46 - Magic Garden
Extended Holiday
Chp 46: Magic Garden
Act 5
Thalia stared as she walked through the gates. It was like she was entering another world as she gazed on all the bushes, trees, flowers, and creatures. The cold of winter melted away to the gentle warmth of an early summer. She managed to identify a few of the herbs and weeds growing thanks to the foraging skills she had developed scavenging for healing herbs and plants to help the wounded of their band. However, for the most part, this was all new terrain. Parasprites drifted lazily through the air while a cerberus pup jumped playfully across the path.
“What … is this place?” Thalia asked.
“Me garden, of course. Some like to call it paradise,” Azeez said as he pranced around her, his curved horns glinting in the sunlight as he played his panpipes. “Now, me lass, I’ll have to be warning ye. I can’t be with ye for the whole journey. I can only offer ye some practical advice.”
“I’m listening,” Thalia said, her eyes intent.
“Me garden has a few basic rules to visitors. Rule number one: don’t leave the path. Rule number two: don’t eat anything. And rule number three: Get out as fast as ye can once ye’ve got what ye came for. Of course, there are exceptions, but in this case, since ye’re an outsider and a first comer, I’m afraid those won’t be applyin’ to ye.”
“And if I don’t follow this … practical advice?”
“Then ye won’t be gettin’ what ye’re after. And ye’ll likely be trapped here forever. Happy, but trapped. If’n ye do manage tae leave when ya fail, few do the same way they entered, and less the same way they came in,” he said cryptically. “Good luck, lass. I’ll be waiting for ye on the other end.” With that, Azeez the satyr disappeared, running off into the underbrush after the little pup. “Stop! Don’t eat my azaleas!”
Grif looked over the horizon onto the fields of sweet apple acres as the snow was being plowed away. Winter wrap up had come to ponyville. As such, the gryphon had offered the services of the guard to the citizens to aid in the proceedings. The extra earth ponies and pegasi were proving a much needed boon on the small town as they worked hard to help bring in the Spring.
The integration of the gryphons into ponyville had gone far easier than Grif had feared. The ponies took his explanation without a second thought. There were, of course, always one or two ponies who had something personal against so many gryphons living nearby, but they kept their opinions to themselves.
The only problem had come from the foals. To be more specific, one set of particularly bratty foals. Grif had taken the time to explain to both parents and foals of ponyville that the fledglings had originally been given little time for things like playing. Most of them had been trained to fight to some degree; and in gryphon society youngsters were encouraged to scrap at even the smallest things.
Most foals had taken the warning to heart, keeping their actions and words in check, and coming to Grif if there was a problem regarding the hatchlings. They made sure to give them their space. Although pipsqueak had managed to befriend a few of them, and the Ponyville Pirate Crew had gained a few new sets of wings in the process.
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, however, as always, believed themselves untouchable to consequences regarding their actions. Even after the first dozen scraps that broke out between a hurt or insulted fledgling and the two foals had taught them nothing. Filthy Rich had been by a dozen times to try and find some solution for the problem and Grif was forced to find the offending fledglings’ parents, who listened to Filthy Rich’s explanation calmly before cursing the stallion for the cowardice to interfere in his daughters’ mistakes. Then they would set off to congratulate their child on his or her victory.
Grif rubbed his temples, sitting against a tree while he watched some ponies and gryphons sweep snow off the Town Hall’s roof. He had managed to pay off Bon Bon to introduce the youngsters to the world of sweets by closing down her store and allowing the children to sample what they would. He caught the familiar flap of wings and, without looking up to the sound, began to speak.
“I don’t know what to think, Shrial. On the one hand the bully finds out that not everyone simply takes it. On the other, I can’t let them become the bullies themselves.” He sighed. “What do I do?”
“It’s a difficult problem to solve, that’s for certain,” Shrial said as she dropped gently to the ground. “Perhaps you should have them form a squad of sorts. Something similar to a platoon, but designed to monitor activity in the school instead. If someone get’s out of line, they would have the skill and authority to take the offender to the powers that be. Then they can tell the tale truthfully. If they were to lie, their honor would be sullied. So the teachers can expect honest accounts from them. They’d just need to know in advance to escort the ponies without hurting them.”
“Thats sounds like an amazing idea and I would implement it immediately if not for the small fact that the current school teacher still despises our existence.” Grif said, his eyes closed as his beak pulled back in an unpleasant grimace. Then he let out an exasperated sigh.
“It sounds like they need to earn her respect then, just as Pensword needed to earn it from his people. Perhaps you should counsel with him on the subject.”
“I suppose so. But you didn’t come here to shoot the breeze with me. Is the ‘family’ behaving themselves on the southern fields?” Grif asked.
“They’re settling in well enough. A few duels have broken out, but nothing too serious. They’re not so extreme as the empire used to be. They’re all worried about Kalima though.”
“Her daughter will return,” Grif said with an iron surety. “Tomorrow I’m going to need you to look after things, however.”
“What for?” Shrial asked, her eyebrow raised.
“I have had a long talk with kalima about my recent problems. She has shown me the course of action I need to take. But I can’t be around the castle while I am performing what needs to be done. … The damages will be heavy.”
“What are you going to do?” Shrial asked, her gaze hardening with her tone.
“When I became one, I left some parts out that have been trying to manifest themselves. I need to correct that. And it won’t be a seamless transition.”
“So, if we see a tornado in the distance, we’ll know it’s you.”
“The only things in danger will be the quarry eels,” Grif said, raising a hand in a peaceful gesture. “And they, at least, aren't sentient.”
“I will do this. But only if you swear to come back to me alive and well,” She said, kissing him on the beak.
“If I have to kill the grim reaper, himself, I will always come back to you,” Grif said as he wrapped his wings around her. “Always.”
Despite Tower and Blast Shield’s protests about their lord going through the forest on his own, Hammer Strike was doing just that, having won the argument. He wanted to have some time to himself. New Unity was full of ponies and gryphons, and he knew there were bound to be interruptions to any restorations he wanted to try. So he did the only logical thing he could think to do with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
He took a break.
While most wouldn’t find a walk through the Everfree Forest a pleasant experience, Hammer Strike was fine with it. He wore his lightly plated blue and gold overcoat for protection. With his strength and pain tolerance, it was all he’d need. Beneath his favorite coat a ‘small’ longsword hung from its belt and sheath, waiting to be used in the event of a conflict.
Hammer Strike stopped suddenly, feeling the distinct impression that he was being watched. Scanning the gnarled and twisted trunks of the woods, his eyes fell upon a large furry creature with slitted leonine eyes. Its scorpion tail twitched lazily behind it in a relaxed stance. It sat down and stared at him for a time, cocking its head.
Neither of the two moved. The manticore continued its scrutiny, even as Hammer Strike returned its gaze. About twenty seconds later, he sighed.
“Wonderful,” He said, his voice laced with sarcasm. He lifted his hoof off the ground and pointed in the direction to his left. “Go. Now.”
The manticore looked curiously at the pony, then to his hoof, then to where it was pointing. It blinked a few times, whether in disbelief or out of some other need, before it yawned. The it stood up and stretched, pushing its paws into the snow as it did so. Lastly, it tossed its mane in the sun before turning in the direction Hammer had pointed and walking off. Shaking his head in disbelief, Hammer Strike continued on his path. It would seem that even in the chaos of the Everfree, he would still be forced to meet with distractions and interruptions.
Thalia walked cautiously along the path, eying the many bushes and trees with their varied fruits. The scents were mouth watering, or at least they would have been to an equine. Being a gryphon, she preferred meat. Still, she could not deny the allure as she eyed the berries and fruits while the wild herbs filled the air with a spicy fragrance. Off in the distance she could see a swarm of parasprites feasting on a giant tree. It seemed to be producing as many fruits as the sprites were eating, despite their multiplication. Shocking.
Below she noticed what looked to be a hairy equine sleeping soundly as drops of juice from a tree blossom dripped into its mouth. With each drop, the creature puffed up, expanding as it breathed in and out. Then it hacked, then it gacked, and finally, a new parasprite shot from its mouth before lashing at the fruit. Thalia shuddered as she noticed two translucent wings rising and falling with the creature’s breath. Had that thing once been a pony? What did that tree do to it? She hurried along, not wishing to catch their attention. Clearly, there was more to this garden than met the eye. Perhaps Azeez was right to warn her to stick to the path.
Continuing along, Thalia noticed the young cerberus pup, this time with three flower collars around its neck, running across the path again. A strange creature surrounded by a cloud of petals blew by, running with the pet and giggling as it followed while the pup yipped and barked back. She was so caught up in the events, she didn’t see the stallion standing in the road until she bumped into him, falling to the ground as the big pony stared down at her. His dark blue coat shone in the sun.
“Sorry about that.” He chuckled deeply as he reached down. “Here, let me help you up.” Before she could protest, Thalia was yanked off the dirt and set back on her feet. “The name’s Big Guns. Pleased to meet ya.” He bowed his head, his sunny yellow mane flashing in the afternoon light of the garden. Curious, Thalia eyed the pony’s flanks. Sure enough, his cutie mark was there, portraying a large, muscular minotaur arm with a cannon tattooed onto it. “Anything I can do for you, ma’am?” He asked politely as Thalia stared. This pony was as big as she was. How was that possible?”
“I … I am searching for the center of the garden. Where the waters meet. There’s something I need to retrieve from there to help my mother.”
“Sick, is she?” Thalia nodded her head. “Weak, needs a little boost?”
“... Sort of.”
“You wanna cure her?”
“Yes.”
“I got just the thing. Follow me!” Big Guns grinned, walking into the underbrush. A few seconds later, he re-emerged from the thicket, eying her carefully. “Well? You coming or not?”
Thalia eyed him warily. “Azeez warned me not to stray from the path.”
“You won’t be straying. This garden is filled with paths. They all connect to the heart of the garden. Why waste all that time when I can just take you to what you need now?”
Thalia stared down the path, then back at the stallion. He had promised a quick and easy way to save her mother. But this was Azeez’s garden. After seeing that tree and what it did, she didn't doubt that there was some fruit here that could save her mother. But which ones were safe? And who could she trust? Time was of the essence. She had to choose.
“Look. If you don’t trust me, I understand. But I used to be a sickly, weak little pony with hardly a prayer of surviving. I went into the everfree on a dare because I wanted to be accepted. I stumbled on Azeez’s garden here and pretty much just fell through the gates. I was dying of thirst and hunger, but every time I went to try something, it just didn’t taste right. I spat it out before I could swallow. That’s when I found this one tree. Its scent called me to it. I ate its fruit and now look at me! I’m strong, I’m healthy. Those bullies back home wouldn’t hold a candle to me now. I’m sure that it can help your mom too.”
“You really mean that?”
He snorted impatiently. “Trust me. Come on!” He said, his voice gruff. Thalia took one last look down the path, eyed the afternoon sun, then looked back to Big Guns. “Alright, lead the way.” The stallion grinned and raced into the underbrush. Thalia followed hot on his hooves.
Princess Celestia sat in the palace gardens enjoying the company of Lord Fancy Pants as they discussed trade in the kingdom and the impact of current events. She was just about to interject and introduce a counter argument on the benefits of trade relations with the Zebrican nation when her horn began to tingle. She smiled politely and looked to the noble apologetically. “I am sorry Fancy, but I believe my sister is contacting me.”
“Of course,” the lord said, nodding sagely as his monocle glinted in the sunlight. “We can continue our discussion of economics later. Perhaps tomorrow afternoon at my manor over a cup of tea?” Fancy Pants asked with a smile as he exchanged a knowing look with Fleur dis Lis, his wife. She giggled as she returned the gaze, then turned to the Princess.
“Oh, yes. It would be such a pleasure to have you over again, Princess. Why, we haven’t been able to entertain you since my husband’s last birthday party.”
Celestia laughed. “All right, all right, you’ve convinced me. I would be happy to return to House Pants,” she said. “Now if you would excuse me, I really must go. I trust you know the way.” The lord and lady nodded and bowed as she turned, trotting into the hedge maze. When she was certain she had travelled deep enough to escape detection, she closed her eyes and teleported to the door to her vault. After draining the heat and magic, she walked into the room, confident that her secret was safe.
Using her telekinesis, Celestia pulled a sheet off the wall, revealing an ornately crafted crystal mirror edged in a golden frame. Rubies, sapphires, crystals, and other rare gems dotted the surface, adding that element of sparkle and rainbow that her mane was so famous for. The surface glowed a soft blue, indicative of the user’s aura trying to make contact. She hesitantly touched her horn to the surface. In mere moments, Celestia was staring at the face of her sister in all its fairness and gentility. Her Ursa helm stood out prominently, accenting the flowing blue mane of the Princess of the night. “Luna?” she called out, not sure whether to weep or laugh. “I thought your mirror had been lost.” A pleasant warmth filled the Princess of the Sun as she gazed upon her sister. The many miles between them did not seem so far anymore now that she could see Luna again face to face.
Luna responded with a cheerful smile. “It was recovered by the Thestrals before they went into hiding. Once they reinstated me as High Chieftess, they immediately returned it to me. … Tia, they forgave me. They took me back.” Tears swam in the mare’s eyes as she spoke. “They have … altered slightly, but they will be returning with me. Come this week’s end, we make for Triumph.”
“Triumph? Well, I guess that is in order as there are Thestrals there as well. Then you’ll go on to Mountainside Falls for the Dream Clan, correct? When should I expect to see you in Canterlot again?”
“I will be returning to canterlot within the month.” Luna paused. “... I will need to collect my things. Please, tell my night guard to prepare for a move, Sister.”
“A move? Where?” Celestia asked, her voice distressed as she took a step towards the mirror. “Is it because of the grievances of the Thestrals? Is it to show solidarity for those that have placed you on a pedestal?” Celestia struggled to keep the tears at bay, blinking rapidly even as her eyes grew watery. Her voice became choked, and her face fell. Guilt marred her visage, aging her appearance by a millenium in but a single moment. “Why, Sister?” she asked. “Is it something I have done to you?” She shook her head as if to banish a thought. “Why?”
“Celestia. … Tia,” Luna said, her voice as gentle and kind as it had been all those years ago. “The sun and the moon move across the sky, but they do not sit under the same roof but once a year. How long do you think it would take before we began to fight again? A hundred years? A thousand, perhaps?” Luna sighed heavily. “I have thought about this for a long time, Tia. Your place is with the ponies of Canterlot. Mine must be with my thestrals.”
“Lulu,” Celestia whispered. “Can, can you at least stay a few weeks? Send things out over time?” She gulped. “At least come back to Canterlot to,” She paused. “How did you put it? ‘Upstage the houses that have grown weak on their own coin with your plans?’ Please, at least stay until your bill comes before the Lords.”
“I will return to Canterlot after construction has begun. We shall discuss for how long at that time.” Luna sighed heavily. “Please, Sister, do not think of this as an action against you. You once told me that we have a duty that is not our own; a place where we must be. Where we are truly needed. … I finally found that place, Tia.I know where I am needed.” This time tears stood in Luna’s eyes, falling freely down her cheeks: the essence of joy blended with sorrow.
Finally, Celestia regained her composure and smiled. If her sister had found her place at last, she would not deny her. “I know, Lulu. I shall see you after you have broken ground.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes with a hoof. “How ... how was your return handled by your ponies? I wish you could have gone sooner. They needed their Princess.”
“I will never be their Princess.” Luna said, holding her head high, even as the tears dried. “Only their chieftess.”
“Very well, their Chieftess then.” Celestia responded with a knowing smile. It would seem the old Luna she loved was coming back in earnest now. “How is Lunar Fang holding up? My guards tell me that house Pen shall soon have an heir apparent. And how many new houses of Nobility do you plan to establish?”
“I must give greater nobility to each chieftain and lesser nobility to every clan leader. No other promise would be acceptable or fair.”
“Wonderful. That would give the Builders’ Guild quite a lift. I’ll have to meet with them to discuss expanding the council chambers for any joint meetings. I take it you have plans to build your own Hall of Nobles? Or will it be a Lodge of Nobles?”
“I’ve not begun the plans yet. We must arrive first. I still have yet to decide if I will make use of the castle or simply build a house for myself.”
“Very well.” Celestia replied. “We can discuss this further when you reach Triumph.” She paused mid-farewell as a thought occurred to her. “I shall need to talk with Cadence about reintroducing these mirrors into Equestrian Society. If we are to rebuild our military again, we will need an effective communication system. “Good luck, Sister. Call me again when you reach Triumph.”
“Of course, Tia.” Luna smiled peacefully before she vanished from the mirror’s surface.
Celestia paused as she looked at the mirror. “Lulu…” She sighed and turned around. “I’m so sorry for what happened back then. May this bring the happiness you wish.” With that, she clopped her way back outside the vault, slowly closing the door as all in the room faded to black.
“Are we there yet? It’s nearly dusk,” Thalia said pointedly.
“Just wait a second. The garden’s a big place. I need to get my bearings,” Big Guns said as he darted his head back and forth. Then he snuffled the earth with his nose. He looked up at the skeptical brow Thalia raised. “What? It’s primitive, but effective,” He said defensively as he trotted to the right. “This way.” The large trees and underbrush provided a beautiful canopy to the barely used road. Wild grasses and other greens sprouted like weeds as Big Guns raced on. His footing became more sure as they began to hit an incline.
Five minutes later, they stood before a massive tree overlooking the garden. The great wall Thalia had tried to breach before loomed above her once again. A large stream flowed merrily along beside the tree’s roots through a large water gate. Judging from the size, she could guess what creature it might have been designed for. Saving her anger over this new development for the next time she met the sea serpent, Thalia turned to get her bearings, only to balk at what she saw.
What she thought to be a small enclosure now looked like a jungle of a garden. Green fields, grasses, plants, and trees stretched for miles and miles as far as the eye could see. There was no sign of the wall in sight. Instead, her keen eyes picked up the glint of sunlight playing on many streams and rivers. Far in the distance, she could just make out what appeared to be some sort of lake shining like a mirror.
“See? I told you I’d get you to the right place,” Big Guns said, breaking through her shock with his voice. It sounded deeper than she remembered. “Welcome to my home. This clearing is guaranteed to be free from any monster, demon, fae, or anything else that could try to do me harm. If anything wants to get up here, it has to want the fruit.”
“And you swear this fruit can help my mother?” Thalia asked.
“On my Father’s grave,” he said solemnly, licking his lips as he shuddered in pleasure.
“How?”
“The fruit gives you what you want most.” He said, swallowing repeatedly as his mouth salivated. “I wanted power and acceptance. I was tired of being the runt in the herd. It gave me strength. It still gives me strenght. Always.” A dreamy look came over his eyes. “It smells so good, doesn’t it?”
Thalia’s stomach grumbled as the scent of the fruit hit her. She was indeed hungry, and she liked the idea of being strong. But this was for her mother, not herself. She had to remember that. Besides, she’d brought her own supplies for just such an occasion. She pulled out a strip of jerky and bit into it. Most of the salt had been washed off the outer coating, but the seasonings held within the tender dried meat. She swallowed quickly and her hunger settled.
When she turned again, she beheld Big Guns eating a massive fruit shaped like a strange combination of Watermelon and tomato. The skin was soft and fuzzy: streaked by jagged bolts of yellow and red. Dark juice gushed down his muzzle as he feasted, moaning.
“This tastes so great. I can feel myself getting stronger.” And even as he said, so it was as his frame began to tremble and grow. His mane grew a little shorter as his muscle mass increased. “Good to be strong, big, powerful.” He snorted as he gorged on the rest of it before snatching another fruit in his teeth. Thalia’s eyes widened. Big Guns was bigger than that red pony she had seen delivering apples to the compound now.Taking a big bite, he consumed half of the large fruit in one go and swallowed it down, his big throat bulging as it made its way, maintaining its increased girth even as the fruit found its way to his stomach. Cords of muscle stood out, working themselves larger and larger the more he chewed. All the while, he spoke to himself as if in a dream.
“Big Guns won’t have to fear about puny ponies again.” The stallion tossed his head as his mane became short cropped. The once bright yellow darkened, stained by the massacre of the fruits as juice sprayed over his body. A crimson red replaced it. “Big guns will smash little ponies.” Two large lumps had formed on the pony’s head and were slowly pushing outwards, even as his head began to expand. A sharp crack filled the air as his front hooves began to separate. Thalia looked on in horrified fascination. What had she just gotten herself into?
Three days had passed since Luna had conversed with her sister. The tribes were on schedule for their pilgrimage to Fort Triumph and it seemed as if nothing could possibly go wrong. Even when they came across the mysterious contraption on wheels, she still felt confident and happy. Steam puffed out from its spouts while cylinders turned and pumped up and down to provide the locomotion. Its large barrel spun slowly as it sputtered while the large bulb on its top zapped weakly, sending a green bolt of electricity arcing with each jerk and sputter of the machine. A large front bumper gave it the appearance of a steam engine while its black fenders and headlights gave the impression of an old automobile Pensword recalled from Earth. He knew the machine immediately for what it was and who the riders were. The others looked on in confusion as the two unicorns in white and blue striped shirts with straw hats gawked, then lurched to a stop as the machine slumped to the ground. It had finally given up the ghost.
“I say, my brother, that this is a most inopportune time for our mode of locomotion to have gone from operational to inpoperaple,” The unicorn with the mustache said as he doffed his cap.
His brother mimicked the movement. “I concur, dear brother mine. However, opportunity seems to be knocking as we have a group of, I do say we may be witnessing a migration of ponies.” He expertly flipped his hat back onto his head. “Maybe they can help us repair our mode of locomotion, Flim?” He asked.
“I concur, Flam. It never hurts to ask. We even have the fortune of being in the presence of such an unknown in Equestrian society.” Flim spoke with a smile, mirrored by his twin.
“... I do not trust these two,” Lunar Fang said to Pensword as she glared suspiciously.
“I agree with Lunar Fang. These two seem … strange,” Luna said.
“I say we hear them out. If we are not able to listen to the plight of others,” He said, looking to the machine. “How can we show Equestria we are able to coexist with them?” He held a wing up to Lunar Fang’s muzzle before she could object. “I said we would listen. We do not have to help them if we can not do so.”
She sighed and nodded. “Very well. But I still don’t trust them.”
“Nor do I,” Pensword whispered back.
“... Alright, Pensword. I shall leave this in your hooves. I hope you know what you’re doing,” Luna said, eying the approaching ponies. He smiled as the two walked up. “Trust me.”
“I do say, what brings you upon the far roads of Equestria?” Flim asked the group.
“Agreed, and is there anything we can do to help you folks along?” Flam asked, following up with his brother.
“We are fine, thank you. However, it seems that your transportation is not doing so well.” Pensword held a wing up to show he was still talking and avoid the fancy footwork he knew would be coming. “While we are fine and we have been able to handle living on our own for a while, we do not have the tools, nor the means to repair your ‘mode of locomotion.’ There is a settlement down the road a ways. I am sure you could find a mage that can help repair your ... unique invention.”
“We really do need to keep moving,” Lunar Fang added quickly.
The two looked at each other before nodding. Though their faces were less than pleased. “Very well. My brother and I shall be on our way. How far did you say this town was?”
Pensword smiled mischievously. “Oh, about a day’s hike back the way we came.” The twins’ faces fell even further as Flim’s moustache went limp. They slowly plodded off until they shrank into the distance. Pensword watched them trot forlornly towards the town, then looked to the others. “I would like guards posted on that machine. I want to at least show we are not heartless.” He waited till they were out of hearing. “I wonder if they will be surprised they got there faster. After all, we were traveling slower than they could trot, were we not?” he laughed, looking to his mate.
“I don’t think that’s their main concern right now,” Lunar Fang noted.
“Then what is?” Pensword asked as they continued their hike towards Triumph. “You know I enjoy hearing your opinion. We are a team.”
“I think right now they’re concerned about how they're going to move that contraption from here all the way back to town,” she snickered.
“Which is why I left guards to protect it. And if they ask politely, they’ll even help. But still, we have to keep moving.”
“Hard to believe that the thestrals are going to have their own capital,” she said. “It’s got to have been more than two thousand years since we had individual cities.”
“I wonder what the next fifty will see. You do realize one city will lead to two as the lands will become not just one city, but a county. A real Thestral land.” Pensword looked to the horizon and their unseen destination. “I look forward to that future.”
“We both do.” She smiled, placing a wing on his back.
“And you shall live to see it.” Luna said, smiling kindly at the couple. “We all will.”
Even as he continued to shift, Big Guns reached up with increasingly bulky arms to shove fruits into his now much larger muzzle. His chest and shoulders broadened as he heaved, snorting heavily as he continued to eat the fruit. His frame expanded, filling out with muscle and power as his coat darkened, turning black as night. At last, he stood, domineering and powerful as his horns grew into two perfectly curved white skewers. He got up from the ground, towering over Thalia, and flexed, revealing a cannon tattoo with a pile of balls that stood on his right bicep. He bellowed, then looked on her and laughed, his voice deep, gravelly, and husky. “See? Big Guns is strong. No one can hurt him. You try, puny gryphon. Big Guns will beat you.” He laughed again, then grabbed another fruit. He shuddered and continued to pose and flex, admiring himself and his strength as he eyed his reflection in the stream. Then he paused, his expression confused.
“Tiny pony … what you do in water?” Thalia rose into the air, confused until she saw what Big Guns could see. There, where the reflection of the minotaur was supposed to be, his former self looked up, sad and frightened. The pony was bone thin, its cutie mark gone as it trembled in place. It couldn’t be much larger than a foal. It seemed as if he were trying to say something, but all that came out was the whisper of the passing stream. Big Guns grabbed another fruit and chomped into it, swallowing heartily as he looked down on the reflection. It screamed, but again, no sound could be heard. Big Guns just smiled. “Little Pony is funny.” He chuckled and pointed at the horse as its mane turned red. It felt with its hooves and cried out as a glowing root touched it in the stream bed.
Meanwhile, between bites and laughs, a golden mist was gradually streaming out of the new minotaur’s snout and making its way towards the tree, which was now nearly bereft of fruit. It shook in a sudden breeze, its leaves whispering as the first tendrils from the new minotaur’s snout made contact. The leaves began to glow, then shift as they turned white. Soon enough they morphed into buds and rapidly bloomed into blossoms. Meanwhile, the root continued to glow, pulling at the reflection in the water, even as it went through the same changes its former owner had. Blue tendrils swam up the root on its left side while red pumped back down on the right in equal portions. Soon enough, the reflection began to pose, following the minotaur, which made Big Guns laugh all the more. It looked on in horror at itself, then looked up to the gryphoness. It shuddered as its muscle began to grow. It mouthed over and over. “Help me.”
Thalia stared in horror as the pony changed from ectomorph to mesomorph, filling with the red as its eyes began to glow, pumping and posing against its will. Slowly, it smiled blankly. Then its fur darkened. The root thickened as the blue tendrils grew less prominent, more red pushing through. A bright flash drew her attention back to the tree as Big Guns continued to pose and laugh. The mist had thickened and now hovered around the creature as he continued to snort it out. Thalia watched as the tree creaked and snapped, growing wider and taller as its blossoms sucked up the substance. She sneezed as some of it got up her beak, then rose higher to avoid it, the wind from her wings keeping it at bay. Her red plumage still glowed with flecks of gold in the evening light, even as she looked down.
“What is this stuff?” She asked, brushing her hand through her plumage to bring the substance up for closer scrutiny. “Looks like … pollen?” She looked down at the water once more, even as its flow stilled. The tree root looked large and fat, like a leech that had recently finished a feast. The reflection that had once been a pony wrapped its mouth around it, sucking the last red pulses. One tiny blue tendril remained glowing dimly as the minotaur’s reflection shuddered. With one last growth spurt, the transformation was complete. Big Guns was now staring at an exact replica of himself. The root withdrew from the slack jawed reflection’s mouth, a tiny golden spark glowing on its tip. The spark gradually dimmed, then was gone as the blue tendril turned gold. Then the root was still as the colors died. A voice echoed ethereally from below like a stereo mixed with reverb.
“I am Big Guns. I am strength. I am power.” Beneath, the mist began to clear as the tree’s broad gold dusted leaves caught the sun. The blossoms were large and fat as they closed, pulsing. “I am not weak …” The minotaur stared at his reflection, repeating as they spoke together. “I am not weak. … We are not weak. We are strong. We protect. We smash lesser creatures.” With each statement, a loud pop came from the tree as the pods burst open to reveal more fruit. This time, the scent of fresh meat wafted through the air. Thalia’s stomach rumbled as her mouth watered.
She watched as Big guns looked up at her. His reflection turned to face hers, acting independently of the minotaur on land. “Join us. Be strong.” His mane suddenly sprouted into long red vines, clinging to his back while his hide thickened. With every pop the tree made, he continued to shift and change as his black fur became black moss. His hide dried out, cracked, popped open, and revealed streams of thick viscous blood. It swiftly dried and hardened, giving his hide texture as it formed ridges. Dark green shoots sprouted from his wrists and ankles, setting off against his appearance as his eyes glowed red. His horns sprouted and thickened, taking on a gnarled and knotted appearance as the white darkened into black ebony. “We are one.” He laughed hollowly as fauna and flora began to sprout amongst the moss, blending with his hide to create a walking plant-like creature.
“What in the North Wind’s name-?” Thalia asked before her eye caught movement below. She veered quickly, barely avoiding the tendril that had been reaching for her reflection. Whatever this tree was, it was clearly magical, potent, and very dangerous. And now it had adapted to try to snare her. Was this what Azeez meant by not going out the same way you came in?
“Be strong. Join us.” The minotaur laughed as a tendril of vines lashed from his back and made contact with the roots of the tree. They soon began to glow as the same red she saw coming from the root in the water flowed up the link and into Big Gun’s mane. “Guard with us.” Tendrils shot from the creature’s back, reaching for Thalia. She shrieked and wove, pulling out her axe.
Banking swiftly, she hacked away with Grif’s gift. The tool did its work well, slicing through the vines with a calculated efficiency. Gooey red sap clung to her fur and feathers in clumps, blending with bits and pieces of greenery as she exercised her overhand technique, arking her hands in figure eights while she went about her grisly work. The creature that had once been Big Guns bellowed in rage, even as the green shoots at his hooves dug into the ground. He grew larger and the vines renewed their vicious attack.
“You will feast with us. You will eat from us. Even if we have to make you.” This time, the vines came in a wave, faster than before. Thalia dove again, but the tendrils followed. She panted, not sure how much longer she could keep this up.
“I won’t let you take me, you glorified weed!” she roared as she rose upwards. She had to figure out how to end this. And quickly. A loud rumble roared from below as suddenly the creature’s legs cracked and swelled. The hooves sank into the ground as the creature looked up, its red eyes burning with savage hunger.
“We have you now.” Thick roots shot up from the earth, joining the tendrils in the chase. One of them grazed Thalia’s side as she banked, the rough bark that formed on them tearing at her fur. She breathed in sharply and began weighing her options. What did she know? First, Big Guns had once been a weak pony with little chance of survival. He came to the tree and ate its fruit. Then that same fruit made him strong. But instead of stopping there and being content, he kept eating until what he once was was consumed in what he desired. The tree took something from him. That much was evident. And now he was completely connected to it, feeding off of it. Still, she had fallen minotaurs before. If she could separate him from the tree, perhaps that could stop him. At least for a time. She would have to be careful about it. One false move and she would be the tree’s next victim.
Pulling out a tomahawk, Thalia resumed her course of battle, circling round the roots as the tendrils followed her. She wove them between until the roots were bound tightly. But even as she cried out in triumph, more roots sprung up while the tendrils simply detached from their spawner and died. “You have got to be kidding me.” The creature laughed hollowly.
“Submit. Yield. Join us.”
“Go to tartarus!” She yelled, throwing her tomahawk at the beast. Another root rose to block the blow.
“We don’t like axes. Axes are not allowed in our land.” The root circled around the weapon and crushed it before dropping the pieces to the ground. Ichor oozed from the places where the blade had cut. Then the creature screamed.
“Got you, you sick son of a diamond dog.” Thalia crowed at the connecting tendril as it spewed sap. The tree shook violently, its fruits dropping to the ground. They soon putrefied, filling the air with a sickly sweet smell. “Augh! Disgusting.” Thalia spat as she eyed the tree. As she suspected, what was left of Big Guns was now immobile, having been cut off from the tree. Without the connection, the creature could receive no direction. And clearly, the tree had removed his will, making him more of a golem than anything else. The behemoth’s legs returned to normal as his body began to shrink, returning to what they had been before he had embedded himself into the earth.
“Now to deal with you.” She said as she began to hack at the tree’s limbs, slicing off leaves and blossoms alike, stripping it of its shoots and boughs. Then she took them and laid them around the trunk, taking dried twigs and tinder from her pack and laying them beneath the pile. She struck her flint with a hunting knife and a few minutes later, a roaring fire crackled merrily. An unearthly shriek filled the air as the trunk contorted and twisted where it stood. Thalia made sure to keep the fire well stoked and let it burn well into the night. This was one abomination she would not allow to harm anyone else.
Hammer Strike tromped his way into a small clearing. The snow sparkled in the sunlight even as he identified the tracks of the various animals that lived there. It was a rather pretty little sight, with the exception of the enigma that now stood before him in the middle of the clearing. A hooded equine shape was pawing at the snow. The trees surrounding the clearing extended their branches like pleading hands gnarled with arthritic knots. It reminded him of Granny Smith’s joints. A variety of pathways and game trails wove their way into the clearing, outlined by the compacted snow and the dead leaves beneath. Blinking, he returned his focus to the equine in question as it stiffened suddenly. A carved bo staff lay at its side as it twirled, its cloak sweeping the snow beneath as it turned its gaze on the lord. Yellow eyes glowed within the shadows of its hood.
“Hey,” He said aloud.
“By your noble manner and royal clothes, you must be Hammer Strike, I suppose.” A female voice echoed from the hood, even as the eyes retained their gaze.
“That would be correct. You know my name. May I know yours?” He asked.
The pony reached down a pulled up the staff. “I am known for tales, wisdom, knowledge, and flora. My friends in Ponyville call me Zecora.” The pony pulled back its hood with a free hoof, revealing the smiling and wizened face of the zebra. “And to what do I owe the honor and grace of the presence of Fell Hammer from the Minotaur Race?”
“I really need to read up more on my history. Even now I still hear new things, and I lived through them,” He said, sighing heavily. “Honestly, I am just wandering about.”
“The stories of your history are somewhat in my specialty. But most of all from one close friend, who saved my people from a tragic end.”
“Really?” He asked.
Zecora nodded. “You came for him in a strange blue box with a witch doctor whose manner was … unorthodox.”
“You will have to forgive me. My memory has been fading with age.”
Zecora chuckled. “Time has not caught up with you just yet. The more peace you seek, the more adventure you get.”
“I’ve given up on seeking peace.” He chuckled. ‘I still have plenty of work to do before I get to that.”
“And what is this work, if I might ask? Does it pertain to your current task?”
“More than that, I would say.” He shrugged. “There are still plenty of enemies after me. And if history is anything to go on, I don’t exactly have a large amount of time to relax.” He chuckled softly.
Zecora smiled again, a playful light glinting in her eyes. “How to relax. Quite the mystery. Perhaps we can discuss it over a warm cup of tea?” She motioned towards the forest. “My house is near. Will you join me?”
“Lead the way.” He smiled.
In ponyville there were plenty of places ponies would go out of their way to avoid. The Everfree Forest, with it’s own chaotic nature, always presented a danger to any who entered. Though such danger had lessened with the recent attempts to tame it. The Froggy Bottom Bog was a danger to all save for Fluttershy, who knew how to work around the massive hydra hiding under the depths and the cragadiles waiting to bite and drag anything below the surface for their meal. The Ghastly Gorge was another such place. The constant rock slides and the large, ferocious quarry eels that dwelled in the multitude of caves in the side of the gorge and lashed out to devour the unfortunate traveller often discouraged all save the most courageous and/or foolhardy creatures from stepping hoof or paw into it.
It was here, in this abandoned quarry, that Grif found himself drawing out a careful array using a powder composed of poison joke, heart’s desire, and blood orchid in generous measure. The ritual was something from both Zebra and Gryphon culture back in a time long ago when the Gryphons still had medicine birds and shamans for ritualistic spells, rather than the cold, hard evokers. Kalima had been able to give Grif only so much knowledge on the ritual, for it was from a time long since passed for the gryphons. Fortunately, according to Zecora, the practice was still present in Zebrican culture, which meant she was uniquely qualified to fill him in on any details Kalima had been missing.
The theory, simply put, was that if a mind was fractured or bothered, it needed to confront the problem on a personal level. The array created a sort of mental cage in which the mind could manifest how it felt in a physical form, and by doing so, bring the parts in conflict into the open. From there the parts would either have to agree to end the ritual, or die. The basic array was shaped in a large heptagon. On each point a talisman had to be placed, symbolically shaped to have meaning to the one doing the ritual. It was advised not to use something of actual value, as these points would be destroyed at the ritual’s end. Grif had chosen something that seemed somewhat ridiculous, but the shapes held a deep seated fondness to him. Seven gems of the same size and shape: green, cyan, dark blue, purple, red, yellow, and clear lay glinting in the sun as they prepared to be called upon.
Grif approached the center where another green gem of the same cut lay. It was noticeably larger than the rest. This would be the keystone to the ritual. A talisman to tie the spell together and give the aspects of his mind shape and form. Taking a handful of the herbal powder, he spread it across gem, laid his talons on top, and concentrated.
“I am Grif. My mind wars within me. Let the warring peace be taken upon this ground and let us come to an accord, be it to stay in this life and it’s harmony, or to find the next with rivalry.”
The powder on the stone began to glow bright crimson before the light began to spread, following the guide of the powder to the gemstones like a flame on a gunpowder trail. The light encompassed them, forming seven pillars as each glowed. The ground Grif stood on seemed to alter. The air stood still, unaffected by the wind that normally flowed through the gorge. The gravel stopped shifting. The light seemed to take on a darker tone as across from Grif, a new figure began to take shape. His form was that of a gryphon. Though his hind legs were longer than his forelegs and he stood upon them bipedally. His feathers were a dark oily black and seemed to devour all light that fell upon them. His fur was covered in large, sickly looking scars, and his long talons dripped casually with a purple ichor.
“So which part of me are you supposed to be?” Grif asked, looking at the being across from him.
“I speak for your anger, your vengeance, and your self loathing. I encompass your hatred and I keep record of all the crimes against us that weigh within your soul, unable to forgiven. But you would not bring yourself to vengeance. When you became one, you tried to leave us behind. Such a thing is unnatural. We cannot be removed so easily, nor can we remain undealt with for long.”
“Then tell me your story so we can find some peace between us.” Somehow, he sensed this was going to be a long story, and he wasn't going to like it.
The creature spoke of a child subjected to the cruelty of his peers, being called stupid by a teacher in the youngest years of education. This led to many fights and punishments. A sister broke his arm, breaking his trust at the same time and sowing the seeds of fear. These and many memories like them returned as the creature talked of a pain that all had to endure, but often remained unconfronted and unsatisfied for many years. The next grievance spoke of years after, when the teasing quieted. But the ones who were considered friends betrayed his trust again and again. He felt so stupid for the help he needed each time to recover.
After some time, Grif held up a clawed hand. “Enough. These are but minor grievances at best, and you know it. None of these justify your discontent with me. Give me something worth telling, or we can simply end this now.”
The creature looked at him, then it opened its mouth. A different voice came forth. Grif knew it well. The voice of Self Loathing began to sing it’s song, rising and falling from a high, weedling falsetto to a deep, gravelly bass. It sang of many things, both great and small: The little brother sent to the hospital for the bow and arrow his own hand had made. The boy had nearly lost an eye that day. The friends he’d betrayed in school, the names he’d called others. Years of his own countless crimes that he never could let go of echoed over and over in his mind, slowly grinding like a drill through bone. Finally, the spirit came to Equestria. Grif had asked, and the spirit delivered.
“You, who murdered the changeling race, who poisoned their blood and lied to one who you called friend, forcing him to kill. You, who watched your friend suffer and nearly die, but did not a thing. We who beguiled princesses to cover our deepest fears and let innocent creatures die for nothing. We sing the song of sorrow and regret. Hear us, and answer.” The accusations continued for hours. Each new accusation a stab to his heart. Grif relived the monster he’d been at the crystal empire, the innocents he had killed, both of Sombra’s corrupted, and of his own men. The faces haunted him, as clear as day. And with each crime they grew in number and the song of one voice grew into a chorus of loathing and regret. Still they pressed on, heedless, relentless.
The war, oh for all the winds, the war was worst of all. Grif watched, reliving each event, seeing the pain and terror he inflicted on those creatures. Shrial shook before him, begging for him to take her life. He relived the fear of the militia as their flesh and wings were torn apart by sheer wind velocity and debris. There was nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. And these thoughts would be held silent no more. So much for that lie about PTSD and immunity. Chalk up another one for the list. Now Grif had no choice but to face the truth. And worse yet, he had to face it alone.
For the first time since the death of Graf, Grif broke down. He wept, tears streaming down his cheeks, matting his feathers as he screamed, cried, and begged any who would hear to forgive him. He wept till the tears ran dry and still he begged.
Unseen by him, as the hours passed and time moved forward, the creature’s scars began to heal. By the time Grif was able to lift his head again the creature who stood before him mirrored him more than it had before. It’s coloring still held a darker tone, but it’s fur and feathers were clean and well kept. Its limbs were better proportioned and it held a less aggressive stance.
“To forgive others is hard. But to find true peace, it is the necessary to forgive oneself most of all. You have kept so much on our shoulders that your rage needed to be let out any way it could. … To be let out through us. You wish for peace between us? Then this is our demand. Take the things we cannot change and send them into the past where they belong. Let the present shape us from now on and let the future be where our site lies.” The creature offered it’s hand to him. “Will you agree to our terms?” Grif struggled for what felt like hours as he warred with his guilt. At last, he bowed his head somberly, wiping his beak and eyes with an arm. The other gryphon took it and raised him up. Then he did something surprisingly out of character for the emotions he embodied. He smiled.
“I am Grif.” The invitation had been given. Fur voices in one spoke in harmony as he met Grif’s gaze. He took the gryphon’s hand in a strong grip and shook, his eyes determined as the darker gryphon began to fade.
“I am Grif.” Blinding light flooded the gorge’s floor as a parting voice echoed back on the winds.
“Well done.”
Despite the bright light that surrounded the valley several minutes later, it would be more than two hours before Grif found the energy to start his return trip to New Unity. The ritual had done its work, and as promised, no sign remained of the ceremony but ash and dust. But even as he trudged his way along, a smile crept across his beak and each step seemed lighter along the way.
Princess Celestia stood in the chamber as she looked upon the nobles, carefully assessing their mood. While the majority present were Unicorns, she could see a few small enclaves of Pegasi and Earth Pony Nobles. She waited for the formalities to finish before issuing her signal to call the session to order. She trotted down the stairs and stood in the center of the new court of nobles, a room that had been carved into the mountain by forming a circular pit where the nobility could sit around the various speakers and hear what needed to be said. The overall shape and development of the cave assured proper augmentation for any speakers at the time, no matter how large the crowd may become. Princess Celestia waited while the Duke of Canterlot called the chamber to order. Duchesse Platinum the sixteenth banged a hoof against a silver gavel similar to that used by Princess Celestia in the olden days. It crashed like a symbol and echoed over the sounds of conversation.
“Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia, raiser of the Sun, Co-Ruler of Equestria, has called this meeting of the House of Nobles to address the inquiries and concerns as to the sudden absence of Princess Luna, as well as to answer for the impromptu sparring session performed with Lord Hammer Strike earlier this month.”
Princess Celestia smiled as she raised her voice. The room had been structured with the royal voice in mind so that the nobles need not worry about losing their hearing. However, it still was useful on occasion, and Celestia wanted to be certain that nopony could feign not understanding what she was about to say.
“The nobles of Canterlot. You, who rule from the mountains,” She started, her vocal power blowing the nobles’ carefully styled manes askew. “To answer simply, and in the form my sister prefers, I have come to inform you that Princess Luna has decided to build a second capital for our kingdom. A Second Throne to prevent the mistakes of the past from repeating themselves, as well as to create a seat for the soon to be Thestral Nobility and titles that are to be awarded for faithful service to the crown.” She paused to drink some water. “Princess Luna has many things she wishes to atone for. One of the first being the unfair treatment and abuse of the Thestral people as a whole, even as I have tried to do in the here and now. As such, I wish you all to know that I am letting her have her space, and her land.”
As she had expected, the court of nobles erupted in a bout of shouting, accusations, and demands with regards to these new nobles.
“Silence! You all will have your chance.” Princess Celestia yelled over the noise. “As a Princess of Equestria and Co-Ruler, Princess Luna has the right and privilege to do so. This is an authority she had not exercised in well over a thousand years.” She twitched an ear. “Dutchess Platinum of Canterlot. Please call upon the Nobles one at a time so I may answer their questions.”
The duchess, a deep purple mare with a perfectly coifed turquoise mane nodded in acknowledgement. She alone had avoided the blast, having sat on a podium that rested next to the princess in the middle of the room. “I suppose we should start with House Pansy.”
A smaller pink pegasus mare with a deep red mane cleared her throat carefully before speaking. “Surely your highness is not simply going to let your sister bring so many ponies into nobility without merit for such a social promotion?”
Princess Celestia smiled. “House Pansy, it is usually from your house that we pick the head of the Canterlot Archives. Tell me. What was Princess Luna to the Thestrals?” She asked, waiting patiently for the answer she knew would inevitably come. The other nobles stood with bated breath.
“She is their High Chieftess, your highness,” she responded.
“Yes. And so,” She looked to the nobles. “What does that mean? It means that she already, by the laws of Thestrals, has those of the correct bloodlines to promote and convert their nobility into Equestrian equivalents.The proper term is High Chieftess, which is the Thestral form of prince or princess. So, if she wishes to bring the Thestrals back and integrate them into our society, would it not then stand to reason that she should translate their terms to our understanding?”
“Y-yes, Princess. Of course. Please, forgive me.” Lady Pansy said.
The duchess selected another hoof. “Yes, Lord Pants?”
“Well I, for one, think this step is a long time in coming, your majesty. I must ask though. How will these new titles and capital affect trade within Equestria?”
Princess Celestia looked at Lord Pants. “Well, I think that would do well for you to handle, Fancy Pants. Having spoken with my sister, and by her blessing, we have decided to appoint you as a councilor on the Pony side of this matter. You will work closely with the Thestral people and my sister to determine these very factors. However, for those of you who wish to hear my opinion on the matter, I believe that this will only help to strengthen our kingdom and its economy, not to mention our country’s military strength. To join in this project to build a capital would doubtless pay itself off to any pony that pitches in in the long run.”
Fancy Pants bowed. “It is my honor, as always, to serve, Princess.” Several other nobles cringed.
“Will these thestrals be expected to follow the same laws as everypony else in Equestria?” Lord Cookie said as Duchesse Platinum pointed to him.
“Only if the situation becomes severe enough. Does it not stand that most of the laws and punishments vary somewhat from town to town when it comes to minor cases? They certain do in Cloudsdale and Canterlot. Those laws which I have placed within the rights of nobility and landed shall be followed. Aside from these, Princess Luna holds rights over the capital of the Moon, just as I shall shall hold the rights here in Canterlot, which shall become the throne of the sun. We both shall have prevue to craft laws and courts as we see fit that sit below the Grand Royal Courts.”
“And where, might I ask, is the funding for this endeavor coming from?” Lord Blueblood asked.
“Multiple bank accounts, including a few I preserved in hopes of my sister’s return. I believe the proper term is Seed Money. These funds will be coming from my sister’s account, as well as my own as a gift for her birthday. We shall also be drawing upon the General Building Funds set aside to pay the architects, based upon the third Century surplus account that is earmarked for any large scale expansions, as placed by the general budget voted upon last year.”
That answer seemed to placate several of the lords, much to Blueblood’s chargin.
“House Hurricane offers it’s services to anything princess Luna and the thestrals may need from us,” lord hurricane offered kindly.
“I cannot answer for my sister. However, I shall say that I do not mind the offer and will inform her of it.” She looked to the nobles. “Any other questions?”
“There is a location right near whitetail woods that would be perfect for princess Luna,” the lady of House Set offered.
“Actually,” Princess Celestia replied with a subtle smile. The other nobles wondered what she was up to as she opened her mouth. “She has requested that the returned Commander of Equestrian Forces give his war prize of Fort Triumph to be used as the capital. However, I shall relay your most generous offer to Princess Luna. I am certain that those lands might do well for a boon to the Commander and his wife.”
“You mentioned something about knowing my history. Why is that?” Hammer asked.
“I cannot say all, for we’ve only just met. But part is a favor, and part is a debt.” Zecora said as she sipped her tea at the stump of a table. More brewed in the pot over the fire as smoke wafted up the chimney. The air smelled of spices and herbs, granting a dryer and warmer atmosphere than the wintery weather had given outside. While all the rest of Equestria was enjoying spring, the winter of Everfree still held on for now.
“Alright.” Hammer replied, looking out the window for a moment. “I should probably start heading back. Blast and Tower Shield are without a doubt upset at me taking this short break.”
Zecora sighed. “I have a message for Grif from me. Kalima’s leg has grown more atrophied. If Thalia is not back by this week’s end, I fear the old one will have no chance to mend. Here, take these.” She threw a bag at the lord. “The poultice from this, her pain will ease.”
“I’ll be sure to give this to Grif to give to her.” He said, placing the bag into one of his coat pockets. “I should be off. Have a pleasant night.”
Zecora waved as he left and smiled before closing the door. The smile soon faded as she spoke aloud. “That poor soul knows not the risk that he takes. Chaos is coming. Make no mistake.” She shook her head and continued her brewing as she gazed into the pot, her brow furrowed at the images that swum there. “Hurry home, child. Your mother needs you. Do not be beguiled.”
Hammer Strike began his walk through the Everfree back to the castle. His mind wandered as he thought of the ‘adventures’ to come that he already knew about. Looking around, he was greeted with the average sight of the Everfree. Trees, bushes, shrubbery, that one manticore again, the…
“Oh you have got to be kidding me.” He sighed as he turned his eyes on the manticore. “What do you want now?”
The manticore stared at him passively.
“Alright then…” He sighed, continuing on his way. “If you’re not going to do anything…” He said, only to stop moments later as he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around he saw the manticore stopped near him, its tracks following next to his hoofprints. Squinting his eyes quizzically he looked over the manticore before continuing on, testing his thoughts.
They were soon proven correct as its footsteps crunched behind him. “Oh that’s great.” He muttered. “I’m being followed by a manticore...”
“Rawr?” The manticore tilted it’s head as if asking if it was supposed to talk back.
“And you can understand me,” He muttered to himself. “I sometimes forget that some creatures hold a higher intelligence than others. Considering Fluttershy’s cottage and the animals there…”
The manticore seemed to recognize the name, ever so slightly shifting it’s weight off of it’s right forepaw without realizing it.
Not that much later Hammer Strike found himself near the castle. The Shield brothers stood peering anxiously outside the gate, most likely awaiting their lord’s return. They sighed in relief. At least until they noticed the large monster walking behind him.
“Uh. sir.” Blast Shield spoke “There is uh, a manticore following you.”
“Yes. Yes there is.” He replied.
“Should we do something?” Tower Shield asked.
“Nah.” He shook his head. “Let’s keep him around.”
“Rawr” The manticore responded, nodding.
“Good,” Hammer said aloud. “I got that right.”
“Welcome back, sir,” Black Rook greeted Grif as he entered New Unity. He was tired, but physically, he was fine. “Did everything go ok?”
“Better than ok, Rook.” Grif laughed as he clapped the pony lightly on the back.
“Okay … well, Lord Hammer Strike was looking for you. He wanted you to go to his study when you got back.”
Grif gave him a nod. “Better see what he wants, then. I’ll see you later.” With that, the gryphon made his way into the castle. Several minutes of navigating the corridors later, he found himself standing before Hammer Strike’s study. Carefully, he opened the door and let himself in.
“There you are,” Shawn said. “Finally.” He sat writing furiously at his desk. Papers lay scattered across the room, each holding some picture or language that he was deciphering. He was in his other form at the time.
“Well I haven’t seen you in a while.” Grif laughed as he approached the human.
Shawn chuckled faintly. “Sure. Alright, so. I have a few things for you, and a message that needs to be delivered.” He said as he started gathering some of the pages together.
“I guess you should start with the message, then,” Grif said.
“Word for word message, or the basic gist of it?”
“Which is faster?” Grif said.
“Both are fast. It’s just one has rhymes and the other doesn’t,” He replied. “It’s from Zecora.”
“Give me the gist of it then.”
“Basically, Kalima’s leg is worse. If Thalia isn’t back by the end of this week there will be major problems, and…” He pulled out a bag out of his pocket. “This, will help with her pain.” He said, tossing the pouch towards Grif.
“Thanks.” Grif caught the medicine eagerly. “You ever think we’re getting in too deep, Shawn?” he asked as he placed the medicine in his bag.
“What do you mean?”
“Getting married, having families, politics, armies, ponies and gryphons who would die for us.” Grif shrugged. “Less than a year ago, we’d meet up for a few hours online and laugh about this kinda stuff.”
“I’ve given up on home.” Shawn replied as he stood up, heading over to another desk. “Based off the history I know, I’m bound to die before we even get the chance.”
“So equestria is going to explode, then?” Grif asked.
“I doubt that.”
“listen to me complaining. This must be overwhelming. More for you than for me,” Grif noted. “You’re some sort of mythical hero.”
“A mythical hero,” Shawn turned towards Grif and pointed towards his head, then his heart. “Who can die with one well placed blow, just like everybody else.”
“Then I guess you’re gonna have to make one hell of a story for them to tell about you, huh?” Grif said, then furrowed his brow as he turned to face the human. “So was there another reason you needed me?”
“Yeah.” Shawn said, turning back towards his desk as he grabbed one of the books that lay there. “Translated more chapters.” He said, holding out to the gryphon.
“Doesn’t this break your unwritten treaty with twilight?” Grif chuckled, taking the book. “Or has the incident lost her the privilege of first sight?”
“Considering she was messing with Thaumic Fire, yes.” Shawn said.
“I’ll be sure to keep you posted on this, then. Wouldn’t want to do something too stupid.” Grif laughed, opening the book offhandedly and looking through it. “Considering you're translating this, I’m going to go ahead and guess what's missing was too dangerous for mortal eyes?”
“Too dangerous for any eyes. Even worse is I can’t forget it.”
“Well, I trust you, Shawn. As always,” Grif said, sliding the book in his bag with the medicine. “Going to have to see about some new swords, by the way. These rapiers from the crystal empire are too light for me now.”
“You already told me that. Check the forge. I had Renati stay near them. So you’ll find the new ones.” He shrugged. “If they aren’t good, just tell me and I’ll make another set.”
“Thanks. Sorry about that. I’ve had a metric ton of things to deal with lately and I’ve been a little addled because of it.” Grif laughed “So, El Fluffy your new mascot?”
“Followed me here. Seems to want to stay.” Shawn replied. “Both him and Renati got along, thankfully, so it doesn’t bother me.”
“Huh. So after our next adventure you're bringing home what next? The nemean lion, maybe?”
“We’ll see how it goes.” Shawn said, giving a small smirk.
“Okay. Think you can get him to wear a sombrero?” Grif chuckled.
“No idea. But yeah, also, four changeling guards are here now.”
“I’m going to guess these aren't Me-me’s soldier drones?” Grif asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Nope. Disconnected from Chrysalis. And they would rather stay with ‘The Undying’ than, well, die.”
“Well, I suppose if they're not trying to kill you, you can’t complain, right?”
“That’s about right.” Shawn shrugged. “I think that’s everything for the time being. If I remember something, I’ll send for you.”
“Okay. Well, I have to head to ponyville for some things. I’ll see you later, Shawn.” Grif waved as he turned to leave.
Shawn gave a slight wave as he moved back towards his desk to continue his translations.
Pensword stood on the crest of the hill as he stared at the location. The first thing he noticed was that a cobblestone road started at what he thought was the declared boundary of this land. He also saw that the wild forest had become tamed as he looked up. “Dear,” he began, speaking to his mate. “How many Thestrals do you see flying in the air patrolling? And how long till we are swarmed?” He shook his head. He could tell where the original fortress walls stood, yet he saw where smaller walled sections on the side of the mountain had been carved. It seemed this location was already being used by the Thestrals. He wondered just what Luna would do next.
“I’m still stunned at how different it looks. I’d heard a lot of us were living here, but i never got the chance to see it.” Lunar Fang seemed on the brink of tears.
“Agreed. There are not as many moon kissed as I had hoped for, but still, look at it all.” Pensword’s left ear twitched. “In coming wing beats off our nine sector,” he muttered. “From the cloud bank it would seem.” He shifted to an alert defensive stance as he continued to scan the surroundings. “Well, I wonder how the inside has changed. I would assume we are using the royal chambers for the creation of Luna’s court?”
“I’d imagine so.” Lunar Fang nodded as a squad of thestrals acrobatically flew overhead before separating. Four of them did a series of loop de loops in the air while the last one sailed through the loops in a carefully timed motion.
Pensword paused, trying to recall this formation. Whatever it was, it was well practiced, well rehearsed, and seemed flawless. It made him wonder just what it meant.
“I think that’s a welcome,” Lunar Fang said.
“I like it.” Pensword responded. “What about you, High Chieftess?”
“It’s quite a show of how they’ve been training over the centuries,” Luna noted. “I am well pleased.”
“I like it too.” Pensword paused. “Dost thou have something akin to the Wonderbolts? Maybe we could create something similar to that… Maybe,” he muttered.
“We shall take it into consideration once everything is stable,” Luna said as she turned to the thestrals behind. “Come, my little thestrals.” She smiled as she coined her sister’s old phrase “Welcome to your new home.”
The group that followed her for the past week cheered in joy as they surged forward to the legendary Fort Triumph. Pensword looked to Lunar Fang, a strange expression on his face. “I can never go home,” he muttered. Then he noticed his wife’s concerned look. “I have lead and battled in three wars, getting better each time. I have gained respect, a wife, and land as well. I have a heart that works, and my health. How? How can I return to my old life knowing what this is.” He grimaced. “Yet ... I was born an American, and that nation is still my home. I pray I can see it at least once before my time in mortality ends.”
“Take heart, Pensword, and you may get more than that, yet.” Luna said as she smiled at him.
Pensword turned his head to look at Luna. “I shall refrain from asking and look forward to this news as a surprise,” he replied as his mind began to race over the possible implications of that comment. They ranged from the rise in station due to the Lunar Capital, to an operational, stable magical portal being built. He did not know and dared not ask at the moment. They were approaching the large outer gates into the layered fortress and he needed to look his best.
“Seems like only yesterday.” Lunar Fang said as she placed a hoof on the gate.
“Agreed.” Pensword paused and looked up. “The walls have Thestrals now, not Griffons. Who would have thought that sparing one Gryphon would change our lives.” Pensword blinked. “I almost became a monster. That was a fine line I tread. I fear what I shall do now if I meet any flocks today.” He paused and noticed something. “I see that the walls have Griffon Wings carved into the stone. Harkening back to my old tactic, it seems.”
“In the end, what other choice was given?” Luna asked him.
“Still,” Pensword muttered as he paused, looking around. “I shall speak of the matter more later.” He looked down at the dust. “... Would Matthew the human have done the same thing?” he asked softly. He did not know who he was really. He knew he was not Matthew, but was he fully Pensword? He realized that he had thrown himself into the war, and worked to avoid this question. He had done all he could to burry it; to avoid this look at his life. He raised his head and pushed the thoughts away again. This was meant to be a happy moment. He could worry about such things later. Pensword smiled as the gates opened into the farmlands. He could see the second wall separating the fields from the true fortress. One more wall after that and they would enter into the inner sanctum of Gryphon royalty.
Stats
Page generated in 0.075 seconds
Total duration
1,019 users online
163,323 hits today, 2,004,447 yesterday
FIMFiction
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
Designed and coded by knighty & Xaquseg - © 2011-2024
Follow & Support Us
Support us
SubStar
Chat!
Discord
Follow us
Twitter
MLP: Friendship is Magic® - © 2024 Hasbro Inc.®
Fimfiction is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro Inc.®
This entire fic screams Fire Emblem. Where you start with nothing and your army consists of your former enemies.
I just hope Pen will get a hold of himself, also why do I feel like the next two chapters are going to be time travel?
5747739 At this rate, the heroes are gonna become immune to time.
Poor Thalia and her ego, look, Squirrel, of course this guy knows what he is doing, the guy who gave her such a hard time getting in is obviously not compost mentis. chew chew chew, chomp, chomp, chomp., Lets do some gardening.
If she decides to deal with all the nastyness she comes accross, Azeez would be unhappy to find the so called garden as a whole beign turned into a wasteland.
At least Grifs easement of the past went a lot better than he thought it might at worst, and still within the same day. The eels had sense to keep out of the way, no need to mess things up with unwanted sushi.
Hammerstrike goes for a quiet walk in the woods. Of course, given his stats, its the Everfree, and he gets a pet Manticore to follow him home. Maybe fluttershy is worried about his lack of freinds, in only a few around him, and wants to give him something warm and soft to be with. Then again, Zecora all alone, maybe one, maybe few, maybe not a pone.
Given the next te loop, wouldnt suprize me really if Zecora was Hammerstrikes greats offspring or something such, given everyone else is getting into how Equestria was made, by blood and sweat and tears, and the occasional fun time. 
Im wondering just what Celestia is setting up with the Nobels, after all, ones offering space next to Whitetail Woods, near Ponyville? Implying theyre looking to upgrade in another location, such as one of those seats of control in Thestral space. Fancy Pants has played teh cup and pea game for many years, and he knows the first rule, the pea isnt under any cup, te pea doesnt exist, the cups dont exist, and due to the distraction, now your wallet doesnt either.
Sorry for lack of coherency, still recovering from two family trips and the end, hopefully, of a cold virus, sleepy.
5748759 i should hope not.
5749805 Y'know... like the characters of Chrono Trigger or the Doctor.
you dont need to apology we know that art take's time to create and good chapter looking forward to the next one XD
and that maticore was very unexspekted i like it XD
ps. what is discord's play in dis madnees? it fels he needs a opening pherhaps just a sugestion
5749864 i can see your logic but speaking for myself and at least one other author, immortality is a curse not a blessing in this sense. they don't want to live forever.
5749894
He is still a stone statue.
5751353 huh. . . talknig about missing all crazy stuff. but it will be intresting when you planing to get him in to the madnes party XD
me: eh.... no
night_striker: how did she-
me: dont just dont she will just destroy your head so dont XD
Kind of makes you wonder what happen back on earth. If what you described in the chapters happen and the three humans crossed the veil. That would have shattered it, and a lot of weird crap would start taking place back on earth. Possible break downs and rebuilding of nations. If not all out war, since certain people would have been given power. Than the religious zealots, which exist would do some pretty messed up things...
By the time they return the earth they new would be no more and a new earth would be waiting for them.
So I have a question on that, any plans for what's happening on earth? A chapter hinting at it, while the main three are unaware? This could lead to new advancements in technology, as well. But I like to get your thoughts.
This garden is reminding me more of Slaanesh's realm the more I hear of it. Although so far, the fruits aren't made of dead men's heads and there are no feasts of the corpses of those who indulged. Although I would not be surprised, or disappointed.
You have strayed from the path. Now it is time for you to hope and pray to whatever you believe in that my comparison was not anywhere close to perfect.
Not these two!
I don't really like the America hair twins (I believe their hair is red white and blue, is it not?) but I don't like them in a good way, if that makes any sense.
Well this shall be fun...
Is this method of commenting allowed, or should I just have every quote and everything that I want to say in one extremely long comment?
The best exchange of words ever.
i stop reading this a while ago and i cant remeber most of what happened im going to re read some parts