I suppose waiting is the hardest part. The most boring. The most painful.
I lie in this white cell. I lie in this cold bed. My eyes rest on this sterile ceiling.
There's not much to see in here. This bed, myself, and this whiteness.
I remembered going downstairs one morning. On a normal day, the first thing I would have seen would be Mom fixing me some breakfast. Usually, it was nothing more than two pieces of toast and a glass of water from the sink. She would have then told me that Dad wished me a nice day before giving me a kiss on the cheek.
However, when I got into the kitchen, Mom wasn’t there. Everything seemed to be in order, but her absence deviated the image. In her place was a small piece of paper on the wooden table. I picked it up and read it.
“I have to leave early today, which means that you have to get your own breakfast. Your chore for today is to clean the dishes. Dad and I will be home later on tonight. Have a nice day and I love you.
-Mom”
It then came back to me. Last night, Mom did mention that she would be gone by the time I woke up. When I asked why, she said she needed to "go into work early."
I opened one of the cabinets and took two slices of bread and popped them into the toaster. In the eight minutes it took to finish, I sat down at the table. I briefly glanced at the sink; which had tons of plates and silverware. My eyes were then guided to the stairs. Maybe I could have played with some of my toys, but my legs were against it. Not that I was lazy, but I just didn’t feel like going up those stairs. I supposed that all I could have done was wait for the popping sound; or should I have said a bomb being detonated.
I removed the hot pieces from the toaster to find that they were dark. It took me about five minutes to take down the slices of charcoal before I grabbed my bag and walked out the door.
Flight school was as normal as it could have been. I sat down through some boring lectures, flew around a bit, and talked with my best friend, Gritty Charge
“Why don’t you invite me over?” he asked me during recess.
“Definitely!” I answered.
Immediately following school, the two of us went straight to my house. Mom and Dad would have usually been gone when I got backl, so that day wasn’t any different.
"And now, the Wonderbolts take to the air! But what's this? Two of their greatest members zoom right by them!" I cheered as I flew down the street.
"It's the Great Gritty Charge and Gliding Wing!" Gritty said while soaring beside me.
The wind blasted against my face and I jerked myself upward to do a flip. I felt a head rush as my body turned upside down and quickly returned right-side up.
"Unbelievable! Gliding Wing has just performed a Sonic Rainboom! They said it was impossible, but he has done it!" I yelled.
The two of us continued to play for hours. It was the type of innocent fun I was used to.
After Gritty left, I did my homework. By then, I noticed that the sun was going down, so I realized that Mom and Dad would have been on their way home. The thought of those dishes flickered in my mind, but flew out just as quickly.
Sure enough, I heard several knocks on the wooden door. I casually walked to the foyer and opened it. I saw both Mom and Dad trudge into the house and right away I noticed something off about them. Both of them had bags under their eyes and their faces were completely flushed.
“Hello, Gliding…” Mom said. The most prominent part of her voice that night was the complete lack of energy. She has never looked or sounded so exhausted before. It was horrifying to me; even at the time.
The two of them dragged their poor bodies into the kitchen and collapsed into the chairs. I couldn’t help but follow them and I stood before the table. Mom looked up at me and she slowly exerted her muscles to put together a smile.
“How was your day, honey?” she asked. It was obvious that she had to muster together a lot of strength to say that.
I nodded.
“Very good.”
Dad turned his head to the sink; where dirty dishes were still cluttered. I heard a tired sigh before his face made contact with mine.
“Why didn’t you do the dishes?” he asked as he brought a claw up to his forehead and blew out more air.
All I could have done for a few seconds was stand there in a panic to find an excuse. But my father was staring at me as he waited for me to say something.
“I guess I…”
What? But I couldn’t have lingered for long.
“...forgot…”
That seemed like enough to get me off the hook. But even though I was confident, I still stood tall and stared at my father. I was waiting for him to say that he would do it or that I would have to do it tomorrow.
What I got, though, was another sigh. His head dropped into his chest and then another exhausted exhale escaped him.
“Go to bed…” was what I heard him say under his breath.
I got what I wanted; a pardon from Dad. But for some reason, I couldn’t celebrate. In fact, I felt my chest burning up as I looked at him. I saw the exhaustion in his face. And then— without warning— I turned and climbed the stairs.
Upon reaching the top, I opened the door and entered my room. Even with the guilt I felt, there was still relief that I didn't have to do the chore. But then again, that's how all eleven-year-olds acted.
I plopped myself onto the mattress with a bittersweet disposition. Almost immediately, though, there was a knock on my door.
"Gliding, can I come in?"
"Yes."
The hinges produced their normal screech as Mom came in. Even though the signs of fatigue were there, it was clear that she wanted to see me.
"May I take a seat?" she asked. The effort she was putting into her voice was commendable.
I nodded and she slowly lowered herself onto the mattress. Even with the lack of light in the room, I noticed the conspicuous bags under her eyes.
"Gliding, you may have seen a note that I left you this morning. Did you read it?" she asked me as she placed a talon on my feathery shoulder.
A wave of fear raced through my mind which caused me to shake my head.
"No..."
I wanted her to leave. Her very presence was making me uncomfortable. Was it because she was...different than usual? Was it merely because it was a confrontation? I didn't know and my mind was set only on isolation.
"Gliding," she said with a stern calmness, "are you lying to me?"
"No."
I was growing uneasy as my head started to hurt. And looking back, it was probably what got me caught.
"I know you read the letter, Gliding, and lying is only going to get you in more trouble."
I scrambled to find something else to say, but I couldn't find anything. Instead, I shuddered; sending vibrations across the bed. Mom must have felt them and she leaned into me with her wings extended. I felt them wrap around my shaking body.
"Now Glidy, you should probably know why I left early today," she said. I was looking at the dark wall as I listened to her.
"You see..."
She stopped and tightened the hug. It was apparent that there was more. I stared at the wall and waited for her to continue.
"Your Dad and I lost our jobs...and we're not making any money right now..."
I was shocked. I knew what that meant and the fear of losing the house planted itself in my mind. At the same time, it didn't make sense. If they weren't at work, then shouldn't they have been at home?
"I can tell you must be scared," Mom continued, "but your father and I are going to fix this...Today we went around town looking for new jobs. That's why I couldn't make you breakfast."
My body was still trembling, which prompted Mom to pat my shoulder.
"Have you found one yet?" I asked.
I heard a sigh.
"I'm afraid we haven't...but Dad and I are going back out tomorrow to search some more..."
Her tender touch relaxed my muscles. Breathing became easier and I felt the stress dissipate like steam.
"Until then, though, I want you to do the chores that are assigned to you. Dad and I may not have the energy to do them when we get back in the evening...Do you understand?"
I slowly nodded.
"I will."
"I'm glad to hear that..."
Mom held me for a couple more minutes. I found the embrace to be comforting as I nestled my head into her shoulder. It felt as if the world froze in that moment and all of its issues were pushed aside.
Mom was the one to separate us. I saw past the flushed cheeks and tired eyes that dominated the look of her face and saw the mother I know and care about.
"Goodnight, Gliding," she said sweetly.
"You too..." I answered.
I’m getting tired of staring at this lifeless space. There’s nothing worth looking at in this place, but a change can work wonders at this point.
I turn my body and face a blank wall. The only difference it has from the ceiling is that I could also see the floor; which is gray. I guess I’ll keep myself occupied with this image.
“Dear Gliding Wing,
The Wonderbolt Academy was pleased with your performance in the audition; however we cannot accept you into our institution. Attached to this letter are score sheets and judge comments from your audition. It is recommended that you review these and reflect upon improvements for the future. We encourage you to keep on trying and we hope to see you again at next year’s admissions.
- Wonderbolt Academy
15270 Lightning Overpass
Cumulus, NV
Zip Code: 89820
Admissions Office: 775-112-0012”
The paper shook within my talons. The motion produced noise from the material as it created creases on itself. The top piece slid from my claws and glided its way to the floor. I then saw the next sheet which contained a printed rubric.
But before I was able to read, I heard a sound enter my ear. Even though the television wasn't that loud, every word that came out of it pounded within my brain.
"Even with Celestia's efforts to combat the recession, many remain unemployed or in poverty."
I forced the news pony's voice out of my head. I stared at the rubric before me and glued my eyes to each individual word.
“Applicant: Gliding Wing
TRIAL ONE
Time- 4:12
Speed Growth Percentile- 53
Overall Coordination- 5.1/10
Coordination Growth Percentile- 41
Overall Style- 5.8/10
Style Growth Percentile- 60
TRIAL TWO
Time- 5:50
Speed Growth Percentile- 48
Overall Coordination- 3.5/10
Coordination Growth Percentile- 37
Overall Style- 4.1/10
Style Growth Percentile- 34
TRIAL THREE
Time- 8:43
Speed Growth Percentile- 49
Overall Coordination- 5/10
Coordination Growth Percentile- 46
Overall Style- 6.3/10
Style Growth Percentile- 57
OVERALL
Speed- 6.2/10
Coordination- 4.5/10
Style- 5.4/10
FINAL SCORE-16.1/30"
I forced myself to breathe properly as I picked up the last sheet and held it in my claw. The paper was shaking so much that I couldn’t read it. Through my eyes I saw the table and I slammed the last sheet onto it. I was not going to read what the judges had to say. Instead, I turned to face my parents, who were right next to me. Dad placed his talon on my shoulder.
“It’s alright,” he said. But he wasn’t fooling anyone with that remark with the obvious pain in his eyes. I brushed the golden talon off and stiffly walked towards the door.
“Where are you going?” Mom asked.
My legs lost their momentum and left my body lingering in the middle of the room. I knew I had to get away, so why was I paralyzed when they were still in sight?
“I’m...going for a walk…”
As I found myself able to move again, I continued walking with the expectation that they would tell me to stop. But even if they did, I wouldn’t have listened. I needed some time away from them.
I wanted to jolt, but I was only allowed to move in an awkward walk. Along the way, the cursed news seeped its way into earshot.
"No place in the world is being hit harder by the recession than the Griffon Kingdom. As Equestria is their sole economic lifeline, they are losing money much faster from the lack of exports. The Kingdom is currently unable to negotiate trade deals with other countries. Ace Feather blames Equestria for abandoning them; adding to the Kingdom's hostility with Equestria.
Despite the Griffon Kingdom's woes, there have been reports of conscription across the country. Ace Feather announced that the country's shifting its federal funding towards the military."
I had finally managed to grab the door knob and twist it. It took some effort, but I was able to open the stubborn door and walk out of the apartment.
I moved through the brick hallway. It wasn't my hallway or my parents. The stuffiness was harder to deal with than usual. The stairs produced their normal creaking as I leaned my body on each damaged step.
After an eternal descent, I saw the door leading to the exit. Despite my yearning to get to it, I was unable to run or even pick up the pace.
Eventually, my claws were close enough to push the door open. The fumes rushed into my nose and I saw the pale pavement under an obstructed sky. Across the street was a filthy deli. Was that going to be my future?
I walked down the street and passed the different outlets. I asked myself which one I should apply to; where was I going to waste my life now that the ember has been extinguished.
Along the way, I trudged down a familiar street. I didn't go down it often, but my legs guided me in that direction. There weren't apartment buildings on this street. Actual houses existed here; ones that had multiple floors with countless rooms. These were places that one didn't merely "rent".
But there was one in particular that I stopped by. Memories flooded into my mind as I saw a place that was once called "home". It wasn't the best on the street, but it was one I could show pride in.
Unfortunately, it wasn't the same home it used to be. That same "For Sale" sign was still mounted in the dirt that used to be a lawn. The white paint on the building's side was chipped and the wood on the front porch was cracked from negligence.
It was a shame that time has done this to my home, but that wasn't the only factor. I looked to my left and saw "For Sale" signs on every home to the end of the street. My eyes moved to the right where it was the same story.
After a while of staring at the house, I flew away from it and never look back.
I think about getting up from the bed, but I quickly get rid of the option.
An obnoxious, yet faint sound rang through my small apartment. It was most definitely the landline.
Every channel this television had was playing the same news. Pathetic ponies were crying over some crisis. But here I was; casually walking away to answer the phone.
“Hello,” I said.
“Are you watching the news?”
I recognized the voice. It was Gritty Charge; a friend from flight school. Although I was so accustomed to his presence, it’s always nice meeting up with him.
“Yes,”
I turned back to the television, which was playing a clip of a speech being made by Ace Feather; the ruler of the Griffon Kingdom expounding denouncements to Equestria.
“The Griffon Kingdom has had enough of Equestria's grievances! We hereby declare war against Celestia and the Country of Equestria!"
Those words from our true leader painted a smile on my face.
“Can you believe this?!”
I nodded my head as I watched the television. An idea then came to mind.
“Meet me in my apartment in about five minutes,” I said.
“Alright, I’ll be right over,”
“Good,”
I carefully placed the phone back on the landline before returning to my cheap couch. Those ponies knew how to ramble on like no one’s business. I stretched my body as I heard some obvious backstory for those too lazy to not follow the news. There wasn’t much to do around here aside from watching television. I usually watched the news for change. I hoped for some drastic improvement to the economy. As a griffon, job opportunities are limited to Griffonston; one of the few cities in Equestria populated by my race. And most of its inhabitants lived in the same kind of apartment as me. If only I could get out of this place.
A knock.
That certainly took less than five minutes, but the sooner the better.
I flew over to the chipped door and swung it open; producing a loud screech. Gritty Charge boasted his red body as he flew in and plopped down on my couch. His eyes were fixed on that television and I too found myself under its spell.
On the screen, the Equestrian ruler Celestia was shown sitting at her fancy desk; her hooves clamped together.
“We are shocked by the Griffon Kingdom’s declaration of war, but we are prepared. As ruler, I will not instigate further tensions. However, should the Griffon Kingdom decide to invade, Equestria will retaliate,”
I turned to Gritty who was hunched over the couch; his face frozen. His crimson feathers were distinguished from the weak colors of the apartment.
I returned my gaze to the television; where Celestia’s face was stone.
“I’m confident, however, that we can resolve this issue as soon as possible. I intend on sending a team of diplomats to the Kingdom’s capital of Gurtz to discuss possible alternatives. I will make it my duty to restore peace to prevent Equestrian blood from being shed,”
The two of us continued to follow the story, which followed for two hours. But it was mostly these ponies just repeating themselves. There wasn't much said between us. All we did was watch those ponies scramble.
The door opens.
I look to see that it's one of the guards.
"Mr. Wing, it's time to come with me."
“Electric Bill Overdue, Third Notice.”
“Tariff Overdue, Second Notice.”
“Rent, Final Notice.”
As I brought the tight envelopes to my room, the wooden stairs creaked louder than yesterday and the sound would only get worse tomorrow.
I walked into my apartment to get myself dinner. I opened the cabinet to find a single bar of grain in the empty space. I knew I would need to pick more up from the convenience store tomorrow.
Tearing the feeble wrapper with my claw, I turned on the television to watch the Monday night news.
“An Equestrian brigade was ambushed today by a band of rebels during a rendezvous to Canterlot; killing all thirty troops. The rebels were reported to be griffons with Equestrian citizenship. This is the third attack this month to have been instigated by people of this demographic."
I didn’t realize I had already finished the small bar and I dropped the wrapper.
"Two of the attackers were taken into custody. Upon interrogation, they claimed that they were protesting the ongoing war with the Griffon Kingdom; stating that it's deepening oppression for the griffon race.
“In response to these acts of treason, Princess Celestia plans to take action here on the homefront.”
The shot then cut to one of the regal ruler. She sat at the same wooden desk as always. However unlike her normal image, she was slumped in her chair and her head was bowed. It took her a moment to raise her head. Pain was evident in her eyes.
“As this terrible conflict continues on our land, I am being pushed to make decisions I would much rather avoid. My effort to bring back peace remain strong, but the Kingdom is determined to spread fear and suffering throughout Equestria. And although I wish there is another alternative, I’m afraid my back has been pressed against the wall.”
Celestia inhaled and slowly exhaled. She closed her eyes and she struggled to re-open them.
“Effective immediately,” she started slowly, “all Equestrian citizens of the Griffon race will be placed under a stronger set of laws. Known as the Griffon Wartime Ordinance, citizens of the Griffon race will receive heavier penalties for crimes.
All Equestrians of the Griffon race will receive a copy of the Griffon Wartime Ordinance; outlining specific details regarding how they will be affected. I will transport them to you now.”
Celestia paused as her head dropped again. Her vibrant mane was less majestic than normal. A beam of light radiated on her long horn. A small blast popped my ears and I turned my head. A light of the same color seeped its way through the front door.
“To the griffons that call Equestria their home, I want you to know that I am deeply sorry for this inconvenience. I am taking this course merely as a precaution in the midst of this crisis. And I want you to know that I did not choose to enforce this new standard without care and…”
I knew she was still speaking, but I had zoned out at that point. Nothing could be heard aside from the words speaking in my mind.
"That's not fair!" or "Things are already bad enough!" were my first thoughts. But as I continue to contemplate my life and what was going on at this moment, long-winded rants flowed within my conscious. Every dream I ever had, every wake-up call, and every disappointment was unearthed as I sat on this ragged couch. It got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore.
I jumped up and locked my eyes on the phone. In a swift move, I propelled myself over to the limp landline and grasped it with my talon. I punched in several numbers and stood there; thumping my foot as I waited.
The monotonous ring was irritating, but it was brief as a familiar voice picked up.
"Can you believe this, Gliding?!"
"Meet me in my apartment." I said.
Another ring indicated that Gritty had hung up and was racing here. Placing the phone back, I flew back to the couch. That same "princess" pony was blabbering on about her plan for Equestria. Just looking at her was becoming too much.
I grabbed the remote and slammed the power button; instantly wiping away her face. I slumped back in the couch and stared at the blackness. My heart slowed down and my mind relaxed. Everything calmed within the quiet, dimly-lit apartment.
The silence was broken with a knock.
I immediately extended my wings and flapped them; lifting me in the air. I pushed myself forward and I bolted to the door. I flung it open to a tight-faced Gritty.
"Gliding!" he said. I noticed his face had loosened a bit as he came inside. I noticed that he was holding a shining envelope in his claw. I then remembered the beaming light and I realized that my mailbox was glowing. Opening the metal container, I found a copy of the same envelope. I took it out and flew back over to the couch.
"I'm going to town square tomorrow morning to stage a protest. I need you to join me." Gritty said stiffly.
I shook my head.
"Tomorrow morning?" I said, "can't you wait until after wo— "
"Gliding, have you even read the provisions yet?" Gritty asked while holding up his envelope. I noticed a tear on one end. I looked down at my own before shredding on the ends with my talon.
"I was reading some of it on the way over here," Gritty said while I was taking out the paper, "and one of them is a bigger income tax just for griffons!"
I stopped in that instant and looked up at a red-faced Gritty.
"A tax just for us? What's gonna come out of that?" I asked.
Gritty slipped out his own packet and flipped through it.
"It's mostly going towards the war effort, but it begs the question: Why not increase everyone's taxes?"
After some scanning, I came across the cursed article.
"All Equestrian citizens of the Griffon race will receive a heavier income tax. The quantity of the tax for each individual— which is determined by their annual salary— will be increased by twenty (20) percent from the quantity of the tax before the passing of this legislation."
I nearly gasped at this horrible reality. Not that I ever doubted Gritty Charge, but this entire packet sounded like a fantasy. I looked up to see my friend's firm face. Unfortunately, I didn't feel anger or a spark to rebel. I felt like I should have, but my emotions didn't get any stronger than a minor irritation.
"I-I'm not sure if...I could join you..." I said.
"What?! " he yelled, "Gliding, how can you just take this?"
I placed one of my claws on the couch and I dragged it along the coarse surface. All the while, I was staring at Gritty who was awaiting an answer.
I thought about this apartment, my job, and my life. They all fused into this pill that was difficult to swallow. I knew that Gritty had every right to be furious. But he got the same life I did. He also lived in a dingy room, worked at the same deli for seven bits an hour, and once dreamed of becoming something more. We were practically the same griffon, but why were we now divided over the same issue?
"It's not like I agree with it...but...I can't stop working...I'd lose the apartment..." I said.
"If you go into work, you're practically accepting this tax and everything else stated in this packet!" Gritty said while jabbing his claw against the paper. With the force he used, I was surprised he didn't stab a hole through the stack.
"I have tried to accept these other tariffs, but I've held on because those ponies had to pay them as well! I've been glad that they've been knocked down a peg; given how they were barely even touched by the recession!"
Gritty puffed some air from his beak. He sat there for a moment and took several breaths. Each one was softer than the last.
"This war has been nothing but pain for me, "Gritty said with his teeth clenched together, "and I know that it's eating away at you as well..."
I slowly nodded.
"Well yes...I don't like what has been going on..." I said as I clamped my claws together, "...and I do get a little upset whenever I'm forced to juggle something else on top of everything..."
I looked at Gritty's eager face before I sighed.
"...but after some time I kind of...learn to tolerate it and...move on..."
"How can you just 'move on'?" Gritty demanded.
"I-I just do. I go into work, get my salary, pay my taxes, and move on. Whenever I have to pay more to Celestia, I just sigh, find something to cut back on, and go from there. I know that makes you angry, but there's simply no other choice..."
I closed my eyes for a moment. It was then that I realized the answer to everything. The reason I just sucked everything up suddenly became clear.
"I guess...I do it..." I said slowly, "...to survive..."
I looked at Gritty. His face was still red, but it was noticeably toned down.
"Gliding," he said calmly, "things are not going to get easier from here. This war isn't slowing down. And if things like taxes keep coming, eventually neither me nor you will be able to 'survive'. By going into work, you are giving Celestia and all those rich, prissy ponies permission to suck even more money out of you."
"But listen to yourself, Gritty," I said as I pointed my talon directly at him, "the entire reason why these stupid provisions were even put in place was because of Equestrian griffons that were also unhappy about the war and went too far! If you follow in their claw tracks, then they're gonna crack down on us even more! Do you want that?!"
Even with my counterargument, Gritty was cool and confident.
"It's not like I don't have this planned out. Those griffons met their downfall in numbers and planning. There were only fifteen of them and even though they made a dent, they weren't able to stay away from the Royal Guard. But I'm going to have a clear strategy!"
As he was speaking, I was flipping through the ordinance and I discovered a frightening article.
"Gritty, you should really think this through! According to this, even peaceful protest can land you a year in jail!"
Gritty leaned into me and carefully read the page. After processing it, he returned to his normal position.
"I'll visit the neighbors. Celestia can't spy on griffons in their own homes!"
I still couldn't believe that he was going to go through with this. Something told me that I had to stop him somehow. But first, I needed to know everything.
"What are you going to tell them?" I asked.
"I'm going to convince them to quit their jobs. Once I have a sizable mob, we're going to congregate in town square where we're gonna march to Ponyville-"
"You're still gonna congregate? The law says no protesting!"
"I know," Gritty said, "and I don't care if I go to jail because of it. I don't give a flying feather about this country anymore. I would have left years ago if I had the money. And after all it has done to me, I wouldn't care if I died."
I gasped. My eyes widened as I heard those words.
"So you would rather die than accept things for what they are?" I said with a lack of control.
"I can't! You can't! No one can! And unless someone stands up against this cancer, we're gonna be pushed deeper and deeper until we drown! So because of that, when I get the mob, we're gonna tear Ponyville into the ground! And then Cloudsdale! And after that, however many towns we need to storm before Celestia gets it through her head!"
"Can't you try a peaceful protest? Even if it is illegal, you'll still have your life!"
"I can't do that either! They'll never listen to a pathetic bunch of griffons carrying signs!"
I was starting to hyperventilate as everything came crashing down. I knew my friend had hated Celestia and ponies, but I would have never known that it was to such an extreme.
I tried to calm myself down by deepening my breaths, however it was a struggle. Each attempted inhale was matched by something pushing my chest back in. It took a minute for me to conquer this hurdle and I completed a proper breath.
"Now...Gritty," I said. It was barely above a whisper, "try to think rationally here..."
I released one of my claws and reached it over to Gritty's shoulder.
"The Royal Guard will obliterate you...you'll die! And...if they don't kill you on the spot, you'll be executed for treason..."
My beak forced itself into a wobbly smile.
"So be the decent friend I know you as...and really think this through...for me..."
Gritty stared at me for a while. Even with his anger, it was clear he saw something in me that prevented him from bursting out. His face slowly loosened and cooled down.
"...Alright...I won't do it..." he said with a straight face.
Gritty rose from the couch. He stood straight and stiffly.
"Good night, Gliding," he said.
I thought he was going to turn to the door, but he looked at me for another moment.
"Just remember, though, that things aren't going to get easier."
With that, he walked to the door and opened it in a swift fashion. He made his way through the exit and closed the door with a soft slam.
I got up and flew over to a switch. I flicked it with my claw which immediately killed the light. The darkness didn't matter as I knew just how far to fly to get back to the couch. I was able to get back there in a quick burst from my wings.
Now alone, I thought about what Gritty said. I knew I was following the Equestrian law even with my disagreement, but that was also the right thing to do. To me, Gritty's protest seemed almost childish. Even with the news of attacks across the country, I was convinced that it would only be a matter of time before this war would end. Whether it ended in ten years or tomorrow, something told me that I could keep up this lifestyle. Even though I was already on the verge of losing the apartment, there was no way Celestia would tax me anymore.
These thoughts lingered in my mind as I fell asleep.
The pony guard marches down the hall.
All I think about is how long and exhausting that hall is.
"You ready for tomorrow?" Gritty asked me.
"Yes." I said as I nodded my head.
It was hard to see Gritty in the black alley on the half moon night. But I was able to make out the genuine smile painted on his face. It was full of passion and anticipation.
"Gliding, I brought you out here tonight because I wanted to be alone with you." he said.
A flared burnt up in my chest and I clamped my teeth.
"You better not be accepting death, Gritty!" I said. I wanted to yell, but forced myself to whisper. And I thought that he was the one that was bursting with confidence.
Gritty placed his talon on my shoulder with a reassuring grin.
"I'm not saying that, Gliding. But you're such a close friend that I wanted to spend some time alone with you. It wouldn't matter if it were the night before the revolt or just some random day."
Even with his kind words, I still had some suspicion. He must have been up to something. Why else would he call me out here?
"So...did you want to do something?" I asked.
"Well...I did want to tell you something you should probably know."
"What is it?"
Gritty scratched the back of his neck and stared at me. I noticed something about his eyes that were a little off putting. It was clear that this wasn't going to be good.
"I know I'm not always down-to-earth like you are...but I'm gonna try just for tonight..." he said. Gritty jerked his beak before he continued, "I just want to say that you have always been a good friend to me. When we first met back in flight school, you were one of the coolest younglings I knew. I still remember us pretending that we were the Wonderbolts. I guess what I liked about you was how much we had in common at the time."
"Why does this sound like a farewell?" I asked with my eyes narrowed.
Gritty was frozen. It was something I never thought I would see out of him. His body trembled and was speechless.
"I believe the two of us will prevail in this mission..." he said. He paused for a moment to breathe, "but there's always the chance that I won't be able to say goodbye. I may not always seem like a good friend, but I care about you very much. And I want you to know how I feel just in case."
I was still skeptical, but I was touched by his words. I always felt that Gritty cared for me like a real friend, but never expected him to flat out say it.
I stretched my wings and came closer to him.
"W-What are you doing, Gliding?" he asked confused. But I didn't care what he had to say. He was going to get a hug whether he liked it or not. I wrapped my wings around Gritty's stiff body, "I'm serious, Gliding, why are you touching me like that?"
"I'm showing you that I care." I whispered into his ear.
I held him like that for a minute. He never returned the embrace, but that was the Gritty I knew. When I finally broke from him, he was as straight as a stick.
"And I think I should tell you something as well," I said.
"What is it?" Gritty asked.
"I guess this whole revolt has filled me with something...something I forgot about..." I said as I smiled, "...excitement. All my dreams were shattered years ago and ever since I never even bothered aspiring to anything. And as a result, my life became dull."
My smile grew as I continued.
"But when you first convinced me to take part in that peaceful protest, I felt control! Even though that protest didn't work, I felt like an actual griffon! And now that we're doing this attack, I feel even higher than ever!...And I owe it all to you!"
I noticed Gritty's look of approval on his moon-lit face.
"I'm glad to hear that. And once we end this war, we'll be the heroes! Those ponies will look up to us!"
I nodded my head. It was true! This was something I could do! It was me who was going to break my chain! It was me who was going to liberate myself!
The two of this then decided to head back to the shelter for the night. We flew out of the alley and around the corner to the building. There was a sign that read: "Griffonston Home for the Homeless".
The guard presents to me a chair with a series of latches on it. Beside the metal chair is a table with several needles and a vial on it. I am ordered to sit down at it. I turn my body against it and I collapse onto the chair's base.
The pony straps down my wings, legs, and my neck. She then walks in front of me with a notepad in her hoof.
"Gliding Wing, for committing treason against the Country of Equestria, you are sentenced to death by lethal injection. Do you have any final words?"
There is a brief silence. I tiredly inhale and exhale several times. The guard waits for me.
"I'm tired."
The guard walks over to the table and picks up a clean needle. She then takes the vial with her hoof and extracts its contents. Now with the needle full of the clear substance, she pricks it into my wing and pushes it.
I'm not tired anymore.
