, Day Moon, Cristo, what do you say?”
The three looked at each other before looking at their Thestral Father. “I think–,” Inigo began.
“I want to know why they put those fancy words in front of our names,” Cristo shot out.
Day Moon looked confusedly at his adopted parent. “Why do you call yourself a demon? You’re not mean, you don’t spread hate, and you’re damned or evil, so why do you call yourself that?”
Pensword looked at Day Moon with a sad smile. “I will tell you during our walk later today, all right?” Day Moon nodded his agreement, and Pensword took a deep breath. “Right. Enough talk of fears and future weddings. Shall we have some food before the day gets any later?” A rousing chorus of cheers and nods met that suggestion; however, much to Pensword’s concern, little Moon River was not among them. She remained still and pensive. He didn’t know why, but, for some reason, that sent a shiver through his body from tip to tail.
“So, Rainbow, let me get this straight.” Grif leaned back in his office chair. “Despite the fact that we barely get along, you came here to ask me for a favor?”
Rainbow Dash chuckled awkwardly. “Yeah.”
“Because the next Daring Do book got delayed.”
“Uhuh.”
“So you can use my airship to get the six of you to A.K. Yearling’s hideaway.”
“Well. . ..”
“So you can demand her to publish the book when it's convenient for you?”
“When you put it that way–.”
Grif let out a long sigh. “Couldn’t you guys just take a train, or the hot air balloon, or an Equestrian airship?”
Rainbow chuckled awkwardly again. “Well, you see, Daring’s hideaway’s kinda off the beaten path. And there’s a forest, and mountains, and all kinds of stuff between here and there. If we took the train, we’d still need to hike the rest of the way for a few days, and while I’m not scared, you know Fluttershy might feel better if we had some . . . skilled help?”
“As a professional courtesy, I should be saying no outright, but, somehow, I think if I do say no, you girls will just find another way to do so.” He rubbed the bridge of his beak. “Give me an hour to talk to Pensword and Hammer Strike, okay?”
“A whole hour?” Rainbow groaned.
“Take it or leave it,” Grif said, not even waiting for a response as he got to his feet, and headed for the door. As he left the office, he gave a low chuckle as he heard the distinct sound of disgruntled grumbling from within.
Grif had only made his way down the western hallway when he found Hammer Strike out and about, while a servant rattled on with all kinds of paperwork. “Huh. They finally managed to pin you down for that stuff, huh?” Grif asked.
Hammer Strike glanced over for a moment. “Indeed.”
“So I’m willing to bet what I have to talk to you about is more ridiculous than any of the requests you’ve got in that paperwork pile.”
“Does it involve anyone from Canterlot?”
“No. Worse. Ponyville.”
“I thought today was Thursday.”
“Well, Rainbow is in my office right now. Apparently. . ..” Grif proceeded to tell the story as it had been told to him. “And so, now she wants us to use the Gantrithor to intrude upon this author's privacy, so she can complain about a book getting delayed.”
It took a moment, before Hammer Strike replied. “Worst part is, she would do this, even if declined.”
“A fact I verbally mentioned was the only reason I didn’t say no outright.” Grif nodded in agreement. He looked to the servant with the paperwork, and casualty motioned for the two of them to have privacy. “If you’ve been reading the reports I’ve been forwarding to you, then you probably can guess why ‘A.K. Yearling’ is late with her book. How do we handle this?”
He sighed. “It’d be best to go along with this. She would only put her friends and herself in danger by going by themselves.”
“Lets keep it just the three of us, then. Possibly Conor, if he decides to go, but I don’t think taking a full company would send the best image.”
“Would it be best to bring the three of us all together? Something could happen here while we’re gone. As statistically unlikely as it is, it’s still a possibility.”
“That's why we’re leaving Lunar Fang and Clover,” Grif noted. “Between the two of them, they could keep things running until we get back. Also, considering the amount of things that could happen, I’d rather have you there.”
Hammer Strike sighed once again. “Running the Gantrithor with a four-member team is certainly going to be interesting.”
“We’ve done it before. Heck, you’ve done it with less. We’re not even leaving Equestria.”
Hammer Strike sighed. “All right. I’ll be sure to pack my tools, just in case. When did you want to leave?”
“It’s Rainbow Dash.” Grif rolled his eyes. “It’ll take a bare minimum of three hours to get the Gantrithor ready, and she’ll probably have an aneurysm before the end of it as is. You get packed up. I’ll get Pensword, talk to Conor, and then start the pre-flight.”
“Got it.”
“Pensword’s going to freak when he hears this.” Grif chuckled to himself as he left.
“And so, now Rainbow Dash wants us to take them to A.K. Yearling's place in the north on the Gantrithor, so she can complain about a late publishing date.” Grif sighed as he finished the story. He had found Pensword on the parade grounds running drills with some of the newer troops.
Pensword looked at Grif with a raised eyebrow. “And she is going to go no matter what we say.” Pensword sighed, and deflated a little. “Let us talk in my office. Moon Biter, take over the Drills.” Pensword hoofed over the newer troops, and the pair took flight. When they had arrived safely with the door secured, Pensword took a seat at his desk, and sighed. “I have to say I don’t like that her being a duchess sworn to Twilight’s house means she can go off when she likes, but she is military career minded. That means she will have these hurry up and wait times.” Still he knew the Wonderbolt hopeful. “I’ll get my overnight duffel, give command of the post to Lunar Fang, and … I’ll see what I can do. Mind you, I am bringing some of my lighting tools, just in case our little outing turns into a real adventure.” He shook his head. “Besides, this’ll give me a chance to give her some one-on-one training, and she sorely needs it.”
“You know me, Matthew. I wanted to be an author before. This seems like a professional discourtesy, but it’s better we take them there and bring them back alive and uninjured than the possible alternative.”
“And we know why she most likely is delayed. That will not be easy when the girls find out,” Pensword replied. “Still, I guess we can use this as an excuse to offer an official invite to A.K. to visit the Library of the Two Sisters. And I’m sure Hammer Strike will have an offer or two for her as well.”
“We’ll attempt to make this quick, and hope we don’t do any more damage than is strictly necessary. I’m frankly surprised that the others agreed to this trip.”
“It is Rainbow Dash we’re talking about here. When she wants something badly enough, she gets it, no matter how long it takes. Besides, I think some of them just want to do something fun without having to save the world for once. At least that is what I would like to do at some point, if I were in their horseshoes.”
“You’d figure Twilight would object, at least.” Grif shrugged. “Still, it could always be worse, I guess. It’s not like you-know-who has ever actually found something potentially world-threatening before.”
“And now I will have to bring my disaster commando kit. You most likely jinxed us.” Pensword snorted with a glum look.
“‘It wouldn’t be any fun, if it were easy,’” Grif quoted. “You know who said that?”
“Batman?” the Pegasus replied with a deadpan expression.
“Your wife, when we charged the front lines at Triumph.” Grif chuckled at the clever turn of phrase.
“Oh. Well it’s a good saying. Still, I’ll get my gear, and be ready to board within the hour. How long are we going to take to launch?”
“I have to find Conor, and see if he’s coming. Then I’ll start the pre-flight. If I rush it, we can go in about three hours. Can you talk to Clover?”
“I can, unless you find the two together, but Clover and Lunar Fang, that is an odd combo for leadership. Also, we are going to blow Conor’s mind. I think he is working his way through the first Daring Do book to help his reading comprehension.”
“Lunar Fang has the tactical mindset, but Clover has the experience. It’s hard to think of it, but she’s been in the heart of more battles than the both of us combined.”
“Very true, and I am happy that we get to tap her mind for training the next generation,” Pensword replied. Now we’d better hurry.” He paused as a note appeared on his desk from the dragonfire lantern. He opened it, and sighed. “I need to go calm Rainbow Dash down. She is literally tearing up the sky right now, and attracting some spiked clouds above us. You find Conor, and I will tell Rainbow Dash we approved her mission, but on our time table.”
“Might as well make sure she has some consequence for it, though. Find out discreetly, if you can, how many bits she has saved up, and add it as a small fee,” Grif said with a mischievous wink, before leaving.
Grif knocked on Clover’s lab door, and waited until he heard the call to enter.
“Excuse me, Clover, can I borrow Vital Spark?” he asked, trying his best to be respectful. He didn’t want to test his thaumic field on the archmage’s bad side.
“Is it important? We just started some rather crucial lessons on projecting one's thoughts through scrying,” Clover huffed.
“Afraid so.” Grif offered an apologetic smile. Clover looked to Vital, and gestured for him to go.
“That easy? You’re not even going to demand any details?” Vital asked, surprised at his teacher’s sudden decision.
“If it were someone less sensical, I would, but Grif wouldn’t be calling, if it wasn’t something involving Hammer Strike,” Clover explained. “And if I had needed to know, Hammer Strike would have let me know.”
“Huh. Wasn’t expecting that, but if you say so.” Vital shrugged. “I guess we’ll pick up after I’m done with Grif and the others, then?”
Clover just nodded as she examined some notes on a blackboard.
“Okay, Grif,” Vital said as they trotted out of the workshop, and the familiar hum of Clover’s wards resumed, “what’s going on?”
Grif started the story for the third time that day. “And so, now it’s either we escort them, so Rainbow can complain about a late book, or they go out themselves, and probably get themselves killed. You coming?”
“You guys are actually letting me come out into the field for once?”
“It’s a lot less potential danger than a normal trip, so it’ll be a good way to let you see what it’s actually like.” Grif shrugged. “Besides, you’re competent enough that you should be able to hold your own against a beast.”
“As long as I don’t knock myself out while I’m doing it, right?” Vital asked with a smirk and a chuckle.
“Finish your lesson, and pack up anything that might be useful. We leave in three hours.”
Vital shook his head. “Clover said we were done when you came for me. I’ll just go to prepare. I’m going to need the time to decide what to take, anyways.”
“Pack light. Take anything that might come in handy, but nothing ridiculous. We don’t need you with three camels worth of water, okay?”
“Hey, you know that wasn’t my fault as a human.” Vital winced, then sighed. “I’ll see about prepping the proper supplies. I’m guessing Twilight will probably over-prepare for all of us, anyways, but it’s best to have your own supplies ready. I’ll see you at the ship.”
“As much as it pains me to say it, a book for every possible situation isn’t going to save our lives in most crises.” Grif chuckled.
“Do I need to pack my own rations, or will those be prepped by the staff at the kitchens?”
“Most of the food’s already supplied, but I’d ask for a pack of jerky. You never know. Pensword and I always try to carry a day's worth of food on us, just in case.”
“Sounds about right.” He grinned, baring his small canines. “And it’s days like today where I’m glad Clover made me an omnivore again.”
“It has it’s advantages.” Grif smiled. “If you need anything extra, ask Pensword. He can probably advise you. I need to start the pre-flight checks.”
“Thanks, Grif. I’ll see you in a few hours.” Vital saluted, then raced off down the halls for his room. He had a lot of work to do.
Grif nodded as he watched Vital go. “Never change, Conor,” he said to himself with a warm smile. Then he made his way to the nearest window, and flew towards the air dock to make the proper preparations.
Pensword stood on the dock as he looked at Applejack. “You’re coming along? I thought you would have been staying here on your farm, or spending time with Little Willow,” he asked. Then he turned to the rainbow-maned mare. “Rainbow Dash, did you actually convince all your friends to come with?”
“Yeah. Why?” Rainbow asked. “You sound surprised.”
“Well, not everypony could or should drop their life to go on this adventure. Besides, are you sure you want to go through with this? You are asking us to literally bring the most advanced warship in the nation on a ferry trip.”
“We said please?” Rainbow offered.
“Yes, but you need to do a trade. Either I can have the weather service dock your pay for the next six months to pay for a fraction of this operation, or,” Pensword held up a wing to prevent any outspoken comments, “you can follow my lead, and get a taste for accepting military commands. Depending on your performance, you may even get to progress further in the Wonderbolts.”
Rainbow considered the problem for a few minutes, before nodding. “Fine,” she grumbled as she rolled her eyes. “What’s first, Sir?”
“First, you will be bunking near my quarters. You will then be getting up at oh six thirty, which I am sure you are used to with the weather patrols you do. You will do morning PT with myself, Grif, and Vital. Then you will have chow, after which I will put you through the flying tests from my day. Also, your bed will be subjected to the bit test, You do know what that is, don’t you?”
“Sure I do. Every Pegasus has heard of it,” Rainbow scoffed. “You make the bed, and bounce a bit off it to make sure it’s made properly. Easy peasy.”
“Well, at least they teach that still,” Pensword muttered. “Then you are to be held to that, but it is my standard. Get going, then. Also, you are to be wearing your Wonderbolt Recruit uniform from thirty minutes from now, until we reach our destination. And don’t give me lip about that being out of line. I am the commander, and my word is law on this ship. Am I understood?”
“Your word is what?” Grif’s voice spoke up from behind the Pegasus. Pensword could almost hear the smile on his face. “Your word is law on the battlefield, but remember, Commander, that when we’re on the Gantrithor, I might as well be the admiral.”
“But the Admiral cannot order soldiers around on his ship, unless it is life and death. Rainbow Dash is under my command!” Pensword responded as he rounded on Grif. His expression was dour, but Grif could hear the humor in the tone. “Besides, I want the hopeful to stay alive, not die,” he jabbed.
Grif took one look at Rainbow, and his face turned stern in a nanosecond as he pretended to inspect her. “Come on. Stand at attention. Neck straight! Eyes forward! Where’s that salute?” Much to her surprise, Rainbow Dash found herself acting automatically to correct everything Grif had criticized. “You’ll have your hooves full with this one.” He chuckled, looking in Pensword’s direction with a conspiratorial grin. “But we’ve seen worse, haven’t we?”
“Yes we have. She’ll do,” Pensword replied with a similar grin. “She’ll do nicely for the future.”
“Circlet’s running a few internal checks right now. After that, it’ll be one last double check on the engine and weapon systems. Can you escort Miriam here to pick up her necessities and the rest of our civilian cargo?” Grif snickered as Rainbow’s face went beet-red.
“I shall do that. Just make sure we have things taken care of, and tell Hammer Strike he’ll have three days without paperwork, and that he’ll be working with Circlet on ship improvements.” He paused and turned around to look at Grif. “Also, where are we putting Vital during the stay?”
“I’ve put him in a cabin between you and the recruit here. Her friends are all within direct access of your usual room via the hallway. Twilight has the XO suite, Hammer Strike has the captain's quarters, and yours truly has the emperor’s rooms.”
“Understood. I guess I get the Marine leader’s cabin, which does make sense.” He turned to look at Rainbow Dash. “Well, come on. Move it. You are fast in the air. Let’s work on your ground speed. Move it, cadet!!” A moment later, Grif heard a yell. “Pick up those hooves! No flapping! I said ground speed, not airspeed!”
Rainbow yiped, and took off at a full gallop.
“So, Caring, it looks like the engines are good, and the thunder cannon is managing nicely with the modifications Hammer Strike made. Thrusters are operating efficiently, weapons are stocked, food is stored, and the new inertia dampening enchantment seems to be in order. Have you detected anything serious on your end?”
“We have a mild power fluctuation in the lower hold, but I’ve marked the problem area, and will be able to direct Hammer Strike towards it during the voyage. Everything else seems to be operating at acceptable levels.”
“Very well. Lower gangway, and prepare to take on passengers.” Grif laughed as he heard the sound of gears and servos working while the new thaumic circuits thrummed with power. He made his way casually to the embarking/disembarking area wearing an old-fashioned captain’s cap. “All aboard the good ship Gantrithor!” he called with a wide grin.
“After you, ladies,” Vital insisted as he bowed, and waved towards the gangplank with Watcher.
Rainbow Dash marched aboard first with a nervous grin on her face as she trotted up the plank to the right of the deck, before doing an about face to salute Grif. Applejack chuckled softly as she followed, and Grif gave her a wink.
Spike waved, and smiled as he pulled out a coffee, and a box of donuts while he walked up the gangplank on his stubby legs. “These are for you,” he said. “Figured you could use some after going so long without it.”
Twilight walked up behind the young dragon, and smiled down at him. “Great thinking, Spike.”
Spike blushed. “Aww shucks. It was nothing.”
Fluttershy gave her usual quiet greeting, and a shy smile as she filed in next to her friends, followed by the flamboyant Rarity and her massive piles of luggage, including a suspiciously large suitcase that reminded Grif of a certain Druish princess in an Earth movie from long ago.
“Heya, Grif! Hiya, Circlet!” Pinkie said as she popped up on Grif’s back, and waved at an observation crystal that was pulsing above one of the doors to the cabins.
“Hello, Pinkie,” Grif greeted calmly. “So, girls, and Spike, a few new rules, and a reminder about the old ones. That includes you, Pinkie,” he said pointedly. “Now, as Pinkie observed, you’ll notice the observation crystals. These are spaced out periodically through the ship. If you happen to get lost, and you see one, simply ask for where you want to go, and the crystals will flash an illuminating path for you. However,” he turned to face Pinkie, “we haven’t been able to install them everywhere yet. So, please, for your own safety, no exploring, okay?”
“Rainbow’s the one we always had to worry about that for.” Applejack chuckled. “And I think she’s gonna be a mite too busy for that this time around,” she said as she fixed her friend with a teasing smirk.
“Maybe, but a good rule is worth re-stating,” Grif noted. “Now you’ve each been assigned your own room. Normally, I’d be secure in noting our new security locks would keep people from exploring, but seeing as we have Pinkie here, I’ll say it simply. If a room is locked, do not enter it. The locks will scan you when you take possession of the room, and will unlock when you approach. If you don’t have access, then you likely shouldn’t have access to that room. This includes the larders and the imperial suite. Be advised that myself, Hammer Strike, Pensword, and Circlet all have the ability to lock all rooms with or without you inside them in the event of emergency. If your room won’t open, there’s a communication crystal by your door that you can use to contact us, and check why. Let me reiterate. If the door’s locked, it’s for your own good. Understood?”
The party all nodded their understanding.
“Now, while this might be a civilian trip, this is still a war vessel, and some standards will be kept. Chow time is strictly at 07:30, 12:00, and 18:00 hours respectively. If you do not show up, we will attempt to find something for you, but we’re not to be blamed, if it’s not hot. In the morning, some of us will be doing exercises on the deck. That includes you, Rarity,” Grif said as he fixed her with a steady gaze. “It is ill advisable to be up here during weapon training, unless you are part of said training.”
Pensword looked around, and then nodded to Caring Circlet’s observation crystal. A klaxon horn sounded moments later. “That is a General Quarters alarm, and it means we are heading into battle. If you hear that, you follow the green lights Circlet will broadcast from her crystals for you. They will lead you to safe rooms. Also, if, at any time, you hear a whistle, that is a ship-wide intercom broadcast. In the event of such a broadcast, you will stop, and listen to whatever is announced. Also, Twilight, for the sake of security measures, I am putting your friends as your personal guard, meaning!” he yelled over the sounds of objection, “that they will be able to accompany you during briefings, if any are needed, and stay in the same room as you if any official letters head your way.” He turned to face Rainbow Dash. “As for you, more rules will be waiting for you on your bunk within the hour.”
“One last thing,” Grif said as he nodded to Pensword. “The Gantrithor is a lady, a she. You will not refer to her as an it or a thing, and no matter what your status, if anyone calls her a he, or fails to give her the respect they’d give anyone else, that offender will clean this entire deck with a cotton ball. Is that understood?”
Several gulps affirmed their understanding in ways speech never could.
“Very well, everyone. Pensword will show you to your rooms. Twilight and Spike, you two are with me. We leave just as soon as Hammer Strike arrives.”
Pensword nodded. “Follow me, girls. Also, you have to carry your own gear with you. Neither I nor Rainbow Dash will be doing it for you. This isn’t a pleasure cruise, and we need ourselves ready for anything.”
Grif chuckled as he grabbed Twilight’s bag. “Come on, you two. Officers’ quarters are this way.”
“Grif, I know I’m a princess, bu–.”
Grif cut Twilight's objection off with a talon. “Trust me, Twilight, this is going to be one of those times you want to take advantage of your title.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well there mostly just each on their own. Applejack probably doesn’t need a lot of space, Fluttershy won’t complain, Pinkie will probably make her room bigger on the inside, and Rarity, well, if she’s really that desperate, Hammer Strike’s in the captain’s quarters.” He gave Twilight a scandalous smile. “Rainbow will need to get used to small rooms, and Vital has traveled with us before, but you have Spike,” he said, pointing to the dragon. “The officers’ quarters were made for the possibility of them having family with them, so you two should have enough room.”
“. . . You just really want to troll them, don’t you?” Twilight said with a deadpanned expression.
“That's called a bonus, Twilight.” Grif laughed.
Twilight groaned.
“Donut?” Spike offered consolingly. Grif grabbed one with a chuckle, and ruffled Spike’s spines.
“Circlet, what’s the ETA on Hammer Strike?” Grif asked.
“I’m here,” Hammer Strike replied through the communication crystal.
“Okay. I’ll get these two settled in, and meet you on the bridge,” Grif responded.
Hammer Strike sighed as he pushed open the doors to the bridge. Unbuckling the pack, he removed it from his person and dropped it into a secure container nearby. “So, Circlet, how are the thaumic relays holding up?”
“Everything is working within acceptable parameters, Hammer Strike,” Circlet reported. “There is understandable conflict between the Gryphon runes and the relays, but otherwise it’s working fine”
“Of course. But I can’t replace the system in a week. Setting up thaumic relays alone are a pain,” Hammer Strike shrugged. “But at least they are functioning.”
“We still have 85% power we can safely redistribute. That's an estimation, seeing as the core’s never been fully pushed”
“One day … one day,” Hammer Strike commented. “I wonder if Grif got to see the designs I sent him for the thaumic canons. Sure, it’s basically a small elemental canon, but with the power we have here, it’ll be more than basic. Most elemental foci can’t handle it anyways.”
“It would be over 200% more efficient than the deck ballista,” Circlet noted.
“I’ll have to chat with him about it, then. Until then, I’ll just continue work on the thunder canon and the power relays.”
“I’ve begun working on that map of the ship you requested.”
“How’s progress?”
“I have finished the crew quarters and the cargo holds. I’m currently working on the safe areas and the emergency armories.”
“Any issues that need to be dealt with before we depart?”
“Grif had me triple check. We’re ready to go when you are.”
“Just awaiting the arrival of Grif, then. As soon as he’s in place, we’re taking off.”
“Somebody say my name?” Grif asked as he entered the bridge. “You're sure Clover’s anti-inertia formula is compatible with the thaumic power?”
“Oh, I’m positive. I just needed to ensure the energy synchronized correctly,” Hammer Strike confirmed.
“Then let's get this show on the road, Circlet.” Grif nodded to the golem. “I take it you don’t actually need us to pilot for you?”
If the golem could roll her eyes, she probably would have as the engines groaned, and the ship began to move.
"Twilight, now, seriously, you can't tell me that some part of whatever you have for a conscience doesn’t bother you about this trip,” Grif noted that evening as they all ate dinner in the mess hall. “You can’t rush art, no matter what its format.”
“And you think I didn’t already try telling that to a certain Pony earlier?” Twilight asked as she ate her salad. “You know how Rainbow can be sometimes. And besides, we were worried for her health.”
“She already crashed three bird’s nests, drenched twenty flower beds, set off multiple thunderheads, broke apart the wrong cloud formations, and nearly scared my poor little Angel Bunny half to death,” Fluttershy said. “When she said she couldn’t last the extra two months, I can vouch for it.”
“And because of your inability to reel her in, you could potentially stop the book series entirely,” Grif noted as he bit into a loaf. “I would figure an avid literature connoisseur like yourself would realise many great authors have stopped their work entirely because of the pressure to put out their books on a deadline.”
Pensword nodded his head. “Besides, maybe she’s taking care of a sick relative?” he suggested. “Sometimes authors delay books due to events outside their control. And if we are going as far as we are, then I’d wager she likes her family life private.”
“Um, guys, quick question. Why is there a red cloud streaking out from the engines?” Vital asked as he pointed out one of the windows.
“Pinkie spread cupcake icing on the thaumic relay near the engine,” Grif noted, not even bothering to look away from his food.
“So she’s really doing it, isn’t she, the whole Indiana Jones thing?”
“How could I not?” Pinkie cried.
“Hey, compared to the last three hours of the same song going across the PA system, the red streak isn’t so bad,” Grif noted as a certain theme song still played over said system. “How did you get Circlet to do that anyway, Pensword?”
“I didn’t. She said Pinkie Pie did something, and now she can play records, if we want to pipe anything over the speakers. Frankly, I’m loving it,” he replied. “Oh, the memories,” he gushed. “Oh, and I definitely need to get myself a fedora.”
“Yeah. Well, if my ship crashes and burns, because nazis or communists or whatever start attacking, there’s going to be hell to pay,” Grif noted.
“Oh, I would love to fight them,” Pensword practically purred. “That would be a good battle, and more than a little cathartic.”
“Yes, and every time that happens, the plane or the blimp or the train ends up in flames,” Grif noted.
“I think it’s safe to say we can relax, Grif. It’s pretty universally known that during the travel sequence with the red lines following the trail, nobody gets attacked. It’s just an easy transition scene. Speaking of, Twilight, you wouldn’t happen to have some copies of Daring’s novels I could brush up on, would you?” Vital asked.
“You’d have to ask Pensword. He’s the one who borrowed them last. Speaking of which, Pensword, those books are already three weeks overdue!”
“I renewed them,” he swore. “I gave the ones I finished to Spike. I’m still working on book four, but if they were indeed overdue, I guess I can square up here. What is my fine? It had better not be twenty bits. Oh, and you can pick up the extras in Twilight’s room, Vital.”
“Thanks for the heads up, Pensword. If the mysterious red trail is anything to go by, and the coincidences Equestria tends to follow when it comes to tropes, I think I can guess where this is going,” Vital said.
“Surprised you didn’t just ask to borrow mine, Pensword,” Grif noted.
“What? And miss the opportunity to visit Ponyville Library to put a friendly face for the military? Besides, I like talking to Spike, and hearing what new comics he’s found. This new series called The Power Ponies sounds quite interesting.”
Twilight groaned, and rolled her eyes. “What is it about boys and comic books?”
“You know, if you’d take the time to read them yourself, you might find them just as captivating as your novels are,” Vital noted. “Apparently, several adaptations of comics are advanced enough on Earth to have gained the classification of graphic novel.”
“I don’t really read comics, but it is nice to get to know the passions of others,” Pensword added. “Besides, Power Ponies are not my cup of tea.”
“I’ve got one thing to say to you, Pensword.” Vital Spark sneered. “Captain America’s a Hydra agent.”
Pensword stared Vital down. “That would never happen,” he stressed as he fixed Vital Spark with a glare. Then he snorted, and shook his head. “Are you doing that on purpose?”
“Yes.” Vital smiled. “And you just proved my point that Power Ponies would interest you. They’re basically the Avengers, from what I understand. That, or the Justice League. Take your pick.”
Spike piped up. “Well he did read five of my issues, but it didn’t hook him.” He sighed. “Some people just don’t appreciate good art. He did promise to take me to see any Power Ponies movie that come out, though.”
Pensword shrugged. “What? I like movie-verses. Besides, you know I never read a Captain America comic. Comics were always a little too expensive for me to afford.”
“Which is why next time we’re in Canterlot,” Spike interjected, “I’m taking him to a comic shop to see if any of the comics catch his attention.”
“Well, you all can keep chatting. I have a Recruit to continue training. I shall see you all later.” With that, Pensword got up, and left the mess hall.
Vital sighed. “I guess I’d better get to work on brushing up with my battle spells and weapon form. Something’s telling me I’m going to need it.”
“Yup!” Pinkie said cheerfully.
Pensword looked at Hammer Strike with a deadpan expression. The lighting around them was tinted red while the start of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly played on the ship’s speakers. Pensword narrowed his eyes, and opened his muzzle. “You have any sixes?” he asked.
“Go fish.”
Pensword frowned as he drew a card, and looked to his left. “Your turn,” he said to Hammer Strike. “Also, Circlet, can you turn that music off, please, or at least change songs?”
Hammer Strike glanced over at Vital. “Got any sevens?”
Vital Sighed. “Here.” He passed three over. “Hey, Circlet, mind playing All I do is Win? I think it’s pretty appropriate, given the circumstances here. What is this, the fifth game he’s been winning?”
“Or maybe some uptown funk?” Grif chuckled.
Pensword paused and snorted as he remembered a song. “I love the parody for that one.”
Hammer Strike then looked to Grif. “Got any fours?”
“It’s scary how you do that.” Grif sighed, handing him a four.
“The statistics that you can guess correctly so consistently each round is startling,” Circlet noted. “I believe the term is . . . you must have lady luck on your side?”
“She doesn’t know the half of it, darling,” a breathy voice whispered in Hammer Strike’s ear, followed by a flirtatious giggle.
Hammer Strike turned suddenly to his side to find nobody there.
Pensword looked at Hammer Strike. “So another one just showed up?”
“I … don’t know?” Hammer Strike commented, confused.
“You guys and your embodiments of universal forces.” Grif chuckled.
“Says the Gryphon who’s the emissary of four gods that are the embodiment of the winds and the aspects associated with them,” Vital said.
“They don’t show up at random invisible to everyone else, and talk to me,” Grif noted.
“And I only talk to my family and those close to me. Never had anything . . . well, Death did say hi once, but that’s it,” Pensword added adamantly. “Uh, shall we dispose of the correct guess repeat rule, so the rest of us have a chance, Hammer Strike?”
“Sure,” Hammer Strike replied as he looked back to his cards.
“Yes! My turn!” a familiar dual voice cheered as Chance made his appearance hovering above the table.
“. . . Oh boy,” Hammer Strike muttered to himself.
“Excited to finally have a chance to lose?” Vital Spark asked.
“Considering what’s going on, I have doubts on that.”
“What’s the matter? Don’t you trust me?” Chance asked with a mischievous smirk.
Hammer Strike simply sighed.
“Hmm . . .” Vital mused to himself as he stared at his hand.
“Go for the three. Go for the three!” Chance shouted in Vital’s ear.
“Got any twos, Hammer Strike?”
Hammer Strike shrugged. “Go fish.”
“Faust damn it,” Chance swore angrily.
Vital Spark sighed, pulled up the card, then brightened. “Got what I wished!” He grinned as he laid down the set.
Grif eyed his cards as Chance looked over his shoulder. Meanwhile, something in the form of a gold mist floated from Hammer Strike to Grif, warping into the visage of a Gryphoness as it looked over his other shoulder. Both figures grabbed the same card Grif did as he grinned at Vital. “Got any aces?” he asked in an almost knowing tone.
“. . . I hate you guys so much right now,” Vital glowered as he handed over the last pair of cards in his hand.
“Hammer Strike may have everything and it’s grandmother on his side, but I have the devil's own luck.” Grif chuckled. “Got any Celestias?” he asked Pensword.
“Mmm, yes,” Lady Luck purred.
Pensword did not say a word as he offered two Celestia’s to Grif’s hand. “Here you are.” He shook his head. “Well, how long will this deck of cards last till we have another Alicorn to mess up the higher ranking cards?”
“Meh.” Grif shrugged. “Then we’ll get Gryphon cards. Got any tens?”
“Mmm. Sorry, sweetheart. Better luck next time,” Luck spoke as she gave Grif an ethereal peck on the cheek, then floated back to Hammer Strike. As she drifted over, a golden ripple crossed over her form, and she was a mare once again.”
Chance stuck out his tongue at her. “Meanie.”
“Go Fish,” Pensword spoke. His left ear twitched as he heard his mother’s ghostly breathing in his ear.
Grif drew a card, and shrugged. “Your move.”
Pensword looked at his hand.
“Hammer Strike has a Luna,” Moon Beam said.
Pensword’s left eye twitched. “Strike. . .? Got any Lunas?” he asked. He hated to cheat like this, but she wouldn’t step in, unless he had an unfair advantage somehow.
“Yep.” Hammer Strike passed over the card.
He grinned as he put his card into his hand. He looked to Vital. “You got any Twilight’s?” he asked.
“You do realize Grif emptied my hand, right, Pensword?” Vital asked.
“Yes, just had some buzzing in the background,” Pensword answered with a grin. He drew the card from the top of the deck, and he whooped as he put down four Lunas. “YES!” he cheered. “Five games, you always got my three Lunas. Finally, she’s with me! I don’t care if I lost this game, I finally achieved my objective.” He had three cards left in his hand.
Hammer Strike simply blinked a few times. Luck placed her front hooves on his back as she whispered something into his ear.
Hammer Strike closed his eyes, and placed a hoof on the side of his head as a buzzing filled his ears. “Stop. That,” he whispered, before turning back towards Grif. “Got any tens?”
“Go fish,” Grif said, a little shocked.
Hammer Strike simply took a card, and placed it in his hand. After a moment, he nodded to himself, and pulled all his cards together, before placing them down on the table.
“Uh, guys?” Grif said as he looked towards the window, “we saw the girls enter, and then A.K. Yearling enter. Did anyone notice three large thug-esque Ponies, and a badly dressed Earth Pony whose cologne reeks from over here?”
“How is your sense of smell that powerful?” Vital asked. “We’re in a ventilated ship, for crying out loud, with magical filters!”
“Not the issue,” Pensword spoke as he raced to the window. “We need to secure–.” He paused. “And one of them just left with something gold around his neck.” He looked around. “Vital, check on the girls. See that they are okay. Grif, you and I will tail those goons. Shawn–” Pensword broke off awkwardly. “–I am sorry. Hammer Strike, you do what you want to do.”
“And now Daring Do just hobbled out of the hut. Looks like her front right leg’s in a splint. She’s flying off after them. Given the circumstances, I think I should be the one to track them. I’m faster. You keep an eye on Rainbow. Don’t try to stop her, but follow when she inevitably chases after Daring,” Grif said. “Caring, if anything unrecognized so much as stares at this ship for longer than sixty seconds, render it into a gelatinous mass of multi-colored goop.” And with that, he was gone.
Pensword groaned. “Right. Well, Vital, go off and see how the other five are doing. Also, Caring, I assume you will not touch those that stare at the ship with a broken mind, right? Maybe give a warning shot with an order to surrender or something?” He looked to Caring’s crystal. “Intel. I want intel for what is going on here. I will assume that object is some artifact that is not good.” With that, he took to the air to follow through his own part.
“You know, if he wants intel, he should probably ask Twilight,” Vital said pointedly. Then he sighed. “So, you going to come with, Hammer Strike, or are you going to sit this one out?”
“Circlet, could you engage an alpha lockdown?” Hammer Strike asked.
“Consider it engaged,” Circlet’s voice responded over the PA.
“Alright, Vital, let’s go check on the girls, shall we? Afterwards, we can clear the ship.”
“You mean clear for takeoff?”
“No, clear anyone onboard that isn’t meant to be on board.”
“Oh. Sure.” Vital smiled as he levitated Watcher onto his back. “Let’s go.”
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Oh yes. I listened to the Indiana Jones theme from the moment that it was linked to the end. I'm happy to see the difference from canon with the daring do involvement and can't wait to see where this goes.
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SHOTS FIRED!!!
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You created 113 chapters of amazing story, which made the gray reality more bearable. Your writing is very immersive and poignant. I must admit I cried a bit when I read the scene of Trixie rescuing Clover. And your jokes? By the gods, I think every chapter so far made me at least chuckle a bit. I am very grateful for what you did. Thank you for that.
Hammer Strike is Awesome! No wonder that both princesses see him as parental figure. I cannot wait to read about his next (or should I say previous?) time journey.
By the way, could you fix the youtube links in chapters 71 and 73?
8168750
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you guys necer stop inpress me and i saw an smal spelling error in the geinnig whit (Iwhit) but you guys have an great story here keep strong!!
If Daedalus is inviting the heavy crew to his wedding, he is expecting them to be fully Dwarven, in order to deal with something rather excessive the has been prophesized for those occasions? This time the groom wont get eaten by a giant bug while the bride wont be scooped up by some draconic form for breeding purposes?
Someone really needs to sort better communications out so he doenst have to keep repeating himself, but then even with 4 way video phone, theres bound to be magic, forces and other such corrupting effects that prevent it working when just wanting to chat.
Celestia better be careful or Clover will end up adding a Temporal Displacement Matrix to her teleport wards, so that the next time Celestia reaches through them, they move her cake vault to next Wednesday.
At least with the episode timings Spike doesnt have to worry about Ember taking him to gaze out the front of the ship especially with Vital and Shiva being mentioned. Then again, Spike has had Equestria Games experience? or would that be vice versa?
My first thought at a power fluctuation in a cargo hold would be CMC, Sweetibelle triggering a light or something, but then with only the armouries and cargo holds being mapped, if they only went down to a given level, my next thought would that it might just be due to a life form apparently evolved from the ships cat.
So many flyers leaving lines behind them, its almost suprising that Pinkie had to add tracer to teh engines in the first place. I mean, at full power, that ship leaves pots of flowers in its wake, as well at scholes of footwear and minature cetaceans. At least Pinkie remembered her Helmet.
Given the reasonable chance that the thaumic relays and other parts are designed a certain way, and Gryphon runes are 2 dimentional forms discovered over the centuaries instead of being created from first principles, then the right sort of crystals, positioned in the right way, in singular form would give better matching, and so called twinned crystals would give almost perfect matching if selected correctly. For such complexity and power of the Gant though, youd need someone with a Rocktorate or such to work on the implementation.
I really hope Cabaleron only managed to make off with a temple apocalypse item. If he managed to make of with something from the ship, and bruised the girls tying them up or worse. Well. How long did it take the last dummy to come back down out of orbit when Hammerstrike punched it?
AK is going to have so many books of travel adventures ready to go after this little jaunt.
Open italics tag on Avengers.
... and it affects the sidebar when it's kicked down below the story.... huh
8168992 That happened with you as well?
8168905 Think that has been fixed...