. . . . . .
Curtain Rise!

Act II: Preparations

Scene i: I Have a Plan

While the events following Gallus' confrontation with his vile guardian served as a fine distraction from it, they couldn't make it go away completely. And so, Gallus found himself lying awake in his dorm room. There was a mixture of emotions at a rolling boil within the blue griffon. Anger at Grampa Gruff, frustration at the situation he was in, disgust at how unfair his life was, sadness at the fact that he had no family, and fear at the thought that the old griffon could pull him from the school at any time.

Gallus rolled over on top of his bed and dug his talons into the sheets as he thought of that last one. It really bothered him that the old griffon really could tear him away from his new friends and new life at any time. Grampa Gruff was Gallus' legal guardian, so there would be nothing he or anycreature else could do about it. And it was those thoughts that made Gallus hate the vile old griffon more than ever. Quite frankly, Gallus wanted him gone.

Gallus' angry thoughts surrounding Grampa Gruff would have continued for nearly the whole night if they hadn't been interrupted by the sensation of touch on Gallus' shoulder.

Freaked out by this, Gallus froze solid, his eyes wide as he dared not even breathe. However, he knew that he simply couldn't remain still like this while somecreature was standing over him. So, forcing himself to be brave, Gallus took a deep breathe and rolled over to see who was in the room with him.

It was a blueish black griffon with brilliant amber eyes, wearing a golden sash and a crown.

". . . Uh?" Gallus said as he gaped at the griffon standing before him.

The newcomer smiled at Gallus and said, "Don't you know me?"

". . . King. . .?" Gallus said slowly.

"Guto," he replied, and he spread his wings wide and said, "I am. . . King Guto. . . The last of the kings of Griffonstone."

Gallus blinked owlishly at Guto, and he said dumbly, "Uhh. . ."

Guto raised a talon and said, "And no, I am not a dream. I am far more than a dream. I've been watching my former kingdom for a while, and it seems we have a mutual foe."

Gallus was taken aback by this, and he said, "Wait. . . are you talking about Grampa Gruff?"

Guto snorted and said, "Who else. He is the source of so many of our problems. He's tormented you, and held Griffonstone back so much."

"Wait, wait, what do you mean he held Griffonstone back?" Gallus asked curiously.

"The griffons can't go on like they've been going," Guto explained bitterly, "Greedy, bitter, angry at each other. While Equestria and the other races thrive, Griffonstone is still in the gutter." Guto's face contorted with rage, and he continued, "All because of that old fool touting the old ways of valuing wealth and spitting venom at every other griffon. Hating other races, treating our young like garbage! It disgusts me how that idiot is dooming our race!"

As Guto panted hard to catch his breath, Gallus sat up on the side of his bed and said, "Woah. You're kinda saying what I'm thinking."

Guto smiled with approval and said, "Gallus, you've been well educated in this School of Friendship. You have the skills needed to. . . improve upon griffon culture, unlike that old fool."

Gallus shrugged and said, "Well, yeah. Princess Twilight and the other professors know their stuff. But it's not like there's anything I can do to magically fix Griffonstone."

Guto raised a claw and wagged it at Gallus, and he said, "Ohh, but that's not what I'm saying you will do. It won't happen overnight, but you do have the potential to fix things. We just need to . . . remove Grampa Gruff, and replace him with you."

Gallus blinked, and he replied, "Well, that sounds easier said than done. Get all the griffons to listen to a nobody like me instead of Grampa Gruff. Like that will ever happen."

"It will happen, Gallus," Guto said with certainty, a look of pleasure on his face, "You see, I have plans for you, Gallus. Big plans, indeed."

Gallus' interest was perked as Guto laughed. Then the ex-king of Griffonstone nodded his head and explained.

They thought the kings were no more
But very soon they'll see
You rise like a phoenix from the ashes
So triumphantly

I feared the worst for my homeland
Oh, how long it's been
A second opportunity
Let a golden age begin

Guto stood tall and nodded confidently to Gallus.

For I have a plan

"Oh do you, now?" Gallus asked.

Yes, I have a plan

"I wanna know how," Gallus said, looking interested.

Follow my lead, that's all you need
Yes, I have a plan

Guto approached Gallus, smiling as he outlined his plan.

You'll discredit Grampa Gruff before all Griffonstone
You'll endear every griffon to your lead

And once Gruff's influence is diminished
You'll snuff out his life light,
You will cleanse his blight!

Griffonstone's poverty and pain
Will never return again

Guto reared up onto his hind legs and flared his wings grandly, his eyes shining with passion and power.

For I have a plan!

"Yeah, you sure do. . ." Gallus said in awe.

Yes, I have a plan!

"That's what I'll do!" Gallus said as his confidence grew.

Follow my lead, that's all you need
I have a plan!

Yes, I have a plan!

"I love that scheme!" Gallus said as he nodded his head excitedly.

I have a plan!

"It'll work like a dream!"

Follow my lead, that's all you need!
Yes. . . I have a plan!

Gallus was utterly thrilled as Guto laughed grandly.

Scene ii: Cheer Up Gallus

Starlight Glimmer was in the Guidance Counselor's office when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," she said, and in came Gallus, who looked a bit preoccupied as he approached the unicorn.

"Miss Glimmer," he began, then he took a moment to gather his thoughts, and continued, "I've got a question. Well, not really a question, I was really just wondering."

Starlight smiled welcomingly and said, "No problem, Gallus. What would you like to know?"

"Can you maybe, like, not tell anycreature about what I'm gonna ask you?" Gallus asked while giving Starlight a hopeful look.

This gave Starlight pause, and she said, "Gallus, you have my word. Anything you discuss with a Guidance Counselor will be kept in full confidentiality if that's what you want."

Gallus nodded, and he said, "Good. So, I wanna know if, say, Grampa Gruff wasn't, or couldn't be my guardian anymore, what exactly would happen to me?"

Starlight let out a sad, sympathetic sigh. "Gallus, I know what happened during that meeting Grampa Gruff had with Trixie was. . . difficult for you-."

"Look, I'm fine. Really," Gallus said quickly, "I just wanna know. It's been bugging me, okay?"

Starlight studied Gallus' face for a bit, then she said slowly, "Well, I really don't think you need to worry about this happening, but if it did, I suppose Twilight could help arrange a new guardian for you. I can already think of two griffons who'd be willing."

Gallus was surprised to hear this, and he asked, "Seriously? Who?"

Starlight averted her eyes nervously and said, "Oh, well, I probably shouldn't be talking like this."

Gallus gave Starlight an annoyed look and said, "Seriously? You get me curious and you leave me hanging. Not cool."

Immediately feeling bad about this, Starlight relented and said, "Okay, don't spread this around, but I thinking Gabby and Gilda."

"Gilda?" Gallus echoed, "I mean, sure, Gabby sounds right, but Gilda? Seriously?"

Starlight smiled and said, "You might be surprised. Gilda is a good creature, and she has a much bigger heart than she lets on."

"If you say so," Gallus said, then he smirked and said, "Heh. Wouldn't mind it. Gabby's nice and fun, but Gilda's a little more. . . chill."

Starlight chuckled and said, "Yeah. I know what you mean."

Gallus nodded back and said, "Well, thank you Miss Starlight. See you later, I guess."

As the blue griffon turned to leave, Starlight spoke up, "Gallus, wait. Just remember, you don't need to worry about things. You've got me, Twilight, and the other professors and your side. Not to mention your friends, who I'm sure would do anything for you."

Gallus paused for a moment, then he nodded his head slowly and said, "Yeah. They would." And with that, Gallus left the room.

Starlight watched Gallus close the door, and she sighed and spoke softly to herself.

You get blue like everyone
But your five dear friends
Can make your troubles go away
Blow away, there they go...

Starlight then turned to her desk and used her magic to open a drawer a pull out a newspaper clipping.

Cheer up, Gallus
Give me a smile
What happened to the smile I used to know

The clipping showed a picture taken of the six students after they had defeated Cozy Glow. Starlight focused on Gallus in the picture.

Don't you know your grin can sure bring
Griffonstone sunshine;
Let that sunshine show...

Come on, Gallus
No need to frown
Deep down you know the world still has joy

Starlight put the newspaper clipping down and walked over to the window.

When the days get heavy
Never pitter patter
Up and at'em boy

Starlight spotted Gallus out through the window, and she smiled encouragingly at him.

Some day, sweet as a song
Gallus' lucky day will come along
Till that day
You've got to stay in strong Gallus
Up on top is right where you belong

Starlight then used her magic to bring a photo of the entire student body to her. Her eyes quickly fell upon the blue griffon in the picture.

Look up, Gallus
You'll see a star
Just follow it and keep your dreams in view

Pretty soon the sky is going to clear up
Gallus,
Cheer up Gallus, do

Starlight sighed as she leaned on the windowsill and rested her cheeks in her forehooves.

Cheer up Gallus
Just be glad you're. . .
You

Scene iii: Be Prepared

Within the Castle of the Two Sisters, the School of Friendship's six star students were gathered.

"Not sure why we all have to come here," Smolder remarked as she glanced around the castle's throne room.

"I already told you guys," Gallus said as he turned to look at his friends, "No creature else can know about this!"

Ocellus looked quite confused as she said, "We could've just talked in the Treehouse of Harmony."

Gallus shook his head and said, "Nah. I mean, I don't think so. I just wouldn't feel comfortable talking about it there."

"About what!?" Silverstream said eagerly, her talons clasped tightly as she bounced on her hind paws. She was smiling eagerly as she said, "Come on! I need to know! Tell me!"

Gallus stepped ahead of the group and began pacing back and forth. "I'm gonna give it to you guys straight: Grampa Gruff has got to go."

The entire group slightly bristled at this, all of them filled with disgust at the thought of the bitter old griffon. Word had spread about the confrontation between Trixie and Grampa Gruff, as well as his hurtful words.

"Yona agrees! Grouchy griffon is no good at all!" the yak said with an indignant frown.

Sandbar appeared unsure, and he asked, "Uh, what do you mean he's got to go. I mean, sure, I don't blame you for wanting to be rid of him; but why now?"

"Because it finally hit me," Gallus explained, "Grampa Gruff hasn't just hurt me, he's been hurting Griffonstone."

"Really? But how?" Silverstream asked innocently, "I mean, he's just one griffon."

Gallus stopped pacing and shrugged. "All the adult griffons kinda respect him," he admitted, "And since Girffonstone hasn't had a king for, like, a long time, he's the best we got. And he knows a lot about griffon history, so he's pretty much the leader."

Silverstream made a face and said "Sounds like a lousy leader."

"You're telling me," Gallus remarked, "And with him been the very biggest, greediest, jerk that no griff ever was, Griffonstone can't get any better as long as he's in charge. Griffonstone needs a griffon that understands friendship, but doesn't think Griffons have to go all nice and sweet and pony-like, no offense, Sandbar."

Sandbar smiled and nodded.

"So," Smolder said, "We talking about Gilda here?"

"No. Me," Gallus said as he pointed to himself.

When everycreature stared at him, Gallus huffed and said, "What? I'm enrolled in The Princess of Friendship's School of Friendship! I'm pretty sure that makes me the best griffon for the job."

Silverstream's eyes lit up, and she said, "Hey! He's got a point!"

Smolder blew smoke through her nose and said, "Well, sure, I guess. But what does that have to do with us? Are we all gonna form a secret group to get rid of Grampa Gruff?"

Gallus smiled and gave Smolder a thumbs up. "Exactly," Gallus said.

Smolder and the others looked at Gallus in surprise as the Griffon continued to smile and pace back and forth in front of them as he addressed them all.

Old Gruff is now yesterday's message
A clapped-out, distracted regime
Whose failings undoubtedly presage
The need for a different dream

Gallus then started to pace around his friends, addressing them one by one.

I tell you, the times are a-changeling
So let's all stop dragon our feet
We must pony-up and stop yakking
Let's get a griff and plot out his defeat

As his friends all looked on with interest, Gallus walked over to the old, restored throne.

So prepare for a chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining new era
Is tiptoeing nearer

"And where do we feature?" Smolder asked.

"Listen and I'll teach ya," Gallus replied before continuing.

I know it sounds sordid
But you'll be rewarded
When at last I am given my dues
Yes, Grampa Gruff better beware
Be prepared!

Ocellus looked at Gallus thoughtfully, and she asked, "Be prepared? For what?"

"For Grampa Gruff to pay for everything he's done," Gallus said bitterly, "He encouraged every griffon to be greedy and nasty."

Gallus' friends gasped.

"So that means it's his fault Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were left to almost fall in Abysmal Abyss and die!"

Gallus's friends gasped again.

"And he treated my dirt since the day he decided to be my guardian!"

Gallus' friends gasped a third time, this time with look with indignation and rage.

Gallus flew up into the air and shouted, "We need to bring Gramp Gruff down! For Griffonstone!"

Gallus' friends cheered in agreement, and the proceeded to voice their approval.

It's great that we'll soon be best friends with
With a griff who'll be all-time adored

Gallus smiled and landed in the restored throne.

You know, this is better than I expected
I'm so glad that you're all on board
The future is littered with prizes
Although I'm the main addressee
And the point that I must emphasize is

Gallus raised his fists high and shouted at the top of his lungs.

Grampa Gruff is no match for me!

Gallus took the air again as he gestured excitedly with his forelegs as his friends cheered excitedly.

So prepare for the coup of the century
Be prepared for the cleverest plan
Meticulous planning
Tenacity spanning
Decades of denial
Is simply why I'll
Be so unrefuted,
Respected, saluted
And seen for the wonder I am

Yes, my claws and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!

Gallus friends laughed excitedly and echoed his words.

Yes, his claws and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!

The Castle of the Two Sister was filled with laughter.

Curtain!

Author's Note

The features songs were I Have a Plan from The Lion Guard, Cheer Up Charliefrom Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and a combination of the animated 1994 and live action 2019 versions of Be Prepared from The Lion King and its remake.

On the Song List so far (and in no particular order):
~~Poison (Thanks for Nothing) by littlejayneycakes~~
~~You'll Be Back from~~ Hamilton
Holiday by Greenday
The Story of Tonight from Hamilton
The Story of Tonight (Reprise) from Hamilton
The Cell Block Tango from Chicago (Glee cover)
Cupcakes from Something Broke by tarbyrocks
Thank You Very Much from Scrooge- 1970
The World's Greatest Criminal Mind from The Great Mouse Detective
Stronger Than You- Sans Version by djsmell
Stronger Than You- Frisk Version by Starbeam
~~Cheer Up Charlie from~~Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
~~Be Prepared~~ from The Lion King (2019 and 1994)
~~I Have a Plan from~~ The Lion Guard
MAYBE Ten Duel Commandments from Hamilton
MAYBE The World Was Wide Enough from Hamilton