An Extended Holiday

by Commander_Pensword

137 - Back to the Future III

Extended Holiday
Ch 137: Back to the Future III
Act 22

---

Pensword stood in the main control room of the TARDIS. Something just felt so soothing, almost therapeutic, about watching the console’s central plunger unit pumping up and down rhythmically as the ship flew through the time vortex. He found himself smiling as he allowed himself to drift off, listening to the old girl sing as they traveled.

“You know, Doctor, you really need to stop pushing the blue one,” Grif said.

Of course, there was also the added perk of hearing a little about how to pilot the TARDIS. Pensword’s ear twitched as he strained to overhear the conversation.

“Why on Earth would I do a stupid thing like that? Every Time Lord knows the blue button vents the toilets on deck three. Are you saying my future self actually does that?”

“Repeatedly, according to Grif,” Vital said.

“Of all the dimwitted, idiotic, immature, positively infantile–!” the Doctor fumed.

“To be fair, there is a life-changing, horrible soul-eating event between then and now,” Grif noted.

“That doesn’t give me the right to mistreat my TARDIS,” he harrumphed.

“Also, aren’t we supposed to try to avoid telling him about his future? I mean, that’s usually other aliens’ jobs, right?” Vital asked.

“We didn’t say anything major,” Grif shrugged. “How much longer do we have?”

“It’s a time machine, Grif. Time is relative. But if you really want an answer, we should be arriving there in approximately … ten seconds, give or take,” The Doctor said as he checked one of the TARDIS’ monitors.

It was about this time that the familiar sound of the TARDIS fading into reality began. As soon the ship was stable, Grif gave the console a thank you, gave the doctor a casual wave, and was out the door.

“Until next time, Doctor,” Luna nodded to him, before following Grif out.

“I’ll see you around,” Hammer Strike said as he followed Grif’s example.

“Thanks for the help again. I’m looking forward to the next time we meet,” Vital said pleasantly, before making his way out the door.

The Doctor pushed Pensword’s shoulder with a hoof. “I know you’re enjoying yourself in here, Pensword, but all good things must come to an end. You did say you wanted to see your foals again, after all,” he said with a kindly smile, “and I have other places to be.”

Pensword shook himself from his doze. “Hmm? Oh. Oh, right. Thank you, Doctor. Hmm … I think I might ask your future self about building just a room that gives this sense of peace for me. I need it with all the stuff that happens around us.”

“Perhaps next time.”

“If it doesn’t ding, I don’t want it.”

“Oh, I did that to you some time earlier, then?”

“You did.”

“Right, well, talk to your current Doctor to see if you can at least get a telegraph hooked up to reach him. I usually have some means of contact available, in case of emergencies.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Pensword nodded, then turned to face the console. “And thank you, you wonderful machine,” he whispered. Then he turned, brushing his wings and patting the door frame affectionately on the way out. The others were staring back, waiting expectantly.

“Farewell, gentleponies. Until next we meet.” And with that, the TARDIS’ doors creaked shut, and she faded out of sight once more.

Vital Spark lit his horn, and Hammer Strike ignited a hoof into flame as the room they had materialized within was suddenly plunged into darkness. A simple manipulation of the lock at the door, and they found themselves back in an old dusty corridor. A pile of rubble lay off in the distance, and old metal braziers sat waiting for new torches to bring warmth back to the musty space.

“So, any ideas where we are?” Vital asked.

“It appears to be underneath New Unity,” Hammer Strike commented as he looked around. “Southeast segment.”

“So, how do we get to the surface?” Grif asked.

“Follow the right wall, until we reach the stairway up.”

“Just how much subterranean exploring have you been doing here, anyways?” Vital asked curiously.

“Explorer’s trick, I would say. If you stay to the right wall, you always find a way out or up or down,” Pensword answered.

“Well, I guess there’s nowhere else to go, but forward, right?” Grif said as he followed Hammer Strike’s directions.

“Onwards and upwards,” Vital agreed.

“Grif, you owe me a bit, if we find Moon River down here. I owe you a bit if we get out of here without her ambushing one of us.”

“I don’t make stupid bets, Pensword,” Grif responded.

“The bit would go towards her education fund to be set up next time we are in the past to gather interest.”

“I don’t make stupid bets,” Grif repeated. “And I have my own education funds to work on.”

“One of these days, I will have you owe me money,” the Pegasus said ruefully.

“But it is not this day,” Vital said in a thrumming Shakespearean accent. Then he chuckled. “So how much longer till we get to the stairs, then, Luna? You should remember this place well, right?”

“When over a thousand years you are, remember a place you have not seen in a millennia will you?” Luna winked at Grif.

“Just follow me,” Hammer Strike commented as he took the lead. “The sooner we’re out of here, the better.”

“I didn’t realize Master Yoda had reincarnated,” Vital said with a playful smirk, even as he followed Hammer Strike.

“Just another hour at most, and we’ll be in our loved ones’ embrace.”

It didn’t take long for the group to find themselves in a more familiar segment of the castle’s sub levels, eventually stumbling across the final stairway leading up to the first floor.

“Good to be home,” Grif smiled.

“I love the scents,” Pensword agreed as he ruffled his feathers and spread his wings. “I’m going to find my family. See you all later.”

“I should be heading to find my family, too,” Grif said as he took off after Pensword.

“I suppose we should let everyone know we found you first. Then I’d better see about talking with Trixie. We’ve got a wedding to plan, after all.” Then Vital’s smile widened. “Oh, and I think she might have a bit of a surprise for you, too, Hammer Strike.”

“Delightful, more to deal with,” Hammer Strike sighed.

“It’s a pleasant one, Hammer Strike,” Vital said as he rolled his eyes. “You didn’t really think I’d go and burden you so quickly, did you?”

“If you won’t, something will.”

“Hey! Murphy’s supposed to make me his personal punching bag, remember?”

“When it comes to work, that usually lands in my field.”

“You think he’ll show up as a pizza man? You know, like Pappa Murphy’s?”

“Are you two going to just stay here and talk for the rest of the day?” Luna asked.

“I suppose we should go let the others know the search can be called off.” Vital shrugged. “Shall we?”

“Get to it. I’ll head to my office.” Hammer Strike rolled his shoulders and turned toward the grand staircase.

“No, you won’t,” Luna countered. “First, you’re going to see your wife and let her know you’re okay.”

Hammer Strike jerked to a halt, then rubbed his chin with a hoof. “Good point,” he hummed to himself.

“I wonder how the men fared trying to keep her from finding out about you being missing,” Vital mused. “She is pretty handy with that sword of hers.”

“How long were we gone for again?”

“Us, about ten minutes. You? The whole battle and a good day or two after.”

“Delightful,” Hammer Strike rubbed the back of his neck as they passed through into the main hall at last.

“Look at it this way. Now you finally owe somebody something,” Vital said as a smile spread on his face. “You owe her an explanation.”

“Yeah, there are some things I’m not looking forward to.”

“Well, you could always ask Luna for a lift to Ponyville. I can go tell the others you’re all right. I mean, it has been over seventeen years, after all.”

“You headed that way, Luna?”

“I can drop you off,” Luna nodded.

“I appreciate it.”

Luna nodded again and stepped closer to the Earth Pony. The two vanished in a flash of light shortly after.

“And now to let everypony else know they can stop worrying.” Vital smiled confidently as he strode towards the barracks.

---

“I missed you,” Grif said happily as he wrapped his wings tightly around his family.

“Okay, what did you do, Grif?” Shrial asked as she raised a skeptical brow at him.

“Had a very long ten minutes,” Grif chuckled as he hugged them tighter.

Of course, the girls had already sidled up to him and nuzzled him affectionately as Avalon nursed Tazeer. “You’ll have to tell us all about it. Perhaps over some dinner?”

“Probably, yeah,” he chuckled. “But for now, just know that Hammer Strike’s back, and by the Winds, I missed you.”

Gilda blushed. “Heh. Yeah. I guess we did, too.”

He released them and stepped away. “You don’t have to be tough all the time, Gilda,” he teased.

Gilda hastily began to preen her feathers to avoid showing off any more of said blush. “How else are we supposed to teach the kids?” she mumbled.

“By showing them that sometimes being tender doesn’t mean you aren't strong.” He patted her head.

“After all, control’s a big thing for us to learn. You remember that, don’t you, Gilda?” Shrial pointed out.

Gilda blushed again. “I’m starting to see how this can be a punishment.”

“You regretting it?” Grif asked.

“O-of course not!” Miraculously enough, her feathers seemed to be changing color, dying a deeper and deeper red with each moment.

“Well then, don’t look at it that way.” He laughed. “Look at it as a chance to show that side of yourself our culture has tried to make you repress for ages.”

Gilda was silent for a time. “... This is going to take some getting used to.”

“Well, we’ve got time. Plenty of it, in fact.” He kissed her gently. “And we’re all here for you.”

“... Yeah. I guess….”

“Do you love me?” he asked.

Steam was starting to rise from Gilda’s head. “Grif….”

“Yes?” he responded.

A barely audible grumble left her beak as she kept staring at the floor.

“I couldn’t hear that.”

“Yeah … I guess….” Though the fact that her wings were trying to flap out involuntarily was a pretty big indicator just how strongly she really felt.

“Gilda, I love you. There is a special place in my heart I keep for each of you.” He reached down and pulled her beak up to make her look him in the eye. “You should never be afraid to say how you feel. Emotions are what make warriors able to take a stand when it counts.” He placed his forehead on hers. “But don’t worry. We’ll work on it together.”

Gilda smirked suddenly, then grabbed the back of his head and pulled his beak against hers in a passionate kiss. Avalon and Shrial were swift to cover the cubs’ eyes. A few moments later, Gilda released, panting. “That a good start?”

Grif chuckled. “Definitely. Now come on. Let’s see what we have for dinner. I’m hungry.”

“Did someone say dinner? I hope we’re having tea,” Cheshire purred.

“Of course there’ll be tea, Chesh,” Grif laughed as he scooped the twins up and placed them on his back. “Lets go.”

Cheshire’s son was already on his back between them, looking at them with a smile that was at once calm and reassuring, yet positively terrifying. Naturally, the girls just grinned and babbled excitedly over his miraculous appearance.

“We could try teaching them how to do it, too, if you’d like, Grif, though I make no promises,” Cheshire smirked.

The twins mewled even more excitedly.

---

“And that’s the long of the short of it, gentlemen,” Vital said as he looked on the Shields and Rook. “Hammer Strike is safe and sound, and we can focus on bolstering defenses and recovering again.”

“And preparing for a wedding?” Rook smirked.

“That, too. Speaking of, can you guys make sure to send a strict warning to the Pegasi? I don’t take practical jokes well. And they can and will receive retaliation. I’m only giving them one warning.”

“I’ll pass it on,” Rook nodded.

“But speaking of that wedding, Rook, you and I need to talk in private later. When are you usually free?”

“Probably not until late. Someone’s gotta organize Grif’s roughnecks.”

“Evening it is, then. I’ll drop by your quarters, after I talk plans over with my fiance.” Then his eyes widened. “Crap! I still need to get a ring!”

“I’m sure you’ll find one somewhere around here,” Rook laughed.

“It … is still customary for the groom to get the proposal item, right? Even if he wasn’t the one to … you know, actually ask?” he blushed.

“It’s usually up to the couples, and it doesn’t need to be a ring. That’s only what Canterlot Unicorns use. It could be an earring or a bracelet. Heck, I even heard of one couple where the stallion gave the mare an apple,” Rook noted.

“So, I just have to figure out something that really fits her best?”

“That's the general idea,” Rook nodded.

“Then I guess I’d better get cracking. Thanks, Rook!” And with that, Vital was galloping off down the hallways as fast as his hooves could carry him. After all, he had a wedding gift to prepare, and he knew just the Pony to help him research the ingredients he’d need.

---

Pensword had done one thing immediately when he got back: clear his schedule for the next two days. He was going to spend them with his family and clan and nothing else would interrupt them, short of an all-out war with another nation. But there was a matter of certain business that needed attending to do first. “So … are we good for selling our spices and some of our Thestral designed blankets? After all, the tourists are starting to show up, and as we control the prices, we need to sell things.”

Moon Shadow, an aged Mare who had arrived on the most recent airship, grinned. “Yes, and the Fox Tribe will be willing to lend some of our apprentice mares to set up some of those soothsayer tents that I hear are all the rage during Nightmare Night.” She chuckled and brushed a wing down her barrel in a move that reminded Pensword of a smug person buffing their fingers on their chest. “Still, of course we’ll pay twenty percent of the week’s proceeds in tax.”

“Ten Percent,” Pensword corrected. “Use the other ten to reinvest into the area.”

Moon Shadow nodded. “If you say so. In other news, the Lion Clan is planning to set up a hunting lodge to take big spenders on exotic hunts. It helps to keep the wild predators down, while also allowing us to use anything the hunters don’t want as trophies.”

“Make sure that they have the proper legal release documents, if they move forward with this plan. I don’t want a class action lawsuit on our hooves.”

Moon Shadow nodded her acknowledgement. “Very well. I think that concludes our end. And with this income, I think we’ll be able to save up enough to get started on a second dock, after we break even.”

“Of course. Also, see about selling any surplus hides we might get to New Unity, and make contact with Clover to offer our services gathering reagents and other ingredients.”

“We’ll consider that.” With that said, Moon Shadow turned around and left the office. Pensword smiled as he put his documents into order. He was looking forward to the rest of his self imposed vacation. Yes, a nice weekend of trapping and hunting should prove therapeutic, and he wanted to assess Night Terror’s progress and acclimation personally.

“Preston!” he called. The Changeling quickly entered the office. “I’m going to give you a loan request to give to Hammer Strike for funding for the warehouses. Please make sure it gets to him as soon as possible. After that, make sure Moon Burn and Lighting Dust know that they will be rotated into command of the Demon Slayers. It’s time they learned some proper leadership skills. Also, tell Kahn he has a weekend pass.”

Preston nodded. “Will that be all, Sir?”

“No. I plan to take my family out from the city for a day or two. The children could use something to keep their minds off the bloodshed. When I get back, I want to organize a meeting with Spitfire. The Wonderbolts will need to be brought up to date on their exercises.” He picked over Luna’s bill proposal. While family time was the main purpose of the vacation, he wanted to be certain no unexpected surprises slipped through the cracks, due to a potential error on Luna’s part. It wouldn’t be long now, before the bill was introduced in the noble courts. He signed a few parchments casually, then nodded. “Okay, Preston, I’m off for the weekend. See you when I get back.”

“Of course, Sir. And Me-Me wishes you luck with your endeavors.”

---

“Really Twilight, thank you so much for inviting me over for tea. It’s nice to be able to have a little girl time, without all the worry for designs bothering me,” Rarity said with a smile as she levitated the sugar container over her teacup to mix. “It’s been a while since we were able to talk just the two of us, anyways, and it’s quite clear we have a lot to talk about.”

“Such as?” Twilight asked.

“Well, for one, I’d like to hear about how you fared in the fight earlier. I haven’t exactly been able to see you in action, and I’d love to hear the details. Of course, if you’re not comfortable talking about it, we could easily focus on something else.”

“I … don’t know if there’s really that much to tell, Rarity,” Twilight said as she levitated a cookie and dipped it in her tea, before taking a bite. “I just followed the training I’ve been taking under Clover. I’ll admit Hammer Strike’s physical training made a lot of difference when it came to dealing with those drones with the blue crystals, though.”

“We really must try a sparring match at some point. I haven’t tried going against a staff wielder yet.”

“If we do, we’ll have to keep it strictly non-magical,” Twilight mused. “No offense to you, Rarity, but my magic is probably only safe to really go all out with when it comes to Celestia, Luna, Cadence, or Hammer Strike.”

“Well, of course, darling. I wouldn’t even dream of trying to overpower you that way.” She waved her hoof, as if to dispel the notion entirely. “Though, if you do happen to have any pointers on how to channel spells through a weapon, that might come in handy to know at some point, should the need arise.”

“You could always take that intermediary course Clover is teaching. She really is good. If anyone can help you channel spells through Seamripper, it’s her.”

“You wouldn’t happen to have any books on the subject, would you?”

“I have a few historical references,” Twilight said as she tapped her chin in thought, “but I don’t think the library has many combat manuals. It’s a bit dangerous to have something like that around rambunxious foals.”

“Hmm. Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Rarity swirled her teacup around a few times, then took a sip. “I’ll see about asking the next time I visit the castle. Speaking of which, how are the repairs coming? I assume you’ve had at least a part in helping over there.”

“Not really. I’ve had my hooves full enough here making sure Ponyville gets back into shape. Luna sent me a message telling me they have things well in hoof over there, though, so I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.”

Rarity furrowed her brow. “I suppose so, but I can’t help but wonder why Hammer Strike hasn’t come by to visit, or at least sent a letter. He always makes time to talk with me, after a battle.”

“Maybe he’s working on a gift for you,” Twilight offered. “You know how focused he gets when he’s involved in a project.”

“I think I might stop by the castle, regardless,” Rarity said as she took another drink. “I mean, he is my husband, after all.”

Twilight’s cup suddenly burst into shards. “Oops.” She let out a nervous laugh. “Sorry. Guess I still don’t know my own strength sometimes. I’ll clean it up.” She levitated a brush and dustpan over to swipe the pieces, while Rarity dabbed at the table with a free napkin.

“Twilight, is something the matter? The only time I’ve seen you get this worked up was when you were trying to keep that Pinkie promise you made to me and … Fluttershy.” She lowered the napkin. “Twilight, dear,” Her tone was sweet, her smile kind, but the levelness betrayed what lay beneath. “Did you happen to make a Pinkie Promise to Princess Luna about something at the castle she didn’t want me to find out about?”

Twilight chuckled nervously. “Um … maybe?”

“And did that something possibly have anything to do with my Strikey Wikey?”

Twilight’s mouth widened into a broad toothy grin that wasn’t at all sincere. “I really couldn’t say.” A large wicker basket filled with baked goods was suddenly shoved in Rarity’s face. “Have another cookie? They’re fresh out of the Cakes’ bakery.”

“I see.” Rarity smiled sweetly. “Twilight dear, would you excuse me for a moment? I just need to go powder my nose. I’ll be right back.”

“O-of course,” Twilight said, nodding vigorously. “Totally understand. You know where it is. Well, of course you know where it is. I wasn’t about to call you stupid or anything, just–.”

“Twilight!” Rarity snapped. “Breathe.”

Twilight did so, levitating a large paper bag from a pile she kept in the storage closet. She promptly began to hyperventilate into it as Rarity walked into the bathroom. What followed was a series of positively disastrous detonations, streaming vituperations, a harrowing scream on par with that of a banshee, and several snorts and bucks in between. Twilight winced at the sound of breaking glass. She’d have to replace that window later.

“What was that about?” Hammer Strike questioned. He was currently positioned near the front door.

Twilight gasped, sucking the entirety of the bag to the point where it was practically a perfectly rendering of her muzzle. Then it inflated, swelling well beyond the confines of an ordinary vessel, until it burst apart, causing a veritable shockwave of sound to fly directly into the Earth Pony’s face as her Canterlot voice burst every window in the library. “HAMMER STRIKE!”

After a moment of silence, Hammer Strike sighed longsufferingly. “At this rate, I’ll go deaf in a year.”

A rather unladylike, “Eep!” sounded weakly from behind the bathroom door as Rarity’s sudden tantrum was practically bulldozered by the surprise-filled announcement.

“Oh, I am so sorry about that. Really, I am,” Twilight gushed. “It’s just, first the battle, then you going missing, then Luna writing to tell me they’re going to look for you, and something about Time Turner getting involved, and having to organize the Thestrals, in case you didn’t get back soon enough, and–.”

“It’s all right, Twilight. Calm down. Grab another one of your bags, if you need to,” he replied, raising a hoof to stop her. “I actually came by to check up on things, as well as update Rarity on the events of my disappearance.”

Twilight took about a minute or so to get her breathing back under control. Then she promptly sat down to prevent the dizziness from getting to her. “She’s in the bathroom. You know the place.” She waved a hoof tiredly toward the door, then started levitating books over to her. “Don’t mind me. I’m just … going to do some reorganizing. For the sake of my sanity.”

“I can wait,” he shrugged. “To be honest, I’m still dealing with the ringing in my ears.”

After a good five minutes or so, Twilight found herself capable of more coherent speech, and Hammer Strike was able to sample a few of the baked goods from the basket, including a welcome back cupcake that had somehow materialized in all the chaos.

“You may have to go in and get her,” Twilight noted. “She’s probably too embarrassed to come out on her own.”

“I think it’s more amusing this way.” Hammer Strike chuckled softly as he moved towards one of the walls to inspect it. “She’ll be out eventually.”

“Are … are you … teasing her?” Twilight raised a brow in disbelief.

“Me? Never,” Hammer Strike replied with a grin, before going to back to investigate the wall.

“... Okay, I think I’m going to go lie down now. I must be hallucinating,” the princess said as she clopped her way towards the stairs. “You two have fun.”

After a few moments, Hammer Strike let out another soft chuckle. “Do you plan on sitting in there forever, Rarity?”

The door opened a crack. “I’m so ashamed. You weren’t supposed to see me like this.”

“I didn’t see a thing, to be fair,” Hammer Strike offered with a shrug.

“Oh, but you must have heard it. Half of Ponyville probably did.”

“Well, you aren’t wrong, but it’s nothing compared to some of the stuff you all have dealt with in this place.”

“It’s just … so unladylike of me,” she weedled from the crack.

“It’s alright, dear. Calm down and come out here,” Hammer Strike chuckled. “I know this tree like the back of my hoof by this point. I can get you out here, if needed.”

Rarity gasped. “You’re bluffing. You wouldn’t dare.”

“Need I prove myself?”

There was about a minute of silence. “Fine, I’m coming out. But only because I don’t want to risk any more damage to Twilight’s home.” The door slowly creaked open, and an incredibly bashful Rarity stepped out of the ravaged remains of Twilight’s restroom. Chunks of porcelain and various other remains and accessories littered the floor, alongside a puddle of water near a pipe she had busted, before cutting off the water flow.

“I’m sure Twilight has a repair spell.”

Rarity blushed. “So, where do we go from here?”

“We discuss what events transpired, either here or at your place. I would say in New Unity, but I’d prefer to get this conversation going before sundown.”

Rarity smiled weakly as she levitated the basket. “Cookie before we start? I mean, we do already have the tea here. It would be such a pity to let it go to waste.”

Hammer Strike returned the smile. “Sure. I suppose it would be a good idea, as this may be a lengthy story, one I’m sure Twilight will walk in on at a point that makes me have to repeat several parts.”

Rarity giggled. “That does sound like her.” And suddenly everything was all right again. She took her seat, flicked her hair to the side, then lifted a fresh teacup to pour. “Now, then. Why don’t you start from the beginning? I haven’t heard anything about this yet. Princess Luna made Twilight promise to run interference.”

“I suppose you’d say I had to work alongside the plan of an embodiment or, well, die,” he started, scratching at his beard as he thought on the events. “Memory spell and all that kinda jumbles it all together into one moment in my mind. In any case, multiple entities of the embodiments don’t like me, and tried to create a method outside of the norm to kill me. As I still have several things I need to do before I die, I was approached and told I would be placed a week forward in time. Instead, I ended up over a hundred years in the past.”

And so, Hammer Strike proceeded to recount his story one step at a time. When he reached the point over the stranger handing him the shoes in the first place, a rather shrill, “What?” greeted both Ponies as a rather shocked Twilight stared at the Earth Pony.

“I know how to call it,” Hammer Strike chuckled. “Yes, Twilight?”

“What on earth possessed you to take a random set of horseshoes from a complete stranger? That’s just asking for trouble.”

“With the state my mind was in, I appeared to have little care for my own being, despite not knowing the power I had to back it up,” he hummed to himself. “He was quite interesting. I could practically feel his presence, before he came near my campfire. While he wore a large cloak, covering almost all of his body, I could see that he was a very large stallion with a grey coat and a more golden mane.” He furrowed his brow. “It was odd, actually. I could swear it was at least two or more Ponies walking over to me. Either that or … he had multiple sets of hooves.” He hummed to himself as he suddenly drifted into thought.

“Hammer Strike, I don’t think there’s any record of a Pony like that. The closest thing we have in relation to something along those lines is Sleipnir, and he’s a horse, not a Pony,” Twilight mused. “Not to mention he hasn’t been seen in millennia, if not eons. A lot of accounts are … less than reliable.”

“I’ve seen someone like this before,” Hammer Strike commented as he looked up. “While out on our trip some time ago, I was able to … test a new aspect on myself, one that is the base structure of reality as we know it, creation and destruction in the purest form. What I saw while I was under the effects of the aspect was … amazing, to say the least. Countless figures surrounded me, both the dead and entities beyond, embodiments of all sorts with a mixture of expressions, that sort of thing. But of all of these, only two stood out amongst them. I felt concern, and even a twinge of something more, when I viewed the second one, like an old friend I wasn’t able to recall. The second one was well beyond the other embodiments in his presence. With a steel coat, golden mane, and eight legs. The only way I could describe his presence was that of something divine. All this time later, I can still feel his presence watching. At first, I had assumed it was me, but the more I think on it, the more I think that he’s watching over much, much more. That presence was almost the same, and it would explain a lot,” he finished as he glanced down at his rear hooves.

“Sweetie, are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t know for certain, but if it is true, then everything makes sense.” Hammer Strike’s eyes ignited for a moment as he glanced at the horseshoes. “The aspects are way too abnormal, and to be honest, I can’t even determine what some of them are.” He glanced up to the two. “I might have met someone divine.”

“If you really did, it might be best for you to keep it to yourself,” Twilight pointed out. “You’re already popular enough as it is. That being said, though, it could have some very serious theological implications.”

“Delightful.”

“Let’s just hope the hierarchy at the Church of Sleipnir don’t get the wrong idea. The last person to achieve the status of visitation wound up being chosen to lead a crusade against the Gryphons. You … can imagine how well that went over with the princesses, when they heard about it.”

“Depends on the era,” Hammer Strike shrugged.

“We’d just gotten over the first Gryphon war, and tensions were still high. At least, I’m pretty sure that’s how the manuscript read. I’d have to locate it again to get the specifics.”

“I suppose I’ll look into it as well. That, and to look up information about these.” He tapped his back hoof against the ground. “Ever since I put them on, I’ve felt a new connection, and considering the way my magic works, it’s certainly unique.”

“Connection to what, Darling?” Rarity asked.

“Well, to the planet. Plant life and stuff like that. It was the reason I was able to carve out this tree so perfectly in the past. I could feel the channels of life within it and work around it.”

“Wait, you did what now?” Twilight’s head whipped faster than a hurricane as she gaped at him.

“Didn’t you wonder why this place was specifically named the ‘Golden Oak’ library? Most buildings aren’t named after what they’re made of.”

“I just assumed it was a random Pony who planted the tree in the first place. I haven’t really had much time to focus on finding out about it.”

“The name I was given while my memory was out of order was Golden Oak. I ended up using this tree as a carpentry shop, while Ponyville was in its starting days.”

“A carpentry shop?”

Hammer Strike chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I hadn’t thought to work with metal at the time, and ended up with that. I mean, while it is strange for me, as Hammer Strike, to be a carpenter, before I actually arrived in Equestria, that was my job.”

“Just a moment. If you were there when Ponyville first started, then why didn’t Granny Smith recognize you when you returned from the war?” Rarity asked.

“She probably did, but with me not addressing her as I was, she probably thought I had another issue with my memory and didn’t say anything. Actually, I should visit them afterwards.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“If you would like to, I … certainly wouldn’t be opposed.”

“Good. I’d like to get to know my adopted sister.”

“Wait, what?” Twilight asked again.

Rarity and Hammer Strike took one look at each other, then burst into laughter.

---

Vital Spark knocked gently on the door to Trixie’s quarters. True, it had only been a short time since they had last seen each other, but there were some rather important details to iron out. And besides that, he’d never actually been to her real room before. He quickly ran a hoof through his mane to try to ensure it was neat and properly set.

“Yes? Who is it?” Trixie’s voice filtered through the door.

“It’s me, Trixie.” Vital cleared his throat. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks already. “Can I come in?”

“Of course,” Trixie replied. The door opened to reveal a large room that seemed to have been redecorated to resemble the inside of a wagon. Wood had been used to panel the walls and floor, and several blue sheets hung across the roof. When she noticed him looking over the modifications, she blushed. “After so many years living in her wagon, Trixie has trouble sleeping outside of it, so Trixie brought her wagon to her room.”

“Did you use a modification spell or illusion of some kind, or did you just add bits and pieces here and there over time?” Vital asked curiously as he passed by a set of small bookshelves now crammed full of books on magical theory. However, not one to forget her roots, Trixie had placed the ones on showmanship and illusion on top between a set of Unicorn bookends with emerald eyes. Her focus gem sat in a mount that had recently been installed above her bed. A set of materials sat off to the side on her work bench, including a series of knives, hammers, chisels, bevels, and others.

“Trixie put it together over time. Traveling on the road has provided many opportunities for her to learn how to construct and repair wooden walls.”

“And how to adapt to new situations, it would seem,” Vital added as he walked over and nuzzled her gently on the neck. “I missed you,” he sighed.

She returned the affection. “Trixie missed you, too.”

Vital chuckled. “So, we’re technically engaged, right?”

“You make it sound like some obscure business transaction,” Trixie laughed. “We are going to be married, Vital Spark. Trixie is happier than she ever remembers.”

“Well, I wanted to ask, because it’s supposed to be customary for a Pony to get a special gift for his special somepony as a part of that, at least from what I understand of it. And since that’s the case, well, I was wondering, what would you like? I mean, what do you think would really fit the two of us?”

“Trixie doesn’t care, Vital,” she told him plainly. “I don’t care what it is, as long as we’re together.”

Vital’s blush deepened. “You know, that’s still going to take some getting used to. Mrs. Trixie Spark.” He smirked teasingly. “Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

“I think so, too,” she nodded, kissing him.

Vital’s eyes went wide, and he felt his lover’s wings wrapping around him. A few stray sparks flew out the top of his horn to fizzle toward the floor, until they finally broke off, and he gasped. “You … are a lot bolder than you used to be,” he panted. Then he smiled slyly. “I’m tempted to say I need an adult, but I think I know what your answer would be.”

“Why shouldn’t I be bold? I’ve learned to trust myself, I’ve found a stallion who’s truly wonderful, I’m learning magic from one of the best minds in Equestria’s history. I have so much right now.”

“And don’t forget you’re a princess on top of it all.”

“And that would make you a prince,” she laughed.

“I … have no idea how to respond to that.”

Trixie giggled. “Well then, what do you think of blue and gold for the wedding colors?”

“Oh, I’m sure Hammer Strike’s going to love it,” Vital smirked.

“Oh, there is so much to plan,” Trixie gushed, “so much to look after.”

“And we need to figure out the mare of honor and best stallion, not to mention who we’ll have standing by the altar as our bridesmares and groomstallions.”

“I think we should plan it for the first week in spring,” Trixie said.

“That soon? Don’t we need time to plan a venue, get things organized, arrange your coronation, that sort of thing?” His breathing started to hitch up as his eyes suddenly widened as the full impact of Trixie’s earlier statement finally hit home. “Oh my goodness. I’m marrying a princess.”

“I don’t want our wedding to be a matter of public spectacle. It should be a moment for us,” Trixie insisted.

“You do realize we’re neighbors to a town where keeping a secret is nigh-impossible, right? A lot of Ponies are probably going to want to attend. Though speaking of, who should we have perform the rites, anyways?”

“Would Hammer Strike be willing? He is your friend.”

Vital tapped his hoof against his chin for a moment. “I suppose you’re right. And he is the highest authority here. We don’t exactly have a priest to the churches around, so I suppose he would be the best one to perform the ceremony. Though you do realize we’re going to have to work out a proper list of guests, too, right?”

“Yes, but if I’m not coronated yet, we’re not obligated to invite half of Canterlot, are we?”

“Trixie, even if you were coronated, we still wouldn’t be obligated to invite half of Canterlot. As far as I’m aware, the stuck up nobles can suck it. Pardon my Phrench.”

“That's something we can agree on,” Trixie smiled. “Also, Vital Spark, the Phrench would be les nobles peuvent le sucer.”

“You never told me you could speak Phrench,” Vital said with some surprise.

“Most ponies in Neigh Orleans speak Phrench. I guess I never thought of it as an unusual ability.”

“You know, back home, that’s actually one of the three great romantic languages,” he said as he leaned in and nuzzled her mane behind an ear.

“Well then, I’ll have to start teaching you.” She returned the nuzzle. “Now then, what are your favorite flowers?” Trixie asked as she levitated a scroll, pen, and inkwell over. “We can make a list and compare to work out the arrangements.”

“You know, it’s hard for me to say. I like all kinds of flowers, really. Roses, carnations, lilies, lotuses, all sorts.” He chuckled. “Just as long as we’re both able to enjoy the day, I don’t really care so much about what flowers we get.”

Trixie smiled at him and kissed him just above the base of his horn. “As long as you're there, it could rain fire and I’d still be happy.”

“You know, with Hammer Strike there, that’s more than likely to happen, especially if we plan it on a Tuesday,” he teased, even as a pleasurable shudder ran through him. “So, how about you and I have a lay down, and we can really talk about that wedding, hmm?” he asked as he snorted gently in her ear.

“I’d enjoy that very much.” Trixie giggled and turned towards the bed, giving her tail a flick as she passed him.

Vital’s cheeks flushed heavily as her scent struck his nostrils, and he nickered involuntarily as he shot a beam of magic at the door, completely encasing it in ice, with a sign carved on the other side that read Do Not Disturb in big bold letters. Then he turned to the matter, and the very attractive mare, at hoof.

---

Hammer Strike hummed to himself as he gazed out at the apple orchard. At the moment, his coat lay folded onto his back. “Funny how I look at this now and finally comprehend how far this has come.”

“Sometimes, it amazes me, too,” Applejack spoke up as she walked out through some of the nearby trees. “Howdy, Hammer Strike. What can I do for ya?”

“Just visiting for old times’ sake. Is … Granny Smith around?”

“Yeah, she’s back at the barn. Probably taking her afternoon nap.”

“Do you believe she’d be upset, if she was woken up?”

“Nah. You know Granny. She’ll just be confused for a moment.”

“Let’s get things going, then. I have a few things I’d like to talk to her about.” Hammer Strike gave a soft smile.

“Sure thing, Sugarcube. Just follow me, and we’ll cut through the orchard.” The orange Pony turned and headed off in said direction. True to her word, Granny Smith was creaking back and forth on her old rocking chair just past the hayloft. Her wrinkled head was bowed as she snoozed peacefully, occasionally smacking her lips in her sleep. The lack of pigtails seemed strange to Hammer Strike as he looked on that wizened face, but he would never forget the fire she’d developed in those eyes. It was a fire he looked forward to seeing again, once she found out the truth.

“Granny Smith?” Hammer Strike called out softly as he drew near. The mare continued to doze. He sighed, giving a few more attempts, each getting louder and louder.

Granny finally sputtered awake, darting her head left and right as she got her bearings. “Wha? I’m … I’m up. I’m up.” Then her eyes fell on the familiar Earth Pony. “Oh, it’s you, Hammer Strike. What brings you round to our neck of the woods?”

He gave a faint chuckle. “Oh, you know, thought I’d visit for old times’ sake, Granny. Or would you prefer Caramel, despite how long it’s been since my last visit?”

Granny’s eyes shot open as she stared hard at Hammer Strike. “Where did you hear that name?” she demanded, suddenly zipping into his face and fixing him with a hard glare, despite her age.

“I know it’s been a while, but after getting my memory sorted so many times, I guess you can say I’m getting closer to my whole self,” he chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. “Come now, Caramel. Don’t you remember the old me? Who couldn’t remember, Golden Oak?”

Granny’s gaze narrowed. “I don’t take kindly to pranks, Hammer Strike, ‘specially not ‘bout an old friend.”

“I’m not kidding, Caramel.” Hammer’s expression grew serious. “I can recount every moment of our time together, all seventeen years I was here. From the time I jumped in to stop the timberwolves from getting you, after you got the zap apples, with nothing more than the lumber axe that Seeder let me use to the time a few strange individuals came by the town, just before my memory came back. Then there’s also the horse shoes that are kinda stuck to my back hooves. Thankfully, they’re still not rose gold.”

Granny’s eye twitched briefly as she processed that information, then eyed the Pony’s flat face and his hooves. Then she was back in his face again. “Smile for me.”

Hammer Strike gave a short chuckle before giving a soft smile for her to judge.

Granny gasped. Her lip wobbled. Then she promptly conked him on the head. “That was for missing my wedding day!” And then she locked her knobby forelegs around his neck as her tears brushed against his fur. “And this is for everything else.”

“I’m sorry to have missed so much,” he said as he returned the hug softly. “I’ve been so busy, it’s hard to get free time. You know how I am.”

“You had ta go through some more of them time travel shenanigans, didn’t ya?”

“Plenty.”

“Ya mind lettin’ me in on what the hay’s happening here?” Applejack asked.

Granny turned to look at her granddaughter with a gentle smile. “Applejack, meet my uncle Golden Oak, also known as Hammer Strike. Just didn’t make the connection till now.” She cackled. “Course, y’know what this means, don’t ya, Hammer Strike?” she asked with a mischievous smirk.

“Uhh. Maybe?”

“Applejack, get Big Mac and Little Willow. We’re gonna have ourselves an Apple Family Reunion dinner. And Golden Oak’s the guest of honor.”

“On it, Granny.” Applejack nodded, before turning and running off.

Big Mac groaned as he leaned back in his chair and nursed his bloated belly. A big tankard of cider lay more than half empty next to the gory remains of the many apple-themed desserts he had eaten with such reckless abandon. Little Willow couldn’t help but giggle and shake her head at her husband’s actions, while Applejack and Applebloom just laughed themselves silly. Rarity nuzzled her husband lovingly as she smiled appreciatively towards Granny Smith and the rest of the family.

“You know, you could have warned him about how easily your body can burn calories,” she noted.

Hammer Strike smiled. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Big Mac let out a groan. “Eeyup.” Then he belched. “S’cuse me.”

Granny cackled gleefully. “I just had a thought. Imagine what Filthy’d think, if he knew who you were. You gave his granddad his start in the first place.”

“I’m good, at least for now.” Hammer Strike shook his head. “Now that I’m thinking about it, what ever happened to that hammer I made, the wooden one?”

“Didn’t ya recognize it?” Granny cackled again as she pointed to a simple rack behind Hammer Strike’s head, where two pegs extended to support the hammer’s head. “We were mighty fond of ya. ‘Course we’d keep a memento close.” Then she winked at him.

“I didn’t notice it,” he replied as he looked over the hammer. “I’m surprised it’s still got life in it….”

The warhammer was decidedly not the kind of thing one would expect to find in a farmhouse. The whole hammer, against all convention, was crafted from a single piece of living wood. The straight haft was as long as Applejack, and ended in a large head. The larger side was carved in the the shape of the bottom of an apple, as though one had been attached to the hammer stem first. The spike on the other end held the oval-like shape of a leaf with bladed sides that were much sharper than they appeared. It had been engraved with a pattern of leaves and trees from the head down to the end of the haft, and the wood appeared to have a golden red finish, despite the fact it had never been stained.

“Wait, y’all are saying Hammer Strike carved old Tree Feller?” Applejack asked.

“With his own hooves,” Granny confirmed. “Best carpenter this side of Equestria.”

“I remember when you used to tell us how Pa would turn timberwolves into driftwood with that,” Apple Bloom said, staring between Hammer Strike and the hammer with no small amount of awe.

“And they’d stay down, too,” Granny said with a smirk.

“It was an interesting project, with my memory in the state it was at the time. I don’t really know what drove me to make a weapon as a gift,” Hammer Strike commented as he turned back towards the table.

“I wonder,” Rarity said as she looked it over. “If it was made out of living wood, and it’s still alive, does that make it a sentient weapon?”

This caused a round of laughter from all corners of the table.

“I’m … afraid I don’t get the joke.”

“Well, Rarity, no offense, but it’s a mite hard to explain it to a Unicorn,” Applejack spoke up. “Living wood is only as smart as the tree it was taken from, but it’s hard to explain how smart a tree is without being able to explain how a tree feels.”

“And an oak tree Hammer Strike lived in, carved, and worked with for over a decade isn’t one he’d be acquainted with enough to know how ‘smart’ it is?”

“It’s not exactly something I would call sapient,” Hammer Strike rubbed the back of his head. “The best way I could explain it is by the concept that I mentioned before, with the channels of life in the tree.”

“Which is something a Unicorn like me wouldn’t be able to understand, because it’s related directly to Earth Pony magic?”

“You really can’t explain how a plant thinks, Rarity. It’s not like how a Pony thinks. It’s just different.”

“Has anypony else tried using it?”

“Nope. Weren’t really a need to, now that Ponyville’s grown so much.”

“So now it’s there more as a reminder?”

Granny nodded. “We still miss Bright Mac, but that there hammer helps us remember some of the happier times, believe it or not.”

“I’m glad it was able to serve a purpose in defending you all,” Hammer Strike commented with a small grin.

“Perhaps it can be used again, if another Changeling attack occurs,” Little Willow offered.

Granny looked carefully at the hammer. “Perhaps,” she allowed. “Perhaps.”

---

”Nothing like the morning run, huh, Vital?” Grif asked as the two of them finished their exercise with the rest of the troops, then happily chugged down a bottle of water.

“It’s definitely something,” Vital huffed as he gave the Gryphon a half smile. “But at least I managed to finish properly this time. Who knows? A few more weeks, and maybe I’ll make this easily.”

“Yeah. And then you can start on the actual workout,” Grif chuckled. “Seriously, though. As of today, no one’s going to be reminding you to show up. If you show up, you can run with us, but now it will be your choice.”

“Well, I’ll probably have to run it by the wife, once we finally have the ceremony, but I don’t see a problem with it otherwise.” He winked at his friend. “Though I have been meaning to ask, who would be the best teacher for hoof to hoof combat? You guys have taught me how to wield my focus and my magic, but I haven’t really been able to focus much on if I were weaponless.”

“That depends on how far you want to go with it. Hammer Strike’s naturally the best teacher, but he’ll train you to kill with bare hooves, and you’re not ready for that. You could try Zecora. She has a few different techniques she could teach you. Or, if you’re interested in something less dedicated, there are a few troops who could teach you to brawl.”

“Hmm. Guess I’ll have to sort through a couple of those to figure out which is best. Though facing against a brawler doesn’t exactly strike me as something I’d like so much. No pun intended.”

“Well, it’s important to figure these things out. I’d teach you myself, but you lack certain necessary appendages,” Grif said, tapping his talons together for emphasis.

“Granted, if we ever see him again, Conor might like to learn a thing or two from you. You are a mighty accomplished warrior, after all,” Vital pointed out. “Regardless, I’ll make sure to keep you all in the loop for my decision.”

“I’ll help you make the arrangements, when you do,” Grif assured him as he got into position and began a set of what would be two hundred wingups.

“Oh, by the way, Grif, would you do me the honor of being one of my groomsmen?”

“Sure,” Grif smirked as he kept going. “What did Rook say when you asked?”

Vital clamped Grif’s beak with his magic as he quickly shushed him. “I haven’t told him yet,” he whispered anxiously.

Grif reached out without breaking his rhythm and flicked Vital on the horn, breaking his magic hold on his beak. “Don’t do that,” he growled.

“I wasn’t going to hold it that long, you know.” Vital sighed. “Sorry. I just want to tell everyone myself, you know? I’m tense enough as it is planning for something so quick. Trixie wants to have the ceremony as soon as Spring hits.”

“Good. It will give you two some privacy.”

“Honeymoon’s going to be interesting, though, since she’s supposed to lay low for now.”

“There’s this island off the southwestern coast, controlled mainly by a Zebra population. White beaches, private resorts. It’s really beautiful, if you’re interested.”

“Isn’t that where you honeymooned with Shrial?”

Grif nodded.

“I don’t know. Doing a copycat thing just doesn’t quite seem right. I’ll still bring it up with her, though.” He chuckled. “After all, she may love the idea.”

“If you try not to copycat anyone, then you’ll find yourself unable to move at all. Even then, you’d be copying someone. Anyway, it’s a nice place. I’m just offering some advice.”

“I know. That’s why I didn’t just go and dismiss it outright.” Vital shook his head and smiled. “More often than not, your advice tends to be what the doctor ordered.”

“I had a good teacher,” Grif said. His tone had mixed emotions.

“And I’m sure he’s proud of you.” He smirked then. “I know this sounds kinda mean and inappropriate, but you wouldn’t happen to know the best time I could spring the question on Rook, would you?”

“He’ll be in the mess hall in ten minutes. Probably not going to be a better time.”

“Thanks. You want me to record it?”

“No. Just let me know how he reacts,” Grif chuckled.

“So let it be written, so shall it be done,” Vital said in a solemn tone. Then he stuck his tongue out teasingly at his friend and trotted off to lie in ambush.

Grif chuckled and shook his head at his friend’s retreating form, before he switched to vertical regular pushups. This would be fun.

---

Pensword smiled as he entered his family’s quarters again. “I’m home!” he called, then braced himself for the inevitable onslaught that came moments later as all four of his children pounced him from all sides. He laughed as they drove him to the floor and he rolled back and forth with them as they roughhoused together.

“You found Hammer Strike, then?” Lunar Fang asked as she walked into the room, followed by Fox Feather.

“Yes.” Pensword sighed contentedly as he laid on his back with either foal resting next to him. “Mission accomplished.”

“One more for the weary road, then,” she smiled.

“And who knows how many more to go,” Pensword chuckled as he rose to nuzzle each of his mates in turn.

There was a knock quite suddenly at the door.

“I’ll get it!” three voices chorused at once, and all four foals tripped and sprawled over one another in their quest for dominance. Naturally, Moon River proved victorious as she twisted the knob to reveal Luna flanked by Nightshade. The scarred Thestral looked at the children impassively with his single eye. The boys quickly scrambled to attention and blushed as the princess entered, and Moon River giggled as she straddled across the Alicorn’s back.

“Princess Luna,” Pensword said, “to what do we owe the surprise?”

“Pensword of house Pen, in exactly three weeks and five days at approximately fifteen hundred hours, Princess Luna will be putting forth a motion to the House of Lords for the remilitarization of Equestria. It is slightly later than the initial timeline, but after what just happened here in New Unity, it seems most appropriate. When the motion passes, suitable candidates for commanding the new Equestrian military must be put forth. Given your previous military history and your record, your name has been put forth as a possible candidate for this position. You are therefore ordered to report to the location listed on this scroll tomorrow at twelve hundred hours to begin an evaluation to rate your suitableness.” Nightshade handed the scroll bearing Luna’s seal and a dark blue ribbon.

Pensword nodded. “I’ll be there,” he promised. “Though I am somewhat puzzled. Who else is being called?”

“That's classified at this time,” Nightshade responded.

Pensword nodded. “Was there anything else you needed to tell me, or can we dispense with the formalities and spend some time as friends?”

“Unfortunately, this isn’t a pleasure trip. The princess still has preparations to look after, and I must return to the Lunar Guard. There is still much to look after, since the battle.”

“Of course.” Pensword frowned. “I’ll be by the barracks later, if you need to talk.”

With that, Nightshade and Luna did a perfect about face and left.

Pensword sighed. “In all the excitement of recovering Hammer Strike, I’d forgotten how recently we’d just fought Chrysalis.”

“You’ve had weeks to work it out. The world still has only had days,” Lunar Fang pointed out.

“I know.” He sighed again as he looked disconsolately out the window to the scars the battle had left behind. “And now I’m going to have to prepare for the next round of funerals.”

---

No matter the circumstances, Hammer Strike had learned one major thing about his trips. His return was always to be met with paperwork. It didn’t matter how short or long the trip. He would return to a desk full of paperwork. This time, he was going over the damage report and a list of important repair requests. He was uncertain about his feeling towards it, primarily due to his mind being out of sorts for a month, leaving him feeling a mixture of rested and strained.

He hummed to himself as he read over the reports, including the report about Trixie. While impressed, he was also quite upset. “It’s nice and all, but why’d you have to do it after I finished the battlemage robes?” he muttered softly to himself as he thought aloud. “Got them complete, and she goes and becomes an Alicorn, changing her body shape and structure….”

As soon as he fell silent, he began hearing the steady clicks of talons against the hallway leading towards his office. Two sets, one medium and one large body structure following a rhythm that he was able to determine as Grif and a larger Gryphon.

“Are you busy?” Grif’s voice spoke up.

“Come in.”

Grif entered, followed closely by Gilgamesh. “How goes the work?” he asked casually.

“It’s.…” Hammer Strike gave a faint shrug. “It’s going. So, mind introducing me to the abnormally large Gryphon?”

“Well, there is a story behind that,” Grif said, closing the door and locking it. “Perhaps it would be best to take measures to make sure we aren't overheard?”

Hammer Strike raised a brow questioningly as his hooves ignited in blue fire. After a moment, the walls gave off a faint ember, the only evidence of his tampering. “There. I’ve solidified the aspects in the wall with minor notes for oxygen. It should keep voices from escaping this room. Now … explain.”

“You remember how the evoker fortress had been sealed by Celestia and Luna with a blood seal only you or I could enter, until one of us broke it?” Grif asked.

“Yes.”

“When we arrived at the fortress and entered, I discovered someone had entered the fortress without breaking the seal. Upon further investigation, I discovered Gilgamesh here had been living there for some time.” Grif pointed to the larger Gryphon. “And we discovered something else.”

Hammer Strike glanced over Gilgamesh, who was steadily shrinking from the look. “What else did you discover?”

“Calm down, big guy,” Grif said in a easy tone as he reached under Gilgamesh and lifted the forlocks of the back hoof that was closest to Hammer Strike.

“Now that is certainly something unique,” Hammer Strike hummed as he rose from his desk and approached to study the Gryphon further. “Not quite a Hippogriff, that much is certain, but certainly different for a Gryphon.”

“One last thing. You should look at him with your special way of looking at things,” Grif said, not sure how much was safe to reveal with a third party in the room.

Hammer Strike nodded as thaumic fire covered his eyes. As he looked over the now startled Gryphon, he was able to notice a concentration of magic lining from the center of his mass towards his talons. He frowned as he moved from his desk. “Could you lift your talons for a second?”

“O-of course, uh, Sir,” Gilgamesh said as he raised his hand for Hammer Strike to inspect.

Hammer Strike hummed to himself as he continued studying the Gryphon’s talons, noting the material was drastically different from Grif’s. After a few moments, he nodded, allowing Gilgamesh to lower his arm as the Earth Pony returned to his desk. “His talons are made of alichorn. That is very, very, interesting. Are you able to cast magic with them?”

“Yes,” Gilgamesh replied. And after a moment of waiting, he realized Hammer Strike was waiting for him to show him. Reaching his hand up, he began concentrating as a small fire appeared in the center of his palm. After some time, he exhaled, letting the fire die out.

Hammer Strike couldn’t help but express some of his curiosity. “A Gryphon with the capability of casting magic without a talisman. You are most likely the first in either a long time, or possibly at all.”

“I figured you’d want to meet him,” Grif nodded. “He’ll be staying with us for the foreseeable future, if that’s okay with you.”

“Admittedly, it doesn’t sit right with me. I’d like to keep him close by. I’m very curious about the nature of his being, and perhaps Clover could assist me in figuring out how this came about in the genepool,” he replied after a moment.

“Would you be all right with staying here, Gilgamesh?” Grif asked him.

“A-as long as I won’t be a bother to a-anyone,” Gilgamesh rubbed at his neck.

“I had a drawing made. He remembers this symbol, but of all the clan symbols we’ve looked at, there doesn’t seem to be a match.” Grif retrieved a piece of paper from his bag and handed it to Hammer Strike. A downward facing sword with wings folded over the hilt stared up at the Pony lord, surrounded in a circle.

Hammer Strike stared at the mark for a full minute, before he gave a faint huff. “Now that, that is something interesting,” he muttered as he pulled out a blank piece of parchment. He then began to draw out a circle, followed by an upward facing sword with wings stretched out from the hilt within it. After he finished, he placed them side by side for the two to look at. “It’s almost like a mockery of my house symbol.”

“Well, yours is about the only thing close to it that I’ve been able to find yet. There are a lot of weird coincidences here. I thought it would be best to bring this to you,” Grif noted.

“I’ll have one of the servants prepare a room for you, Gilgamesh. You are free to roam New Unity, but I will need to do more tests and examine things further. Is that all right?”

Gilgamesh nodded in response.

“I’ll leave you two to it, if that's alright with you. I have things I need to get back to.” Grif bowed his head, before moving for the door.

“Enjoy your day, Grif.”

Gilgamesh waved hesitantly as Grif left.

“Now then, Gilgamesh, let’s get down to business.”

---

“Hey there, Rook,” Vital smiled in greeting as he approached the black Pony, where he sat in the mess hall. A platter lined with a daisy sandwich and one of the Apples’ famous apple turnovers sat before him, with a large bite already taken out of the sandwich. “How’re you doing today?”

“Okay,” he shrugged. “And you?” Rook asked as he took another bite.

“Same.” Vital smiled as he levitated a glass of water over. “Wedding plans are coming along. Trixie’s really excited.”

“I’m happy for you two. It’s good you finally took that step.”

“Well, I’ve kinda been looking for someone who might be able to take that step with me.” Vital put an artful frown on his face. “It’s tough with so many amazing and supportive Ponies around, though.”

“Quite the conundrum,” Rook said, taking another bite.

“So I was thinking I could use a best stallion to help me out. And I figured, who better than my friend and mentor in the Rohirrim? In short, Black Rook, would you be best stallion at my wedding?”

Rook nearly choked on his sandwich. “Me?” he sputtered.

“I’m not talking to anypony else, am I?” Vital asked with a hint of a smirk as he took another drink. “So, will you do it?”

“Sure. I just ... I didn’t expect you’d ask me.”

“Really? For shame, Rook. What’s one of the first rules of combat you and Grif taught me?”

Rook gave a dry chuckle. “Expect the unexpected. But I’d have expected you’d have asked Grif or Hammer Strike or somebody else.”

“Hammer Strike is going to perform the ceremony, and let’s face it, we both know Grif will need the freedom to book a certain slick singer to join the celebration at the reception.”

“I’m honored,” Rook said.

“Good.” Vital smiled as his horn began to glow. “Sorry for this in advance.” He whipped the tray out just in the nick of time to block a massive cake wad somepony had dropped from the rafters.

“Guess you’ve been around Grif long enough to see that coming,” Rook laughed.

“It certainly helped,” Vital Spark agreed. “I think I may need to research a karma spell after this. Better to be safe than sorry.”

“Pretty sure karma doesn’t punish all but the most cruel pranks,” Rook said.

“True, but it does help one to avoid the minor ones, if one has the good kind on their side.”

Rook nodded. “Is there anything specific about this I should know?”

“And by this, do you mean the wedding, responsibilities as best stallion, or the fact I’m dealing with the threat of pranks around most corners as a means to help boost morale?”

“The former.”

“We plan to have it at winter’s end. As for what else, Trixie and I are still deciding. We’ll let you know, once we have further details in place.”

“You got it.”

“Thanks, Rook.” Vital tossed a few bits on the table. “Have another lunch on me.” Then he hurried hastily out the hall. He had a lot of work to do, and a retreat to beat.

Comments

[Booster Spice]

At least tehy managed to make it back to the time expected without getting caught in a Vanderdecken loop or any of many other possibilities. This time.

Given the inverse symbol, the thing thats prodding me about Gilgamesh is its like some entity, either top mage or cohesive group has manipulated his base form or even created him over an extended period of time from the very base, in order to remove the final thorn in their side, HammerStrike. Depends of course just how his magic is implemented wethers theres any Changeling templates, polyforms embedded within, or chaos, plunder seeds so that his magic can be utelised to disrupt others, like the Changelings crystals? This means putting hhim anywhere near the Gant and it Core could lead to some extremely excessive and unexpected occurances as the Core energy triggers magical flows he himself knows nothing about?

Fill in events are like one of Those Shops. Its been there for ages, sure Searge, but, was it there for ages, yesterday.

[Fetch]

I say that Gilgamesh is the distant descendent of both Hammer Strike and Grif's family lines.

[Jirodyne]

I'm still waiting for Vital to become a half Zebra important person thing, I can't remember that prophecy well. And still waiting for him to marry and bang Sunset too.

[Charedfirescale]

So I have two theories on Gilgamesh’s existence.

1) (My favorite) He’s Grif/ Taze’s brother
2) Hammer Strike did it with a Gryphon at some point.

Please let it be the first.

[GarrusVakarian]

8885252
That or he may be a distant time-traveling son of Grif that got amnesia like Golden Oak

[Charedfirescale]

8889998
Possibly grandson; that guy biologically has to be a griffon pony crossbreed. Since Hipogryphs are there own species.

The issue being Grif being the Avatar of the winds already has his four wives picked out; its just the last one is an athlete and shes busy with her current season.

[GarrusVakarian]

8890059
The two interesting things about that are that A. Gilgamesh wasn't 'quite' a hipogryph
and B. The blood seal seemed to only be able to open to those extremely similar to Grif or Hammerstike like a father or son

peculiar isn't it?

[Charedfirescale]

8890099
That's not exactly right. While the Seal Spell Luna casted was based on their blood, its not as exact as you make it out to be.

She said that basically anyone who shared blood with them would be able to get in without breaking the seal. So anyone includes children, siblings, parents, and possibly grandparents/children. Or possibly even cousins if the blood is strong enough.

Which is why I think Gilgamesh is Grif's / Taze's brother. Especially because he had one of the two dice that Grif found in an earlier chapter. One for him and one for his little brother.