The Staff of Sir Gallop the Wo/andererby BoredAuthor817ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 1 Gallus's Journal : Entry #39 We've been excavating for three days. No point in telling you just how many holes I have dug... -_- Professor Shimmer swears we're close to finding the Staff of Sir Gallop the Wanderer (or Wonderer (no one really knows and ancient texts use both—in the same freaking paragraph!!!)) At any rate, Professor Shimmer claims she can feel the magic radiating off the artifact. I'm still skeptical. And tired. I'm achy, dirty, grubby... The “sunscreen” lotion was no help there... … And it's miserably, unbearably HOT! Gallus stood up straight and wiped his brow with his kerchief. He continued down his cheeks and onto his neck. For once, he was glad not to have his fur coat and feathers. It was nice to discard his jacket, shirt, and pants. Now, he stood in his boxers, work boots and gloves. Personally, he would have tossed aside the boxers as well, but Professor Shimmer warned she would clobber him if he ever took them off. Gallus was considering taking her up on that offer. “Lemonade?” Gallus leaned against the wall of the massive hole. “Yes, please,” he gasped, pulling off his gloves. He took the drink in hand and tilted it back gingerly. He was so parched, he could barely register the liquid passing through his throat. He finished the glass in a swift motion and wiped the corners of his mouth. “I've been digging here forever. You sure this is the right place?” Sunset Shimmer nodded. “The map and compass pointed us here and I'm beginning to sense a large concentration of magic in this spot. There is definitely something here.” “Yeah, about that,” Gallus said, picking up the shovel, “How does that even work in this world? I mean, in Equestria, I get it—you being a unicorn and all. But, in a world without magic—?” “I don't fully understand it either,” Sunset sighed, “Maybe because it is that I'm a unicorn, or that I am Equestrian.” “You just feel stuff?” “Well, yeah...” Gallus frowned as he threw a shovel-full of dirt to the surface. “We sure this staff still exists? I mean, it's wood, and wood does decompose. Especially, if we're talking about nearly a thousand years.” “All the more reason to search for it,” Sunset said, in a very professorial tone, “If it is indeed lost and destroyed to time, then we can count it towards 'no-longer-exists'. However, if it has survived—” “Then it needs to be returned to Equestria before it has a chance to cause any trouble,” Gallus droned, “And all the legends point that it was buried,” he pointed to the ground below his feet, “here.” It seemed to have pleased Sunset. “Exactly,” she smiled. She checked the time on her phone, then glanced at the sun. “I'd say we've got a few more hours then we can stop for the day.” Gallus grunted. “Good.” “Do you want some more sunscreen?” “No!” Gallus yelped. He already had a think layer of dust on him due to the first application. He didn't need any more caked upon him. He cleared his throat, “I mean, I think I'm alright.” He smiled as Sunset walked off. He had already decided, he would jump into the bath first chance he got—clothes and all. That thought alone kept him digging. With each shovel, he knew he was closer to a large tub of cool, refreshing water. He imagined being engulfed by the liquid, loosing himself to its depths. He smiled in that thought, spearing the shovel into the dirt. It stopped short with a thud! Gallus's eyes widened. Finally, he had hit something! But, what? He raised the shovel and threw it down again. Again, it stopped short with a thud. Gallus knelt and began clearing with his hands. Just his luck it would be another old root or rock he'd have to dig out. However, to his surprise and delight, it was neither. His digging continued with fervor. “Professor Shimmer!” he called out, “I've found something!” He had nearly cleared out all dirt before Sunset appeared over the edge of the hole. Gallus looked up at her, a wide smile on his face. “It's a chest!” he exclaimed, “And it's Equestrian! Look!” He brushed away more of the dirt, “Aren't these Old Ponish runes?” Sunset squinted as she read the inscriptions. “Middle Ponish, actually. But, it is certainly from Equestria and the right time period. Can you lift it?” Gallus used the shovel to gain a bit of leverage on the chest. With it freed from the dirt, he tried straight lifting it. “Might need a bit of help,” he strained, “You think the staff is in here? It seems a bit small.” Sunset threw down some rope. “Won't know until we open it. Tie this around it and we'll pull it up.” Gallus did as instructed and moved the chest to the edge of the hole then ran up the ladder to assist in pulling. It took a bit of effort, but, soon, the ancient chest was out and back in the world above ground. Gallus collapsed from exhaustion. “Well?” he gasped, “is this it?” “Don't know.” “You mean they didn't put a label on it? What's with all the writing then?” Sunset shrugged, reading the inscription, “Some sort of poem. Can't properly read it till I get it cleaned.” Gallus groaned. “How about: How do we open it?” “I don't think you need to worry yourselves with that.” Gallus quickly sat up. That wasn't a voice he recognized. He was just in time to see two goons push Sunset down into the dirt. “Professor!” he yelled, leaping to her aid. But, two more grabbed him and threw him to the ground as well. Gallus struggled as his hands were tied behind his back, but his attackers were too strong. His bonds secured, he was dragged to Sunset's side. “What the hay!” he protested, “Who are you creatures?” “People,” Sunset corrected, “Though, given the circumstances...” Gallus frowned and glared the men down. He was surprised how Sunset wasn't giving more of a fight. She was being suspiciously quiet through the whole thing. “They're secure, Boss,” one of the men said into what Gallus guessed was some sort of phone. “Excellent,” a male voice said over the device, “Do be nice to our guests and bring them into the RV.” “You heard the boss,” the man with the phone said, waving his hand, “You, grab the chest.” “Hey! Wait a minute!” cried Gallus as he was pushed toward their camp, “Can we just stop for a moment! I mean, I'm not really dressed for the occasion! Can I, at least, put my pants on?” Gallus stumbled as he was pushed into the RV he had called home for the last few weeks. He looked around, pleasantly surprised that the place hadn't been ransacked. Seated at the banquette was an elderly gentleman, reading a book. Gallus quickly recognized it. “Hey!” he growled, trying to lunge forward, “That's private!” “... and very dull,” the man said, closing the book and setting it aside. He tipped his fedora. “Sunset Shimmer.” “Dr. Diggs,” Sunset said sharply. “Who's your young charge?” “I'm Gallus,” the young man sneered as he and Sunset were forced to take a seat. “Quite a nice little camp you've got here.” “I see you've made yourself at home,” said Sunset. “I'm sorry,” said Gallus, “But who is this guy?” “Dr. Diggs is the professor of archaeology at Canterlot Community College.” “... and you know him how?” “Sunset reached out to me to assist with her research for this little expedition. Though, her objectives remained rather vague.” “I have my reasons,” Sunset seethed. “Yes,” replied Dr. Diggs, “And I'm beginning to understand them.” He turned his attention to the chest which was set down between them. “... and this! This must be the Staff of Sir Gallop the Wanderer!” “Ye-ah,” said Gallus, “I'm really beginning to doubt that's the staff...” “Shh!” Sunset snapped at him. “Well, I am...” Sunset ignored him. “Supposing it is Sir Gallop's staff, what would you want with it?” “Silly pony!” laughed Diggs, “It doesn't belong in a museum!” “Never said it did...” “You really don't know the power that lies within it?” “Not my real problem at the moment,” Sunset said, “Right now, I'm more focused on getting it back to Equestria where it belongs.” Dr. Diggs chuckled. “How little you know.” “Then enlighten me.” “Unless you're from Griffonstone, you wouldn't understand.” Gallus's ears perked up. “Wait a minute... you're a griffon?” He and Sunset locked eyes in a moment of disbelief. “Does explain a lot...” “No, it doesn't,” frowned Sunset. “It doesn't?” “No, it opens a whole new slew of questions.” “Right...” Gallus thought aloud, “Because then the question would be... what... What he is doing here!” He looked to Sunset for confirmation. Getting it, he straightened up and held his head high. He would have folded his arms if he could. “What are you doing here?” “I was getting to that,” the doctor said impatiently. He cleared his throat. “Start with Griffonstone,” said Gallus, “I think I know what you're going with this, but please fill in my pony companion here.” Diggs rolled his eyes. “Ugh, fine! Yes, I'm from Griffonstone. I was orphaned at a young age. My earliest memories are those of scrounging around the streets, begging for food. Do you know what it's like to be a poor orphan on the streets?” “Uhm, actually, yes,” Sunset and Gallus said in unison. They shared a sly smile. Their upbringing had been one of the many topics they talked about on their long drive into the desert. Dr. Diggs looked surprised. “... and be taken in by a benefactor?” “Two for two,” said Gallus. “And be sent away to attend school?” “Yep,” said Gallus. Sunset shrugged, “Might as well have...” “See?” smiled Gallus, “We're bonding already! Now, how about you untie these ropes and we can talk some more?” Diggs waved his hand. “No!” “Wait,” started Sunset, “this is all because you had a lousy kithood?” “No, quite the opposite, actually.” “Then where are you going with this?” roared Gallus and Sunset. “Look,” Diggs said courtly, “you want to know what I plan to do with the staff? Well, I'm getting to that.” “Please hurry up,” said Gallus, “my arms are going numb.” Diggs seemed to ignore him. “Why does anyone search magical artifacts?” “To get them away to where they can't hurt anybody?” said Sunset, flatly. “My dear Sunset Shimmer, you're the exception, not the rule. No, we search for them because we seek the power within them. “I'd grown up hearing the tales of great mages of old. The will and might they had to wield the very elements. And I always thought, 'What if I could hold that power for myself?' “Well, with this staff, I will be able to wield the power of the ancients! Now, I know what you're thinking: Griffons don't have magic like ponies do. But, we did once. Well, a few of us, anyway... “It was back in the days before the reign of Grover the Great, when our ancestors first came to Griffonstone. In those days, we were ruled over by wise mages. The smartest griffons of the land--” Gallus groaned, “Are we gonna have to sit through a lecture?” “It's looking like it,” Sunset whispered. “EXCUSE ME!” yelled Dr. Diggs, “Gloating about my dastardly plan here!” “Well, either tell it to us or untie us so you can lecture us,” Sunset said, “Because, frankly, I can't get through a whole lecture and remember everything without taking notes!” Diggs face turn red. “Gah! Now I've lost my spot! I must start from the beginning...” “Ugh!” Sunset and Gallus groaned loudly. Chapter 2 Gallus's Journal : Entry #40 By now, you're probably wondering just how I got myself into this situation. Well, it wasn't easy. … It was incredibly stupidly easy... It was the end of the school year and the beginning summer break (which is where most of my problems tend to begin to start). We had just the last of our final exams and Sandbar, Yona, Ocellus, Smoulder, Silverstream and I were in the mood for celebrating before returning home to our families. Except for me—because I have no family—but, whatever... Anyway, it had been decided that we would go for a much-deserved treat at Sugarcube Corner. I told my friends to go on ahead. I had a book I had borrowed from Headmare Glimmer and wanted to return it before I forgot—again. Being the hour that it was, I knew that the headmare was no longer in her office. So, I made my way to the castle of friendship, which, in Princess Twilight's absence, had become the faculty housing. I entered the mighty hall and looked around in the hopes of finding somecreature who could help me. As I turned a corner, I heard voices and hoofsteps coming in my direction. One of the voices I recognized quickly has the headmare's. “You sure you can't stay any longer?” she asked. “Sorry,” replied her companion, “but I gotta get back to my world and Princess Twilight is anxious to take the portal apart. Just hope she doesn't break anything.” “She is chomping at the bit, isn't she?” laughed the headmare, “Well, now that we know other portals exist, even if something happens to this one, you're not stuck over there.” “I'd rather not think of it at all,” the other grumbled. I recognized the voice now. It was Professor Sunset Shimmer's. Professor Shimmer had been brought on to teach Applications of Friendship Magic. It was an elective which looked at non-magical applications for magic. (Yeah, we didn't fully understand it either...) (And, coincidentally, was the exam my friends and I had just come from). But, Professor Shimmer talked about using friendship magic in a hypothetical “magic-less world”. Though, the more she talked of it, the more we felt she believed such a place existed. But, hearing this conversation, I wasn't quite so sure... Especially when Glimmer proposed to walk Shimmer to “the mirror.” I could hear them, but I yet couldn't see them. Frantic (though I don't know why), I ran in the first unlocked room I could find. Frankly, I don't know what I was thinking, but something about all this had peaked my curiosity. Eventually, they did walk past me and I followed them at a wide distance. They seemed so enthralled in their talk, they seemed to not notice me. Through some doors and up some stairs, we ended in a library with a large mirror and an even larger contraption around it. I dove behind some shelves from which I could observe the mares. You can imagine my surprise when, after saying their good-byes, Shimmer walked into the mirror and disappeared in a white light! Now, please don't ask what I was thinking, but I threw the book I was going to return across the room. It distract Glimmer's attention long enough for her to go investigate and for me to dash to and through the mirror. Now, before you say anything: Yes, BRILLIANT idea. I certainly thought of that AFTER the fact. But, the colors... OH, THE COLORS!!! When I came through the other side, I did the only sane thing any sensible male in my situation would do. I threw up. Gallus retched until his stomach was empty and then some. He had never felt so sick in his life. Exhausted, he leaned back against the monument from which he had emerged and took in deep breaths. “What is this place?” he asked, wiping his beak. He stopped when all he got was air. “Wait a minute...” he frowned. He tried again. Finding no beak, he pressed his claws against the front of his face. It was flat and fleshy. That was also when he discovered to have an extra digit. “What is this?” He opened and closed his claws. They looked like his claws. They were the right color, but something seemed weird about them. They felt like they were in something. Timidly, he grabbed a hold at the end of one of his claws and pulled. The skin came right off! Gallus jumped back with a scream. Regaining his composure, he looked back at the skin he's dropped and at his other claw. It looked strangely familiar to him. He'd seen other griffons and some dragons wearing something similar. Gloves! That was it! He was wearing gloves! Thick leather working gloves, by the look of it. He pulled off the other glove to be sure. It was then he noticed the rest of his body. “Clothes...” he pulled at some of the fabric, “I'm wearing clothes... I have a strange feeling I'm not a griffon anymore.” He looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of the world's inhabitants, but the small plaza was empty. He turned toward a the large building. “They must all be in there,” he reasoned. Gathering his gumption, he walked through the double glass doors. Chapter 3 Gallus's Journal : Entry #40 (continued) One thing I quickly picked up about the inhabitants of this world, and from what I'd partially remembered of Professor Shimmer's lectures, was that these creatures walked upright. And, not to toot my own horn, but it was very easy to get accustomed to. Also, no wings. Very unhelpful... The whole building was quiet. Gallus's footprints echoed heavily through he halls. He glance around at the walls and quickly surmised to be in some sort of school. Just as he'd grown used to the quiet, a loud bell rang the classroom doors opened, and halls flooded with students. Gallus stood still, taking in his situation. “I'm on a planet of apes!” he wanted to yell. One bumped into him. “Excuse me,” Gallus said just as another ran into him. “What are you doing, dude?” said one of the students. “Uhm, excuse me?” “Don't just stand there,” said another, “You're blocking the hall.” “Uh, sorry, I'm new here.” It seemed the only appropriate thing to say. The two students just looked at each other. “Well, why didn't you say so?” said one. He wrapped an arm around Gallus's shoulders. “You're probably looking for the principal's office.” “Uh, yeah!” Gallus smiled, “That's it!” “Yeah,” said the other, “it's right this way. Here, we'll walk with you.” Gallus couldn't express his appreciation. Once inside the head office, he felt a bit better. “Can I help you?” said a voice. Gallus quickly turned to it and gasped in shock. “P-Princess Luna?” “No,” Luna shook her head, “I'm Vice-Principal Luna. Though, hold on for a moment.” She walked to a nearby room and called out “Sister?” A tall female ape dressed in a white pants suite walked out of the smaller office. “What is it, Luna?” “Princess Celestia!” cried Gallus. Celestia stopped in her tracks. One look at Gallus and her shoulders fell. “Not another one,” she grumbled. “I'll call Sunset Shimmer,” she said, returning to her office. Gallus felt a weight on his shoulder. It was Vice-Principal Luna. “Why don't you have a seat?” she said. Gallus didn't have to wait very long before the office door opened and in walked another female ape with a mane Gallus quickly recognized. She also seemed to have recognized him. “Gallus?” “Professor Shimmer!” he exclaimed with relief and delight. Professor Shimmer didn't seem to share the same enthusiasm. “What are you doing here?” Gallus winced. “It's a bit of a long story...” Gallus's Journal : Entry #1 Note to self: When retelling a story of your adventures, make sure to make your idiotic actions sound a lot less idiotic than they actually were. Suffice to say, Professor Shimmer wasn't very happy about the tale I had to tell her. She grabbed my collar and dragged me back out to the plaza where I first arrived. I now had a better view of what exactly I had tumbled out of. It was a stone monument with a square base and a rearing horse on top. Professor Sunset explained that it housed the portal that would take me right back to Ponyville. Or, at least it would have, it it hasn't already been disabled... Sunset Shimmer slammed her book shut with a growl. “Of course the princess has already started work on it...” “So,” Gallus started cautiously, “that's a 'no' on going home?” “For now. Looks like you're stuck here for a while.” Gallus was about to ask about the other portals back to Equestria, but that would mean having to admit he was eavesdropping on a conversation. “What even made you want to jump through in the first place? For that matter, what were you even doing in the castle?” Gallus gulped. “Research?” Sunset growled. “Come on,” she said, walking away. “W-wait! Where are we going?” “Home. You're staying with me until the portal is up and working again. I don't suppose you've had dinner.” A low grumble erupted from Gallus's stomach. After his ordeal earlier, it surprised him to have an appetite. “I'll take that as a no,” said Sunset. Gallus took a big bite of his burger. It wasn't quite like the meat he'd get back in Griffonstone, but it was far supperior than the hayburgers the ponies ate. “So,” he said through a mouthful of food, “what's with all the apes.” “Humans.” “What?” “They call themselves humans. Though related to apes, they consider themselves to be quite different.” Gallus let the word roll around on his tongue. “Humans... Don't have anything like them in Equus.” “They don't have anything like griffons here either.” Gallus took another bite of his burger. “Is there a message you want to send to your folks? I'm sure they must be concerned on where you are.” “Hm?” Sunset pointed to the book she had at the portal. “This is a communication journal. For now, it's my only link to Equestria. If you want to send something to your family, you can write it in here and Princess Twilight can pass it on.” Gallus swallowed slowly. “I have no one to write to...” “Oh,” Sunset said softly, “Well, what about your friends? Do you at least want to send word that you're okay?” Gallus took another bite of burger and shrugged. “I guess so. I did kinda just disappear on them.” He was startled by a buzzing. He saw Sunset reach down and pulled out a small tablet, it glowed as she touched it. “What's that?” he asked. Sunset's eyes lit up. “This?” she smiled, “This is part of the greatest magic of this world.” “Something better than friendship?” “Well,” faltered Sunset, “maybe not that, but it's still pretty amazing. This is a cell phone.” “And you do with it what?” “Oh, a whole bunch of stuff! Talk, text, surf the web...” She stopped short, “It's a lot to explain.” Gallus took a sip of his drink. “Sounds like it. So, why did it buzz?” “Rarity just texted me.” Gallus nearly choked in surprise. “Professor Rarity is here, too?” “Uhm... no...” Sunset wavered, “Perhaps, there's now's a good time to tell you a little something about this world.” “I'm suspecting it has something to do with the other Princess Luna and Celestia.” “Yes! Everyone is Equestria has a counterpart here, and vice-versa.” “So, we're in some alternate universe?” Sunset rubbed her chin, “I suppose you could put it something like that.” “Cool!” cheered Gallus, “Is my counterpart around?” “Don't think so. I haven't seen him yet. Haven't come across mine either.” She waved for the server. “Finish up. We've got to get home. Got a lot of work ahead of us.” Gallus frowned, “Work? But it's summer vacation!” “In Equestria. But, since you were so nice as to follow me through the portal, you get to be my assistant.” “Assistant? Assistant with what?” “Not here,” Sunset hushed as the waitress approached, “I'll show you when we get to my place.” Gallus's Journal : Entry #2 After dinner, we made our way to Professor Shimmer's apartment. Along the way, we stopped at a pharmacy to pick up some “essentials”. I had no clue what we were doing. Professor Shimmer did all the shopping, stopping periodically to have me smell various things. It was quite evident she was doing shopping for me. We exited the shop with several bags in hand (that's what they call their claws). I also learned about feet—both kinds (please don't ask). I also learned about cars. Very quickly, I learned about cars. Nothing like getting nearly hit by one to teach you that they exist. Thankfully, Professor Shimmer was looking out and pulled me out of the way just in time. Very dangerous world this place is. I like it! Sunset threw a pillow and a blanket onto the couch. “You'll be sleeping here. Bathroom is over there. Try not to stay up all night watching T.V.” “T.V.?” Gallus raised his eyebrows as Sunset thrust a black cylindrical object into his hand. He examined it before pressing a red button, jumping slightly when a black mirror on the wall came to life. “Is this a portal?” he asked, fiddling with the other buttons. He quickly learned how to change the pictures. Sunset laughed. “Something like it. Well, go ahead and get settled in.” Gallus turned off the T.V. “So, what sort of 'work' are we talking about?” His brow furrowed as Sunset handed him her opened journal. He flipped through it in wonder. There were pages of notes, sketches and diagrams. “When not giving lectures,” Sunset explained, “I was researching various Equestrian artifacts that are said to have been hidden in this world.” “Equestrian artifacts? Here?” “Yes, and they've been causing a world of trouble.” “But,” Gallus frowned, “I thought you said this was a world without magic.” Sunset's demeanor fell. “It was.” He flipped through some more pages. “We're gonna search for all of these?” “Would like to, but most of them I don't have any idea where in this world they may be. Right now, I'm most focused on this one.” She flipped a few pages to an entry titled “Staff of Sir Gallop the Wanderer/Wonderer”. “Couldn't make up what he was?” asked Gallus. “More like errant scribes.” “So, we're going on a treasure hunt...” “In a way.” “Well then,” beamed Gallus, “it's a good thing you've got a griffon with you. We know all about treasure!” Sunset grinned slyly, “I suppose you do. So,” she punched Gallus's arm, “you up for it, griffon?” Gallus returned the gesture. “You just try to keep up, pony.” “Well, get some rest, we'll stat early tomorrow. Oh, and one more thing.” She handed over another book. Gallus frowned as he flipped through it. The pages were all blank. “You should keep a journal while you're here.” “A journal?” he sneered, “You want me to write a diary?” “Whatever you want to call it. I'm sure you're gonna want to remember everything about this place when you return to Equestria.” “But, I don't even know what to write!” “Neither did I. But, eventually, something just comes to you.” She gave him a pen, “Just give it a try.” Gallus wasn't the lest bit confident, but took the pen anyway. Dressed for bed and alone, he opened the notebook to the first page. He stared at it thoughtfully, wondering what to write. Slowly, a thought came to him. He uncapped the pen and began to write: “Note to self:...” Chapter 4 Gallus's Journal : Entry #39 (continued) … and, now that you're all caught up to speed, we can continue... “You won't get away with this!” Gallus growled. Though, by the looks everyone was giving him, it wasn't the right response. Dr. Diggs frowned, “Did you hear anything I had to say?” “No,” Gallus shuffled awkwardly in his seat, “was too busy inner-monologuing about what poor life decisions had brought me here.” Again, wrong answer. “Ugh, never mind,” Sunset rolled her eyes, “I'll explain it to him later. But, in a way, he's kinda right.” Gallus's face brightened, “I am?” “There's a reason why I'm the exception,” Sunset said, “Because I've been there, done that, and it never turns out as you think it will. Trust me, Dr. Diggs, whatever power you may think is in there, you don't want it.” “I'd listen to her!” “Enough!” roared Dr. Diggs, “You two are trying my patience!” “That's not saying much for a griffon...” said Gallus. “I've had enough of you two!” He waved to two of his men, “Take them to the pit.” The sun had long set as Sunset and Gallus were pushed outside of the RV, kicking and screaming. “Nothing personal,” said Diggs, “I just can't have you following us.” “Why don't you just let all the air out of our tires?” yelled Sunset, “Would probably be much easier on all our parts.” “Yes,” said Diggs, “might just do that, too.” “H-hey, w-wait a minute,” shouted Gallus, as his feet neared the edge of the hole he'd been digging earlier, “I... I think this is a good time to mention that I don't like small, cramped spaces!” He yelled as he was pushed into the hole. Above, he could hear Sunset yelling at Diggs with some very colorful language before she, too, was pushed in. What Gallus had not intended on, though, was to break her fall. Above them, they could hear Diggs and his posse drive away. “You okay?” Sunset asked. Gallus rolled his head, cracking his neck. “Yeah. I think so. Gotta say, you're being extremely calm about all this.” “Not the first time I've been tied up.” Gallus raised an eyebrow. “Reeaally?” “You got your pocket knife on you?” “Uh, really?” “What? Oh, sorry... Totally forgot.” “You 'totally forgot' that I'd been in just my underwear for hours?” “Not really something one focuses on...” “Dr. Diggs couldn't even look me straight in the eye!” “Okay, never mind... I would ask you to grab mine, but I think it feel out of my pocket during the scuffle.” Gallus sighed. “So, now what?” There was a short pause before Sunset said, “Is that shovel still down here?” “Uh, yeah, I think so. I think I left it standing up. Here's where a beak would sure come in handy...” His heart leapt when Sunset announced she'd found the shovel. Soon after, he heard the snap of ropes breaking and then he felt someone tugging at his bonds. In no time, he was also free. “Great,” he said, swinging his arms to try to return circulation to them, “now, how do we get out of this?” “The hole's not that deep,” said Sunset, “You should be able to lift me up high enough so I can climb out.” “Okay. But, can you please take your shoes off?” Gallus slowly stood, bracing himself against the side of the hole. He tried to steady himself to match Sunset's movements. Her socked feet were balanced precariously on his shoulders. “Just a little more,” Sunset said, moving to her tip toes. Gallus grunted, “Not much more I can grow.” He grimaced as a foot was placed on his head. That was the extra boost Sunset needed and she was soon out of the hole. It seemed an eternity to Gallus before the ladder was lowered down to him. “I suppose you'd want to take a shower,” Sunset said, “and put on some clothes.” “Would be nice,” he smiled, “Some dinner would be nice, too.” Sunset slipped on her boots. “Can't disagree there. Well, let's see what the damage was.” Gallus stepped out of the bathroom, clean and refreshed, just as Sunset was returning from her inspection of the RV. “Well,” she sighed, “looks like they took my advice and flattened our tires. Got the motorbike, too.” “Slashed?” Sunset nodded wearily. “Two on the RV and one on the bike. I should be able to fix that one. We'll take the bike into town in the morning and see if we can get a mechanic to take care of the RV.” “And what about Dr. Diggs?” “What about him?” “He'll be miles away from here come morning. How can we even hope to catch up with him?” “I wouldn't worry about him,” Sunset yawned and stretched, “Pretty soon, he'll be coming back to us.” “How can you be so sure?” Sunset shrugged nonchalantly. “The chest had been sealed by magic. Only magic can open it.” She opened a kitchen cabinet, “You want beef stew for dinner?” Gallus nodded. “And how would you know that?” “I looked at in the inscription on it.” “I thought you said it was a poem.” “Well, it is. But, the more I looked at it I realized it was also a spell.” Gallus couldn't help but smile, “So, when he tries to open it...” “Not gonna work—on this side anyway. Gotta take it back to Equus.” “What about your geode? Supposing we get it back. Would we be able to open it with that?” Sunset shook her head. “It works primarily off passive magic. You need active to work that chest. Besides, what active magic my geode does grant me, it won't cut it.” “And when is Princess Twilight going to have the portal up and running again?” asked Gallus. Sunset shrugged, “Oh, not for a few months still. Last I heard she was doing a complete revamp. We're lucky if we can get you home for Hearth's Warming.” “Well,” laughed Gallus, “that is certainly something comforting!” “I suppose it is,” smiled Sunset. She placed before him a large bowl of piping hot hearty beef stew on the table and a bowl of vegetable noodle soup for herself. “So, if we're not gonna go after him,” Gallus said, sitting down, “what are we gonna do?” Sunset started heating her own dinner. “Oh, I dunno,” she said, “I was thinking we check into a hotel and enjoy ourselves. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of all this dust.” Chapter 5 Gallus's Journal : Entry #41 We woke up early the next morning and prepared for our trip into town. While Professor Shimmer patched the tire on the motorbike, I worked on filling the hole I had so tirelessly worked on for days. … Of course, it would be faster to fill it than to dig it... It reminded me of what a shame it was that we were going and undoing all the work of Caches. For those of you who don't know, Caches lived about seven hundred years ago was the one who spent years traveling this world, hiding artifacts deemed too dangerous to remain in Equestria. (Yeah... ironic, isn't it?). But, in the event these items did need to be retrieved, he left a map and a compass of all the cache sites (just no clues as to what's actually hidden there). Only through Professor Shimmer's research, particularly a journal written by Maggie Pie, Caches's assistant, do we have any semblance of an idea to what anything is. As a side note, I'm beginning to understand the allure of this thing called “geo-caching”. The professor was waiting for me when I returned to the RV. The mechanic wasn't yet open when we arrived in town. So, to bide time, we had breakfast at the diner. I was never so delighted to have the greasiest food ever. Steak, eggs, and potatoes never tasted so good. I'd opted to remain in town while Professor Shimmer and the mechanic went back to retrieve the RV. Frankly, if I never see that desert again, it'll be too soon. Instead, I'd been given the assignment of walking around the town, scoping it out and inquiring if Dr. Diggs had passed through that way. (Spoiler alert: He hadn't). Gallus rendezvoused with Sunset at the mechanic's. “You seem in good spirits,” she remarked. “Just happy to be out of the desert and back in civilization,” he smiled, “But, the desert's still all in my nose. What's the word on the RV?” Sunset sighed. “Will have to order tires in. Looks like we're stuck here for a few days. Thankfully, the rental insurance will cover it. We all set up with the hotel?” “Yep. We can check-in in about two hours.” “Sounds good,” Sunset said, loading their bags onto the motorbike, “Lunch?” He counted out his pocket change and left it on the counter for the waitress. Though Sunset wasn't up for dessert, Gallus was in the mood for a thick vanilla milkshake. “So, how long till you think Dr. Digger is gonna come back?” he asked. Sunset shrugged, seemingly distracted by something on her phone. “However long it takes him to realize he can't open the chest without magic.” “I tell ya somethin' weird is goin' on!” a man's voice boomed from the booth behind them. “To you, something weird is always going on,” said another man. “This time, it's for real!” “Sure it is...” “Gummy bears falling out the sky out of nowhere ain't weird? Then, what would you call it?” “Well, it ain't aliens. That's the next county over...” “Sounds more like the work of Discord,” Gallus chuckled. Sunset frowned. “More like Equestrian magic. Excuse me, Sir?” She rose from her seat. “Where did you say this happened?” The man seemed more than delighted to be taken seriously and quickly pointed the direction of the incident. Sunset turned to Gallus with a wide smile. “You up for a hike?” Gallus just slumped in his seat. Gallus's Journal : Entry #42 I'm only including this mini episode in my journal because I know I'll get flack if I don't. Thankfully, we were not to be returning to the desert. The place the old man had pointed out was near the edge of town, in a small suburban neighborhood. We walked to what ended up being some sort of playground where a small group of children were playing with a small coin. Each time they tossed it, something strange happened. First, the leaves on the trees turned to goldfish. Then, plants sprouted the ground and flowered tacos (which were very good. I grabbed a few for later). Professor Shimmer said it was “definitely chaos magic.” I could only reply with: “Chaos must be hungry.” I'm not sure what her response was, but it was evident that we had to get the coin away from the children. Turned out to be surprisingly easy. After letting the professor know that I'd handle it, I approached the kids and engaged in conversation with them. I persuaded them to let me hold the coin. I inspected it before handing it back to them and walking off. Oh, the look on Shimmer's face! I couldn't help but be a little cocky. Eventually, I pulled the coin from my pocket. I had a pocketful of Bits that had come through the portal with me. It was very easy to pull a little magic trick and swap one coin for the other. “Just a little thing I picked up on the streets of Griffonstone,” I said, giving the coin a flip. Only then, did I realize what I had done. I'm sure everyone at some time in their lives had wanted to be in a chocolate milk rain shower. Well, I can tell you, it's very sticky. Chapter 6 Gallus's Journal : Entry #43 I can't say I was ever so excited to take a bath! I laid in the water up to my chin until tit turned from hot to cold. Reluctantly, I emerged from my watery paradise. After over a month in a small RV, it is great to be in a hotel. … and the fact that I got a room all to myself makes the deal all the sweeter! Gallus rapped on the connecting door between his room and Sunset's. “It's unlocked,” Sunset called out, “You can leave it open, if you want.” Sunset was sitting at the desk, investigating the coin they took from the children. By the looks of it, she'd also enjoyed a bath. Gallus took a seat on the end one of the double beds. “So, what do you make of it?” “It's of Discord's work, no doubt. Must have just thrown it here a long time ago and forgotten about it.” “Well, nothing like a surprise find.” Sunset sighed, “I've got too many of those...” She put the coin away and made a note in her journal. “Which is why I've started looking for these artifacts, rather than just stumble upon them.” “By the way, when are you gonna tell me what Dr. Diggs wanted with the staff?” “Oh, that,” Sunset closed her books, “Well, how much did you hear?” “Not much. The way he rambled, by the time he got the point, I'd already zoned out.” “I was pretty much did the same,” laughed Sunset “It was a long lecture, wasn't it?”, “Understatement... But, now I know where you got your teaching style.” He laughed at the glare Sunset gave him. “He went on an on about Gallagher,” continued Gallus, “What did that have anything to do with Sir Gallop's staff?” “You missed the part where he said he was a mage?” “Oh, yeah...” it was starting to return to him, “he was of the wise council that ruled the griffons before Grover the Great.” “Then that's it!” “What's it?” Sunset fumbled through some notes. “How well do you know old Griffich?” “Uhm... not at all...” Sunset seemed disappointed by the answer. “Okay,” she said, “Well, let me walk you through the Old Ponish. And, this may answer your question on why the chest is so small. “Early documents say that Gallop carried a stick. Later writers translated it as 'staff'. But, what if it really was a small stick—more like a wand?” Gallus leaned forward. “A wand would make sense for a griffon—and is considerably smaller than a staff. So then, Gallagher is really Gallop?” “More like Gallop is really Gallagher. Old sources state that he was from a distant land. Most scholars just assumed he was a pony who lived far outside Equestria. It wasn't uncommon for the time.” “But why no mention that he wasn't a pony?” Sunset shrugged. “He was a mage. Probably used some sort of cloaking spell so he could move freely among the ponies.” “Well, if Gallop is really Gallagher, and a griffon, then his staff, or wand, is a griffon artifact and should be returned to Griffonstone.” Sunset held up her hands, “Hey, I'm more than happy to give it back to you guys. I just want it found and out of this world.” Gallus frowned, “So, Dr. Diggs was just being overly dramatic for something both of us agree on?” Sunset teetered, “It's a little more than that. I suppose you missed the part where he claimed to be the rightful heir of Grover the Great.” “Well, that doesn't mean very much!” laughed Gallus. He quickly noted Sunset's confusion. “Every griffon from Griffonstone is an heir of Grover the Great. In the thousand years since he reigned, we're all descendants of him, in one sort or another. Now, if he claims to be of the line of King Guto, that may be another thing. But, since he abolished the monarchy, the throne is pretty up for grabs by anyone at this point.” “So, what?” said Sunset, “he just marches in, sits on the throne and declares himself king?” “It's a bit more complicated than that. I suppose he didn't reveal his whole plan.” “No, only that with the staff he would restore the griffon throne. I just assumed he'd use it as a scepter.” Gallus shook his head. “King Grover united the griffons and established Griffonstone through the Idol of Boreas. It was King Guto who lost the idol to the monster Amiraspi and, in his shame, abolished the monarchy. “Only by recovering the idol, can it be restored.” He tilted his head, “By the look you're giving, the pieces are beginning to fall into place.” Sunset took in a deep breath, still in deep thought. “If the writings about Gallagher are true, and there is magic in his wand, then whoever would posses it would hold have the magical abilities on par with a unicorn. That would certainly be capable of defeating, or fending against, Amiraspi, if he still exists.” Gallus sighed, “Well, that would certainly be something... And now he has the chest with the wand.” “... that he can't open.” He chuckled at the thought. “So close, and yet so far... Well,” he said getting up, “I think I'll go for a little walk before bed.” Chapter 7 Gallus's Journal : Entry #44 I'm not sure how long I wondered around the hotel (at this point I should clarify that it's really a motel—though I struggle to understand the difference). Despite happy to be out the desert, one thing I quickly missed was looking up to see the starts. No such thing here in town. Light pollution, Professor Shimmer had called it. I'd done probably my third or fourth lap around the place and was on my way back to my room when I was jumped by three dark figures who were lurking in the shadow of the stairs... Gallus yelled, kicked and punched his assailants. He managed to knock one down and break free of the other two before making a run for it. He wasn't sure which way he was going, only that it was probably best if he ran to the main office instead of his room. Unfortunately, he didn't make it far before someone grabbed his shirt and yanked him backward. Gallus fell down with a yelp. “Don't worry, little brother,” said a gently voice, “We're not going to hurt you.” Gallus stopped struggling. “Dr. Diggs?” “You don't sound surprised.” “No,” Gallus shrugged, “Professor Sunset is expecting you.” It gave him satisfaction to see Diggs surprised. Gallus lead the doctor to Sunset's room and knocked on the door. It opened to reveal Sunset with a smirk on her face. “That didn't take very long,” she said. “Can we talk?” asked Dr. Diggs. Gallus noticed that all the confidence in his voice was gone. Sunset nodded, “But your goons stay outside.” Diggs seemed a bit hesitant. “Look,” said Sunset, forcefully, “you need my help and the only way you're gonna get it is if do things on my terms.” The doctor reluctantly acquiesced. He grabbed the chest and followed Gallus and Sunset into the room. Sunset winced when she saw the chest. “Tell me what you didn't do to it.” Gallus finally saw what she was talking about. It was covered with dents and scorch marks—none of which were there when they pulled it out of the ground one day earlier. “Well,” Dr. Diggs teetered, “we didn't try nuking it from orbit...” “Must be a really strong spell on that thing,” said Galllus, rather impressed. Digg's eyes grew wide, “You knew?” “Since I first read the inscription,” Sunset said, folding her arms. “And you didn't say anything?” “Well, let's see,” Sunset counted off on her fingers, “You ambushed us, tied is up, threw us in a pit, slashed my tires, and didn't say 'please'. Am I leaving anything out?” “You forgot: Subjected us to a boring, long lecture,” said Gallus. “I'm being nice.” Whatever dignity was left in Dr. Diggs left and he quickly deflated. He pointed to Gallus. “Does he know?” “Yeah,” Gallus said, “we've deduced you want to use the want to defeat Arimaspi.” “Arimaspi is the least of our worries," said Diggs, "The Abysmal Abyss is our biggest obstacle. For centuries, griffons have ventured in, looking to retrieve the idol. None have ever returned.” “I understand I'm only an outsider,” said Sunset, “But is the idol really worth retrieving after all this time? From what I understand, Griffonstone is making a comeback.” “Yes, but having the idol back would greatly accelerate the process. Look, at this point, I don't care about the throne. My main concern is Griffonstone.” “How very un-griffon of you,” remarked Gallus. Diggs shrugged, “I guess my time here has changed me a bit.” “You're buddies outside,” said Sunset, “they're giffons, too?” Diggs nodded, “Each of them wanting to see Griffonstone returned to its former glory. Please, will you please us?” Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Look,” sighed Diggs, “the idol is my quest. In order to do it, I must do it alone—as much as possible, anyway. That's why I stranded you in the desert, I couldn't get anymore creatures involved—much less a pony... no offense.” “Sounds like you're doing a little friendship quest on the side,” smirked Gallus. Diggs looked at Gallus, perplexed. “What is a griffon doing running around with a pony anyway?” “You must have been in this world quite a long time,” Gallus smiled, “Quite a few things have changed on Equus.” “Speaking of which,” said Sunset, “The only way I can help you is if we are on Equus, and my only way to get there is currently under reconstruction.” “Oh, I can take care of that,” said Diggs, “Just so happens that there's a portal near here, well sorta, it's out in the desert. If we start now, we can be there by morning.” “You know where it leads?” “Not exactly. Like you, the portal that brought me here from Griffonstone is also closed. We stumbled upon this one quite by accident.” “... though very conveniently,” said Gallus. “Well,” said Sunset, grabbing her jacket, “let's get going, then.” Chapter 8 Gallus's Journal : Entry #45 We all loaded into Dr. Digg's SUV. Professor Shimmer sat in front with Dr. Diggs, who was driving. I was stuck in the back, squished between two large hench~~men~~griffons. Professor Sunset and Dr. Diggs talked at length—about what, I couldn't fully say. At one point, the conservation did switch to how Diggs got to this world. It has been an accident. Even in Griffonstone, he was an archaeologist and established historian. One day, while exploring an ancient mountain pass, he came across a cave system. It was in the deepest part of the cave that he encountered a glowing circle. It was when he fell through that he emerged on the other side in this world. Enthralled with it, he decided to stay. Only later, did he learn of its historical connections to Equus. Professor Shimmer listened with great interest. Though, I noticed she seemed to dodge any questions regarding her first coming to this world—a similar tactic she had employed with me when I asked. I must have fallen asleep during the drive. Next thing I knew, the sky was beginning to lighten with the rising of the sun. The vehicle was beginning to slow down and soon came to a stop by a large rock formation. Dr. Diggs put the car in to park and announced that from here we were walking. Gallus wasn't sure what to expect when he finally came across a random portal in the middle of nowhere. But, somehow, what he saw wasn't it. “It's just a small indentation of earth,” he said. “Looks can be deceiving,” smiled Sunset. She knelt down next to the spot and wiped away the thin layer of dirt to reveal a yellowish glowing layer. It sparkled as her hand touched it. “This is definitely Equestrian magic,” she said, “So, who's all going?” “I suppose just you and me,” said Diggs. “I'm coming, too,” Gallus piped up, “I'd like to get out of this desert for a while.” Sunset and Diggs looked at each other and shrugged. “Fine.” Gallus's Journal : Entry #45 (continued) I'm not sure why I thought this time would be any different. As soon as I jumped into the portal, I was met with the same barrage of colors as last time. Though, thankfully, upon coming out the other side, I was able to hold my stomach a little more together. Gallus tumbled out of the portal an rolled onto the cave floor. A talon stopped him from rolling much further. It was dark, but he assumed it was Dr. Diggs. He felt Diggs grab him and lift him to his feet. Though, Gallus soon wished hadn't. His nostrils stung with a foul odor. “Phew! What's that smell?” “Sulfur,” said Diggs. “Sulfur!” Gallus yelped, “Don't tell me we're in a volcano!” “Worse,” said Sunset. “Worse? What's worse than being in a vol—” A red aura surrounded his beak and held it closed. “Shh!” Sunset hissed, “Listen!” Gallus did. There was a strong wind in the cave. It fluctuated. It was strong and heavy first, then soft and gently. It reminded Gallus of breathing. He gulped. “W-what's in here?” “I don't know,” Sunset whispered, “but you two stay here.” It may have been no more than a minute, but in the dark silence, it seemed as an eternity before Sunset returned. She cast a low-luminescent spell to allow them to better see each other. “Okay,” she said, pointing deep into the cave, “we've got a big dragon sleeping not fifty feet right over there. So, let's just get this chest open and get out of here.” Diggs concurred. He held up the chest. There was a brief spark of red light and the sound of locks opening. Diggs seemed a bit surprised. “That it?” “Don't question,” said Sunset. She grabbed both griffons with her aura and threw them through the portal before jumping through herself. Gallus's stomach didn't seem to like two jumps in such a short time. He crawled out of the portal and curled into a ball. Dr. Diggs was out next and turned around to pull Sunset out. Both seemed concerned upon noticing Gallus. “You okay?” asked Sunset. “Yeah,” Gallus groaned, “just give me a moment. Portal jumping just doesn't seem to sit well with me.” Sunset chuckled, “You got it easy. I've had one chew me up and spit me out the other side.” Gallus only groaned again. “Just hope the dang wand is in there.” “Only one way to find out,” said Diggs, “Shall we?” The group walked down to the SUV where a folding table had been set up. Dr. Diggs put the chest on the table and gestured to Sunset and Gallus. “I suppose you should be the ones to open it. Seeing as you were the ones to find it.” “But, it's your quest,” said Sunset. “I can't rightfully, in good conscience—” Gallus cleared his throat, “If I may. Technically, it's a griffon's quest and since I'm a griffon, and technically the one who dug it up, I should be the one to open it.” Sunset shrugged. “Suppose that's fair.” Diggs agreed and soon Gallus was standing in front of the chest. Taking in a deep breath, he gripped the sides of the lid. He was expecting to have to give a little muscle, but the lid swung freely open and revealed its contents. Almost instantly, his heart sank. “Uhm, guys?” he said gently removing some of the contents, “I don't think it's in here.” He laid on the table various scrolls, pieces of parchment, and a book. Sunset descended on the scrolls while Diggs examined the chest itself. He looked up at Sunset. “How is that possible?” “I don't get it either,” said Sunset, skimming through the documents, “All the clues pointed to the staff being buried here.” “Well, what do the scrolls say?” asked Gallus. Sunset shook her head. “They're all written in Old Ponish, but nothing even remotely related to the staff, or Gallagher.” She let out a long sigh. “Sorry, Dr. Diggs, looks like we were both wrong on this one.” Dr. Diggs held back his disappointment like a gentleman. “Well,” he said, softly, “I guess it's back to square one.” He started packing up the chest. “I'll take you back to town. And I suppose I owe you two lunch.” Chapter 9 Gallus's Journal : Entry #45 (continued) I gotta say, even though we started out on the wrong talon, I truly felt sorry for Dr. Diggs. He drove us back to our motel, even stopping to pick up a pizza for us along the way—which is amazing stuff, by the way. Once back in our rooms, both Professor Shimmer and I collapsed from exhaustion. It wasn't till late evening that I awoke. Another shower and some microwave-warmed pizza later, I rejoined Professor Shimmer. She'd awoken sometime earlier than me and was busy examining the documents of the chest. (Dr. Diggs had been kind enough to leave us with the whole thing.) “Anything interesting?” Gallus asked. “Not really,” yawned Sunset, “Looks like a bunch of civil records. Tax sheets, bills of sale and the like.” “A historian's treasure trove.” Sunset smiled, “I suppose you could say. Well, Princess Twilight will have some fun with it for sure.” She got up and stretched. “Is there any of that pizza left?” Gallus nodded, “Two slices.” “Just what I need.” “Does seem odd,” Gallus said over the sound of the microwave, “If there's nothing here related to the staff, or Equstrian artifacts, then why did Cashe's and Maggie Pie's notes bring us here?” Sunset pondered that question as she chewed her pizza. “Just saying,” continued Gallus, “Seems like we're missing something here.” “Maybe we are...” Sunset set her meal down and picked upon the chest. “Princess Twilight once found a part of a scroll hidden in a secret compartment of a chest similar to this. The only way she found it was she accidentally broke it.” Gallus raised his eyebrows. “You wanna break up the chest?” Sunset continued her examination of the chest. “Would hate to. Hand me that ruler.” Gallus picked up the twelve-inch ruler that was lying on the desk. He watched with interest as Sunset measured the height dimensions of the chest. A smile crossed his face as he noticed her brow furl. “You found something?” “Give me your knife.” Gallus's smile widened as he dug out his pocket knife. Sunset already had hers out and had started prying at the bottom of the chest. Using both blades, she worked at the chest before a board popped out and into her hands. “There was a false bottom!” exclaimed Gallus. “Yes!” laughed Sunset, “The scrolls were only a decoy.” She turned the board around to show Gallus. “This is what we were really looking for.” Gallus squinted, trying to make out the burning on the wood. “Looks like a map.” “Yep.” “Don't tell me—X marks the spot.” “Yep!” Gallus couldn't help but join the laughter, “Looks like we're back in business.” “I'd say! What say you, griffon?” she punched Gallus's arm, “You up for a true treasure hunt?” Gallus smirked, returning the gesture, “You just try to keep up, pony. There's just one more thing.” “What?” “Are we gonna tell Dr. Diggs? You did promise him you'd let him know if we came across any more clues about the wand's whereabouts.” Sunset's grin widened, “I think we can wait a bit for that.” Author's Note Well, there you have it, folks! Little bit of a rush job--been so busy, didn't have the time I normally do to devote to these. Just glad I was able to do it in time Well, if you've had enough of me, go read some of the other stories. Till the, read on!
Chapter 1 Gallus's Journal : Entry #39 We've been excavating for three days. No point in telling you just how many holes I have dug... -_- Professor Shimmer swears we're close to finding the Staff of Sir Gallop the Wanderer (or Wonderer (no one really knows and ancient texts use both—in the same freaking paragraph!!!)) At any rate, Professor Shimmer claims she can feel the magic radiating off the artifact. I'm still skeptical. And tired. I'm achy, dirty, grubby... The “sunscreen” lotion was no help there... … And it's miserably, unbearably HOT! Gallus stood up straight and wiped his brow with his kerchief. He continued down his cheeks and onto his neck. For once, he was glad not to have his fur coat and feathers. It was nice to discard his jacket, shirt, and pants. Now, he stood in his boxers, work boots and gloves. Personally, he would have tossed aside the boxers as well, but Professor Shimmer warned she would clobber him if he ever took them off. Gallus was considering taking her up on that offer. “Lemonade?” Gallus leaned against the wall of the massive hole. “Yes, please,” he gasped, pulling off his gloves. He took the drink in hand and tilted it back gingerly. He was so parched, he could barely register the liquid passing through his throat. He finished the glass in a swift motion and wiped the corners of his mouth. “I've been digging here forever. You sure this is the right place?” Sunset Shimmer nodded. “The map and compass pointed us here and I'm beginning to sense a large concentration of magic in this spot. There is definitely something here.” “Yeah, about that,” Gallus said, picking up the shovel, “How does that even work in this world? I mean, in Equestria, I get it—you being a unicorn and all. But, in a world without magic—?” “I don't fully understand it either,” Sunset sighed, “Maybe because it is that I'm a unicorn, or that I am Equestrian.” “You just feel stuff?” “Well, yeah...” Gallus frowned as he threw a shovel-full of dirt to the surface. “We sure this staff still exists? I mean, it's wood, and wood does decompose. Especially, if we're talking about nearly a thousand years.” “All the more reason to search for it,” Sunset said, in a very professorial tone, “If it is indeed lost and destroyed to time, then we can count it towards 'no-longer-exists'. However, if it has survived—” “Then it needs to be returned to Equestria before it has a chance to cause any trouble,” Gallus droned, “And all the legends point that it was buried,” he pointed to the ground below his feet, “here.” It seemed to have pleased Sunset. “Exactly,” she smiled. She checked the time on her phone, then glanced at the sun. “I'd say we've got a few more hours then we can stop for the day.” Gallus grunted. “Good.” “Do you want some more sunscreen?” “No!” Gallus yelped. He already had a think layer of dust on him due to the first application. He didn't need any more caked upon him. He cleared his throat, “I mean, I think I'm alright.” He smiled as Sunset walked off. He had already decided, he would jump into the bath first chance he got—clothes and all. That thought alone kept him digging. With each shovel, he knew he was closer to a large tub of cool, refreshing water. He imagined being engulfed by the liquid, loosing himself to its depths. He smiled in that thought, spearing the shovel into the dirt. It stopped short with a thud! Gallus's eyes widened. Finally, he had hit something! But, what? He raised the shovel and threw it down again. Again, it stopped short with a thud. Gallus knelt and began clearing with his hands. Just his luck it would be another old root or rock he'd have to dig out. However, to his surprise and delight, it was neither. His digging continued with fervor. “Professor Shimmer!” he called out, “I've found something!” He had nearly cleared out all dirt before Sunset appeared over the edge of the hole. Gallus looked up at her, a wide smile on his face. “It's a chest!” he exclaimed, “And it's Equestrian! Look!” He brushed away more of the dirt, “Aren't these Old Ponish runes?” Sunset squinted as she read the inscriptions. “Middle Ponish, actually. But, it is certainly from Equestria and the right time period. Can you lift it?” Gallus used the shovel to gain a bit of leverage on the chest. With it freed from the dirt, he tried straight lifting it. “Might need a bit of help,” he strained, “You think the staff is in here? It seems a bit small.” Sunset threw down some rope. “Won't know until we open it. Tie this around it and we'll pull it up.” Gallus did as instructed and moved the chest to the edge of the hole then ran up the ladder to assist in pulling. It took a bit of effort, but, soon, the ancient chest was out and back in the world above ground. Gallus collapsed from exhaustion. “Well?” he gasped, “is this it?” “Don't know.” “You mean they didn't put a label on it? What's with all the writing then?” Sunset shrugged, reading the inscription, “Some sort of poem. Can't properly read it till I get it cleaned.” Gallus groaned. “How about: How do we open it?” “I don't think you need to worry yourselves with that.” Gallus quickly sat up. That wasn't a voice he recognized. He was just in time to see two goons push Sunset down into the dirt. “Professor!” he yelled, leaping to her aid. But, two more grabbed him and threw him to the ground as well. Gallus struggled as his hands were tied behind his back, but his attackers were too strong. His bonds secured, he was dragged to Sunset's side. “What the hay!” he protested, “Who are you creatures?” “People,” Sunset corrected, “Though, given the circumstances...” Gallus frowned and glared the men down. He was surprised how Sunset wasn't giving more of a fight. She was being suspiciously quiet through the whole thing. “They're secure, Boss,” one of the men said into what Gallus guessed was some sort of phone. “Excellent,” a male voice said over the device, “Do be nice to our guests and bring them into the RV.” “You heard the boss,” the man with the phone said, waving his hand, “You, grab the chest.” “Hey! Wait a minute!” cried Gallus as he was pushed toward their camp, “Can we just stop for a moment! I mean, I'm not really dressed for the occasion! Can I, at least, put my pants on?” Gallus stumbled as he was pushed into the RV he had called home for the last few weeks. He looked around, pleasantly surprised that the place hadn't been ransacked. Seated at the banquette was an elderly gentleman, reading a book. Gallus quickly recognized it. “Hey!” he growled, trying to lunge forward, “That's private!” “... and very dull,” the man said, closing the book and setting it aside. He tipped his fedora. “Sunset Shimmer.” “Dr. Diggs,” Sunset said sharply. “Who's your young charge?” “I'm Gallus,” the young man sneered as he and Sunset were forced to take a seat. “Quite a nice little camp you've got here.” “I see you've made yourself at home,” said Sunset. “I'm sorry,” said Gallus, “But who is this guy?” “Dr. Diggs is the professor of archaeology at Canterlot Community College.” “... and you know him how?” “Sunset reached out to me to assist with her research for this little expedition. Though, her objectives remained rather vague.” “I have my reasons,” Sunset seethed. “Yes,” replied Dr. Diggs, “And I'm beginning to understand them.” He turned his attention to the chest which was set down between them. “... and this! This must be the Staff of Sir Gallop the Wanderer!” “Ye-ah,” said Gallus, “I'm really beginning to doubt that's the staff...” “Shh!” Sunset snapped at him. “Well, I am...” Sunset ignored him. “Supposing it is Sir Gallop's staff, what would you want with it?” “Silly pony!” laughed Diggs, “It doesn't belong in a museum!” “Never said it did...” “You really don't know the power that lies within it?” “Not my real problem at the moment,” Sunset said, “Right now, I'm more focused on getting it back to Equestria where it belongs.” Dr. Diggs chuckled. “How little you know.” “Then enlighten me.” “Unless you're from Griffonstone, you wouldn't understand.” Gallus's ears perked up. “Wait a minute... you're a griffon?” He and Sunset locked eyes in a moment of disbelief. “Does explain a lot...” “No, it doesn't,” frowned Sunset. “It doesn't?” “No, it opens a whole new slew of questions.” “Right...” Gallus thought aloud, “Because then the question would be... what... What he is doing here!” He looked to Sunset for confirmation. Getting it, he straightened up and held his head high. He would have folded his arms if he could. “What are you doing here?” “I was getting to that,” the doctor said impatiently. He cleared his throat. “Start with Griffonstone,” said Gallus, “I think I know what you're going with this, but please fill in my pony companion here.” Diggs rolled his eyes. “Ugh, fine! Yes, I'm from Griffonstone. I was orphaned at a young age. My earliest memories are those of scrounging around the streets, begging for food. Do you know what it's like to be a poor orphan on the streets?” “Uhm, actually, yes,” Sunset and Gallus said in unison. They shared a sly smile. Their upbringing had been one of the many topics they talked about on their long drive into the desert. Dr. Diggs looked surprised. “... and be taken in by a benefactor?” “Two for two,” said Gallus. “And be sent away to attend school?” “Yep,” said Gallus. Sunset shrugged, “Might as well have...” “See?” smiled Gallus, “We're bonding already! Now, how about you untie these ropes and we can talk some more?” Diggs waved his hand. “No!” “Wait,” started Sunset, “this is all because you had a lousy kithood?” “No, quite the opposite, actually.” “Then where are you going with this?” roared Gallus and Sunset. “Look,” Diggs said courtly, “you want to know what I plan to do with the staff? Well, I'm getting to that.” “Please hurry up,” said Gallus, “my arms are going numb.” Diggs seemed to ignore him. “Why does anyone search magical artifacts?” “To get them away to where they can't hurt anybody?” said Sunset, flatly. “My dear Sunset Shimmer, you're the exception, not the rule. No, we search for them because we seek the power within them. “I'd grown up hearing the tales of great mages of old. The will and might they had to wield the very elements. And I always thought, 'What if I could hold that power for myself?' “Well, with this staff, I will be able to wield the power of the ancients! Now, I know what you're thinking: Griffons don't have magic like ponies do. But, we did once. Well, a few of us, anyway... “It was back in the days before the reign of Grover the Great, when our ancestors first came to Griffonstone. In those days, we were ruled over by wise mages. The smartest griffons of the land--” Gallus groaned, “Are we gonna have to sit through a lecture?” “It's looking like it,” Sunset whispered. “EXCUSE ME!” yelled Dr. Diggs, “Gloating about my dastardly plan here!” “Well, either tell it to us or untie us so you can lecture us,” Sunset said, “Because, frankly, I can't get through a whole lecture and remember everything without taking notes!” Diggs face turn red. “Gah! Now I've lost my spot! I must start from the beginning...” “Ugh!” Sunset and Gallus groaned loudly.
Chapter 2 Gallus's Journal : Entry #40 By now, you're probably wondering just how I got myself into this situation. Well, it wasn't easy. … It was incredibly stupidly easy... It was the end of the school year and the beginning summer break (which is where most of my problems tend to begin to start). We had just the last of our final exams and Sandbar, Yona, Ocellus, Smoulder, Silverstream and I were in the mood for celebrating before returning home to our families. Except for me—because I have no family—but, whatever... Anyway, it had been decided that we would go for a much-deserved treat at Sugarcube Corner. I told my friends to go on ahead. I had a book I had borrowed from Headmare Glimmer and wanted to return it before I forgot—again. Being the hour that it was, I knew that the headmare was no longer in her office. So, I made my way to the castle of friendship, which, in Princess Twilight's absence, had become the faculty housing. I entered the mighty hall and looked around in the hopes of finding somecreature who could help me. As I turned a corner, I heard voices and hoofsteps coming in my direction. One of the voices I recognized quickly has the headmare's. “You sure you can't stay any longer?” she asked. “Sorry,” replied her companion, “but I gotta get back to my world and Princess Twilight is anxious to take the portal apart. Just hope she doesn't break anything.” “She is chomping at the bit, isn't she?” laughed the headmare, “Well, now that we know other portals exist, even if something happens to this one, you're not stuck over there.” “I'd rather not think of it at all,” the other grumbled. I recognized the voice now. It was Professor Sunset Shimmer's. Professor Shimmer had been brought on to teach Applications of Friendship Magic. It was an elective which looked at non-magical applications for magic. (Yeah, we didn't fully understand it either...) (And, coincidentally, was the exam my friends and I had just come from). But, Professor Shimmer talked about using friendship magic in a hypothetical “magic-less world”. Though, the more she talked of it, the more we felt she believed such a place existed. But, hearing this conversation, I wasn't quite so sure... Especially when Glimmer proposed to walk Shimmer to “the mirror.” I could hear them, but I yet couldn't see them. Frantic (though I don't know why), I ran in the first unlocked room I could find. Frankly, I don't know what I was thinking, but something about all this had peaked my curiosity. Eventually, they did walk past me and I followed them at a wide distance. They seemed so enthralled in their talk, they seemed to not notice me. Through some doors and up some stairs, we ended in a library with a large mirror and an even larger contraption around it. I dove behind some shelves from which I could observe the mares. You can imagine my surprise when, after saying their good-byes, Shimmer walked into the mirror and disappeared in a white light! Now, please don't ask what I was thinking, but I threw the book I was going to return across the room. It distract Glimmer's attention long enough for her to go investigate and for me to dash to and through the mirror. Now, before you say anything: Yes, BRILLIANT idea. I certainly thought of that AFTER the fact. But, the colors... OH, THE COLORS!!! When I came through the other side, I did the only sane thing any sensible male in my situation would do. I threw up. Gallus retched until his stomach was empty and then some. He had never felt so sick in his life. Exhausted, he leaned back against the monument from which he had emerged and took in deep breaths. “What is this place?” he asked, wiping his beak. He stopped when all he got was air. “Wait a minute...” he frowned. He tried again. Finding no beak, he pressed his claws against the front of his face. It was flat and fleshy. That was also when he discovered to have an extra digit. “What is this?” He opened and closed his claws. They looked like his claws. They were the right color, but something seemed weird about them. They felt like they were in something. Timidly, he grabbed a hold at the end of one of his claws and pulled. The skin came right off! Gallus jumped back with a scream. Regaining his composure, he looked back at the skin he's dropped and at his other claw. It looked strangely familiar to him. He'd seen other griffons and some dragons wearing something similar. Gloves! That was it! He was wearing gloves! Thick leather working gloves, by the look of it. He pulled off the other glove to be sure. It was then he noticed the rest of his body. “Clothes...” he pulled at some of the fabric, “I'm wearing clothes... I have a strange feeling I'm not a griffon anymore.” He looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of the world's inhabitants, but the small plaza was empty. He turned toward a the large building. “They must all be in there,” he reasoned. Gathering his gumption, he walked through the double glass doors.
Chapter 3 Gallus's Journal : Entry #40 (continued) One thing I quickly picked up about the inhabitants of this world, and from what I'd partially remembered of Professor Shimmer's lectures, was that these creatures walked upright. And, not to toot my own horn, but it was very easy to get accustomed to. Also, no wings. Very unhelpful... The whole building was quiet. Gallus's footprints echoed heavily through he halls. He glance around at the walls and quickly surmised to be in some sort of school. Just as he'd grown used to the quiet, a loud bell rang the classroom doors opened, and halls flooded with students. Gallus stood still, taking in his situation. “I'm on a planet of apes!” he wanted to yell. One bumped into him. “Excuse me,” Gallus said just as another ran into him. “What are you doing, dude?” said one of the students. “Uhm, excuse me?” “Don't just stand there,” said another, “You're blocking the hall.” “Uh, sorry, I'm new here.” It seemed the only appropriate thing to say. The two students just looked at each other. “Well, why didn't you say so?” said one. He wrapped an arm around Gallus's shoulders. “You're probably looking for the principal's office.” “Uh, yeah!” Gallus smiled, “That's it!” “Yeah,” said the other, “it's right this way. Here, we'll walk with you.” Gallus couldn't express his appreciation. Once inside the head office, he felt a bit better. “Can I help you?” said a voice. Gallus quickly turned to it and gasped in shock. “P-Princess Luna?” “No,” Luna shook her head, “I'm Vice-Principal Luna. Though, hold on for a moment.” She walked to a nearby room and called out “Sister?” A tall female ape dressed in a white pants suite walked out of the smaller office. “What is it, Luna?” “Princess Celestia!” cried Gallus. Celestia stopped in her tracks. One look at Gallus and her shoulders fell. “Not another one,” she grumbled. “I'll call Sunset Shimmer,” she said, returning to her office. Gallus felt a weight on his shoulder. It was Vice-Principal Luna. “Why don't you have a seat?” she said. Gallus didn't have to wait very long before the office door opened and in walked another female ape with a mane Gallus quickly recognized. She also seemed to have recognized him. “Gallus?” “Professor Shimmer!” he exclaimed with relief and delight. Professor Shimmer didn't seem to share the same enthusiasm. “What are you doing here?” Gallus winced. “It's a bit of a long story...” Gallus's Journal : Entry #1 Note to self: When retelling a story of your adventures, make sure to make your idiotic actions sound a lot less idiotic than they actually were. Suffice to say, Professor Shimmer wasn't very happy about the tale I had to tell her. She grabbed my collar and dragged me back out to the plaza where I first arrived. I now had a better view of what exactly I had tumbled out of. It was a stone monument with a square base and a rearing horse on top. Professor Sunset explained that it housed the portal that would take me right back to Ponyville. Or, at least it would have, it it hasn't already been disabled... Sunset Shimmer slammed her book shut with a growl. “Of course the princess has already started work on it...” “So,” Gallus started cautiously, “that's a 'no' on going home?” “For now. Looks like you're stuck here for a while.” Gallus was about to ask about the other portals back to Equestria, but that would mean having to admit he was eavesdropping on a conversation. “What even made you want to jump through in the first place? For that matter, what were you even doing in the castle?” Gallus gulped. “Research?” Sunset growled. “Come on,” she said, walking away. “W-wait! Where are we going?” “Home. You're staying with me until the portal is up and working again. I don't suppose you've had dinner.” A low grumble erupted from Gallus's stomach. After his ordeal earlier, it surprised him to have an appetite. “I'll take that as a no,” said Sunset. Gallus took a big bite of his burger. It wasn't quite like the meat he'd get back in Griffonstone, but it was far supperior than the hayburgers the ponies ate. “So,” he said through a mouthful of food, “what's with all the apes.” “Humans.” “What?” “They call themselves humans. Though related to apes, they consider themselves to be quite different.” Gallus let the word roll around on his tongue. “Humans... Don't have anything like them in Equus.” “They don't have anything like griffons here either.” Gallus took another bite of his burger. “Is there a message you want to send to your folks? I'm sure they must be concerned on where you are.” “Hm?” Sunset pointed to the book she had at the portal. “This is a communication journal. For now, it's my only link to Equestria. If you want to send something to your family, you can write it in here and Princess Twilight can pass it on.” Gallus swallowed slowly. “I have no one to write to...” “Oh,” Sunset said softly, “Well, what about your friends? Do you at least want to send word that you're okay?” Gallus took another bite of burger and shrugged. “I guess so. I did kinda just disappear on them.” He was startled by a buzzing. He saw Sunset reach down and pulled out a small tablet, it glowed as she touched it. “What's that?” he asked. Sunset's eyes lit up. “This?” she smiled, “This is part of the greatest magic of this world.” “Something better than friendship?” “Well,” faltered Sunset, “maybe not that, but it's still pretty amazing. This is a cell phone.” “And you do with it what?” “Oh, a whole bunch of stuff! Talk, text, surf the web...” She stopped short, “It's a lot to explain.” Gallus took a sip of his drink. “Sounds like it. So, why did it buzz?” “Rarity just texted me.” Gallus nearly choked in surprise. “Professor Rarity is here, too?” “Uhm... no...” Sunset wavered, “Perhaps, there's now's a good time to tell you a little something about this world.” “I'm suspecting it has something to do with the other Princess Luna and Celestia.” “Yes! Everyone is Equestria has a counterpart here, and vice-versa.” “So, we're in some alternate universe?” Sunset rubbed her chin, “I suppose you could put it something like that.” “Cool!” cheered Gallus, “Is my counterpart around?” “Don't think so. I haven't seen him yet. Haven't come across mine either.” She waved for the server. “Finish up. We've got to get home. Got a lot of work ahead of us.” Gallus frowned, “Work? But it's summer vacation!” “In Equestria. But, since you were so nice as to follow me through the portal, you get to be my assistant.” “Assistant? Assistant with what?” “Not here,” Sunset hushed as the waitress approached, “I'll show you when we get to my place.” Gallus's Journal : Entry #2 After dinner, we made our way to Professor Shimmer's apartment. Along the way, we stopped at a pharmacy to pick up some “essentials”. I had no clue what we were doing. Professor Shimmer did all the shopping, stopping periodically to have me smell various things. It was quite evident she was doing shopping for me. We exited the shop with several bags in hand (that's what they call their claws). I also learned about feet—both kinds (please don't ask). I also learned about cars. Very quickly, I learned about cars. Nothing like getting nearly hit by one to teach you that they exist. Thankfully, Professor Shimmer was looking out and pulled me out of the way just in time. Very dangerous world this place is. I like it! Sunset threw a pillow and a blanket onto the couch. “You'll be sleeping here. Bathroom is over there. Try not to stay up all night watching T.V.” “T.V.?” Gallus raised his eyebrows as Sunset thrust a black cylindrical object into his hand. He examined it before pressing a red button, jumping slightly when a black mirror on the wall came to life. “Is this a portal?” he asked, fiddling with the other buttons. He quickly learned how to change the pictures. Sunset laughed. “Something like it. Well, go ahead and get settled in.” Gallus turned off the T.V. “So, what sort of 'work' are we talking about?” His brow furrowed as Sunset handed him her opened journal. He flipped through it in wonder. There were pages of notes, sketches and diagrams. “When not giving lectures,” Sunset explained, “I was researching various Equestrian artifacts that are said to have been hidden in this world.” “Equestrian artifacts? Here?” “Yes, and they've been causing a world of trouble.” “But,” Gallus frowned, “I thought you said this was a world without magic.” Sunset's demeanor fell. “It was.” He flipped through some more pages. “We're gonna search for all of these?” “Would like to, but most of them I don't have any idea where in this world they may be. Right now, I'm most focused on this one.” She flipped a few pages to an entry titled “Staff of Sir Gallop the Wanderer/Wonderer”. “Couldn't make up what he was?” asked Gallus. “More like errant scribes.” “So, we're going on a treasure hunt...” “In a way.” “Well then,” beamed Gallus, “it's a good thing you've got a griffon with you. We know all about treasure!” Sunset grinned slyly, “I suppose you do. So,” she punched Gallus's arm, “you up for it, griffon?” Gallus returned the gesture. “You just try to keep up, pony.” “Well, get some rest, we'll stat early tomorrow. Oh, and one more thing.” She handed over another book. Gallus frowned as he flipped through it. The pages were all blank. “You should keep a journal while you're here.” “A journal?” he sneered, “You want me to write a diary?” “Whatever you want to call it. I'm sure you're gonna want to remember everything about this place when you return to Equestria.” “But, I don't even know what to write!” “Neither did I. But, eventually, something just comes to you.” She gave him a pen, “Just give it a try.” Gallus wasn't the lest bit confident, but took the pen anyway. Dressed for bed and alone, he opened the notebook to the first page. He stared at it thoughtfully, wondering what to write. Slowly, a thought came to him. He uncapped the pen and began to write: “Note to self:...”
Chapter 4 Gallus's Journal : Entry #39 (continued) … and, now that you're all caught up to speed, we can continue... “You won't get away with this!” Gallus growled. Though, by the looks everyone was giving him, it wasn't the right response. Dr. Diggs frowned, “Did you hear anything I had to say?” “No,” Gallus shuffled awkwardly in his seat, “was too busy inner-monologuing about what poor life decisions had brought me here.” Again, wrong answer. “Ugh, never mind,” Sunset rolled her eyes, “I'll explain it to him later. But, in a way, he's kinda right.” Gallus's face brightened, “I am?” “There's a reason why I'm the exception,” Sunset said, “Because I've been there, done that, and it never turns out as you think it will. Trust me, Dr. Diggs, whatever power you may think is in there, you don't want it.” “I'd listen to her!” “Enough!” roared Dr. Diggs, “You two are trying my patience!” “That's not saying much for a griffon...” said Gallus. “I've had enough of you two!” He waved to two of his men, “Take them to the pit.” The sun had long set as Sunset and Gallus were pushed outside of the RV, kicking and screaming. “Nothing personal,” said Diggs, “I just can't have you following us.” “Why don't you just let all the air out of our tires?” yelled Sunset, “Would probably be much easier on all our parts.” “Yes,” said Diggs, “might just do that, too.” “H-hey, w-wait a minute,” shouted Gallus, as his feet neared the edge of the hole he'd been digging earlier, “I... I think this is a good time to mention that I don't like small, cramped spaces!” He yelled as he was pushed into the hole. Above, he could hear Sunset yelling at Diggs with some very colorful language before she, too, was pushed in. What Gallus had not intended on, though, was to break her fall. Above them, they could hear Diggs and his posse drive away. “You okay?” Sunset asked. Gallus rolled his head, cracking his neck. “Yeah. I think so. Gotta say, you're being extremely calm about all this.” “Not the first time I've been tied up.” Gallus raised an eyebrow. “Reeaally?” “You got your pocket knife on you?” “Uh, really?” “What? Oh, sorry... Totally forgot.” “You 'totally forgot' that I'd been in just my underwear for hours?” “Not really something one focuses on...” “Dr. Diggs couldn't even look me straight in the eye!” “Okay, never mind... I would ask you to grab mine, but I think it feel out of my pocket during the scuffle.” Gallus sighed. “So, now what?” There was a short pause before Sunset said, “Is that shovel still down here?” “Uh, yeah, I think so. I think I left it standing up. Here's where a beak would sure come in handy...” His heart leapt when Sunset announced she'd found the shovel. Soon after, he heard the snap of ropes breaking and then he felt someone tugging at his bonds. In no time, he was also free. “Great,” he said, swinging his arms to try to return circulation to them, “now, how do we get out of this?” “The hole's not that deep,” said Sunset, “You should be able to lift me up high enough so I can climb out.” “Okay. But, can you please take your shoes off?” Gallus slowly stood, bracing himself against the side of the hole. He tried to steady himself to match Sunset's movements. Her socked feet were balanced precariously on his shoulders. “Just a little more,” Sunset said, moving to her tip toes. Gallus grunted, “Not much more I can grow.” He grimaced as a foot was placed on his head. That was the extra boost Sunset needed and she was soon out of the hole. It seemed an eternity to Gallus before the ladder was lowered down to him. “I suppose you'd want to take a shower,” Sunset said, “and put on some clothes.” “Would be nice,” he smiled, “Some dinner would be nice, too.” Sunset slipped on her boots. “Can't disagree there. Well, let's see what the damage was.” Gallus stepped out of the bathroom, clean and refreshed, just as Sunset was returning from her inspection of the RV. “Well,” she sighed, “looks like they took my advice and flattened our tires. Got the motorbike, too.” “Slashed?” Sunset nodded wearily. “Two on the RV and one on the bike. I should be able to fix that one. We'll take the bike into town in the morning and see if we can get a mechanic to take care of the RV.” “And what about Dr. Diggs?” “What about him?” “He'll be miles away from here come morning. How can we even hope to catch up with him?” “I wouldn't worry about him,” Sunset yawned and stretched, “Pretty soon, he'll be coming back to us.” “How can you be so sure?” Sunset shrugged nonchalantly. “The chest had been sealed by magic. Only magic can open it.” She opened a kitchen cabinet, “You want beef stew for dinner?” Gallus nodded. “And how would you know that?” “I looked at in the inscription on it.” “I thought you said it was a poem.” “Well, it is. But, the more I looked at it I realized it was also a spell.” Gallus couldn't help but smile, “So, when he tries to open it...” “Not gonna work—on this side anyway. Gotta take it back to Equus.” “What about your geode? Supposing we get it back. Would we be able to open it with that?” Sunset shook her head. “It works primarily off passive magic. You need active to work that chest. Besides, what active magic my geode does grant me, it won't cut it.” “And when is Princess Twilight going to have the portal up and running again?” asked Gallus. Sunset shrugged, “Oh, not for a few months still. Last I heard she was doing a complete revamp. We're lucky if we can get you home for Hearth's Warming.” “Well,” laughed Gallus, “that is certainly something comforting!” “I suppose it is,” smiled Sunset. She placed before him a large bowl of piping hot hearty beef stew on the table and a bowl of vegetable noodle soup for herself. “So, if we're not gonna go after him,” Gallus said, sitting down, “what are we gonna do?” Sunset started heating her own dinner. “Oh, I dunno,” she said, “I was thinking we check into a hotel and enjoy ourselves. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of all this dust.”
Chapter 5 Gallus's Journal : Entry #41 We woke up early the next morning and prepared for our trip into town. While Professor Shimmer patched the tire on the motorbike, I worked on filling the hole I had so tirelessly worked on for days. … Of course, it would be faster to fill it than to dig it... It reminded me of what a shame it was that we were going and undoing all the work of Caches. For those of you who don't know, Caches lived about seven hundred years ago was the one who spent years traveling this world, hiding artifacts deemed too dangerous to remain in Equestria. (Yeah... ironic, isn't it?). But, in the event these items did need to be retrieved, he left a map and a compass of all the cache sites (just no clues as to what's actually hidden there). Only through Professor Shimmer's research, particularly a journal written by Maggie Pie, Caches's assistant, do we have any semblance of an idea to what anything is. As a side note, I'm beginning to understand the allure of this thing called “geo-caching”. The professor was waiting for me when I returned to the RV. The mechanic wasn't yet open when we arrived in town. So, to bide time, we had breakfast at the diner. I was never so delighted to have the greasiest food ever. Steak, eggs, and potatoes never tasted so good. I'd opted to remain in town while Professor Shimmer and the mechanic went back to retrieve the RV. Frankly, if I never see that desert again, it'll be too soon. Instead, I'd been given the assignment of walking around the town, scoping it out and inquiring if Dr. Diggs had passed through that way. (Spoiler alert: He hadn't). Gallus rendezvoused with Sunset at the mechanic's. “You seem in good spirits,” she remarked. “Just happy to be out of the desert and back in civilization,” he smiled, “But, the desert's still all in my nose. What's the word on the RV?” Sunset sighed. “Will have to order tires in. Looks like we're stuck here for a few days. Thankfully, the rental insurance will cover it. We all set up with the hotel?” “Yep. We can check-in in about two hours.” “Sounds good,” Sunset said, loading their bags onto the motorbike, “Lunch?” He counted out his pocket change and left it on the counter for the waitress. Though Sunset wasn't up for dessert, Gallus was in the mood for a thick vanilla milkshake. “So, how long till you think Dr. Digger is gonna come back?” he asked. Sunset shrugged, seemingly distracted by something on her phone. “However long it takes him to realize he can't open the chest without magic.” “I tell ya somethin' weird is goin' on!” a man's voice boomed from the booth behind them. “To you, something weird is always going on,” said another man. “This time, it's for real!” “Sure it is...” “Gummy bears falling out the sky out of nowhere ain't weird? Then, what would you call it?” “Well, it ain't aliens. That's the next county over...” “Sounds more like the work of Discord,” Gallus chuckled. Sunset frowned. “More like Equestrian magic. Excuse me, Sir?” She rose from her seat. “Where did you say this happened?” The man seemed more than delighted to be taken seriously and quickly pointed the direction of the incident. Sunset turned to Gallus with a wide smile. “You up for a hike?” Gallus just slumped in his seat. Gallus's Journal : Entry #42 I'm only including this mini episode in my journal because I know I'll get flack if I don't. Thankfully, we were not to be returning to the desert. The place the old man had pointed out was near the edge of town, in a small suburban neighborhood. We walked to what ended up being some sort of playground where a small group of children were playing with a small coin. Each time they tossed it, something strange happened. First, the leaves on the trees turned to goldfish. Then, plants sprouted the ground and flowered tacos (which were very good. I grabbed a few for later). Professor Shimmer said it was “definitely chaos magic.” I could only reply with: “Chaos must be hungry.” I'm not sure what her response was, but it was evident that we had to get the coin away from the children. Turned out to be surprisingly easy. After letting the professor know that I'd handle it, I approached the kids and engaged in conversation with them. I persuaded them to let me hold the coin. I inspected it before handing it back to them and walking off. Oh, the look on Shimmer's face! I couldn't help but be a little cocky. Eventually, I pulled the coin from my pocket. I had a pocketful of Bits that had come through the portal with me. It was very easy to pull a little magic trick and swap one coin for the other. “Just a little thing I picked up on the streets of Griffonstone,” I said, giving the coin a flip. Only then, did I realize what I had done. I'm sure everyone at some time in their lives had wanted to be in a chocolate milk rain shower. Well, I can tell you, it's very sticky.
Chapter 6 Gallus's Journal : Entry #43 I can't say I was ever so excited to take a bath! I laid in the water up to my chin until tit turned from hot to cold. Reluctantly, I emerged from my watery paradise. After over a month in a small RV, it is great to be in a hotel. … and the fact that I got a room all to myself makes the deal all the sweeter! Gallus rapped on the connecting door between his room and Sunset's. “It's unlocked,” Sunset called out, “You can leave it open, if you want.” Sunset was sitting at the desk, investigating the coin they took from the children. By the looks of it, she'd also enjoyed a bath. Gallus took a seat on the end one of the double beds. “So, what do you make of it?” “It's of Discord's work, no doubt. Must have just thrown it here a long time ago and forgotten about it.” “Well, nothing like a surprise find.” Sunset sighed, “I've got too many of those...” She put the coin away and made a note in her journal. “Which is why I've started looking for these artifacts, rather than just stumble upon them.” “By the way, when are you gonna tell me what Dr. Diggs wanted with the staff?” “Oh, that,” Sunset closed her books, “Well, how much did you hear?” “Not much. The way he rambled, by the time he got the point, I'd already zoned out.” “I was pretty much did the same,” laughed Sunset “It was a long lecture, wasn't it?”, “Understatement... But, now I know where you got your teaching style.” He laughed at the glare Sunset gave him. “He went on an on about Gallagher,” continued Gallus, “What did that have anything to do with Sir Gallop's staff?” “You missed the part where he said he was a mage?” “Oh, yeah...” it was starting to return to him, “he was of the wise council that ruled the griffons before Grover the Great.” “Then that's it!” “What's it?” Sunset fumbled through some notes. “How well do you know old Griffich?” “Uhm... not at all...” Sunset seemed disappointed by the answer. “Okay,” she said, “Well, let me walk you through the Old Ponish. And, this may answer your question on why the chest is so small. “Early documents say that Gallop carried a stick. Later writers translated it as 'staff'. But, what if it really was a small stick—more like a wand?” Gallus leaned forward. “A wand would make sense for a griffon—and is considerably smaller than a staff. So then, Gallagher is really Gallop?” “More like Gallop is really Gallagher. Old sources state that he was from a distant land. Most scholars just assumed he was a pony who lived far outside Equestria. It wasn't uncommon for the time.” “But why no mention that he wasn't a pony?” Sunset shrugged. “He was a mage. Probably used some sort of cloaking spell so he could move freely among the ponies.” “Well, if Gallop is really Gallagher, and a griffon, then his staff, or wand, is a griffon artifact and should be returned to Griffonstone.” Sunset held up her hands, “Hey, I'm more than happy to give it back to you guys. I just want it found and out of this world.” Gallus frowned, “So, Dr. Diggs was just being overly dramatic for something both of us agree on?” Sunset teetered, “It's a little more than that. I suppose you missed the part where he claimed to be the rightful heir of Grover the Great.” “Well, that doesn't mean very much!” laughed Gallus. He quickly noted Sunset's confusion. “Every griffon from Griffonstone is an heir of Grover the Great. In the thousand years since he reigned, we're all descendants of him, in one sort or another. Now, if he claims to be of the line of King Guto, that may be another thing. But, since he abolished the monarchy, the throne is pretty up for grabs by anyone at this point.” “So, what?” said Sunset, “he just marches in, sits on the throne and declares himself king?” “It's a bit more complicated than that. I suppose he didn't reveal his whole plan.” “No, only that with the staff he would restore the griffon throne. I just assumed he'd use it as a scepter.” Gallus shook his head. “King Grover united the griffons and established Griffonstone through the Idol of Boreas. It was King Guto who lost the idol to the monster Amiraspi and, in his shame, abolished the monarchy. “Only by recovering the idol, can it be restored.” He tilted his head, “By the look you're giving, the pieces are beginning to fall into place.” Sunset took in a deep breath, still in deep thought. “If the writings about Gallagher are true, and there is magic in his wand, then whoever would posses it would hold have the magical abilities on par with a unicorn. That would certainly be capable of defeating, or fending against, Amiraspi, if he still exists.” Gallus sighed, “Well, that would certainly be something... And now he has the chest with the wand.” “... that he can't open.” He chuckled at the thought. “So close, and yet so far... Well,” he said getting up, “I think I'll go for a little walk before bed.”
Chapter 7 Gallus's Journal : Entry #44 I'm not sure how long I wondered around the hotel (at this point I should clarify that it's really a motel—though I struggle to understand the difference). Despite happy to be out the desert, one thing I quickly missed was looking up to see the starts. No such thing here in town. Light pollution, Professor Shimmer had called it. I'd done probably my third or fourth lap around the place and was on my way back to my room when I was jumped by three dark figures who were lurking in the shadow of the stairs... Gallus yelled, kicked and punched his assailants. He managed to knock one down and break free of the other two before making a run for it. He wasn't sure which way he was going, only that it was probably best if he ran to the main office instead of his room. Unfortunately, he didn't make it far before someone grabbed his shirt and yanked him backward. Gallus fell down with a yelp. “Don't worry, little brother,” said a gently voice, “We're not going to hurt you.” Gallus stopped struggling. “Dr. Diggs?” “You don't sound surprised.” “No,” Gallus shrugged, “Professor Sunset is expecting you.” It gave him satisfaction to see Diggs surprised. Gallus lead the doctor to Sunset's room and knocked on the door. It opened to reveal Sunset with a smirk on her face. “That didn't take very long,” she said. “Can we talk?” asked Dr. Diggs. Gallus noticed that all the confidence in his voice was gone. Sunset nodded, “But your goons stay outside.” Diggs seemed a bit hesitant. “Look,” said Sunset, forcefully, “you need my help and the only way you're gonna get it is if do things on my terms.” The doctor reluctantly acquiesced. He grabbed the chest and followed Gallus and Sunset into the room. Sunset winced when she saw the chest. “Tell me what you didn't do to it.” Gallus finally saw what she was talking about. It was covered with dents and scorch marks—none of which were there when they pulled it out of the ground one day earlier. “Well,” Dr. Diggs teetered, “we didn't try nuking it from orbit...” “Must be a really strong spell on that thing,” said Galllus, rather impressed. Digg's eyes grew wide, “You knew?” “Since I first read the inscription,” Sunset said, folding her arms. “And you didn't say anything?” “Well, let's see,” Sunset counted off on her fingers, “You ambushed us, tied is up, threw us in a pit, slashed my tires, and didn't say 'please'. Am I leaving anything out?” “You forgot: Subjected us to a boring, long lecture,” said Gallus. “I'm being nice.” Whatever dignity was left in Dr. Diggs left and he quickly deflated. He pointed to Gallus. “Does he know?” “Yeah,” Gallus said, “we've deduced you want to use the want to defeat Arimaspi.” “Arimaspi is the least of our worries," said Diggs, "The Abysmal Abyss is our biggest obstacle. For centuries, griffons have ventured in, looking to retrieve the idol. None have ever returned.” “I understand I'm only an outsider,” said Sunset, “But is the idol really worth retrieving after all this time? From what I understand, Griffonstone is making a comeback.” “Yes, but having the idol back would greatly accelerate the process. Look, at this point, I don't care about the throne. My main concern is Griffonstone.” “How very un-griffon of you,” remarked Gallus. Diggs shrugged, “I guess my time here has changed me a bit.” “You're buddies outside,” said Sunset, “they're giffons, too?” Diggs nodded, “Each of them wanting to see Griffonstone returned to its former glory. Please, will you please us?” Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Look,” sighed Diggs, “the idol is my quest. In order to do it, I must do it alone—as much as possible, anyway. That's why I stranded you in the desert, I couldn't get anymore creatures involved—much less a pony... no offense.” “Sounds like you're doing a little friendship quest on the side,” smirked Gallus. Diggs looked at Gallus, perplexed. “What is a griffon doing running around with a pony anyway?” “You must have been in this world quite a long time,” Gallus smiled, “Quite a few things have changed on Equus.” “Speaking of which,” said Sunset, “The only way I can help you is if we are on Equus, and my only way to get there is currently under reconstruction.” “Oh, I can take care of that,” said Diggs, “Just so happens that there's a portal near here, well sorta, it's out in the desert. If we start now, we can be there by morning.” “You know where it leads?” “Not exactly. Like you, the portal that brought me here from Griffonstone is also closed. We stumbled upon this one quite by accident.” “... though very conveniently,” said Gallus. “Well,” said Sunset, grabbing her jacket, “let's get going, then.”
Chapter 8 Gallus's Journal : Entry #45 We all loaded into Dr. Digg's SUV. Professor Shimmer sat in front with Dr. Diggs, who was driving. I was stuck in the back, squished between two large hench~~men~~griffons. Professor Sunset and Dr. Diggs talked at length—about what, I couldn't fully say. At one point, the conservation did switch to how Diggs got to this world. It has been an accident. Even in Griffonstone, he was an archaeologist and established historian. One day, while exploring an ancient mountain pass, he came across a cave system. It was in the deepest part of the cave that he encountered a glowing circle. It was when he fell through that he emerged on the other side in this world. Enthralled with it, he decided to stay. Only later, did he learn of its historical connections to Equus. Professor Shimmer listened with great interest. Though, I noticed she seemed to dodge any questions regarding her first coming to this world—a similar tactic she had employed with me when I asked. I must have fallen asleep during the drive. Next thing I knew, the sky was beginning to lighten with the rising of the sun. The vehicle was beginning to slow down and soon came to a stop by a large rock formation. Dr. Diggs put the car in to park and announced that from here we were walking. Gallus wasn't sure what to expect when he finally came across a random portal in the middle of nowhere. But, somehow, what he saw wasn't it. “It's just a small indentation of earth,” he said. “Looks can be deceiving,” smiled Sunset. She knelt down next to the spot and wiped away the thin layer of dirt to reveal a yellowish glowing layer. It sparkled as her hand touched it. “This is definitely Equestrian magic,” she said, “So, who's all going?” “I suppose just you and me,” said Diggs. “I'm coming, too,” Gallus piped up, “I'd like to get out of this desert for a while.” Sunset and Diggs looked at each other and shrugged. “Fine.” Gallus's Journal : Entry #45 (continued) I'm not sure why I thought this time would be any different. As soon as I jumped into the portal, I was met with the same barrage of colors as last time. Though, thankfully, upon coming out the other side, I was able to hold my stomach a little more together. Gallus tumbled out of the portal an rolled onto the cave floor. A talon stopped him from rolling much further. It was dark, but he assumed it was Dr. Diggs. He felt Diggs grab him and lift him to his feet. Though, Gallus soon wished hadn't. His nostrils stung with a foul odor. “Phew! What's that smell?” “Sulfur,” said Diggs. “Sulfur!” Gallus yelped, “Don't tell me we're in a volcano!” “Worse,” said Sunset. “Worse? What's worse than being in a vol—” A red aura surrounded his beak and held it closed. “Shh!” Sunset hissed, “Listen!” Gallus did. There was a strong wind in the cave. It fluctuated. It was strong and heavy first, then soft and gently. It reminded Gallus of breathing. He gulped. “W-what's in here?” “I don't know,” Sunset whispered, “but you two stay here.” It may have been no more than a minute, but in the dark silence, it seemed as an eternity before Sunset returned. She cast a low-luminescent spell to allow them to better see each other. “Okay,” she said, pointing deep into the cave, “we've got a big dragon sleeping not fifty feet right over there. So, let's just get this chest open and get out of here.” Diggs concurred. He held up the chest. There was a brief spark of red light and the sound of locks opening. Diggs seemed a bit surprised. “That it?” “Don't question,” said Sunset. She grabbed both griffons with her aura and threw them through the portal before jumping through herself. Gallus's stomach didn't seem to like two jumps in such a short time. He crawled out of the portal and curled into a ball. Dr. Diggs was out next and turned around to pull Sunset out. Both seemed concerned upon noticing Gallus. “You okay?” asked Sunset. “Yeah,” Gallus groaned, “just give me a moment. Portal jumping just doesn't seem to sit well with me.” Sunset chuckled, “You got it easy. I've had one chew me up and spit me out the other side.” Gallus only groaned again. “Just hope the dang wand is in there.” “Only one way to find out,” said Diggs, “Shall we?” The group walked down to the SUV where a folding table had been set up. Dr. Diggs put the chest on the table and gestured to Sunset and Gallus. “I suppose you should be the ones to open it. Seeing as you were the ones to find it.” “But, it's your quest,” said Sunset. “I can't rightfully, in good conscience—” Gallus cleared his throat, “If I may. Technically, it's a griffon's quest and since I'm a griffon, and technically the one who dug it up, I should be the one to open it.” Sunset shrugged. “Suppose that's fair.” Diggs agreed and soon Gallus was standing in front of the chest. Taking in a deep breath, he gripped the sides of the lid. He was expecting to have to give a little muscle, but the lid swung freely open and revealed its contents. Almost instantly, his heart sank. “Uhm, guys?” he said gently removing some of the contents, “I don't think it's in here.” He laid on the table various scrolls, pieces of parchment, and a book. Sunset descended on the scrolls while Diggs examined the chest itself. He looked up at Sunset. “How is that possible?” “I don't get it either,” said Sunset, skimming through the documents, “All the clues pointed to the staff being buried here.” “Well, what do the scrolls say?” asked Gallus. Sunset shook her head. “They're all written in Old Ponish, but nothing even remotely related to the staff, or Gallagher.” She let out a long sigh. “Sorry, Dr. Diggs, looks like we were both wrong on this one.” Dr. Diggs held back his disappointment like a gentleman. “Well,” he said, softly, “I guess it's back to square one.” He started packing up the chest. “I'll take you back to town. And I suppose I owe you two lunch.”
Chapter 9 Gallus's Journal : Entry #45 (continued) I gotta say, even though we started out on the wrong talon, I truly felt sorry for Dr. Diggs. He drove us back to our motel, even stopping to pick up a pizza for us along the way—which is amazing stuff, by the way. Once back in our rooms, both Professor Shimmer and I collapsed from exhaustion. It wasn't till late evening that I awoke. Another shower and some microwave-warmed pizza later, I rejoined Professor Shimmer. She'd awoken sometime earlier than me and was busy examining the documents of the chest. (Dr. Diggs had been kind enough to leave us with the whole thing.) “Anything interesting?” Gallus asked. “Not really,” yawned Sunset, “Looks like a bunch of civil records. Tax sheets, bills of sale and the like.” “A historian's treasure trove.” Sunset smiled, “I suppose you could say. Well, Princess Twilight will have some fun with it for sure.” She got up and stretched. “Is there any of that pizza left?” Gallus nodded, “Two slices.” “Just what I need.” “Does seem odd,” Gallus said over the sound of the microwave, “If there's nothing here related to the staff, or Equstrian artifacts, then why did Cashe's and Maggie Pie's notes bring us here?” Sunset pondered that question as she chewed her pizza. “Just saying,” continued Gallus, “Seems like we're missing something here.” “Maybe we are...” Sunset set her meal down and picked upon the chest. “Princess Twilight once found a part of a scroll hidden in a secret compartment of a chest similar to this. The only way she found it was she accidentally broke it.” Gallus raised his eyebrows. “You wanna break up the chest?” Sunset continued her examination of the chest. “Would hate to. Hand me that ruler.” Gallus picked up the twelve-inch ruler that was lying on the desk. He watched with interest as Sunset measured the height dimensions of the chest. A smile crossed his face as he noticed her brow furl. “You found something?” “Give me your knife.” Gallus's smile widened as he dug out his pocket knife. Sunset already had hers out and had started prying at the bottom of the chest. Using both blades, she worked at the chest before a board popped out and into her hands. “There was a false bottom!” exclaimed Gallus. “Yes!” laughed Sunset, “The scrolls were only a decoy.” She turned the board around to show Gallus. “This is what we were really looking for.” Gallus squinted, trying to make out the burning on the wood. “Looks like a map.” “Yep.” “Don't tell me—X marks the spot.” “Yep!” Gallus couldn't help but join the laughter, “Looks like we're back in business.” “I'd say! What say you, griffon?” she punched Gallus's arm, “You up for a true treasure hunt?” Gallus smirked, returning the gesture, “You just try to keep up, pony. There's just one more thing.” “What?” “Are we gonna tell Dr. Diggs? You did promise him you'd let him know if we came across any more clues about the wand's whereabouts.” Sunset's grin widened, “I think we can wait a bit for that.” Author's Note Well, there you have it, folks! Little bit of a rush job--been so busy, didn't have the time I normally do to devote to these. Just glad I was able to do it in time Well, if you've had enough of me, go read some of the other stories. Till the, read on!
