“A case of shock, I see.” Celestia commented. “That’s why you fell unconscious again?”

“Most likely… or perhaps exhaustion after what I did.” She looked down, looking at her hands as she could vision the same blood on her hands and claws. “Guess those griffon’s were also a victim of my… actions. But, I can’t blame anyone but myself.”

“You were defending yourself. And it seems you’ve put a dent into the trafficking business in the other kingdoms. If I had known earlier, thought I wouldn’t have approved of your actions, I do thank you for what you did… even if you didn’t know yourself.”

“But I knew there could’ve been a better way. Yet I decided that death is what they deserve.” She rubbed her hands as she felt a lump in her throat. “And… I didn’t know why the griffons did what they did after witnessing me killing their own kind.”

Laura woke up again as sunlight hit her eyes. Various chirping could be heard as birds flew freely outside. She only groaned as she got up, feeling light headed gain.

“Woah! Hold on, there!” A very kind, bubbly girl’s voice spoke, grabbing Laura from her back and putting her back down. “Easy there. You need some rest.”

“Wah! What the--!?” She shouted at the random voice and sudden contact. She was quick to squirm out of the grip before jumping out of what she noticed was a couch.

“Easy! Calm down, okay?”

She moved her head to where the voice was, seeing that it was none other than a griffon. A dark, blueish gray griffon with yellow talons and some lighter blue sections on her face, her tail having a small tuft of fur that was a darker shade that matched her wings. Laura could only assume it was a she, as the griffin had eyelashes, was smooth looking, and is smaller than the others.

“Are you alright?” It asked in that bubbly voice, approaching to her.

When the griffon took a step forward, she took a step back, not wanting to be near the creature in case she might attack again.

“Hey, hey! It’s alright! My name’s Gabby, and you’re in my house.”

Laura had to process that as she didn’t remember ever coming into this griffon’s home. “Y-you brought me here? Why would you?” She said, thinking back on just why no one would bring her to their home.

“No one else wanted. I just wanted to help you, what with being an honorable cutie mark crusader!” She saluted at the last part.

“A what now?” She was caught off guard yet again. “Never mind, there’s a freaking reason why no one would take me in, I killed four griffons and sliced one of the last one’s wing off.” She said. “Only someone with a death wish would consider taking me into their home.”

“But… you saved many lives because of it.”

“Come again?” For the third time in a row, she was confused as to what Gabby just said. “What do you mean by that?” She asked for an explanation.

“Those mercenaries… While what you did was brutal, that group in particular had our town in lockdown, keeping an eye on everyone, doing whatever they want and taking whatever they want. And while we want to fight back, not all of us have the combat training, or any weapons to fight with. … But you came along and, albeit, brutally helped us.”

Laura stayed quiet throughout the whole explanation, not sure if she should maybe come to account that her actions did good in some way or another. She let out a small exhale as she looked down at the floor, now sitting down on the floor. “But, shouldn’t there be some account that I technically killed your own kind? I wouldn’t be surprised if I was sent to prison or even tormented for my actions.”

“... Considering what you did and how you did it, I don’t think anyone wants to mess with you. I think the only thing that’s going to happen is that they’re going to kick you out of Griffinstone as soon as you’re well.”

“Well, that might take awhile. I wasn’t well ever since I woke up in this new world.” She said, rubbing her arms as she glanced to the side at a different section of the floor. “And I guess that also ends it with finding some information on where I am in the first place.”

“Ooh! I can help with that! I know many things! Ask me anything, and I’m bound to help!”

“Well, the obvious of course. Where am I? Other than in the town of Griffinstone.” She asked as she looked over at the perky griffon.

“The land of Equestria! Ruled and co-ruled by Princess Celestia and, her sister, Princess Luna. Founded about 2000 years ago by ponies, it’s still expanding and reaching over to other kingdoms, especially here, Griffinstone.”

“Alright then, so I’m assuming that there are more than just ponies and griffons, right?” She asked a different question.

“Yep! Minotaurs, Centaurs, dragons, breezies, sirens, gargoyles, draconequi, yaks, cows, donkeys, and hippogriphs, just to name a few.”

“Hmm, but I highly doubt that none of them can help me find my way home, right?” She asked curiously, wondering if maybe some creature could help her find her way back home.

“Hm… I think Celestia can help. She's really powerful! I bet she can help you if you ask.”

“Uh, I don’t know. She’s a co-ruler of this world, so I’m not sure if she would even think about helping a creature like me. Heck, not even a bartender would tell me where I am without paying him these ‘bit’ things.”

“Celestia’s not like a griffin. She's an alicorn, is over 1000 years old, and moves the sun every day. I think the only thing you'd need to pay is cake.”

“Cake?” She repeated. “Why?”

“She REALLY loves cake. Some article by somepony named ‘Gabby Gums’ found that Celestia is addicted to cake.”

“And you’re convinced that it’s true? Was there even any proof in the article? Did they even interview her about that?” She asked, not too keen on what some news article says about anything. The Griffin pulled out the article and showed the picture. It was Celestia, gobbling a piece of cake, with more cake behind her.

“And I've delivered some packages to her. Who knew she’d love Griffinscone cakes?”

“Well, even if I wanted to get some cakes, I’m guessing this world revolves around these things called ‘bits’ that I know I don’t have any of those.” She shook her head, rather curious on what they were anyhow.

“I have some bits you can take before you leave.”

“What? No. I couldn’t. I mean, just having me rest in your home is good enough.” She said as she declined the offer, not used to being offered anything for free.

“Nonsense! You need bits to get yourself something to eat, or just want something. I don't want to feel bad for not giving you the necessities and have you land in jail for stealing.”

Laura thought about it for a moment, still a little hesitant on taking someone else’s money. But she knew she had a point that she would most likely have to steal if she had no money. “Alright. But please don’t give me a lot. I don’t want it to feel like I’m being greedy over your offer.” She said as she rubbed her arm.

“Don't worry! I’m just going to give you JUST enough to get a train ticket, and a little extra for a meal. Sound good?”

She only nodded as her greedy side demanded more than just that, but she remained silent as she knew that was just the feeling of being given stuff: just wanting more like any other person.

“Yes! Ooh! Maybe I should join you!? Give you a proper welcome to Equestria? We can see Canterlot together!”

“Have you ever been to Canterlot before?” She asked as she found it rather odd if she did know the place well. From her view, if a city held two royal deities, the population would most likely be snarky and rub it in. They would also have to be rich enough to even live in the same city as two co-rulers.

“Yeah, but only to deliver Celestia’s cakes.”

“So you’ve never actually been around Canterlot.” She didn’t question it as she knew that was correct. “Well, I guess having someone who at least saw the city would be beneficial.” She thought while rubbing her neck.

“Yep!”

“So, how is it that we’re going to go through with this? I mean, those griffons wanted to take me somewhere, so I shouldn’t be surprise if any other creature would want me for a ‘job’.” She quoted the word, knowing full well that what they had planned for her was anything but good.

“Just stick with me. I know the good and bad places like the back of my claws.” She looked at her talons. “Oh! I didn't see that.”

‘Not sure if I can trust her after that, but I guess I have no choice. I would have to keep my guard up either way. If it wasn’t for that adrenaline rush, I would most likely being doing those griffons "job offer".’ She thought, glancing away for the last time before she got up. “Alright then Gabby. Lead the way.” She smiled a little. The griffin let out a happy chirp.

“Yes! I can't wait! Hopefully, there won't be any problems along the way.” She seemed to skip and flap her wings in a bubbly manner, rivaling her own enthusiasm.

Her happy attitude seemed to be contagious as Laura smiled bigger, it being the first time she ever did in this new world. She just hope that going to this Canterlot place wasn't going to be as interesting as her first and only day in Griffinstone.

~

The way of transportation, surprisingly, was trains. More specifically, steam powered trains, like the ones she loved to ride on as a little kid. Also to Laura's surprise, there were many of the races Gabby had mentioned, all sitting next to each other.

When she went inside, some eyes were on her, the girl not-so-used to the attention as she was thankful some others were distracted by their books, newspapers, or their friends or family. Laura was quick to sit where Gabby settled herself in as she was once again in a place where she barely knew anyone… except Gabby, of course.

“Is this your first time on a train?” Gabby asked, humming a happy tune to herself.

“No. Not really. I've been on tons of trains before. I'm just… new to all these creatures.” She said, not even sure if standing out was a real problem.

“Don’t worry, you’re not as weird as you may think you are. Heck, we have some changelings around now.”

“Change-what now?” She couldn't come up with what kind of creature it would be.

“Oh, right… well, the best way to describe them are pony-insects that can disguise themselves as anyone and anything. They're divided, with half of them following Chrysalis and feeding off love by others, and the other half follows Thorax, who spread love.”

She stood quiet as she tried to picture pony-insects, but couldn't come up with anything. “I guess I'll just have to wait to see one cause I can't picture anything.” She admitted as she looked down at her legs.

“Well, to give you a heads up, dark changelings follow Chrysalis and aren't nice. The brighter and colorful changelings follow Thorax and are friendly.”

‘That's seems kind of racist.’ She thought as the dark changeling part seemed a bit on the nose on how her kind thought of black people. ‘But, I guess they might have an actual good reason to see them as bad.’ She added. “I'll remember that.” After a moment of silence and nothing but the sound of outside conversation and the movement of the train, Laura was the one to break the silence. “I’ll go use the restroom.” She mumbled as she got up and started walking to one of the ends of the seated train sections as it had a bathroom that she could spot from her seat.

Gabby shrugged, having no reason to not trust Laura. If she had to go, she had to go. ‘Just as Grandpa used to say.’ She thought. But, she noticed a few of the train attendees acting rather strange; it seemed minor, from checking their watches to some whistling, but many of them became restless. It was only at a cave that everything went unexpected.

SCREECH!!!

The train came to a sudden stop! A few lights from unicorns were lit, showing them, and a few others, wearing helmets that had a dim, eerie green glow in the slot of the eyes.

“Alright, everyone! Get down, now!” One of them, presumably the leader, yelled, violently grabbing some of the riders and slamming them to the floor while taking a dagger out. “Don’t fucking move a muscle! You’re under the might of the Sons of Sombra now! One move, and you’re fucking dead!” Gabby yelped as she was tossed into onto the floor. Only a minotaur stood up, cracking his knuckles.

“Oh!? Look at that, a fighter!” One of the other members spoke. “Let’s make an example out of him.”

“As Iron will once said,” The minotaur monologues to himself. “If they block, show them that you-GACK!!!” One of the member’s horns glowed, picking the Minotaur up, slowly choking him in their magic. Then, the body began to slam around the walls, leaving noticeable dents on the interior, which had loud cracks of bones breaking. He wheezed weakly before the leader walked to him and slit his neck with the dagger, speaking in an unknown, language. Their would be fighter’s eyes glowed green, followed by purple smoke coming out, going into them.

“... That was a warning for you all! Try to fight, and you’ll end up like this cow!” He threw the body out of the window, breaking the glass, unseen by anyone else.

“Y-you won’t get away with this!” One of the ponies yelled, unsure if they’re making the right move. “Th-the royal guards will stop you!”

“... We beg to differ. Celestia will have to obey our commands if she doesn’t want anymore of her precious subjects to die.”

~Moments Before~

Laura didn’t really have to use the bathroom. Well… not entirely, but she was just in there to get some privacy, reflecting on what had just happened in the last 24 hours.

“Okay, Laura. This is obviously not a dream or some form of hallucination. But… how did I even get here?” She asked out loud as she sat down on the now closed toilet cover. “It could be a whole sorts of things. I could’ve been drugged… but I only had water I bought. Maybe a prank from my friends? No, they promised they would come the day after, and I would’ve spot them easily. But… maybe someone drugged my water… somehow.” She was brainstorming on just how this all happened.

She let out a sigh before she continued. “It’s fine. The sooner we go to this Canterlot place and meet this princess, the sooner I can get home and find out just how I got here. Speaking of, how can a princess even help me? All princesses do is wear dresses, act pretty, and connect with animals in some weird way. And what’s an alicorn anyways? Is it some animal hybrid? Another name for royalty? Well, I was told that alicorn meant the spiral of a unicorn horn… or another term of garlic. But that doesn’t make any sense!” When she finished, that was when the loud screeching was heard. “What the hell?” She pressed her ear against the door, hearing what sounded like a stick up, right before some brave person got really hurt. ‘Do I just attract bad guys!?’ She thought, rolling her eyes as she knew that if anyone was going to try, she would possibly be the most successful in stopping the whole thing.

One of the Hooded figures looked around, their ears swerving to Laura’s location.

“I found someone hiding!” They shouted, turning and stomping to the bathroom.

“Oh no.” Gabby said with worry. The pony banged on the bathroom door.

“Alright! Open up! Come out, or there will be trouble!”

There was no answer, almost as if no one was inside at all. She backed up from the door as soon as she was caught hiding, but she had a little something up her sleeves. The guard pulled out an axe and bucked the door open. They saw Laura in the open.

“... What the hell are you!?”

“Your worst nightmare.” She smirked before she pulled her blades out, a bit glad that it did instead of staying inside and making her look like an idiot. They looked at her claws.

“... Are you serious?”

“Eh, first try. I’ll come up with a better one.” She shrugged. “So what’s it this time: ransome? Petty thieving? Working under some powerful boss?” She asked as she leaned against the wall as if she was in no trouble whatsoever.

“We are the Sons of Sombra! We are on our quest to bring back the dark king himself and-...” He shook his head. “Why am I even telling you this!? Shouldn’t you be afraid, hairless monkey?”

“How can I be afraid of a three foot pony?” She asked as she had to look down at the stallion. “And besides, it’s not like I’m in real trouble.” She smirked as she called them weak in a certain way.

“... DIE!!!” He swung his axe at near blinding speeds, catching Laura off guard. The axe got into her left shoulder, slicing through and making her fall and scream in pain. In addition with the pain, she heard whispers, each saying many things to her.

“Come to me.”

“Join us.”

“I am your ruler.”

“You hear it, don’t you?” The stallion asked. “That’s the power of the dark lord! Submit, and not only will you live, but you will be in a cause that’s better than yours and others combined!”

After a bit of shaky breathing from the immense pain that slowly eased, she let out her first calm breath. “Yeah, I’m gonna have to reject that offer. Seems promising, but where I’m going, I don’t need some dark power.” She explained as she sat up, the ax still in her shoulder before she pulled it off with some difficulty and more pain. “Besides, I don’t think some dark power will save you from what’s coming.” She smirked as her eyes flashed red for a moment.

“W-what the-!? How did you-”

“YAAHH!!!” She pounced on him, her claws piercing his armor and skin, and she made short work of him, ripping and tearing into his flesh. The other Sons of Sombra saw this, most gasping and taking a step back. Their leader, however, shook his head and pointed at her.

“Don’t just stare! Kill that beast!!!” They all pulled out their weapons, with one pulling a crossbow out and firing into Laura’s heart. She yelped in pain, and looked up, seeing her oncoming attackers. A quick snarl came out as she pounced again, going on another slaughter!

Gabby could only watch with wide eyes and a terrified expression; moments before, Laura seemed ordinary, but now… she was gone, and in her body was some sort of beast. She had heard, and seen the aftermath at the bar, albeit, covered, but seeing it in person… it was quite terrifying. Yet, she wasn’t alone; the various transporters also cowered at the sight, many of the kids crying aloud, covering their eyes, all unsure if Laura was better, or worse, than the Sons of Sombra.

In Laura’s berserk, the pain, while numb, was still present with the words of the mysterious figure speaking to her conscious.

“What are you, creature? You’re nothing like what I’ve seen before. This… rage of yours… this… ferocity… it’s all… delicious! Make short work of these weaklings! Only the strongest will lead my army, and you are one of them! I am hoping to meet you in the flesh, sooner or later…"

The leader of the group quickly noted that this assault on Laura was pointless. No matter what they threw at her, not only was she quickly healing from it, but she was more enraged by them! He didn’t want to do it, but he disappointed his master; he retreated, teleporting away for safety. The last one was soon slain, the place having a fresh coat of red all over the walls, furniture… and it’s riders.

The train’s employees came in and gasped at the sight of Laura as she steadily breathed, regaining her normal self. The cowering words of the people came in.

“Mommy! I’m scared!”

“She-she-she did this!? On her own!?”

“I want those ponies back!”

Laura soon came to her senses as she saw that whatever took control of her went way overboard. She was quick to hide her blades again before she tried to make this not-so-bad. “I’ll… I’ll go wash my hands.” She said with a pink blush before she quickly went back to the bathroom to do just that.

While the door was still broken and on the floor, she decided to speak again. “Ya know, even though I overdid it, I think this would be better than being held captive for who knows how long. And I know they wouldn’t give any of you the royal treatment. Consider yourself lucky that no other innocent bystander was dead.” She said as she finished cleaning her hand and used a towel to dry them. Everyone, however, starred with dead looking eyes. Gabby was the only one to approach.

“... I think we should make the rest of the way by foot.” She only suggested, sounding dead than her bubbly self.

“What? No. You paid good money for the ride. I’m not letting you waste your bits on me… making us look bad. If you want, I could just go on another cargo and be by myself. That way I won’t scare anyone, and we can still get to Canterlot by train.” She smiled a little as she looked down at her. “And come on, it’s not like no one else ever killed anyone. From what I heard from the bathroom, what one of those guys seemed to do worse.”

“... We need to get out, now.” The staff members held up various objects like weapons.

“G-get off!” The main conductor, a brown stallion, ordered. “I-I don’t care who you are… just… g-get off my train!”

Laura only showed a not-so-happy look befor she just gave in. “Tch, no respect. Save an entire train from being robbed and I get kicked off. I swear, it’s like these creatures never been in a war before.” Laura mumbled as she started walking to the end of the train before she was at the opened deck of the last attached cargo. Gabby walked beside her.

“Um… you should know that Equestria hasn’t been in a war for a long time.” She informed. “The last war was with Sombra, and that ended with the disappearance of the Crystal Empire.”

“So? They’re acting as if I’m the bad guy. I mean, yeah, when I go a bit wild I can’t control myself, but I just saved all of those creatures and all they do is kick us off. Bet if this Celestia heard about this, she would actually praise me. Sure, not for how I did it, but just saving her ‘subjects’.” She quoted the last word as she knew most of them weren’t really.

Celestia glared at Laura, making the woman smile awkwardly.

“You’re lucky that I don’t take a lot of things personal.” She informed. “Continue.”

“... You may have saved them, but there were other ways that could’ve been preferable… like talking your way out.” Gabby spoke, walking next to the train and leading the way. The train let out a loud hiss and began to move slowly, leaving the two behind.

“Oh, sure. I bet that other creature thought about talking it out and look what happened to him. Hell! I didn’t even make the first move. That pony freaking hit my left shoulder with an ax!” She said angrily. “I was trying to talk it out, but look what happened.” She said as she showed the gash on her clothes now. “I’m pretty much wearing holes in my shirt.” She sighed as she sat down on the floor, her angered emotion replaced with slight regret and sadness. “If this is how those creatures are gonna treat me, then how is it that this princess would even help me?” She looked down as she felt her image was already ruined and she would be seen as a bad guy.

“Well, is this what your people usually do? Do you let out your claws and slice at each other while screaming your heads off like animals? Or is that common with your family?”

“Well… no. Actually, no one has claws coming out of your knuckles. And as for killing… that’s one of the things that makes me human. In my world, it’s kill or be killed. Everyone for themselves. And only the strongest survive.” She explained. “Humans were made for war. They made things that would blow an island up, end people's lives in one shot.”

“... I’ll have to ask Twilight when I meet her again.”

“Ask who what?” Laura looked over at Gabby.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle. She's visited the human world before, so she may be know what your kind is like. Truth be told, I think you're being a negative Nancy.”

“Well sorry if my first day consisted of murdering creatures, and then being kicked out for making it too gory for everyone's innocence.” She huffed as she stood up. “So sorry if my first time here is making me seem so negative.”

“It's not that! You're just… just… so… alright with it! No one's gonna be fine if you're just… alright with killing anything! That's near psychopathic!”

“Hey! I never said I was okay with any of this!” She snapped at her, a little ticked off. “You think I like killing creatures? You think I’m fine with this.” She flicked her wrists to show the claws. “I was not born with this. I didn’t choose to do all of this. I didn’t decided to come to some fantasy world where griffons wanted to use me for their ‘job’, and ponies would attack me with an axe just cause I insulted them. Even though it hasn’t even been a day that I’ve been here, I can see that this place isn’t any better where I come from, maybe even worse!”

“... We really need to work on that anger problem of yours.”

“I don’t have an anger problems!” She nearly yelled, only to huff and get up from her spot before she started moving.

“Yep. Anger seems to be your problem.” Gabby followed. “I'm no expert, but I think you should admit that you have an anger problem BEFORE yelling away.”

“You aren’t an expert, since it’s perfectly logical anger after what I went through.” She growled, crossing her arms as she knew her anger was in the right place.

“But it's unnatural for the answer to be slicing anyone a few feet away from you. That's just… bad.”

“Oh, and you think those creatures I killed were good little angels? Who knows what would’ve happened if I just came to accept it. I’d probably be a slave to some old dragon or something. Or most likely dead.” Laura said, looking down at the floor as her anger subsided. “Sometimes talking things out won’t fix it. I tried to talk out of those griffon’s job offer… and both times, I wasn’t the one to make the first blow.” She said. “I don’t know why you think I’m the bad guy when I really was just some victim, no less in a place that I was lost and needed help.”

“... Do you need a hug?”

Laura didn’t say anything, only feeling that Gabby wouldn’t understand where she was coming from with all this. ‘If only humans were as pure as her...’ She thought. Without saying anything, Gabby gave Laura a deep hug. Despite having talons, the griffin’s claws didn't hurt at all, and, maybe it was something else, but she swore she heard Gabby purr.

“There, there… you can let it all out. No one's judging you.”

Laura didn’t cry, but she could feel the lump in her throat as she held close to Gabby’s talons, feeling that she needed it. She teared up a little, but nothing more came after that.

“Huh… not much of a crier?” Celestia asked. “I'm quite surprised, actually. Most, if not all, who move away, cry deeply.”

“I guess I just didn’t want to cry in front of her. I mean, it would be kinda weird to see a murderer cry, yet, I guess this time the dam broke.” She sighed, feeling that she needed to cry more, but really had no reason to.

“Still, she told you that she wasn't going to judge you.”

“Eh, where I come from, some people go back on their word. I just felt this world wasn’t any different with what I went through.” She shrugged.

“... But you're with Gabriella, probably the most kind griffin known in the Griffin Kingdom.”

“Again, it was just my first time here, and I didn’t know who to trust anymore. Even if she wanted to help me, I always felt I couldn’t be at ease with her… it might’ve been because of those other griffons.”

“Perhaps that. Anyways, continue.”

“Do you feel better?” Gabby asked. “Hugs generally make anyone feel better!... You like hugs, don't you?”

“They're okay, I guess.” Laura shrugged as she crossed her arms again. “I never got much of it though, so it didn’t do much for me.”

“... Would a kiss work then?”

“...no.” She simply said, now walking a bit faster as to not kiss a griffon.

“Ooh! I think a kiss will work!... Not in a romantic type of way… but like a sister would for their sibling… get what I mean?”

“Again… no.” She said. “We aren’t even that close yet. I only see you as an acquaintance.”

“... But… we can get to know each other better on this little adventure. And who knows, we may even make a few friends along the way!”

“I highly doubt they’d want to be friends with a psychopath, as you described me as.” She said, still looking ahead, following the train track to where they were supposed to go.

“No, they just won't be friends with a grumpy pants.”

“A grumpy pants that killed other creatures.” She responded as she kept on walking.

“Way to ruin some advice.”

“Because I’m a grumpy pants.”

“Because of that.”

Laura went silent as she only continued to walk, hoping that perhaps she’ll be able to go back home before she would lose all her insanity being in this weird world. Unfortunately, it didn't seem likely, especially when Gabby hummed and whistled a tune on their journey. To save time, it lasted for the entire day, until the sun began to set, and it's place was the moon.

The human girl only sighed as she was rubbing her forehead, wishing that she could’ve cancelled out her humming after half an hour, but couldn’t when that’s all she could hear.

Author's Note

Hey everyone! Pixel here, and I'm a little sorry for how long this took. I don't know what happened, but I guess we took a break in the middle of this chapter. Which kinda made this chapter not-so-good.

Now, I know this isn't one of my best chapters as I could see Laura was a bit out of character, but I promise this won't happen again. So, leave your likes, comments and even fave this story if you want to, and we'll be working on the next chapter whenever we can. See ya!