The Great Gryphon Adventure

Regus Maxim watched the scene unfold before him. Over the past week the Confederate States had entered a height of readiness never seen before. Most of the overseas humanitarian efforts were temporarily placed on halt, recalling millions of soldiers back home. Thousands of military assets were pouring into the States to provide relief for the situation that was ensuing. Billions of Anagonians were in a state of panic. The military police were stretched thin for calls of people disappearing and riots taking place all over. The Marine Corps had been called to active duty to provide further assistance for the domestic situation, but little could be done under Constitutional grounds until the rioting turned violent.

That was the only relief that assured Regus that everything wasn't going to hell. Anagonians were natural in expressing their freedoms to the fullest extent. Rarely did they engage in violence to express their opinions or dismay of things. The military, while their protectors, was required to stop such acts of violence. No one wanted to confront their brothers and sisters in uniform in such a way. It was just so uncivilized.

Even still a few reports of domestic violence had crossed Regus' attention. Thankfully none of them warranted action on the military's part. It was mostly the usual crime or the rare single instance of looting that was easily handled peacefully by a Marine Corps platoon. He couldn't deny that tensions were rising. Regus wasn't a fool to ignore the tension that was literally at the breaking point. Something had to be done. What could be done, no one knew.

"Regus," said a familiar Russian-speaking accent from behind him.

The Chief General was standing on the balcony of the west wing of the Confederate White House. He was trying to think of a solution to his dilemma as he and the Vice President were staying up as long as possible to help with command and control issues. He turned around, the cool night air breezing past him as the constant sounds of military police sirens echoed in the distance. What he saw turned the normally stern-faced expression he held into one of shock and disbelief.

"O-Oscar?!" he stammered. This was impossible! He had personally seen him die at the hands of of a warrior from their now-allied alien comrades. There was no way, no possible way... unless he was daydreaming.

Regus shook his head, rubbing both eyes before opening them. Still seeing him, he pinched himself. He felt the pain. All evidence indicated he wasn't daydreaming. Oscar Vladinchi was standing before him. He remained quiet. His shocked expression calming as he closed his open mouth, breathing faster than normal.

Oscar had an amused look on his face. He wore the uniform he had before he died. It was white, adorned with medals and mainly for ceremonial uses. His hair was white with age. His mustache still kept to a perfect trim. History knew Oscar as the virtual look-alike of Joseph Stalin, though he lacked the psychopathic weaknesses the Soviet leader had. He took a step forward, his dress shoes creating a clicking sound as he did. Reaching a hand out he placed it on the shoulder of Regus, gripping in such a way to finally assure the Chief General that this meeting was quite real.

Oscar gave a nod. "It is I, friend. Though only for a short time."

Noticing that his friend was still at a loss for words, Oscar chuckled. It wasn't a moment later that he felt a strong hug from Regus. The man gripping him tight and releasing. There were tears in his eyes as he stood a step back to wipe them away. Oscar could only smile. The two of them had lead a nation through hard times together. Shed blood together. It was understandable to see this display of emotion. Their relationship extending to a close brotherhood. Regus was one of a few high ranking military officials that had actually cried at Oscar's funeral.

"Come now," Oscar said trying to comfort his brother-in-arms, "while I appreciated this display at my grave, now is the time for talking." He gave a slow nod, seeing Regus regain his composure and return the nod. Oscar smiled. "Good. I promise there will be time to explain things later and for us to talk more, but for now I must be brief for more important matters are at hand."

Regus choked his words, "Of course brother. Forgive my lack of respect." He knew the only power capable of doing this deed was Melkos himself. It was obvious. Otherwise without Oscar stating he was here for something more important Regus would have inducted himself into a mental institution. He cleared his throat, finally regaining control of his mental state. Oscar had promise a later time for this, so later he would save it for. "As you can see I am at wit's end, so I am glad our God Emperor has granted me this respite."

Oscar laughed. "God Emperor indeed!" He patted Regus on the shoulder. "Though I doubt he would frown upon such a title, let us keep in mind his plan for things." He scanned the horizon. "His plan for his people." He looked to Regus, his expression serious. "His plan for you, my Comrade Brother."

"Plan for me?" Regus said in disbelief. Of all the things that could be said, that was the one thing he least expected. He knew the teachings of the Drekamythian Church. How Melkos Unchanos was the keeper of balance. That all souls, no matter how tainted and corrupt, found repentance in his eyes. That even those who disobeyed the key rules of Brethrenhood would be punished accordingly, but never cast away as useless. In this all Anagonians found relief. Though very few of the billions that lived now followed it as strictly as those in the Imperial Church. It was simply a guiding principle for how to live.

Regus was one of those people. Had become more so when he witnessed the death of Oscar. His path to balance had been marred by the emotions of that day. Until today he had never properly forgiven Melkos, nor believed in his existence as firmly as he did before. But now, seeing his brother standing before him and saying those words, his piety had come back. Even if this was an illusion crafted by his mind, he would go from it feeling more confident that he could lead Anagonia from the turmoil it was in.

"Yes my brother," Oscar said interrupting his thoughts. "His plan. Let me warn you now that what I am about to tell you will probably seem impossible, even improbable. What I will ask you to do will even be more so. I can only ask one thing from you brother. That no matter what I tell you, what I ask will be done according to how I say it should be done."

"You have my word," Regus promised. Though whatever Oscar could tell him couldn't match the improbable meeting he was having now. How wrong he was.

Over the course of the next thirty minutes Oscar unleashed a tale so impossible that nearly at a few points Regus was going to object. Only his word of promise kept him from doing such. The plan Oscar laid out was one that would test the hearts and minds of millions. It required an unrelenting loyalty on behalf of those he would convey the instructions to. It would further require that everyone made aware of it trust in his judgment and not think he was actually supposed to be in a mental ward. At the end of it all Oscar remained quiet, waiting for any questions. Regus had to take a moment to assimilate everything he had been told to do.

"How will I convince them to do as you say I should do, brother?" Regus finally asked, understanding that what was required was beyond any sound mind to follow.

Oscar laughed. "I have already made arrangements that will assist your mission, my brother." He smiled and once again patted Regus on the shoulder. "All that is required of you is to trust this plan. As I have explained, not only is our world at stake, but so is that of another. Let that knowledge and Melkos be your guiding light."

Regus sighed, defeated in voicing any further objection. He nodded slowly. "Alright. But you must keep your promise to me, brother." He looked Oscar squarely in the eyes. "Right now I believe I'm quite insane. Even when I go through with this, that knowledge shall follow me and try to break my resolve. My only peace shall come when we have our talk. Know this," he rested a hand on Oscar's shoulder, "I have always followed you without question. I shall do so now. However, if you do not keep your end, I will kill Melkos myself."

Oscar smirked. "Then I best spare my father that rightful death."

The two embraced. Hugging each as if they had embraced a long-lost family member. At the end of it Oscar bid his farewell and Regus turned back to the sights of the city from the Balcony. When he dared turn around for another look, Oscar was gone. Regus sighed. He looked up to the stars above. They seemed different than he had remembered. He closed his eyes, whispering a simple prayer to his god.

Guide me.

***

Guide me, came the magnified request of hundreds of people.

Melkos Unchanos woke from his meditation. He was no longer in the place of paradise. His form no longer resembled that of a living man. Bones replaced flesh and muscle. Two red orbs came to life in the skeleton's eye-sockets as he opened his vision. Slowly the skeleton rose, an energy manifesting as darkness encompassing the form to envelope it like a cloak. He stood on the edge of forever, his ethereal cloak all but hiding any evidence of the bones underneath. Only his eyes stood out, gazing below at the land beneath him.

He saw the chaos slowly escalating beneath him. In a past life he would have thrived on this. His only purpose then was that of destruction and death. When Zecora had revealed to him what she felt of the wolf creature and Celestia had filled in the blanks, Melkos knew that he was not dealing with any normal entity. At the time he didn't express these thoughts. They were irrelevant to the outcome of the situation and would serve no purpose in being exposed. From what he knew of Celestia's realm, there was little in place of a resistance to the kind of pure hatred and evil that was slowly consuming her world.

It had all started as a freak accident. Gilda's act of selfishness in attempting to take her life had opened the way for the darker tendencies to invade Equestria. When she begged for help, the call had not gone unheard. One could say that the blame for everything lay in the hands of Melkos himself. Uncaring of where the call of help had come, he had acted. At the time he was in a deep slumber contemplating the future of his own realm. Of the path his Creator had dictated. It was in that instance of confusion that he opened the doorway for the universe to respond.

From then on events had played out without any control. Melkos had unknowingly unleashed possible devastation on another dimension just by releasing the doorway to his realm. His lack of wisdom in the matter disturbed him, more so then when he had screwed up the balance of his realm the second time. It was an easy fix then. Things returned to normal and events played out according to the Creator's grand plan. He was thankful that he was still allowed to be protector of balance. This time, however, he felt everything he was had been placed at risk. His own existence had been put on the line.

This had not gone unnoticed by the Creator. His master, the one who had literally crafted Anagonia from a single thought and all it was to this day, was less than pleased. In all his lifetime, the event that brought him into service of the Creator had been the only time he felt the intense amount of disapproval he felt now. Only once had he seen the Creator. Only once had he been told what to do and what his purpose was going to be. Now he felt that his purpose had been violated and his actions had cost him that right to maintain his Creators plan in motion.

Unlike what the people down below him believed, he was not perfect. If any situation exposed that it was this one. He was just as imperfect as them. Capable of mistakes. This time it could cost him everything he loved and his very own life.

"I am gravely disappointed in you."

The voice was a shock to him. At first he believed it was from his own thoughts. Then he realized it came from all around him. He started to feel a great pain in his chest. The god-like entity fell to his knees. The pain grew and enveloped his entire being.

"What have you done," demanded the voice. It was booming now. "How could you share your being with a creature not of my own creation?"

The pain intensified further. He fell on his face. The ground below him disappeared. Everything disappeared. Then the pain subsided. Melkos felt something below him. Grass. He took in a breath that was taken from him when the pain began. He started to rise, taking in the new surroundings.

It was the longest field of grass he had ever seen. It was shorter than that of the grasslands he had in his paradise. Yet here there was no end. On all sides it extended, waving with a summers breeze. He remembered this place. He saw it the first time he had met the Creator. He sensed someone standing behind him and turned around, his ethereal cloak struggling to maintain its hold on his skeletal body. The red orbs he had for eyes widened, seeing before him the Creator.

To any normal person what Melkos saw looked like an average man in his mid-twenties. He had brown hair and hazel eyes. He looked of Caucasian decent. The only give away of his position was the black afgan robe he had on. It was lined with gold stitching on the shoulders and down the front of the robe hiding the buttons underneath. Yet even in the anger he experienced earlier, the man's expression was soft and caring.

The Creator shook his head in disapproval. "I did not create you to invade the story of another." He raised his arms, moving from side to side as if taking everything in. "I created your world and all the stories you have lived in for the enjoyment of others and myself." His arms lowered, he walking closer to Melkos and sighing deeply. "Look at what you have done, Melkos. My story has branched into lands unknown. It has granted a great evil on something that should easily be defeated. It has quite possibly doomed everything I have worked so hard on."

At these words Melkos went to his knees. If he could cry in this form he would. The guilt so much that it equaled the pain he felt earlier. He lowered his head, ashamed at everything he had ever done. He barely saw the Creator walk closer to him and go to one knee. He dared not look up.

"Good job," the Creator said in a happy tone.

"What?" Melkos said in a surprised tone. He looked up. The Creator was at eye level with him. For a moment he maintained this position, then he sat back holding his head. "Good job?" he said more to himself than the Creator. It didn't make sense! There was no hint of sarcasm in what the Creator had said.

"Yes, good job," the Creator responded. "Though there are times when you have been rebellious to my plans, this is one time when I had to sit back and let things play out. So far I am far from irritated."

"What about earlier?" Melkos said. He was still in a state of shock. "You said you were disappointed in me!"

"Perhaps at first," the Creator said. "But it was more for dramatic effect than anything. I mean, really, you're just a figment of my imagination. A literal expression of a part of my being. How could I even not be anything but happy?"

Melkos let out a sigh. It was more in relief than anything. He shook his head, still not understanding. "But what about Equestria? What about that creature? What about... about all that?" he said, mentioning more of Anagonia than the creature in Celestia's realm.

The Creator laughed, sitting down and placing his arms on his thighs. "You've always been so serious with this." Melkos tilted his head. He didn't know whether to be insulted or to take that statement as a compliment. The Creator continued. "I'm not normally this rational with anything I do. It's all you and every other person we've created together. You remember those times when I just the world play itself out? That was when I sought more of your guidance in this world than anything." He chuckled. The revelation was more startling than comforting to Melkos. "Look, I'm not saying I played a part in it. Of course I did. It's my mind. But here and there I would just sit back and let it all play out. I had to. Even if I try, I can't create a story with meaning unless I let it have meaning. I can't give it purpose unless it wants purpose."

Melkos blinked, or as close to blinking as his metaphysical eyes allowed. "What exactly are you saying?"

The Creator smirked. "Let me give you an example. You remember Drakomis, right?" Melkos nodded. How could he not? He was his son, a leader of many worlds and a key part of the history of Anagonia long forgotten by the people today. "Good. Now would you believe in the beginning, before you came along, he wasn't your son. He wasn't Oscar's brother. He wasn't anyone important except as a leader." Seeing Melkos give a shocked expression, the Creator continued. "How did it happen like that, you wonder? Simple. It just did. It's how it all played out, how it all evolved. The thought that this is how it should have played out came across and BAM, it was fact. The story changed to reflect this." He shrugged, "While to you it may have always seemed that way, in the beginning it wasn't. He was just a name. That was it."

"What about me?" Melkos asked. His entire world had literally turned on its head.

"You?" The Creator laughed again. "You were supposed to be an evil villain or something. I mean, when you first appeared, I had planned that you were going to kill everyone and just end the damn thing. I was tired, restless and the story was stagnate." He then smiled as he gave a nod, "But you somehow got a life of your own. How you became who you are wasn't more on the way I planned it but more on the line of how you wanted to be." He placed both arms in the air in a helpless gesture, slapping them back down on his knees. "So who was I to object? From that point forward, everything had purpose. You were the start of something new, fresh. Ever since then my stories made sense." He chuckled again. "I have you to thank for that."

The amount of positive feelings that Melkos felt at that moment was unable to be described. The main feeling was a new feeling of purpose, of existence. He had always believed that the events leading to his repentance and resurrection as a being of balance had been by chance. That meeting the Creator was purely on a basis of work, of continuing a purpose not of his own. It dawned on him then that by this confession from his Creator, that everything that had happened since then was in some small way because of him. He would smile if he was able. Still, there was a problem at hand.

"Oh don't worry about all that," the Creator said waving Melkos' thoughts off with a gesture. "Listen. While that world has little to do with me and while it was crafted by some other creator, I have some say in events. I can't go into details because it would completely ruin everything. I think those having knowledge of this story would thank me on that." The Creator seemed to look to the side and smile at someone, giving a wink. Who it was Melkos didn't know nor was he about to ask.

The Creator looked back at Melkos. "My presence here is more or less to reassure you, Melkos. What is happening now is, once again, because of you. It's gotten a little bit out of control, but like always I'm just going to sit back and relax and let it all play out. From here on you'll dictate how it ends." He rolled his eyes, sensing Melkos thoughts. "No, you don't have power to change anything in your usual 'I'll-fix-this-fuck-up' fashion. It'll ruin everything and give little purpose to the adventure we're having now." He smirked, "But I will however demand that you do something according to how I want it. Just this once."

Melkos blinked metaphysically again. "And that is?"

The Creator frowned and demanded, "Stop derailing my story about ponies."

With that the Creator stood. Melkos stood also out of respect, more fearful of what his demand implied and how odd it was. He watched as the Creator then reared his right leg back in readiness. It was like some famous movie scene being played over again. The subsequent kick came suddenly, impacting his chest and forcing him off his feet. He flew back, arms waving as he fell into a black abyss that appeared beneath him. His vision blurred and his surroundings changed. He closed his eyes, expecting his demise.

When he opened them he was back standing over Anagonia. He felt himself over, noticing that nothing had changed. Had he dreamed the whole thing? Something in the very fibers of his being told him he hadn't. He blinked several times. If he was any normal human, he would ask what in the hell he had been smoking. Confused by the odd thought that crossed his mind, he shook his head. The last words of his Creator resounded in his thoughts. He shivered involuntarily at the implications of going against them.

Time to get back on track.

***

Zecora woke laying on a stone floor. Celestia's sun was rising and a dim light came through a small opening. The beam of light fell on her, allowing her to see inside the room. She made out that it was obviously a place to hold prisoners. The existing chains on the wall told that immediately. Then the smell of rotting flesh met her nostrils. She stood on all fours and took a step back. She felt something go squish in a sickening fashion under her rear hoof. When she looked, she noticed entrails. Gasping, eyes wide, she then noticed that blood and body parts were strewn around her.

The noble zebra quaked with fear. Never before had she seen a sight such as this. It was unnatural, she felt it in her bones. Then she remembered the wolf. She cursed under her breath. Most of the body parts resembled that of humans. This could only be the act of some vile creature. Apparently the remnants of Nightmare Moon were more twisted than even Celestia and Melkos could ever believe. Whomever these people were, they didn't seem to have a chance at defending themselves. She wanted to cry, barely holding the emotions back.

She remembered the plan that the two divinities and herself had gone over. She was to investigate the origins of how it came to be. Melkos had spoke to her and gave her subtle hints about something he thought concerning that. He stated simply that he believed whatever further corrupted the already evil entity had to come from his realm. She felt sorry for whomever lived that world. Seeing this around her made her thankful to be living under Celestia's guiding light.

Zecora took in a deep breath and used her methods learned through years of training to surpass her base instincts. Slowly, carefully, she placed the sights she had seen at the back of her mind. There would be time to properly understand them later. Now she had to do what she agreed to do. The first step was to wait for Halkan whom, according to Melkos, was being lead here. The one thing she was not to do was reveal to him in any fashion who he was or how he got here. That would, again according to Melkos, ruin everything of his purpose for being here.

When the introductions were over she was to travel with Halkan on his quest. Celestia stated that beyond the remnants of the Tower she was in there was another structure a days walk away. Celestia openly admitted she didn't know what it held but that, upon inspecting her realm closely, whatever energy the remnant had she had felt strongly there. They had asked if she could locate the remnant through whatever method of feel she used. Sadly, she couldn't.

Making her way carefully through the bloody remains she found an exit to the room and took the stairs down. The bottom floor was more empty than the one she was in. The only difference was the location of the window. She saw the exit, being obvious since more light entered, and walked out to the open. She allowed herself to take in the sun, feeling the comfort it provided. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled and relaxed herself. Already the fear of what she had seen was slipping away.

Zecora scanned her surroundings. Where the tower was located there was a cliff. She walked over to the edge and noted that the drop was farther than she could survive. It wasn't too far, but it was of a noticeable height. She took the opportunity to scan the north. She could barely make out a structure in the barren landscape. It would be a difficult task getting there, but hopefully they would find the necessary food and water along the way. Something told her they would. She then looked over to where the cliff seemed to transform into a slight slope. Walking over there she noticed a path down. At some points it was steep, but nothing she couldn't handle.

Almost on cue she felt eyes on her. Looking behind her she noticed Halkan jogging to close the distance. He was obviously pleased to see her. She gave a welcoming smile. The two greeted quickly and upon Halkan's question of why she was there Zecora explained what she was allowed to. It didn't seem to confuse Halkan, only strengthen the resolve he had. He swiftly nodded. Without further delay they made their way down the path. To her delight Halkan revealed that he had crafted a pouch from some foliage. It was crude and primitive and the weaving he used from some vines was holding it together just barely, but the contents were kept safe. They were some fruits and berries he had found along the way and found to be safe. Zecora confirmed this just by looking at them.

They were halfway down the path when they Halkan stopped. He pointed and Zecora looked in that direction. Her eyes widened. Once again she felt fear.

"Oh no," she gasped.

A dragon was slowly rising from the ground with its wings beating mightily. It did not seem pleased that these two creatures were violating its territory. With few resources in the way of food including gems, they would provide an adequate meal. When Zecora looked to Halkan he had taken off his pendant and held it tightly in one hand.

It was glowing brightly. So bright, Zecora had to avert her eyes. Halkan merely stared defiantly at the dragon approaching.

Zecora noted that he didn't seem afraid at all.

***

The wolf prowled at the edge of the forest. In front of her was a small homestead that seemed to resemble a tree or cottage of sorts. The predator could make out small animals scurrying around. It sniffed the air, smelling what it came here for. Slowly, carefully, it creeped along the grass nearly on its belly. It made sure to stay downwind of anything. Whenever a chicken or rabbit would raise up as if it had sensed or seen it, the wolf would freeze. When the wind changed direction, it changed direction against it.

The wolf carefully made out a pegasus leaning down to nuzzle a rabbit with a cast on its arm. The predator snarled at the pathetic display, realizing suddenly the mistake it made. Every creature cried in fear and started to scatter. Except the pegasus. The wolf made its move, pouncing higher than any normal wolf would be allowed to. Over the fence it went, straight at the pegasus.

Fluttershy's eyes widened. It was all too quick, even for her. She got out a simple scream of fear before she felt herself being knocked to the ground. Before she even had a chance to defend herself she felt the most intense pain of her life and a loud crack of bones. Her own bones. Before she could place where it came from, her vision blurred and she passed out from the pain.

Once again, the creature rose with blood stained over its muzzle. Too twisted at this point to even appreciate what it was doing. All it knew to do was kill again. So it quickly left the seemingly-lifeless pegasus behind, bounding over the fence and into the forest to hunt for another innocent being to destroy.