The Elder Scrolls: Equestria

“...when you love somepony, truly love them, you no longer think of just yourself. But of the pony you love. Their needs, their desires, and their happiness...”

SNAP! There went my forth lock pick. Fuckfuckfuck!!! what the fuck is wrong with me!? I couldn't even remember the last time I broke a lock pick on a job in Canterlot. And this...this fucking novice level door lock was giving me shit. My thoughts returned to Rose, staying at Quill's home. Ever since she called me 'mommy' I'd been slipping.

I broke a dozen of my lock picks getting past the three doors that I picked earlier without breaking one. I walked us straight into a patrol that I could have easily avoided. Thank the Shadows for Grover. He took down the three Legionnaires like a tomcat pouncing on a mouse. Disarming them and finishing them off in three fluent strokes of his blades.

One blood purging spell and a locked broom closet later we were on our way to the treasury. Even with Grover beside me I still felt...off. Uneasy. And the little pony in my head just would not shut up about Rose. What if we get caught and Quill has to raise her? What if Grogar finds out about her and hurts her? Why the fuck did I bring her to this awful place!?

My ears were twitching, my mane was in disarray and I was shaking. I...I never shook! I was never scared on a job! I broke into Canterlot castle and almost made off with the Elements of Harmony without blinking an eye! I shouldn't have been nervous. I shouldn't have been scared! What is wrong with me?! I should be able to handle this!

I hadn't felt anywhere near this nervous on a job in nearly three years but the moment we reached the door to the treasury my nerves were so frayed that one more fuck up and I'd be sobbing. Hell, there were already tears running down my cheeks. Just as I floated out another lock pick Grover placed his talons on my shoulder.

“Take a deep breath, steady yourself.”

“I'm fine...” I began weakly.

“I heard what she said to you.” his grip tightened on my shoulder reassuringly. “I understand, you're scared. You're regretting your decision, but you have to calm down. We'll be in and out. You will be fine. I will be fine. Rose will be fine. Just focus.” his words, so calm, so confident...so... reassuring. His words coupled with the determination I saw in his eyes calmed me enough to focus. I took a deep breath to steady myself, then focused on opening the lock.

And with practiced ease the lock opened.

“That's my mare. Now let's go.”

Grover followed close behind me as I disabled the treasury's protection spells. The room itself was a massive collection of ivory statues, piles of bits taller than Celestia and Grover combined, and gemstones larger than my head basically littered the floor. The walls were covered in large banners made from golden silk, and the ceiling was adorned with massive crystal chandeliers. The gems cast a soft azure glow over the treasury and it's contents.

I admit that at times I felt aroused when I looked at Grover. Especially if he wasn't wearing his armor. But looking around this place, and having Grover so close actually brought a blush to my cheeks.

There he was. Standing ever so vigilantly beside me. Looking for anything and everything that could hurt me. He was so confident, not just in himself but in me as well. He would die to protect me. To protect Rose, or Quill and her kids. I suppose the thing I loved about Grover was...

He cared.

He cared about me, Rose, Quill, Riverwind, Bluebell. He cared about Equestria, and the ponies who lived here, even though many of them treated him as nothing more than a mercenary. Even Celestia, arguably one of the kindest and most understanding ponies to ever live, was using Grover as nothing more than a weapon.

And he still cared. He cared enough about his homeland to fight a war against the most dangerous threat Equestria, no, the world had ever faced, on the off chance that Celestia would be able to help his people.

The more I thought about this the more my cheeks burned. I couldn't tear my eyes away from Grover as he vigilantly scanned the room. Fantasies began to flash before my eyes. Grover agreeing to come with me to Prance was chief among them, but there were far more colorful scenes playing out before me. I took a single step towards Grover, then hesitated.

He had a girl back home, would he even consider me?

Fuck it.

I threw my forelegs around Grover's neck, (all worry fading from my mind) and locked my muzzle against his beak. He was so taken aback by my sudden burst of affection that he fell backwards onto a pile of gold. I knew I was being foolish. That I could very possibly get us captured, but instinct drove, no, insisted that I continued. I'd convince him to run with Rose and I. We would go to Prance, far away from this horrible war. We could leave right after giving Celestia her missives and the chest. Fuck Griffonstone! They never did anything for him anyway. And fuck Equestria! What's it ever done for me? The answer was simple; nothing.

These thoughts and more flashed through my mind as my tongue explored his mouth, and while Grover wasn't exactly participating, I still took immense pleasure in it. (even though his beak did feel really weird compared to a pony's mouth.)

It will be perfect. Rose will have a mother and a new father, and unlike her old parents we could protect her. I had my magic and Grover had his blades. We'd be the perfect family. My hoof reached down to start exploring between his hindlegs. His eyes widened and he forcibly  pushed me off him.

“What is wrong with you?!” he hissed, getting back to his feet.

“Damn it Grover! Fuck this place. Fuck Celestia! Fuck Grogar, fuck this war and fuck Equestria! Let's grab the stuff, deliver it to Canterlot and run away together!” he had to understand, he just had to! He wasn't blindly loyal to Celestia, his journals proved it. I could convince him! “I love you Grover, and I love Rose. And I know you care about her too. Let's leave this country and never come back. We can be together for the rest of our lives where Celestia and Grogar won't be our problem anymore!

“Think about it. Grogar invaded the Zebra Empire. There's no way his armies are strong enough to fight the Zebras and the Royal Guard. Celestia can handle it. You don't have to stay here!”

“What about Griffonstone?” he asked simply. “And my Sapphire?” he added.

“Fuck Griffonstone! That place was horrible. Griffons killing each other in the dueling pit, your parents leaving once you turned five. Having to fight beak and claw since the day you were five, that town sucks. Why do you care so much about that terrible place, and what has Sapphire actually done to make you so crazy about her?” I added, feeling a mix of curiosity and annoyance that he was still focused on some hen he hadn't seen in three years. I waited for an answer but Grover had frozen: his eyes widened in shock and confusion as he tried to find his voice.

“Did...did you say 'dueling pit'?” I felt my heart drop in my chest. Uh oh.

“You did. You...” his expression darkened and he pounced on me before I could blink. He lifted me off the ground with one foreleg and held me aloft as easily as I would have held Rose in with my magic. I didn't resist or try to flee as he dug through my saddlebags, and he only let me go once he found what he was seeking.

His journals.

He opened many of the scrolls and read through the first few lines to ensure they were indeed his journals. And once he confirmed it, his eyes burned with rage.

“You went through my journals.” it wasn't a question, and the moment he spoke all the joy I felt in my heart dissipated. “You know about Gilgamesh?”

I nodded, keeping my eyes on the floor by my hooves.

“Why?” I tried several times to speak but found that no words would come. After what felt like minutes of stammering (and Grover still keeping a vigilant eye on the entrance) I finally found my voice.

“I...I just wanted to know more about you.” I said, tears building in my eyes again. And even though I had taken his journals out of a selfish desire to invade his privacy, I was still telling the truth.

And he seemed to know it. His expression softened slightly for a moment only to turn instantly to stone.

“You wanted to know more about me. Well, how about I tell you?” He took a step forward and pressed his beak against my muzzle. “You want to know why I am so loyal to Griffonstone? I'll tell you.” he drew the blade on the left side of his belt and held it in front of my face.

“This sword belonged to my brother. The very same brother whose life I stole seventeen years ago. Despite what you read in my journals, my father wasn't a complete bastard. Better than most father's in Griffonstone actually.

“When Gilgamesh and I were four years old, father brought us these blades and told us that we must be strong. Whether he stole them, or bought them, I know not. But it didn't matter. We had them and he expected us to use them.

“Eight years after that day I challenged my brother in the dueling pit. He insulted my Sapphire and her family, and I wouldn't stand by and let my own flesh and blood treat my fiance so shamefully!” his voice was filled with anger, and his eyes shone with tears. “I killed him, won his gold and took his blade as a reminder of that day. The day I became a monster.”

“You're not a monster...” I began but he spoke over me, still managing to keep his voice steady, and quiet.

“It was only after the dual that I realized what I'd done. I actually felt pride when father congratulated me. I felt pride for killing. My. Brother! From that day on I swore, that if it took every pound of flesh, every hair, and every drop of blood my body had to offer I would change Griffonstone. Change it to something worth the loyalty I've shown it. Make it worthy of my brother's sacrifice, worthy of my wife and worthy of my cubs waiting for me back home!” the tears in his eyes spilled over his cheeks, but these weren't tears of sadness; they were pure rage. Rage that just couldn't be contained anymore.

Grover was married. He had cubs waiting for him. My mind couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't written of them. And even though I knew it was in bad taste I couldn't help but ask him.

“I have. You just haven't read the entries.” he sighed and backed away from me. Sheathing his sword. “When this mission is over, we will return to Canterlot. You will give Celestia the missives and the chest, then you can take your leave. I however, am staying until Grogar's head is on a pike.” without another word he turned away from me and began to search the treasury.

He didn't even wait for me.

I felt...not sad, or confused or even angry. I just felt...

Empty.

I was so sure I could convince him to come with us. With me...  But there was one simple, universal truth. Nothing short of death would keep Grover from trying to help Griffonstone. And given how determined he was, I wasn't even sure death would stop him. Thoughts flashed in my mind where Grover fell in battle and was simply raised from the dead by Celestia. If she could take out an entire army of changelings, I had no doubt she could raise somepony from the grave.

I then realized how stupid and foalish my actions were, and I regretted ever opening my mouth.

I had never felt this way before. I had been disappointed many times. But with Grover it was different. I had never been so forthcoming with anyone before. Ever since I came to Canterlot I lied to everypony. I lied to nobles, beggars, barkeepers, guards and even the ponies I worked with. I lied to Brutus, Sunshine, Windsheer, Pinumbra, even that bastard Shadowmark.

Especially Shadowmark.

And I had even lied to Grover. I stole from him and worst of all. I even tried to get him killed. And I felt bad about it. I'd only known Grover for a few weeks, but I cared about him more than I could explain. I still remember the look on Rose's face, my daughter's face when he gave her that drawing.

Grover, a war hardened griffon warrior who didn't bat an eye at killing a dozen ponies. A griffon was willing to sacrifice his own life for a country that wasn't his own, took the time out of his day, time he should have spent resting, to try and cheer up a filly that he just met. That he had no reason to care for in the slightest.

Maybe that's it.

Every other pony I knew was only concerned about themselves. The entire Guild only existed so that thieves could rob and steal with as few repercussions as possible. We  didn't care about each other. Not even a little. The Guildmaster was only worried about how much coin we brought in.

But not Grover. He actually seemed to care about Equestria. He cried openly about a fellow soldier, a friend who died, when he wasn't able to save him. He couldn't even get his wife and children out of the city...Shit! I was so lost in my own thoughts that I'd forgotten about Rose. Feel like shit later Silver! You have a job to do.

Pushing these poisonous thoughts aside I began searching the treasury for the chest that contained...whatever Celestia wanted. We already had the missives (picked them up from an office on the way to the treasury) so all I needed was the chest and we'd be home free. Once we got past the guards and got out of Whitetail anyway.

As I searched I couldn't help watching Grover. (Not his ass!) I knew it was foalish, but I was still kind of hoping that he'd turn around and say that he changed his mind but he never did. He didn't even look in my direction. His eyes scanning over the seemingly endless piles of gold with little interest. To be honest, I didn't really care about the gold anymore. Celestia gave me free reign to steal whatever I wanted, but I didn't really feel like it.

It was the same when we met those rams at the tavern. One of them tries to mount me, Grover knocked him out with a bottle of whiskey, the other ram got really pissed off, blah blah blah. It wasn't even fun putting make up on them. (I still did it, but my heart wasn't in it.) I was too worried about Rose to really enjoy myself.

And even if we did get out of Whitetail without incident, how could I take care of her by myself? Sure I could protect her from animals and maybe a few Nightstalkers (ten tops) but she was a filly! The last thing she needed was to be on the road all the time. It wouldn't be good for her.

As I stepped around a particularly large pile of gold coins and jewelry my thoughts returned to finding a place for Rose to stay while I went to Canterlot. Once we got out of Imperial territory I wouldn't have any trouble keeping her safe, and there was no way I was hoofing her over to Celestia. Especially after what Rose said. But the only other option I had wasn't exactly my first choice. Maybe they'll...

“Over here” Grover whispered, pulling me out of my reverie. I followed the sound of his voice until I reached a small clearing in the room. There was an eerily white pedestal in the center with the red chest sitting atop it. Artificial daylight was filtering down from a large crystal on the ceiling. I had been so distracted by my thoughts that I hadn't noticed the magic surrounding the box.

And it was powerful.

“Stay back, Grover.”I cleared my mind of all my stray thoughts and took a hesitant step forward and began working my magic. Instantly I felt a massive amount of protective magic around the box. Tracking spells, alarm spells that would bring every Legionnaire in town towards the palace. Anti teleportation, paralysis inducing vapor spells. Even a spell that would destroy the contents of the box if it left the pedestal. But whomever placed all these spells on the box made a critical mistake. The worst mistake anypony can make when trying to protect something with magic.

They only put the spells on the box.

I pulled out a lock pick (one of only four that I had left) and went to work. Just as I thought, the spells were geared towards somepony removing the box, not opening it. And I'm the first to admit it, most of the time I would just take the box (this, and the castle job being an exception)

The lock itself wasn't very difficult which surprised me. With all the arcane security surrounding it one would think that they'd at least put a decent lock on the thing. Grogar must have spread his budget a little thin.

A few moments later the lock gave a satisfying click and I opened the lid. I don't know what I was expecting; maybe gems like the one's from Canterlot. Or maybe some strange magical artifact.

I was disappointed.

Inside the chest, there was no gold, or magical artifacts or gemstones. There were several old and very weathered looking scrolls. I counted nine in all.

“That's it?” I said louder than I intended. “Just some fucking scrolls!?” Wow, that is really anti climatic. Grover shook his head.

“Just grab the things and lets go. I don't want to be here longer than I have to.” I know he didn't mean it at the time but I felt like he was referring to being with me instead of being in Whitetail. Like I said, I know that's not what he meant, but it felt like it at the time.

“Yeah, yeah. Hold your horses” I said, even though I wouldn't have minded if he let them out a few minutes ago. I floated the scrolls out of the chest and began packing them into an empty pocket in my bags, but I stopped when I noticed that one scroll had a familiar symbol on it. I floated the scroll before me and looked at the five point star engraved on the scroll's clasp. It was just like one of the gems from the Canterlot Castle job.

“What are you doing?” Grover asked, watching the room nervously. “Hurry up, Silver!” I scowled at the back of his head. He doesn't want to be with me and Rose, that's fine. I thought venomously. But I'll be damned if we came all this way to get these scrolls and I don't get to read one. I untied the clasp and unfurled the scroll.

Then everything turned white.

                ---------oooOOOooo---------

The first thing I could remember feeling was...weightlessness. The treasury had evaporated around me and I found myself floating in a galaxy of stars that moved about in a seemingly random manner. Floating from one another, combining into a larger star then seperating a second later. I tried to move but I had no hooves, no body. I couldn't even feel my heart beating. I don't know how long I just floated there, doing my best not to panic. If I could feel my heart beat, it would have been racing. It felt like an eternity.

Then, the stars swarmed onto me like a horde of wasps attacking a bear offending their hive. They swirled around my consciousness and slowly, very slowly, I felt my body return to me. My heart began to beat again and I could feel my coat bristling.

Naughty, naughty unicorn,

Reading my scroll.

Nauhgty, naughty unicorn,

Seeking control.

Foolish little unicorn,

with a thirst for knowledge.

Foolish little unicorn,

digging in my fridge.

What the fuck is a fridge? I thought as the voice continued to sing it's strange song.

Poor little thief,

with a daughter so close.

Poor little thief,

the one you love will soon be a ghost!

With that final verse I felt my self crash into the hard stone floor of the treasury. My head spinning and my chest burning. My heart was beating so fast it felt like it would explode in my chest. When I opened my eyes I found myself not in the treasury, but inside a barred cell. The floor was stone cold and the cells to either side of me were empty.

I wasn't alone however.

Standing on the other side of my cell door, holding a group of scrolls in a field of red magic was Grogar himself. His eyes burned like coals in the dimly lit dungeon, and even his teeth seemed to glow; making his smile all the more terrifying.

“Look who's awake.” he said sarcastically. “You could have been out of the city hours ago and I would be none the wiser. But you just had to read one of my scrolls. I suppose it's for the best, we all have our guilty pleasures. Tell me my dear; how are you feeling?” I bit back a snarky remark as he pulled me to my hooves with his magic. I realized that I was naked; my guild armor and saddlebags were gone, but I felt...different. My legs seemed...longer, for some reason, and looking at my horn it looked longer too.

“For a genius thief, you really are a stupid girl aren't you?” His smile widened. “Still, I have to thank you for getting these scrolls for me. I would have never guessed it was as simple as just opening the box. My mages will be executed for their incompetence tomorrow. And it seems that the scroll has changed you.” he dropped me onto my hooves and made me stand to my full height.

“Perhaps you would like a mirror?” without waiting for a response he summoned a mirror out a thin air before me, and despite being locked in a cell in front of the most dangerous being in Equestria, I couldn't help being more surprised by my appearance.

I was taller. A lot taller. Maybe as tall as Grover, or even Princess Ambrosia. My figure appeared to be slimmer and my horn was longer. I looked more, regal. The little pony in my head couldn't help commenting that I may have looked good before but now...ho ho! Smoking hot!

Then I remembered Grover.

“Where's Grover!?” I said bucking the mirror through the bars into the cell to my left, where it shattered against the stone floor. (guilt flooding through my body as I spoke)

“Your guard is currently entertaining some of my soldiers. I am sure you know that he isn't the most popular griffon among my Legions. But don't worry, I won't be leaving you out.” his magic tightened around my neck and pulled me into the bars. Making my head throb painfully where it connected with the metal.

“Once their done with him, you'll be next. I will teach you not to steal from me! No one can stop me. Not you, not your griffon and not Celestia!” he hissed and threw me into the stone wall at the back of the cell. He walked away from the cell, carrying the scrolls with him. So, he waits until I wake up just so he can brag. Wow, original.

I looked around the cell, trying to find a way to escape. But the bars were embedded into the floor and ceiling, the cell was locked with a simple enough lock but their was an anti magic ring on my horn. But that wasn't what was really bothering me. What was really bothering me was the fact that if I was just a little smaller, I'd be able to slip out between the bars. Fucking. Typical.

I was trapped. I couldn't get out, Grover was being tortured and who knows how long I'd been unconscious. Rose is probably worried sick. Fuck! I slammed my hooves against the cell door over and over again until it felt like they were about to crack. I slipped down onto the floor, covered my face with my hooves and cried. I layed there on the floor of my cell for what felt like hours. Every dark thought I had from the past two weeks bombarding my senses.

“Grover....Rose...this is all my fault!” I brought Rose to Whitetail when I should have gave her to Celestia. I stole Grover's journals and now he hated me. I just had to read the damn scroll and now Grover is having Celestia knows what done to him because I was so stupid! Now I was going to rot in here until some ram came and killed me, or Grogar lit me on fire in front of everypony in town.

Including Rose.

It was the worst thing I'd ever done. During the time I spent in Canterlot I robbed hundreds of ponies. Picked thousands of pockets. Cut thousands of purses. I stole something just so I could frame another pony for stealing it. I've had ponies sent to prison who didn't deserve it. I sat idly by while Shadowmark killed Guild members for going Platinum... I walked out on my parents, when all they wanted was me to have a good education. I walked out on them and I chose to be scum.

But all that was nothing compared to what I'd done to Rose. She was the only thing on my mind besides what horrible things they were doing to Grover. I promised  her I'd be back. I promised that everything would be okay. I told her that I would be her mother...and now, I was leaving her behind. Leaving her alone.

What the fuck is wrong with you, Silver!? What is wrong with you... My ears stood erect and swiveled to my right as I heard hoof steps coming done the hall towards me but I didn't care. If any of those ram fuckers want a piece of me, they'll get it! The hoofsteps grew nearer and nearer as I readied myself. I had a plan too; I'd kick whomever it was so hard in the balls (or vagina) that they'd fall over puking, then I'd knock them out, lock the door, find a way to get the ring off, find Grover and get the fuck out of here. Fuck this contract. And fuck Celestia for making me take it.

I waited as patiently and silently as I could while somepony began to open the lock...wait. I knew that sound. He's not using a key. I dared to peek between my forelegs and noticed something off about the person before me. His hooves weren't cloven, and his coat was a mix of black and white stripes.

Then I heard a voice I never thought I'd hear again.

“We scum gotta stick together, eh Fine Flanks?” I removed my forelegs from my eyes and looked up at the old zebra. He was wearing a black cloak that covered his entire body. (except his hooves) and his eyes were glowing gold. But that wasn't what caused my jaw to drop.

Sitting on his back, with a lock pick in hoof, was Rose.

“Hi mommy.” she said as the cell door swung inward. I didn't waste a moment, I jumped up and pulled Rose into a hug. I'd never felt so happyto see somepony in my entire life.

“Mommy, you look different.” she said, snapping me out of my jubilation. Rose...was here. In Grogar's castle. Though I had been happy to see the old zebra at first, my joy soon turned to seething rage. After carefully placing Rose on the floor and making sure she was alright, I got to my hooves and smacked the old zebra upside his head.

Hard.

“Shit! What was that for?” he asked indignantly, rubbing the side of his skull.

“You brought Rose into the fucking castle!!!” I whispered (quietly screamed would be a more accurate term) “You fucking idiot!” then a new thought crossed my mind and I added, “how did you even know where she was or where I was?”

“I'll explain that later” he said, pulling out a pair of saddlebags from under his cloak. “These are yours I reckon. They had 'em in an evidence chest in the other room, kinda stupid of 'em huh?” I had to fight the overwhelming urge to strike him again as he removed the ring from my horn. But with Rose there I felt a little self conscious about it. You should really cut back on the swearing too. The pony in my head scolded. Her voice sounding strangely like my mother's.

“Where's my Guild armor?” I asked, trying to clear my  mind. Rose sat close by, watching the hallway they came from. She was wearing black leather barding, and my dagger was belted to her side.

“Couldn't find it” he declared, removing the ring. I strapped my saddlebags on and once more pulled Rose into a hug, kissing her cheek.

“Stop it. Not in front of Mr Zebra!” she whined but I didn't care. Rose was okay, not exactly as safe as I wanted but she'd be okay. I'd make sure she was okay.

“I'll kiss you in front of Mr Zebra whether you like it or not” I looked over Rose's shoulder and scowled darkly at the old buck. He, at least,  had the decency to look ashamed. “Why did you bring her here?”

“Well, I was at the shop bringin' a few extra wares to Miss Ink when we heard you scream...”

“You, heard me scream?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yeah,” Rose said, her eyes tearing up. “We could hear it in the shop. I was so worried that Mr Zebra said he knew you from Canterlot and he'd help me find you.”

“And Quill just let you go!?” I asked, incredulously. What is wrong with her?

“Well...I actually had to tie her up” the buck said, rubbing his neck. “I didn't want to bring the kid, but I can't pick locks.” he pointed at Rose. “That filly a yours has some talent.” I opened my mouth to tell him off but I couldn't think of way to say it without hurting Rose's feelings. I made a mental note to apologize to Quill and returned my attention to Rose.

“You did great, Rose. I'm so proud of you.” I hugged her tight and placed her on my back. “For now, let's focus on finding Grover and getting the fu.. I mean, heck outta here.” I pointed a hoof threateningly at the stallion. “You and I, will talk later. “ he gulped and waved for me to follow.

“You got taller, mommy.” Rose commented as we snuck down the cell block. Our hooffalls silent. Thank you Silencio!

“Yeah, I noticed that too.” I nuzzled her, as the buck turned a corner and waved for me to follow.

“Do you know where Grover is?” I asked, causing him to stop and turn to me with a strange look on his face.

“What? The griffon?” I nodded. “Who cares? He's one of Celestia's stoolies. Fuck him.” I wrapped my magic around his neck and dragged him to me. Our muzzles touched and I saw my eyes, glowing white, reflected in his own fearful eyes.

“We will find him and we will get him out of here, or so help me I will turn you into a nice, juicy apple, cut you into perfect little slices and eat you with peanut butter.” he gulped and nodded. I let him go and he turned around and went down a separate hallway. That's right, get moving! I couldn't blame him for not wanting to help Grover. He just didn't know him like I did. But that didn't stop me from being annoyed with him.

“What's up with your eyes, Stripes?” I asked, trying clear the air.

“Tis called 'Night Eyes'. Little trick my kind can do. Let's us see in the dark.” I filed that away for later and began thinking of spells that would do the same, and an instant later I knew the spell. It was simple, just put magical energy into the iris that will greatly increase visablilty. My horn glowed and I gave it a try.

At once the room lit up with brilliant light. I could see everything. Every line in the floor and even the vermin that scuttled about in the shadows. Stripes noticed my eyes and his own went wide.

“Didn't know you were part zebra.” he said nervously. Rose looked at my eyes and said,

“Whoa”

“I'm not. I'm just a quick study.” he shrugged (his expression worried) and continued down the hall for another hundred feet before stopping in front of a wooden door with a slit open in the middle. I cut my spell and looked through the slit. It took all the self control I had not to scream.

Grover was sitting straight up in a chair; his forelegs tied behind his back and his armor now where in sight. His body was covered in cuts and bruises, his breathing was labored, and worst of all; there was a gaping, bloody hole where his left eye had been. There were two Legionnaires standing by him, holding brutal serrated blades. I covered Rose's eyes and set her on the floor by the door.

“Stripes, stay here and protect Rose.” I said, preparing to open the door.

“What are you gonna do?”

“You'll see.” I reared up on my hind legs and blasted the door off it's hinges, sending it to the floor. The rams turned to me, shock and fear on their faces as a dozen daggers made of pure magical energy materialized in the air around me. Just over a week ago creating a single blade had exhausted me, but now it was like picking up an apple.

The rams screamed as the blades pierced their flesh and pinned them to the wall behind Grover. They writhed and twitched as the life drained out of their bodies with their blood. When I had killed the changelings I felt nothing, they were monsters. Whenever I thought about trying to kill the Nightstalkers with my fire I felt shame, and when I killed them later with magic and blade I felt, ashamed, but justified. But as I watched the life drain from the Legionnaires eyes, I felt no remorse, or guilt or shame of any kind. They hurt Grover, and they deserved far worse for what they'd done.

“Keep Rose outside” I called to the buck as I began to untie Grover. He wasn't unconscious, and he was looking at me with a curious expression.

“Thanks” he said weakly.

“Not necessary. I wouldn't have left you here.” I told him, unclasping the restraints that held his hindlegs down. How long has he been here? How long was I out? His entire body was covered in small, very painful looking wounds. Mostly cuts and bruises but there were dozens of burns as well.

“I didn't mean now. I meant with the Nightstalkers.” I blinked and looked him in the eye as he got to his feet. He stood without flinching, or otherwise indicating that he felt any pain. That's my drake. Strong as a dragon.

“I'm thankful for you helping me now, but I did say 'thank you' for saving me after Trot.” he explained, going to the corner where a table of potions, bandages and several knives were sitting. (the blades were covered in blood) He drank every healing potion on the table before opening the chest next to it, then began pulling pieces of his armor out and putting them on.

“When I saw you charging your spell, there was a strange glint in your eyes. I knew then that you were thinking about ending me.” my jaw dropped, and shame filled every fiber of my being.

“I...I'm so sorry Grover...I...” I began but her cut me off.

“Don't apologize. If the situation were reversed I would have taken the opportunity to strike you down without a second thought.” he said, catching me off guard with his callous honesty. “You had been forced to choose between life in prison or going on a mission into very dangerous territory,” He covered his open eye socket with a bandage. No potion could fix his eye. (which was sitting on the table with the knives)

“I wouldn't have been surprised in the slightest if you chose to leave me to my fate, or attack me instead of the Nightstalkers. But you didn't,” he said with a weak smile, buckling his swords to his belt and putting his saddlebags on. “You risked your own life, and in the process, your filly's, to help me.” he placed his claws on my shoulder.

“I will be perfectly honest with you. I don't see you as a lover, Silver, and I likely never will,” he said gently, his words still cutting into my heart like a blade. “I have a wife and children. But despite everything you've done, all the bullshit that you seem to drag around with you, I count you as a very, very dear friend, and I want you to know that you're forgiven.”

“Now let's get the scrolls out of here.” I felt my chest tighten.

“Grover...Grogar has them. He had them when I woke up. And...and it's all my fault.” I finished, tears building in my eyes. Grover however, smiled as if I told a particularly funny joke. He opened his bags and pulled out a bundle of weathered scrolls. Among them, was the scroll I read in the treasury.

“You're not the only one who can trick someone you know.” I wrapped him in a hug only for him to flinch and groan.

“Sorry!” he shrugged it off and waved at the door.

“RRRRRAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The castle itself shook as an earsplitting roar reverberated through the palace. Lamps shattered on the walls and the tray holding the torture implements and Grover's eye clattered to the floor. Rose galloped into the room, her ears flat against her head like my own, and hid underneath me, earning me an inquisitive look from Grover.

“I'll explain later!” he nodded.

“I think Grogar just found out about his scrolls.” Grover guessed, as Stripes came into the room.

“Guards are coming. We need to scadattle!” we followed close behind as the zebra galloped through the halls. I could hear the hoofbeats of dozens of guards heading towards us.

“Shit! This way!” the zebra turned down a side hall towards a staircase. Rose wrapped her hooves around my neck and shrieked. I looked over my shoulder in time to see a dozen Legionnaires rushing down the hall after us.

“After them!” they flashed their weapons and charged. Normally, I wouldn't be very worried about it, given that Grover could handle Manitcores and dozens of changelings on his own given the right circumstances. But these weren't the right circumstances. I had to use my magic just to keep Grover on his feet, and he could still barely keep up with us. If the Legion caught up to us...

“This way!” we reached the top of the stairs and turned right. I focused my magic and bathed the corridor with fire. The stone itself seemed to ignite as my magic washed over the floor, walls and tapestries hung from them. Maybe that will slow them down.

“Where are we going?” Grover wheezed, leaning against me just to stop from falling over. Those potions must not have done much.

“The landing platform. It's the only way out!”

“How!?” Grover shouted spitting some blood onto my chest. “Does it really look like I can fly right now?”

“Just shut up and trust me!” we weaved through half a dozen different corridors before going through a large pair of doors leading to the platform Grogar had been speaking to the city from. I carried Grover to the middle of the platform where he collapsed, coughing more blood onto my coat. Now I know how he feels.

“Help him!” I shouted but the zebra shook his head.

“I don't know nothin' about healin'. Talk to my grandkids when they get here. Why don't you use some a yer fancy ass magic?” I didn't know any healing spells! Or did I? Looking at Grover a number of spells that would help flashed before my eyes. Even something that would repair his eye. When did I ...the scroll! That's why Celestia wanted them! They must have some serious magic inside them! I pushed the thought to the back of my mind and focused on Grover.

I focused my magic and sent waves of healing energy into his body. Repairing the cuts, making the bruises fade and healing the blistering burns that covered most of his body. I had heard of spells like this, powerful magic that could heal almost anything. But I didn't think I'd ever be able to perform anything close to it. I mean, I was good, really good, but I never thought I would ever perform such advanced magic.

Which is why I was almost as surprised as I was overjoyed that it worked. After maybe five minutes of continuous effort Grover got to his feet, his breathing returning to normal and all his smaller wounds gone.

“When did you learn that?” he asked, sounding far stronger than he was just moments ago.

“The scroll, I think. Just thought it would keep you from getting more blood on me.” I nudged his shoulder with a hoof.

“Glad I could return the favor.” he frowned. “It's weird not having to look down to look you in the eyes.” he added.

“Yeah, it is.” he looked so much better, it brought a smile to my muzzle.

“Ya'll can fuck later, we have a problem!” the old zebra shouted. Rose shrieked and hid behind Grover and I while the old zebra back peddled away from the doors. I turned to the doors and I felt my smile leave my face, my eyes widen and my coat bristled.

“I am growing tired of this.” Grogar stood in the doorway, two dozen Legionnaires standing at attention behind him. Their spears pointing towards us. My blood froze in my veins as I took in his appearance. His horns shined brightly, as if they had just been polished. His eyes and jeweled necklace glowed brilliantly in the darkness. He wore a long red cape that billowed softly in the pre dawn breeze. And Rose was were feet away.

It was my worst fear realized.

“Stripes!” I grabbed Rose with my magic and threw her towards the zebra stallion. She shrieked as the buck grabbed her out of the air with practiced ease, then they hid behind one of the chariots. Grogar paid them no mind, his focus was on Grover, who stood tall on his hind legs and drew his blades.

“Finally!” Grover shouted, joy in every syllable. “Now I can finally kill you!” the Legionnaires stepped forward threateningly but Grogar raised a hoof for them to stop.

“You wish to fight me, whelp?” Grogar burst out laughing. And soon every one of his soldiers followed suit. “You're kidding. You're kidding right?” In response Grover clanged his blades together and changed into his all too familiar fighting stance. Grogar scowled darkly, and it took every ounce of self control not to run. Like my instincts were screaming at me to do.

“Fine.” Grover smiled chillingly and looked to me.

“Go to Rose and use your shield...”

“Grover you can't! I just put you back together...”

“I am only going to say this once,” he told me, his voice deadly serious and his eye blazing with hatred. “You will stand aside and let me end him. If you interfere...” he drew a claw across his neck. My eyes widened and I backed away. He wouldn't. Would he? I thought as I looked into his eye and got my answer.

He would. Without a doubt.

I retreated to the edge of the platform and erected my shield around the three of us. Rose pulled herself from Stripes and clung to my foreleg.

“What's Mr Grover doing?” she asked, her voice filled with worry and fear.

“What he has to.” it was true. Grover was doing what he believed would be the only way to save his people. Once Grogar was dead Celestia would be able to help him.

That's what he believed anyway.

The Legionnaires blocked the door and held their weapons at the ready as Grogar and Grover circled one another. Grover removed the bandage over his eye, or, where his eye would have been. There was no gaping hole like before, new skin had grown over the socket along with new feathers, but he was still half blind.

They continued to circle each other for what felt like hours, (even though it was only a couple of minutes) Grogar's eyes burning through the early light of dawn. Even with Grogar's almost supernatural appearance, I hardly noticed him. Grover stood like a beacon in the dark, his own golden eye shining brighter than any star. He moved neither fast nor slow.  His movements were deliberate and cautious. The movements of a trained warrior.

Looking back now. I think I believed that he would actually win.

“He just needs to hold him off for five maybe ten minutes” stripes told me, keeping his voice low. “then the youngin's will be here.” Ten minutes. Just ten minutes. Grover was the fiercest warrior I'd ever seen (except for maybe Shadowmark) if he could kill a Manticore alone in under a minute he could hold his own until...

“Who are the youngin's?” Stripes opened his muzzle  but closed it again when Grogar spoke.

“Well?” that one word was enough for Grover. He lunged like a javelin towards Grogar and slashed both his blades across his face. Or so I thought.

Grogar materialized a bladed staff and blocked the strike with little effort before spinning and slashing Grover along his right foreleg. Leaving a deep wound that bled profusely. The griffon warrior didn't skip a beat; taking to the air and attacking Grogar with a combination of sword thrusts and swipes that I couldn't even hope to follow. He was so fast that every time I blinked was in a completely different place than he had been before. Each time their weapons connected a mass of sparks flew in every direction with a resounding clang!

What I saw scared me, and not because Grover was so fast. Nor that Grover looked so determined, ignoring the wound in his foreleg. It was because even though Grover was likely the fiercest warrior in all Equestria. Fast enough to cut a fly in half with a single swipe of his blade...

Grogar, was still faster. And it absolutely terrified me.

The demonic ram was standing in the same spot he had been when Grover first struck. No matter how fast Grover's attacks were, Grogar blocked every single thrust. Deflected every swipe as if Grover were no more than a child. Grover soon grew frustrated, his attacks becoming more and more reckless. Finally, through sheer force, Grover managed to push Grogar back from his original stance.

With one final attack Grover slashed out at Grogar's neck and the demonic ram caught one blade with his staff, shattering the sword in Grover's left foreleg to pieces. The pieces flying back into Grover's face, cutting several fresh wounds into his flesh. Grover's other blade cut Grogar across his cheek.

A magic pulse emanated from Grogar's horns, knocking Grover back as the ram charged and struck at him with his staff. He cut through Grover's armor and slashed a bloody swathe through his side with one arched attacked from his left side. Grogar turned his staff and struck Grover upside the head with the handle so hard that I was surprised the handle didn't shatter. Grover crumbled to the ground and stopped moving on the spot.

“Grover!” Rose and I shouted together. I dropped the shield and rushed to his side. “Keep her back!” I told the zebra, who obediently grabbed Rose in his forelegs.

“Momma! Grover!!” she yelled. But I had to focus on Grover.

“How precious. A mother brings her daughter and her love interest into my city to steal my Elder Scrolls.” he laughed coldly. “I still can't believe he was bullheaded enough to fight me one on one. My soldiers have a right to fear him. And soon, so shall Celestia.” he took a step towards us and raised his staff over his head.

“He'll make an excellent edition to my Legion once he's a little more, controllable.” I selected the most powerful spell I could think of, with every intention of blasting Grogar into pieces that were so small they'd have to bury him in a thimble.

Then a zebra mare flew through the air like a javelin and kicked him full in the face with both rear hooves. Grogar grunted and flew back towards his soldiers.

“Emperor!” they shouted in unison as the Legionnaires dropped their weapons and raised their hooves to catch their leader, only for his momentum to carry him into his troops and knock all of them back into the hall.

The doors slammed shut, revealing another two zebras to each side of them.

“Grandpa we need to go!” they ran towards us after barring the doors, one stopped to scoop Grover onto her back and run to the edge of the platform, where Stripes and Rose were waiting.

“Let's go!” I didn't have to be told twice. The younger zebras jumped off the platform and slid down a massive beanstalk growing out of the ground in the middle of the castle courtyard. I threw Rose onto my back and followed them down the stalk just as Grogar yelled again.

“RRRRRAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AFTER THEM! KILL THEM ALL! BRING ME MY SCROLLS!!!”

The platform exploded into a ball of eldritch fire just as we landed on the street, the beanstalk was still growing into the air but it seemed to be in pain as the fire spread to it's limbs. I followed the zebras carrying at a full gallop towards the gates. I smiled, seeing that the guards at the gates were already unconscious. Thank you zebras.

The streets were strangely deserted as we made our way towards Quill's shop; there no ponies or Legionnaires anywhere in sight. We stopped in front of Quill's shop where a large covered wagon hitched to two zebra bucks was waiting.

“What about Quill?” it didn't feel right leaving her behind...and tied up. Mental note: smack Stripes even harder for leaving Quill tied up. The wagon pullers answered my question by pulling the tarp with their teeth, revealing the mare and her children huddled under a few burlap sacks. Never mind.

I nodded and jumped in the back, holding Rose in my forelegs as the zebras put Grover in the back next to me. Followed closely by Stripes himself.

“Let's get a move on before that bastard realizes who put that smack down on him!” they covered us with the tarp and the wagon started down the road. Alarms rang out all over the city and I saw bright flashes of red light from under the tarp, precursed by loud explosions. Followed by ponies screaming.

Even though it probably wasn't the smartest idea, I nudged the tarp open with my muzzle. Just enough so that I could see what was happening. The zebras pulling the wagon were far faster than I thought they'd be. We had already left the city walls. Blasts of red and black energy were emanating from the palace. Buildings exploded into balls of flames, sending wood and stone flying everywhere. Rose huddled closer to me, shaking terribly as screams reverberated throughout the night.

When we were more than a mile away I could still hear the screams. The light of the fires blended with the first rays of dawn as the sun began to rise over the horizon.

I hugged Rose closer to me and pulled the tarp back down. Who knew how many ponies I had just gotten killed by reading that scroll? We could have been twenty miles away by now; instead we were in the heart of Imperial territory with the entire Legion looking for us.

Celestia will get her scrolls alright. I thought bitterly as the zebras continued their high speed gallop along the eastern road. And I'm going to make sure she knows how much they cost.

Level Up! New Perk added: Gift of The Elder Scroll: Magic. All of your magical skills have increased to 100 and all combat, healing, and stealth spells have been unlocked! Power Penalty, resistance to physical damage has dropped by twenty points