As the remnants of the special expeditionary force exited the cave, the griffons heard a deep rumble coming from back somewhere where they had just been, and moments later the last griffon emerged from the cave.

Taking a dramatically deep breath of the cold mountain air, Captain Ray smiled as he looks out over the barren land of ice and snow. His eyes glowed unnaturally and a smoky trail seemed to be coming from his feet and tail, but none of his followers dared to mention the new appearance of their leader. Ray took one last glance back at the caves entrance before he spat at it and unleashed another magical attack at the top of the cave, causing the entrance to collapse and hiding the new tomb that lay inside from view.

“A pity, he was quite the interesting pony.” Ray muttered to no one in particular, remembering the stallion he had left for dead back. His reminiscence didn’t last long, and without any further pause he turned to his remaining griffons and spread his wings. “You all are lucky to witness the rise of the next ruler of all of Equestria! Once I have overthrown those two pony princesses, I shall rule as emperor! But for now, let us go join our brothers in battle!” he declared, taking off into the cold sky.

His small force cheered and screeched in celebration and all flew off after their leader, headed southwest towards the city of Los Pegasus. As they left the cold north lands, none of them bothered to look over towards the Crystal Empire, where a lone dragon could still be seen circling the protective shield surrounding the entire city. Ray did not care to conquer the Crystal ponies nor did he consider their existence a threat to his kingdom or his plans, despite the castle being home to the Captain of the Royal Guards. Instead, his focus was concentrated on conquering warmer, more fertile lands, not to mention he had heard of the power that the Crystal Heart held. While he was not superstitious, he was also not willing to risk losing his new-found powers just yet.

It was a long, tiring flight, but Ray and his griffons managed to fly nonstop to their destination, but they eventually landed at the crude headquarters set up by the griffons. As soon as Ray landed, the griffons around him quickly stopped what they were doing and saluted their leader, all of them trying their hardest not to stare at his newest acquisition. However, Ray loving the attention and looks of awe he was receiving, and as he basked in the spotlight he decided to show off his new powers.

“Lieutenant, how goes the attack?” Ray asked one of the nearby officers.

The griffon laid out a map of the city and tried his hardest to keep his eyes on the paper. “Sir, we have split the enemy forces in two, right down the middle. We focusing our attacks on the northern line since our scouts report that they have almost no supplies and should be easier to wipe out than the ponies to the south. We’re, er, finding the resistance a bit more difficult than anticipated, but we do have air superiority.”

As Ray looked over the maps, the lieutenant slowly backed away, worried that the army’s progress was too slow for Ray’s liking. However, Ray smiled and nodded in satisfaction. “Good, good. My show of force will have that much more of an effect.” he said confidently. Before his officer could find out more, Ray turned to leave, signaling his personal guard to follow him. “Tell your griffons to hold their positions until further notice.” he declared before taking off for the front lines.

Confused as to why Ray would order a cease to the attack, the lieutenant dispatched his messengers to inform the rest of the army to hold their positions. One of the sergeants approached him with a confused look and asked what was on every griffons’ mind; why had Captain Ray ordered the cease? What was he planning now?

Sighing, the lieutenant sat down wearily. “I’ve only seen him with that look in his eyes once before, back when he threw that rainbow colored pegasus to the timberwolves. He wants blood, and he’s gone out to seek it himself. I dare not imagine what he has planned with those new powers of his.”

The griffon lieutenant was right; Ray wanted blood, and he found what he wanted. With his personal guards trailing behind him to finish off the few ponies left alive, Captain Ray was a one-griffon army, slaughtering any of Celestia’s Royal Guard that stood in his way. With many of the pegasi already wounded or too scared to take to the skies, Ray was able to concentrate his attacks on the ponies who never knew the wonders of flight. The unicorns tried their best to stop the abomination that stood before them, but their magic was no match for the powerful griffon. The earth ponies were completely helpless; the first few to see him charged at him, only to find the horrific trap Ray had set for them. Using the mystical traits of Sombra’s cursed horn, any pony that penetrated the faint bubble around Ray were turned to smoke, Sombra’s curse painfully disintegrating their flesh until nothing remained of them. The griffons took care to stay out of range of this devastating weapon, as they too would be screaming in agony should they get too close.

It only took a little over a day for Ray to wipe out every pony in the northern half of the city. As Ray made his way back to the command center, the ranking officers let out a rousing cheer for their leader.

“Congratulations, sir! That was an amazing show of power, one none have ever seen!” one of the commanders said excitedly. “The rest of those weak, useless ponies are sure to surrender now.”

The wild look Ray shot him was quickly overshadowed by a savage strike to his face. “Fool! Why would I wish to take any prisoners? They would be nothing but a hindrance to my grand plans! No, we wipe every single one out now!”

Clutching his bloodied face, the commander shrunk back. “B-but sir, the soldiers need rest, they’ve been holding off some surprising counter-attacks from the forces to the south!” he said. “There’s no need for further casualties, I know the ponies will surrender if we offer them an ultimatum.”

“Oh, is that so? How about MY ultimatum…” Ray said. Using a variance of the devastating spell he used before, Ray cast out a cloud of black smoke that shot towards the feet of his commander. Frozen in shock, every griffon present watched in horror as the commander screamed in agony as his flesh began to disintegrate and disappear as his body was enveloped by the growing cloud. Only Ray watched with a sickening smile on his face, seeming to enjoy the screams of his commander until silence fell upon the command center. The smoke dissipated after a few more seconds, and with a muffled gasp every griffon present saw that the commander was no more.

Turning to the next officer in command, Ray gave his orders. “The entire line attacks in one hour. I shall be leading the center and wipe out the enemy headquarters personally. By sundown we will wipe out every living creature in this city. Do you understand?”

The officer gulped and nodded before running off as quickly as possible to relay his superior’s orders. Smiling with satisfaction, Ray looked out to the front lines, watching as five of his griffons ambushed yet another pegasus foolish enough to try to take to the skies.

“Victory is mine.” he said confidently.

Author's Note

After the long awaited anticipation, yes, the story continues...