The Sister Revolution

The group of three sat in the middle of Celestia’s room where it had four pillow’s to sit on as well as a table in the middle of the pillow’s. Celestia and luna sat on one side while Gryphus sat on the opposite side with a mug of alcohol in one claw.

“That is some good stuff if i do say so myself.” Gryphus grinned. “And i do.” He chuckled.

Celestia chuckled along with him. “As much as it would be fun to talk about alcohol.” She grinned. “Could we go along more serious matters. Like the rebellion and the plan you were talking about in the letter you sent me.”

“Ah, yes, of course, but i’ll need something first.”

“And what is that?”

“Money.” He rubbed his right talons together. (You know like the italians when they speak except rubbing them together if you didn't catch on.)

Celestia used her magic to levitate a bag of coins from beside her.

“Of course, as a Mercenary such as yourself i do understand.”

Gryphus grabbed the sack from Celestia’s magic hold on it and smiled when he opened it to see the bag’s contents.

“Oh yes, this will do nicely. Thank you for your cooperation.” He then smiled towards the sister’s.

“It was all that i could round up on such short notice.”

“Oh but it is enough. Now that i am well payed for i shall share my plan with you, only if you are willing to listen.”

Luna frowned slightly. “Isn't that what we payed you for?”

Gryphus laughed. “Oh, yes, of course what is this Griffon brain thinking?” He then cleared his throat and set his mug of liquid made from Faust herself down onto the table.

“The plan is basically an assassination. Not really a plan but more of a mission, i have just the Griffon to do it too since he’s done it before… many times in fact.” He put a claw on his chin and looked away in thought as he said the last part.

“Assassination? Sister how come we haven't thought of that yet?” Luna questioned.

“I don't kn-” Celestia was cut off from the giggling of the Griffon across from them.

“It is because you two lack the experience of war. I mean no offense by it but you two lack it… by a large margin.” And to emphasize his point he opened his arms wide pointing to one wall to the other.

“I guess we would have to depend on you for tactical support then.” Celestia frowned slightly.

“Yes i guess you would need me… hmm *wiggles his beak from one side to the other* oh well we'll cross that bridge if the assassination fail’s.”

“If father were to die the people would serve us without question since we are next in line to inherit the Kingdom!” Luna realized.

“That’s exactly why i said to assassinate him in the first place your majesty.” He winked towards her.

“If the assassination does fail we do have a castle, as we mentioned earlier, in the Trottingham forest. You can station your men there. It has moat surrounding it and the only way in is the drawbridge. Although… there is an exit but it has not been used in a long time, as well as the drawbridge so i do not know if they are in good enough condition to venture through.”

“And what of this exit?” Gryphus inquired.

“It is a tunnel that leads to the edge of the forest although it can only be open from inside the tunnel and the only way into the tunnel is inside the castle.”

“Hmm, that is fine i guess but if we were to be attacked at the castle it would be a death trap since siege equipment could destroy us if the tunnels were to collapse during a siege. And if you do not know what this castle looks like, how do you know all of this?” Gryphus questioned since Luna said she wondered what it looked like.

“Have you ever heard of Star Swirl the Bearded?”

“Oh him? Yeah i've met him before.”

“You have?!? What is he like???” Luna exclaimed.

Gryphus chuckled. “I do not know, we only said a few words and then parted ways. More like me bumping into him in a marketplace and saying excuse me.” Gryphus laughed at the downtrodden Luna.

“But yes i have sort of met him, but what does that have to do with anything your majesty?”

“He actually explored it since it has been abandoned when the pony tribes united.”

“Ah, i see, and how did you learn of this?”

“In his book. It’s in my father’s study.”

“Has your father read it?”

“...” Celestia’s eyes only widened.

“I will take that as a yes. We will not be able to use it since your father knows of it. It will be a problem if we are under siege and we use the tunnel’s only to be captured or killed by Guards surrounding the exit .”

“That is a wise observation.”

Gryphus grinned. “I try.”

“If we cannot use the castle, where shall we stay?”

“I have a camp outside the border of this Kingdom, only problem is, is that it’s in one of the Griffon tribe’s territory. The elder has accepted us there since we are Mercenaries but i do not know if he will accept the daughters of the King in his land.”

“Even if we were to start a rebellion against him?” Luna inquired.

“Yes, the King is not very much liked in the Griffon tribes.”

“I can understand that but what about us? Would they still not like us even if we start a rebellion against him?”

“Like i said he is not liked among the Griffon’s and when i say not liked i mean like ‘We will nail the king to a stake and burn him’ not liked.”

“Ah… i see.” Celestia said.

“Yeah… so we would have to find a place that is neutral and use it as our base.”

“Very well, but you and your men would have to look for it since we do not have an army of our own except for yours.”

“I understand that and so i shall send some pegasus scout’s to look for territory that we can control.”

“You have ponies in your army? Oh nevermind i guess that is to be expected since they are mercenaries.” Celestia said and Gryphus only chuckled.

“Shall i do it right away your majesties?”

“You may.”

Gryphus ten put an evil grin to his beak. “I can not wait for this war.”

Celestia and Luna said nothing out of shock of the quick transition from a laughing and fun loving Griffon to a war loving insane Griffon.

“I will see you when i see you your majesties.” He got up and bowed and took one last gulp of his ale and exited the room.

“Well that was-” Celestia was about to speak but was interrupted but the door opening.

“Ah forgot to ask, but, uh, where is Shiny?” Gryphus had only his head in the doorway.

“Um, he should be in his quarters in the Military Camp outside the city. If he isn’t then you would have to ask the other Guards.”

“Ah ok thank you.”

Celestia just nodded and Gryphus left for good this time.

“As i was saying, that was an interesting conversation.”

“Mmm, indeed it was Tia.”

“Shall i order some tea?”

“Could um… nevermind.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“Could i have some ale? I was wondering what it tasted like.”

“No… too young dear sister.”

“But, Tiiiaaa.” Luna whined.

“No mean’s no Lulu."

Luna then gave Celestia the most cutest puppy dog eyes she could muster.

Celestia turned her head away in fear of what could happen if she looked into those pitiful eyes. Luna then moved so she would be in front of Celestia. Celestia turned her head again and this went on for three more minutes till Celestia couldn't take it anymore.

“Ok! Ok! fine… fine i'll get your stupid ale.” Celestia sighed in defeat.

“Yay!” Luna pumped a hoof into the air. But then noticed Celestia had an evil grin.

“Oh no did i say your ale? I meant mine.”

“But… but, you said-”

“I meant i would get myself ale and you would get tea but you can only have sips, not a full glass, only a few sips and that’s it. You are still too young to drink freely.”

“Oh come on!” Luna frowned and pouted.

“Cheer up at least be happy i'm giving you any at all.”

“Hmph.” Luna then made a belly flop of her sisters bed.

Celestia rolled her eyes. “What am i going to do with you Lulu.” She thought.

Meanwhile in the Military Camp outside the city…

Gryphus was walking toward the barrack gates before being stopped by a Guard.

“Halt!” The Guard in iron armor (think of the Royal Guards in canon but replace their gold armor with iron or steel) walked a few steps before pointing his spear at the large Griffon in front of him.

Gryphus took a few steps back and held out a claw. “Woah, woah there you bronco, i’m not gonna hurt anyone er… anypony. I'm actually here to talk to a buddy of mine, his name is Shining Light, go get him and tell him that Gryphus is waiting for him. He'll tell yeah i'm ok.”

The Guard glared at him before looking to his left and ordering the other Guard that was with him to get Shining Light.

“But sir-”

“I’ll be fine, go get him private .”

“Yes sir!” The Guard then galloped into the Camp to find the stallion.

The Guard still had his spear pointed at him with hatred in his eyes, but Gryphus couldn't see them due to the helmet.

“Soo…” Gryphus was a little nervous on the outside for appearances, but on the inside he was thinking of plans to escape if attacked unexpectedly.

The Guard just grunted at him.

“What is a Griffon doing all the way out here?” The Guard questioned.

“Um, i sorta just mentioned why i was here a minute ago… didn't you hear me? I said i was here to talk to a friend of mine. We used to be in the same Mercenary Band, he also saved my life.”

“You're a Mercenary?” The Guard stopped pointing his spear at Gryphus but was still on high alert.

Gryphus chuckled then put a smug grin on his beak.

“Well i’m not just any old Mercenary… i'm a Mercenary Band Commander, with 300 men to my name. But that 300 will go up in a few weeks when i hire some more men. Speaking of which.” Gryphus looked at the young lieutenant of a Guard and smiled.

“W-why are you looking at me like that?”

“I was just wondering if you ever thought of being a Mercenary. That’s all… wanna be a Merc my good pony?” Gryphus inquired.

The young Guard was about to answer him when both him and Gryphus turned their heads to the sound of galloping hooves on the dirt road. (The reason i say clopping was because theres a few stone slabs here and there in and outside the Military Camp.)

“Hey Shiny, how ya been?” Gryphus put on a smile and waved.

“Hey Gryphus, i’m doing good how about you? You speak to-” Shining stopped asking that question when he saw the two Guards staring at them.

“You know what how about we hit the tavern and talk huh?”

“Sure thing, i could use another drink.”

At the tavern…

Gryphus and Shining are sitting at a table in the corner of the tavern although they would have rather sat at the bar, the ponies inside the bar, including the bartender, are wary of the rather large Griffon so they thought it best that they take a corner table.

Gryphus took another huge gulp of his drink with a loud ‘Ahh’.

“That really does- *hic* hit the spot amiright?”

Shining chuckled and took a sip of his own drink.

“Sure does Gryphus. You know i really surprised you wanted to meet me here in Canterlot, should have told me to go the Bucking Bronco, much more friendly place than this.” The Bucking Bronco (as i should have said earlier) is outside the city and is considered neutral ground for all races. No matter who you are, you are guaranteed a drink and a good meal. If you are one to cause problems, be sure to pack enough armor to sustain any kind of hit since no one inside the bar has tolerance for trouble makers.

“Eh, i don’t really care, besides this ale is this best since its made right here in the city.” For emphasis he took another huge gulp which finished the drink and ordered another one from a passing waiter whose legs shook on the way to the bar and back. Gryphus then pulled out a bag, but hid it enough so no one could see it clearly, and gave the waiter 10 coins.

“T-t-thank you sir.” The waiter was surprised when he got the money.

“No problem.” Gryphus just smiled. The waiter returned his smile and walked off.

“And here i thought you were greedy.” Shining chuckled.

“Meh, i am, just thought the guy could use the money.” Gryphus took another gulp.

“So… you speak to the sisters yet?”

“Yeah, we finished talkin and then i came to see you.”

“How’d it go?”

“Pretty good.” Gryphus smiled. “Who do you think i got the money from?” Gryphus patted his wing where the bag was hanging from. (Inside his wing and hanging on a feather. Yes before you comment ‘THATS IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO LOGIC SINCE A FEATHER COULD BE TORN OFF SINCE THE BAG IS HEAVY WITH GOLD’ i just want to say i don’t care, thats how i wrote it and thats how it’s gonna happen XP)

“Oh come on Gryph, just because you’re a Merc doesn't mean you can hassle the sister’s into giving you money for your men.”

“When you put it like that you make it sound like i run a brothel.” Gryphus grinned and took another swig of the liquid made from Faust’s hooves themselves. (I think you already know this but no she did not make it herself i meant it as Gryphus thinking that >.> just fyi)

Shining snorted then chuckled. “You know what i mean Gryph.”

“Yeah i do but that was funnier. And for your information i happen to need weapons, armor, and some more men since… we are going up against the King himself.” Gryphus put a claw to the side of his beak and whispered the last part.

“I see.”

“But i will only use it if the assassination plan fails.”

“Assassination? Of who?”

Gryphus stared at Shining with an expressionless face. “You’re an idiot.” He deadpanned.

He ignored the insult. “Assassination of the King?”

“Yup.”

“If it does fail at least we have that castle. Did the sister’s tell you about it?”

“Yes and i disagreed with them since its a death trap, so i suggested finding a neutral ground and take it for ourselves and build there.”

“Why do you say its a death trap?”

“It has a moat with only one entrance and if we are attacked we have two ways out.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“The castle has a secret tunnel that leads to the edge of the forest, i don’t know where though, and the exit can only be opened on the inside of the tunnel.”

“Oh yeah i guess i see the reasoning behind that. Since there’s only one entrance its good for us since we could destroy or pull up the bridge but then they could just use catapults. But then again if that happens we leave through the tunnels.”

“Star Swirl the Bearded checked it out and put that info in a book, and that book is inside the King’s study which he read. So if we station there, he knows of the exit and will put Guard’s on it. So if we escape using the tunnel’s we would either be killed or captured by the stationed Guard’s.”

“That’s a really good observation, guess the Merc Commander life changed your way of thinking didn’t it?” Shining chuckled and took a swig of his own drink.

“Well-” Gryphus was cut off by a glass hitting the wall next to him.

“Oi! Who threw that!” Shining yelled.

“Piss off you *hic* Griffon loving *hic* prostitute!!!” A very drunk and very angry earth pony said from the bar.

“Ooohhh, mate you shouldn't have that.” Gryphus said.

“Screw you bird.”

“Oi! I’m not a- well hold on you're right i'm part bird. Nevermind, all’s good!”

Shining, during the exchange between Gryphus and the drunk pony, walked slowly towards the drunken mess.

“Hey sweety *hic* how much an hour?” The drunk pony and a few other’s laughed at Shining.

“Oh maybe like 100 per hour but just for you i’ll lower it to… None you flank faced drunk!!!” Shining then took a bottle from the bar and broke it on the drunkard's head, which resulted in the drunk being unconscious and being a wet alcoholic mess on the floor.

“Hey!” A voice behind the bar yelled.

“Yeah?! What?!?” Shining yelled back.

“You're gonna have to pay for that bottle, wasn't used yet.”

Shining huffed and put a few bits on the bar then took another bottle which resulted in the bartender taking the coins and biting into them, and when satisfied, put them in his apron.

“Thank you.”

“Yup.” Shining then walked passed the shocked looks of the ponies in the bar and sat back down on his seat and drank straight from the bottle.

Gryphus, all the while, was laughing at Shining.

“Y-y-you s- *Gasp for air* seriously said that?” Gryphus then took another breath of air.

“Yeah? So what?”

“That was hilarious, but that made you look so stupid mate.” Gryphus was still giggling and holding his stomach.

“Doesn't matter, he’s unconscious now so he won’t remember a thing.” Shining then took another swig from the bottle.

“Yes he won’t but the rest of them will.” Gryphus had the biggest grin on his beak.

Shining’s eye’s widened and looked around the bar. The face’s on the ponies were ranging from ‘Can’t believe he did that’ to ‘I’m so telling everyone bout this’. They eventually went back to talking to each other and after a few minutes it was back to normal.

Shining gulped and got a red color on his cheeks.

“Didn't know you had red fur Shining. Huh… can’t believe i never saw that before… oh well.” Gryphus shrugged and took one last gulp of his drink and set it down on the table.

“Well Shining as much as i would love to stay, i need to leave.”

“Huh? Oh yeah well thanks for coming to get me. I’ll see ya later then?” He stuck out a hoof which Gryphus shook with his own claw.

“Yup, and don’t be a stranger, come by my camp sometime i’ll introduce you to my men.”

“Sure thing, have a safe trip back.” They both made their way outside.

“You to buddy.” Gryphus then took off into the air. Shining looked at his friend till he was no longer in sight and made his way back to Camp.