Memories of Friendships passedby Spirit of EverFreeChaptersMemories surface.Hush now quiet nowFaded rainbowsNo more GenerosityMisplaced honestyMemories surface."Every tale has a Beginning a middle and a ending. friendships... enemies, happiness, sorrow, love and even even heartbreak. now not everyponys story is simple oh no my dears some are much more complex. Through out time I have known of one such tale the tale of twilight sparkle. to think it all began with something as simple as a song. came join me as I spin this tale for your little hoofs my little ponys." Twilight standing side by side Celestia and Luna at yet another Grand Galloping Gala greeting the guest one by one as each bow and greet the princesses. "good evening sir, Celestia how are you?..Hello enjoy the gala. enjoying this years. nice to see you again... this year." Twilight spoke inbetween each guest. "Fine twilight. Sir Moneytrot" Celestia greeted a rather fancy dressed stallion even by Canterlot standards. Twilight then thought to herself what a atrisous outfit before shaking her head and blinking the thought out.... "why did I think that..or was it. she sighed rather sadly. "Dear sister Twilight what has thou so worn we...I concern for you?. Luna spoke from across her sister. "I-its nothing luna just Thought I had just imagine something." "Twilight lets go sit and eat with the guest I am sure luna has the greeting underway on her own." Luna gave her sister a deadpan look weather this was intentanial or not Luna bowed her head and spoke. "yes dear sisters go eat we shall greet the guest it shalt not take much later and I'll join you there." Celestia and Twilight hugged luna tightly causing her to squarm while the guest gawked jaws slacked open. " ugh why I never seen such vaulger display" a unamused old mare said before snapping her hoof over her mussle. shamed that she made the comments to the princesses. the old and there ways I suppose. Twilight and Celestia found a seat in the showroom freshly built this year for the Gala. Large Pillars decorated with chizeled in Flowers Marble and Ivory floors. even a indoor garden with a small waterfall making the room breathtaking. "Twilight have you seen the entertainment for tonight?" Celestia asked a small smile on her face as she sipped from a cup of tea. "No I have not princess." "Please, Twilight call me Celestia or you can call me Tia. It has been years my Faithfull student since you've became my fellow princess" Twilight stared down at her glass deep in thought. "Has it been that long? I dont know I can barely even remember this morning been so busy." "Mares and Gentlecolts may I have your attention!" I very loud and animated Stallion yelled from the stage. Rather out of place for the galas normally dry and boring ponys. though Celestia said she wanted to spice up the Gala. Twilight thought for a moment munching on some toasted daisy with a dollap of honey on the side. "Was the gala always this boring? no something is missing but what? "Now Im pleased to present you with tonights guess singer picked by, Princess Celestia herself JoaftheLoaf please a round of stomps for him" The crowd though not as excited as celestia who cheer loudly for the break of the tedium of the Gala stamped there hoofs on the ground in appuald for the singer. Twilight however paid no mind to the stage nor did she applaud her mind deep in thought. something was bothering her deeply. Guitar started to play as the melody flowed. the lights deamed to set the mood..... "I remember the times when we'd spend our days laughing all of our little troubles away Saving the world seemed like a task we'd do everyday and all the time." Twilights ears twitched as Joaf began his song. "Here I stand at the end of what we call life, and in time I'll find my way to have my turn among the stars, and come home. To live in a world where the earth is still, kept in peace and live with harmony Facing the facts, I've come to realize, I am all alone so I guess it's time to say goodbye, it's time to say goodbye. The words on the page from the things we things we learned, and the lessons taught will never leave my heart. The memories we've made, and the lessons shared, time and time again, will continue on." Celestia was sitting next to twilight blissfully in her own world singing along to the song "Here I stand at the end of what we call life, and in time I'll find my way to have my turn among the stars, and come home" unaware of twilight breathing quickening pace. "To live in a world where the earth is still, kept in peace and live with harmony Facing the facts, I've come to realize, I am all alone so I guess it's time to say goodbye, it's time to say goodbye." A battle raging in her mind swirlling with emotions, regerts, and a foreign feeling to herself tears threatened to rush pass. "Through these timesI know I must be strong, and carry on, without you." Just like that the uplift in the emotion of the song twilight burst out in tear bolting from her table jolting Celestial with suprise as the guest around her gasped.She headed towards the door her muzzle matted down with tears streaming from her eye. "I can't take it I just can't take this anymore" and with that she vanished with a flash. "To live in a world where the earth is still, kept in peace and live with harmony Facing the facts, I've come to realize, I am all alone Now I know that I must say goodbye, it's time to say goodbye." Joaf finshed the song a look of worry on his face as he laid eyes on a crowd of shocked unamused faces. He gulped before to his relief Celestial cheered. "Woooooo encore!" stomping her hoofs on the ground. The crowd followed in agreement. Celestial thoughts drifted though back to twilight. "why did she run off? is something wrong? Did I do something?" worry striking her face more fear in her heart than in years. She wanted to run after twilight but didnt want to alarm her subjects with a outburst for the door. so she got up and walked out. Twilight appeared in a flash of light at the Canterlot Gardens guards franticly searching for her ordered by Celestial. around countless turns of hedges pass flower patchs and statues Twilight finally found what she Had been running to. She paused for a moment a feeling of trepidation feeled her more then any she had before even when facing against Discord, Hydra, King sombra, or even missing a dead line her worst fear!.Before her stood a large ivory gate adoren with six symbols each a cutie mark of a pony. She entered Hoofs shaking and choking back a sob she collasped in the center of the clearing. Before her stood Five Tombstone each with a image of the one buried under the stone. two Pegasi, two Earth ponies, and one unicorn their cutie marks above each of the stones. Twilight then read the passage near the stones. "H-Here lies the...." she sniffled rubbing her muzzle and taking a deep breath. The Elements of harmony bears, Saviors of equestria protecters of Harmony" slowly she read each name out loud. "Fluttershy, Rain...R-R-Rainbow..Dash, Rarity,P-Pinkie Pie, AppleJack." Twilight fell to her forelegs covering her face sobbing and trembling. "Why... why do you all have to DIE its not fair I can't do this with out you girls!" Twilight reached out a hoof rubbing across rainbow's tomb. slowly exhuasted she slipped into sleep. Author's Note Note the song that appears along with the OC JoafTheLoaf belongs to JoafTheLoaf from youtube credits goes to Megaphoric also for the song. incase you were wondering Joaf gave permission for the use : ) he is a very talented view him on youtube and subscribe to if you like his stuff. This story well receive updates when I can and the tags well evolve or come in once the story reachs the points. This is also my first work so opinions good and bad are welcomed. -Edit- ive done some editing by spacing out talking more and moving around some paragraphs I hope this makes it easier to read. Hush now quiet nowCelestia exited the Gala calmly without showing any urgency to the guest she motioned a guard to follow her. "Yes Princess Celestia?" the guard answered while saulting at full attention. "I need you to gather the guard and help me find Twilight." "Yes princess." the guard hesitated then spoke. "Is princess Twilight Sparkle alright?" Celestia breathed in and sighed. "As far as I know she is, but I wanted to know for sure now please gather up the guards and find her." The guard simple nodded before running off."Twilight what is wrong?" "Dream now let your heart give you what you desire. This is what you wanted isn't it, Twilight?" Twilight Tossed in her fitful sleep among the graves. Her brow scrunched up in stress over the voice she did not recall. "W-Who are you?" Twilight mumbled as rain started to fall. She jerked awake as the chilling rain touched her coat Inciting shivers. Her gaze returned to the five graves first meeting her old friend Fluttershy. "Shy....I miss you.. anytime I-" Twilight took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "-was sad you would always be there for me even the other girls always had my back." Chocking back more tears Twilight smiled weakly. "You remember all the good times we had?" "Like the time you turn the Handsome Discord to stone?" Twilight ears perked up at the voice coming from above her. "Discord! how long have you been there?" flaring her wings up in protest to his presence. "Now now Twilight you know as well as I do we are not enemy's anymore." discord picking at the nail of his lion paw. "I have been ...Reformed as Celesti called it." Discord sat beside Twilight poofing into existance a rather large umbrella complete with a blanket and picnic basket. "How many lumps, Twilight my dear?" "Yes please but Discord lumps of sugar not some other item you would find funny." "Always a downer on my fun, Twilight." She smiled softly sipping from the warm tea. "So Discord why are you here?" "I always come here everyday ever since" Discord trailed off his gaze having grown soft. "This is the first time I've seen you come here in years." Twilight looked at Discord with confusion. She gulp and began to speak gently. "Why do you come here? You've always acted like you wanted us gone." Discord shuffled uncomfortably from side to side not quite comfy in his current position. "I don't want to forget about her." Twilight continued to sip from her tea a frown on her face. "She was my only friend...the only real one I I...Lov-" Discord stopped mid sentence and gathered his thoughts. "Always cheery all the time you remember the umm oh what did you silly mares call it slumber parties? Twilight smiled ingoring Discord change in the subject deciding not to pry. "Sleep over discord only fillies call it slumber parties." Twilight said chuckling. Her and Discord continued talking swapping stories of the dear friend. "Princess Twilight! There you are." A guard shouted approching from the gate. Heaving and panting desperately trying to catch his breath. "What is it? Is something wrong?" Twilight approched the guard putting her forehoof on his shoulder concern in her touch. "You ran out of the gala in a hurry princess Celestia was worried of your well being" Twilight blushed from embarasment. "Im sorry-"Twilight turned to Discord "- same time tomorrow Discord?" "If you must join." Discord replied waving his claw at Twilight. Round through the garden to the streets of canterlot and finally into the castle courtyard Twilight was escorted by the guard. entering the main entrance Celestia ran to Twilight hugging her tightly. "Twilight is everything ok my dear? are you hurt?" Twilight struggling to free herself from the vicegrip put her forehoofs straight out. "Yes yes .. now please I wont be if you keep squeezing me like that!" Celestia released Twilight her raising in her cheeks as a blush plastered her white coat. "Yes of course you are-" clearing her throat to disrupt any awkwardness she had brought on. "-Forgive me, Twilight you just ran out crying I thought something might of happened to upset you." Together they walked toward the throne in a uneasy silence. "It was the song Celestia." Twilight quietly spoke her vision focused on her hooves. "I-it just made me think of the girls...how much I miss them." Tears welling up in her eyes twilight continued. "I remember the times we shared no matter what we were always friends. All of the moments we shared together. All except this one" taking a deep breath a shiver ran down her spine. " Why only me Celestia?" Celestia tensed up at the question not sure how to answer. "Twilight-" Celestia fell silent her words failing her in the moment. "Celestia?" Twilight now barely holding back the tears. "Why do I have to live forever? why couldn't the girls stay to? They saved equestria more then once too! T-they-" gasping between words "-saved .....us. Why do this to me?" Tears now falling from Celestia muzzle they both started to sob. Celestia wrapping Twilight up in her hooves. "Twilight I-I-I... never meant to cause you so much grief!" "Don't cry princess I didn't mean to say those things" Shaking Twilight choked back her sobbing and put on a weak smile. "Don't banish me to the moon?" Celestia pulled back and smiled at Twilight. "Maybe?" Both of the mares started to laugh weakly. " I know its hard I had to deal with this sort of thing for years my dear Twilight." Twilight looking Celestia in the eyes nodded motioning for her to continue. " I watched as those I became friends with died. each time was hard some harder then others." Twilight pulled Celestia back into a hug nuzzling her cheek. "I am sorry I made you worry me running off was selfish." Celestia didn't reply only stroking Twilight mane. " I think I would like to go to bed now." "Certainly Twilight if you need or want to talk about anything just come to me." Twilight nodded and headed to her room. guard saluting her as she passed. "Finally a nice soft bed." climbing into the blankets covering her head only her horn sticking out. "I should bring Flowers tomorrow." and with that she drifted off to sleep. Author's Note I'm hoping This is easier to read then the first chapter. I did a few things different this time after someone gave me a tip on spacing. I feel like the story is moving along slowly or might be boring but either way I hope you all enjoy it as I slowly start to ramp it up more. Faded rainbows"Which will you choose? To gain what you want greed overshadowing the generosity? abandoning what you learned losing that loyalty? perhaps so just like all those others." Twilight eyes twitched as the sunlight basked her in its warmth. She lifted her head glaring at the window and the offending rays of light interrupting her dreams. "As much as I enjoy my schedule can't I just not do anything?" asking nopony in particular. Looking out the window Twilight she could see the weather team frantically clearing the clouds. Confused she wonder what the rush was over. While she watched the Pegasus ponies one grabbed her attention. This pony coat was a skyblue cyan color with a dual color mane of red and yellow. Twilight smiled daydreaming seeing a different mare in place of the true one. "Dashie." ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ "Hurry up slow poke." Rainbow Dash shouted sticking her tongue out teasing the mare following her. "No fair no fair I just got these darn wings." Twilight laughing with cheer flew after the multi-hued mare. Rainbow flew down to the grassy field landing gracefully. Turning her head behind her scanning the sky for her lavender friend. Panting Twilight finally reach her friend taking a few deep breaths and coughing she cleared her throat to speak. "See right behind you Dashie." "Geez Twi you had those wings for like a month now! Even Fluttershy flies faster then you." She proclaimed waving her hooves in the air. "I've been busy!" Twilight protested. "Yeah? With what lazy mare" Twilight let out a nervous laugh. "I have been busy learning all I can about flying." Rainbow looked at her head tilted to the side eyebrows raised up. "Mhm I got the book Aerodynamics of Pegasi Flight manipl-" "Alright egghead I get it." Rainbow said placing a hoof over Twilight lips to silence. Twilight blushed looking into the mares eyes. "Hey Twi.. hello equestria to Twilight." "uh what? Huh? Yeah oh sorry Rainbow almost got carried away there." She said looking down at the ground to hide the deepening blush on her muzzle. "Er right Twilight. Now a book won't teach you about flying like actually doing it. Nothing in those dorky pages gives you the feel of air in your mane." "Well how else well I learn?" Twilight said smiling at her friend. With a smirk on her face rainbow rub her forehoof off her chest. "Oh? Only the most awesome, coolest, fastest, bravest-" Twilight cut Rainbow off before she could continue the gloating. "Ok Rainbow I get it" rolling her eyes at her friend, giving out a small giggle. "Umm Rainbow?" "Y-yeah Twi?" "I want-" Twilight paused a moment gathering her though not quite sure how she would say it. She felt her cheeks burning, holding back the blush she continued. "- Umm can we walk the rest of the way back?" Giving her friend a sheepish grin she sank her head down lower in shame. "What? Oh! Yeah sure Twilight we can walk if you need a break.". Together the mares walked along a dirt road, heading to canterlot enjoying each others company, Rainbow dash telling storys of flight school and her adoptive sister scootaloo own hijicks in the schoolyard. All the way up to the main streets they continued trading story, Twilight listening more then talking. "Oh man and then scoots told off that diamond whatever and silver who cares off it was priceless!" "Sounds like she is a handfull." "Nay scoots is just awesome like me Twilight." The pair continued walking in silence passing many stores, resturants that smelled of sweet breads, and several ponies hustling along the streets. Twilight however only noticed the ponies staring and bowing as they passed. This made her nervous still not use to the attention, even saving the world she did not becomes this much of a social icon. She slowed her pace falling behind Rainbow eventually coming to a complete stop, tears building up in the corners of her eyes. "Twilight?" Rainbow turned around seeing her friends head hanging low not moving. "Twi what's wrong?" "I can't ... I." Ponies all around stared at the two some whispering to each other. Twilight was trembling, teeth clenched tight. Rainbow was helpless seeing her friend in distress. She felt a heat raising up in her belly, her blood boiling. "What do you all think your staring at move on!" Rainbow yelled flaring her wings as high as she could. Grabbing Twilight's left hoof she pulled her off to the nearest buidling she could find. Bursting through a set of double doors the smell of brewed, fruits, and perfumes hit the two mares. Startling the stallion occuping the front booth. "Princess Twilight! Pleasure to have you enter our fine establishment I well show you to your table." The dressed greet spoke opening a door with his free hoof. "Come come we have the finest booth in all of canterlot for you." "ugh hey wait a minutes!" Dash protested as the pushy colt lead them throught the resturant. Patrons eatting their meals stopping, mouth gapping from a few at Twilight and dash. Finally lead up the stairs to a outside balcony decorated with hedges and flowers all around, a view off of canterlot drop off showing the setting sun in all of its glory. Rainbow dash spoke up glaring at the colt. "Just what the hay did you think you were doing forcing us here? I was trying to get Twilight somewhere away from other not pushed through a open resturant you bucking. "Rainbow!!" Twilight yelled at her friend ears folding back. "Hey what are you yelling at me for?" "I-its alright. Actually I could use something to eat. Can we just order something? We are already here anyway." Rainbow didn't reply only nodding her head. The wide eye colt relaxed sure he was now safe from a beating let out a sigh and continued to talk. "Oh yes my princess may I suggest our tossed radish salad with rasberry squash and a orange garnish, and for your err well spirited friend our most popular dish for Pegasus grilled cucumbers seasoned with pepper on a honey brasied cloud." "Yes that is fine." "Mwah" the colt kissed his hoof throwing it in the air in a rather dramatic fashion. "Your meals shall arrive shortly and here is a bottle of our famous wine princess and please enjoy your meals its on the house." The colt turned around and exited the balcony. Twilight let out a sigh of relief, Rainbow shuffling uncomfortably in her seat. "Twilight?" She asked leaning in closer to her friend concern in her voice. "I- I'm ok." Twilight lied her voice saying otherwise. "Twilight no your not." Tears were now falling down her cheeks she breaksdown. "I hate this I don't want to be the pony everypony stares at. I- I just want to be at my library reading my books and being with you girls." Choking on her sobs Twilight sniffed up her nose. " I don't want to lose you. I....I...I." "Twi..you won't ever lose any of us." Rainbow pulled Twilight in close to her, in return Twilight melted into the embrace of Rainbow as the sun started to fade away over the horizon. -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- "Prepare the gates make way for our guest! Notify the Princesses they have arrived." Came the booming voice of a guard as others scrambled around lining up. Whilst one guard ran to the throneroom, barreling into the entrance. Celestia held her head high holding up her brow at the guard stumbling to his feet before he spoke. "Princess Celestia please forgive my Intursion , but the Gryphon lord and his escort have arrived at the front gates." Celestia eyes opened wide at the guard. "What is your name my guard?" Saluting the guard responed. "I am known as Glancing shield my princess." "Thank you it is nice to meet you." Celestia smiled raising to stand. "I was unaware of the visitors even coming. DO you know what they want? "No princess we assumed you had royal business with the gryphons considering how far they have traveled." The guard held his position unmoving waiting for a sign to relax. Celestia spoke breaking the silence and to Glancings relief an order to ease. "Please relax there is no need. I do want you though to remain, we shall see why they have come from their homeland to Equestria." Author's Note I am starting to get a hang of writing more. Note I still do not have a editor so there are bounded to be mistakes. I do hope its becoming easier to read and more interesting. :) I would love to hear your opinions on this chapter. I did decide to add in extra to this chapter so I can put more ingaging story and felt like the ending point is good. ;) next chapter well start heating up the story more. After all what could gryphons want with equestria? No more GenerosityCelestia busy talking with frantic chamberlain and Diplomat Ponies each Voicing their concerns, over Gryphons entering the city. A older pony spoke above the others voicing his concern. "Princess? This is no idle chat with the Gryphons if they have crossed the ocean it must be of great matters, or perhaps a declaration of war!" each pony becoming more terrified then the other feeding off the mob mentality, Celestia has had her share of calming down ponies during times of woe ,but this was different somehow. She smiled at her subjects reassuring in her posture that all was right before speaking in her normal gentle tone. " I understand your fears in this time ,but rest assure they have not traveled here for war. The Gryphon kingdom has held its own for over one thousand years in fact no gryphon besides those born here in Equestria has ever left." She paused a moment to gather her thoughts. " now my ponies please continue on, I have everything under control they have arrived peacefully so lets give them a chance don't you agree? The crowd of ponies smiled in response accepting the answers given to them by Celestia. Chamberlains had finished cleaning the throne room, Diplomats took their places awaiting the arrival. Looking around Celestia watched hiding the turmoil in her heart behind a smile. "Glancing?" she spoke turning to face the guard by her side. Saluting he replied. " Yes Princess Celestia!" "Please go gather my sister and Twilight, I need them here with me if we are to properly greet our guest when they arrive. "yes Princess as you command." Glancing bowed before her turning he faced the side entrance exiting to the hallways. making sure the doors were shut Glancing sighed heavily. "Man I Thought being a guard would just mean I stand at a Door or gate for hours, not standing guard at the side of Celestia while Gryphons come to equestria I mean what if they attack!" Sulking the guard walked towards the tower mumbling to himself. Luna's and Twilight's room luckily are located in the same tower one just above the other making the job that much faster, allowing him to return before the arrival of the guest. "Ok just three more times around the bend and ill be at luna's room" "You really shouldn't talk to yourself so much Shield, ponies are going to think your insane." "What? who's there is that you, Piercing?" Just alittle further up the stair floating in the air a lite green pegasus smirking at him. Placing his hoof over his face pulling down his snout the Pegasus narrowed his eyes at Glancing. "Yes Glancing its me, now tell me what are you doing in this area? This is my patrol route." "Celestia sent me to send word for luna and Twilight to head to the throneroom. Gryphons have come to Canterlot and she would like her sister's to be present." The other guard sank down to the ground folding his wings down to his side, turned and spoke. "I'll go get Princess Twilight ,you get luna." and with that he took back to the air flying up the tower. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ponies of all kinds filled the market, alleyways, and doorways to various stores all to catch a glimspe of the gryphons. In total there are five of the hybrid creatures, four walking along the market streets, two adorned in armor walking next to a elderly gryphon. The other two, one in the sky flying over head blindfolded drawing Awe from jealous pegasi over the feat, and lastly the largest of the five in between the two armored gyrphons truely flared to mind he was the lord. Littered with regal dress for their kind, a necklace of talons and a single gryphon skull hanging from his neck, along with his body painted with markings of red and black. Ponies whispered quietly to each other, guards watching with unease as the one flying over head landed next to a vendors stand in the market. Ponies scattering from the gryphon. Silently he stood there the vendor gulp unsure if he should speak, as cue to the gulp the blind gryphon spoke. "Tell me pony what by chance do you sell here?" There was a few moments of silence before the question registered to the vendor. "Uhmhm Apples sir we sell A-apples from the famous sweet Apple acres." "Apples you say? I have never heard of those are they by chance meat" I do love the taste of meats its sweet ironish taste." The vendors eyes opened wide in fear of what the gryphon wanted. "N-n-no it....its fruit we- we- we don't eat meat at all." At this point the pony has started to shiver and guards started to surround the gryphon. The crowd watching in horror and excitment over what well happen over these current events. Two guard ponies raised their spears in ready positions before a booming voiced called out. "Enough Talon! get your snack and move on we shall not dabble with these foolishly happy ponies any longer!" The voice belonged to one of the two armored gryphon this one being smaller than the other. Talon let out sigh reaching into a pouch to his side, pulling out a gem and holding it out with talon almost hitting the poor vendor right in the muzzle. "Eh I'm a gambler lets try one, is this enough to pay?" unable to reply the vendor just blinked blankly at the blindfolded gryphon infront of him trying to figure out if he was only dreaming, really who would pay for an apple with a gem?!? "Hello anyone still there are is my claw just hanging here?" "YES!!!!" screamed the vendor causing Talon to flinch in surprise. "sorry I mean yes that's enough to pay for an apple that's more then my whole chart infact!" Talon dropped the gem into the apples picking one up with his free talons, with that he jumped into the air with his purchase and landed next to the others continuing the walk to the palace. "Can you go one minute without needing food you blind buzzard?" spoke the armored gryphon from before. "Hey flying really takes a lot of energy ya know?" lifting up the apple he took a bite followed by a tight squeeze and frantic coughing and spitting out the apple. "UGH! this is awful! its all crisp when you bite it goes downhill, so mushy!" Talon tossed the apple over his head then letting his head slump down. " I'd rather have a bone." "Talon?" spoke the largest gryphon in a hushed voice as to avoid any ponies from near by hearing. "Yes my lord?" "Did you sense any changes in this area? "No my lord but from what I can tell by the feel of the wind the rumors are true these ponies.....they control everything even the weather and from what I can tell even have a impact of the wind." Talon paused to gather his thoughts before speaking again. "I could hear in the distance, what they call weather ponies planning tomorrows rainstorm." "I see my brethren we must not let our guard down. If the rumors are true and these ponies still hold onto the vice that is order the chance that his reign is still tight. trust no guards, we shall find the true extent of how much he remain."Next spoke the second armored gryphon. "Lord if I may? what shall we do if they truly do not know of the king? the weeks I have spent here as a spy in hiding not once have I heard any talk of him. only of the sisters and another named Twilight sparkle." The gryphon lord stopped and looked up to the palace rubbing his beak with a talon. "Than tell me, Gale what have you been able to learn?" "I have learned that the eldest sister is named Celestia a rather larger pony with a white coat and a mane of multi-colors flowing in the air like the wind. Her sister and the youngest is luna she is smaller then her sister but still taller then most other mares, a dark coat color like the night sky and a mane that shimmers like its made of the stars." Gale shuffled as they walked uneasy in the information he had gathered. "Each of the sister's controls part of the world with their magic the eldest moves the sun and once a year they celebrate this with what they refer to as Summer Sun Celebration. The younger moves the moon at night and even influences dreams of the ponies, at one time she was called Nightmare Moon and was banished to the moon but those events apparently predate back one thousand years. As for Twilight Sparkle she is known as the Element of magic one of six Elements of Harmony a great weapon of the ponies as we already know. She was made into a alicorn by Celestia and is the only remaining pony that wielded the elements." "Tell me more." "I wish I could but the history book....are missing large parts before the events of those or even a creature they called Discord, and get this he is a god of chaos also known as the spirit of disharmony." Gale stretched out his wings as he continued to walk. "all History books in equestria only dates back to his rule no information of the time during asides from the princesses rising to power with the Elements of Harmony. In fact no where is the king of Order ever meantioned!" "This is troubling pressing matters are afoot but I suppose it isn't so bad." the Lord looked at the surrounds scanning for anything out of place or misleading. "If these ponies truly have no memories of the past maybe our mission here well be much easier.....I just hope we aren't to late, The Elements of Harmony must remain even now I can feel an evil laying in this kingdom." Stopping he turned to his party. "When we speak with this Celestia we shall not reveal are true purpose here, instead we shall pose in a state of need until I can tell if this Twilight Sparkle falls into place of the Prophecy." In unison each gryphon nodded. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight sat at her dresser running a brush through he mane whincing each time as she caught a knot tugging at the bristles. humming a song to herself she sat there alone with only her thoughts drifting back to the past. "Rarity would kill me if she seen my mane like this." drifting off Twilight remembered shortly after he transformation into a alicorn , Rarity was in a fuse changing all of her dresses to accommodate her new wings. "Darling you simply must hold still and stop fidgeting, you are as bad as Rainbow Dash at time!" "Sorry, ugfh not so tight Rarity.. its hard to sit still my wings are acking!." Twilight protested as she was assaulted with measureing tape and needles piercing the dress at all angles. Rarity ignoring each complaint continuing her work. "we can do this later I know you have that order due with Hoity Toity those dresses must be more important than changing all of mine!" "Nonsense Darly Hoity can wait I mean really how often does one become a princess or even for that fact get the chance to make a dress for a princess!" Rarity squealed with delight lost in her own fantasy world. Twilight remained silent only staring at her primed and proper fashionista friend. "R-Really Rarity its no trouble at all I can wait." Twilight said with a weak smile and shaky chuckle. "Honestly dear you can be so difficult at time what if you need a dress and come to find none of them fit you cause you don't have any holes for your wings." suddenly Rarity gasped. "and don't you think for one second missy that you can just tear a hole into your lovely dresses Princess or no princess that is unforgivable!" Twilight unable to hold it in bursted out laughing at her friends over dramatic threat only to be joined in by Rarity, together and much to Twilight relief finishing the dress make over headed out for lunch. Knocking came from Twilight door jerking her from her day dream groaning she replied. "What is it? I am busy in here!" "Forgive me princess but your presence is requested in the Throne room by Celestia" Piercing called from behind the door standing with unease as he waited for Twilight to open the door. With a groan Twilight put away her brush and opened the door to see the eager Pegasus guard standing by. "Fine lets go!" Pierce gulped as Twilight walked pass him, he could tell that today was not going to be his day. Author's Note Haha still bad at writing but atleast I try. :3 would love some feedback. I decided to draw this chapter out and leave out the acutally meeting of the gyphons and the princess so I have a jumping off point for next chapter. I only hope I didn't end up making this harder to read. Misplaced honestyAuthor's Note took way longer then I wanted to and not near the amount of words I wanted either been busy kinda feel like this chapter is a mess, but hey can't improve if you don't try and practice. enjoy! Misplaced honesty Celestia exhaled a long held breath psyching herself up for the arrival. Normally calm and collected she found a odd sensation in her chest, am I nervous she thought. Glancing to her left at the door she wonder where her fellow sisters were. "They should have been here by now what is taking them so long?" she spoke only to herself. "The Gryphons have arrived!" declared one of the two guards at the front entrance pushing open the heavy ivory doors. The air held thick in rooms as the imposing presence of her guest unnerved the guards. Celestia eye drew immediately to the one she presumed was the leader clearing defined by the skull hanging from his neck. They approached her throne slowly, agonizingly slow for Celestia taste though she had long learn to remain neutral in her expression and fought through the discomfort. "I suppose I should introduce myself since it seems that you lack the ability too in turn." spoke the lord scraping his talon across the beak of the skull. "I am Grief, leader of this pack. Is this how you and your people present your kingdom to guest? I have travelled far much to our own expenses and all I have seen are stares from your people and whispers from your guards as if we are a threat." Celestia stood from her throne in a rush. guards jerking in response readying weapons. "Please my ponies put those away!-" Celestia breathed in deeply calming herself. "I apologize I meant no offense your arrival was of short noticed, my people have not seen gryphons from outside of Equestria in centuries the counsel ponies were in a panic." Once more Celestia took her seat, guards watching uneasily. "May we start over? I humbly welcome you and your people to Canterlot, my kingdom. I am princess Celestia it is a honor to meet you lord Grief." she spoke lowering her head before the group. "All is forgiven simply see this as a test to measure your..... hospitality if you will." Grief bellowed out a laugh. "quite the response me and my pack received I understand we are not welcome in many places, but I have come here in peace your ponies can rest assure." Craning his neck around taking in his surroundings he continued to speak. "We have come to ask for help. you see my homeland was devastated by disaster after disaster. surely the great kingdom of equestrian could simply accommodate us?" "Certainly all creature are our friends in Equestria." Celestia said with a smile feeling much of her nerves fading away. She continued to speak with the lord and his guards exchanging knowledge and culture back and forth, even sharing a laugh or two. Till the arrive of her sister and twilight. "Oh my I introduce my sister Luna and my dear friend Twilight sparkle, Grief." "Ah I have heard of them, It is a pleasure to met such... such extraordinary ponies." Spoke the gryphon as he walked up to Luna taking her hoof into his talons raising it up to kiss in a bow, Luna blushed in embarrassment. "T-Thank you most kindly, we are pleased as well to met thou." spoke Luna in response. "This one I have heard even more about." clapping his talons together. " The esteemed Twilight Sparkle my the-" "Is the going to take long?" Twilight interrupted Grief. "Twilight?!!?!" blurted out a shocked Celestia. "What has gotten into you?" she spoke in a hushed voice. "Nothing." harshly spoke twilight laying down her head in her seat. "why are they even here anyway?? Grief simply stared at Twilight no emotion behind his face. only a clipping noise coming from his beak could be heard. Twilight glared back at him. Celestia braced herself for what ever might happen next as her guard once again readied weapons. "Twilight they have only come here seeking help, but this isn't like you to act this way are you alright my dear-" Before Celestia could finish twilight once again interrupted. "Why would they need help? Too weak?" Celestia shrieked in fear as a flash of feather blew between her and twilight as one of the armored gryphons Flared up his wings pinning Twilight to the wall grasping her neck with razor sharp talons letting out a furious roar. "You dare call us weak you scrawny little pony? What do you know of strength?" As quick as he was the guards had already surrounded him spears drawn ready to end him at a moments notice. Luna only watched in disbelief, looking between Twilight and the brutish hybrid. Twilight squirmed from her position choking out her response. "P-plenty.... I am the bearer of the element of harmony, more strength than you can imagine." "Release our princess now or be prepared to met our spears." demanded one of the guards. The armored gryphon just laughed at the demand. "I do not fear your spears nor the elements after all what good is that power and your so called "magic" if all the other bearers died, must of been too weak to---" The gryphon was cut short as he became struck by a unseen force knocking him and several guard to the ground. Before he could recover he was thrown up towards the ceiling and slammed down hard cracking the stone. Grunting in pain hoisted up in a magenta aura of magic. The eyes of a alicorn seething with rage glared at him, with her magic she began twisting his forearm around his back. "How dare you!" twilight yelled. "No one insults my friends and I mean no one. "Twilight! stop let him down!" Celestia shouted running to Twilight side placing both her hooves over twilight shoulders. "This isn't the way your not acting like yourself." Her pleas fell of deaf ears. "That's it show me... your strength. what you ponies are really capable of." choked out the words of the gryphon. Twilight steeled her eyes, her anger seething hotter than she could ever imagine possible. She had been anger before , but to be this anger it wasn't her as if she was watching through someone else's eyes. Her magic continued its vice grip on his arm twisting it more, sounds of bone popping from the joint. "Kindness...always the first to die is it not?" "What?" Twilight responded snapped out of her anger, she looked at the elderly gryphon walking up to her. Tired eyes looked into her own. "Always so fragile wasn't it? Kindness just couldn't withstand the test of time it was quick almost as if a whisper, and what of generosity?" sitting down infront of Twilight the elder smiled warmly holding up to his eye a sparkling blue diamond. " Slowly, but surely its fades away for you see kindness is the light that leads generosity to deliever marvelous gestures and without it what use is it to go on? Soon to follow generosity is laughter, you may not even realize it till its gone, but surely its disappears without a trace." Twilight stared tears spilling from her eyes, her magical grip fading as she listened intently. "What use is honestly without laughter? How can one trust the other when no laugh could be share, no bonds, no memories, and not even friendships? Always stubborn is honesty never backing down from the truth always pushing to hard until it snaps." Now at her front the gryphon asked Twilight a single question a small gentle smile gracing his face.. "Without loyalty why hasn't magic died? is friendship truly lasting? or a magic in itself?" Awkward silence filled the throne room only adding tension to the air. Twilight broke eye contact with the old gryphon observing the room becoming ashamed of what she saw. Several guards laying on the ground still recovering from he magical blast, a broken gryphon in the center on cracked stone, and that was the smallest troubles. She could see Celestia and Luna watching with pained expressions. In that moment she felt all the anger fade away only to be replaced with disgust. how could she do this? she questioned if she could still call herself a princess of friendship. "I...." she began with a shaky breath. "forgive me " a brilliant flash filled the room and when it died down Twilight was no longer in the room. "Most exciting Celestia your Twilight sure knows how to introduce herself." Grief laughed as he moved closer to her only to have his path blocked by guards. "Perhaps it is best we continue this discussion and-" Grief paused clearing his throat. "talk about further issues of peace?" Celestia remained silent for a few moment letting the tension drain from her, taking a small breath she steeled herself hoping to salvage this mess. "Yes, we shall guards please assist their injured friend I will handle everything else." "Sister truly you jest we can not trust these curs?" luna rose flaring her wings. "Sister please I will handle this." Celestia leaned to her sister giving her a affectionate nuzzle. Luna stared at her for a moment huffing in frustration. Her silence a sign of accepting with that Celestia smiled and turned her attention to her guest. "Please feel free to stay here I assure you that no further harm well come my guards and sister well help your people settle in Grief" Celestia stood up walked towards the group pointing a hoof towards the doors. "Shall we continue?" she asked. Grief returned the smile turning to follow celestia. "Ponies first."
Memories surface."Every tale has a Beginning a middle and a ending. friendships... enemies, happiness, sorrow, love and even even heartbreak. now not everyponys story is simple oh no my dears some are much more complex. Through out time I have known of one such tale the tale of twilight sparkle. to think it all began with something as simple as a song. came join me as I spin this tale for your little hoofs my little ponys." Twilight standing side by side Celestia and Luna at yet another Grand Galloping Gala greeting the guest one by one as each bow and greet the princesses. "good evening sir, Celestia how are you?..Hello enjoy the gala. enjoying this years. nice to see you again... this year." Twilight spoke inbetween each guest. "Fine twilight. Sir Moneytrot" Celestia greeted a rather fancy dressed stallion even by Canterlot standards. Twilight then thought to herself what a atrisous outfit before shaking her head and blinking the thought out.... "why did I think that..or was it. she sighed rather sadly. "Dear sister Twilight what has thou so worn we...I concern for you?. Luna spoke from across her sister. "I-its nothing luna just Thought I had just imagine something." "Twilight lets go sit and eat with the guest I am sure luna has the greeting underway on her own." Luna gave her sister a deadpan look weather this was intentanial or not Luna bowed her head and spoke. "yes dear sisters go eat we shall greet the guest it shalt not take much later and I'll join you there." Celestia and Twilight hugged luna tightly causing her to squarm while the guest gawked jaws slacked open. " ugh why I never seen such vaulger display" a unamused old mare said before snapping her hoof over her mussle. shamed that she made the comments to the princesses. the old and there ways I suppose. Twilight and Celestia found a seat in the showroom freshly built this year for the Gala. Large Pillars decorated with chizeled in Flowers Marble and Ivory floors. even a indoor garden with a small waterfall making the room breathtaking. "Twilight have you seen the entertainment for tonight?" Celestia asked a small smile on her face as she sipped from a cup of tea. "No I have not princess." "Please, Twilight call me Celestia or you can call me Tia. It has been years my Faithfull student since you've became my fellow princess" Twilight stared down at her glass deep in thought. "Has it been that long? I dont know I can barely even remember this morning been so busy." "Mares and Gentlecolts may I have your attention!" I very loud and animated Stallion yelled from the stage. Rather out of place for the galas normally dry and boring ponys. though Celestia said she wanted to spice up the Gala. Twilight thought for a moment munching on some toasted daisy with a dollap of honey on the side. "Was the gala always this boring? no something is missing but what? "Now Im pleased to present you with tonights guess singer picked by, Princess Celestia herself JoaftheLoaf please a round of stomps for him" The crowd though not as excited as celestia who cheer loudly for the break of the tedium of the Gala stamped there hoofs on the ground in appuald for the singer. Twilight however paid no mind to the stage nor did she applaud her mind deep in thought. something was bothering her deeply. Guitar started to play as the melody flowed. the lights deamed to set the mood..... "I remember the times when we'd spend our days laughing all of our little troubles away Saving the world seemed like a task we'd do everyday and all the time." Twilights ears twitched as Joaf began his song. "Here I stand at the end of what we call life, and in time I'll find my way to have my turn among the stars, and come home. To live in a world where the earth is still, kept in peace and live with harmony Facing the facts, I've come to realize, I am all alone so I guess it's time to say goodbye, it's time to say goodbye. The words on the page from the things we things we learned, and the lessons taught will never leave my heart. The memories we've made, and the lessons shared, time and time again, will continue on." Celestia was sitting next to twilight blissfully in her own world singing along to the song "Here I stand at the end of what we call life, and in time I'll find my way to have my turn among the stars, and come home" unaware of twilight breathing quickening pace. "To live in a world where the earth is still, kept in peace and live with harmony Facing the facts, I've come to realize, I am all alone so I guess it's time to say goodbye, it's time to say goodbye." A battle raging in her mind swirlling with emotions, regerts, and a foreign feeling to herself tears threatened to rush pass. "Through these timesI know I must be strong, and carry on, without you." Just like that the uplift in the emotion of the song twilight burst out in tear bolting from her table jolting Celestial with suprise as the guest around her gasped.She headed towards the door her muzzle matted down with tears streaming from her eye. "I can't take it I just can't take this anymore" and with that she vanished with a flash. "To live in a world where the earth is still, kept in peace and live with harmony Facing the facts, I've come to realize, I am all alone Now I know that I must say goodbye, it's time to say goodbye." Joaf finshed the song a look of worry on his face as he laid eyes on a crowd of shocked unamused faces. He gulped before to his relief Celestial cheered. "Woooooo encore!" stomping her hoofs on the ground. The crowd followed in agreement. Celestial thoughts drifted though back to twilight. "why did she run off? is something wrong? Did I do something?" worry striking her face more fear in her heart than in years. She wanted to run after twilight but didnt want to alarm her subjects with a outburst for the door. so she got up and walked out. Twilight appeared in a flash of light at the Canterlot Gardens guards franticly searching for her ordered by Celestial. around countless turns of hedges pass flower patchs and statues Twilight finally found what she Had been running to. She paused for a moment a feeling of trepidation feeled her more then any she had before even when facing against Discord, Hydra, King sombra, or even missing a dead line her worst fear!.Before her stood a large ivory gate adoren with six symbols each a cutie mark of a pony. She entered Hoofs shaking and choking back a sob she collasped in the center of the clearing. Before her stood Five Tombstone each with a image of the one buried under the stone. two Pegasi, two Earth ponies, and one unicorn their cutie marks above each of the stones. Twilight then read the passage near the stones. "H-Here lies the...." she sniffled rubbing her muzzle and taking a deep breath. The Elements of harmony bears, Saviors of equestria protecters of Harmony" slowly she read each name out loud. "Fluttershy, Rain...R-R-Rainbow..Dash, Rarity,P-Pinkie Pie, AppleJack." Twilight fell to her forelegs covering her face sobbing and trembling. "Why... why do you all have to DIE its not fair I can't do this with out you girls!" Twilight reached out a hoof rubbing across rainbow's tomb. slowly exhuasted she slipped into sleep. Author's Note Note the song that appears along with the OC JoafTheLoaf belongs to JoafTheLoaf from youtube credits goes to Megaphoric also for the song. incase you were wondering Joaf gave permission for the use : ) he is a very talented view him on youtube and subscribe to if you like his stuff. This story well receive updates when I can and the tags well evolve or come in once the story reachs the points. This is also my first work so opinions good and bad are welcomed. -Edit- ive done some editing by spacing out talking more and moving around some paragraphs I hope this makes it easier to read.
Hush now quiet nowCelestia exited the Gala calmly without showing any urgency to the guest she motioned a guard to follow her. "Yes Princess Celestia?" the guard answered while saulting at full attention. "I need you to gather the guard and help me find Twilight." "Yes princess." the guard hesitated then spoke. "Is princess Twilight Sparkle alright?" Celestia breathed in and sighed. "As far as I know she is, but I wanted to know for sure now please gather up the guards and find her." The guard simple nodded before running off."Twilight what is wrong?" "Dream now let your heart give you what you desire. This is what you wanted isn't it, Twilight?" Twilight Tossed in her fitful sleep among the graves. Her brow scrunched up in stress over the voice she did not recall. "W-Who are you?" Twilight mumbled as rain started to fall. She jerked awake as the chilling rain touched her coat Inciting shivers. Her gaze returned to the five graves first meeting her old friend Fluttershy. "Shy....I miss you.. anytime I-" Twilight took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "-was sad you would always be there for me even the other girls always had my back." Chocking back more tears Twilight smiled weakly. "You remember all the good times we had?" "Like the time you turn the Handsome Discord to stone?" Twilight ears perked up at the voice coming from above her. "Discord! how long have you been there?" flaring her wings up in protest to his presence. "Now now Twilight you know as well as I do we are not enemy's anymore." discord picking at the nail of his lion paw. "I have been ...Reformed as Celesti called it." Discord sat beside Twilight poofing into existance a rather large umbrella complete with a blanket and picnic basket. "How many lumps, Twilight my dear?" "Yes please but Discord lumps of sugar not some other item you would find funny." "Always a downer on my fun, Twilight." She smiled softly sipping from the warm tea. "So Discord why are you here?" "I always come here everyday ever since" Discord trailed off his gaze having grown soft. "This is the first time I've seen you come here in years." Twilight looked at Discord with confusion. She gulp and began to speak gently. "Why do you come here? You've always acted like you wanted us gone." Discord shuffled uncomfortably from side to side not quite comfy in his current position. "I don't want to forget about her." Twilight continued to sip from her tea a frown on her face. "She was my only friend...the only real one I I...Lov-" Discord stopped mid sentence and gathered his thoughts. "Always cheery all the time you remember the umm oh what did you silly mares call it slumber parties? Twilight smiled ingoring Discord change in the subject deciding not to pry. "Sleep over discord only fillies call it slumber parties." Twilight said chuckling. Her and Discord continued talking swapping stories of the dear friend. "Princess Twilight! There you are." A guard shouted approching from the gate. Heaving and panting desperately trying to catch his breath. "What is it? Is something wrong?" Twilight approched the guard putting her forehoof on his shoulder concern in her touch. "You ran out of the gala in a hurry princess Celestia was worried of your well being" Twilight blushed from embarasment. "Im sorry-"Twilight turned to Discord "- same time tomorrow Discord?" "If you must join." Discord replied waving his claw at Twilight. Round through the garden to the streets of canterlot and finally into the castle courtyard Twilight was escorted by the guard. entering the main entrance Celestia ran to Twilight hugging her tightly. "Twilight is everything ok my dear? are you hurt?" Twilight struggling to free herself from the vicegrip put her forehoofs straight out. "Yes yes .. now please I wont be if you keep squeezing me like that!" Celestia released Twilight her raising in her cheeks as a blush plastered her white coat. "Yes of course you are-" clearing her throat to disrupt any awkwardness she had brought on. "-Forgive me, Twilight you just ran out crying I thought something might of happened to upset you." Together they walked toward the throne in a uneasy silence. "It was the song Celestia." Twilight quietly spoke her vision focused on her hooves. "I-it just made me think of the girls...how much I miss them." Tears welling up in her eyes twilight continued. "I remember the times we shared no matter what we were always friends. All of the moments we shared together. All except this one" taking a deep breath a shiver ran down her spine. " Why only me Celestia?" Celestia tensed up at the question not sure how to answer. "Twilight-" Celestia fell silent her words failing her in the moment. "Celestia?" Twilight now barely holding back the tears. "Why do I have to live forever? why couldn't the girls stay to? They saved equestria more then once too! T-they-" gasping between words "-saved .....us. Why do this to me?" Tears now falling from Celestia muzzle they both started to sob. Celestia wrapping Twilight up in her hooves. "Twilight I-I-I... never meant to cause you so much grief!" "Don't cry princess I didn't mean to say those things" Shaking Twilight choked back her sobbing and put on a weak smile. "Don't banish me to the moon?" Celestia pulled back and smiled at Twilight. "Maybe?" Both of the mares started to laugh weakly. " I know its hard I had to deal with this sort of thing for years my dear Twilight." Twilight looking Celestia in the eyes nodded motioning for her to continue. " I watched as those I became friends with died. each time was hard some harder then others." Twilight pulled Celestia back into a hug nuzzling her cheek. "I am sorry I made you worry me running off was selfish." Celestia didn't reply only stroking Twilight mane. " I think I would like to go to bed now." "Certainly Twilight if you need or want to talk about anything just come to me." Twilight nodded and headed to her room. guard saluting her as she passed. "Finally a nice soft bed." climbing into the blankets covering her head only her horn sticking out. "I should bring Flowers tomorrow." and with that she drifted off to sleep. Author's Note I'm hoping This is easier to read then the first chapter. I did a few things different this time after someone gave me a tip on spacing. I feel like the story is moving along slowly or might be boring but either way I hope you all enjoy it as I slowly start to ramp it up more.
Faded rainbows"Which will you choose? To gain what you want greed overshadowing the generosity? abandoning what you learned losing that loyalty? perhaps so just like all those others." Twilight eyes twitched as the sunlight basked her in its warmth. She lifted her head glaring at the window and the offending rays of light interrupting her dreams. "As much as I enjoy my schedule can't I just not do anything?" asking nopony in particular. Looking out the window Twilight she could see the weather team frantically clearing the clouds. Confused she wonder what the rush was over. While she watched the Pegasus ponies one grabbed her attention. This pony coat was a skyblue cyan color with a dual color mane of red and yellow. Twilight smiled daydreaming seeing a different mare in place of the true one. "Dashie." ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ "Hurry up slow poke." Rainbow Dash shouted sticking her tongue out teasing the mare following her. "No fair no fair I just got these darn wings." Twilight laughing with cheer flew after the multi-hued mare. Rainbow flew down to the grassy field landing gracefully. Turning her head behind her scanning the sky for her lavender friend. Panting Twilight finally reach her friend taking a few deep breaths and coughing she cleared her throat to speak. "See right behind you Dashie." "Geez Twi you had those wings for like a month now! Even Fluttershy flies faster then you." She proclaimed waving her hooves in the air. "I've been busy!" Twilight protested. "Yeah? With what lazy mare" Twilight let out a nervous laugh. "I have been busy learning all I can about flying." Rainbow looked at her head tilted to the side eyebrows raised up. "Mhm I got the book Aerodynamics of Pegasi Flight manipl-" "Alright egghead I get it." Rainbow said placing a hoof over Twilight lips to silence. Twilight blushed looking into the mares eyes. "Hey Twi.. hello equestria to Twilight." "uh what? Huh? Yeah oh sorry Rainbow almost got carried away there." She said looking down at the ground to hide the deepening blush on her muzzle. "Er right Twilight. Now a book won't teach you about flying like actually doing it. Nothing in those dorky pages gives you the feel of air in your mane." "Well how else well I learn?" Twilight said smiling at her friend. With a smirk on her face rainbow rub her forehoof off her chest. "Oh? Only the most awesome, coolest, fastest, bravest-" Twilight cut Rainbow off before she could continue the gloating. "Ok Rainbow I get it" rolling her eyes at her friend, giving out a small giggle. "Umm Rainbow?" "Y-yeah Twi?" "I want-" Twilight paused a moment gathering her though not quite sure how she would say it. She felt her cheeks burning, holding back the blush she continued. "- Umm can we walk the rest of the way back?" Giving her friend a sheepish grin she sank her head down lower in shame. "What? Oh! Yeah sure Twilight we can walk if you need a break.". Together the mares walked along a dirt road, heading to canterlot enjoying each others company, Rainbow dash telling storys of flight school and her adoptive sister scootaloo own hijicks in the schoolyard. All the way up to the main streets they continued trading story, Twilight listening more then talking. "Oh man and then scoots told off that diamond whatever and silver who cares off it was priceless!" "Sounds like she is a handfull." "Nay scoots is just awesome like me Twilight." The pair continued walking in silence passing many stores, resturants that smelled of sweet breads, and several ponies hustling along the streets. Twilight however only noticed the ponies staring and bowing as they passed. This made her nervous still not use to the attention, even saving the world she did not becomes this much of a social icon. She slowed her pace falling behind Rainbow eventually coming to a complete stop, tears building up in the corners of her eyes. "Twilight?" Rainbow turned around seeing her friends head hanging low not moving. "Twi what's wrong?" "I can't ... I." Ponies all around stared at the two some whispering to each other. Twilight was trembling, teeth clenched tight. Rainbow was helpless seeing her friend in distress. She felt a heat raising up in her belly, her blood boiling. "What do you all think your staring at move on!" Rainbow yelled flaring her wings as high as she could. Grabbing Twilight's left hoof she pulled her off to the nearest buidling she could find. Bursting through a set of double doors the smell of brewed, fruits, and perfumes hit the two mares. Startling the stallion occuping the front booth. "Princess Twilight! Pleasure to have you enter our fine establishment I well show you to your table." The dressed greet spoke opening a door with his free hoof. "Come come we have the finest booth in all of canterlot for you." "ugh hey wait a minutes!" Dash protested as the pushy colt lead them throught the resturant. Patrons eatting their meals stopping, mouth gapping from a few at Twilight and dash. Finally lead up the stairs to a outside balcony decorated with hedges and flowers all around, a view off of canterlot drop off showing the setting sun in all of its glory. Rainbow dash spoke up glaring at the colt. "Just what the hay did you think you were doing forcing us here? I was trying to get Twilight somewhere away from other not pushed through a open resturant you bucking. "Rainbow!!" Twilight yelled at her friend ears folding back. "Hey what are you yelling at me for?" "I-its alright. Actually I could use something to eat. Can we just order something? We are already here anyway." Rainbow didn't reply only nodding her head. The wide eye colt relaxed sure he was now safe from a beating let out a sigh and continued to talk. "Oh yes my princess may I suggest our tossed radish salad with rasberry squash and a orange garnish, and for your err well spirited friend our most popular dish for Pegasus grilled cucumbers seasoned with pepper on a honey brasied cloud." "Yes that is fine." "Mwah" the colt kissed his hoof throwing it in the air in a rather dramatic fashion. "Your meals shall arrive shortly and here is a bottle of our famous wine princess and please enjoy your meals its on the house." The colt turned around and exited the balcony. Twilight let out a sigh of relief, Rainbow shuffling uncomfortably in her seat. "Twilight?" She asked leaning in closer to her friend concern in her voice. "I- I'm ok." Twilight lied her voice saying otherwise. "Twilight no your not." Tears were now falling down her cheeks she breaksdown. "I hate this I don't want to be the pony everypony stares at. I- I just want to be at my library reading my books and being with you girls." Choking on her sobs Twilight sniffed up her nose. " I don't want to lose you. I....I...I." "Twi..you won't ever lose any of us." Rainbow pulled Twilight in close to her, in return Twilight melted into the embrace of Rainbow as the sun started to fade away over the horizon. -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- "Prepare the gates make way for our guest! Notify the Princesses they have arrived." Came the booming voice of a guard as others scrambled around lining up. Whilst one guard ran to the throneroom, barreling into the entrance. Celestia held her head high holding up her brow at the guard stumbling to his feet before he spoke. "Princess Celestia please forgive my Intursion , but the Gryphon lord and his escort have arrived at the front gates." Celestia eyes opened wide at the guard. "What is your name my guard?" Saluting the guard responed. "I am known as Glancing shield my princess." "Thank you it is nice to meet you." Celestia smiled raising to stand. "I was unaware of the visitors even coming. DO you know what they want? "No princess we assumed you had royal business with the gryphons considering how far they have traveled." The guard held his position unmoving waiting for a sign to relax. Celestia spoke breaking the silence and to Glancings relief an order to ease. "Please relax there is no need. I do want you though to remain, we shall see why they have come from their homeland to Equestria." Author's Note I am starting to get a hang of writing more. Note I still do not have a editor so there are bounded to be mistakes. I do hope its becoming easier to read and more interesting. :) I would love to hear your opinions on this chapter. I did decide to add in extra to this chapter so I can put more ingaging story and felt like the ending point is good. ;) next chapter well start heating up the story more. After all what could gryphons want with equestria?
No more GenerosityCelestia busy talking with frantic chamberlain and Diplomat Ponies each Voicing their concerns, over Gryphons entering the city. A older pony spoke above the others voicing his concern. "Princess? This is no idle chat with the Gryphons if they have crossed the ocean it must be of great matters, or perhaps a declaration of war!" each pony becoming more terrified then the other feeding off the mob mentality, Celestia has had her share of calming down ponies during times of woe ,but this was different somehow. She smiled at her subjects reassuring in her posture that all was right before speaking in her normal gentle tone. " I understand your fears in this time ,but rest assure they have not traveled here for war. The Gryphon kingdom has held its own for over one thousand years in fact no gryphon besides those born here in Equestria has ever left." She paused a moment to gather her thoughts. " now my ponies please continue on, I have everything under control they have arrived peacefully so lets give them a chance don't you agree? The crowd of ponies smiled in response accepting the answers given to them by Celestia. Chamberlains had finished cleaning the throne room, Diplomats took their places awaiting the arrival. Looking around Celestia watched hiding the turmoil in her heart behind a smile. "Glancing?" she spoke turning to face the guard by her side. Saluting he replied. " Yes Princess Celestia!" "Please go gather my sister and Twilight, I need them here with me if we are to properly greet our guest when they arrive. "yes Princess as you command." Glancing bowed before her turning he faced the side entrance exiting to the hallways. making sure the doors were shut Glancing sighed heavily. "Man I Thought being a guard would just mean I stand at a Door or gate for hours, not standing guard at the side of Celestia while Gryphons come to equestria I mean what if they attack!" Sulking the guard walked towards the tower mumbling to himself. Luna's and Twilight's room luckily are located in the same tower one just above the other making the job that much faster, allowing him to return before the arrival of the guest. "Ok just three more times around the bend and ill be at luna's room" "You really shouldn't talk to yourself so much Shield, ponies are going to think your insane." "What? who's there is that you, Piercing?" Just alittle further up the stair floating in the air a lite green pegasus smirking at him. Placing his hoof over his face pulling down his snout the Pegasus narrowed his eyes at Glancing. "Yes Glancing its me, now tell me what are you doing in this area? This is my patrol route." "Celestia sent me to send word for luna and Twilight to head to the throneroom. Gryphons have come to Canterlot and she would like her sister's to be present." The other guard sank down to the ground folding his wings down to his side, turned and spoke. "I'll go get Princess Twilight ,you get luna." and with that he took back to the air flying up the tower. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ponies of all kinds filled the market, alleyways, and doorways to various stores all to catch a glimspe of the gryphons. In total there are five of the hybrid creatures, four walking along the market streets, two adorned in armor walking next to a elderly gryphon. The other two, one in the sky flying over head blindfolded drawing Awe from jealous pegasi over the feat, and lastly the largest of the five in between the two armored gyrphons truely flared to mind he was the lord. Littered with regal dress for their kind, a necklace of talons and a single gryphon skull hanging from his neck, along with his body painted with markings of red and black. Ponies whispered quietly to each other, guards watching with unease as the one flying over head landed next to a vendors stand in the market. Ponies scattering from the gryphon. Silently he stood there the vendor gulp unsure if he should speak, as cue to the gulp the blind gryphon spoke. "Tell me pony what by chance do you sell here?" There was a few moments of silence before the question registered to the vendor. "Uhmhm Apples sir we sell A-apples from the famous sweet Apple acres." "Apples you say? I have never heard of those are they by chance meat" I do love the taste of meats its sweet ironish taste." The vendors eyes opened wide in fear of what the gryphon wanted. "N-n-no it....its fruit we- we- we don't eat meat at all." At this point the pony has started to shiver and guards started to surround the gryphon. The crowd watching in horror and excitment over what well happen over these current events. Two guard ponies raised their spears in ready positions before a booming voiced called out. "Enough Talon! get your snack and move on we shall not dabble with these foolishly happy ponies any longer!" The voice belonged to one of the two armored gryphon this one being smaller than the other. Talon let out sigh reaching into a pouch to his side, pulling out a gem and holding it out with talon almost hitting the poor vendor right in the muzzle. "Eh I'm a gambler lets try one, is this enough to pay?" unable to reply the vendor just blinked blankly at the blindfolded gryphon infront of him trying to figure out if he was only dreaming, really who would pay for an apple with a gem?!? "Hello anyone still there are is my claw just hanging here?" "YES!!!!" screamed the vendor causing Talon to flinch in surprise. "sorry I mean yes that's enough to pay for an apple that's more then my whole chart infact!" Talon dropped the gem into the apples picking one up with his free talons, with that he jumped into the air with his purchase and landed next to the others continuing the walk to the palace. "Can you go one minute without needing food you blind buzzard?" spoke the armored gryphon from before. "Hey flying really takes a lot of energy ya know?" lifting up the apple he took a bite followed by a tight squeeze and frantic coughing and spitting out the apple. "UGH! this is awful! its all crisp when you bite it goes downhill, so mushy!" Talon tossed the apple over his head then letting his head slump down. " I'd rather have a bone." "Talon?" spoke the largest gryphon in a hushed voice as to avoid any ponies from near by hearing. "Yes my lord?" "Did you sense any changes in this area? "No my lord but from what I can tell by the feel of the wind the rumors are true these ponies.....they control everything even the weather and from what I can tell even have a impact of the wind." Talon paused to gather his thoughts before speaking again. "I could hear in the distance, what they call weather ponies planning tomorrows rainstorm." "I see my brethren we must not let our guard down. If the rumors are true and these ponies still hold onto the vice that is order the chance that his reign is still tight. trust no guards, we shall find the true extent of how much he remain."Next spoke the second armored gryphon. "Lord if I may? what shall we do if they truly do not know of the king? the weeks I have spent here as a spy in hiding not once have I heard any talk of him. only of the sisters and another named Twilight sparkle." The gryphon lord stopped and looked up to the palace rubbing his beak with a talon. "Than tell me, Gale what have you been able to learn?" "I have learned that the eldest sister is named Celestia a rather larger pony with a white coat and a mane of multi-colors flowing in the air like the wind. Her sister and the youngest is luna she is smaller then her sister but still taller then most other mares, a dark coat color like the night sky and a mane that shimmers like its made of the stars." Gale shuffled as they walked uneasy in the information he had gathered. "Each of the sister's controls part of the world with their magic the eldest moves the sun and once a year they celebrate this with what they refer to as Summer Sun Celebration. The younger moves the moon at night and even influences dreams of the ponies, at one time she was called Nightmare Moon and was banished to the moon but those events apparently predate back one thousand years. As for Twilight Sparkle she is known as the Element of magic one of six Elements of Harmony a great weapon of the ponies as we already know. She was made into a alicorn by Celestia and is the only remaining pony that wielded the elements." "Tell me more." "I wish I could but the history book....are missing large parts before the events of those or even a creature they called Discord, and get this he is a god of chaos also known as the spirit of disharmony." Gale stretched out his wings as he continued to walk. "all History books in equestria only dates back to his rule no information of the time during asides from the princesses rising to power with the Elements of Harmony. In fact no where is the king of Order ever meantioned!" "This is troubling pressing matters are afoot but I suppose it isn't so bad." the Lord looked at the surrounds scanning for anything out of place or misleading. "If these ponies truly have no memories of the past maybe our mission here well be much easier.....I just hope we aren't to late, The Elements of Harmony must remain even now I can feel an evil laying in this kingdom." Stopping he turned to his party. "When we speak with this Celestia we shall not reveal are true purpose here, instead we shall pose in a state of need until I can tell if this Twilight Sparkle falls into place of the Prophecy." In unison each gryphon nodded. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight sat at her dresser running a brush through he mane whincing each time as she caught a knot tugging at the bristles. humming a song to herself she sat there alone with only her thoughts drifting back to the past. "Rarity would kill me if she seen my mane like this." drifting off Twilight remembered shortly after he transformation into a alicorn , Rarity was in a fuse changing all of her dresses to accommodate her new wings. "Darling you simply must hold still and stop fidgeting, you are as bad as Rainbow Dash at time!" "Sorry, ugfh not so tight Rarity.. its hard to sit still my wings are acking!." Twilight protested as she was assaulted with measureing tape and needles piercing the dress at all angles. Rarity ignoring each complaint continuing her work. "we can do this later I know you have that order due with Hoity Toity those dresses must be more important than changing all of mine!" "Nonsense Darly Hoity can wait I mean really how often does one become a princess or even for that fact get the chance to make a dress for a princess!" Rarity squealed with delight lost in her own fantasy world. Twilight remained silent only staring at her primed and proper fashionista friend. "R-Really Rarity its no trouble at all I can wait." Twilight said with a weak smile and shaky chuckle. "Honestly dear you can be so difficult at time what if you need a dress and come to find none of them fit you cause you don't have any holes for your wings." suddenly Rarity gasped. "and don't you think for one second missy that you can just tear a hole into your lovely dresses Princess or no princess that is unforgivable!" Twilight unable to hold it in bursted out laughing at her friends over dramatic threat only to be joined in by Rarity, together and much to Twilight relief finishing the dress make over headed out for lunch. Knocking came from Twilight door jerking her from her day dream groaning she replied. "What is it? I am busy in here!" "Forgive me princess but your presence is requested in the Throne room by Celestia" Piercing called from behind the door standing with unease as he waited for Twilight to open the door. With a groan Twilight put away her brush and opened the door to see the eager Pegasus guard standing by. "Fine lets go!" Pierce gulped as Twilight walked pass him, he could tell that today was not going to be his day. Author's Note Haha still bad at writing but atleast I try. :3 would love some feedback. I decided to draw this chapter out and leave out the acutally meeting of the gyphons and the princess so I have a jumping off point for next chapter. I only hope I didn't end up making this harder to read.
Misplaced honestyAuthor's Note took way longer then I wanted to and not near the amount of words I wanted either been busy kinda feel like this chapter is a mess, but hey can't improve if you don't try and practice. enjoy! Misplaced honesty Celestia exhaled a long held breath psyching herself up for the arrival. Normally calm and collected she found a odd sensation in her chest, am I nervous she thought. Glancing to her left at the door she wonder where her fellow sisters were. "They should have been here by now what is taking them so long?" she spoke only to herself. "The Gryphons have arrived!" declared one of the two guards at the front entrance pushing open the heavy ivory doors. The air held thick in rooms as the imposing presence of her guest unnerved the guards. Celestia eye drew immediately to the one she presumed was the leader clearing defined by the skull hanging from his neck. They approached her throne slowly, agonizingly slow for Celestia taste though she had long learn to remain neutral in her expression and fought through the discomfort. "I suppose I should introduce myself since it seems that you lack the ability too in turn." spoke the lord scraping his talon across the beak of the skull. "I am Grief, leader of this pack. Is this how you and your people present your kingdom to guest? I have travelled far much to our own expenses and all I have seen are stares from your people and whispers from your guards as if we are a threat." Celestia stood from her throne in a rush. guards jerking in response readying weapons. "Please my ponies put those away!-" Celestia breathed in deeply calming herself. "I apologize I meant no offense your arrival was of short noticed, my people have not seen gryphons from outside of Equestria in centuries the counsel ponies were in a panic." Once more Celestia took her seat, guards watching uneasily. "May we start over? I humbly welcome you and your people to Canterlot, my kingdom. I am princess Celestia it is a honor to meet you lord Grief." she spoke lowering her head before the group. "All is forgiven simply see this as a test to measure your..... hospitality if you will." Grief bellowed out a laugh. "quite the response me and my pack received I understand we are not welcome in many places, but I have come here in peace your ponies can rest assure." Craning his neck around taking in his surroundings he continued to speak. "We have come to ask for help. you see my homeland was devastated by disaster after disaster. surely the great kingdom of equestrian could simply accommodate us?" "Certainly all creature are our friends in Equestria." Celestia said with a smile feeling much of her nerves fading away. She continued to speak with the lord and his guards exchanging knowledge and culture back and forth, even sharing a laugh or two. Till the arrive of her sister and twilight. "Oh my I introduce my sister Luna and my dear friend Twilight sparkle, Grief." "Ah I have heard of them, It is a pleasure to met such... such extraordinary ponies." Spoke the gryphon as he walked up to Luna taking her hoof into his talons raising it up to kiss in a bow, Luna blushed in embarrassment. "T-Thank you most kindly, we are pleased as well to met thou." spoke Luna in response. "This one I have heard even more about." clapping his talons together. " The esteemed Twilight Sparkle my the-" "Is the going to take long?" Twilight interrupted Grief. "Twilight?!!?!" blurted out a shocked Celestia. "What has gotten into you?" she spoke in a hushed voice. "Nothing." harshly spoke twilight laying down her head in her seat. "why are they even here anyway?? Grief simply stared at Twilight no emotion behind his face. only a clipping noise coming from his beak could be heard. Twilight glared back at him. Celestia braced herself for what ever might happen next as her guard once again readied weapons. "Twilight they have only come here seeking help, but this isn't like you to act this way are you alright my dear-" Before Celestia could finish twilight once again interrupted. "Why would they need help? Too weak?" Celestia shrieked in fear as a flash of feather blew between her and twilight as one of the armored gryphons Flared up his wings pinning Twilight to the wall grasping her neck with razor sharp talons letting out a furious roar. "You dare call us weak you scrawny little pony? What do you know of strength?" As quick as he was the guards had already surrounded him spears drawn ready to end him at a moments notice. Luna only watched in disbelief, looking between Twilight and the brutish hybrid. Twilight squirmed from her position choking out her response. "P-plenty.... I am the bearer of the element of harmony, more strength than you can imagine." "Release our princess now or be prepared to met our spears." demanded one of the guards. The armored gryphon just laughed at the demand. "I do not fear your spears nor the elements after all what good is that power and your so called "magic" if all the other bearers died, must of been too weak to---" The gryphon was cut short as he became struck by a unseen force knocking him and several guard to the ground. Before he could recover he was thrown up towards the ceiling and slammed down hard cracking the stone. Grunting in pain hoisted up in a magenta aura of magic. The eyes of a alicorn seething with rage glared at him, with her magic she began twisting his forearm around his back. "How dare you!" twilight yelled. "No one insults my friends and I mean no one. "Twilight! stop let him down!" Celestia shouted running to Twilight side placing both her hooves over twilight shoulders. "This isn't the way your not acting like yourself." Her pleas fell of deaf ears. "That's it show me... your strength. what you ponies are really capable of." choked out the words of the gryphon. Twilight steeled her eyes, her anger seething hotter than she could ever imagine possible. She had been anger before , but to be this anger it wasn't her as if she was watching through someone else's eyes. Her magic continued its vice grip on his arm twisting it more, sounds of bone popping from the joint. "Kindness...always the first to die is it not?" "What?" Twilight responded snapped out of her anger, she looked at the elderly gryphon walking up to her. Tired eyes looked into her own. "Always so fragile wasn't it? Kindness just couldn't withstand the test of time it was quick almost as if a whisper, and what of generosity?" sitting down infront of Twilight the elder smiled warmly holding up to his eye a sparkling blue diamond. " Slowly, but surely its fades away for you see kindness is the light that leads generosity to deliever marvelous gestures and without it what use is it to go on? Soon to follow generosity is laughter, you may not even realize it till its gone, but surely its disappears without a trace." Twilight stared tears spilling from her eyes, her magical grip fading as she listened intently. "What use is honestly without laughter? How can one trust the other when no laugh could be share, no bonds, no memories, and not even friendships? Always stubborn is honesty never backing down from the truth always pushing to hard until it snaps." Now at her front the gryphon asked Twilight a single question a small gentle smile gracing his face.. "Without loyalty why hasn't magic died? is friendship truly lasting? or a magic in itself?" Awkward silence filled the throne room only adding tension to the air. Twilight broke eye contact with the old gryphon observing the room becoming ashamed of what she saw. Several guards laying on the ground still recovering from he magical blast, a broken gryphon in the center on cracked stone, and that was the smallest troubles. She could see Celestia and Luna watching with pained expressions. In that moment she felt all the anger fade away only to be replaced with disgust. how could she do this? she questioned if she could still call herself a princess of friendship. "I...." she began with a shaky breath. "forgive me " a brilliant flash filled the room and when it died down Twilight was no longer in the room. "Most exciting Celestia your Twilight sure knows how to introduce herself." Grief laughed as he moved closer to her only to have his path blocked by guards. "Perhaps it is best we continue this discussion and-" Grief paused clearing his throat. "talk about further issues of peace?" Celestia remained silent for a few moment letting the tension drain from her, taking a small breath she steeled herself hoping to salvage this mess. "Yes, we shall guards please assist their injured friend I will handle everything else." "Sister truly you jest we can not trust these curs?" luna rose flaring her wings. "Sister please I will handle this." Celestia leaned to her sister giving her a affectionate nuzzle. Luna stared at her for a moment huffing in frustration. Her silence a sign of accepting with that Celestia smiled and turned her attention to her guest. "Please feel free to stay here I assure you that no further harm well come my guards and sister well help your people settle in Grief" Celestia stood up walked towards the group pointing a hoof towards the doors. "Shall we continue?" she asked. Grief returned the smile turning to follow celestia. "Ponies first."
