The Great Gryphon Adventure

Princess Celestia stood overlooking the lands she reigned over. For uncounted years she remembered the simple life of the realm. How her creations had evolved into wonderful creatures of pure innocence whose only drive was to discover who they truly were. Millions had lived experiencing the bliss of life. More had died with the knowledge that their lives were complete and full. The continuing cycle of balance was maintained with little intervention on the alicorn's part, always smiling at the beauty she beheld in each and every one of her servants.

On this day that ever-present smile was gone. The revelations of the past day had cast an ominous shadow on her thoughts on the future of Equestria. No longer could she proclaim herself its rightful protector. She had no capability to fix the horrible error in universal balance that had turned her world upside down. The only respite came with the knowledge that the effects of such discord showed little presence here. She knew that in another world, however, the consequences were more present. However much she pitied that, it granted her a feeling of peace. At least here she could at least believe something could be done.

Her guards and servants had went far and wide by her decree to gather reports on the daily lives of her servants. Everypony was to be checked up on, no matter how insignificant. It was a daunting task, one which was met by questions by her advisers. She insisted that it was simply an early census, one she felt required to do for care of her ponies. Ever objection was quelled at that moment, seeing the care in her eyes, and thus reports were flowing in from all over. From the first report that came in today from the outlaying cities far off, things were normal. No hint of suspicious events or strange happenings.

It would take time for all the provinces to report back their brief survey of the daily life of the Princess's servants, but that time would be used to go about her agreed part in the mission ahead. It would be difficult to manage the terms as other ponies would undoubtedly get suspicious of her motives. However, just like Melkos, she would resort to summoning the most loyal and unquestioning among her service. They would not question her orders, simply go about doing them. That was all that was requested by Melkos. The ruler from the other realm had promised her he'd keep his end of the bargain. While she didn't personally know him, she had no choice but to trust that word and hope that the balance of things would be repaired and hopefully reverted back to a more harmonial state.

Her gaze from the balcony she stood on drifted down to the five unicorns that stood proudly before her. They were the best of all her personal guard. Trained not only in methods of ancient magical combat but also skilled in the most powerful methods of warfare. They did not question. They did not disobey. They couldn't, or else the fate of Equestria would be sealed forever in doom.

"My most trusted warriors," the Princess began. "Your courage and valor is above all else in my land. You have served me since birth with the only objective of maintaining my rule. Now I call upon you to help maintain the rule of somepony else."

Celestia noted that a few had a look of questioning in their eyes. They remained at a position of attention, however, not moving. Their discipline was something she valued in times like this.

She continued. "You have all already been briefed on the events of the last week as I have conveyed them. You know every detail of the plan I have agreed to. You also know that the stake of not only my realm but that of another hangs on your brave and valiant shoulders. Know this. That once I give the order for you to go about your mission, you must for no reason reveal its true purpose to anypony. Only those whom I have allowed are you to speak and to protect. Only those whom I have revealed as instruments of change.

"For on this day we have little hope in the power of the Elements of Harmony. You know as well as I with the new enemy we face they can do little to stop such a creature of pure evil. This world has not seen in all its existence the hatred and negativity that have branched over from foreign powers. Let it not be said it is the fault of this world that this plight be upon us, let it instead be said that it is our joint duty to ensure that it never happens again."

She noticed that the looks in their eyes were determined. Celestia continued, "A new balance must be created to ensure that the powers of such malice and hatred never return to Equestria for the rest of time. Your job shall be ensuring that those entrusted with this task are kept safe from all harm, even at the cost of your own lives. They shall be the bringers of change and shall restore the balance of both worlds. Do not falter in your mission, my brave warriors. Work with those whom have a similar task. Let this be a time when instead of questioning the unknown, we instead trust it and give our lives with creatures so distant from us yet so familiar in resolve."

She smiled. Her smile was such that whatever fear could even pierce the heart of the warriors before her was quickly quelled and forgotten. "Go now," she ordered. "Go and save our home."

The five unicorns bowed before her at her order. Without any sign of objection or questions they took off. Each going in a very different direction.

• • •

Gilda woke to feeling extremely comfortable. Last night's events were still fresh in her mind. It was the most glorious experience of bliss she had ever went through. Every ounce of regret had transformed itself into a romp of passion between her and Rainbow Dash. It felt like they had rekindled an old flame, refreshing and renewing the love they had for one another. She sighed happily, wings fluttering as she remembered clearly the cries of pleasure they both shared. The thoughts alone made her body warm and her feathers tingle with excitement.

The feeling intensified as she felt a hoof rest on her side. Rainbow was close behind her as they lay together, nuzzling affectionately at Gilda's neck. "Good morning," greeted Dash. "You feel as warm as you did last night," she said giggling.

Gilda felt a flush on her cheeks as she rose her foreclaw to gently hold onto the welcoming hoof. "You bet," she said. "Best night ever."

"So I guess we're steady again, huh?" Rainbow asked. She was answered as Gilda rolled her head to close the distance between her beak and the pegasus' muzzle. A soft kiss confirmed this. That was all that was needed. The look they shared then was enough to cast away any doubt.

They rolled to face each other, giving soft kisses. The feeling of love between the two intensified as they readied to once again share the closeness of their bodies with each other. It wasn't long before Rainbow Dash was on top of the griffon, the two emitting sounds of pleasure as they continued the foreplay. Kissing each other, feeling along the other's unique body. They were about to enter another session of lovemaking when both heard somepony clearing their throat.

For a moment both gave questioning looks to each other. Finding that the origin was not amongst themselves, they both looked forward. Gilda looking up from her laying position and Rainbow staring up. Each became more red than the sunset of the twilight evening when they saw a rather well-built unicorn guard donned in golden armor looking at them. He had a slight blush on his cheeks, but other than that his body showed no signs of attraction to the event he had witnessed.

The unicorn bowed his head slowly, eyes closed. "Forgive my intrusion on this obviously personal engagement," he said. His voice was deep, sending shivers down both the females bodies. "I, however, have come on official business on behalf of the Princess and Realm."

Dash blinked a few times then realized she was still atop her partner. She rolled off, coming to all fours on the cloud they had chosen the night before for their reunion. It was supposed to be far from anyone's gaze. Especially that of a Unicorns. How the stallion was able to stand on a cloud let alone be up here was beyond her understanding. However, the Guard had mentioned the Princess, so obviously he had to be someone of great skill and importance to be here and dare to intrude on this personal encounter. By this time Gilda had risen to all fours, fluttering her wings in an attempt to wash away the embarrassment.

"I believe I know why you're here," Gilda said getting a surprised look from Rainbow Dash. She simply gave a shy smile to her lover, looking back at the unicorn guard. "It's about him, isn't it?"

The guard had risen his head from his apologetic bow and was looking at the griffon. He nodded. "I'm afraid the princess was right in fearing you may have lost track of events," he said. "If you speak of whom I believe, then you also know we have little time for personal affairs."

"Wait a minute," Dash interrupted. She looked at Gilda. "What is he talking about?"

Gilda sighed apologetically. She looked to the guard and saw he had a stern expression of warning, looking to the pegasus then. "I can't tell you, not now." Dash seemed hurt by this, eyes wide. Gilda shook her head. "I didn't know we would end up like this. I lost track of purpose, but it was well worth it for you."

Dash smiled at that, their eyes locking again. She wanted so bad just to rush over and steal Gilda away. Whatever it was that was so important could wait! She grumbled, kneading her hoof on the cloud as she came to her senses. Whatever was so important that the princess had to send someone for Gilda meant that no matter what she tried she wasn't going to get her way. Sighing as she relented any further objection, she nodded to the guard. "Alright, but you better bring her back." Dash looked sternly at Gilda, "If you don't, I'll tear through anyone that gets in my way of finding you." The pegasus' eyes softened. "I'm not going to loose you again."

"You won't," assured Gilda. "I promise."

Seeing that things were at a resolution the Guard whinied to signal it was time. Gilda slowly made her way to his side, gazing back at Dash. As the unicorn guards horn started to glow, Gilda got one last thing out before she vanished.

"I love you," the griffon said to the pegasus.

Then she was gone. Teleported away. Dash was left alone. She sagged down on her belly and groaned in disappointment. Holding both hooves over her eyes she shook her head. Why couldn't the guard just have waited a little but longer for them to finish? Now she was flustered beyond all reason. Confound this world!

• • •

It was morning.

Jacob slowly woke from the dreamworld he had seen. It was normal this time, not like the previous with gods and demons. He felt he understood the world a little better. His body no longer ached and he finally felt refreshed. Groaning, he lay turning towards the window allowing his eyes to open slightly. The sunlight bathed his vision in warmth and encouraged his body to wake from the sleepiness. After a few minutes of quiet thought, he pulled the covers from his body and sat up.

Normally he would seek somewhere to bathe. He felt dirty and his body cried for it. Jacob battled with the idea of whether to ask Twilight's permission to use her bathroom, or equivalent. To wake her and ask her where it was. In the end he decided to seek it himself. He didn't have far to go. As he stood and walked to the entrance to the guest room he saw across a small room where a faucet was with some sort of tub. Without asking he went about the routine of cleaning himself.

When he was finished he found a towel to dry with. Placing his underclothes back on he acquired his hygienic supplies from his pack and took care of that necessary deed, including brushing his teeth. It felt nice just to do something so simple for once. Not having to worry about a mission or a task. To finally feel at peace with himself and wake refreshed without the worry of duty. He sighed contently as he finished he went to his room and dressed himself in his gear. It took only a few minutes of his time. Usually he'd do this in a quicker fashion, but he didn't feel the need to hurry. He made his way down the staircase fully expecting to see the unicorn reading a book.

What he found instead horrified him.

Jacobs eyes fell on the torn corpse of what appeared to be Twilight Sparkle. Her innards were spread across the entire floor of the library. Spike's body lay beside hers, splayed out with his head twisted in an impossible direction. His eyes were open wide, mouth open in what appeared to be a scream of fear. He then heard a growl, body going prone on the last few steps and weapon aiming in the direction. He saw a wolf larger than any he'd had ever seen. Its eyes bright red and glaring at him. He didn't hesitate.

Whether in anger or distress at the sight he had seen, he pressed the trigger on his automatic rifle and cried in anger as the bullets hit home. The wolf yelping at first, trying to jump away, but it was too slow. He moved forward, continuing to fire accurate three-round bursts. He didn't stop when the wolf cried in pain. He didn't stop when the wolf fell lifeless. He didn't stop when the wolf finally gave a last yelp and its eyes dimmed.

He only stopped when he ran out of ammo.

For a few moments he kept trying to press the trigger. It constantly clicked without a shell to fire. Then rational thought came back to him. He stayed in that position, prone with weapon ready, breathing ragged breaths. Tears formed at the edge of his eyes as they started to fall. He gasped, fell to one knee and sobbed. The thought of this one innocent pony and her young helper killed in such a horrific fashion sent stabbing emotions through him. He had avenged their deaths, but still emotions racked him. This world, so full of innocence, so full of happiness, had suddenly turned into the world he had left.

Instinct took over through the flow of tears, his hands wiping them away as he quickly changed out the clip in his weapon. The thought that there could be more of these creatures around sent him into a state of fear. What if the entire town had been killed while he slept? He had to make sure this wasn't the case. Without another sign of torment from the moment before he rushed to the door, opening it and going prone as he went out checking all directions were safe as he sighted the world down the barrel of his rifle. Slowly, he lowered his weapon, eyes wide and mouth agape in shock.

Buildings everywhere were either burning or broken in some manner or form. Bodies of ponies either in a state of dismemberment or fallen in place still where everywhere. He ran from one body to another to check pulses, at least to the ones that seemed capable of holding life. Each one left more of a streak of horror in his soul. No pony was left alive. Everypony here was dead. He stood, giving up his attempt at finding some survivors and just taking in everything. He was now in a state of shock and disbelief.

Those feelings ended as soon as he heard a growl. Then another. Then several more. They were all around him. Going prone again he raised his weapon. He backtracked to a point in the center of town, seeing all around him the same wolf creatures appearing from the shadows. Turning around fully as he maintained his position he realized he was surrounded. They crept closer, slowly, knowing they had the numerical advantage. He had no hope of survival. The only thing that comforted him was knowing that bullets could kill them.

He garnered his courage. He would not die here without a fight! He roared a mighty roar, one which the ancestors of man would surely cower in fear from. His face now showing the resolve of a true soldier. They had massacred an entire town for no apparent reason. He was the only thing left that could exact any form of vengeance for the lives taken. The wolves seemed to have stopped momentarily, slightly phased by his unnatural response.

He used this time to aim and fire his first burst, downing a wolf instantly. Before they could react, he downed two more. They started to come, he kept firing and kept killing. His aim true. His bullets finding their targets. With each passing kill his resolve grew. His courage and sacrifice knew no bounds. He would die, there was just to many, but by Melkos he would make his ancestors proud!

They rushed at him, hundreds now, all howling in anger at their fallen brethen. He kept firing, kept killing. By the time they all were near his weapon clicked. He swiftly switched to his pistol. He fired, killing one, two, three more in the first salvo. They all started to prepare to jump. He knew it was over. He reached for the grenades on his belt, quickly attaching each together and pulling the pin. He stood proud, screaming what he thought were his last words.

"Try and get me, I'll take you all to hell with me!"

He crouched as the cloud of wolves hovered close to him. Time slowed at this point. He could see, could feel every detail. The grenades he was holding slipped from his firm grip. He watched in slow motion as they seemed to hover above him in with some majestic aura surrounding them. They each started to detonate, he seeing each one begin the explosion process. It was amazing how lethally efficient frag grenades really were. The explosion consumed the metal holding the lethal combination of minerals and components needed. It expanded quickly, he seeing bodies of the wolves slowly dissolve or be forced back. The explosion cloud slowly consumed him, he closing his eyes feeling this was the end.

Then he heard the loudest explosion he had ever heard in his life.

It took Jacob a few seconds to realize he was still alive. He started to breathe again, realizing he had been holding it. He raised from his prone position, instinctively grabbing his rifle which was amazingly still intact. A quick check revealed it had jammed, which he fixed in a second. He breathed heavily, looking around him and holstering his pistol. There were body parts and burning corpses of wolves everywhere. He had done it. Somehow, he was still alive.

"Only the bravest of warriors sacrifices themselves for those they have never known," came a voice from behind him. It was deep, rich in experience and full of authority.

He gasped in that moment, turning around but keeping his weapon lowered. He saw a white unicorn adorned in golden armor. Its horn was glowing a brilliant color of violet. Its eyes gazed into Jacob's, piercing into his soul as if it saw the determination in his heart. This pony, this warrior, had to be the reason he was alive. He slowly stood, facing his savior.

"It was my duty," was all the response Jacob could give. He was still in a state of shock by still being alive. Death didn't seem to want him lately.

The unicorn warrior nodded his head in response. "I know," he said. "I am Burning Eyes, Elite Guardspony of Her Majesty, Princess Celestia. I have been sent for you."

At this point all Jacob could do was nod. If he thought about it too much, everything he had gone through so far would make no sense. After his near-death experience, however, he was more than prepared to just go through the flow. He then looked around among the fallen. He recalled not seeing the body of Gilda. Burning Eyes caught his gaze again.

"Gilda is safe," he said as if knowing the question before it could form. "All will be explained in a few moments. For now, prepare to teleport with me."

Before Jacob could ask how Burning Eyes knew or where they were going, reality seemed to contort around him. Within a second everything disappeared. His mind had barely a chance to register the darkness before he was standing somewhere different. He felt a rush of air flow past him, then almost fell over with a bought of dizziness. It felt similar to the feeling of being teleported here the first time. He got a glimpse of a tree and a cliff before his vision was blurred by feathers. Falling to the ground with an "OOF" he blinked only to see Gilda the griffon hugging him.

"I thought you had died too!" she shrieked, almost as if she was in a panic.

She relented her hold on him, standing on all fours a few paces away as Jacob stood. He checked himself, having the time and moment to do so, realizing everything was still intact. He smiled down at her, petting through her head feathers as she give a sweet churr of contentment. He heard a snort beside him, looking to see an oddly-colored pegasus pony with a rainbow mane and tail.

Jacob gulped, remembering their last encounter. "Rainbow Dash?" He said remembering her name.

"Yea," she said stomping a hoof on the ground. Then she looked down, a sad expression befalling her face. "But only me. Everypony else is dead."