An Extended Holiday

by Commander_Pensword

60 - Adventure Time!

Extended Holiday
Ch 60: Adventure Time!
Act 8

---

Vital Spark smiled as he stepped off the train and into Canterlot proper. It had taken some time to get used to being in this form, but now he found he could trot, canter, walk, and run with ease. A few nervous looks came from time to time as he made his way through the city, but by now he’d gotten used to it, and while he still had trouble being technically “naked,” he had to get used to the sensation sooner or later. Maybe he’d ask Hammer Strike for some tips after he got back to the castle.

“Hey!” A voice yelled out as a well groomed and richly dressed noble trotted up before stopping. “Oh, my apologies, I thought you were somepony else. Are you a fan of Prince Blueblood?” He asked as he eyed the White Unicorn. “Well, what’s your name, then? You are speaking to Steel Flask, Son of the Baron of Staliongrad.”

For a moment Vital Spark looked like a deer caught in the headlights before snapping out of it. “M-my name is Vital Spark, sir. I just arrived from Ponyville. I came to visit a friend up at the castle.”

“Well,” the noble answered, only half listening, “here is my card. If you have a free moment, just drop this off at my estate and I’ll see if I can’t set up a meeting with your role model.” He turned around without waiting for a response. “See you around.” It was here that Vital double checked his medallion to make sure it was functioning properly. Certain that it was, he looked after the young noble, confused. The accent sounded incredibly Russian.

“Staliongrad. Hmmm …” Vital said as he stuck the card into one of his saddlebags while he pulled his suitcases along, the violin slung around his back as he pressed forward. “Shawn’s not going to believe this.” He chuckled. With that, he pressed on through the crowd. Unbeknownst to him, several hidden eyes followed him wherever he went as he slowly made his way toward the castle.

---

Pensword looked out upon the harbor of Horseshoe Bay. Sparkling seafoam soared up the shoals, filling the air with the scent of salt and brine. He took a deep breath, savoring the sensation of the wind in his mane. “My second most favorite location in the world,” he said fondly as some few memories from his days on Earth returned.

“It’s going to be a decent voyage,” Grif noted. “As long as the wind picks up, we should be there within a week.”

“So, an English Channel?” Pensword asked in Dragonic. “That seems a rather short time to travel between land masses.”

“Magic,” Grif reminded him. “The sails can increase the force of the wind, making them go farther and faster.”

Belacosa looked excitedly down the dock where a brig sat waiting in the water, its twin masts unfurling its sails in the wind as the colors of the Crystal Empire flashed brightly in the sun atop the tallest yellow mast. Its wood had been specially treated and painted with a Seapony figurehead at its bow, the bow sail hovering protectively over it like a guardian angel. A bright forest-green colored the main body of the ship, and just beneath the water where the waves lapped, the slightest hint of glossy red could be seen, edging towards the sun with barnacles attached at intermittent points. The railings on the ship were also painted yellow to compliment the masts and color theme of the vessel. As the party approached the docks, the crystal ponies formed up around the prince, awaiting the all clear.

Pensword walked up to the plank. “Ahoy, Captain. Permission to come aboard?” He called.

“Come aboard ye spinless Landlubbers, and tremble at the might of Captain Hammock.” A loud voice called out as a Pegasus landed from the crow's nest. He glared at them, appraising the warriors. A sailor’s scowl barely showed through his gruff black beard that grew through the blue fur of his coat. His mane and tail were the same shade of black as his beard. Upon his head sat a Captains cap with the trading company’s logo on it: two crossed swordfish with a stack of three barrels in a pyramid between them. “Who am I speaking with?”

“Commander Pensword Hurricane;” Grif pointed to Pensword. “His highness, prince bellacosa of the crystal empire;” he pointed to Cosy. “And Grif Bladefeather, son of Graf. We and our company have had passage arranged on this vessel.”

“Of course ye have!” Hammock growled. “Can’t believe I have to babysit a bunch of Landlubbers heading to the most rough n’ tumble port this side of the Celestial Sea.” He snorted. “Bunch of blistering and clanking barnacles that lot of seafaring Gryphons.”

“Those are strong words, cap’n.” Grif glared into the pony’s eyes. “I may not have yer experience on the waves, but I ain’t no stranger to the sea.”

“Well, prove it to me on this voyage and I might rescind me comment, but I assure you, the weather’s rough and the entire lot of you’ll be seasick before the third day, mark my words.” He turned around. “Ten thousand blistering typhoons, what are you lot doing? You can’t load the cargo like that!” He was gone in a flash as he started to lay into some of his crew: a mixture of Earth Ponies and Pegasi. Occasionally a minotaur would appear on deck with a whip. He was most likely the bo’sun, though considering his bulk and the shaggy fur, perhaps bison would have been the better term. It took the better part of an hour, but the cargo was finally loaded and the ship prepared for departure.

“Here,” Grif said, giving Bellacosa a chunk of ginger. “When you start to feel sick, start chewing on this. It’ll hit you like a truck, but it will help.”

“Oh yeah. Maybe we can find candied Ginger in our travel? I love that stuff. Mom would ration it to me,” Pensword responded with a grin. “See you aboard!” he called as he stepped onto the gangplank and began to walk up. Behind him, members of the Dream Clan followed him up as well, dressed in the Lunar Guard’s old armor.

“Um, Mister Grif?” Cosy asked.

“Yes?”

“What’s a truck?”

Grif facetaloned.

---

Princess Celestia settled down upon the large picnic blanket the staff had set out for the small party. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and everything seemed absolutely perfect. She looked to Hammer Strike. “It seems nature is taking its course. Philomena’s chosen to build a nest near the chimney at the smiths.”

“Her and Renati,” he hummed afterwards before nodding. “Glad he came along.”

“You think those two like each other?” Vital Spark asked as he wobbled a sandwich to his mouth, his horn glowing.

Hammer Strike nodded in response.

“It is rare for a phoenix to find a mate in captivity,” Luna noted.

“Are they really captured though? Seems more like they want to stay,” Vital said. “I mean, you guys don’t keep them in cages, right?” He moved to chomp on the sandwich just as it slipped out of his grasp. “Darn it.”

Celestia hid a smile behind her teacup. “Still, this isn’t the most ideal place for phoenixes to gather, so it’s rare for two to even meet outside of their natural habitat.”

“Hey! I heard that!” Vital yelled suddenly.

“Heard what?” Luna asked.

“That laughing. Somepony’s mocking me.” The Unicorn frowned. “And I don’t like it.”

“Um, Vital Spark, Dearie, I think you might have had a teensie bit too much sun today. No one is laughing. Quite the contrary in fact,” Rarity said, looking on in concern.

“I’m fine, Rarity. I know what it’s like to face heat exhaustion. This isn’t even close.” He perked his ears. “Actually, now that I think about it, it’s more like what happened when Sylvio was talking to me before.”

“Who’s Sylvio?” Celestia asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “A friend?”

“He’s a timberwolf, a good one. Grif saved his life and he helped me find a cure back when Shawn had his um … incident.”

“The overtake,” Hammer started. “Corruption, whatever you want to call it, but you might as well call it what it was.”

“Right.” Vital winced. “Anyways, Sylvio led me to someone who could help. It’s where I got the crystal I used to bring Shawn back.”

Celestia looked around at the garden. “I think we’re going to need to have to have a long talk about this.” She gave her sister a quick sideways glance. “If Hammer Strike is willing to wait for an evening.”

“Eh,” Hammer shrugged. “I’ve waited for longer periods of time.”

Vital’s left ear twitched and his horn started to glow. “I swear, if that voice doesn’t shut up, I’m going to--” a loud squawk filled the air as a tail feather from Renati suddenly zipped over to the party. Everyone looked on, shocked, especially Vital. “I didn’t mean it!” he cried as the phoenix fixed him with a deadly glare. “Wait a second. It was you?” Vital got to his hooves. “You and I are going to have a long talk about this, Renati.” Vital’s eyes narrowed as he sat back down.

This time, Celestia didn’t bother disguising the exchange between her sister. “Luna, can you make time in your court tonight for the three of us to talk?” She fixed Vital with a glare. “I shall teach you how to ask forgiveness of a phoenix.”

“... He started it,” Vital said, slumping even as he frowned over his now ruined sandwich.

“And I think we’re going to need to hasten those magic lessons, Sister,” Luna said. “Clearly, Vital Spark’s magic needs to be put under control before he accidentally hurts anypony else. Perhaps you should enroll him in your school?”

Celestia took on her usual cryptic expression. “Why? I think you’re in a strong enough position to take on a personal student.”

“I’m not sure,” Luna smiled back. “How would the public react to my student ascending to royalty in less then a fourth the time it took yours?”

“I don’t care,” Celestia responded, wrapping a wing around her sister. “I would be proud of you nonetheless.” She laughed and bopped her on the nose with her hoof. “Besides, you know as well as I do that’s not how it works.”

“Count yourself lucky you can understand and hear Renati. I wish I could, it’d make things a lot easier,” Hammer Strike told Vital.

“Hammer, don’t take this the wrong way, but he’s a lot like you, only ten times worse.”

“Hey, don’t talk about Renati that way,” Hammer replied as he gave Vital a flat stare. Renati flew down, landing on Hammer’s back to give Vital the same stare.

“He treats me like I’m the village idiot. Then again, he doesn’t exactly know who I really am either, so I suppose I should give him some leeway.” Vital sighed heavily as he looked up to the phoenix. “Sorry, Renati. Maybe you’d understand if you saw me in my other form.” Vital turned the diamond on his foreleg band and stretched in his human form before picking up the feather where it lay on the blanket. “I know you’ll probably be upset with me for a while, but I hope this can make you understand why I’m such a stupid pony. I haven’t been one for very long yet. Sorry.” He then offered the feather to the phoenix. Up at the smokestack, Philomena watched intently.

Renati kept the blank stare for a few seconds before snatching the feather with lightning speed. It hung from his mouth as he flew for the nest. Conor winced as he looked at his bleeding hand. “Anypony got a bandaid?”

Celestia’s horn glowed as a piece of white fabric wrapped around the bleeding hand. She looked to Hammer Strike. “I’ve had bad luck healing humans in the past, so this will have to do.”

Conor nodded. “It’s better this way. I’d rather not take a shortcut when it comes to something like this. If Renati gave it to me, it’s probably meant to be a reminder. It’ll heal in its own time. Now, about those magic lessons?” Luna blanched.

---

The wind was pleasant and strong, the sails were full, and the ship was cutting through the water with little effort. Occasionally the sea spray even reached the deck bow. Pensword stood there with a sea specked mane looking excitedly out to sea. Nothing but ocean surrounded them as far as the eye could see. His ear twitched and reluctantly, he turned around to face the deck. A commotion had risen in the area between the single long boat and the main mast in the middle of the vessel. He sighed. “Grif,” he muttered as he stepped towards the source. He snorted at the three Crystal guards by the railing. They looked more crystal green than anything else. “Be sure to drink something later. We can not have you be dehydrated when we arrive.” He smirked as he realized it was only day three of seven on their journey.

“Are we going to die?” one guard asked.

Pensword chuckled. “No, you are just seasick. You will either get your sea legs or you are going to be praising Faust when we reach port.” He smirked and skipped the rest of the way, just to annoy the guards before he reached the scene of the commotion. He took to the sky and perched on one of the side arms where the sails would be stored. Settling down, he waited and observed as the next fight broke out.

Grif stood across the makeshift circle from a yellow Pegasus. The Gryphon was currently clothed only in a black tunic with the sleeves torn off. He held a stiletto in hand, but no other weapons. His fur was scratched and cut in multiple places, but he’d sustained no serious injuries. The Pegasus across from him held a kris dagger in his muzzle and both stared at each other intently. On the mast, three other knives were currently impaled into the wood. All around sailors were making wagers on the coming fight, and much to Pensword’s surprise, Hammock stood in the front of the crowd. “I got a barrel of salt on High Seas. He’s the best knife fighter we got on this vessel.”

“Captain, gambling…” Pensword paused and settled back down breathing in and out. Only to jerk up in shock as Cosy spoke up.

“I have a Crystal blade on Grif!” Pensword’s eyes widened as Grif could already hear him repeating one word over and over again. What was more worrying was that he was the only Crystal pony in the group. All the other guards were seasick.

“No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No,” Pensword glared at the Gryphon, as well as the two Thestral stallions sandwiching Cosy. They would have their reckoning soon enough.

The crowd roared as the wagers finished, each party cheering for their own side as the Gryphon and Pegasus faced each other down. “Ye both know the rules,” One sailor spoke loudly. “No killing. No maiming. First one to remove the other’s knife and drive it into the mast wins. Each of ye take a shot.” The earth pony held up a bottle to Grif, who took it and, to the cheers of the crowd, took a swig before handing it over. Only Pensword saw his eyes twitch from the taste. The bottle was handed to High Seas, who in turn took a drink. “And go!”

The moment the speaker was out of the way, sparks flew as the narrow stiletto met the serpentine kris, and powerful Gryphon met Speedy Pegasus. The movements where rapid and for a moment Pensword almost found them artistic as the two fighters danced their deadly dance. The first hit went to high seas as he opened a cut on Grifs shoulder, causing the Gryphon to back off. With a growl, Grif moved in for a sweep at the Pegasus’s leg, but his target dodged the blow by a hair’s breadth. He returned with a slash that ended up taking one of Grif’s crest feathers. Grif grimaced before charging ahead with rapid blows, his opponent parrying to the best of his ability. Still, the Gryphon managed to open three small cuts on his opponent’s barrel. The Pegasus returned with a daring swing at Grif’s claw, only for Grif to catch him and toss him behind. He charged forward as High Seas recovered, the Pegasus thrusting the dagger for Grif’s shoulder. Grif dodged to the left before locking the cross hilt of his stiletto on the kris’ blade. He pushed forward with all the strength he could muster. The Pegasus laughed as he felt the Gryphons push suddenly stop and moved to recover only to find his knife wouldn’t move. Looking up, he saw the mast just behind his head with his kris now buried hilt deep in the wood. Grif snapped the blunt side of the stiletto against High Seas’ hooves, causing him to let go. The crowd of sailors, Thestrals, and others who had bet on the warrior roared in victory.

“And the bird takes it again.” The former speaker returned. “Lets hear it for the big old magpye!”

Pensword used this pause to land on the deck next to Cosy. “So, betting your Crystal blade? What would you sister have to say if she learned you lost it?”

“Kady says it’s not betting if it’s a sure thing,” Cosy said proudly.

Pensword sighed. “What am I going to do with you?” he asked in fake exasperation. “What would Shining say?”

“He’d say I should have played up the value of the blade to make the other guys’ bets larger,” Cosy said proudly.

“Spoken like a true Captain of the Guard,” Pensword muttered. “I really do have my work cut out for me.”

“You should come to poker night some time! Just be ready; Kady always wins.” He beamed.

“Only if you bet candy or Crystal Berry Icecream,” Pensword answered. “I never gambled. I think I used my luck against the Gryphons. Now, if you will excuse me, Cosy, I will need to speak to Grif about something.”

He turned around and got all of two steps before one of the larger Unicorn sailors stepped into his path. “Well, I do say, I don’t like that tone of voice you took with the young prince. You act like his father.” he said in a mocking tone.

“‘Oi!” Hammock cried “You got sense, do you lad?” he asked the Unicorn. “This is Commander Pensword Hurricane, High Duke of Ys. He saved the crystal royals’ life. He can take what tone he pleases with the prince.”

The Unicorn turned from Hammock to the Pegasus. “Blimey. Don’t you know how to toot your own horn?” He shook his head. “You are the strangest pony I’ve ever met.” He smiled wider. “Well, why don’t you join us down below for a game of cards, eh? Imagine that, a Duke bunking with us.”

“I sleep just the same as any other pony. Have scars as well,” Pensword answered coolly. “As for a card game…” He found Cosy slipping a bag of coin next to his hoof. He sighed in defeat at the smile Cosy gave him. “I guess one or two games tonight won’t hurt.” He looked around the Unicorn. “I shall meet you down below. I have one more to talk to.” The Unicorn nodded and left.

Pensword finished the path of his goal as he walk up to Grif. “So, getting the hang for ship battles?” he asked with a mild case of curiosity.

“It’s a bit tricky with the rocking of the ship,” Grif said as he pulled a knife from the mast, examining it. “Huh. This is real Saddle Arabian steel. How about that?” He chuckled before stowing it away. “Still, these sailors aren't half as brutal as the old bird was to me.”

“That is good. I just have one little question for you.” Pensword took a deep breath and proceeded to shout in a manner reminiscent of Twilight when Celestia first brought Discord back. “Why in Equestria did you cause such a commotion? Cosy gambled on you. Cosy!” He took a steady breath.

“And now he has a bit of credit on a boat full of professional sailors.” Grif smiled his oh so annoying grin at Pensword. “You’re welcome. Anyway, things were getting a little tense between your Thestrals and some of the sailors; something about the tides and Nightmare Moon and leading the ship to destruction. Anyway, I started a conversation about what they do for sport, which led to a discussion about knife fighting, and I may have offhandedly said that I’d give my knife to the pony that could best me in a knife fight. Next thing I know, here we are.” Grif shrugged. He held up the switch blade, testing the mechanism a few times.

“Right,” Pensword responded, drawing out his word. “Well, at least you got them to hopefully accept my clan on board.” He shook his head. “I should have studied up on sailor lore here. Nonetheless, I think Luna would enjoy that the sailors have a small part of the stern dedicated to the Lunar Princess for safe voyage.”

“They fear what they don’t know.” Grif shrugged. “Gambling and sport are something soldiers and sailors know well, so I figured if I created some common ground they’d start to understand each other. And I got some nice knives out of it. It’s not like it hurt.”

Pensword looked at his friend with exasperation. “Grif. You. Are. Bleeding.” He used a wing to point to the cuts. “Right there, there, and there!”

“Huh?” Grif looked around his body. “Huh, I guess they got me a few times? Not like it’s life threatening or anything. Maybe a swim in the salt water will sterilize them.”

“Grif, do you want to risk attracting the sharks?” The Gryphon took on a face of deep thought. “You are actually considering it?” Pensword threw his wings open and his hooves into the air. “Unbelievable!”

“Oh, and like you never wanted to wrestle a shark,” Grif said, rolling his eyes.

Pensword dropped to all fours, closing his wings as he deadpanned. “I give up.”

---

In an antechamber branching off from Celestia’s throne room, the solar princess looked at Luna and Vital. “Now, tell us about Sylvio and who you had to meet.”

“Like I said, Sylvio’s a Timberwolf. From what I understand, Grif found him as a pup when he was being attacked by his pack. Grif pretty much cut them to pieces and took Sylvio home. After that, Fluttershy helped nurse him back to health. From there, Grif raised him to be kind and loyal. Sylvio’s not like other Timberwolves.”

“How is he not like other timberwolves?” Luna asked. “What’s unusual about him?”

“Well, he’s white for one, with smooth bark and glowing blue eyes,” Vital responded. “Grif thought he was an albino until Sylvio started talking to me. Then he explained it.”

Celestia gave Luna a sideways glance before asking the next question. “What did he explain to you? And what an interesting wood composition. I must congratulate Grif on his luck next time I see him.”

Vital groaned inwardly. He’d seen and read enough to know misdirection when he heard it. “He talked about being pushed into some mist by his brothers. He found some wood and ate it, and that’s what made him the way he is now. When he went back to his family to show them, they started attacking him.”

“Did he describe anything about this wood that he ate?” Luna asked. “Such a thing may prove a boon for taming the timberwolves and lessening their danger to ponies.”

“He called it the white wood. That’s about all I know about it.”

Luna and Celestia shared a look while Vital did all he could to keep his face calm. “And this person he took you to meet? I would like to know a force who would have such powerful magic,” Luna noted again.

“And there’s where we have an impasse,” Vital sighed. “I promised not to reveal the person’s identity as part of the bargain for the crystal and as a favor for some other help.”

Celestia smiled as she walked to Vital’s right, draping one of her large wings over his back. “Ah, but what if we were to say we knew who you were talking about? What then?” She asked as she gave Luna a knowing wink.

“Then I’d have to hear it before I believed it,” Vital said.

“Have you heard the Legend of the Tree of Harmony?” Luna asked. “It’s a very ancient tale about a large crystal tree hidden away somewhere in Equestria. They say that on it’s trunk are three cutie marks, carefully inscribed: the sun--” she nodded to celestia.

Celestia smiled as she used her wing to turn Vital’s head to look her in the eye. “--The moon, and a six pointed star.” She smiled warmly at the Unicorn like a mare to her foal. “With five gem impressions. It is said the Elements of Harmony were born from this tree. Sound familiar?”

“An interesting legend. But I’m curious, why didn’t Twilight tell me about it herself? I know how much she loves history, especially old legends. As I recall, that’s how she found the Elements of Harmony in the first place.”

Celestia looked to Vital Spark. “As my sister said, it’s a very old story. As a matter of fact, it was old even when we were both fillies.” Her eyes gleamed with anticipation. “As for Twilight, that is for later on in her journey. Just because she’s a Princess doesn’t mean her learning is complete. It’s simply ... graduated to another arena.”

“And if such is the case, then does that mean the tree is in fact real, just as Nightmare Moon was?” Vital asked.

“Equestria is a land of many mysteries,” Luna said, bringing her teacup to her mouth. “Even the two of us cannot always know when reality and mythology collide within our kingdom.”

Celestia smiled as she looked to an empty stone wall, nodded once, and with a blast of magic the image of the Tree of Harmony appeared on the wall. She watched the Unicorn intently.

Vital stared at the tree, his gaze focused, his body stiff as he approached and placed a hoof against the image. “Who’s the artist?” he asked as he made a show of viewing the branches and other detailed etchings.

“So, you have encountered it,” Luna said as she studied his face.

“As for the artist?” Celestia smiled smugly. “This is from a memory.”

“And what would this memory of yours entail?” Vital asked, choosing to focus on Celestia’s statement first. “Were you the author of the legend?”

Celestia looked to Luna giving her a nod. “While this game has been fun, I think it’s time we brought it to an end.” Her face grew serious. “We both knew you were marked by the tree, just as we both were, and even as the Element holders are now. We also know the tree’s need for privacy. This should satisfy the requirements of your promise, I hope.” She looked appealingly to her sister. “I’m sorry, sister, but if we continued any further we may have been here all night and still gotten nowhere.”

“I’m still not quite convinced. If the tree of harmony really is real, and if I really did visit there, then I’d prefer if you two were to tell me its location.”

“It is below where it all began,” Luna offered, clearly unwilling to give the exact location out to the open air.

“In discord’s reign?” Vital asked. The pair nodded. “Then I can speak plainly?” Again, they nodded. “Alright. Sylvio ate some wood from the tree because she took pity on him. That gave him some essence of order and harmony, which his family didn’t like. Something about eating black roots, apparently. Harmony made me swear not to tell anyone about where she was or her children’s origins. She also used Sylvio to save me when I was in Ponyville hospital and under siege by the corrupted essence that had possessed Shawn and triggered the thaumic overtake. Apparently she holds a strong connection with him. So, Sylvio basically licked the invasive force into submission, his sap absorbed into my scalp and made contact with the alichorn growing there, and thus allowed me a magical connection with Harmony herself after she exorcised the entity from my body. Then she had Sylvio lead me to her and gave me the crystal after she filled me with an extra dose of her purity to balance out the chaos that remained in my system. Any questions?”

Celestia shook her head. “None at the moment, but we do have a request. Under absolutely no circumstances are you to tell Twilight or any of the others. Let them discover the location themselves.”

“Deal,” Vital said.

“Still, it is a blessing the tree protects and guides us even today. Faust help us if she ever gets sick,” Celestia said.

“Yes, at least the tree is intact.” Luna nodded in agreement.

Vital raised a hoof, only to find himself suddenly unable to speak as his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth, his jaw held tight.

‘... don’t ...’ The voice was so quiet he almost couldn’t hear it, but it was unmistakable all the same.

“Is something the matter?” Celestia asked before smirking. “Ah, the tree did something to you, didn’t it?” Vital nodded. Celestia put a supportive wing over the Unicorn. “Don’t worry. She did the same thing to us to protect herself from Discord. We can never reveal the exact location to anyone who didn’t know about her already.”

“... I see.” He looked deep in thought before lifting his head. “On to lighter topics. You two said something about getting a teacher, right?” Vital asked.

Celestia smiled and looked to Luna. “What do you say? Ready to take up your first student?”

“I… have much to organize in Ys yet,” Luna said. “I am afraid I am ill-prepared at this time.”

Celestia looked to Vital. “Very well, I guess I can set up a correspondence course with you. I’ll see what I could do with teaching, but it might be better to find you a tutor who’s closer to home. Then we can have you come here every once in a while to check on your progress.” She looked to her sister. “I hope I can see a Lunar Student in the next decade, though, sister.”

“I hope so as well, sister,” Luna nodded with a slight cringe. “... Just not yet.”

“So, um … can I go to bed now?” Vital asked.

Celestia nodded. “I think so. Luna, will you be okay for the rest of the night?”

“Of course, sister. After all, I am the night,” she said, winking mischievously as she disappeared in a flash of moonlight.

---

Pensword slowly walked down one of the wooden staircases into the hold of the ship. It had been converted into a makeshift place to play cards and he was the last to arrive. He paused upon seeing one of the ponies. “Heavy Set? I thought I gave you leave to visit your cousin.”

Heavy Set laughed and Pensword swore the entire ship rumbled. “Am visiting cousin,” he said, smacking a nearby sailor on the back and sending him flying into a nearby bed.

“Ah, well it is good to see you.” Pensword took a seat on a barrel. “So what are we playing?” He looked around at the other sailors nodding at a large Ox Minotaur with black fur and a crazy set of blond hair. He paused upon seeing a small Crystal golem in the shape of Yellow box sitting upon a single metal wheel. A white crystal protruded from the upper center of the golem where a blue light glowed. At either side, arms and pincers jutted out to manipulate things. Pensword smiled at the table, and finally at the Unicorn who had invited him to the game.

“I forgot how advanced Crystal technology was,” Pensword muttered as the Unicorn began to deal out and the players picked up their cards. Pensword looked at his hand as he tried to remember what his grandmother taught him about poker.

“You all knowing five card?” Heavy Set asked as he shuffled the cards. “Ace and two are being wild.”

Pensword nodded his head. “I believe so.” He placed the same number of coins that Heavy Set started the pot with.

“Any soldier knows the game, Heavy. Come on, let’s get on with it already,” the offensive Unicorn said. His cutie mark showed the image of salt being spread over a cut as his red mane shook in the dusky lamplight. His brown fur coat was ragged and caked with salt from the waves as he slammed a hoof on the table, leaving a small pile of bits. “I have a pub at those docks with my name on it, and I’ll be needing my little gold friends here to help pay the tab.”

The crystal golem looked to those around him before putting it’s own bits on the table. “I don’t know about you guys, but I have utmost confidence in myself.”

Pensword remained silent as he watched the other players.

“Meh” the large pony placed a bag of bits on the table.

“You got any bits, Pensword? This here’s a betting game,” the Unicorn said as he took a swig from his flask.

“Yeah, these two coins,” he answered placing two bits on the table. “Also, we all know each other’s name, what is yours? I did call Starswirl a Horn Head.”

The Unicorn spluttered as he did a spit take, coughing up a storm. “You did what to who now?”

“Yeah, right! And I called the Vault Hunter a dwarf to make fun of his explosive temper,” the golem laughed.

“You heard me. He called me a Feather Brain first.” Pensword said. “Back then I could have challenged him to a duel.” He looked at his wings. “I could have won, too. I think he got off lightly. Still, you never answered my question: what is your name, Unicorn?” Pensword asked, his voice chilling the surrounding sailors.

“Name’s Salt Sting,” he said. “I think you can guess why.” He smirked as he gazed shiftily at the competitors.

“Well, I believe we are ready to be dealt the cards,” Pensword said. “Heavy, if you will?”

Heavy grunted before he started dealing the cards. “If you are being caught cheating, I let sasha deal with you.”

“And my Wingblades,” Pensword added. “If you survive Heavy’s Sasha.”

“Yeah yeah, let’s get down to it.” Salt Sting said as he looked over his card hand again.

Pensword looked at his cards, but not a muscle twitched as he stared at the other players.

Heavy looked at the pot. “I raise.”

Pensword looked at the situation. “I raise an additional three bits.”

Salt Sting looked at the table and his hand. “I call.”

“This call is well within my accepted parameters for kicking your butts,” the golem said.

Heavy threw in one more bit. “I raise.”

Pensword smiled softly. “I match your raise and raise it an additional bit.”

Salt Sting sighed. “I fold.” The pot held now about twenty three bits.

“Hey! Know what the best poker players shave with? A RAISE-er!” The golem exclaimed, putting three bits in, he waited for the laughter. “Get it? A ra-” he stopped. “I’ll just shut up forever,” he finished.

“Eh…. fold,” Heavy said, placing his cards down.

“I raise the pot to make it, taking it from Twenty Six bits, to Thirty five bits total.” Pensword responded.

“I wonder how many bits I could buy with those bits,” the golem commented, looking to the pot. After a moment he looked up. “Oh, sorry, was it my turn? I…” He paused, looking at Pensword. “Fold.”

Pensword flipped his hand over with joy, revealing his highest card as a nine.

So,” Pensword started as he racked in the bits to his side. “What is your name?” he asked as he turned to the crystal golem. The rest of the table was looking on in stunned silence.

“I am CRY7-TL, but you can call me Crys-trap!”

Salt Sting looked to the golem. “How does that make any sense?”

“I don’t know, and neither did the ponies who made me!”

The game lasted like this, winning and losing around until it was an almost a repeat of the first round.

“I raise,” Pensword said, casually putting his bits into the pile and bringing the pot up to eighty eight bits total. He looked to Crys-trap. Salt had been eliminated from the play earlier in the match. Heavy had folded.

“You think you can get away with this? I’m going all in, baby!” Crys-trap called out, putting twenty two bits into the pot. The pot now stood at one hundred thirty three bits.

Pensword smiled as he matched the bet. It was now one hundred fifty five bits in the pot. “I call,” he answered as the two players flipped and showed their hands. Pensword’s hand revealed the ace of spades, king of spades, queen of spades, jack of spades, and the ten of spades: a royal flush. The smile grew larger after revealing his hand.

“What?” Crys-trap shrieked. Of course you’d win with those cards. Even Steve can win with those cards! And all he can ever say is ‘Hey-o’!”

“Hey-o!”

“Shut up Steve!” Crys-trap yelled to the stallion in the back.

Pensword felt that somewhere in his belly he should be worried, but he shook it off. “Well, this was fun.”

“How did you get so good at poker?” Salt Sting exclaimed as the other sailors snickered behind his back. His long reign as head of the table had finally been ended.

Pensword gave a wing shrug. “My secret. You might have to battle me again during the trip to get it.”

“But … you wiped me clean!”

“You said you were a good player.” He took a small stack of fifty bits. “Here, make that grow for the next game.” With that done, Cosy immediately raced up and grabbed Pensword by his legs.

“I knew you’d win, Pensword,” he cheered.

Pensword gave a long-suffering look as he stared up at the deck. “Yeah, well, it was fun,” he admitted, deadpanning. He didn’t know what to do with all the winnings, especially since it was given for the express purpose to gamble and lose. For now, he placed them in his coin bag and pondered the inevitable future of continued gambling, where to win is to lose, and to lose is to lose more. “... I think I’m going to bed,” he said finally as he slowly made his way out. Cosy followed closely behind.

---

Vital ran his hoof through his now shortened mane as it jutted out to the sides, appearing much less like a certain pony he would rather not name. The Royal Mane Stylist looked happily after his customer, waving at the pair of friends as they left.

“Don’t be strangers!” he cried before returning to his shop.

Vital smiled. “Man, I am so glad I finally got rid of that haircut. Don’t get me wrong, I love having a full head of hair again, but do you have any idea how many cards I got from nobles wanting to introduce me to Blueblood?” He shuddered. “I didn’t watch that much of the show before I got here, but even I knew how much of a pompous jerk he was.”

“I’m sure you’d learn more on it from myself or anyone outside of Canterlot,” Hammer Strike responded. “Now come on, it’s time to head back to New Unity.”

“Good. I admit I’m not exactly looking forward to more work, but I’m not about to let myself slack. Black Rook would murder me if I did.”

“Nah, too easy.”

“You know what I meant, Hammer Strike. Speaking of which, once we get back, you need to help me pick up on my weapons lessons too.”

“I need practice myself, so yeah, I can teach you while I practice again,” Hammer replied.

“Just try not to break any bones, alright?” Vital winced.

“No promises.”

“... Great.” As the pair arrived at Canterlot Station, they casually walked past a group of fangirls lined up along the sides of the entry grate.

“Oh my goodness, there he is!” One of the mares screamed as the others followed as they held out massive “I <3 Blueblood” signs and plushies. Vital Spark groaned and face hoofed.

“Seriously? Do I really look that much like him?”

“Question, why are you all holding up burning signs?” Hammer questioned.

The girls’ fangirl squeals quickly turned to screams as they stamped out the fires on their signs and the pair passed through without further issue.

“Does he seriously have that many female admirers?” Vital asked, disgusted.

Hammer Strike simply nodded.

“If he comes to Ponyville to try and congratulate me on style choice, I swear I don’t know what my magic may do to him.”

“You’ll have more control by that point. Blueblood doesn’t enjoy time outside of Canterlot.”

“Then why all the fangirls? Doesn’t that mean he’s likely to make a visit?”

“Ponies are hopeful, especially fans.”

“I’m guessing you’re glad Rarity’s not numbered among them anymore,” Vital said, smirking as they stepped onto the carriage.

“Mhmm,” Hammer hummed.

“You like her, don’t you?”

“Obviously.”

“Maybe to you. It’s kind of hard for me to tell when you’re always so … monotone, I guess. You hardly ever crack a smile.” The Unicorn jerked forward a moment as the steam engine started up before righting himself again.

“Emotion isn’t a strong thing for me,” Hammer replied.

“Clearly. You’re going to need to work on that, you know,” Conor said. “We’ll call it an even trade. You train me on weapons, and I get to help you show a little more emotion in life. Deal?”

“Too high of a price. How about a thousand bits instead?” Hammer countered in his usual monotone.

Vital face-hoofed. “We have a lot of work to do.”

“Good luck. Many have tried.”

“What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t?” Vital asked as he lay back in his seat. “Alright, Shawn, first lesson: Humor me.”

“Sorry, I lost my humor years ago.”

“Then crystalize some and absorb it, buster. I want to be laughing, or at the very least, chuckling by the time we reach Ponyville. No excuses.”

“You’re setting some high hopes.”

“What do you think brought you back from the dead in the first place?”

“A crystal created from a power source of purity that I doubt you would tell me who or what gave it to you, even if I asked.”

Vital face hoofed, then chuckled. “We got a lot of work ahead of us alright.”

---

“So I was wondering, why did this stone keep getting bigger? And then it hit me,” Pensword said as he sat with the Crystal ponies in the hold of the ship. He was waiting for the ship to finish docking. “Still wondering why they asked me not to be on deck while they dock.”

“They don’t want to cause a riot when a bunch of crystal ponies and The Demon show up,” Grif’s voice spoke out from a spot that Pensword swore he hadn’t been standing in.

“Grif, what? Why did--do you have to use that cloak around me?” Pensword asked, his wing slowly retracting again. “I nearly hit you, you know.”

“It’s better you get used to it,” Grif said. “I’m going to be wearing it pretty much till Gryphelhiem. Speaking of which, you should pass those black cloaks out to the crystal guards now.”

Pensword nodded as he moved to a crate and opened it up. “Here you are. Please put these on while you are in the Gryphon Lands and keep them on as long as your crystal coats last,” he said as he began to hand out the cloaks.

“Bellacosa?” Grif called for the colt.

The colt looked up from his position. “Yes?” he looked eager, wondering what Grif might have for him.

“You’ve been learning with me every day this week,” Grif said as he handed the colt a switchblade. “Don’t draw it unless you have no other options, got it?”

“Yes, sir,” Cosy said, giving a firm salute as he slid the blade through his breastplate’s opening between the padding and the metal.

Pensword fought to keep a smile off his muzzle. “Cosy, when do you want me to give back the money you lent me for the week?”

“You keep it for now. It’s safer with you anyways, and you know how to keep it out of sight,” Cosy said. “Grif said any money showing is dangerous, right, Grif?” Grif nodded in affirmation.

“Very well, Cosy,” Pensword answered. “Still, now we just wait. Wait till the cargo is finished unloading. Then we follow Grif’s lead.” Pensword looked nervous at having to follow orders again.

“Just stay quiet and keep your heads down. Let Cheshire do the talking,” Grif said.

“Fine.” Pensword huffed with a growl. He smiled and put a hoof on Cosy’s head. “I get to spend time with one of my favorite survivors.” His left eye twitched as the screams of ponies filled his ears once again: the memories of sacrifices long since past.

“Pensword, no P.T.S.D.!” Grif said, swatting the pony's head. “We need to concentrate.” Pensword shook his head.

“I ... will do my best,” Pensword answered, “Still, I will follow your lead.”

The sun was setting before they received clearance to disembark. The company moved cautiously off the ship with the cloaked figures in the center. Around them, sailors of various breeds and species worked on setting their ships either to stay in port or to disembark the next day. Other sailors could be seen around nearby taverns, stumbling drunkenly. The composition was varied, but Gryphons stood out as the obvious majority around them.

“We should try to get out of this town and camp by the road a mile or so down,” Grif said. “Chesire will take care of papers and tariffs and anything else to be negotiated.”

Pensword nodded his head, but Grif could tell he was still tense. Too many Gryphons. The sooner they got out of town, the better. The Thestrals formed their own protective middle ring, granting yet another layer of protection to the young prince.

“Deep breath. Don’t give them the satisfaction,” Grif mumbled under his breath.

Pensword took a deep breath. In and out. He repeated the exercise several times. When he had calmed down enough, he turned to address Grif. “Very well.” His left wing twitched, but he ignored it, doing his best to focus on getting safely out of town. “Lead the way.”

---

The steam engine huffed to a halt as the doors swung open, giving time for each of the passengers to get out. Vital smiled as he stepped into the sun. “It’s good to be back in Ponyville.” Four pony guards stood at attention as Hammer Strike stepped out with Rarity behind him.

“Since when do the guards send an escort for you, Hammer Strike?” Vital Spark asked as he turned to face the lord.

“Either when the Shields get worried, or if someone wants my attention to something,” Hammer replied as he looked to the guards. “So, which one of the two is it?”

“The latter, sir. Me-Me’s sent delegates to the castle asking for your immediate arrival as soon as you get back,” one of the guards said.

“Alright then,” Hammer looked to Vital for a moment. “Any specifications on if anyone else can come along?”

“No, sir. They merely said it was urgent.”

“Well then, Vital, you can either come with me, or go back to New Unity,” Hammer said. “Your choice.”

“Mutatio told me he wanted Me-Me to meet me.” Vital shrugged. “I guess now she’ll get the chance. Does Rarity want to come too?”

“Oh, um … sorry, dear, but I’m afraid I’ll have to take a rain check. I have all this luggage to unpack, you see, and besides that, I must be positively swamped with orders now that I’m back. Not to mention I need to check up on Sweetie Belle,” she said. “How about we get together later though? I have so many new fashions I want to try on you now.” Vital groaned. “Grif did recommend that I give you a makeover, didn’t he?” Rarity asked sweetly.

“Alright, alright,” Vital capitulated. “Later though, okay?”

Rarity giggled. “It’s a deal. See you later, darlings. Tata.” And with that, Rarity Belle left the station, her luggage floating behind in her magical grip as she skillfully maneuvered it above and around the passengers.

“Dang she’s good,” Vital said.

“Let’s get going then,” Hammer said. “He did say immediate attention.”

The changeling hive was as active as ever. The gardens had come a long ways and blossomed sweetly with a variety of benches and decorative statues and fountains. Long white gravel paths meandered through the display as hedges trimmed to form lovers, families, and other poses and subjects flourishing amongst the various flowers. “Tenders” continued to work on the garden’s upkeep while families and young lovers walked the paths together, occasionally stealing a secret kiss amongst some of the higher hedges as the setting sun’s rays lit up the sky. Beneath the grand entrance, the two were brought through a series of tunnels to reach the Queen’s main chambers where Mutatio and Me-Me sat waiting for them.

“My Queen,” Mutatio began, looking surprised that another Unicorn was with Hammer Strike. “I did not expect Hammer Strike to have company.” He bowed his head, looking nervous. “I am Mutatio of the Everfree Hive. Our Hive’s liege is the noble who stands beside you. We are the first banner under House Strike.”

“Good evening, Lord Hammer Strike.” Me-Me politely nodded her head. In the darkness they called his emotions, a faint color stirred at the mention of his title: teal for annoyance.

“Hello, Me-Me. I see things have been getting better around here,” Hammer replied.

“With your generosity, we have been able to expand our home quite well. Our collectors are coming back with a bumper crop and all my children are well fed.”

“That is wonderful to hear,” Hammer Strike said, nodding his head. “I’m sorry if you wanted just me to show up; I brought a friend: Vital Spark.”

“Hi.” Vital waved his hoof timidly. “Actually, Mutatio and I have already met.”

“We have?” he paused before making an O shape with his mouth. “You are that human. Wow. The princesses worked fast in hiding you. I guess they do not think the world is ready for humans.”

“On the contrary. My form was a necessity. I was trapped in a form between Unicorn and human. The princesses merely provided the spell necessary to make it so that I could shift between forms, rather than being trapped in the middle. Were I to return home looking like that, there are some questions as to my safety that would have arisen.”

Mutatio looked to Hammer Strike. “Does he answer like that to every question?” He gave a weary look at the pony. “There are ponies here that could use that against you. My advice, give as little information as you can till you trust those around you.”

“Are you saying you two aren’t trustworthy?” Vital asked.

“Changelings are rarely trustworthy,” Me-Me smiled. “But you have nothing to fear from us. Mutatio is simply still not used to the freedom we have given our hive to operate.”

“You almost killed me before the Founder freed you,” Mutatio responded in a teasing tone of voice.

“And you almost killed the founder, and the protector, and Lord hammerstrike,” Me-Me sent back.

He frowned. “It is so hard learning how to be a proper tease,” He muttered.

“I hate to break things up, but the way I was told things, you had something that required my immediate attention?” Hammer questioned.

“Did Pensword inform you of our discovery?” Me-Me asked.

“What discovery?”

“I see that he did not. Please follow me,” Me-Me said, getting to her hooves and heading for a tunnel. “My drones discovered something weeks ago and we have been attempting to excavate it ever since.”

“What is it?” Vital Spark asked as they walked down the corridors.

“We have yet to make a positive identification, but Pensword was able to identify a symbol that seemed to indicate it was some sort of medical device.”

“A medical device?” Hammer questioned before humming in thought. “I’m very curious now.”

“That is what the Founder thought. He was worried about it being dangerous, but we do not see why,” Mutatio responded.

Fifteen minutes of tunnel crawling later they came to the device. The large black box was now much more revealed to the world, though still partially covered in dirt. The red cross was clearly visible; however, the writing made no more sense to Hammer Strike than it had to anyone else.

“So, any ideas how to get in?” Vital asked as he peered at the cube.

“No clue,” Mutatio responded. We think we finally got to the base, but so far, it is sealed shut.”

“Any possible points of entry? Areas that look different?” Hammer Strike asked.

“Other than the inscription and the cross,” Me-Me said, gesturing to it, “we haven’t found anything.”

Hammer hummed. “Mind if I investigate?”

Mutatio looked to Me-Me as if holding a private conversation. “We do not mind,” he answered finally.

Hammer Strike moved forward, his eyes trailing across the wall, the text, and the cross, noting layers of material coating it: stone, dust, minerals, an aged handprint…

Hammer Strike paused, his eyes flicking towards the others.

“Your aura tastes of music,” Me-Me ventured towards vital spark. “Do you play?”

“A little. Mostly the violin. I do know some basic piano, and you’ve already heard my voice,” Vital said. “Unless you left before that part in Grif’s wedding.”

“I am sorry. I slipped out to avoid unwanted attention,” she said.

“Well that’s alright. Mutatio said you would want to meet with me, though. Any idea why?”

Hammer looked back to the handprint. It was obviously human. Minotaur hands were bigger, not to mention they only had four fingers, not five. In the distraction of the polite conversation, he brought a hoof up and wiped at the handprint with his coat, clearing it. ‘It will only bring paranoia and worry,’ he thought. As he wiped though, a segment of the wall sunk in with a click and a faint whirring noise started up.

“W-w-Welco-come, User,” A voice called out, robotic in nature. Hammer Strike’s eyes widened in wonder.

Me-Me’s head shot towards the box.

“Um … Hammer Strike … what did you do?” Vital asked.

Mutatio paused. “But the Founder said not to touch anything! Why did you touch it?”

“You said nothing on not touching it,” Hammer replied.

“But is it not common knowledge not to touch unknown technology?” Mutatio answered.

“W-Warning, power levels Crit-t-tically low. Disabling systems unt-t-t-till refueling or emergenc-cy override key is used. Please have a s-s-safe and productive da-a-ay.” The voice called out once more, the end of its speech slowing as it lowered in pitch until silence returned, the whirring ceasing.

“Well, at least we know it works, whatever it is,” Vital said.

“To finish that conversation, Mutatio, they say not to touch anything unknown due to fear of it causing harm to you,” Hammer replied.

“But you are unable to be harmed, you are the Undying. I killed you myself, I thought. What about those of us not like you? Could it not kill those around you?” Mutatio asked as, for the first time, genuine fear laced his voice.

“You had enough distance for any form of heat to take time. If it were to shift and reveal hostile intent you had enough space between you and it to leave the area quickly, and electrical currents wouldn’t conduct far enough to reach you,” Hammer Strike listed. “I may seem reckless, but I still keep others in mind.”

“From what the others have told me, Mutatio, Hammer’s one of the best ponies you could have for a friend. He won’t let any harm come to anyone if he can help it. Well, except for his enemies of course,” Vital said

All the changelings shuddered at the mention of being enemies to the legendary lord.

“If you think it would be bad now, you should have seen what happened to a specific fortress during the Third Gryphon War,” Hammer commented as he walked back towards the group.

---

“Two days and we still haven’t found a place to camp,” Grif grumbled next to Pensword. As it had turned out, the land outside the city had belonged to an influential clan and they had not wanted anyone camping on their territory. Over the last two days, they had moved further and further inland seeking somewhere they could rest and prepare. They had met with the representatives of over a dozen clan lords and been kicked off their land, either politely or impolitely. The collective guard were now dog tired from the constant march and Bellacosa was now lying doggedly on Pensword’s back, completely drained for the third time in two days.

“We won’t last much longer like this,” Grif said.

“I know I can handle this,” Pensword muttered, looking back at the others, then to Cosy. “The others, not so much. Surely Gryphons should have known about taverns? They could make a profit there,” Pensword said irritably.

“Taverns are for port cities to trap sailors into drinking away their profits,” Grif said. “Most clans brew their own alcohol here and they keep those recipes secret to a paranoid degree. An inn represents a liability as well because that would give strangers a chance to spy on the clans and learn weaknesses,” Grif explained.

Pensword sighed. “And I was called paranoid,” he muttered, shaking his mane. “Still, I really hope we can find some place to settle soon. This feels like Europe; all the land is claimed,” he said, switching to draconic at the end.

Cosy moved on Pensword’s back. “I’m tired of marching. I wanna sleep.” He yawned loudly, tears standing out in his eyes as he struggled to hold them back. He couldn’t afford to show weakness in Gryphon lands; that’s what Grif had said.

“We’ll find somewhere,” Grif said, adding unfelt enthusiasm to his voice “I bet we’ll find a place right around the--.” Grif was cut off by a screech from one of the forward scouts. “Armed soldiers on their way.” Grif looked to Pensword as he drew his swords and moved for the front of the group. “Keep him safe.”

Pensword moved his wings out as two Thestrals removed the cloth covering his wing blades. They had been dipped in his own blood for the purpose of realism to make him appear wounded, just in case. He just didn’t know how well it might actually work. He dropped Cosy between the guards to watch him. “Stay here,” he ordered.

“But--”

“No buts. Stay,” Pensword ordered, his look stern. Cosy let out a defeated sigh as he did what he was told. He was too tired to argue anyways.

Grif and Pensword reached the front at the same time as Chesire and Kel’leam. True to the scout’s word, several heavily armed Gryphons were flying towards them in a box formation. In the center, one Gryphon flew towards them wearing an intricate steel plate mail. The standard one of the soldiers carried caused Grif’s body to instantly stiffen.

Noticing his friend’s reaction, Pensword subtly shifted his stance, preparing for a swift attack if necessary. He would fight at Grif’s side to the death if need be. His eyes narrowed as the formation approached.

The Gryphons landed in front of them and the center line parted, revealing the intricately armored central figure: a black raven-like Gryphon, much like Grif himself. However, rather than the green cover of feathers Grif had on his breast and crest, this Gryphon’s fur and coat were black with flecks of light blue appearing in random places.

“Presenting the Lord of Clan Far Flyer, Lord Garrus Ryan Ineschtad Flightfighter Farflyer,” one of the guard spoke as the Gryphon approached. Upon hearing the name, Grif’s face became positively livid. Still, he made his approach next to Pensword, doing his best to maintain composure.

“Presenting the Lord of Clan Bladefeather, Lord Grif Grafson Bladefeather,” Chesire spoke in return, her slitted eyes menacing. Clearly something was going on here, but Pensword couldn’t quite make out what.

“Accompanied by Commander Moonkissed Pensword Hurricane of the line of Pen, High Duke of Ys,” a Thestral accompanying Pensword announced. Pensword stood ready to move either in friendly action, or that of warfare. He just nodded in acknowledgement to the Gryphon lord.

The wizened Gryphon stepped forward with piercing gaze as he sized the party up, his dark hazel eyes immediately locked on the metal feather in Grif’s wing.

“So, the rumors are true. The son of Graf comes at last to the land of his father.”

“My father despised these lands and what they stood for,” Grif responded.

“And you carry on his legacy with honor,” Garrus said. “I’m certain he is very proud of what you have accomplished.”

“Please don’t speak as though you or yours knew him or had any claim to him,” Grif growled. “Had it not been for you he would have lived another hundred years.”

“I wasn’t trying to claim him, Grif.” Garrus shook his head. “My grandfather cut him off from the clan for doing something which was viewed dishonorable and abominable. I won’t try to make up for that decision, and I won’t try to justify it. I have come because I guessed at the conditions your men have had to face, and judging by their appearance, my assumptions were correct. No clan has given you shelter or permission to camp on their lands, have they?”

Pensword did not say anything. He just glared and kept his muzzle shut. This was something Grif had to do on his own and he inwardly felt horrible he could only stand and watch.

“My charges are tired, I will not deny it.” Grif sighed, unable to avoid the subject.

“I can’t reverse the ruling my grandfather made, but where he was not willing to help, I am. If you will accept it, I will gladly give your troops and escort whatever they need until they are well rested and ready to move on. It won’t make up for what my grandfather did, I know. But I hope you will accept it all the same. For their sake.”

Grif looked to Pensword. “You are in command here.”

Pensword looked to Grif. “We shall rest, resupply if needed. But we shall stay only as long as thou canst stand.” He fixed the Gryphon clan leader with a hard gaze. “If I find any of your clan members bully or strong taloning any of my troops, you do not want to know what I would do.”

“We will pay for everything,” Grif added sternly. “I won’t be indebted to anyone here.”

“... As you wish. My manor lies three days’ journey to the North. I’ll have my troops bring supplies for you to get you there. When you arrive, you can pay and purchase any other supplies you stand in need of.” He turned to face his troops where they waited on the other side of the line. “I’ll not insult you by offering to have my clansmen escort you. But for what it’s worth, Grif, I am sorry for what happened.” His cape fluttered behind him as he walked back into the fold of his guards. “We’ll be waiting,” he said as he took to the air. The other guards saluted before they followed their lord.

“So, how should I be with this clan? Defcon one or five?” Pensword asked. “Also, I am worried. so far, I have met few Gryphons who seemed to recognize my name and title.”

“He had my name….” Grif said darkly.

“Defcon four then,” Pensword answered. “I will never be unarmed, and I shall wear the logos of the past.”

---

Conor groaned as he continued to push up, his arms trembling as he struggled to get the final rise. At last he succeeded and let out an explosive gasp as he let his knees drop to support his weight.

“... Did it,” he said, smiling.

“You feel like jelly yet?” Rook asked, handing him a tankard of water.

Conor laughed. “Yes, sir. And I’m ready for more,” he said as he took a swig.

“Taze said that one human exercise was common involving pulling oneself up off the ground, so…” he pointed to a nearby tree. “Let’s try ten pull ups.”

Conor blanched. “... Oh, goodey,” he said as he walked to the tree. Taking hold of the branch, he felt the bark digging into his skin as he prepared to pull, his loose gym clothes helping to keep him cool as a gentle breeze blew through the compound. Gryphons snickered as they walked past, working on building their homes. He stood there, bracing himself for a good minute as he tried to psyche himself up to the most embarrassing and difficult exercise he had ever attempted in his life. Briefly the memories of all his failures in the fitnessgram came back in a whiplash of flashback before he finally just did it.

As Conor expected, his muscles screamed, straining and feeling as if they would pop as he struggled to pull himself above the branch. The bark scraped against his palms and fingers, making them feel raw as he slowly rose above the branch. “One …” he grunted as he slowly let himself back down, his frame shaking almost as much as Pinkie Pie on a sugar rush. He pulled once more, rising about half way before the pain grew nigh unbearable. He locked in place, straining to rise. “Rrgghaaa!” he cried as he pulled himself up the second time before his muscles collapsed and he dropped from the tree like a bad apple in Sweet Apple Acres, panting where he stood on the ground as his arms hung limply at his sides.

“Two. That’s my max for now,” he said.

“Well then, we know where to start,” Rook said. “... I think we’re done with the physical stuff for today. Take a breather and we’ll go to the shooting range?”

“You just said the magic words,” Conor said as a big smile came over his face.

“Glad you enjoy it,” Rook said.

“It’s one of the few things I was relatively good at when I was at school.” Conor shrugged. “That, and it’s just that much fun to shoot at a target.”

The two walked briskly, coming to the large shooting range set up for practice. Several large bales of hay with targets were leaned against one of the walls. Across the way, next to the firing line to enter the range, a rack of different ranged weapons and their required ammunition sat waiting for use in training.

“Permission to enter the range?” Conor asked as they approached the line. Range Master, the archery instructor smiled at the pair. A massive target with an arrow sticking out of it adorned his flank.

“Permission granted,” he said as the two crossed the line to join him. “Ready for another volley, kid?” he asked, chuckling.

“You know it,” Conor said, his eyes lighting up.

“Black Rook,” Range said, nodding in acknowledgement to Grif’s second in command.

“Range Master.” Rook nodded in return. “As you know, I’m here to supervise Conor’s training.”

A sharp whistle caused the group to pause. Looking over they saw Shawn walking towards them. “Hold on a moment.”

“Hey, Shawn!” Conor grinned as he waved at his friend. “Come to join us for a couple of rounds?”

“Actually, I’m here to change your training a bit,” Shawn said as he reached into his coat and pulled out a new flintlock pistol. “Finished it awhile ago.”

“Sweet!” Conor said, taking the proffered weapon from him.

“If you want something special on it or just want the thing to look less plain, tell me later and I’ll figure something out then. For now, I’d prefer if you got some training with it first.”

Conor’s smile turned into a grin. “Shawn, you just made my day.”

“Good, now make mine by using it properly, or you lose it,” Shawn said as he reached into his coat and held out a hard leather pouch to him. Its treated walls were a good quarter inch thick. Opening the lid, Conor found a large supply of old fashioned cartridges: essentially packets of paper wrapped up and filled with gunpowder.

“Oh, it’s one of those types of loading systems? I haven’t seen a gun like that since Scout Camp years ago.”

“I’d prefer not to have semi automatic weaponry available.”

“No problem, boss,” Conor said in a cheesey Brooklyn accent. He tore open the packet with his teeth like he remembered being taught and proceeded to empty it into the barrel, tamping it down with the ram rod. “Alright, where’s the blasting cap?”

“Don’t need it. An easy modification was made so you don’t need them.”

“Is that so? Huh. Convenient.” He turned to face the target on the range. “Permission to fire, Range Master?”

“Clear on the Range!” Range Master shouted as the ponies that were collecting bolts and shafts raced from the site. “Archers, take your positions!” he shouted. The ponies and human stood at the firing line. “Archers at the ready!” They picked up their bows and Conor raised the flintlock. “Nock your arrows!” They proceeded to do so as Conor cocked the hammer. “Aim and fire!”

Conor closed his left eye as he gazed down the target range, his improved vision making it far easier to pick out the bullseye. In a matter of seconds, the gun retorted as the sound of metal striking stone pinged through the range. A puff of dust flew from the wall a good foot outside the target. “Crap,” he swore.

“Keep both eyes open, Conor. This isn’t a rifle.”

Conor sighed. “Alright, Shawn.” He took out another cartridge and proceeded to prepare it the same way he had before, carefully and deliberately as he tapped it back down. Cocking the pistol once again, he waited with baited breath for Range Master’s approval. The Pegasus nodded his head as Conor took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and shot. This time the shot landed on the target. It was the outer ring, but at least it hit the mark.

“Well, at least it’s better,” Conor said.

“You’ll figure it out as you use it,” Shawn told him. “You know the rules of a firearm. Keep them in mind and I have no problem with you keeping this on you.” With that said, Shawn reached into his coat, undoing something before pulling out a holster with adjustable straps and held it out for Conor to take.

Conor nodded. “Thanks. I’ll do my best to practice with it regularly.” With that, he loaded and prepared to fire again.

“Sir,” Black Rook whispered as Conor continued to practice. “This one isn’t like the three of you. He isn’t a warrior.”

“Even though he isn’t, he still needs to stay fit and practice fighting,” Shawn replied. “He’s going to be pulled into some battle some day. It’s just the way things work around here.”

“I hope we can keep him off the front lines,” Rook said. “We knew what we were getting into. He doesn’t.”

“You might not be giving him enough credit. Trust me though, he knows what’s bound to happen,” Shawn said as he leaned against the back wall, his eyes still on Conor.

“I’ll trust your judgement,” Rook said. “I just get this feeling like something’s wrong.”

“Well, would you look at that?” Shawn commented.

“What is it, sir?” Rook looked around curiously.

Shawn reached into his coat, quickly pulling out a knife as he brought his arm to his right, stabbing it through a pony’s neck. Said pony was also holding a knife which glinted an unhealthy green. There was a flash of green fire and the changeling was revealed to them. “We’re being infiltrated.”

The nearby guards all caught the commotion immediately. The instinct to panic reigned for all of a moment before being overtaken by months of conditioning. “Everyone, back towards the changeling lanterns,” Rook ordered as the groups made a swift, but orderly retreat towards the fort. Other ponies stayed back as their disguises melted away, their glares venomous.

“Rook, inform Blast and Tower Shield of this and tell them to put the guard on alert, would you?” Shawn asked calmly.

“Sir.” Rook saluted before heading towards the fort himself.

“Thanks. Conor, let’s go. Follow me.”

Conor immediately gathered the pistol and box as he hastily made his way to Shawn.

As the two made their way towards the castle, Shawn glanced at his sleeve. “Damn it.”

“What’s wrong?” Conor asked.

“He got blood on my coat.”

---

Grif halted the march about half a mile from the designated location. They stood on a large, grassy plain not far from a set of cliffs. Visible from this distance were several large buildings standing outside the rocky face. The cliffs themselves stood with what looked like generations of carvings in the intricate detail, flashing in the setting sun before the buildings of the compound.

A five-story, solid wooden doorway was carved into the cliff face under a massive coat of arms. On either side of the coat of arms, different faces were carved, each a separate mixture of cat and bird features detailing the past leaders of House Farflyer.

“Have everyone set up camp here,” Grif said, looking to Pensword and Chesire. “It will give us a decent exit strategy should we need it. Have hunting parties drawn up, but don’t kill any more then we strictly need.”

Pensword nodded. He decided not to salute under the circumstances. This reminded him all too much of the Gryphon War. “I understand.” He turned around to face the troops. “Canterlot Regulars, form up and begin to set up the tents. Midnight Killer, help the Regulars pitch in an orderly manner. Cheshire, you form up the hunting parties since you know the laws of the land best.” With those orders given, he marched into the Thestral group. “As for you Dream Clan, we will help set up the inner tent compound.”

Nobody had acted and a few seemed to be falling asleep on their hooves. “Well, MOVE!” Pensword shouted, sending ponies and Gryphons alike falling over before they scattered, the ponies scrambling as the Gryphons shifted in an orderly manner.

“Bellacosa!” Grif called.

“Yes, Grif?” the Crystal Prince trotted up to the clan leader, beaming.

“Get on,” Grif said, lowering himself to the ground.

Bellacosa’s eyes went wide with excitement. “Okay. This is going to be fun.” He giggled as he climbed onto Grif’s back. “Are we going to the cliff? I bet Daring Do would enjoy this.” Grif raised his eyebrow. “It was sent by some Publisher as a means to get us caught up. I love the book series.”

“Yeah.” Grif chuckled before gulping as he looked to the door. “Fun.” He sighed before heading forward. A short time later, the pair were Walking through the Far Flyer compound. Grif received a largely mixed reaction. Some glared, others smiled nervously, others ignored his presence entirely, some hid, and the list went on. Grif did his best to concentrate on the path ahead instead of the gawking stares.

“Grif, why’s everypony acting so quiet?” Cosy asked. Unlike the rest of the escort, he was relatively rested thanks to a power nap on Pensword’s back, and thus more able to take in the sights.

“Some of them are scared, some of them aren't sure how to react with the things I’ve had to do in the past. Some of them feel a Gryphon who chose to side with ponies shouldn’t be welcomed here. Others fear a reckoning will come because they know what these blades I wear mean.”

“What do they mean?”

“Did your mother teach you about Faust?” Grif asked as a young Gryphon cub looked curiously through a window.

“Yes. Faust is our creator, right? The goddess of this world.”

“Yes, but she also still watches over ponies and protects them. Gryphons,” he sighed. “Gryphons made her very mad after she created us and she left us alone. We were adopted by other deities called The Winds, but they were taken from us by some bad people and put in a place where they can’t protect us anymore. Then, many years ago, one Gryphon was chosen to do what they wanted done on our world. He wielded these swords to accomplish the task. When I got these swords I also was given his job.”

“So you’re kinda like a prophet?” Cosy asked as he shifted his helm to scratch his head. “Or a knight?”

“A little bit like the latter. A prophet receives his orders from his or her deity or deities directly. I’m more expected to accomplish their will by some action I will do. We call the person who does this the ‘Avatar of Winds.’ An avatar is sort of like a person who acts with the authority of someone greater.”

“So you’re sort of like a diplomat for the gods?”

“Thats a good way to put it.”

A Gryphon cub poked its head from behind a rock and stared at the two. “Are you really the Avatar? Is Clan Leader going to re-adopt you? And why’s there a tiny pony on your back?” The cub asked in Phrench.

Cosy cocked his head. “What’s he saying?”

Grif chuckled “He wants to know why there is a tiny pony on my back,” Grif told him as the chuckle grew to laughter.

“Oh. Should we tell him who I am, or do I need to keep that a secret?”

“He’s a crystal pony who wanted to know what Gryphons lived like,” Grif told the cub after telling Bellacosa what he would say. Cosy smiled and waved from where he sat and the cub giggled.

“He’s funny,” the fledgling said.

“You’re a brave one,” Grif said. “You’ll be a strong warrior someday.” He patted the cub on the head. “I cannot answer your questions today, unfortunately. Go home to your parents and let the wind always be with you.”

The fledgling smiled, waved, then ran off. “Bye bye, Avatar!” he cheered, smiling as he took flight, wobbling a little before he corrected himself and banked around an alleyway.

Grif continued forward. At last the pair reached the massive doors. He stopped and looked up. The polished wood seemed large and intimidating like all those forts he had visited back before the war. Taking a deep breath, he slammed his fist into the wood several times. “Open. Open in the name of the four winds!”

A loud booming emanated from the doors, combined with the sound of wheels turning as Grif’s ears picked up the heavy beams sliding back on their rails. Slowly and ponderously, the doors swung inwards as a stream of flickering gold widened upon the unusual pair. A dim shadow stood in the light as Grif’s eyes adjusted to the sudden increase.

“Welcome, Grif. My master has been expecting you.” A beautiful White Lion Gryphoness with a Snowy Owl head bowed her head in respect, holding on to a torch. Her feathers were styled in such a way as to form an almost bowl cut appearance for her “hair.” “I am Avalon Farflyer, lady in waiting to the master’s daughter.”

“Uh h- hi.” Grif took a minute to compose himself. “Please ... lead the way.” Cosy giggled from his perch on Grif’s back. He may have been eight, but he’d seen enough of those looks between Uncle Shining and his big sister to know what was happening.

“Of course.” Avalon bowed her head as she turned and slowly made her way down the hall. As she walked past, the warriors manning the gate saluted before shutting the gate once again. The light reflected off of Avalon’s fur, giving her a halo-like aura as her well groomed fur and feathers shone in the halls. “So what brings you to Gryphonia?” she asked. “I thought … well, given your history …” her tail swayed nervously behind her.

“I hated any and all Gryphons and care nothing for our culture?” Grif asked her expectantly.

“More that you’d suffered enough never to want to even see it.”

“Contrary to the stories, it wasn’t out of some vindictive joy that I killed our kind.” Grif told her. “The Gryphons of the Third War were a cancer on our species, killing and eating other sentient races, abusing children, treating females like property.” A shadow passed over Grif’s face as he recalled those dark memories. “But there are many redeemable things about us that make learning more worthwhile,” he said, gesturing to the finely cut stone halls as they traveled.

“At one point this was all solid rock. Where other races would have carved a cave, Gryphons made a palace. The opportunity to learn is something wasted amongst many of our kind, and to be a better warrior one must have part of the mind of a scholar. Besides, I have important things to guard within these borders,” Grif said as he wrapped a wing gently over Bellacosa’s back. It was not enough to hide him, but enough to signal the child was important to him.

“He is young.” Avalon smiled sweetly as she gazed on the prince. “And what is your name, little one?” She asked in flawless Equestrian.

“I’m Cosy,” he said, smiling. “You’re awful pretty.” Cosy brushed her feathers briefly, smiling at the silky feel of them before letting his hoof drop again. Avalon laughed.

“What a sweet little colt. And such a gentleman.” Her tawny gold eyes sparkled as the light played across her smile.

“I must say, Avalon is an unusual name. Has it come along within the last 1000 years or is it from one of the farther kingdoms?” Grif asked.

“It came from the strangest book. My father found it in a bartering camp and took it home as an oddity for our collection. We couldn’t decipher it in its entirety, but when he saw a picture of a beautiful white creature and the island beneath it, he took the letters and asked a Dragon to translate it.”

“Oh, so your branch is a wealthy one?” Grif asked. “I thought the clan usually kept a public library except for select few privileged members.”

Avalon laughed again. “It is from our library. You’d have to see it to believe it. Father used to read the books to me all the time. Master Garrus makes all of his works public for us to enjoy.”

“So Garrus really is different from past clan leaders?” Grif asked her before catching himself. “You don’t have to answer that. That was insensitive, trying to make you forego your loyalty.”

“The Farflyer clan is still one of the most respected and feared clans in Gryphonia. Admittedly, it took a few hundred years before things changed for the better. Unfortunately, as I’m sure you’re aware, we can be fairly hardheaded about certain things. There are still many lords today who try to keep to the old ways.”

“It is a trait I hope I wIll be able to keep my children from picking up,” Grif noted. “It seems to be a flaw of our race, though ponies aren't much better. Perhaps the Zebras will teach us all humility.” He chuckled dryly. “So, have you served your lady since birth or were you recently appointed to the task?”

“I have been the lady’s friend all my life. She hardly even thinks of me as a servant. I’m very fortunate to have her for my mistress.” Avalon smiled fondly. “You mentioned children, Avatar. Does that mean you’re married, then?”

“Once, yes,” Grif said. “And please, use my name. I do not deserve such respect. But yes, I have my wife back home, and a betrothed. But as you know, a clan leader is expected to find more wives yet.”

“Naturally. Though with a warrior of your standing, I must admit I’m rather surprised you don’t have a larger pride already. I would think every eligible Gryphoness in Equestria must have been throwing herself at your feet.”

“I have had a few, but I am not looking for status, or riches, or someone to warm my bed. If I cannot love the Gryphoness in question, I will not put both of us in a situation like that.”

“A romantic warrior. How intriguing. I must say I admire your strength and integrity. It takes a great deal of courage to reject a Gryphoness if she really wants something.”

“You do me far too much credit,” Grif laughed. “But it is good to see I am against the norm. I take it you meet a lot of clan heads?”

“I have met a few in my time, though most of them have been cordial and well mannered. It’s their subordinates you have to watch out for.” She smirked. “Let’s just say they learned I am more than a match if I don’t give permission.”

“I imagine your father must have hoards of eligible males vying for the right to be your mate.”

She chuckled. “I’m afraid not. My father was a very prolific Gryphon in his younger days, and my mother was just as vigorous. I am one of ten girls and seven boys: the youngest of the lot.”

“A tough position to be in from what I hear: favored, but easily overlooked.” Grif said as they passed through yet another vaulted chamber where the pathways intersected. The shadows danced ominously on the edge of his vision, but the staunch guards showed no signs of aggression. “But that doesn't help but imply that many males are just as stupid as they are prideful.”

Avalon breathed sharply, then sneezed, covering her beak with her free hand to hide the blush.

They finally made it to a door where Avalon stopped before indicating this was were they would meet her master. “Listen, this is hard to say given my history with your clan, but if you are not adverse to the idea, I’d … like to meet with you again before we leave. All you need to do is ask anyone in the camp and they would take you to me,” Grif said as he fished something from his bags. He presented a large, white serrated tooth to her. “Here. I ... acquired a few of these on the boat ride over. Take it as a sign of my gratitude for the conversation.”

Avalon’s eyes widened as she took the tooth gingerly from the male before her. “... I think I might be able to get some time,” she said, flustered. “I’ll have a talk with the mistress and see what she has to say.” She cradled the tooth, examining the light as it reflected off the edges. Then she nodded to the guards flanking the entryway and they opened the doors. “U-until we meet again, Grif,” Avalon said.

He reached out and took her talons in his own, raising them up even as he bent his beak downwards and kissed them gently. “Adieu, Avalon,” he said before turning to the open doors and the room that lay beyond. Avalon flushed as she brought her talons to her cheek, still clutching the gift. With little warning, she fluttered her wings and flew down the hall as fast as they would carry her.

---

Grif stood in the lord’s study, his hands curling idly as he moved inside, thankful for the stilettos at his sides and the swords on his back. he bent to the floor and allowed Bellacosa to disembark.

Bellacosa slowly got off Grif’s back and stood still, waiting for the inevitable exchange. He rolled his eyes, resigned to the fact he wouldn’t understand a word to be said.

“Lord Farflyer.” Grif bowed his head respectfully as they approached. “I’d bid you to lower your beak in the presence of a royal.” Cosy jolted in surprise. Grif had used Equestrian.

Garrus sat at his desk, his talons tented over a large tome as he gazed at his guests. He slowly rose from his chair, its legs screeching against the stone as he rounded the corner and approached the prince. “So, this is the prince I’ve heard so much about.” He finally arrived in front of the young Unicorn and bowed his head low to the ground. “I commend you, young one. It is not very often one of your race can face the things which you have and live.”

“Um … thanks,” Cosy said awkwardly as Garrus rose from his bow.

“You need not be so nervous, your highness. Here in Gryphonia, that is often viewed as a sign of weakness. Be careful to control your body language. The kings in this land will look for anything they can use against you and your empire.” With that said, he turned to face Grif. “I thank you for gracing my home with your presence, Grif. It is an honor to have you within our walls.”

“My men need the rest,” Grif replied, stone faced. “I will not let my troops or my family suffer if I can avoid it.”

“A true sign of a leader.” Garrus nodded in respect. “It’s no wonder the winds chose you.”

“I will keep an account of the game we hunt and the wood we take,” Grif said tersely. “We will repay every beak owed.”

Garrus sighed. “If that is what you wish.”

“Your people have nothing to fear from me. Perhaps you should make that known to them. They seem scared of me.”

“I will do so gladly. More than a few of the younglings have wanted to meet you since they heard you were coming.” Garrus smiled warmly at the thought. “It’s not every day that you get the chance to meet a legend.” He sighed. “Ah, childhood.”

“Who knows,” Grif said in a scathing tone. “Had things gone differently, perhaps they’d have met an even greater legend today.”

Garrus lowered his neck as he shook his head. In the dim light from the fireplace, he suddenly looked much older than he had at first. Wrinkles spidered out from his eyes like crow's’ feet and the feathers on the crown of his head looked far thinner and translucent compared to the rest of his frame.

“Grif, stop being so mean to Grampa Garrus,” Cosy said, stomping his hoof with a light clack on the stone floor.

“Wha?” Grif was completely taken by surprise by the colt’s sudden words.

“You heard me. He’s trying his best to be nice. He’s letting us stay on his land, and he’s done nothing mean to any of us since we got here. If you don’t stop acting like this, I’ll … I’ll … I’ll order you to stop!”

“Bellacosa, you don’t understand what it was like,” Grif said, trying his best to find solid ground against the crashing wave of the colt’s childish, albeit truthful reason.

“I don’t know what it was like. I don’t know what it was like?” Cosy’s horn ignited, his crystal coat taking on an ominous red glow as his look of childishness turned to a glare that would make even Graf step back.

“You think you’re the only one who lost his family? You think you’re the only one who had to watch someone he loved die in front of his eyes? I had to kill my own guards. I had to run because my own cousin murdered my mother and father in cold blood. And I didn’t get to see justice served either.

“Cosy--” Grif found himself cowed into silence as the young prince bore down on the much taller and much stronger Gryphon.

“Don’t you ever, ever, EVER tell me I can’t understand, Grif!” Cosy yelled, tears swimming in his eyes as he struggled to hold them back. “I didn’t even get to say goodbye. At least you did.” Cosy was heaving, doing his best to control his breathing as he stood before Grif. Everything in the chamber was blurred and distorted. “I … I … I hate you!”

Grif recoiled as if struck by a blow. Cosy turned and stomped to the door, turning to fix Grif with one last glare. He made only one mistake. Closing his eyes to concentrate forced the tears over the edge as they streaked down his crystalline fur. The light focused at the base of his horn before flaring out, filling the room with a bright blue flash. When the light had cleared and the two Gryphons had adjusted, Cosy was gone.

Garrus stared where the prince had once stood. “... That colt could make the very mountains retreat.”

“I….” Words failed Grif as he sunk to his knees.

Comments

[BronyofMeddlers]

I see someone has been using references from a poker game of game characters! And more names of references as far as I can see, aslo...grif, the kid got a point there.

[Dravkwn]

I see the use of sentient when I'm pretty sure it should be sapient, but otherwise another rockin chapter.

[Bast]

A glorious chapter , also that game of poker was hilarious. And Luna seems a bit reluctant to have her own student

[Booster Spice]

Ill try to do something reasonable and shorter this time, just so I can get to bed before the sun rises.

The interactions of others with Vital Spark, the Blueblood lookalike, with Nobles, security, spies, and other more unsavery characters implies to me that theres something most unpleasant occuring, something that if auditing, cleanup and the occasional removal isnt done regularly, builds up to catastrophic levels. Just ask the pony in the blue box.

Crossing the ocean, fortunately while quiet. I roughly get 14 knots and 3000 miles in a week? Not sure about the different types of vessels and they have wind magic modifying the local effects anyway. Good thing about the Captain, he was so close to Captain Haddock and Captain Codfish.

Oh dear, the Bosun, Bison joke was Terrible. Pinkie shouldve popped by just to BatumDish for that alone. And poor Cosey not knowing what a truck was, when the CMC get towed round Ponyville by Scootaloo in their pull truck.

Hmm, I definitely know its been a while when Im already forgetting things, like Renati, Hammerstrikes Phoenix, and how Vital Spark/Conner can understand the animals, and the Timberwolf pup. This is one of the reasons I enjoy this story so much. People might complain about all the call backs and forshadowing and such, but t means each chapter can be tied more thoroughly to others in the overall story than having to keep rereadingeverything all teh time. meta, meta, meta linking. Just hope Conner got acceptance, after all, a Phoenix can hold a grudge forever. Now Luna gets to enjoy the instability of a human. Maybe Conner should ask Pinkie along to show Luna just how bad things could get?

Im wondering wether to be amazed at Grif taking so long to get bored before he starts psychotic blade play, or how quickly he folded with everything otherwise being so quiet. Cosy listeing to Shining though. Following methods used by forces in battle, misdirection, misinfomation, mismanagement. Get the enemy overconfident and putting more forces where they wont do anyting, leaves less for where they would actually need them. Pensword not wanting to get on the slope of announcement, bragging, ego, either in his titles, or his gaming. Oh dear, the players. Is the Minotaur supposed to be Yami Yugi or somethign with the hair? As for CRY7TL, Yellow box is WallE, single wheel is Gir, the new Star Wars droid?, single blue glow is Legion Geth? but the snark. Possibly C3PO, or Bob from Dresdenverse, too happy to be Marvin. Ill probaly remember sometme. Pensword telling them he was taught by his Grandmother. Not telling them she was a Spirit. and so could read his cards.

And then Griff gets so bored he goed overboard and starts fishing for sharks. by paddling around and waiting for them to attack, then likely rolling over and over before dragging them back on board. Or was that The Luggage?

Celestia and Luna ask Vital Spark about Sylvio, white being a strange colour, Id suspect Silver Birch if it was to be an actual wood, the lue eyes are due to the magic infusement, rather than other material, or could he be carrying a core of poison joke, to really mess up his opponants plans? By the sound of it, his family are diametrically opposed to him because they have either accidentally eaten plunder seeds, or did so so long ago they go out of their way to ensure the continuation of plunder wolves. This means Sylvio is going to have to deal with his own family ina ttoal and messy fasion eventually? If Conner isnt going to be staying with Luna for training, but in Ponyville, will it be Trixie he will be training with, or is there others to help him so far? Zecora for the non unicorn magic?

Oh dear, what poor Hammerstrike couldnt start a joke with, Pensword finished. Abruptly. He really shouldnt have read that article, Brick livens any floor. Always fun at the docks. If its busy, you can cause so much havoc with whisteling as so many use them for signalling. SAme with sheep dogs and others. I wonder just how much chaos the CMC, and Winona could create on a docks.

the problem with the taverns, resting, marching, camping etc, the Gryphons are a completely military race, so they know what they would use such things for strategy wise, and so force those that are others to avoid such. With enough tracking, just about any small force can be killed off with noone having to lift a talon through forcing ever onwards, then using redirection and diversion, even before harrasing and sabotage. How Griff met up with his origional old clan, and how the Lord is trying to change, but with how long, gives an idea of not just how long things take, but an attempt to put various forms of realism where possible into the story, some known rules. But at least we have a good idea of Griffs next wife, Miss Snowy Sharptooth? I wonder how the Lords daughter matches up. Be intresting if she is of correct mind and behaviour for Griff, to end up equal to her maid, but then theyre supposed to be freinds from young so it might work out.

Nice to see teh hive coming along. Is the areas for rest and relaxation for the changelings because they are more loosly held, and so have more induviduality, or are the gardens for interacting with teh other races, so its not just a goop lined tunnel and chambers underground? Thats a very strange item, it being a cube, given I cant remember if a size was given of any dimention previously, but its a lot of digging still, and with it being supposedly Red Cross marked, is it a medical facility, such as a MASH unit, dropped onto disaster areas, or given how long its lasted, an actual militart medical facility, because I wouldve thought it would be somewhat less forthcoming with its useability if the latter. The handprint design taken from Total Recall, Mars reactor activation? Intresting about the fan, the speaker and the power requirements, A moden speech synthesis unit, and piezo sensor for tough, biometrics, and voice in uses only a few milliwatts, which can be picked up through vibrations or long isotope decay? The fan implies something more complex and powerful, maybe even a level of AI instead of a minimum front end. Still, the fact it says refueled, instead of recharged, implies it has a relatively powerful generator, but what energy source? Liquid, as in gasoline, vegetable oil, alcohol etc.. Gas, as in methane, hydrogen etc, or solid as in nuclear isotopes, or even a compact reactor of cold, fission, fusion, etc?

Conner undergoing training, physical, range etc, I have no idea of accuracy but its nice to see explicit safety even somewhat being demonstrated. Though Conner was only pouring powder into the pitol, there was no ball that I could see, pad etc as its so easy to forget those and have your shot roll out the end and half the powder aas well. Just wonder if he had a life weapon, with the infiltrators appearing if he wouldve tried at least one exploratory shot against them. Then again, those that are there, have seen Conners gun and have an idea of its limitations, the actins needed to reuse it and damage etc.

Poor Cosy. Because of Grif saying something he hurt of without thinking fully though, he hurt the child so much more through the memories of blood.

Sorry for the roughness. Bed time.

[Commander_Pensword]

6304856

Yeah, you got it. Yaeh we cannot seem to stop giving references.

Also, yes the kid has a point, I hope you enjoy the coming chapters.

6305018

Well, maybe it is a semantics of the Gryphons? If you recall from an earlier chapter. Grif does not eat Dolphin nor Otters. Which have been proven to have communications and everything.

Still, it could be a Gryphon thing.

6305328

I am happy you enjoyed the chapter and the poker game. That was a lot of fun to write to be honest, and yes, Luna did not take on a student. The question is. Will she later on? Now that is a good question is it not?

To all our readers, Thank you for your time and comments, and I hope you have a great rest of your day.

[Commander_Pensword]

6305551

Booster, Wow.

I I will try to respond to your comments, but if I miss something, I am sorry.

I think you are a writer,

I thank you for your comments, and Yes, you got the Captain right, I loved the Tin Tin cartoons when I was growing up, and I also enjoyed the movie. It was fun.

Also, thank you for your comments, yes I too enjoy it when we tie together past chapters and moving forward other chapters. Still, I want to say thank you for your time and commitment. Also, I think you are going to enjoy the coming chapters as well.

I hope you are having a great day. I am sorry I cannot add any more, I need to return to writing a future scene. Thank you for the comment again.

Have a Great day.

[Biker_Dash]

WOW! That ending... no one ever stops to think of the youngest victims of the wars fought. Cosy has a strength to him born of pain and loss. I wish to hug him.

[Vital Spark]

6307936
Then go ahead, Biker. I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

[Vital Spark]

6305018
Dravkwn, the reason we didn't use Sapient is because it's a term that is related to humans specifically. The definition states "of, or relating to the human species." We didn't want to start all that confusion involving that word, so we chose to use "sentient" instead.

[Vital Spark]

6304856

Cosy's gonna be one heck of a prince.

[Vital Spark]

6305328

Hello, Bast. It's good to see you commenting again after so long. Yes, Luna is a little nervous to have a student of her own, and can you blame her? She still lacks confidence in herself after the whole Nightmare Moon incident, and as the dream episode showed, she has a lot of guilt she's still holding in. And thanks. These next couple of chapters should be just as powerful and poignant. I hope you'll enjoy them when they come.

[Vital Spark]

6305551
Yeah, the bosun Bison joke was my idea. ^^;

With regards to some of your other comments, I'm sorry to say that you got pretty much all of the characters wrong in the poker game. There's a certain poker game out there that takes videogame characters and mashes them together. I think it's called Team Fortress Poker Night, but I could be wrong. You'd have to ask one of the others, or just look around youtube for it.

For Cosy, yes. Most people don't realize the kind of trauma that can leave on a child, even if that child doesn't show symptoms at first. My personal idea for the reason behind that is Cosy hasn't had the time to think about it. Cadence and Shining have been trying to keep his happy and busy so he won't fall into depression and can hopefully forget about those dark times. But, just as it is sometimes with grief, it takes time before a person can truly come to terms with it, or let it hit home. Cosy's going to be hurting for a while, but I think he'll be able to get over it eventually with the right help and support.

With regards to your comment about Conor, the idea is that these are pre-prepared cartridges, including the ammunition inside of them. Such cartridges actually did exist in the times of the civil war, and Shawn made the same ones here for easier reload time.

With regards to the medical unit, I'm afraid we can't tell you much about it yet. That's something that will be revealed at a later point in time.

As for Sylvio, you may need to go back a few chapters to when Conor first left with Sylvio to meet the Tree of Harmony. Sylvio explained how he became the way he was in that chapter. When he ate the crystal-wood of the tree, it made him strong, but also filled him with the purity aspect, thus changing him from his family and marking him as different and a potential threat. Part of that essential change in his essence made it so that he had the blue eyes, rather than the usual sickly green, and also took care of his bad breath problem. As for his family, I'm pretty Sure Grif chopped them to bits. Could some have survived? Perhaps. I'm not really sure. I wasn't really brought in til after that point in the story, but those are some interesting ideas you've come up with. Thanks for being such an avid reader and a loyal commenter. We really all look forward each week to your comments. Carry on, good sir. And have a mustache.

[Dravkwn]

6308398 I think many terms that might have been specifically aimed towards humans were aimed more at us for our brains thinking capacity than us as a species and that moving into a world where many of the species are a people of thinking and understanding creatures requires an expansion of the usage. Humans being Homo Sapiens, while ponies would be Equus Sapiens or similar. Sapient species can be any that show a degree of wisdom. Some would argue that some of the species native to our world are sapient as they show communication and problem solving capabilities.

[Vital Spark]

6308525

Fair enough, as wisdom is indeed another aspect of the term Sapient. I may end up bringing this up in the group just so we can discuss the idea of that as a possibility. As of right now though, I think we will be keeping with sentient, rather than sapient.

[BronyofMeddlers]

6308404 Indeed.

[Icy Creation]

The crystal golem looked to those around him before putting it’s own bits on the table. “I don’t know about you guys, but I have utmost confidence in myself.”

Excuse me?
Are you telling me, that the crystal empire has the technology to create fully sapient fucking golems?

[Icy Creation]

“I am CRY7-TL, but you can call me Crys-trap!”

...

[Teraunce]

Well Grid you sure grabbed hold of that idiot Ball. Here's hoping you manage to make up with Cosy. Also if anyone has replied to my comments I haven't seen it.