A Roegadyn in Equestria

A Roegadyn in Equestria.

Chapter 51: Friendship, HURTS!

*Point of view: Brex Mith*
*Location: Just outside of their hotel*
*Time: Eight in the morning*

After the little scene that Gilda was caught in after falling in the tub. The young Griffin had stayed inside of the bathroom for nearly an hour while getting cleaned up and Brex had to wait during the entire time until she was done. Clearly after knowing her aunts, Brex knew how to spot that she had not bathed in at least a few days thanks to the way her feathers looked.

Once she was finally out, Brex could hear the Griffin still grumbling to herself in regards to the incident. However, what made itself more known to the Roegadyn, was her stomach being much louder than her building anger. Luckily for Gilda, Brex always had some food tucked away in his item box and brought out something that he knew that the young Griffin could eat.

The meal consisted of roasted potatoes and steamed carrots that were nicely chopped up, along with some brown gravy drizzled on top. There was even a boneless breast piece from a gobbler that had been roasted and glazed with honey and herbs. Alongside of it, it came with a large mug of fresh orange juice. All of which pretty much appeared out of thin air when Brex had taken it out of his item box once he had waved his hand just over the table that he was sitting at.

Brex could clearly see that Gilda wanted to ask where it had come from. But her hunger had won out and she furiously dug into the food that was still in the exact same condition as the moment he had stored it away. This meaning that it was still piping hot. As soon as she had gotten at least halfway through with stuffing herself and was in the middle of taking a long swig of the orange juice, did Brex finally get around to speaking while having a somewhat shocked expression behind his mask from watching the way Gilda was attacking his food.

“Hmm… suppose you have been rather busy with traveling to eat properly as of late. This got Gilda to slow down drastically as she gave him a shifty look, before mumbling past a mouth full of food. “I get by just fine. The last thing I need is for an oversized dweed like you to worry about me.”

After hearing that, Brex slowly shook his head while releasing a heavy sigh before going on. “Gilda, just to make sure that you know this, but... Ponyville isnt exactly capable of feeding those who cannot focus on the dietary requirements that the ponies are accustomed to. In other words, you're not going to be able to get much and ways of meat. Well, more like any at all, unless you plan to go hunting.”

Gilda had just swallowed another bite before she replied in a snarky tone. “If that's all, then I'll just run into the forest and kill something. You know, I probably won’t even have to go that far. On my way in, I saw a bunch of animals near the edge of town. They were around some big mound of dirt that was mostly covered in grass. There was even a small river that went by it, so I could probably get the fish too.”

There were a few seconds of silence before Brex spoke up again. However, this time it was with a more serious tone. “Gilda, that is where Fluttershy lives. And the animals you saw are her friends and she takes care of them all. So, I strongly suggest that you do not go after them.” This got a small scoff from Gilda and Brex redoubled his efforts by shifting his voice to a lower tone.

“I'm serious Gilda. If you so much as look at those animals with hungry eyes, then I'd have no choice but to come up with a very humiliating punishment that will make sure that you can't go out without hearing your name being said in gossip for many years to come. In fact, I will make it a personal mission to come up with one where it will travel far and wide. It will become stuff of legends. Even those from throughout the Griffin Empire will know the name of Gilda! The mothers will tell their young chicks about the atrocities that were inflicted upon said Griffin in order to scare them into being good little birdies.”

Gilda’s feathers began to bristle as her eyes when comically wide for but a brief moment, before she went back to eating silently and giving a quick nod as response to his threat as she went back to finishing her food. All the while, still shifting her gaze back to him and returning it to her meal whenever she thought that he would notice.

Once the dishes were put away, they quickly proceeded to checking in with the front desk to book another room for Gilda to use for herself. Brex could clearly tell how acting as though nothing had even happened was beginning to eat away at Gilda as she would continuously send him her patented death glare. But to only turn at the last second when she saw him tilting is mask towards her when she did so.

To say that Young Geezer was surprised when he saw Brex coming down with a female Griffin, was an understatement with how he had his jaw dropping as they approached the counter in plain view. Brex had put down a payment for the room next door after informing that he would be funding for the both of them. Afterwards, they were finally out of the building and Brex was leading the way to the adventurers building that was close to a ten minute walk away at a leisurely pace.

But as they went through the town, he noticed how his usual attention was being fully pulled away by Gilda who was giving off this smug attitude of hers. It was clearly evident that it was not because that she was a Griffin and that they had hardly seen any if none at all since she arrived. Instead, Brex could see in his chat log on the bottom left-hand corner of his vision, that they were gossiping about what happened during the party and it was not all that favorable.

Just from their words alone, he was able to tell that it went pretty much the same way as it did from the show and Gilda really did end up exploding on Applejack and making a complete fool of herself. Brex did think that Gilda was a bit of a jerk, but to be publicly humiliated in such a way while trying to re-connect with her old friend was going a little too far, even by his standards.

For one thing, he didn't appreciate the fact that Pinkie had gone so far as to use one of those joy buzzers on Gilda that night. Here in Equestria, it wasn't such a toy where one would turn a spring ahead of time and it would just make a sound when the button was pressed when two shook hands.

Nope, on this world it really did give an electrical shock. As it turned out, Griffin's really don't do well with electricity. In fact, because of their resilience and natural magic running through their own bodies. The ponies can resist such things as getting struck by lightning and surviving with little trouble. Unlike with a human, such an event would easily lead to their death instantly.

For Gilda, getting shocked by a toy buzzer by a pony, was the equivalent of getting a full-on taser shock from a police officer back on Earth. Brex had actually gone into a little research on how resilient these Ponies are compared to humans and found out that this toy alone that was sold in joke shops was capable of rendering a griffin paralyzed, if not knocked out if used on them. So, he was quite impressed when Gilda was able to walk it off. He was also sure that when he found all this out in the past. He made certain to send a letter to the ones who made it to put a warning label for such an event when selling their products in the future.

Meaning that, Pinkie was using a very old product or the manufacturers neglected to go with his warning. Either way, Brex was going to make sure that one of his representative’s goes to that manufacturer in order to make an inquiry. Honestly, he had no idea how it is that these ponies can make something that could easily bring up a lawsuit with poor business practices and liability issues.

Back to the present. The two of them made it to the guild building and Gilda went and request to have her info be transferred from the last place that she took a job at through the guild. To his surprise, Gilda was already ranked “E” and the current mare that was running the front desk who was not Lyra, had informed Gilda that she was close to another promotion. Gilda was obviously acting all tough and merely waved it off like it was nothing at all. However, Brex could clearly tell by the subtle twitch of her beak that she was trying to hold in a grin at hearing the news.

Thanks to a form of magic, all of the guilds were connected through the Ley lines that ran across the land. Whenever the information was needed, it would take close to a half an hour before it all travel through the magic network and was received once the initial request was made and returned to update the info the current hall that the adventurer was at.

The only reason why Celestia and most of the world still relied on mail and Spike’s way of sending letters, was because of the way that these Ley lines were set up and that they could not handle everyday uses for every single individual like some cell tower for phones. So instead, they were dedicated to such things as the military and emergency responses. The Adventurer's Guild being with the ladder.

Honestly, Brex did think about requesting for all of his records from every single Guild building that he took a quest from. But decided to start completely from scratch. Besides, at the rate the way things are going now, he'll end up getting his first promotion in a few weeks anyway and was all right with waiting. Rex had no intentions of skipping out this time around.

After Gilda had gotten her plate all set up with the branch that was stationed up in Ponyville. They immediately grabbed onto a quest that involved going on a patrol along the outer edge of the Ever Free in order to keep an eye out for any stray creatures or monsters that might wander out. Their options when encountering them, was to either immediately report it the town or if possible, take care of the matters themselves.

Depending on if it was a monster, then anything that was left behind could be used as proof to receive some extra rewards. Now, if it was just some random animal. Then depending on what it was, they could either turn it around or slay it. Which Gilda was fully for with how insistent she became when saying how she wanted to deal with whatever came out of that forest. More so if it was something that she could cook up.

They had barely made it out of the guild building before the doors were quickly swung open and the one who came in turned out to be the one and only Rainbow. From there, it quickly dawned on Brex that this was not going to turn into a civil conversation as soon as he saw the two giving each other a stare down.

By the way things were going, Brex could tell that Rainbow had not even noticed his presence as her focus was solely on Gilda. The same could be said for the Griffin as well. It was clear to the Roegadyn, that the fur on the back of Gilda’s neck was standing on end and her paw’s gripped the floor for good traction.

Brex did manage to break them from their current state by walking past Rainbow and calling over his shoulder just loud enough that the two could hear him over their own massive egos. “Gilda we are going, now!” After a few seconds, the Griffin finally relented and brushed past Rainbow while giving a huff. This in turn ruffled Rainbows feathers enough that she whirled on the spot and was about to hit Gilda from behind with her right fist that was pulled back suddenly. But there was this flash from an object that went whizzing by Gilda's legs and embedding itself in the floor, had stopped Rainbow’s attempt at doing a sneak attack.

It turned out to be a single large playing card that had what would appear to be a picture of a tree on one side and a star pattern on the other. The corner of the card was stuck into the wooden flooring right between the two. This had caused the Pegasus to shoot her wings out and take a quick step back out of shock and Gilda to quickly turn around to find out what it happened. It didn't take her long to notice the object that was right between them and glanced back over at Brex with an arched eye brow that just told him, did you really just throw that?”

When she did this, Rainbow had caught on and followed Gilda’s gaze and mirrored the Griffon’s expression as they both saw him with his left hand out and hovering a few inches above it was a weird contraption that was a series of rotating rings going in different directions and an assortment of cards with the faces pointing inwards as it was circling it in an orbiting pattern. As for his right hand it was already fully extended to show that he was the one who threw it.

(Here is a picture of Brex with the star globe weapon that the Astrologian uses.)

In the same playful tone that he used to intimidate Gilda a number of times with. He spoke to them both as he turned his gaze towards Gilda. At the same time, the card on the ground began to vibrate before it dislodged itself and shot into his open hand and was placed among the others that were currently rotating in the air. “Gilda, we… Are… Going! leave your lover's spat for when you're not on the clock. As for you, Miss Dash... I know that you are a Rogue. But still, to attack another member of your Association from behind while within the confines of the Guild building is just disgraceful.”

Afterwards, Brex turned and left the building along with Gilda in tow. He also caught a quick glimpse as soon as the door was beginning to close of Rainbow having her ears being slightly lowered. After several minutes of the two going through town and making their way towards the forest. Gilda finally spoke up after a long stretch of awkward silence. “Hey, you didn't have to butt in. I had it fully under control. I’m not some hatchling.”

To which, got Brex to respond in a strange happy-go-lucky tone, that was clearly laced here and there with a minor amount of sarcasm. “Oh… I know how well you would have taken that situation. You bump into her, she retaliates, then you retaliate in return to her retaliation and the next thing I know, I have to bail you both out of a mess. And in case you're wondering I am not going to ask you why you came looking for Miss Dash in particular out of all the places in Equestria for you to head for.”

“However, I'm going to say this... It would be better if you were to talk this out before your relationship falls apart completely. Because I believe that you still have time to salvage it. Now I don't care if you're going to deny what I say. Nor does your relationship with one another have anything to do with me. The only problem is, that I don't want you to suddenly break out into a fight whenever you see one another. Also, if things get too heated up between you two then I will have no choice but to strap both of you down to the back of two chairs that are stuck together and leave you in a room for a couple of hours.”

As Brex was saying this. Gilda was clearly getting angry that he was butting into her business. But when she heard the part about getting locked in a room together along with Rainbow. She had this look of doubt, that easily shifted to worry. As she could plainly be seen with the gears turning in her head about whether or not he would actually do such a thing. In the end she merely gave him a silent nod before resuming their walk once more.

*Point of view: Twilight Sparkle*
*Location: Golden Oaks Library. AKA, home of Twilight Sparkle*
*Time: Ten in the morning*

Twilight was currently wearing her usual school girl attire that she was commonly known for seeing as she has multiple copies of the same outfit and wore them on a daily basis. Much to the dismay of Rarity, who is there and in the middle of trying to convince Twilight into getting some more choices in her wardrobe with how she was still going on with the conversation.

“But Twilight dear, you really need to expand on your choices. You're in Ponyville now, you're not in class anymore. Live a little and express yourself. I just cannot bear to see one of my best friends wearing the same outfit day in and day out! It just hurts me so much inside. That part just screams Rarity, you must help your dear friend!”

Close by while still working on cleaning up the kitchen after having their breakfast. Was Spike with his claws quickly going at a set of dishes in the sink full of soapy water. While his head was turned enough so that he can clearly get a view of Rarity through the small window dividing the kitchen from the main part of the library where the two Ponies were having their discussions in.

That was when Twilight gave a long sigh to show that she had finally had enough. Before turning towards Rarity who had a set of red rim glasses that were already placed on her face and a stretch of measuring tape in one hand. “Rarity, I really appreciate that you're so concerned. But honestly, I'm just fine with my look. Also, I already have another set of clothing that I could change into.”

Rarity then went close to the couch and pretended to almost faint with her hand held over her eye in a dramatic fashion as she began to speak as if she was completely drained of life. But darling! The only other thing that you wear is your robes for being a Thaumaturge. Mind you I have no problems with it, but you hardly ever take it out of the closet. It wouldn't hurt for me to take a look at a few of your extras and make some slight alterations, right?”

Twilight who had clearly wanted this to end by this point and just wanted to get past this conversation and get on with her day of reading. Had gone over and pulled out a book from one of the nearby bookshelves and said to Rarity. “Okay, okay! I'll give you two of my spare sets of clothing. But I really don't like them being flashy. If anything, I want them to be the same, okay.”

Rarity looked up towards Twilight and raised an eyebrow as she was clearly giving it some further thought. But before the wight Unicorn could say anything else to Twilight on the subject. The window had suddenly got itself flung open after something had tried to crash through. That something happened to be blue with a streak of multi colors behind it, before crashing into the other end of the couch that Rarity wasn't on and as a result. This ended up pushing it over and making the white mare scream in clear panic, as her legs were stuck dangling in mid-air after the couch had fully toppled over and the back was now laying on the ground.

Upon hearing the ruckus. Spike rushed in from the kitchen while wearing a pink apron and saw how Twilight had this flat look on her face while staring at the couch. As a result, the young dragon turned his gaze there. Because of the placement of the couch having its back towards the kitchen door. Spike was able to see how the short black mini skirt that Rarity was wearing had been pushed up and was now exposing her lacey black panties. As a result, he ended up going stiff as a board before falling over and making the same sound as a large two-by-four of wood would when clattering onto the ground.

Rarity then screamed out while giving out a few lady-like grunts of exertion as she tried to get off of the couch and stand on her two legs. This was followed with her turning on the Pegasus to complain. “Rainbow! You must watch where you're going! You better hope that my mane isn't a complete wreck by that little stunt of yours!” As she was doing this. Rainbow had managed to scurry around so that she had climbed over the front end of the couch and was now dangling over it with her arms hanging. Clearly looking dazed, it took her a few seconds before she started to speak.

When Rainbow had finally regained her ability to talk in a coherent fashion, along with seeing straight once again. She instantly yelled out while having a shocked expression on her face. “It's Gilda! She's still in town and with Gambit! I just saw them a little while ago over at the Guild. I asked the front desk why they were there. They both took a patrol job for the border. You know, over near Fluttershy's place!”

Upon hearing this. Twilight had this not so quite convinced look on her face as she carefully asked Rainbow. “Okaaaaaay then. Now what is the problem with that? They're just doing a patrol near town, right? I don't really see what the issue is aside from Gilda still being in Ponyville after that party incident. Besides they probably know one another since they're both from out of town.

Rainbow then retorted when she threw her arms up into the air while still laying across the front of the couch. “That's the whole problem! This is Gilda we're talking about! She is the toughest flyer besides myself and she can get really intense! There's no telling what she's putting Gambit through right now! I tailed them and they're already making their rounds. After I was sure they weren’t going to wonder off, I came straight here. So far nothing has happened, but there's just no telling just what kind of scheme she has cooked up for him!”

“Also, listen to this. While I saw them inside the guild. Gambit through a card at the floor to stop me and Gilda from fighting. He had this weird doohickey floating over his hand and when he put it away it folded up into this weird, round disc on his back. Gambit was not at the party last night. He must not know what went down. I bet you that she told him a bunch of lies. It has to be some trick just to get back at us!”

After Rarity was done fixing her hair, that had been slightly messed up with the use of a number of brushes in the grip of her magic. The white Unicorn jumped into the conversation while having a slightly skeptical tone to her voice. “Come now dear! Do you honestly believe that your old friend Gilda would really go so far as to drag another into her plot of revenge?”

Twilight was the next to speak when she had a thoughtful expression while tapping one of her fingers onto her chin. “Hmm. I do find it rather odd that she still in town. After apologizing to Pinkie about accusing her of being overly suspicious and seeing the Griffin's true nature. I honestly thought she left for good after the both of you had that fight last night.”

Rainbow replied to this after taking to the air and zooming close to the door and pointing a finger at it. “Twilight, I came to try and find you so that the two of us could keep an eye on them. I already met up with Pinkie and she's waiting for us to catch up. Honestly, I really have no idea how that mare even has a pair of binoculars hidden in a random bush that she was standing next to when I asked her for help.”

Both Twilight and Rarity gave Rainbow a reluctant sigh as the purple Unicorn gathered up her gear and Rarity did the finishing touches on her makeup and mane for going out in public. As they all left the library. Not a single one of them had even give it a second thought as to the unconscious Spike. Who just so happened to have a slight nosebleed, along with a dopey expression on his face that said he had his lifelong dream fulfilled and was ready to pass on to the next life with absolutely no regrets.

A short time later. Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow had caught sight of Gambit who was with Gilda nearby. However, they did not find hide nor pink hair of Pinkie for a few moments, before they were all pulled in mysteriously in a link, into a nearby bush so quickly that they had no idea what had even happened until they were already kneeling down in the bushes and somehow wearing some weird outfits that made them blend in with a shrubbery.

All of them even had this green helmet and some black makeup smeared across their cheeks and noses. Which Rarity quickly got rid of after having to hold in a shriek of horror upon looking in a hand mirror that she had pulled from her magical storage.

Once they'd gotten their bearings and had given Pinkie a few words about personal space and throwing her friends in the bushes. All three of the ponies were given their own sets of binoculars by pinky, who had immediately, shushed them. Once this was done, all four sets of eyes could be seen poking out through some of the leaves and zooming in on what was happening a fair distance away.

From what Twilight could see from her current vantage point. Was the sight of Gambit and Gilda currently contending with what she knew to be Earth Sprites? This being clearly documented in one of the books that she had immediately brought out and was cross-referencing he floating rocks with the orange large gem at the center of their form.

As this was going on. Pinkie had brought out a strange object that was on a black stick and had it oddly shaped bowl with a stick coming out of the center and was now pointing it at the pair. A few seconds later, all the ponies could hear what was being said from all the way where the pair where at. This caused the three to give the pink pony a set of confused looks before they shook their heads to return to the spying.

That was when Twilight began to hear the voice of Gambit. “Gilda! You're projecting your moves again! I know this is an easy target because it stays in place a lot. But you still can use it for practice in refining your movements.” A heavy grunt could be heard coming from Gilda before she answered him in an aggravated tone. “I don't see you doing much! I can't help it if this one's stronger than the rest!”

Gambit then spoke up again. “Oh come on. This makes what, your third? I already took out its buddies. Sure, that one's stronger, but only by one level. All you have to do is admit that you need some assistance and I can take it out for you!”

This was followed by a loud scream of annoyance that they can hear from all the way where they were without the help of the device. Unfortunately for all the girls, because of Gilda being so loud. There was a loud reverb that came through the device. Which nearly caused Pinkie and Rainbow. Who was the closest to it, to shake their ears in order to clear up their hearing.

Once that little incident had passed by, Twilight could clearly hear Gilda and Gambit conversing back and forth as the Griffin continued attacking the stone opponent that she was still up against with her spear.

“You make it sound so easy! I'm the one who has to go close up in attack and you just got to throw those silly cards of yours and cast some spells from a distance. I'm clearly the one that's putting a lot more effort into this.”

“And I told you before that this could be considered as on-the-job training. You really need to clean up your stance. Because I know for a fact that you have all the skills that are needed to take that out without any effort if you were to fully focus on it.”

Gilda, after a few moments had passed. Had brought down the Earth Sprite after landing a final hit to core crystal and it began to stutter as its form fell apart and crumbled onto the ground. Only a moment later did it phase through the ground and leaving an earth shard behind that gave off a faint orange glow. Gilda on the other hand, looked a little winded as she used her spear to help hold her up right and her wings were partially drooping.

Twilight had raised an eyebrow and slowly turned her attention towards Rainbow before asking the blue Pegasus a question in a rather skeptical tone. “Rainbow… If I didn't know any better, I'd say that he's the one who seems to be ordering her around. From the way you talked about your old friend Gilda. I thought that she might be threatening him. Although it looks as though she's the one having to listen to him instead.”

Rainbow on the other hand, had clearly zoned out for a second and needed to shake her head before replying to Twilight as she kept her eyes glued onto the binoculars and staring straight at the pair. “I… But she… And he! I-I don't understand... Gilda had a hard time with listening to the teachers back in flight school and had a chip on her shoulder for as long as I knew her. Not only that, she always got hostile whenever a male was to talk to her. This is not the Gilda that I know.”

Pinkie was the next to speak in a very rushed voice that made it hard to understand, as it flew by the three ponies next to her. “He could be trying to raise her level by getting her to fight trash mobs. She is a Lancer and he seems to be playing as a Healer to back her up! Oh! Do you think he'll let us join his group and queue up for a dungeon on the group finder! Of course, he would have to play at the set maximum level cap.”

Twilight, Rainbow and Rarity we're now blankly looking at Pinkie as though she had grown a second head before each of them gave a light shake to playoff what she was saying something that only Pinkie knows about and continued on watching. During all of this, the pink mare had a dopey grin while gazing through her binoculars. Not even a second later, did she excitedly point and half scream out in excitement. “Oh lookie! More buddies came to play!”

Twilight and the others immediately brought back their spying gears to their eyes and let out a collective gasp as three more of the Earth Sprites came out from the tree line and we're already casting Stones spells in order to launch bits of themselves at the two. Twilight had this urge to jump out of the bushes in order to protect Gambit that was clearly in danger. But had been stopped by Pinkie who managed to reach far enough to grab onto her shoulder and hold her down.

While clearly showing panic on her face. Twilight half screamed out to her friend. “Pinkie! What in Celestia’s name do you think you're doing?! We need to get out there right now!” To everyone's surprise. The pink mare seemed oddly calm as she gestured for them to watch.

As they did, one could see an object coming off of Gambits back that appeared to be mostly silver or perhaps white has it began to release sections of itself in order to go into a multitude of rotations within one another. This was instantly proceeded with a number of small thin objects coming out of the holster that was hanging from one side of his hips to end up floating in an orbiting pattern around said device.

She then heard his voice coming from the device that Pinkie was holding. What Twilight had expected to be panic or even worry. Was instead, that of a stallion’s voice that seemed way to calm for his situation. “Would appear that we got a few more that we missed Gilda. How about you take a breather and let me handle this?” In response, Gilda half-heartedly laughed before saying, “Hey! Don't mind me. I'm perfectly fine if you end up in a ditch and dead somewhere! Go nuts.”

From there. Twilight got a glimpse of him grabbing a random card from the rotating set that had immediately picked up blinding speed just beforehand. Afterwards, he presented the card before himself before tossing it forward into the air. It had barely gone a few paces ahead before it instantly did a loop before coming right back to him.

Once it had collided with his form, there was a shower of sparks before said sparks condensed themselves into a new card and join the rest that were around his device. However, Gambit was now giving off this aura of increased magic power that she could just barely feel from where she was at.

From what Twilight knew. He was clearly and Astrologian with the weapon he was using. The purple Unicorn had gone to the school near the capitol and it was the one that exclusively had that class as the primary healer to be taught there. From what was just said, it appeared that Gambit was going to take on the three all by himself as Gilda sat back. Of course, this did not sit well with Twilight as she knew that the Astrologian, was not exactly the best at combat when it came to head on fighting, but was instead meant for support purposes.

She was certain upon reading about the class. There was mention that the use of cards that would be drawn in combat to give a boost to another was something that only one who was level thirty to do. Which instantly brought up a question in her mind. “Hold on! I don't know of any Pony that is a high enough level to be able to use that technique aside from the head teachers. Is he really stronger than what we all believe him to be?”

Her internal questions were derailed when she saw how he held up the orbiting device in his left hand until it was high above his head. Afterwards, three bursts of light came from it and zoomed for the oncoming threat. At first nothing happened to the Earth Sprites, but they started to have an odd sense to their movement patterns as parts of the rock that was used to cover their forms, began to chip Away. Twilight immediately identified that as the spell called, Combust. it being a level four attack spell, that deals un-aspected elemental damage over time to a target.

Afterwards, he launched a few attacks spells until they were pretty much blown to pieces once numerous cracks formed along the center crystal that could be seen during the intervals of the outer pieces floating off of it. When all was said and done. The rewards were quickly gathered up by Gambit before going over to Gilda, who still looked as though she still required a little bit longer to rest. But soon was covered in a glow that mirrored what was coming off of the circular device that was hovering just over his outstretched left hand and the Griffin was able to get back onto her feet with hardly any sign that she was winded a moment before at all.

From within the bush, Pinkie was now holding onto a small flag with the letter “G” printed on it and was quietly cheering. Over with Twilight, she pretty much had her mouth hanging as she slowly mouthed all of the different reasons as for why and how Gambit should not have been able to take all of those Earth Sprites out so easily. Rarity was eyeing Gambit from top to bottom with a curious look, at the same time without saying anything whatsoever.

The last of the group which was obviously Rainbow had a slack jaw. She had even brought up her right hand and was pointing between where the fight had just happened and Gambit repeatedly as if stuck in some type of loop for several seconds. At the end of which, she instantly lost it and zoomed out of the bush in order to confront the pair that were currently conversing with one another and landed right between them after kicking up some dirt from the sudden stop.

The Pegasus then began to yell, while poking her right hands index finger into what could have been assumed to be his stomach repeatedly as she spoke in an angry voice that had a mixture of confusion thrown into it. “Hey, something doesn't add up here! There is no way, no how, that you could have done that without some help! You couldn’t have been able to do that much damage in a short amount of time! After all, you're only a newbie that’s still rank F.”

By this point, Twilight and the rest had come out of hiding and caught up to Rainbow. Once they did, they were only a few paces away. Twilight had released a startled gasp when she saw how Rainbows wrists had been grabbed as she had just poked him another time and she was hoisted into the air in a way that had her now dangling by her one arm. Afterwards, she was brought up close enough that her face was near his mask.

For as long as Twilight new. It was very uncharacteristic for a male to exhibit this type of behavior when confronted. Witch meant that she had no idea how to go about with what she should think about what was happening, as her eyes darted between Gambit and her multicolored friend.

She then heard him speaking in a not so amused tone. “Miss Dash... I would like to request that you do not touch me without my permission... Ever again. I have done nothing to you to warrant such an act. Now, if you and your friends would be so kind as to stop spying on us, then my student and myself can get back to our work. Incase you haven’t gotten it, then I’ll say it plainly. I knew you were there the whole time after Pinkie pulled the three of you into the bush.”

Rainbow was then lowered until she was on her hooves once more, before Twilight began to ask numerous questions to Brex. “How can you be an Astrologian? I never saw you on campus while going between any of my lectures. Also, you used an advanced skill that only those of a high-level can gain access to when you use that card to strengthen your magic. How is it possible you can do what only the head mare for that class is capable of? Could you have been among the original students that graduated several years ago?”

She then heard him releasing a heavy sigh, before he turned his form directly towards her and this caused Twilight to feel herself shrinking down as she now got his full attention. He then said in a matter a fact tone. “Just leave us alone.”

Twilight was taken aback by the blunt way he had said it and just as she was about to open her mouth again, she had been interrupted by Gilda. This from the Griffin getting into her face after first sliding in between the both of them. Oddly enough, the Griffin seemed far more agitated than when she was squabbling with him earlier as she began to talk to Twilight.

“He said that you need to leave! You Ponies are always sticking your noses into others business. And I see you are here with the pink one is well! Not only that! I even got Rainbow who won't stop stalking me!” This had clearly caused Rainbow become agitated as well when she was called out as a stalker. But what was said next had the added effect of making the Pegasus freeze in place.

“To think that the great and almighty Rainbow Dash, would get so jealous in less than a day after she destroyed our friendship and that I'm hanging out with another instead. Or is it that you're angry that I'm around a strong male and you're still single?!” That was when Rainbow had this look of astonishment on her face, that quickly evolve into pure anger as she was capable of turning her blue for face to nearly crimson and had gone straight to jump at Gilda with her whole body in a flash of motion.

This resulted in the two tumbling along the grass as they rolled like a log. Twilight saw that Gambit had not made a single move towards stopping any of this and just stood there with both of his arms crossed in front of himself. She and the other two girls were just about to jump in to pull them apart, but was stopped when she heard Gambit speaking out as he suddenly appeared in front of them with how quickly he moved to block their advance before speaking. “They need this!”

Twilight had glanced over to her other friends, who were looking not so sure about what was just told to them. Rarity instantly had a cringe on her face after watching Gilda do something to Rainbow only a few seconds into their scuffle. Pinky was flinching as her face contorted to mirror that of sympathy and pain during the exchange.

She herself was about to light up her horn to cast a quick teleportation spell to get around Gambit but was stopped when he said something else. “You're learning about friendship, right? There are many forms of it. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to study the aspects of this one in particular.”

To Twilight, one of her new friends was currently rolling on the ground while being struck and striking back at the Griffin. But the words he had spoken just now, rang through her head and the scholar part of her mind was really into the idea of learning something new. Also, with how he was standing in her way, she didn't want to take the chance of causing him any undue harm, so she relented for the time being to watch what was to happen.

Over with rainbow and Gilda. They had been clawing at one another and causing a few small scratches and a number of bruises along their forms as they kept switching positions as they rolled over one another. Even some of their clothing had some small rips in them, but Gilda at the time had some armor so she was better protected compared to Rainbow. They ended up taking turns and speaking whenever one had managed to roll on top of the other to pin them down and the following was said to one another, starting with rainbow.

“You really think that I'm jealous that you went ahead and bullied some random Pony you met on the street after making a fool of yourself at that party. Only to go and make a comment about me being single!”

“Well, it's true isn't it dweeb? Why don't you just go ahead and get with one of your Pony girlfriends over there already? Besides, we all know how you feel about the males? You've always hated them. So, there's no way you're ever going to get into any of those fancy herds of yours!”

“You don't know anything bird brain! I was just blind because we were friends and I know now that you're nothing but a fat jerk! As soon as you get here, you end up making trouble! Stealing and scaring Fluttershy.”

“That was only because of that stupid mare that kept getting in our way when I was trying to reconnect with you! She just would not take a hint and kept sticking her nose in where she's not wanted!”

“Don't you dare call Pinkie a stupid mare! Sure, she doesn't take a hint very well, but it doesn't mean you should make her fall from the sky! Would you have even apologized if she ended up getting hurt?! She even went through all the trouble of trying to throw that party for you!”

“Oh, you going to bring up that again?! Did you even know that one of her gags is something that should never be used on a Griffin? Even as a joke, it goes way over the line.”

“What in the buck are you even talking about? The only thing I could see that could been seen as the most dangerous part with any of the gags that you end up tripping up, was the one with the hot sauce!”

“HAAA! Shows how much you know about your friend, huh! Do you know that Griffin's get hurt easily by electricity?! You're lucky that I'm tough! If that Joy buzzer of hers was any stronger, then I would have been out cold last night or at worst, have to go to the hospital!”

“Oh yeah, right! Very convenient and I suppose when I heard about you giving Granny Smith a scare, was just a harmless prank!”

“Gerrrrr! I thought about that and I'm going to apologize to the old coot the next time I see her! But it doesn't change the fact that even though we were friends for so many years, you didn't even know the simple fact that us Griffins can be killed with lightning! Not only that, I came to see you and what do I get! I get this sudden party sprung on me where I’m made the fool with one prank after another!”

“That's all your fault! Pinkie was only trying to make you feel welcome! It's your own fault for not being able to take a joke! How was I to know that you would spring them all?!”

“Again, you don't know anything about Griffin's! Do you know how many of us are in Equestria! Do you have any idea of the stereotypes that we have to live with! I'd be lucky to see another Griffin aside from my aunt's just one time out of a thousand of you ponies!!”

“What does that have to do with anything that's happening here?! You're just some selfish jerk that comes to Ponyville, messes with my friends and shows off that there just some self-centered... typical Griffin!”

At that point, Gilda had managed to put her feet just under Rainbows stomach and had kicked her off so that she landed a few paces away and Gilda herself had gotten up and was crouched down onto one knee, while breathing heavily. Some of her gear had quite a few scuff marks and she clearly had her right eye beginning to swell from getting punched by Rainbow in the middle of the scuffle.

A good portion of her clothing and gear had been smeared with the remains of grass as their bodies rolled around in it and she had this extremely hurt expression as her mouth was partially hanging open while staring at Rainbow without blinking even once.

As for rainbow, she had gotten back to her hooves quickly but soon collapsed so that she was on both her hands and knees, while giving Gilda an angry stare down that quickly morphed into one of shock as well. Gilded then started to speak in a hollow tone as she tilted her head down enough that her eyes were no longer visible thanks to the feathers now covering them from View.

All the while, breathing heavily between sentences. “I… I knew that you were one of those mare’s that hate stallions... Huff. But since we were friends... Huff. I had no idea that you were a racist pony too. A typical Griffin, am I? That's how you most likely saw me for as long as we've known each other, isn't it?”

She had taken a deep breath of air to finally recover enough to speak normally, but still had a cold edge to her words. “You have no idea because you're surrounded by your own kind wherever you turn. I on the other hand, have to put up with racial discrimination. You were the only one who even took the time to make friends with me back when we were back in flight School. Ever since we had to go our separate ways, I've been pretty much isolated. I only know of about five other Griffins within a few day's flight from where my aunts stay in that City.”

“I came here because I was lonely and I wanted to see my best friend! But now I know the truth! You never really saw me as one, did you? Ha-Ha-Ha! Oh, this is the best prank of all! You really got me this time Rainbow. Queen of the pranksters!”

“No wonder that the other countries hate Equestria! You and your Pony puns whenever you speak! Do you know how it feels to be separated just by the way you talk to one another and expecting us to fall in line as if nothing was wrong? I finally had enough all of it and told my aunt that I was going back to the Griffin Empire just so I didn't have to feel any of this ever again!”

“But instead, I flew off of the ship when it was halfway crossing the ocean and kept on flying for days just to get back to land. Only to come straight here because I needed to see my best friend... A friend who I just found out, never took our friendship seriously! You know what, I'm done! All I ever hear from you ponies is friendship this and friendship that! It only counts when the ones your making friends with is a pony too, right? I missed that fine print.”

Gilda was pretty much turning red as she now slammed her knuckles into the ground and created a large thud to echo as her gaze turned towards Gambit before she continued with obvious tears that were beginning to make her purple mascara to run down her face. “And you! You said that I needed to make things right. That I needed to fix our friendship! But I don't see a friendship that's salvageable anymore!”

Twilight had taken a hesitant step back after hearing all that Gilda and rainbow had said to one another and had a hurt expression of her own as she looked towards the ground. It dawned on her how they would always use the words “Every Pony” and “Any Pony” all the time. But hearing this straight from Gilda, who is not one of their own species, had really clicked as to the severity of talking in such a way. Even the part about Equestria being hated, really struck a sour note for Twilight.

She even began to think of all the times that she was within the Castle and overheard Celestia talking in the same way and began to wonder if her teacher and mentor, had any idea of this going on. Twilight thoughts were broken when her eyes drifted over and she saw that her other two friends were in a similar state. But then her attention was pulled from them when she heard Rainbow beginning to speak. Unlike before, where it was full of anger. This time her Pegasus friend was sounding more remorseful than anything else.

“Say, Gilda. I... I didn't really mean that last part. I was just really angry and it was the first thing that came to mind.” Gilda had snapback but not before giving a quick snort of annoyance. “It doesn't excuse the fact that you still said it. I just didn't like the idea that I got replaced without being told at all.”

Twilight could quickly see that the argument was beginning to simmer down by now, but she saw Gambit approaching, after giving out a long and drawn-out sigh. He had gotten closer to the both. He then reached down with a hand for each and gripped onto the back of their shirts so that when they were lifted and pretty much stuck there and dangling with all their limbs as he brought them close to one another and just a couple of hooves off the ground.

He then started to speak in an emotionless tone to each as he turned his head to the one he was speaking to. The first of which being Gilda, who had this unamused look on her face as she stared back at him. “Gilda, I don't have all day for this. I allowed you both to get this out of your system, so now we're going to move on and get straight to the point. If I don't nip this in the butt now, then we're going to be here all day.”

“Gilda, you felt lonely and at the same time, scared to go back to your home country. Then you ended up remembering about Miss Dash and how well you connected with her. Now after you arrived, you found out she made some new friends and you felt betrayed. As a result, you lean towards lashing out due to not being able to control your emotions after receiving such a shock. Is this right?” The Griffin looked away and started pouting, which got her to be shaken a little bit before she turned back to him and gave him a quick nod before returning to pouting once again.

Going over to Rainbow. He then said, “You saw yourself as a friend of Gilda, yet you barely know anything about her race or even her culture from what I can tell. For one, you did not react when she got electrocuted by Pinkie, other than seeing it as a pure joke and laughing It Off. Do you also happen to know that Griffins see friendship and loyalty as something that they hold above all else? And not only that, you are the bearer of loyalty yourself. Why did you not go after her after she left the party last night? The least you could have done was to get closure instead of leaving it as it is. Don't you think so?”

Just got a small knob that was barely perceivable from Rainbow. But it seemed that Gambit had caught it and moved on. “I will not say who is right or who is wrong. You both made mistakes and I can clearly see by the way you two fought that you both regret what was said last night at that party. Gilda, you've been practically living around these ponies for most of your life now, so you should understand how they are.”

“As for you miss Dash. I do hope that you are not one of those that believe that the whole concept of forgiving cannot be extend to beyond that of ponies. You are both friends who had a fight. The next logical step is for both of you to say sorry and work on repairing what you have before it's gone for good.” Rainbow was looking very confrontational with how she was crossing her arms and attempting to spin her body so that she was facing away with the small amount of slack that was coming off of her shirt that she was hanging off from.

For Gilda, the Griffin was attempting to wiggle enough so that she would slip out of both her shirt and armor to get away, but was having very little luck. Which wasn’t going to go very well with the way that they were resisting his efforts. Twilight was shocked at what she heard next in a loud voice that just said he had enough. “Okay! You know what! That's it! I'm done with both of you! I tried I really tried, but I will no longer be your lover's counselor anymore! Just tell each other you officially break off your long-distance dating or kiss and make up, your choice!!”

This had the immediate effect of getting a loud squawk of surprise from Gilda as she froze in place and was now giving Gambit a thousand-yard stare. When it came to Rainbow, she had completely turned a shade of pink that took most of her body as she was now slowly twisting back into place so that she was facing them both. It hadn't even been a full second once the two had locked eyes on each other after taking them off of Gambit. That was when both of their wings had instantly shot out, along with having a blush to be seen on both of their cheeks as they tried to look away.

Gilda then began to stammer out a question as her voice was clearly having a hard time coming out. “How… How would you even know such a thing?! I didn't tell anyone! Not even my aunt or Einstein!” Gambit had released an exasperated sigh and had tilted his head back while replying in a tired tone that had just a hint of mischief behind it.

“So, it wasn't really all that hard to find out when I came to visit one day. I just so happen to catch the post being delivered and because I was well-known as an acquaintance of Einstein and I was already on my way up, I was given that day’s letters and I brought it with me. It just so happens, on the very top of the stack was a letter addressed to you Gilda and the return postage was labeled for a Rainbow Dash.”

“It also didn't take much for me to figure out that it was a complete secret with how you immediately went for the stack of letters and ran off when you thought no one was looking after I came in and had sat it down on the counter.”

“There was also the way that you were giggling from in your room and before coming to dinner that night, I saw that you were recovering from a small blush.” By then, Gilda had raised her left hand and was covering her eyes out of shame as wisps of steam came off of her head with the way she was heating up after being called out on their relationship.

Rainbow wasn't doing much better and was in pretty much the same state by then. She was even giving off the small pathetic wine that was almost so high-pitched, that it was nearly unheard. As for the rest that were present. Not only was Twilight completely in shock with how she felt. Her jaw had nearly unhinged itself with the way it fell. But she could clearly see how the others were reacting from the edge of her vision.

Pinkie was visibly vibrating in place, while having this manic grin that just said she wanted to scream something about parties, along with trying to contain a squeal of her own. As for Rarity, she was already sobbing into a handkerchief and had somehow pulled out of nowhere a fainting couch that she knew had to have been from her boutique.

All the while sobbing from underneath her breath about how romantic the scene was, but it could have been better with a more appropriate atmosphere and possibly some dresses on the two while not being held in the air like a couple of stray kittens.

It was just a few seconds later that Gilda and Rainbow had been unceremoniously dropped from the height that they were at and had landed with a set of thuds and letting out their own shared version of a pained screams, once their butts had landed on the grass underneath.

This was then followed with Gambit beginning to make his way back to town and calling over his right shoulder as he walked in a very loud voice. “Honestly, I don't care anymore if you're going to rip each other to shreds or make out here in the middle of the field! I'm taking our droppings from those kills and turning them in for our quest to be completed. You can stay out tonight if you want Gilda, just make sure you're back in the hotel by six in the morning! Because if you're not, then you really don't want to know what I have in store next!”

After sometime later, three to be exact. Twilight had finally gotten home and close the door behind herself. Only to lean against it and slide down until she was on the ground and giving a very tired sigh of relief. It had been quiet within the library for a few seconds before she began to hear something from deeper within that caused her left ear to twitch and turn to get a better read on the sound. She had this look of confusion as she got onto her legs and made her way in just passed the area that would normally be used for the library and had entered the kitchen.

What she found, caused her to freeze in place as she had dropped her bag of books that she had on hand ever since they went to go find Gilda earlier that day. Right there, standing in her kitchen, alongside her little adopted brother was Gambit and they were in the middle of finishing what she could only assume was making dinner. As her brain attempted to comprehend as to why he was in her kitchen. Twilight had started to hear the two talking in a casual way.

As Spike was busy with making a salad. He started to speak without looking towards Gambit. “Hey, sorry again that you had to help me out. I had no idea that the game was going to go on for so long that I lost track of what time it was. Twilight always wants this to be done right on time and she always gets a little hangry when she's had a long day.”

Gambit himself, had just pulled something out of the oven which gave off a very unique aroma when he had sat it onto the counter before replying. “Yeah, I didn't think it was going to get so heated that we go into stalemate for so long before you beat me. It just shows that even after doing some reading up on the game, there's still a few tricks that I didn't think about. Besides, you wanted to learn how to make this cheesecake and this was a good opportunity.”

Twilight, finally shook herself free from her stupor before she went to grab onto her bag that was on the floor, before slamming it onto the counter where there was no food currently placed and yelled out in clearly a frustrated tone. “You! Why did you suddenly leave like that?! Do you have any idea what kind of a situation you left us with? We were all out there for hours trying to clean up that mess.”

The Gambit leaned against the refrigerator and crossed his arms before asking in a joking tone. “Is my apprentice currently in one piece, or is she spending the night with Miss Dash?” This had caught the attention of Spike as he quickly spun on the spot to listen in on what was being said in the kitchen. As for Twilight, she had somehow got caught up in his tone of voice and honestly answered as if it was no different than talking about the weather. “Those two, it looks like they're going to talk things over and take it slow... Hey! hold on there, don't distract me like that!”

This ended up earning her a light chuckle from him before he commented in a matter-of-fact tone as he pushed himself away from the refrigerator to stand normally with his arms at his sides. “I find that distracting you is a good way to get you to calm down in order to have a proper conversation.” After hearing this, she tilted her head and was now scratching the back of her left ear in clear confusion before responding after having a moment to recover.

“Wha... Don't talk as though you know me! Also, why are you even in my house? Don't you know it's against the law to enter someone's private residence without first getting their permission!” Twilight then saw how he was slowly turning his head toward Spike and after a few seconds, it dawned on her that her brother must have let him in. After shaking her head to clear her thoughts and bring her right hand up to pinch the base of her muzzle, she began to start up again.

“Okay, okay. Putting aside what you did for those two. I got a few questions for you mister! How in Equestria are you able to use such a high-level technique like the one you use at the beginning of the fight with those Earth Sprites?”

“I remember hearing that the trick you used was a level thirty skill. The only Pony that's capable of even using it, is the head mare that runs the section of the school that teaches that class. Just who are you anyway? You're always wearing that mask and you hardly say anything to any Pony, aside from a few words. And when you do talk, you're always so rude!”

There was a long stretch of Silence among herself, Spike and Gambit. Before he started to talk in a flat tone as the two of them began to exchange words. “I suppose if you're only going to include ponies in your analysis, judging from the wording you just used. Then yes, no pony is strong enough to use such a high-level skill. Don't you believe it would be prudent to add into those calculations to the other races in the world as well?”

“I don't understand what you mean by that, of course I added Every pony to my calculations!”

“That is just it, you added every Pony. With the emphasis on, Pony. Did you not pay attention to a word that Gilda let out during that little discussion about how racist the ponies are, especially when using those phrases? You may want to have a few words with your teacher, because I'm pretty sure that by now she's beginning to see just what Gilda is getting at.”

“Why are you bringing Princess Celestia into this? She has nothing to do with it!”

“Oh, she has a big part to play in it, I guarantee it. Anyway, shouldn't you be getting on that follow up letter of yours in regards to that friendship report you sent just last night?”

“Wait! Hold on! How do you know about my friendship reports?”

“It's pretty well-known that you're the student to Celestia and you've been caught on occasion writing these out. Well, I suppose it's more along the lines of others hearing you talking about the report as your brother transcribes them for you. Seriously, you can't even write your own letters yourself and you have to make Spike do it when he's clearly busy with other jobs such as cleaning up your mess here at home.”

“What?! Keep my little brother out of this! He's only lending a hand. There's nothing wrong with it? Now stop trying to change the subject!”

That was when Spike interrupted them and with a small smile, he used his arms to give a display towards the dinner that was made. He then said, “Twilight, you haven't really eaten much today, have you? You always get cranky when you're hungry. Now, why don't we go ahead and sit down and eat this before it gets cold.”

Twilight clearly wanted to say something with the way her eye was twitching. But relented and gave out a heavy sigh before she went over to the nearby chair and plopped into it and was now looking at what was displayed. As she did this, she heard Gambit calling out to spike and what seemed to be a normal friendly tone, that she was clearly unaccustomed to hearing from him.

“I'll take a rain check there Spike. There's some things that I need to take care of and I don't believe I am very welcome in this library at the moment. I've been in a library where the books will literally rip your face off for just opening the front cover and that feels a little more friendly than what I'm getting here. But do tell me how everything turned out with the cheesecake. I'll come back when the purple angry Unicorn has calm down. Oh, and by the way, I left something on the table in the front room for you. See yeah later!”

With that, Twilight watched as he exited through the back door that was connected to the kitchen. She then turned to spike, who had already taken his seat and loaded up his first plate with a bit of pretty much everything. She then released a groan of annoyance before speaking with a very tired voice. “I honestly cannot understand that stallion at all! From what I've heard, he barely says anything at all and he's been all over town. But then, he gets really chatty but what comes out of him is so infuriating. I've met stallions back in the castle and they're nothing like him.”

“By the way Spike. You both have been together off and on ever since that day that we got the tickets. What do you do anyway? I never even see him and the only way I know that he's even been inside the library, was because you mentioned it to me.” Spike was already more than halfway done with his current plate before he swallowed what clearly could not have been able to go down his neck, unless assisted through cartoon law.

After giving a light shrug, Spike began to talk while he started munching on smaller portions of food. “Eh! Not a lot really. We pretty much talked about random subjects. Aside from that, we pretty much read comics and play that card game of mine.”

“I've been teaching him how to play it and, in the beginning, I was winning almost all the matches, but lately he's been getting better. I never really got a chance to play with many others back at the castle and... Gambits pretty much the only guy friend that I know here in Ponyville. I used to play all the time back at the castle along with Blue Blood. But he's been busy with training lately and that cut into our guy time.”

“Anyways, he's either around when you head out with the other girls, or up in your room doing some intense studying so you dont even notice that he's here. While hearing this, she had just started to tap her chin and having a thoughtful expression before she asked another question. “Spike, what can you tell me about Gambit? It might help me with understanding him better.”

As Spike was eating, he gave a quick shrug before he spoke. “Well, I do know that he mentioned that he didn't come from Equestria. Let's see what else... Hmmm. I know that he's pretty good with tools after he helped out with replacing that one window that Rainbow busted a few days ago when she came in.”

“By the way, she has broken a grand total of four of our windows since we've moved in. Anyhow, going back to Gambit. I know that he's a rank “F” Adventurer and I asked him how long he's been at it, but he seemed to dodge the question a lot. Oh, and one more thing! He is an amazing cook. Have you tried the cheesecake he made, I am positive that it tastes exactly like the one that Celestia had brought over from Fillydelphia a few months back for my birthday party.”

Twilight was internally grumbling to herself as she began to think within her head. “Well thanks a lot Spike… That tells me a lot.” She then had an idea, which prompted her to ask the following. “Say, do you happen to know what kind of pony he even is? I don't see a pair of wings or any type of lump on the back of his clothing that would show that he's keeping them covered. Obviously, I can't see a horn on his head. But he could be concealing it somehow. It's entirely possible that he's an Earth Pony that learned how to cast magic spells such as those from the combat schools.”

Spike had just finished eating his last bite and was leaning back due to his swollen belly, that he looked as though he was about to fall over with how far he was going. After releasing a satisfied belch, which caused Twilight's ears to fold back and to give him a slightly disturbed look. The young dragon began to say, “I don't know what I could tell you Twilight. He's never once taken off his mask. So, I got nothing there. Although, I can tell you what he said when I asked about it. “Hmmm, now what was it he said again? Ah! I got it! He only wishes to show his face to those that he truly trusts right now. Also, there's only ever been one that has seen his face in this world.”

“Well Twilight, if that's all you need to know. I'll take care of the dishes. But first, I'm going to see what he left for me out in the front room!” When Spike had said that, the dragon had hop down and began to waddle over through the kitchen door as he clutched onto his full belly. As soon as he was out of the kitchen, Twilight began to hum to herself while absent-mindedly picking up a fork and eating some of the salad provided as her thoughts began to race.

“Okay Twilight, you just need to put what you know together. From his own words, Gambit is born outside of Equestria and none aside from one other has been allowed to see his face. Hmm… That could suggest that he either has a checkered past or all this talk about him distrusting females is the root of the cause.”

“He's apparently good at not only cooking, but repair work as well. Not only that, he is a accomplish Astrologian. Especially when he was able to take out that many Earth Spirits without much trouble at all. That could only mean that he is a self-reliant male. Not only that, he must have some experience when it comes to battle and to keep his cool. Then there's the part where he does not seem to show much respect. Especially when it comes to the princess.”

“Could he be a spy from another country? No, I don't think so. If he was, then he would definitely be keeping out of sight, instead of being out in the open. But then there's Gilda. I was there after she left the party and judging from what Rainbow said about her, makes it very suspicious as to why she seems to be listening to Gambit. All of this seems really weird... Maybe I should send that letter to the Princess after all. I could even throw in what I know about this Gambit and see if she knows anything about him or how I should proceed.”

Twilight thoughts were rudely interrupted when Spike came running through the kitchen door and had skidded to a stop after tripping over one of his clawed feet. Afterwards, the young dragon got back up and waved what appeared to be one of those trading cards in front of Twilight before he started to speak in a excited voice. “Twilight! Twilight! You won't believe what Gambit gave me!”

The purple Unicorn leaned in slightly and squinted her eyes as to take in exactly what it was. She then began to say out loud what she was reading on it. “Einstein, Rank “D” Adventurer.” She then turned to spike after leaning sideways a little so that the card was no longer blocking her view of him, before speaking in a rather confused tone. “Okay... Um, that's nice and all. As I recall, do you not have that card already?”

Spike immediately answered back, after shaking his head quickly. “No Twilight! You got to look closer! Yeah, I have the card, but not one that's been signed by Einstein himself!” Twilight gave a not so sure hum as she examined it.

Obviously seeing this, Spike went on. “Twilight, don't you remember that these cards have an enchantment on them? The makers made it so that any type of autograph made on these, would disappear after a few moments if it was not made by the one that the card has on it. It's a fail-safe to prevent others from trying to forge signatures to make them more valuable.”

Spike was pretty much dancing in place as he went on. “I can't believe Gambit knows Einstein! He became pretty well-known after stopping that kidnapping ring all the way back in Baltimare that used that carnival as a front. Hold on one second!” After that, Spike had rushed back out, only to return after a minute and displayed another pair of cards and held them up for Twilight to look at as he started to talk again. “These two Griffins work with him on occasion.”

Twilight was beginning to feel like she was in a lighter mood again after seeing her little brother in such a state. But she couldn't help but roll her eyes in a playful way before she glanced at the cards. It hadn't even taken a moment before her eyes began to narrow more than before as she took in the forms of pair of Griffin's that were obviously twins and the only way to tell them apart, were their eye colors alone. But all the while, she couldn't help but to think that they were almost the same in terms of style when it came to how Gilda looked.

That was when she began to go over the events from earlier that day. First being the way that Gilda, who was supposed to be extremely aggressive, had pretty much allowed a male like Gambit to talk down to her without really fighting back.

Then there was that little story in regards to what he knew about her in terms of the relationship with Rainbow, which was obviously something from years back. After a bit it was pretty easy for Twilight to put it together that Gambit had been in Baltimare at one point or another if he knew this Einstein character.

Afterwards, Twilight asks spike in helping to write a letter to Princess Celestia. In it, she had written down what she had learned that day when it came to her friend Rainbow Dash and the old friend that she thought had left, but only to reconcile afterwards after getting some issues pulled into the light.

She had even put in her inquiries and whatever relevant details that she knew about Gambit. Which turned out to be pretty much everything that she could think of. Of course, she did omit the part about him bad talking about her because she didn't want to get him deliberately in trouble out of fear of the Princess sending him to the moon.

*Point of view: Princess Luna*
*Location: the throne room*
*Time: Six-thirty, just a few minutes before the letter from Twilight arrives*

For once, Luna had woken up a little earlier and had come to the throne room in order to meet up with her sister, so that the two of them can walk together on the way to have their evening meal. Celestia just finished with the last of the submitted paperwork by the last of her subjects that came in for a meeting with her. The only ones in the throne room at the moment, were Luna, Celestia and four of the day guards that were stationed at the far wall and on either side of the main door way that was closed for the time being.

Celestia currently had a scroll that was being levitated in front of herself and enveloped and the golden aura that was commonly known to others to be unique to her own. Said scroll had just gone through the process of being rolled up and tied with a red ribbon and set onto a small table situated on the right side of the throne, that had a good twenty of them stacked up neatly.

Luna was currently on the other side and awaiting patiently, while glancing over her older sister's left shoulder to see just what she was reading. From what Luna could surmise from the document, it was a petition made by what she could only presume to be the mayor of a small town in regards to getting a bunker built close by in case of emergency and as a rest stop to allow traveling Adventures to have a reason to go to their town and boost their tourism.

At one point or another, Luna had heard about such bunkers that were considered a safe haven for both travelers and the ones who defend their lands. They would be built underground and would not only have a means of giving a place for rest, but also offered provision that can be bought and sold along those that enter.

It was in fact one of her night guards who regaled her with how they have used one such facilities in their travels to Canterlot, in order to become one of Luna's night guards. It was said that the entrance was guarded by not ponies. But by a set of large metal Golems that would tirelessly act as sentinels to deter any would-be threats from entering. There was even a sophisticated defense system that was put in place in case anything should happen to slip past the first line of defense on the outer perimeter.

Luna even had to contain her own giggle when she found out what the company was called, that came up with such an idea. Which happened to be, “Always Away Foxholes.” After being told about that other company, who produce the Golems, Luna now began to wonder if they both were connected in one way or another. Although, she knows that a number of others have put them to use, so she ended up with putting that in the back of her mind.

Celestia only a moment later, had just gotten up from her chair and dismissed her day guards, seeing as it was time for the ones that were under Luna's command to take the night shift. Afterwards, all four of the guards gave a quick bow and exited the throne room. There was a set of almost imperceivable swishing sounds that came from right above and where the shadows were being cast along the ceiling and in the guard’s place, took a set of ponies that were wearing a set of dark armor comprised of purple, silver and black.

What made them all stand out even further, was how they have these leathery bat-like wings and piercing yellow eyes with slits in them. This was also along with how they had visible fangs that were easily seen from whenever they came into contact with any source of light that was shining through the now darkening halls. These being the Thestrals. These were the fourth race of ponies who had strong characteristics to that of bats.

The Thestrals are very secretive and only live in one area as a colony known as, Hollow Shades, which is located on the eastern side of Equestria. Just nestled near a mountain range and completely surrounded by trees, these ponies kept to themselves, especially after Nightmare Moon came to be.

In the beginning, they were persecuted before their appearance and had to retreat to safety. Thereby fading into history and forgotten to the point that they were regarded as nothing but myth. But since the return of their lunar princess, the race has finally come out of hiding and immediately made their way to the castle to be employed as her personal guards due to their loyalty that had not waned over the past millennia.

Out of the four that were in plain view. One had a short spear and two had a set of dual wielding blades that had a slight curve and were just a few inches longer than a standard long knife. The last of them, had on their back, nestled right over their wings what appeared to be a round flat disk and on their left outer thigh, was a long rectangular object that was holding a set of tarot size cards that were placed into various slots.

Luna had given them a curt nod and got a quick salute in response before she turned her attention back to her older sister, who had a look of amusement on her face that clearly showed that she was impressed with how swiftly the guards had taken their place without so much as making a single sound.

As the two princesses had reached the very bottom of the steps that led up to the throne, did Celestia get an unexpected flash of light from just above her head. This was immediately followed with a scroll falling into Celestia's outstretched right hand. Luna gave it a quick curious glance before shifting her gaze over to her sister, who now had a look of confusion crossing her face as it was opened up.

As the scroll was being fully unfurled and being examined. Celestia then began to speak. “I do wonder as to what this is about? While Twilight is usually so punctual with sending her friendship reports but once a week, I know that I did receive one only just yesterday.” After hearing this, Luna was also reading along as fast as she could in order to determine what could have brought about a sudden change in her sister's pupil when it came to the regards of sending a letter that was clearly not foreseen for another handful of nights.

It wasn't until she had gotten at least halfway through, that her eyes had suddenly shot open and had a bead of sweat come from her brow before stealing quick glances at her sister between reading each sentence. Inside her mind, Luna was rapidly beginning to panic at what was written and was clearly describing the very one that both she and her sister had been trying to locate. But now it would seem that a name was now available. Luna then began to think to herself, while half screaming in her head. “OH, THIS IS NOT GOOD! NOT GOOD AT ALL!”

*Point of view: Third Person
*Location: On the outskirts of town, towards the North East*
*Time: The next day, Eleven-thirty at night*

On the very edge of Ponyville, there is a simple one-story house that look no different than any other around. The lawn and the building itself were not kept in what one would consider to be as Immaculate condition, nor was it run down with signs of neglect. It was purely a place that no one would really pay much attention to it all.

The moonlit sky had a few patches of clouds overhead thanks to the weather team scheduling a light shower to occur later on in the night. Oddly enough, this was due to a last-minute change and plans that were given to the head of the weather team that very day. One of which clouds was positioned so that it gave ample shading to this very house from the moonlight as two figures came towards the door in opposite directions of the street. Both wearing their own cloaks as one was in green, while the other was in pure black.

Without so much as acknowledging the others presence, the two arrived at the front door at the same moment and the one with the green coverings began to knock in a distinct pattern with a light tap of their gloved lefthand. After several long moments of silence, the door was carefully opened but no bigger than an inch before two light brown envelopes were pushed through the space. Once this was done, the two standing outside both took a single envelope for themselves and immediately turned around and left as the door was quickly shut without making any kind of noise.

As the one wearing green made their way deeper into town and disappeared after turning a corner. The one in black had disappeared right after walking into the shadow that was produced between the light being emitted by a set of street lamps. This was then accompanied by an unexpected light breeze to blow away some nearby leaves into the light of one of the street lamps.

A short time later the one that had gone into town, arrive at a random house and entered through the front door after unlocking it. They had gone into what appear to be the kitchen and turned on one of the lights. The sound of paper could be heard shuffling before it was dropped onto the table and the light was turned off and a figure could be heard walking away. However, within the brief moment before the light was turned off again. One could have seen that on the very first line of the paperwork, there was a word highlighted larger than the rest. This being that of, Gambit.