Student Six against the Imperium

Chapters

Student Six get invited to a wedding
Student Six are introduced to royalty
Student Six are prepared
... but they were not prepared for this

Student Six get invited to a wedding

Author's Note

This month was a little crazy, but I still managed to post a new story, as promised. Two new stories, in fact.

Student Six get invited to a wedding

With the new semester starting at the School of Friendship, everyone was full of energy and happy to see their friends again. Especially one group of six students who were happily enjoying their time together once more.

They all had amazing adventures over the summer. Some were sad, others scary, and some actually quite funny. But in the end, they all prevailed and helped many different creatures. For now, however, they were back to just being "normal" students - as normal as one could be in a School of Friendship, of course. Their teachers were always able to surprise them with valuable lessons and friendship problems to solve, and it was never boring there.

This day, however, would prove to be very unusual even for the School. While Princess Twilight was no longer a full-time teacher, she still taught some classes on special occasions, and this was definitely one of them. Truth be told, Twilight was quite ecstatic about it.

"Alright, everycreature," she welcomed her students, smiling. While most of them paid attention to her words, all of them were looking at a second adult in the room with curiosity. "We have a special guest with us today. She arrived from a faraway place, so please give a warm welcome to Princess Lycklig, Lady of Knäktberg, from Vedina."

The griffon looked at the students with some tempered curiosity. She had pure white fur, tastefully accented by the large red hat she was wearing. She also had a matching red scarf with white dots on it. Her beak was dark grey, almost black; the same color as a small ribbon she had on her hat. It was obvious to everyone that she paid a lot of attention to her appearance, reminding many students of Professor Rarity.

"The Princess will be visiting our school for the next few days. Please, everycreature, make sure not to overwhelm her with random questions and show her our hospitality. She has generously agreed to answer a few questions now, but please keep in mind that she is also tired after a long journey." Twilight stepped aside, allowing the griffonian Princess to take her place in front of the students. Already, hooves and other limbs were rising. Lycklig pointed at one of them. "Yes?"

"Are you a ruler of Vedina?" a pony asked.

"No, I am not," She answered, amused by the question. "King Gustav IV Wingstrom is our ruler, and I have little blood relation to him."

"How do you like Equestria?" another pony asked curiously.

"It is definitely different than my homeland," the Princess diplomatically answered. "But I must say, your trains are much more comfortable to travel in. The journey here from Fillydelphia was truly enjoyable."

"What is Vedina like?" another student asked.

"It is a land of chivalrous knights and home to more knightly orders than any other place on Gryphus. It is a wonderful place, full of thick forests and beautiful hills. You can see the history of our land with your own eyes, as great castles and mighty towers can be seen everywhere you go."

She answered a few more questions before Princess Twilight replaced her on a podium. "That’s it for now, everycreature. Princess Lycklig needs some rest."

Of course, the moment everycreature left, whispers started. They were all curious about the new arrival and wanted to know more about her. Unfortunately for a certain griffon, everycreature decided he was the best source of information.

Gallus was feeling annoyed as he had to repeat himself for the third time to a group of curious ponies. "No, I don't know anything else about Vedina except what I've already told you," he said, exasperated. "Just because I'm a griffon from Gryphus doesn't mean I'm an expert on every country there. Do you guys know everything about Horston just because it's in Equestria? I don't think so." He let out a sigh, trying to contain his irritation. "All I know is that they're obsessed with knights, history, and genealogy. That's it."

The ponies looked disappointed and eventually left, leaving Gallus and his close friends to relax by the lake after their classes. Yona was sitting under a tree, seeking shade from the summer heat, while Silverstream and Ocellus were splashing around in the water.

Once the coast was clear, Smolder couldn't resist asking, "So, now that they're gone, what do you really know about Vedina?"

Gallus groaned and rubbed his face with his talons. "I already told you, and them, everything I know. I didn't learn much about other countries in Griffonstone, and what I did learn later was that Vedina is a feudal kingdom with lots of knights."

"Feudal? Since when do you use big words like that?" Sandbar teased.

"Very funny, Sandstone. I had to learn about it for a school assignment from Headmare Glimmer. It was torture," Gallus said, shuddering at the memory.

"Was it hard or did you procrastinate and had to do it all in one night?" Sandbar asked, grinning.

"Both," Gallus admitted, rolling his eyes.

Silverstream interrupted their banter, saying, "I wonder if there are any books on Vedina in the library! I've never been to Gryphus before. Why do they have so many castles?"

Ocellus, always the knowledgeable one, chimed in. "Vedina is one of the oldest countries in recorded history on Gryphus. They've had a lot of wars in the past, both with their neighbors and among their own nobiles, so they built many fortifications. Even though there hasn't been a war in Vedina for decades, the castles remain a symbol of nobility and history."

"Why didn't you say all that earlier?" Gallus asked Ocellus, annoyed. "You could have spared me being bombarded with question by everyone."

"I'm not good with crowds," Ocellus replied sheepishly.

"Say something else, Ocellus! Is Vedina really a feudal country?" Silverstream asked eagerly.

"Yes, they are. In fact, they practice the oldest and most archaic form of feudalism in all of Gryphus. Peasants can't leave their land without their ruler's permission, and every noble is and has a vassal, except for the king and the lowest nobility," Ocellus explained. "King is above everyone, and the lowest nobility has no vassals, only peasants."

The six friends continued their conversation by the lake, enjoying the warmth of the summer sun and learning new things about the world beyond their own. And the more they heard about Vedina, the less the liked it.

“That sounds bad.” Yona said, still relaxing in the shade.

“In return, the noble is bound to protect them from bandits, monsters, and attacks from the neighbors. “ Ocellus finished. “And yes, I agree, it does not sound nice.”

“Wait, if there was no war for decades, what are the nobles protecting the peasants from?” Silverstream asked, confused.

“From getting richer than nobility?” Others looked at Gallus. “Trust me, I saw some nobles this summer. Many of them would find the very idea of peasants getting rich absurd, and would just tax them more to make sure it doesn’t happen. Empire has that problem sometimes, and even there it’s not as bad as Vedina sounds.”

“But griffon Princess seems nice.” Yona added. “Maybe she not that bad?”

“We should give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, judging someone by where they come from is wrong.” Sandbar said, looking at the School. “That’s why we’re here, to learn. Maybe we can even help make Vedina a better place?”

“We’re students, Sandbar.” Gallus pointed out. “Leave reforming entire countries to adults.”

“Said the future advisor to the Emperor, right?” Smolder joked, patting said griffon on his back. To his credit, he managed to stay upright and not fall on his face. “And we already did more for the world outside Equestria then our teachers did. If you ask me, we can totally do it again.”

“I’m… not sure.” Silverstream answered unusually slowly. “It can be really dangerous and scary. I think we are not really ready for it.”

“Yona ready! Yona will push meanies down the hill and befriend not meanies!” The yak said enthusiastically. She and Smolder did a high-five with full strength, as they tended to do.

“I, uh, I think we may want to leave it to adults?” Ocellus said nervously. “It was… really scary, and I still dream of that. Sorry, I’m not that brave.”

“Ocellus very brave!” Yona protested. “She just needs hug! GROUP HUG!” Yona grabbed Smolder and Gallus.

“Wait don’t…”

“My fur and water do not mix!”

There was a loud ‘SPLASH’, followed by whining and laughter.

On the next day, they saw Princess Lycklig multiple times. She was sitting at their lectures, not asking any questions but making a lot of notes. Between classes, she sometimes talked with their teachers about some applications of the lesson to real-life problems, and occasionally she responded to a question somecreature asked.
All in all, it was a curiosity, and a reason for a lot of gossip, but nothing really interesting happened on that day.

On the next day, after classes, Smolder was sitting in the library by herself. She needed to read something to better understand one of the lessons of friendship, and was working on her essay – which she failed, as the only person out of her group of friends. They all offered their help, but she refused, half because of her pride and half because she genuinely wanted to learn this lesson by herself. She always found professor Fluttershy’s classes to be the hardest of them all, and she found herself respecting the gentle pony a lot. There was a real strength in her, and courage that not many would expect from the shy pony.

“Excuse me. Smolder, I believe?” Somegriffon asked. She turned around, and instantly got up from her chair, seeing Princess Lycklig standing behind her. Oh, shit, dragoness thought to herself. How am I supposed to greet her? What was the etiquette for griffonian nobles?

In the end, she decided to just act naturally. Like a dragon. Alright, maybe not like ‘a’ dragon, that would be something very rude, but rather the dragoness who went to School of Friendship. “Yes, that’s me. How can I help you, Princess?”

“I have some questions about dragons, if I may?”

Smolder managed not to roll her eyes. Great. When she arrived at the School, for the first month she was either feared, or bombarded with questions. At least now she was used to it. “Of course, what do you want to know?”

“May I sit?”

“This is a public library, you don’t have to ask me. Princess.” Smolder added hastily.

Lycklig just sat down and smiled. “You don’t have to use any titles if you don’t want. I deal with Skynanavians and Republicans a lot, and they refuse to use any titles on the principle. I’m used to it.”

Smolder considered it for a moment before shrugging. “If you say so. You wanted to ask something?”

“Yes. Let’s say, hypothetically, that there is a dragon near my town.” That got Smolder’s attention. She knew there were dragons outside of Dragon Lands, but the few left on Gryphus were loners by nature and almost never visited their ancestral home. “And this dragon is extorting local miners, like a common bandit. Normally, I would gather a group of brave knights and have it killed, but now I wonder if there is perhaps a different way. I spoke with Lady Fluttershy, and she recommended I also talk to you about it.”

Lady? That was new. For now though, Smolder focused on the question. “So, the dragon just comes to your mines and scares everyone until they give them the gems? Did they ever talk, say why they do that?” She asked.

“Well, the dragon says it’s for ‘protection’. She says the mountain belongs to her, and she simply collects taxes and takes care of local bandits.” Lycklig answered.

“Was this dragon always here? Did you wake him up by mining?” Lycklig hesitated for a moment. “That makes sense. Imagine being rudely woken up from a nice, cozy sleep in your house, or castle, and finding out that other creatures are now mining right under your bed, on your land. How would you react?”

“But, that mountain doesn’t belong to a dragon. It’s Vedinan.” Lycklig protested weakly, visibly confused. “I thought I can just convince her to leave.”

“Yeah, no. We dragons are much older than your kingdom; and if we get into the ‘who was here first’, we’re going to end up in a very bad place.” Smolder thought for a moment. “I am sure there are others who say that Vedinan land belongs to them, right? There is always someone who was there before you.”

“But Vedina was… rightfully conquered by our ancestors.” Lycklig was visibly hesitating now. “They should just surrender and accept that these lands now belong to us.”

“So, if someone conquers you, you would just accept it? Forget your history, your land?” Smolder smiled sadly. “You know, ponies also fought over land once. But now, they live in peace, and no one cares who was where first or last.”

“But, the dragon is still a problem! It takes our gems away!” Lycklig protested again. She was expecting some cultural differences, sure, but this? She was a little bit shocked by the preposterous ideas of this dragon.
On the other hand, were they actually so preposterous?

“Alright, that’s what you should do. Assume it’s not a dragon. Assume it’s a griffon, some noble, who was bored and decided to deal with bandits and all other dangers, in return for a tax. What would you do?”

“Send my knights to deal with this noble. This mine is on my territory, I can’t have someone else protecting it without my agreement.”

“Sure, do that. Will the knights stay to protect it? Since bandits were already there, I take it you weren’t doing a good job of defending it.” Smolder winced. Too rude, you are talking with nobility after all. “Why not hire this dragon, instead?”

“Hire? A dragon?” This left Lycklig utterly speechless. The idea was so absurd, her mind just refused to process it.

“Yes. You can even make her your vassal. That’s how it works, right? You tell her to protect the mine, she takes some tax out of it, you take the rest. No bandits, no problems, and additionally you have a dragon as a vassal.” Smolder shrugged. “Of course, you will have to somehow convince her to agree. You can give her a noble title, for example, and guarantee that not only the mountain, but also some area around it as well will be hers if he can protect it. Sweeten the deal with some rare gems that she can’t get out his mountain, dragons like variety in their food, and she should agree. If not, let her know the alternative is bunch of angry knights.”

“But, but, dragon? Vassal?” Princess took a moment to mask her raging emotions and shock. “I… thank you, Smolder, for your advice. I will take it into consideration. Now, forgive me for I need to talk with some of your teachers again.” She got up and left.

Smolder shook her head and got back to the book. Well, she hoped she did a good job with this problem.

Few days later, it was Ocellus and Silverstream’s turn to talk with the Princess. Lyclick came to them when they were both relaxing in the lake, and seemed hesitant to interrupt them. Fortunately for her, she didn’t need to.

“Oh, Princess! It is nice to see you again, are you looking for someone?” Silverstream asked, swimming to the shore with Ocellus slowly following her, a little anxious about talking to the griffonian noble.

“Yes, I am. In fact, I am looking for you. I talked to Lady Rarity about some traditions in Vedina, and she recommended I talk to you about them.” Princess hesitated for a moment. What Lady Rarity said was reasonable, but still unusual to say the least.

“Sure! What is it you wanted to ask about?” Silverstream asked, sitting comfortably in the shallow water. Ocellus stood behind her, also curious, but still a little anxious.

“In Vedina, it is a tradition that a noble must show their charitable nature. On special occasions, like their wedding, the birth of an heir, and others, a great feast is announced.” Lycklig explained. “Neighboring nobles are invited, and all friends and family. And after their feast, the peasants are given the remaining food and drinks, so they too can celebrate. Truly charitable nobles even make sure that there is an overabundance of food prepared, so there is more remaining for the poor.”

There was a moment of silence, as Silverstream tried to comprehend what she had just heard. Ocellus, to her surprise, was the first one to speak. “So you just give them some scraps and call it a charity?”

When both the griffon and hippogriff looked at her, Ocellus took a step back. “I’m sorry, Princess, I shouldn’t have said that.” She quickly added.

“No, please, speak your mind.” Lycklig said, even though she internally winced at the harsh way the changeling simplified the Vedinan tradition. “Lady Rarity seems to value your opinion a lot, and she would agree with you, although she used a more… lady-like words to describe it.” Not that she was holding back her opinion. Lycklig was definitely impressed by the ability of Lady Rarity to be at the same time painfully honest and still regal, formal and all lady-like.

Ocellus was still a little anxious, so Silverstream answered instead. “How do you think they feel, Princess? Imagine that you want something, and only get some scraps of what they have on some special occasions. Wouldn’t you feel ashamed, that you are so dependent on them? That you are given what would normally be thrown out as trash?”

“But that is the natural order of things.” Lycklig protested. “If I was a minor noble, I would want a greater title for myself and my heirs, but it would not be something I can just give to myself. I am a vassal, and I have vassals below me, and we are all depending on each other to keep the order and tradition intact.”

“Princess, if you excuse me?” Ocellus braced herself, and found out it was surprisingly easy. She felt anger, and it made speaking much easier. “You cannot compare titles to food. You can live without a title. You cannot live without food. I felt hunger for most of my life, and it is not something I wish anycreature to suffer.”

“But it’s not something I can just change!” Lycklig protested. “The land gives enough food to feed everygriffon, but just that. You can’t expect me to just give away my food to peasants.”

“Why would you? Why not just make more food?” Silverstream asked.

Seeing the confusion on Lycklig’s face, Ocellus explained for her. “Equestria has more food than ponies, and other creatures, can eat. Why not learn how they can do that?”

“They have earth pony magic, and pegasi controlling the weather. We don’t have that magic.” Princess pointed out.

“It’s not all magic. There are farming techniques that can be used. Irrigation, for example, or more efficient harvesting methods. Did you look into those?” Ocellus noticed the curious look in Silverstream’s eyes. “I, uh, got really interested in what other races eat lately? It’s really fascinating for me.”

Princess slowly nodded, obviously deep in thought. “Thank you for your advice, Ocellus, Silverstream. I will definitely look into these… farming techniques you mentioned.”

“If you need some help, ask Applejack! She worked on a farm most of her life.” Silverstream added happily. “She and her family know a lot about farming, maybe even know someone who can go with you to Vedina and help.”

Princess nodded her head, said her goodbyes, and left. When she could no longer hear them, Silverstream turned to Ocellus. “You think others will get a visit from the Princess too?”

“I think they may.” Changeling answered, deep in thought. “I think our teachers are testing us, giving us these problems to solve. I don’t know if you can count farming advice as solving a friendship problem, though.”

“I’m sure professor Applejack would disagree.” Silverstream said jokingly, swimming back to deeper water in the center of the lake. “Besides, if we can help all these griffons in Vedina, I think this counts as a good thing regardless.”

“I guess you’re right.” Ocellus joined her, and they both continued to relax in the water.

“Sandbar, look! Princess is here to ask us questions!” Yona said happily, ignoring all protocol.

Sandbar could only sigh and facehoof. “Forgive her, Princess, she is just overly enthusiastic.”

“It’s… not a problem.” Lycklig answered, amused. “I take it you expected me?”

“Of course! One of professors sent Princess to us, so we help!” Yona answered. They were currently in their empty dorm; the rest of their friends left for the Castle of Two Sisters for the weekend, but both Sandbar and Yona declined, preferring to stay and rest, and also spend some time together. “Who sent Princess here? Professor Dash? Professor Pinkie?”

“It was Lady Applejack. She said you can help me understand something she said earlier.” Princess Lycklig hesitated for a short moment, before continuing. “She said that honor, as an idea, can lead to bad situations. But I cannot understand how. Code of honor and chivalry is the most sacred thing in Vedina, and I cannot understand how can it be a bad thing.”

“Oh, yeah, I can see why she would say that. Professor Applejack had some bad experiences with that. Yona, if you may start?” Sandbar said, understanding why their professor sent Princess to them.

“Yaks very honorable! Yaks not accept help, because yaks strongest. Yaks never surrender, and they fight honorably in war!” Yona said proudly.

“In Vedina, we believe that a true knight should only fight in defense of the weak, never break their word, and accept any challenge, no matter the odds.” Princess said.

“Knights sound very honorable. But what if honor forces them to do bad things?” Yona asked seriously. “In Yakyakistan, Yaks freeze to death because they don’t ask for help. Yaks lose wars, because they don’t ask for help. And Yaks start wars because when two Yaks believe something is honorable, they want to fight to prove they are right.”

“I… see. I have to admit, that sometimes certain knights in Vedina broke the Code of Honor, but it is very rare. And you have to admit that our Code is much more noble then yaks… with all due respect, of course.” She added hastily.

“But they can do evil and harm others even without breaking their code, right?” Sandbar answered. “I don’t know much about your history, but I heard about the wars you had. Isn’t it why you built all these castles?”

“Most of them were started by the griffons who had broken the Code! And we had to fight against the Empire, to protect the peasants.” She argued.

“Did you ask them?” Seeing the confusion, he specified. “These peasants. Did you ask them if they wanted to go to war, instead of just living their lives?”

“Empire wanted to disband knightly orders, destroy our way of living! We had to fight them.”

“And their way of life? Would these peasants, as you called them, be unhappy under Empire? Did they want to fight for your knightly orders?” Sandbar asked. “Are griffons in the Empire unhappy? Is it an evil place to live in for everycreature, or is it just bad for knights and their orders?”

Lycklig could not find a good answer to that.

“Yona not want to say that knights wrong.” The yak added. “Yona just thinks, sometimes lives more worth then honor. Yona stopped war in Yakyakistan, and in honorable way. But war happened because Princes too focused on their honor to talk. Yona thinks, best of both is bestest. Honor good, and being good creature good. Combine them to make best creature.”

The Princess just nodded slowly.

Gallus stood alone in an empty corridor, waiting. He didn’t have to wait long. “Princess.” He said, turning to Lycklig and bowing slightly. “I heard you wanted to speak with me?”

“That is correct, sir Gallus.” She said, nodding her head.

“I am no ‘sir’, Princess. Just Gallus.” He answered calmly, silently thanking his experiences this summer. Without that, he would probably be freaking out a little, speaking with a nobility just like that.

“Aren’t you a ruler of Griffonstone, and advisor to Grover VI?” She asked, coming closer and looking through the big window. She could see Ponyville from here.

“Actually, I don’t rule there, and we didn’t have any titles since Idol of Boreas was lost. And I’m not an advisor yet, I just may be one in the future. How can I help you?”

“Well, I’m…” Lycklig stopped for a moment, not sure how to say what she needed to say. Gallus did his best to patiently wait. “I feel like Equestria is vastly different then Vedina.”

“You tell me… Princess.” He added quickly. “When I first arrived here, I couldn’t understand anything. Ponies here are so different then griffons at home.”

“Yes, exactly.” She seemed a little… lost? “How can we, the griffons, ever be like that? Ponies are so different then us, but they seem so happy and prosperous despite it.”

“Nah, ponies aren’t really that different. And honestly, we don’t have to be like them. I don’t want to be a pony, really.” Gallus answered simply. “One of the most important lessons I learned here, in the School, was that what most creatures think about different races is the opposite of truth.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’m not an egghead…” Lycklig actually chuckled. “I’m sorry, I meant like, gah.” Gallus grabbed his head in annoyance. “I’m not book-smart like Ocellus is. None of us are. So, forgive me for speaking, um, plainly.”

“Go ahead, Gallus.” Lycklig smiled encouragingly.

“Alright, so here’s how it is. Or at least, how Ocellus explained it to me once. Most creatures think that everyone is superficially similar, but mostly different. It’s actually the opposite. Imagine that a griffon child is adopted by ponies in Equestria. They would grow into someone much more like pony than a griffon, right? They would know their history, probably value friendship a lot, randomly burst into a song, things like that.”

“But they would still have no magic.” Princess pointed out.

“It’s not that simple. They could still fly, and that’s more than earth ponies and most unicorns can, isn’t it?” Gallus shrugged. “Everyone is different when it comes to that. Some griffons and pegasi can’t fly, because of illness or something else. Not everypony is randomly bursting into songs, and there are creatures of different races who are amazing singers. Heck, ponies themselves are different, we have four ancient tribes after all, and that’s not counting all different Cutie Marks. A griffon raised in Equestria would be more similar to pegasi then many earth ponies are.”

“But they are still different.”

“Yes, that’s the point. All creatures have superficial differences, but we are mostly the same in the end. We feel love, we can be friends with each other. We have some natural talents for this or that, and different physical strengths and weaknesses. We can do some things better, other things worse. But that’s all on the outside. Inside, we’re all just living creatures. None of our physical differences make us inherently better or worse than others, and they don’t stop us from having friendship. That’s the real strength of ponies, understanding this.”

“In the end, we shouldn’t just be like ponies from Equestria.” Gallus added wisely. “They live in paradise, ruled by immortal alicorns of great power. There was no war here in hundreds of years, they have more food than they know what to do with, and everyone can afford most of what they want easily.
What we need is to be better than we are. Find what ponies can teach us, and learn. If we can, we should also teach them what we know. Best of both worlds.”

“Is that how you managed to change Griffonstone?” She asked.

“Mostly. Pinkie started it by finding something she can change to make things better, and it all began like that. If we just do our best to be better, to change things around us, things tend to get better. If we focus on our differences, fight each other, look for a reason to feel better than others, well. Welcome to Griffonstone of my childhood, I guess.”

Gallus was quite winded after that speech. He was proud of it for sure, but it was also quite tiring, trying to explain it all. He knew how weird it sounded to non-ponies, and did his best to put it in a way that’s easy to understand. Still, it was exhausting, and he felt thankful when Princess just nodded slowly, thanked him and left, instead of having more questions.

He waited for a moment to make sure she is too far away to hear him, before he slowly exhaled, feeling the tension leave him. “Alright, everycreature, you can come out.”

There was a moment of silence, and doors to the closest class opened, showing his friends curious faces. “What? It was obvious all of you wanted to listen to that conversation. So, how did I do?”

“Damn, Gallus, where did you learn to be so wise-sounding?” Smolder asked, walking to him and trying to pat him on the back. To her surprise, he instead quickly turned around and high-fived her. All others, except Yona, winced. “Huh, that’s new.”

“You clearly underestimate me, Smolder.” Gallus said, trying to not show any pain on his face. That was really painful experience, like he just high-fived a rocky mountain. Ouch. He’s never doing this again. “I’m wiser then you, you know.” Although not wise enough to avoid doing something stupid like high-fiving a dragon with full strength. Oh, that hurt. He was half-sure his claw was broken.

“Gallus is really wise and cool.” Yona said happily. “Yona has the bestest friends.”

Oh no. Nonono. “Yona, please don’t…”

“GROUP HUG!”

And now Gallus was sure his claw was broken. Among few other things.

Princess Lycklig left few days later, and they were back to their usual classes. Not that it was anything boring or routine – things were always happening in the School. Field trips, mock friendship problems to solve, real friendship problems among students. New buffalo student arrived, alongside a penguin and polar bear students. Soon after, a griffon from Nova Griffonia – a small colony north of Equestria – also joined them, which made Gallus no longer the only griffon at school.

It’s been few months since then and winter finally arrived. The School was magically heated, of course, and classes continued as normal. Yona was happily spending a lot of time outside, enjoying the cool weather and snow, but the rest of her friends preferred to stay inside the warm walls most of the time.

After their adventures last summer, they all decided to stay together at school during winter break. Aside from just wanting to spend more time together, they were also suspicious of Tree planning something, and did not want to risk coming back home unless they had to. As Gallus put it in a conversation they had, “Kidnappings, interrogations, wars, I think we all have enough of all this for now, right?”.

However, as it turned out, their plans would prove irrelevant anyway. Days before the winter break would begin, all students were gathered by Princess Twilight and their teachers for a special announcement.

“Attention, everycreature. Thank you.” Princess said as the background noise of students talking was replaced by (almost) complete silence. “I have an important announcement. My friends and I are embarking on a long, and very important, mission outside Equestria.”

“Huh. It seems the Tree couldn’t wait for us to do its bidding this time.” Gallus whispered to his friends.

“Shh!” Ocellus whispered back, shushing him.

“As usual, replacement teachers will be taking care of your education in that time.” Princess hesitated for a moment. “We will probably be away for a few months this time. I hope to see you all as soon as possible, but it may be a while. I know that you will do your best to continue learning and understanding the values of friendship and harmony in the meantime.”

“That sounds like something big. Think they’re going somewhere where we’ve been before?” Gallus whispered again.

“Be quiet Gallus, I want to hear what she has to say.” Sandbar answered quietly, focusing on the Princess.

“And with that, I wish you all a relaxing winter break. The rest of your classes today are cancelled, but if you have any questions to your teachers about your homework or specific lessons, this will be your last chance to ask them, so feel free to.” Twilight smiled, seeing some students already getting up and moving towards her friends.

“If it’s not part of what we did this summer, I will eat cold lava for the next few months.” Smolder commented as most students started to either leave the room, or talk with their teachers. “I’m happy we’re staying together this winter.”

“Shame about our teachers. Whoever the temporary ones will be, none of them will be as cool.” Gallus commented.

“Yona will miss professors.”

"We don’t know who they will be this time, think about the possibilities for new friendships!” Silverstream said happily, as usual for her.

“Gallus, don’t say that.” Sandbar protested at the same time. “We can’t just think of others as worse than our teachers. At least give them a chance, please?”

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop.” Gallus turned to Ocellus, who was just standing next to them in silence. “What do you think?”

Instead of answering, the changeling looked behind her back. Having a bad feeling, Gallus turned around just in time to come face to face with smiling Princess Twilight. “You should listen to Sandbar, Gallus. When you’re back, you may want to give your new teachers a chance.”

“Back? Back from Griffonstone? But I thought we’re staying at school this year.” Ocellus said, confused.

“Normally, you would, but something came up in the meantime. Do you remember Princess Lycklig?” Everycreature nodded their heads. “There will be a royal wedding in Vedina, and Princess sent invitations for all of you to attend it.”

“Wait, us?” Smolder asked, surprised. “Why us?”

“It seems she was very impressed by your understanding of harmony.” The alicorn answered with a hint of pride. “Considering how traditionalist and proud Vedinans are, it’s a great honor to be invited for such an important ceremony. Last royal wedding happened decades ago, and almost no one from outside Vedina was invited to it.”

“Oooooh, I always wanted to see Gryphus!” Silverstream almost started dancing in place, full of happiness.

“Yona will go, too.” The yak announced. “Princess was nice. Yona wants to see her again.”

“Great. Another cold place, and this time full of stuck-up nobles.” Smolder sighed ostentatiously. “I’ll go with you, someone needs to keep you safe after all.”

“Oh yes, I will definitely fall into your arms as you dashingly save me from boring noble balls and feasts.” Gallus deadpanned.

“Hey! Rude!”

Sandbar cleared his throat. “Everyone, maybe let’s act a little more responsibly? Especially standing right next to literally the ruler of Equestria? Your Highness.” He added, bowing before Twilight.

“Please stop…” She sighed. “I told you all to stop bowing to me while you’re at school.”

“Um, when are we going?” Ocellus asked.

“In two days, if you can.” Everyone winced. “Sorry for that, but it takes a long time for a message to go from Vedina to here. We never got an official ambassadorial exchange with them, and the letter had to go through multiple ponies first, then through me, and, well, now I’m here. With the tickets.” Twilight cleared her throat, trying to hide her embarrassment. This entire Arcturian Order situation was already on her mind, and now Vedina, and all the other things, and she was spiraling into her thoughts again, great. “So, here you go, six tickets. There is a ship waiting for you in Fillydelphia, it will take you directly to Vedinan capital, Turhamn.”

“But if you’re leaving for so long, Princess, who will rule Equestria?” Sandbar asked, confused.

“Princess Celestia will take over my responsibilities for some time.” Twilight answered. “With Luna still in Zebrica and Cadance in Yakyakistan, she agreed to help.”

“If I may ask… what’s going on in Chiropterra?” Silverstream asked. “I don’t hear much about it here, and I’m a little worried it takes Luna so long to help them.”

“Oh. Of course, you of all creatures have the right to know that.” Twilight hesitated. “It’s not going too well. Their neighbors hate them for what they did, and they want revenge. Chiropterrans themselves are also divided and many do not welcome us there. Princess Luna and Starlight have their hooves full.”

“I see.” Silverstream visibly saddened, hearing these news.

“But, it’s going to be only better from now on.” Twilight added, trying to lighten the mood. “I have no doubt everycreature there will do their best, and it’s already getting better than it was before. It just takes time.”

“…Thank you, Princess.” Silverstream answered, in a slightly better mood.

“If you need anything, we’re available for you today. We’re leaving tomorrow, though.” Twilight added.

On the next day, everycreature was packing for their trip. While they didn’t have that much to pack - they were going to a civilized place, after all – they still needed to take some clothes, toothbrushes, and such.

While packing, they were also all chatting about their new adventure. “So, anycreature wants to bet that nothing will happen there?” Smolder asked, putting some spicy gems inside her backpack. They were quite light, but tasty, and she knew that on Gryphus gems were much rarer.

“I’d rather not make a bet that I know I’ll lose.” Sandbar answered. Out of all of them, he had the least to pack, and was now resting on his bed. "I don't have much experience in that, but since last time Equestria had a royal wedding there was an invasion, there is no way nothing will happen there.”

“Especially considering our adventures this summer.” Ocellus added, trying to fit all the books about Vedina she could find into her backpack. Sadly, it refused to close.

“Here, Yona help.” Yak took some of the books and put them in her bags. Being quite large and muscular, she ended up with quite a lot of space in them, even after packing some nice, formal clothing professor Rarity made for her lately. “And Yona agrees. Tree is doing something again.”

“I just hope it’s nothing really bad.” Silverstream was now wondering if she needs formal seapony clothing, or should she just ignore it and pack just her hippogriff clothes since griffons were not aquatic by nature.

“If we meet some meanie creature, Yona will smash them.” The yak declared without a doubt.

“You know, Yona, I don’t think local nobility would be thrilled if they learned you already plan to smash them.” Gallus answered, entering the dorm. He was carrying a long, thin wooden chest in his claws that he set next to his bed. “You can’t just throw all the problems down a convenient hillside.” He started packing, attaching the wooden chest to his backpack.

“Um, Gallus? What’s that?” Smolder asked, pointing at the mysterious container.

“My sword.” The griffon answered.

There was a moment of silence, before Sandbar answered, confused and surprised. “Wait, like an actual sword? A weapon?”

“Yes. What, you’ve never seen one? Speaking of which, Yona, would you mind helping me carry some maintenance equipment for it?” Gallus asked, holding a small but heavy bag.

“No problem, but why sword?” Yona asked, taking it.

“Well, the nobility on Gryphus usually carry swords on official occasions, so I got one for myself. It’s nothing special, really.”

“And Headmare just allowed you to carry it in the school?” Silverstream asked, curiously.

“No, of course not. She just kept it for me here, just in case. You didn’t actually think she would allow me to parade around the school with an actual sword?” Gallus shook his head. “I almost sent it to Griffonstone to wait for me there, but fortunately I decided to leave it here just in case.”

“Would you look at that. Big Gallus with a sword, and almost officially advisor to griffonian Emperor.” Smolder teased him. “Do you have some fancy title we should use?”

“Har har. Very funny. Besides, you stopped a war yourself recently.” Gallus answered, still packing. “And we saved Equestria already. I think we’re all basically adults now, aren’t we?”

“Try to convince Headmare Starlight to let us to graduate right now, and I’ll believe you.” Sandbar joked. “Until that, be careful with your new toy. Do you even know how to use it?”

“I took some lessons, yes. Is everyone already packed?” Gallus tried, and failed, to change topic.

“Mostly. What are ‘some’ lessons?” Sandbar continued asking, smiling widely. “Did you procrastinate again and only now started to learn how to use that toothpick of yours?”

“First, stop the stupid procrastination jokes already, Sandstone.”

“Hey!” As usual, the pony protested against his nickname.

“And second,” Gallus continued, “Toothpick? Really? I see you like quoting Daring Do these days. You know that her adventures on Gryphus are just a book, right?”

“Actually, now that I know more about it, these books are really accurate.” Ocellus said, finally managing to close her backpack now that some of her books were carried by Yona. “The author must have visited Gryphus to get all of that right.”

“Visited, maybe, but come on. Crazy magocracy council trying to steal powerful artifacts? That’s hard to believe.” Gallus answered skeptically.

“Less likely than Mare on the Moon being real, entire race of Changelings not only being real but also infiltrating Equestria for decades without their knowledge, Tirek existing, and all the other stuff?” Smolder asked, grabbing one gem that didn’t fit into her backpack and eating it slowly. “Nice, very crunchy. And then we have that crazy griffon I met, thousand-years-old Nightmare Moon cult, and evil necromancers. At this point, I can believe in almost anything.”

“Good thing I’m here to be the skeptic of the group.” Gallus commented. “Alright, everycreature, if we’re all packed and ready, I say we grab some food and go over what I know about Vedinan etiquette.”

“Wait, you? Etiquette?” Smolder asked, surprised.

Gallus sighed. “Why do I feel like a butt of the joke again?”

“’Cause you are?” Sandbar answered happily.

“You know, I was going to grab food for you, but after this? Go get your own food, Sandstone.” Gallus walked to the door.

And then, the door opened Gallus.

Everycreature blinked, confused, and watched two-dimensional cutouts of Gallus, connected by feathery hinges. Then, Discord walked through the stunned griffon, and ‘closed’ the student behind him. “Good evening, everyone! That’s right, it’s me, your favorite god.” The spirit of chaos was wearing an ugly, brightly-colored T-shirt, a wide hat, and carried a bottle of some drink. His luggage was, of course, safely packed inside the bottle. “Missed me?”

“No.” Sandbar was the first to answer, shaking off the usual confusion at seeing reality-breaking stunts Discord was pulling off. “What do you want, Discord?”

“What, can’t I just want to check on my students?” He changed into a magnifying glass, and started looking over them.

“I was never so happy to not be at school, if you are one of our substitute teachers.” Smolder said, trying to ignore the chaotic prankster. “You know, everycreature, how about we don’t come back from Vedina until our teachers come back?”

“Oh, Smolder, how can you? You hurt me. Literally.” Discord grabbed a ‘wound’ on his chest. The fact that the wound was ‘bleeding’ confetti, and he was an actual literal chest, was only making it more surreal. “Alas, you do not have to worry, my friends. If you don’t want to see me, you will be happy to know I’m going on vacation.” The big backpack pointed at Discord. “See, I’m already packed.”

“Oh. Happy vacation, then?” Silversteam said happily, and Discord answered by giving her a thumbs up. Very literally. She jumped in surprise and dropped the thumb she was suddenly holding.

“Yes, I think it is time to visit some old friends, drink some tea together, look at the stars, you know.” He looked at the clock; every hour on it was replaced by the sentence ‘time to visit some old friends’. “So, just a heads up, I won’t be here to fix all your problems this time around. I hope you’ll manage on your own.”

“When have you ever help us?” Gallus asked, irritated.

“So rude, Gallus. Well, if I am not welcome here, I guess I’ll go.”

“Wait, don…” Gallus managed to say, before Discord opened him again. Whatever the griffon was saying, changed into a high-pitch unintelligible sounds, and the spirit of Chaos simply left their dorm, closing the griffon behind him.

Gallus said something very rude and slightly vulgar, although most of it was lost in the high-pitched sounds he was making before he turned back into his normal, three-dimensional self. “What did I do to deserve that?” He asked no one in particular.

“Is it just me, or did Discord act… different then normal?” Sandbar asked.

“Is he ever acting normal?” Smolder asked rhetorically.

“It’s weird that he came here just to tell us that.” Ocellus pointed out. “And he didn’t say why he was here. That’s unusual for him.”

“Yona thinks Discord is playing a trick.” The yak stated.

“I don’t think so.” Silverstream answered, little lost in thought. “And, is it only me or he has never before called himself a god?”

“You’re right. Huh.” Sandbar wondered. “Why would he say that?”

“I think you’re overthinking it. He’s an arrogant spirit of Chaos, nothing more.” Gallus’s voice finally returned to normal. “If you ask me, he was only here to make a joke before leaving on whatever he considers ‘vacation’.”

“I think… I think he was warning us we are alone.” Ocellus said slowly, as she realized what the hidden meaning could be.

“Alone?” Smolder asked.

“Think about it. Princess Luna and Headmare Starlight are still in Chiropterra. Princess Cadance is in Yakyakistan. Princess Twilight and the Elements left for a mission.” Ocellus listed the adults one by one. “Thorax is busy with Greneclyf and our neighbors. Pillars are all scattered around Equestria and busy with their own things. We’re on our own now, if anything does happen in Vedina.”

“That’s not true.” Gallus protested. “Dragon Lady Ember can help us, if we need her. And Princess Celestia is still here.”

“Ember is so busy with Haukland and generally half of Gryphus suddenly interested in diplomatic relations or trade, she probably won't even be found on the Islands.” Smolder said. “She can be anywhere now, in whatever country invited her recently.”

“And Princess Celestia won’t even be staying in Canterlot.” Sandbar added. “Neighvis and Elder Greyhorn are still trying to cause a war. Equestria is going to give back some of the land it took from buffalo hundreds of years ago, and they are both unhappy now. And very vocal about it.”

“Wait, doesn’t Equestria have too much land anyway?” Silverstream asked, confused. “And why would a buffalo be unhappy that they will regain some of their lands?”

“In short, Neighvis doesn’t want to give up even a smallest piece of ‘pony’ land that was ‘settled’ by his ancestors.” Sandbar sighed. “And Elder believes that Equestria is weak, and instead of getting this land and then negotiating for more if they need to, they could just attack and force a better peace deal that would give them all the territory he considers to belong to buffalo.”

“I still can’t believe two creatures who want nothing but to go to war and kill each other would cooperate like that.” Smolder shook her head.

“Evil likes to cooperate against good. Only in short-term, of course, and they backstab each other the moment they can.” Ocellus explained sadly. “But for these creatures, their philosophy or morals are just means to an end. Sadly. Back when Chrysalis was still in power, she hoped for an alliance with Stalliongrad. And if Sombra came back to rule Crystal Empire, you can be sure they would both cooperate before inevitably backstabbing one another.”

“Alright, alright, everyone. I think that’s enough of that for now.” Gallus stopped the discussion, seeing the signs of everyone getting sadder by the minute. “The world is complicated, sure, but we can still do good there, remember? We don’t need Discord or anycreature else. We dealt with so many thing these summer, and that’s each of us was alone. Together? I don’t think anything is beyond us. And now, food for everycreature!”

The mood brightened significantly, and soon they all returned to much simpler and lighter discussions. They knew that something definitely awaited them in the distant Vedina, but they also knew they had each other. Nothing could stop them.

And far above their world, Discord was floating in space, deep in thought. Unusually so; in fact, he was so deep in his thoughts, his body was barely visible even if someone stood just next to him (and was somehow immune to the surrounding void).

He came to the same conclusion, again. He hated that. Coming to the same conclusion multiple times? Boring! But, sadly, he had to admit that this time it was inevitable.

He had to leave, for now at least. If he stayed, and something bad happened to Fluttershy, he would be tempted to intervene. Or, to be honest with himself, he would just intervene no matter the consequences. And if he did, far worse things could happen, things too horrible to be explained in any pony language. Things that made even him uncomfortable.

The God of Chaos sighed in defeat and flew away, leaving the planet behind.

Student Six are introduced to royalty

“Ocellus.”

Vedina truly had a fascinating – albeit very sad – history, Ocellus summarized in her head. It was amazing how they meticulously kept written records of events hundreds of years old. For ponies that would seem obvious, they had huge archives of written history. But with Changeling history being lost thanks to Chrysalis and her purge of anything that came before her, it was fascinating to see another culture with such rich history.

“Hey, Ocellus.”

It was sad, though, that most of their history was about battles and wars. It seemed like there wasn’t a single decade without some kind of a battle, or ‘heroic’ fight against something. Sometimes dragons, or some big animals, but mostly against other griffons. Ocellus couldn’t understand this fascination with war, combat, suffering. Having been close to death herself recently, and seeing evil firsthand when living under Chrysalis, she wished to never have another adventure like that again. Unless it was with her friends, of course.

“Hey, Equus to Ocellus! Is your exoskeleton soundproof or what?”

Ocellus jumped in surprise, almost dropping the book she held. Speaking of friends, she thought, looking at Smolder standing in front of her. The dragon was, of course, smiling smugly.

“What?” Ocellus asked, marking the page and putting the book down. “Are we getting close?”

“Nah, no land in sight. It’s about the wedding.” Smolder pointed at Gallus, who was standing next to her. “Me and Gallus were thinking, you’re a changeling, right?”

“No, I’m a flying polar bear with rainbow mane.” Ocellus winced. Recently, she had trouble controlling her emotions, and apparently now she was turning snarky. Great. “Sorry.”

“Huh, who are you and what did you do with Ocellus?” Smolder joked. “I just wanted to ask, you can feel love, right? So you can tell if someone is in love with someone?”

Oh. That. “Yes, but you do realize this is a huge invasion of privacy?” Ocellus pointed out. “I can’t help feeling it, but I’m not going to just go around and tell everyone.”

Smolder thought for a moment, before nodding her head. “You know what? You have a point. Forget it. But I still think they're in love, Gallus. It's so obvious!”

“You know what stereotyping means? I thought you would know better than that.” Gallus answered. “Besides, neither of us can prove it, so I guess no one of us wins the bet.”

“Don’t you think it’s also rude to just gossip about someone’s love life?” Ocellus pointed out. “Or do you not mind me telling everyone else about your crushes?”

Both Smolder and Gallus suddenly decided to drop the topic. Unfortunately for them, it was already too late.

“Crushes? Smolder and Gallus have crushes?” Yona asked, suddenly appearing behind them.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Sandbar asked, taking a break from looking at the sea around them to pay attention to his friends.

“Did I miss something? What's going on?” Silverstream said, landing on deck next to her friends and changing back to hippogriff. “Is it a party? A book discussion? Homework?”

“No, please, no homework, I barely finished all we had to do before leaving.” Gallus quickly said, happy to change topic. Sadly, he failed.

“I heard something about crushes. Were you asking Ocellus about someone?” Everycreature looked at Sandbar. “What? Ponies and changelings are now allies and neighbors, remember? I already know how it works. Besides, ponies don’t need to gossip about other’s love lives, we are much more open about it. It’s you all who are weird about that.”

“How do you know?” Silverstream asked curiously.

“Oh, I asked Ocellus about someone, and she told me she won’t tell. And she was right.” Sandbar admitted. “It’s extremely rude. Imagine we all had some secret crush, and we all told Ocellus and no one else. Would you want her to break that trust?”

Everycreature was silent.

“Everyone except Silverstream has some secret crushes that wants to keep to themselves.” Ocellus finally said. “That’s why I’m not telling anyone, and you shouldn’t ask.”

“Alright, alright, I said I agree the first time. No need to hammer it in my scales.” Smolder shook her head in surprise. “Wait, Silverstream?”

“I never had a crush!” The hippogriff said cheerfully. “It’s fascinating seeing other having them, though.”

“Huh. Is it, like, normal for hippogriffs?” Gallus asked.

“Nope!” Silverstream answered. “It’s just me!”

“Some ponies just don’t have crushes or anything like that.” Sandbar pointed out. “And other creatures, as well.”

“Yona happy to have crushes!” The yak declared. “Yona will find bestest creature to be with, and they will have the best yak wedding!”

“Please tell me yak wedding doesn’t include ritual combat or something.” Sandbar joked.

“No, yak wedding best! Yaks smash a lot, and have food, and drinks! And drinks make yaks smash more!” Yona explained happily.

“Now that’s something I’d like to see. Am I invited?”

“Of course Smolder invited! And all friends!” Yona said happily.

“Oh no…” Gallus already knew where this was going, and tried to discreetly move away in time. He failed.

“Yona has best friends. HUG!”

After few moments of not breathing, hug ended, and Sandbar managed to ask a question. “Speaking of wedding, do you know who the Princess is marrying? It doesn’t say it on the invitation.”

“No idea.” Gallus answered, looking at his invitation. “I wonder why there’s nothing on the invitation about him. But it’s probably some wealthy and influential Vedinan prince.”

“Or a princess.” Sandbar added.

“In Vedina? Nah. The Queen has to have children, so it must be a prince.”

“Wait, what does it have to do with…” Sandbar started, only to be interrupted.

“Oh, I can’t wait! I have never been to a wedding before!” Silverstream was almost jumping in place with excitement. “And I’ve never been to Gryphus, too!”

“Vedina is a backwater, poor country.” Gallus answered with brutal honesty. “You won’t like it. It’s closer to Griffonstone a few years ago than anything else.”

“Pessimistic much?” Sandbar asked.

“He may be right.” Ocellus said in a sad voice. “The world outside Equestria is not as nice. Wars happen. Bad creatures exist, and often have power to do much evil.”

“And it can be scary.” Silverstream added. Others looked at them both, knowing that out of all of them these two had it worst last summer. “There is good everywhere, but sometimes it’s really hard to find it.”

There was another moment of silence.

“Yona not worried! Yona smashed stupid prince, and if Yona finds more stupid, Yona smash them too.” The yak said with utmost certainty. “And now, Yona will hug the sadness out of her friends! HUG!”

And almost all was well among the friends, as they approached Vedina.

Their ship docked in the port city of Turhamn few days later, allowing them to see Vedina with their own eyes.

It was much different than Equestria. Buildings were much less colorful, and more practical. They had much thicker external walls, and were designed to be built without magic, last long, and withstand harsh weather. The city itself was also walled, and had a big, imposing castle on a small hill next to town. Even if the city itself were to fall, the castle would still stand, ready to withstand any attack.

The same applied to ships. Griffons built their vessels with much more practicality in mind, and they were all made of brown wood, with only colors being the flags and some colorful emblems here and there.

As the group of friends slowly left the ship, everygriffon around was looking at them. Of course, even in Equestria, such colorful group would get much attention, but in Vedina it was much, much more pronounced.

This interest including guards stationed at the docks.

“Halt!” One griffon said, coming closer. He was holding a short spear, and wearing slightly rusted chainmail armor. “Welcome to Turhamn, foreigners. What is the purpose of your visit here?” He was visibly suspicious.

Gallus was the first to react, quickly taking out his invitation and showing it to the guard. “I am Gallus of Griffonstone, me and my friends were invited to the royal wedding by Princess Lycklig. Here is my invitation.”

Gallus’s assured demeanor, and the invitation in front of the guard, convinced the armed griffon to relax a little bit. “Of course, sir Gallus, forgive me. Princess did warn us you may arrive. May I ask the names of your companions?”

Everycreature introduced themselves, and the guard slowly nodded. “I see. We were expecting you, if you could wait here for a moment, please.” He bowed and quickly left.

“Gallus of Griffonstone? I thought you didn’t have any fancy titles.” Smolder said, smiling. “Sir Gallus, right? Do you need me to bow to your greatness?”

“Stop it, please.” Gallus sighed. “It’s on my invitation, not my idea. The princess seemed to think we’re more important than we actually are.”

“Said the future advisor to the Emperor of Gryphus.”

“Said the Hero of Equestria and the first dragon ambassador to Haukland. I think your current tittles beats my possibly future title.”

“Someone’s coming.” Silverstream interrupted the friendly bickering. Indeed, another griffon was approaching them. This time, however, he was not armed or armored, and was wearing a visibly high-quality, but not overly luxurious, clothing.

“Welcome, honored guest.” He said, bowing slightly. “I am sir Johan Jönnson, one of the Princesses’ advisors. Let me welcome you all to Vedina on this momentous occasion. If you would follow me, I will happily show you to your quarters in the castle.”

“The castle? We’re staying in the castle?” Sandbar asked, surprise.

“Of course. It is only fitting for personal guests of the Princess herself.” The blue-feathered griffon answered, leading them through the city. “It would not be fitting for you to stay in some inn, like guests of lower standing.”

“We thank you for you hospitality.” Gallus answered formally. “We hope we can thank the princess ourselves when she has time to meet with us.”

“She is obviously very busy, with all the preparations for the wedding. But I am sure she will find some time for her personal guests.” Johan answered.

As professional as he was, it was obvious that he was barely holding back his curiosity, and Silverstream decided to help. “Do you want to ask us something?”

“Forgive my curiosity.” He apologized. “I am sure you are tired after your long journey, and I do not want to bore you with my questions.”

“It’s alright. Hit me. Metaphorically, with question, that is.” Sandbar quickly added, eyeing the sword on griffon’s hip. Seeing this, the noble smiled.

“Worry not, if I hit one of the wedding’s guests, I am sure the Princess would have my head. She seems to hold your opinion in high esteem, in fact. Princess Lycklig brought many things from her visit in Equestria, among them many farming techniques and tools. As a royal advisor, I was very impressed by them. Is it true that in Equestria, even the poorest dine like the nobility?”

“We don’t really have that much nobility in Equestria, but yes, they don’t really eat any better than average pony.” Sandbar answered.

“Fascinating. Although the idea of commoners dining so well seems very unusual.” The griffon answered diplomatically as they approached the castle gate, with two guards standing outside. “These are the personal guests of the Princess, they are free to leave and come back at any time. Treat them with all respect.” He said to the guards, who bowed respectfully.

Johan led them to their rooms – as it turned out, they were each given a separate, spacious room – and then excused herself and left. Of course, they all just dropped their baggage in their rooms and gathered together to talk.

“I thought it would be colder.” Silverstream said, looking around. “And more stone.”

“Just because we’re not ponies or hippogriffs, doesn’t mean we live in primitive conditions.” Gallus answered, looking at the wooden walls and floor, and at the warm fireplace. “Would you like to live in a cold, stone room? It’s much nicer with some wood.”

“I thought Vedina is a poor country?” Sandbar looked at the thick, decorated tapestries on the wall and high-quality curtains around the bed.

“Oh, it is. It’s just that nobles live like kings, and the rest barely survives.” Gallus looked outside, through the thick glass window. “Every winter, you will have hundreds, if not thousands, griffons freezing to death or dying from hunger. Only peasants, of course, while nobility have more food than they can eat.”

“Gallus, are you alright?” Sandbar asked worryingly. “In the last few days, you seem unhappy all the time. Did something happen?”

“No, it’s just…” Gallus hesitated.

“It hurts, seeing place like this, and knowing that it could be better.” Silverstream said quietly. Gallus looked at her and nodded slowly. They both understood that well. “Especially when it looks just like your home could have.”

“Yeah. That.” Gallus said, still looking outside. “You know, living in Griffonstone wasn’t nice. But at least I had food, and a bed. Many griffons didn’t even have that. And Griffonstone isn’t even the worst place on Gryphus.”

After a few moments, Gallus turned around, putting on a brave face. “But let’s forget about it for now. We have a wedding to attend.”

Sandbar looked at his friend with doubt, but decided to let it slip. “Alright. But if you need to talk, you know we’re here for you, right?”

“Nah, I’m fine. Really.” Gallus looked around. “Wait, why are you all in my room?”

“We needed a place to talk, and we all unpacked before you?” Smolder pointed out. “Somehow, you procrastinate even when it comes to unpacking your things.”

“Hey, not fair. I had to unpack my sword and all my clothing.” Gallus protested.

“You had half the baggage of Yona, ad she unpacked long before you.” Sandbar said, smiling. It was good to see his friend feeling better.

Ocellus just shook her head, leaving her friends to talk. Honestly, she was just tired. All this attention, everycreature looking at her, and now this discussion making everyone sad. She just wanted to go to bed, honestly.

However, before she could excuse herself and go to her room, someone knocked on the door. Moments later, a knight in full plate armor, with a sword in talon, entered the room, looking at each and every one of them with suspicion, his eyes lingering for a moment longer on a sword Gallus was just unpacking.

“What is the meaning of this?” Gallus was the first to speak. “We’re guests here, do you just barge into your guest’s rooms fully armored and with weapon drawn?”

The knight ignored him, but reacted to a voice from the corridor. “Wilburg, please, don’t be so suspicious. These are my guests, and they had many occasions to harm me in Equestria.”

The knight, instead of responding, gave each of them one more look before slowly walking out of the room without a word. Princess Lycklig sighed as she entered the room. “Forgive him; he takes his role as my bodyguard very seriously. Welcome to Vedina, everycreature.”

“Thank you for inviting us, princess.” Gallus bowed. Before his friends decided to follow him or not, they heard a second voice.

“You must be the creatures I heard so much about in the last few months.” Said a griffon who entered the room. “Lycklig told me a lot about you.”

She had the most unusual-looking fur they had ever seen. Her face had white fur on it, while the rest of her head was covered in grey fur; however, three white freckles were visible on her forehead, shaped like flower petals.

Ocellus felt a strong feeling coming from both of the royal griffons and her eyes opened wide in surprise, but she didn’t say anything. However, Princess Lycklig noticed her surprise and, visibly amused, winked at her in a very non-royal way.

Smolder was, of course, the most direct, and this time she was the first to react. “Nice to meet you too. I’m Smolder, what’s your name?”

They heard a sound like a choking knight outside, but the newcomer only smiled with amusement. “It is refreshing to not be recognized sometimes. I am Princess Sköldsvärd, heiress to Vedina.”

Gallus bowed again, this time even deeper. Silverstream, Sandbar, and Ocellus did so moment later. Yona and Smolder hesitated but bowed slightly in the end.

“We are… honored, um, your highness?” Sandbar tried, and failed, to say something. Not because he was that impressed – for someone living in Ponyville, Princesses were quite a normal thing – but rather because he actually wasn’t sure what to say.

“Yes, we are honored by your presence.” Gallus said, trying to salvage this situation. “As you are probably aware, Princess, your… advisor?” He guessed. “Invited us to your wedding.”

“Advisor.” Princess Sköldsvärd slowly raised an eyebrow and looked at Lycklig, who was heroically trying not to laugh. “Oh yes, she advises me a lot, in many different ways. My dear, I think you forgot to put something on the invitations you sent out.”

“Oh, you know me, I had so many things on my head, I just forgot.” Lycklig answered, smiling widely.

“Wait, are you… Oh, wait, you are getting MARRIED!” Silverstream almost shouted in happiness, jumping in place. “Oh my ohmyohmyohmy congratulations!” She continued to jump in place. The knight, still standing guard outside, looked inside and then continued to guard the door, visibly shocked by this reaction.

“You are going to be a Queen?” Smolder asked, now also amused. “That was a nice prank. I need to think of a way to pay you back now, Queen or not.”

“Smolder, no!” Gallus protested instantly. “You are NOT pranking a Queen of Vedina!”

“Yona happy! Princesses seem nice.” Yona said, causing Gallus to groan and almost faceclaw. Why were his friends so horrible with basic etiquette? It wasn’t some random griffon on the street!

“Congratulations.” Ocellus said quietly. “You seem to truly be in love, and really happy together.”

Sköldsvärd’s cheeks seemed to be growing a tiny bit red. Lycklig smiled. “Thank you.” She said, looking at her beloved with adoration. “We are truly happy together, and it’s also thanks to you all.”

“Wait, us?” Silverstream asked, still full of energy and happiness.

“Let’s just say that she helped open my eyes to a lot of things.” Sköldsvärd said, looking at her beloved. “Including having dragon as an ally.”

“Cool.” Smolder said. Gallus groaned inside, and decided that asking headmare Starlight to cast a spell on his friends to make them act with some tact could be a good idea. He was at least thankful they weren’t on an audience in the Empire with the Emperor himself, otherwise it would end up as a serious diplomatic incident.

The knight outside loudly cleared his throat, and Sköldsvärd looked at the door. “Forgive me, but I sadly do not have much time now. These few days just before the wedding are really busy. I hope to meet with you all again.” She left, leaving Lycklig alone with the students.

“Seriously though, good prank.”

“Smolder, just stop… please…” Gallus groaned, causing everyone in the room – including Lycklig – to laugh.

“You need to relax a little, Sir Gallus.” Smolder said, smiling happily. “Perhaps you should spend some time sharpening your sword to relax a little?”

“Please tell me that was not a double entendre.” Gallus said, resigned.

“You know what, it wasn’t, but now it is.” Smolder said, proud of herself.

Everyone continued the conversation for a while longer, including Lycklig. Ocellus could feel her happiness, and love. It was a healthy, deep love, not just duty or lust, and it made the changeling smile. Even in a place like this, love could still bloom between creatures.

Because of the delay with delivering the letter to them, they only had two days until the wedding. It was fortunately enough for them to rest after the journey, and (hopefully) enough time for Gallus to make sure his friends know how to act during the ceremony.

He tried his best, with mixed result. Ocellus already knew the etiquette, but she was not a very social creature and hoped to just avoid talking too much, or at all, during the wedding. As much as the changeling looked forward to the relaxing feeling of love and happiness all around her, she was a little anxious about such large gathering of creatures.

Silverstream also knew how to speak with nobility, but had the opposite problem; she was just too enthusiastic and happy for the local nobility to handle.

Yona, well. Gallus could only hope she wouldn’t do something crazy. Like, for example, pushing somegriffon important down the stairs or something.

Sandbar was the only person who had no trouble adapting to this situation. As always, his pony friend proved capable of adapting perfectly to any culture very quickly, and took to learning Vedinan etiquette with enthusiasm.

Of course, while outwardly despairing over the fact that most of his friends were more likely than not to cause international incident, inside he was happy. It was a perfect distraction from the bleak reality of Vedina. And besides, he loved spending time with his friends, and they knew he doesn’t really mind their antics.

While Gallus was trying to teach them basics of noble etiquette, some of his friends had their own adventures.

On the second day of their stay in Vedina, Ocellus was just walking through a corridor, lost in thought. The griffonian country was definitely different then she expected, but she also learned a lot here. She was already writing some friendship reports, and learning more about the differences between their cultures.

In Vedina, the knights mostly referred to chivalry and camaraderie in battle as a great source of friendship. Others were friends since childhood, or were distant family. However, everygriffon had a very limited circle of friends and family, and everyone else was treated with nothing more than distant courtesy.

Of course, guests were treated with highest esteem. It was often said that the way guests are treated reflect the lord (or lady) and their ability to rule. Family gatherings were large, and special occasions like weddings or birth of an heir were an occasion to meet and make a great feast.

But no noble would ever invite a ‘peasant’, and even among nobility the distinction between ‘family’ ‘friends’ ‘guests’ and ‘strangers’ was very visible. Unlike Equestria, or Changeling Lands.

Her internal musings were brutally stopped when she hit something metal.

“Watch where you are going, foreigner.” A voice colder than the metal she just hit said. Ocellus looked up, and saw a griffon in a chest plate, looking at her with contempt.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” She said, quickly getting up and moving aside, allowing the griffon to pass. He did not, however, instead studying her intently. “Um, can I help you?” She meekly asked.

“I know you. You are Ocellus, am I right?” She nodded, unsure why he asked. It’s not like there were many changelings in Vedina. “I see. A coward. Pathetic.”

“W… what?” Ocellus asked, shocked.

“I heard about you. You are a coward, Ocellus.” Suddenly, the changeling felt the air grow slightly colder. The corridor seemed darker than before, or was it just her imagination? The griffon stood above her menacingly. “You should go back home, before you…”

“Hey! Leave Ocellus alone!” Suddenly, the feeling of cold dissipated, and the light was no longer dimmed. The griffon took a step back, and then another, putting his right claw at the hilt of his sword. Yona stood protectively in front of Ocellus, visibly angry.

“How dare you command me?” The griffon demanded in a cold voice. “Do you know who I am? I am Prince Ondska, ruler of Borasland, heir to the Vedinan North!”

Yona ignored him. “Is Ocellus all right?”

“Y… yes, thank you.” When did she fell on the floor? She didn’t remember doing that. Why was she shaking? What was going on? Ocellus got up, and found she was shaking a bit. She was afraid, she realized.

“Ocellus, wait a moment.” Yona said, turning to the armed griffon. “Now, you! Meanie griffon!” She said to the noble with anger.

“…What did you just call me, you animal?” The griffon answered angrily. “How dare you come here and talk to me, defending this pathetic coward! I am a great knight of…”

“Ocellus is brave. Very, very brave.” Yona said without any hesitation, interrupting the monologue. “Yona thought griffons honorable, but prince acts like a meanie.”

“Honor. You dare come here and lecture me about honor? It is worthless, a remnant of an old fairy tale that somegriffons believe in for no reason.” Prince said coldly. “Not that primitive creature like you would ever understand it.”

“So, prince has no honor and is a meanie.” Yona slowly nodded. “Yona thinks he needs some good smashing.”

Prince drew his sword. “You dare to challenge me? My ancestors fought and slayed many dragons and monsters beyond your comprehension. What can an animal like you hope to achieve by challenging me?”

Yona looked at the griffon. Then she looked behind him, and again at him.

Then she smiled mischievously. “Griffon wants to fight Yona?”

“Fight?” Prince Ondska looked at her with contempt. “I will destroy you. I will make you quiver with fear at the very mention of my name for the rest of your sad life.”

“Yona accepts! YONA SMASH!”

“You threw him down the stairs.” Gallus said, exasperated.

“Yes!” Yona said happily.

“Why would you do something like that?”

“Meanie griffon said he wants to duel!” She explained.

“… did you call him a ‘meanie’?”

“He was a meanie, so I called him a meanie griffon!”

“And then he challenged you, and you threw him downstairs.” Gallus summarized. Then he faceclawed. “Worse, you did it to Prince Ondska, one of the most powerful griffons in Vedina.”

“He was a meanie to Ocellus.” Yona said without remorse. “He said Ocellus was a coward, and it made her sad. No sadness allowed. Is friend Gallus sad?”

“Wait, Yona, that’s not…”

“Alright, but if Gallus needs Yona hug, she will happily help!” She said, leaving to check on Ocellus. Her griffon friend groaned, but then joined her. After all, he also cared about Ocellus a lot, he just wished his friends wouldn’t try to make an international diplomatic incident.

Fortunately for everyone, Ocellus was mostly alright, just shaken a little. Seeing her, Gallus changed his mind and quickly (and quietly) decided that Yona made a right choice. Poor Ocellus was shaken still, even now, among her friends.

After hearing her side of the story, it was obvious that Prince Ondska was, for some reason, looking for a fight. Gallus had no idea why – hurting her guests would only made Princess very, very angry – but whatever his reason was, a quick trip down the stairs should be enough to cool his head a little.

Ocellus thanked her friends, and when they left she just went to sleep. She had enough attractions for today.

But her dreams were full of cold and darkness. She felt as if a looming figure of darkness was watching over her, and while sometimes it had the face of Prince Ondska, most of the time it was just darkness incarnate.
Death.
Ocellus did not sleep well that night.

Silverstream found herself too excited for the wedding to fall asleep that night. While she felt sorry for Ocellus, she knew that everycreature did all they could to make the changeling feel better. And now, she was mostly focused on the wedding. It was so close! She couldn’t wait.

Realizing that she wouldn't be able to fall asleep no matter what, she got up, stretched, and left her room. It was a cold night, and she had to put some extra clothing on herself, but she decided that she needs some fresh air for now.

She made it to the walls without problems, guards noticing but mostly ignoring her. Vedina was at peace, and no one expected an attack during the wedding, even guards were more relaxed then normally. Silverstream found a secluded place at the top of one of the towers, and stood there, looking at the stars. The sky was clear, and she could see the occasional yellow lights of city below, contrasting with the white stars above. It was quiet, and relaxing.

“Can’t sleep, young lady?” A voice asked from behind her. An old, white-feathered griffon walked to her, looking at the city below. An ornamental scabbard with an old-looking sword was hanging at his belt. “Or are you just amazed by the city?”

“It is definitely something I haven’t seen at home.” Silverstream answered diplomatically, to which the old griffon only smiled sadly.

“You do not need to lie, young lady. I know that where you come from, the smallest village is more impressive.” She tried to protest, but the old griffon just shook his head. “I am too old to lie to myself, young lady. I was once proud of Vedina, and looked upon it every day.” Ha looked at the city below with sadness.

“It is still a great city.” Silverstream said with conviction. “Things can be better, yes. I do not know much about Vedina myself.” She admitted. “But I know it is a proud country, with a long history.”

“And what did our history gave us? We are poor, young lady. We can barely maintain our ancient castles, with some of them abandoned and falling apart. Our neighbors in the East are growing in strength, and if they wanted to, they could conquer us easily.” The old griffon sighed. “Maar must be laughing at me from his dark throne.”

“I can’t really say I know if Maar is laughing or not.” Silverstream said after a moment of silence. “I never met him, and from what my friends say, his priests are more scary then laughing types. But I think you are too harsh on yourself. I heard that Vedina today is much better than it was before, and Princess Sköldsvärd seems to be an amazing griffon and great future ruler.”

“She is.” The old griffon agreed. “I had doubts once, but now I can see that she can lead Vedina to a better future. But what about me?” He looked again at the city below. “What will I say to my ancestors when I come to them? What were my great achievements? How will I look in the face of the First King when he asks about his kingdom?”

“That you did all you could, Your Highness.” The old griffon looked at her without surprise. “That you left the kingdom in competent claws, and you believe in your daughter. That you managed to secure peace for a long time. Sometimes, we can’t change things as much as we want to.” Silverstream looked at the stars, remembering her own adventure. “But we can start it. And if we all just try our best, even if we do not fully succeed, what we started will continue long after us.”

“I see you recognized me, young lady.” King Wingstrom said. “I cannot say I am surprised.”

“I did not.” Silverstream answered. “I just had a hunch. You know, we tend to meet important people wherever we go. I guess it’s the Tree of Harmony doing that.”

“Ah yes, your Harmony. I almost forgot about it. Do you know that many of nobles consider you all heretics for your beliefs? Is it true that you worship no gods?” He asked with curiosity.

“Well, I can only speak for myself, honestly. Me and my friends come from different places, you know.” Silverstream pointed out. “But we, hippogriffs and seaponies, do not believe in anything like that. There are some who believe in ancient deities of the depths, but they are a tiny group and not one else cares about it much.”

“What do you think happens after you die, then? Does your Tree take your souls?”

“I… don’t know, honestly.” She answered. “I'm not even sure if souls exist.”

“Truly. What a terrifying idea. How will you know then, that what you started will come to fruition?” The old griffon asked.

“I trust in my friends.” Silverstream answered with certainty. “I know that they will succeed. They are my friends, and they have their own friends, and we all do what we can.”

The king of Vedina chuckled silently. “I do not know if I should pity you, or envy you. I sometimes feel gods watching me, judging me already. I am old, and my death is coming soon. I wonder, how will they judge me then?”

“Well, I hope they are reasonable. You don't deserve the harsh thoughts you have about yourself.” Silverstream smiled. “I know how it feels, worrying that you are not enough. That you will fail people who depend on you. But as long as we try, it is enough. I hope your gods can see that too.”

“You are truly a dangerous creature, young lady.” King smiled in return, for the first time in what felt like forever. “You give this old griffon hope, just like that. I see why my daughter holds you in such high regard.”

“Some of my friends have doubts as well. I have them.” Silverstream admitted. “But we are always there for each other. And thanks to that, we can also help others with their doubts and fears.”

“Is this the magic of friendship I heard so much?” King wondered aloud with a smile.

“You can see for yourself. Do you want to be my friend?” Silverstream asked.

“Do you just expect the King of Vedina to become your friend, like that?” Wingstrom laughed, an honest laughter that made him warm inside. “Why not. I look forward to seeing you again, young lady. Now, if you forgive me, I need to go back to bed. My old bones don’t take kindly to these freezing temperatures tonight.”

“Of course! I also can’t wait to see you again. Goodnight!” Silverstream answered and waved, going back to stargazing.

Upon returning to his chambers, the King of Vedina prayed silently. For his daughter, for she needed all the help she could have as a ruler. And, after some hesitation, he prayed for her foreigner guests.

They may not have all been griffons, and they did not share their faith, but he had a feeling they would bring a good change to his kingdom, just like his daughter would. He hoped he could watch over them from above; he would miss speaking with Silverstream.

And with that thought, he went to sleep. And while he could still feel the touch of Maar on his soul, he slept soundly for the first time in months.

But not everyone slept soundly that night. Prince Ondska, ruler of Borasland, heir to the Vedinan North, and currently a laughing stock of certain nobles, was fuming in anger. The news of his humiliating defeat at the hands of a little Yak girl spread amongst the wedding guests, and he had no doubt they were mocking him even now.

Fortunately, he thought bitterly, it would not last long. They would see, all of them.

And especially that girl.

Author's Note

I am sorry for the delay with all my stories recently; sadly, with my current health issues there will be months of activity and updates, and months without. I will do what I can to write in advance if I can, so there is always some update available.

Student Six are prepared

Author's Note

After reviewing the story, I decided to lower the age rating. It is definitely not M-rated work, I was overly cautious in the beginning but now it is obvious the story will not go into any really bad places.

Student Six are prepared

When the day of the wedding came, every noble griffon invited showed up in their luxurious clothing. Noble emblems were visible everywhere, and many wore armors, with gold or gems used as decorations. To Smolder, almost everycreature looked weird at best and silly at worst.
Almost.

“I must say, that is not how I expected to visit Vedina, being invited to royal wedding.” Graf Hermann Meyer, ruler of Haukland said to Smolder, looking around the slowly-filling cathedral. Unlike almost everycreature else, he was wearing an old Griffon Empire uniform, although with the Empire symbols replaced with Haukland’s. He was sticking out like a sore claw among the armor-clad and richly-decorated nobles, and he seemed to enjoy it.

“Having second thoughts? Wanna go find another crazy priest?” Smolder teased him. “Or maybe you want to challenge Lady Ember to a duel?”

“No, thank you, I’ll pass.” Hermann took a sip out of a small bottle. Smolder wondered what kind of alcohol was in there. “She’s the first reasonable politician I’ve seen in my entire life. I like her.”

“Yeah, Lady Ember is pretty cool.” She looked at the bottle. “You sure you want to drink right now? Isn’t it, I don’t know, rude or something?” Indeed, some of the nobles looked with disapproval at the drinking griffon.

“It’s just water.” Seeing her disbelief, his new friend sighed and put the bottle under her nose. Indeed, she could smell no alcohol.

“Huh.”

“What, you think I’m some kind of drunk?” Meyer took the bottle back and took a sip. Then he showed her a second, smaller bottle hidden under his uniform. “The stronger stuff is for later.”

Smolder just shook her head. She was slightly worried that her newfound friend might actually have a drinking problem, but it was not a time for that. Besides, she wasn’t really sure how much of it was real, and how much was just the rebellious griffon enjoying the shocked looks he was getting from the nobles around, in addition to some being shocked by the uniform he was wearing.

Of course, the students themselves were wearing their best clothes. Rarity, as usual, did an amazing job, and everygriffon was impressed. Some even asked them where they got their clothes; Sandbar was pretty sure Rarity was going to see a lot of new orders soon, this time from outside Equestria. It wasn’t that the griffons didn’t have good tailors, but she had an advantage in technology and magic used. And besides, it was something new and exotic.

The entire grand cathedral was already full. The only griffons left outside were the two guards in ceremonial armor, making sure no one would interrupt the ceremony. Sadly, the newest dragon ally of the Princess wasn’t here – and Smolder was disappointed about that, partly because she would like to talk to her, and partly because imagining the reaction of these stuffy nobles at seeing an actual, grown-up dragon was hilarious.

Speaking of stuffy nobles, Prince Ondska was also here. She expected him to look fuming after his recent(and very deserved, in her opinion) humiliation, but instead the griffon seemed almost unnaturally calm. Not that he wasn’t angry. He looked at the her friends occasionally, and they could all see a cold hatred radiating from him, but he kept it in check, probably not wanting to interrupt the wedding (or just not feeling confident enough to challenge any of them to a duel again).

King Wingstrom was also here. Too adapt at hiding his own emotions, only few could see how emotional he was inside, seeing his daughter happily married. To everyone else, though, he was a stoic, proud monarch. Godsword, legendary blade passed from King to King since the beginning of Vedina, was at his hip. It was supposedly a powerful magical relic, invincible in battle, but these days it was used as a symbol more than a weapon.

Smolder looked away from the king as, finally, the ceremony started, with all guests in attendance and the massive wooden door closed behind them. If anyone asked her, she really wasn’t that big on long, boring things like that, but she knew it was important for everycreature here. Besides, after the wedding, there would be a great feast, and princesses promised some tasty gems there!

Of course, deep inside, she actually enjoyed it. Dragons didn’t really have weddings like that, and this ceremony was fascinating. Also very romantic. And with both Princesses in these amazing wedding dresses… she caught herself thinking about how nice it would be to have a wedding herself, one day.

Silverstream was weeping quietly (trying to not interrupt the ceremony), tears of happiness flowing freely. Yona was equally happy, although not crying, and Sandbar was enjoying seeing his friends happy. Gallus was a little stressed one of his friends would do something weird at the last moment, but in the end he was also enjoying it.

Ocellus was worried. Even with waves of pure love emanating from both Princesses, she had a bad feeling. Like something bad was about to happen, something really bad.

Truth be told, she wasn’t the only one. They all knew that there was a high chance of something happening during the wedding. It was no coincidence that it happened so shortly after their summer adventures, and they discussed and prepared some plans just in case. But still, Ocellus had a really bad feeling about all this, even if for now everything seemed fine.

As she once again looked around, trying to find anything unusual, the griffon priest continued his prayer. “Boreas, grant them wealth and fortune. Eyr, bless their families so they would continue their ancient bloodline.” For some reason, the priest hesitated after that for a moment, but then he continued. “Arcturius, look upon their courage and strength, and be proud. For they are truly Your worthy heirs. None dare to challenge them in their right to rule…”

“I disagree.”

There was a moment of silence, and then confusion, as everyone looked around. Prince Ondska stood up, claw on the hilt of his sword. “I challenge your right to rule, Princess Lycklig.”

“Prince Ondska, behave yourself!” King Wingstrom said, also getting up. He may be old, but he definitely wasn’t going to just sit there and watch someone insult his daughter. “What are you thinking? This is a disgrace, interrupting a royal wedding like this. You will be disgraced forever, you and your heirs!”

“The only griffon remembered as a disgrace will be that traitor, Lycklig.” Ondska said coldly. “Princess Sköldsvärd should marry someone capable of bringing Vedina to a new age of glory. Not some weakling who can’t even defend herself. Lycklig has no right to marry her, and I will prove it. According to our ancient law, I challenge her to a duel!”

“This law wasn’t used for hundreds of years.” King said angrily. “And I am the King of Vedina, so if you want to challenge anyone, you should challenge me! Guards, remove Prince from the cathedral!”

Four griffons approached the rebellious prince, weapons drawn. It didn’t help them at all. The prince moved first, with unnatural speed and strength. His blade cut through the necks of two closest guards in one swift motion, before they even managed to bring up their swords to block the attack. The other two managed to block the next swing, but it almost threw their weapons out of their claws. The sound of blades clashing with unnatural force echoed painfully within the cathedral.

Many nobles jumped up, panicking, as the other two guards tried to stop Ondska. Some griffons drawing their own blades, but most were just too surprised to do so. Silverstream looked in shock at blood pooling on the floor. Gallus drew his blade, but stood back, realizing very well that he had no chance of fighting someone like that. Smolder observed the prince, feeling a weird sense of déjà vu, while Yona tried to find a good spot to have a straight line for charging.

Ocellus looked at the fight in shock. She could feel it now. “No…”

“Ocellus?” Gallus asked, worried.

Before she managed to answer, the prince effortlessly killed the rest of the guards. Worse, few knights among the crowd – Ondska’s followers - actually drew their weapons, and threatened everygriffon else to sit down. Somegriffon tried to bang on the door and call for help, but no one answered, and the doors refused to open.

“Evergriffon. Please sit down.” Ondska said, and his voice was different. It was so cold, it felt like the air in the cathedral actually grew colder. It drew out all other sounds for a short moment. “No one else needs to die today.”

The aura of Death spread among the guests. It was fear incarnate, the feeling of dying suddenly flaring inside every one of them. Most griffons just sat there, paralyzed with fear, unable to fight even if they wanted to. Some panicked and again tried to open the door. Worst were the others, who managed to resist the fear, only to succumb to a much stranger feeling.

It was the siren call of death. The calm feeling that everything was already predetermined, and nothing matters. They would all die, eventually. Why fight it? These griffons who could not resist this feeling just sat there, no longer caring about anything. Just watching.

Princess Sköldsvärd fell to the ground, holding her head in fear. She could see it now. The vision of her kingdom falling. Vedina turning to icy wasteland, abandoned and destroyed. It was inevitable now. She caused this, she lead her people to…

“Darling.”

The future ruler of Vedina looked at Lycklig. The griffon somehow managed to resist the fear and the calm, and was now standing next to her, holding her claw. “Lycklig?”

“I promised you… that I will share your burden.” Lycklig said quietly, but in the unnatural silence everyone could hear her. “We can do this. Together.”

Sköldsvärd looked at her beloved, and suddenly felt the visions of death and darkness disappearing. She stood back up, not letting go of Lycklig, and defiantly looked at Ondska. “You dark magic will not help you here. Begone! I already denied you before, and I do so again.”

Prince was visibly surprised by it. “You think se can help you? You will guide Vedina into ruin! We need a strong ruler, someone who can face the Empire, not… this!”

“Yona thinks prince really stupid.” He heard from behind. He turned to face the speaker, and to his shock saw the six foreign guests – and the graf of Haukland – standing defiantly among the paralyzed guests. “He thinks strong are weak, and weak are strong. Is prince blind or stupid?”

“What?” Ondska was too shocked to move, he just stared at them.

Smolder sighed. “Well, Princess just resisted your myyr or whatever, and you totally failed to do that. If you ask me, that is actual strength.”

“His name is Maar, and you are not worthy of speaking his name.” Ondska coldly answered.

“Whatever. I’ve seen one of you guys already. Get lost, or you’ll end up like that one.” Smolder fearlessly said, although in truth she was nothing but. Last time one of these guys almost managed to get her and Hermann, despite them having the element of surprise. She avoided looking at Hermann sitting close to her, knowing that he is making his own plan right now and not wanting to draw attention to him.

This was enough of a shock to make the priest snap out of his fears. “Maar? You’re a heretic!” The priest shouted, holding his holy symbol. “Boreas will curse you for this!”

“You are a heretic, priest, not me.” Ondska didn’t even look at him. “But you will learn the truth, soon. As for you, Smolder, and your friends. The stupid yak. The cowardly murderer of a changeling. An earth pony. And a stupid hippogriff. What a sad sight.”

“Murderer? Dude, you’re even more delusional then I thought, but alright. If that’s how you want to play it.” Smolder walked away from the sitting nobles, and closer to her enemy, making sure to not accidentally get bystanders hurt once she attacks. They made it easier by moving away from both of them, no one willing to stand up to the crazy griffon for now. “What did you think would happen, that we would just surrender and run away?”

“Of course not. I was going to kill you all anyway.” Ondska said emotionlessly. “My lord demands it, and so shall it be.”

“Nah, I don’t think so.” Smolder realized something. “Wait, is that why you were so focused on Ocellus? Is your muur or whatever angry that she ruined his plans?”

“You will see Maar soon. His might is unending, and his power is untold.” Ondska said coldly.

“Crazy griffons and arrogant princes first.” Smolder answered, charging.

In the next few seconds, everything happened at once. Smolder stopped before reaching the prince, getting his attention, while Yona charged from behind. One of the knights tried to get up and help, but only ended up being attacked by one of Ondska’s loyalists. Somegriffons tried to open the door, but failed again. The guards outside did not react to pleas for help.

They planned it all. There was no way their stay in Vedina would be peaceful, and the students were ready for it. Smolder charged Ondska, but she was mostly a distraction. Yona charged him from behind, while Gallus swung from above. Sandbar jumped next to the insane griffon, ready to buck him with all his strength. Silverstream stayed back; she wasn’t any good in a fight. She, like Ocellus, had a different role.

In the end, their combat preparations mattered little. Ondska was not surprised by them, he knew exactly what was going on and his unnatural speed and strength were more than a match for his attackers. He grabbed Yona with one claw and threw her at Gallus, both of them tumbling to the ground and hitting the wall. Sandbar almost managed to buck the griffon into the wall, but Ondska was too fast and pony’s attack only hit the air. Moment later, he was also thrown on a pile of his friends.

Smolder took a deep breath, ready to unleash her fire, but she was too slow. Ondska jumped forward, and punched her into the ground. She whimpered and tried to get back up, but the insanely strong griffin stomped her into the stone floor and she gave up on that idea. If she wasn’t a dragon, she would be dead by now, and she wasn’t going to break free just with pure strength. She needed to come up with a plan.

Fortunately, they already had one. And in fact, the frontal attack was just a distraction.

“Everygriffon… please, snap out of it!” Silverstream pleaded to the paralyzed guests. “You can fight it! It’s not real; it’s just your fears, you can break through it!”

“Remember who you are!” Ocellus added, eyeing the combat, ready to change at a moment’s notice. “You are the defenders of Vedina!”

“Are you really going to allow some old rebel to be better than you?” Meyer added.

Prince Ondska had enough of it. He grabbed Smolder and threw her at Meyer with such speed that both of them went tumbling until they hit the wall. “Foreigners have no right to speak for Vedina!” He prepared to strike down Ocellus and Silverstream.

Deep inside his mind, the king of Vedina fought his fear. He almost lost, but then he remembered. His daughter was here. And Silverstream, the young lady, was in danger! “How dare you! In the name of Vedina, I will strike you down, traitor!”

Wingstrom drew his sword and slashed at the rebellious prince. However, the noble just grabbed the incoming edge, and effortlessly broke it in half with two claws. King took a shaky step back, before falling on the floor, looking with disbelief at the broken sword.

“The Godsword of Bruturius.” Prince Ondska said, his voice drowning out all other sounds. “A legendary weapon of the Kings of Vedina. How easy it is to shatter. Just like your so-called Gods, it is nothing but a fable.”

“How…?” King Wingstrom asked, still shocked.

“There is only one true power in this world.” Ondska answered, throwing the broken metal shard on the floor. “Maar has given me His blessing. And unlike your false gods, His power is real. With it, I will guide Vedina to a new era of greatness. One where we do not need to fear the Empire. No, it will be the Empire who will fear us!”

“I… don’t think so.” Smolder managed to say, unentangling herself from Meyer. Her entire body hurt, but she was alive and not staying down. “Don’t you know… your master wanted… to attack Vedina?”

“Lies!”

“Actually, she’s telling the truth.” Evercreature looked at Hermann, who managed to sit up, although it was obvious to everyone he was in huge pain. He continued, wincing as he could feel his broken bones. “Maar, or rather one of his priests, promised me help in attacking Vedina. Actually, I almost did, before Smolder here opened my eyes to my stupidity. I was almost as stupid as you are now.”

“What? No! Maar?” Ondska looked around, confused, before focusing his attention on Smolder. “You are liars! All of you!”

“I… I will not stand for this.” Wingstrom stood up, shaking, but unrelenting. “You can have all the power in the world, but as long as I drew breath, by my honor I will not let you have Vedina!”

Ondska shook in anger. “Why are you still fighting me?! Just give up!”

However, his grasp on everyone around weakened. Prince Stridande was the first to stand up, drawing his sword. “Ondska, your action here… they are a disgrace!”

One of the traitors tried to force him to sit down. It was a big mistake. Prince Stridande, veteran of many battles and one of the greatest swordmasters in Vedina, disarmed his attacker in seconds, kicking him on the ground before addressing the rest of the guests. “Are you willing to dishonor your families like this? Surrendering to Maar? I will not!” He faced Ondska without fear. “You want the throne? You will have to kill me, too!”

“And me!” Count Aluvia also stood up.

One by one, knights, lord, ladies and nobles of Vedina stood up. The rebels tried to force them to sit down, but were quickly stopped by a sudden growl. A massive bear stood in front of them, with huge claws and sharp teeth.
The rebels quickly dropped their weapons.

“How?!” Ondska looked around. The aura of fear was weakening with every moment, and he could see that no one feared him anymore. “How?!”

“This is the power of Harmony.” Lycklig said, amazed. She could feel it, the warmth dispelling her fears. “I can’t believe it.”

“Harmony? Harmony will not save you!” Ondska turned to Lycklig with fury. “You did this! It’s all your fault, you… YOU!”

He charged her with all his unnatural speed and strength. Everycreature in the room jumped towards him, but none could reach him in time. The griffon roared triumphantly, swinging his sword with lethal intent.

Princess Sköldsvärd took a step forward, fearlessly standing up to him. “You will have to kill me, too.” She declared, even as the traitor’s blade stopped inches from her neck.

Ondska cursed and took a step back. “Out of my way!” But before he had a chance to do anything, he had to turn around and defend himself. Furious griffons attacked him, with prince Stridande leading the attack. “You will bow to me! All of you!”

A chaotic melee ensued, unnaturally fast and strong griffon facing the elite of Vedina in combat. Ondska lost the rest of his calm, maniacally swinging around and shouting. Wounded and bleeding, he run through the combatants, scattering them to the sides until he reached the door.

“Yona SMASH!”

He unintentionally made a clear corridor for Yona to charge through.

With loud sound of breaking wood, Ondska flew out of the cathedral alongside the remains of the door. He hit the stairs painfully and started rolling down.

The cathedral was placed on a small hill, with beautiful, white stone stairs leading up to it. Prince Ondska hit those stairs on his way, tumbling painfully down. Thanks to his unnatural gifts, he survived, but his humiliation was now complete as he rolled away, whimpering in pian. Yona stood triumphantly at the top of the stairs. “Tell your big meanie god that he is next!”

Two guards outside of what used to be doors took one look at her and dropped their weapons, running away. Cursing loudly, Ondska did the same.

“And don’t come back!”

The cathedral had to be cleaned after what happened inside. However, both Lycklig and Sköldsvärd declared their intent to proceed with the wedding regardless.

In the end, they stood in a much smaller temple in the city, with fewer guests, as the priest finished the ceremony. “… And even when faced with the greatest adversities, you will stand together. Although you have already proven this today, both of you. Not many can say that they exchanged vows in the face Maar, but you did so. May the Gods bless you.”

Lycklig and Sköldsvärd kissed, and Silverstream openly cried the tears of happiness.

Great feast followed, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Memories of the unnatural fear and horror faded, replaced by the lively discussions, warm food and drinks. All of the students drank juice or water, while nobles made toasts with the most expensive wine.

Among the discussions, Prince Stridande was the one to mention more official issues. “I must say, I was worried that no one would accept this marriage. Adopted heir to the throne would mean the end of the royal bloodline. But after today, I think it is obvious that Eyr’s blessing is upon you, despite the… unorthodox situation.”

“Wait, why adopted? Why not have a foal? Uh, I meant, a child?” Sandbar asked. “If I may ask, that is.”

Prince Stridande looked at him with surprise. “I do not know the traditions of Equestria, but how can two women have a child? Illegitimate, for sure, but…”

“Why them being women has anything to do with it?” Sandbar asked, confused.

“Oh, I know! They do not know these spells!” Silverstream said happily.

“Wait, you ponies have spells that can…” Sköldsvärd looked at Lycklig.

Lycklig looked at Sköldsvärd.

They both went very, very red.

“Of course we do! A mare and a stallion, two mares, two stallions, and everypony else. Love doesn’t choose, right?” Sandbar said, shaking his head. “I will ask Princess Cadance to send somepony with the right spell to Vedina. I’m sure she’ll be overjoyed.

“Wait, two stallions? Did you mean…” One of the nobles asked, only to shut up and grew quite red himself when he realized what he said. “I, of course I only asked out of curiosity…”

The students laughed together, soon joined by both newly wed griffons.

In the end, life prevailed in the face of death.

Under the nearby mountains, in a cold, damp cave, Prince Ondska tried to think of something he could do in this situation. He was hiding here alongside the tattered remains of his followers, plotting and scheming. Assassination could work, he thought out loud, he could just…

“It will not.”

Ondska looked around, suddenly realizing he was not in a cave. He was floating in endless darkness, alone. No sign of his co-conspirators. “What?”

“You have failed.” The Voice said, overwhelming in the quiet darkness. “But it matters little. I will find a good use for you regardless.”

“Where am I? What is going on? Maar?” Prince Ondska looked around, confusion giving way to fear. “You promised me! You said I will be immortal!”

“And I have given you what was promised. You will exist forever now, in me.” Maar said, his voice echoing in the infinite darkness.

“Welcome to my kingdom, Prince Ondska. Welcome to your new existence.”

The griffon screamed.

He was alone in the darkness.

... but they were not prepared for this

Gallus was looking outside the window, lost in thought, as the train made its way through the hills and plains of the Skyfall Federation. Unlike the more primitive vehicles used in Vedina, this one was actually coal-powered; one of many import from Equestria. It was a smooth journey from Vedina to Grefiwald, first by ship to Skyfall and then by train, but it felt like eternity to the griffon.

The wedding was, in the end, a resounding success for Vedina. Not only was the plot of Prince Ondska thwarted, they also gained a new, unexpected ally. Graf Meyer considered followers of Maar to be his personal enemies, and made it abundantly clear that every country threatened by this cult would be welcome to join him in his vendetta.

The word of Prince Ondska’s sudden turn towards Maar and the unnatural power the God of Death gave him spread quickly. Detractors who not long ago had doubts about the ability of Princesses to rule Vedina were much less willing to raise their concerns on face of a danger like this. Vedina was an old country with old traditions and faith, and they had no doubts that Maar was a much greater threat to them than anycreature else.

In the end, Vedina only became stronger thanks to the failed coup, but not everything was sunshine and rainbows. Ondska disappeared alongside those of his followers who were still loyal to him. And in the meantime, the six friends were sure this was not the end of Maar’s plots.

Haukland, Greneclyf, and now Vedina. That is, if the situation in Yakyakistan, Buffalo Nation and Chripterra also wasn’t influenced by the shadowy villain. With a plan of this scope, it was highly likely more countries were already infiltrated or in danger from the followers of Maar.

Students decided it was time to act, instead of waiting until enemy strikes again; they wanted to take the initiative. But this lead to a different problem. Where could they go?

There were no countries that worshipped Maar. In fact, it was strictly forbidden in almost every nation (with exception of most secular states), which wasn’t a surprise considering that he was literally the source of all evil in Griffonian mythology. Griffons who worshipped the God of Death had a reputation of being dangerous anarchists, insane supremacists, and generally embodiment of everything a specific country disliked the most.

Which meant that there was no obvious place to go. Surely, the necromancers in the north were a prime suspect, but Princess Twilight and her friends were already there. Places like Barrad Magocracy far south were not only far away, but also had no obvious connection to Maar.

They would probably have had to give up the idea, if not for one of the nobles remembering something unusual. Apparently, Prelate Ludwig Ebonwing, ruler of Greifwald, found ancient Griffonian ruins pre-dating even the First Griffonian Empire. It even caught the attention of multiple scholars from Yale Rectorate, and led to a big international excavation close to the capital.

And important part of these ruins was the only remaining temple to Maar. While some called for its destruction, the secular ponies of Yale scoffed at such absurd notions, and they were joined by historians and archeologists from other countries, as well.

While Prelate Ebonwing was hesitant to allow this in the beginning – being a very religious griffon himself – he reluctantly allowed it in the end. The state church was closely observing the researchers, making sure the ancient ruins (which also included many temples to Boreas, Eeyr and Artcurious) were treated with respect.

These news led the six friends to travel to Greifwald, with written document from Princesses and King Wingstrom asking to give them access to the ruins.

Although honestly, Gallus wasn’t sure if he was hoping more to get entry to the (without doubt creepy and dangerous) ruins, or to be denied it. As much as he was trying to hide it, he was scared. The revelation that Maar wasn’t just a fairy tale used to scare children, and was not only real but also dangerous and bent on starting a war, was unsettling to put it lightly.

“Hey.” He heard, and he turned around to look at Silverstream. “Why so gloomy?”

“Nah, it’s nothing. Really.” She obviously wasn’t buying it. “It’s just… Maar.” Gallus looked outside. The hills and plains of Skyfall were pleasant to look at, the air was clear and the sun was warm. But somehow, it didn’t dispel the feeling of dread. “I always thought he’s just a myth, you know? No one saw the old gods for so long, most griffons figured they never existed in the first place.”

“I know the feeling.” Sandbar joined the discussion, moving closer to them. “Most ponies in Equestria didn’t even believe that Nightmare Moon was real. Or Discord. Or Tirek.”

“That’s not reassuring, you know?” Gallus sighed. “When I heard about all those crazy monsters and magic in Equestria, I always thought that nothing like this can ever happen in my home. No ancient secrets, imprisoned horrors, nothing. And now I learn that no only we have necromancers trying to invade Gryphus, but Maar, the literal God of Death, is real? What else is hiding in my home?”

“I remember learning for the first time about the Storm King.” Silverstream said quietly. “He already conquered most of Zebrica by that time. We were forced to hide from the world, abandon Mount Aris. It was really scary. Some hippogriffs even tried to pray to ancient horrors beneath, to protect them.”

“Ancient horrors beneath? Really?” Gallus deadpanned. “How can any creature can pray to something like that?”

“Considering some griffons apparently pray to Maar?” Sandbar pointed out. “I’m afraid you will always find some who just want power. Or are simply too scared to think rationally.”

Gallus winced. He still couldn’t believe that anygriffon would do such a thing. But then, some obviously did. Even built him a temple!

“I really hope these ancient horrors aren’t real.” He changed topic. “And I really hope that Princess Twilight and her friends can deal with these necromancers. Maar is scary enough by himself, imagine also having undead invasion from the north and whatever ancient horrors even do in Zebrica.”

“Are you seriously worried about our teachers? Remember how many times they saved Equestria? They are probably already on their way home.” Sandbar hopefully said.

“And do not worry about these ancient hippogriff stories, Gallus!” Silverstream added. “They’re just a scary story, nothing else. Some hippogriffs tried to find them for centuries, and there is no sign of them. If they were real, we would know!” Silverstream said, smiling. “Even when some hippogriffs would worship them just to get any chance to strike back at Storm King, they still couldn’t find them. If they can ignore that occasion, I doubt they exist, or have any power.”

“Wait, you think hippogriffs would actually…?” The idea of happy, freedom-loving people of Mount Aris turning to evil was impossible to imagine.

“We were scared.” Silverstream simply answered. “You know, Gallus, I used to think we never could actually turn evil. That we were, by nature, good creatures. Before I saw Chiropterra.”

“Hard times give voice to evil.” Sandbar quoted. “You know, the more I think about it, the more I realize that the Founders of Equestria were really smart.”

“Funny, we have a saying like this. Only ours goes, ‘Hard times make stronger griffons’.” Gallus said scarstically. “Funny how it never made Griffonstone stronger.”

“I think that nothing good comes out of suffering.” Silverstream summed up, looking back. Behind them, Yona, Ocellus and Smolder were talking about something; the other two probably trying to cheer up the changeling, who was still a little shook after Vedina. “And I think the thousand years of suffering made Chriopterrans neither happy, or strong.”

Everyone could agree with that.

They soon reached the border between Skyfall and Greifwald. A few griffons - the Skyfall Federation border guards - entered the train, checking it for any contraband or anything suspicious. As the students had nothing to hide, and had a legitimate reason to go to Greifwald, they paid the guards little attention.

The same could not be said about the guards, who were definitely suspicious about the unusual group. Six foreigners, all but one not even griffons?

Fortunately, before the guards decided to detain them for interrogation, they were saved by one of the Skyfall guards. “Well, well, if it isn’t sir Gallus of Griffonstone.” She said, noticing the commotion and coming closer. “What brings a noble griffon like you here?”

“As I just said to this fine gentlegriffon,” For the fifth time, annoyed Gallus thought to himself, “Me and my friends are travelling to see the excavation in Greifwald. We have all the paperwork checked, and we were sent by the royal house of Vedina.” The young griffon was half annoyed at the paranoidal guards, and half worried Yona or Smolder will have enough and just throw somegriffon off the train. “If we could just go on our way?”

“I’m afraid there will be a delay. One of a passengers was smuggling some illegal goods, and the train needs to be searched. If you could follow me, please? I can get you some refreshments in the meantime.”

“Oh, do you have cookies?” Gallus facehoofed, hearing Silverstream happily ask. He cleared his throat. “Of course. As long as the train won’t accidentally leave without us.”

“I can assure you that it will take a while longer still. Follow me.” The griffon led them out of the train, and into a guardhouse next to the border train station. There was a small selection of food and drinks already prepared in it, and to everyone’s surprise they found themselves alone with the griffon. “Where are my manners? Nicolette Mountainclaw, at your service.”

“Sir Gallus of Griffonstone.” Gallus said, eyeing the food. It was definitely prepared for them before they were stopped here. There were even some gems, clearly prepared for a dragon. “And these are my friends…”

“Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Yona and Sandbar.” The griffon finished. “Such esteemed guests today.” Everyone present tensed visibly. But there was no sign of cold, dark aura, so either that griffon was not one of Maar’s followers, or she was hiding it very well. “Please sit. I had limited time to prepare it, but I hope it’s good.”

Everyone hesitated, but most of them sat down. Smolder and Yona remained standing, ready for a fight, but to their surprise their host also sat down. “You are very nervous for just regular travelers.” Nicolette noticed, taking a piece of surprisingly fresh bread from a small basket. “Expecting trouble?”

“Hopefully not.” Sandbar answered, also partaking in the bread. “Do you?”

“Straight to the point, I see. You may relax. If I planned to arrest you, I would have it done already.” The older griffon looked at her guests. “What I want to know is; what is Equestria’s second most powerful special unit doing here?”

“Equestria’s… what?” Sandbar asked with disbelief.

“Yona not from Equestria!”

“What?”

The Skyfall griffon just sat there and waited until they stopped protesting, before answering. “You’re not making the best case for yourselves. I know about your defeat of Cozy Glow, and your actions in Griffonstone, Haukland, and many others.”

“We’re not a special unit, whatever it is.” Smolder voiced everyone’s opinion.

“Could’ve fooled me. Wherever there is trouble, Equestria sends you there, and suddenly the problem is solved. Just like Princess Twilight and her advisors, but unlike those six, you tend to go abroad more. Not enough problems in Equestria these days?”

“You know, you remind me of how some of the Emperor’s advisors couldn’t believe me when I told them how we defeated Cozy Glow.” Gallus said, getting ready to stand up. “We’re not some kind of secret superweapon, we’re not part of an army or invasion, and we’re not spies. I’m kind of tired of griffons assuming those things. We’re literally just passing by. Are you going to arrest us now, or are we free to go?”

“Of course you’re free to go… but don’t you want to talk about Maar first?” This got everycreature’s attention. “Thought so.”

“What do you know about Maar?” Gallus asked, sitting back down.

“I know that somegriffon, if a griffon at all, is pretending to be Maar in order to achieve something. Whoever that creature is, it can use some kind of magic to drastically increase strength and combat prowess of its agents, although it can only do it on a small scale it seems, based on situation in Haukland and Vedina.” Nicolette listed off. “And last thing, it seems you are either incredibly lucky to always be in the right place to stop these agents, or you have some kind of insider information. Or some magical intel.” The griffon looked at her guests. “Anything I missed?”

“You know a lot.” Silverstream said, surprised.

“Skyfall is the trade center of Gryphus. We heard about those things before even the Empire’s intelligence.”

“Are you sure it’s not actual Maar?” Gallus asked.

“Please. Ancient God of Death appears and starts to give griffons demonic strength and power? What a fairy tale. It is probably some powerful necromancer, not first or last on Gryphus. Or maybe a Barradian plot, they have a lot of freaky dark magic there.”

“You never felt it.” The older griffon looked at Ocellus, who continued quietly. “I have. And trust me, as someone who saw Queen Chrysalis, Princesses of Equestria, and even Discord… it is Maar. Or, if not him, then some other creature of power strength then you can imagine.”

“A changeling thinks she knows our myths better than we do?” Nicolette answered, shaking her head. “Trust me, if it was really Maar… the one described in our holy text or whatever… we would be looking at Discord-level emergency. Whoever that is, they act quietly and in the shadows unless they have no other choice. Far from the powerful God of Death with legions of demons and his command.”

“You know, ponies used to think the same way about some of our legends.” Sandbar pointed out. “I don’t think another ancient god being real is impossible.”

“Well, whether it is Maar himself or some impostor, doesn’t change much, does it?” Nicolette looked outside. Guards kept searching the train, although Gallus had a sneaking suspicion they were just stalling now. “We have to be ready. Now, why are you really going to Greifwald? Are we looking at another of those… creatures? Are they trying to launch a coup, start a war?”

“We don’t know about anything like it.” Silverstream answered this time. “We just want to go to these ruins, learn something about Maar. What are his goals. How can we persuade him to stop.”

“Persaude him?” Nicolette laughed. “Good joke, miss. Do you have any idea who Maar is? If it truly is him, there is nothing you can say to persuade him. He is the evil incarnate. And if it’s an impostor, which is more likely, they’re going to play their part until they’re arrested and in prison, if not executed.”

“Well, worst case scenario, we just waste our time and that’s it.” Gallus said, having enough of this conversation. “And I don’t think you can arrest a God.”

“Maybe not. I’m still going to try if I catch wind of this creature being in Skyfall.” The older griffon got up. “If you find anything useful, I’d be glad if you shared it with me. Just leave me a message at the guard post here.”

“Why would we do that? No offense, but you don’t act like someone trustworthy.” Smolder commented, also getting up.

“I may or may not be trustworthy. But I am effective. If you find out where this ‘Maar’ is, and he’s anywhere close to Skyfall… let’s just say wars are bad for business.
And here, in Skyfall, bits are the only true God.”

As her guests left, and the train moved on, she turned to one of the ‘guards’, although in reality neither she nor her agents were a border patrol. “Contact General Parkunas. I have a hunch we’re going to need some commando divisions for an assassination operation soon.”

“You think they’ll find Maar there?”

“I’m sure they’ll find an impostor or one of their agents. This is just in case there was a sudden civil war in Greifwald, or some other problems of that nature. We will not be caught unprepared.”

After being finally let through the border – with Greifwaldian guards making no problems, in comparison to their Skyfall equivalents – the six friends made their way to the excavation site. The ruins were found next to the capital of Falcontown, close to the border with Griffonian Empire. While the train tracks did not run all the way there, it wasn’t far from the closest city, and they decided to just walk there.

But before they even reached the excavation site, the city of Falcontown made them shiver. The city looked abandoned, especially in comparison to the rich and lively cities of Skyfall. Only the absolute minimum of girffons were walking the streets, avoiding any eye contact with the fresh arrivals. It was a middle of a sunny day, but it felt more like it was moments before a storm, everygriffon hiding in their homes.

“You know, this feels very much like home.” Gallus tried to joke, as they walked through the half-abandoned city. “You just need some lost golden figure and Grampa Gruff shouting at everycreature, and it would be just like Griffonstone.”

“Yona does not like this place.” The yak looked around, moving closer to her friends. “It’s scary.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Smolder shrugged. “Maybe they’re just scared of us?”

“Or scared of something else.” Ocellus quietly said, looking around nervously.

The atmosphere was downright oppressive, and they all sighed with relief as they left the city. A huge lake was situated right next to it, and the ruins were close by. In fact, it seemed part of the excavation was reinforcing the shore; the old building were right next to water, and there was a risk that water could drown all that was uncovered there.

There were also guards set up around the place. Griffonian knights patrolled the sky and land, and noticed the newcomers from far away. One of armored griffons landed in front of them, a sign of ebony gauntlet visible on his armor. “Halt! What brings you here, foreigners?”

“I am sir Gallus, of Griffonstone. These are my companions. We arrived with a mission from the royal house of Vedina.” Gallus took out the royal documents and passed the to the knight, who quickly read through them.

“I see. Please come with me, then.” The knight turned around, escorting them to the uncovered ruins. As they came closer, the six friends could see the remains of ancient buildings, white marble now dirty and broken. Few dozen griffons and even few ponies were carefully trotting around, talking about the finding, sketching or carefully cleaning parts of the what used to be external walls.

One of them, a griffon in black priestly robes, noticed them and walked towards them. “Welcome, honored guests! What brings you to this ancient place?”

“Sir Gallus, of Griffonstone, and his companions. They come with the blessing of Crown of Vedina, father Stormbreath.” The griffon knight answered, bowing gently before the black-clad griffon.

“Rise up, knight Ekhan. Thank you for bringing these people to my attention. Everyone feels safer, knowing the Knights of Ebony Gauntelt are here protecting us. You may return to your patrol.” The knight bowed and turned around, leaving them. Only then did the priest turn to his guests. “Welcome, sir Gallus, welcome! And your companions, as well. What news do you bring from Vedina?”

Seeing how his friends were prone to just say ‘We want to learn about Maar’, Gallus fortunately managed to answer first. “We heard it was an international undertaking, and the Crown decided, in their wisdom, that sending representatives would be appropriate. These are, after all, the oldest remaining temples to the Gods.”

The younger griffon smiled triumphantly inside. Alright, Gallus, you’ve got it. You can talk all high and ceremonial if they need it. The priest nodded his head. “Of course, of course. Please, come with me.” The griffon led them to the biggest building; while mostly turned to rubble, some walls were still standing, reinforced gently with wood as they were excavated to ensure they wouldn’t collapse. “In fact, this is not only the first one we’ve found, but also the only one found that predates the Schism. An amazing discovery to the faithful.

“Forgive me, father Stormbreath, but… Schism? I never heard of any schisms in the Griffon religion.” Sandbar asked.

“Nothing to forgive, son, you can ask me anything. And you are mostly correct. Until now, we barely had any records of the Schism. Some even thought it was a myth, but it seems it really happen. What happened was… Prelate!” The priests turned a corner, entering the ruined temple, and instantly bowed. “I did not expect you here!”

“Worry not, I just arrived here.” And old griffon with white feathers, contrasting with his black clothing, answered. “I see we have guests?”

Gallus bowed, guessing correctly who that was. Most of his friends bowed as well… although in case of Smolder, it was almost unnoticeable. “Yes, Your Highness. I am sir Gallus, of Griffonstone. I traveled here with my companions to learn about the earliest days of Girffonian religion.”

“Welcome, sir Gallus, welcome, to the heart of our faith. Stormbreath, please go back to your work. I will take care of our guests.”

“But, Prelate Ebonwing…”

“Now, now. I rarely have time to talk with people other than griffons these days.” Prelate Ludwig Ebonwing turned to his guests, inviting them inside.

The temple had no ceiling, and the walls were barely above Smolder’s head, or even shorter. If not for a lot of effort put into stabilizing and reinforcing them, they would probably collapse as well. It was a sunny day, but somehow, the inside of the temple felt old, dusty and cold. Everycreature shuddered, except for Prelate, who seemed immune to the chilling effect of the ruin.

“I heard you asking about the Schism before. I take it you haven’t heard about it?” As everycreature shook their heads, the Prelate pointed at one of the walls, with a mural on it. It was surprisingly readable, although the language was sparse, ancient and unreadable.

“In the beginning, there was the World. It was created by four Gods, who gave it to griffons, made in Their holy image, as a gift.” The mural showed four vaguely griffon-like creatures, hard to recognize with how the damaged the wall was. One of the figures was completely destroyed, with only one claw remaining.

“Boreas gave us our intellect, so we would be different then mindless animals and plants that populated the world. And thanks to this gift, Griffonkind prospered, creating mighty buildings, among them temples to worship the Four Creators.”

“Eyr made us close to His divine form, and embedded within us deep love for children, respect for elders, and the tradition of family. And so the Griffonkidn prospered, and multiplied.”

“Arturious gave us courage, and strength, so that we could fight the monsters that plagued the World. And so Griffonkind prospered, banishing monsters from their lands.”

Prelate stopped for a moment, looking at the mural, focusing on the last, destroyed figure on the mural. “But Maar… Maar was different.”

“He cursed us with fear and cowardice. But the other Gods, seeing this, multiplied their gifts towards us. And thanks to them, we still prosper, fighting Maar’s curse.” Gallus recited from memory.

“Marr sound like a horrible meanie.” Yona commented.

“Definitely is.” Smolder added.

“Ah, if only things were so easy.” Prelate answered, pointing at the destroyed figure. “Maar did not give us any gifts initially. It was His idea to create the World, and he gave the most out of Himself to create it.”

Everyone else looked in surprised silence, as Prelate pointed to the second mural. This one was showing griffons killing each other, piles of corpses so high they reached the top of the remaining wall. “But then, Griffonkind, while prosperous, had no other enemies. They we powerful, mighty, and fearless. But some of them found fighting to be their nature. Others fought for resources, for even with Gods being generous, they were limited.”

“But the worst were those who wanted to prove their strength in battle. They killed to prove their strength, their prowess in a fight.”

Prelate pointed further, at the next mural. The young friends, fascinated, followed and saw a mural showing a land of peace. Farmers, miners and builders stood there, working their crafts. “Angry that the griffons would waste the gifts bestowed upon them, Maar gave them His final blessing.”

“Souls.”

The young friends could only look in shock at the old griffon in front of them. Smolder was first to break silence. “Wait, are you saying Maar, the one everygriffon hates… gave them souls?”

“Yes. With souls, came the realization of mortality, and a conscience. No longer were griffons killing each other for no reason, just to kill.”

“But that is not what I heard in church.” Gallus protested.

“And that’s not what books in Equestria say.” Sandbar added.

“Of course. You see, despite Maar’s best intentions, souls were not what he expected them to be. Griffons hated them, hated the feeling of their own mortality and fear of dying. Instead of eternal peace, the first true war started.” The Prelate pointed at the last mural.

It was burned. Not just damaged by time, but also by claws of those who wanted to destroy it. “Almost everygriffon hated Maar. They united in a great horde, and descended upon the Great Temples. The monuments created to praise Maar tumbled down, and the temples were burned, while priests and believers alike were slaughtered.”

“And since then, Girffonkind is at war with itself. Countries fought for resources, kings for titles, knights for glory.
Still today blood is being spilled, and it will continue to be spilled, until the End of Days come and Maar returns to remade the world again in His image.”

“What… happened to the other Gods?” Silverstream asked, fascinated, if a little scared. That really didn’t sound like the Maar she heard off, and one that would support someone like Prince Ondska in killing other girffons.

“Who knows? Some say they left us, disgusted by how we wasted their gifts. Others say that they always planned to leave, and left the world in our claws.”

“Well, whatever.” Everycreature looked at Smolder. “Look, everyone, this is clearly not the whole truth. Where is Discord? Who created ponies, or dragons? With all due respect, I see no sign of it being true.”

“Besides, why would Maar, after wanting to stop the bloodshed, want to start a war? It makes no sense.” Ocellus added, looking around nervously.

“Why not ask Him yourself?” The Prelate asked.

Suddenly, the darkness descended upon the desecrated temple.

All of them felt the touch of Maar before. But none ever felt it so strong. None of them could think, focus, act. They were standing among an endless darkness, each of them alone in the halls of Death.

There was nothing else.

But then, a small light of hope lit up.

“Ocellus. The coward, and the murderer.” Maar spoke to the changeling in His domain. “You brought even more pain and misery with your short existence.”

“N… No…” Ocellus said by instinct, but he couldn’t think. Focus. Do anything. The darkness was just too overwhelming.

“You made them resist me, Silverstream. And now they will have to suffer. I wanted to bring them peacefully into my folds. Now, it will be war, as they futilely resist the inevitable.”

“Your dragon fire cannot hope to defeat me, Smolder. It only prolongs the inevitable. Just like you forced your friend, Hermann, to suffer alone for years to come.”

“You thought your strength will be enough to save Vedina, Yona? You only brought more pain unto them.”

“Sandbar, you should have been wiser. Should have stayed in Equestria. Now, you will have to witness the consequences of your actions.”

“Gallus. Out of them all, you actions are the most hopeless. I gave you soul, young griffon. It is time for it to return to me.”

Light was shining in the darkness. Six points of light, infinitely distant, yet so close.

“Why do you resist the inevitable? None can live forever. But I am eternal.”

But the light refused to yield.

Each of them could feel it. The bond between them, the bonds of friendship.

“What is friendship against Death?”

Trust. They trusted each other. Even if one was to fall, others would continue. Each of them having their own friends, and these friends would have their own.

“You will all die regardless. And your friends as well.”

But something will remain. Friendship will leave a trace upon this world, a trace that will remain even after they are all dead.

The light shone brighter. The darkness could not take it, and escaped from the light.

Gallus snapped out of it, blinking in confusion. He was dead, moment ago. Or at least, it felt like death. But now he was back in the ruins, and he could think. He felt his friends around, they were all here. Alive.

“Once again, you choose suffering over peace.” Maar said, His voice sounding in the desecrated temple. Prelate stood there as well, surprised, but his God ignored him. “I wanted to give you peace in your last moments, but you chose to resist.”

Two knights stood in the doorway, swords drawn. A dozen more flew over the ruined temple, blocking that escape route. Gallus drew his weapon as well, while Smolder took a deep breath, a red-hot fire burning inside her, ready to burn her enemies. Ocellus, shaking off her fear, change into a huge bear, while Yona got ready to charge. Prelate Ebonwing moved out of the way of the upcoming combat, surprised at the sight of six friends resisting his master’s touch.

“Well, everyone, I think this is it.” Gallus said, eyeing the knights whose eyes were blood-red and demonic. “Unless you have some amazing ideas that will let us get out of here alive?”

Smolder didn’t answer, focusing on her fire. If she was going to die here, she would go out with a bang. Let Maar choke on her as she goes down his throat.

Ocellus just stood there, silent, forging her fear into anger. She would fight to the last.

“Yona not afraid of the meanie god! Come and figth Yona yourself!” The yak said fearlessly.

“What she said!” Sandbar said, ready to buck the first enemy who comes in range.

“I’m so sorry for you.” Silverstream said, looking at the temple with sadness.

Everycreature stopped. Gallus, who was already planning on some badass speech to proclaim in his last moments, instead turned to his friends. “What?”

“It’s so sad.” Silverstream said, pointing at the temple. “It used to be a place where griffons could come and thank him, for everything. He helped create the world, he gave them souls, conscience. And they burned it all, buried it, even changed their entire religion to erase him! Think about how he must feel.”

“Silverstream, not sure if you noticed, but he’s a villain! He wants to start a war, he steals the souls of dead griffons to… do whatever he does to them, and he’s going to kill us now!” Gallus protested.

“I wonder why. He wanted to save griffons, to make them stop killing each other. Why is he trying to start a war now?” Silverstream looked around. “Excuse me, mister Maar, but… why are you trying to kill so many griffons? I thought you wanted to stop all the killing?”

“I tried.” The answer was surprisingly quiet, although still overwhelming, as Maar spoke. “I tried for so long, but it was for nothing. My children do not understand peace. All they know is killing, raiding, pillaging, and destroying.
It is time for me to start anew. The world must be torn down and rebuilt, so that new, better creatures may inhabit it. Ones with stronger conscience and aversion to bloodshed, who will not squander the gifts I bestowed upon them.”

“I see.” Silverstream sighed. “I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine how much it has to hurt, knowing that the griffons just abandoned you when you tried to help them.”

“You know, Silverstream, I think you should feel more sorry for us then a villain. Snap out of it, he’s the bad guy here!” Gallus protested again.

“But he’s suffering. Have you seen his, his place?” Silverstream shivered. “It is so dark, and lonely. If this is how he feels, all the time, don’t you think we should feel sorry for him? I want to help him.”

There was a long moment of silence. The knights and Prelate stood there, unmoving, waiting for their God’s answer. The young friends all looked at Silverstream.

“Yona doesn’t understand.” Finally, a young yak broke the silence. “Should Yona smash Maar, or hug Maar?”

“Wha…?” Smolder tried to say, forgetting she was holding her breath, ready to breath fire. She choked and coughed for a moment, smoke flying out of her mouth. “What are you saying? Of course you should smash him! Don’t you all remember Vedina? Haukland? Greneclyf? Come on!”

“I know.” Silverstream quietly said. “But is he the only one? Nightmare Moon once plunged Equestria into eternal night and Gryphus into eternal day. We don’t even know what kind of damage she caused. But we still forgave her.”

“That’s different!”

“Is it, Gallus? What about Starlight? You all heard about her almost destroying Equestria, as well.”

“But she failed, and she didn’t kill anyone!”

“Leave.” The Voice said, silencing the discussion. It echoed off the wall and floor, filling in the desecrated temple. “Leave my temple.”

“Um, what?” Smolder asked, confused.

“Go north, leave my lands.” Maar said. “Live your lives until the bitter end, and see with your own eyes the folly of your dreams.”

“But, my Lord…” Prelate tried to protest.

“One day, you will see. You will realize that the World is broken, my gift tainted. On that day, you will come to me, and help me create it anew.” Maar said, drowning out the Prelate as if he didn’t hear him at all. Or didn’t care. “I have foreseen it. You are not the tools of Harmony anymore, and you are no longer my enemies. Leave my lands, and see where your hope leads you.”

The knights wordlessly moved away from the doors, and flew away from the temple. Prelate looked at the young six with sadness, and also left.
In moments, they were alone. Just a faint presence of Maar remained in His once great temple.

“I have no idea what just happened, but let’s get out of here before he changes his mind.” Smolder quickly said, pointing to the exit. “We’re not far from Empire’s border, are we?”

“Three days?” Gallus said, looking around the temple and shivering. “You know, actually, make it two. I can make it in two days. Just… let’s get out of here.”

All friends left the temple, emerging in now empty excavations. No griffon or pony was left. Once bustling with life, now the ruins were once again silent.
Silverstream looked at them with sadness in her eyes, before turning away and following her friends.

They walked in silence for a moment, before Gallus spoke. “Silverstream, please tell me you weren’t serious back there. That you aren’t actually feeling sorry for the worst villain on entire Gryphus.”

“But he is so sad and lonely.” Silverstream answered, looking back at the old ruins. “His temples destroyed, followers killed, all griffons taught for hundreds of years to hate him. And he only wanted to help.”

“His ‘help’ includes killing everygriffon, then probably everycreature else. Thanks, that’s very, very helpful.” Gallus said sarcastically, making Silverstream wince. “I’m sorry, but he’s not some misunderstood creature. He is a literal God of Death. He’s like Cozy Glow, but a hundred, no, thousand times worse! I can’t be the only one who sees this?” The griffon looked around, at his friends.

“I’m with you, Gallus. We need to find a way to stop that guy, before he actually starts a war.” Smolder voiced her opinion.

“Yona isn’t sure. One hoof, Maar is a meanie and should be smashed. Other hoof, Maar sad and hurt.” The yak shrugged, visibly confused. “Yona doesn’t know. Yona confused, and Yona doesn’t like it.”

“I’m not sure. Gallus, please don’t take it the wrong way, but… you’re not the most objective person right now.” Sandbar said hesitantly.

“What? Excuse me, did you expect me to just stand here, stoic and all, while Maar is planning a war next to my home?” Gallus turned to his friend, fuming. “And let’s not forget about a small fact that he also takes the souls of every dead griffon. How would you feel if you knew that everygriffon you cared about is still alive, imprisoned by some sadistic monster?”

“But we can still try to help him. Maybe if he feels better, he will stop?” Silverstream proposed weakly.

“Sorry, I don’t think this is happening. Gallus is right, Maar isn’t like Princess Luna.” Smolder said, supporting her friend. “He’s more like Cozy Glow. Or Chrysalis. No offense Ocellus, but that changeling is irredeemable.”

Ocellus didn’t answer. She was, in fact, just walking in silence. She changed back to her normal form after leaving the ruins, but hasn’t said a word since, apparently lost in her own thoughts even as a discussion around her got heated.

“You know who you remind me of right now? Star Swirl the Bearded. He told Starlight that once a villain, always a villain, and if not for her, Stygian would be banished to wherever they sent that darkness!”

“Please, friends, why are we arguing about this?”

“This is insane. Maar is too strong to play games with! Even Discord needed some good flank-kicking before he got better!”

“Yona is still more confused! Why are friends now arguing?”

“Princess and her friends always taught us the value of forgiveness. We can’t just turn around from someone if they need help.”

“Sometimes, you need to fight someone. Even Princess Twilight fought Tirek, because he was too dangerous and he would never reform!”

“But he wasn’t suffering!”

“What makes you think Maar is? He seems happy enough to kill griffons now, even start wars!”

“I can’t forgive him.”

That last voice, quieter than her friends, regardless managed to hold the argument. Everyone looked at Ocellus, who slowly lifted her head, tears in her eyes.

“I know we’re supposed to help, and forgive, but I just can’t. You didn’t see what I saw. Maar is suffering, but he’s also so old and powerful. I don’t think we can change his mind.” Ocellus took a shaky breath. “I’m sorry, everyone, but I can’t forgive him for what he did. And what he’s going to do.”

“Going to do?” Sandbar asked with concern.

“He finally got a country under his control, right? And I’d guess he had it for some time now. What do you think he’s going to do now?” Ocellus dried her tears with her hoof. “I hate feeling powerless. I hate not being to stop this.”

The discussion flamed out after this. Yona and Silverstream gave Ocellus a big hug, but it didn't provide much solace. The changeling was too focused on their failure.

They reached the border with the Empire in two days. Thankfully they had enough supplies with them to last that long, but the journey was far from pleasant. There was tension between them now. Gallus was angry, not at his friends of course, but it was still making it hard to talk to him. Ocellus was having an internal struggle that no hug could help with. Yona was confused and sad, Sandbar had no idea how to help, while Smolder stood by Gallus.
Silverstream was just sad.

When they reached the Griffonian Empire’s border, they were stopped by a patrol of armed griffons. Fortunately, this time Gallus did not have to once again repeat who he was… although unfortunately the person leading the patrol was not someone he wanted to see right now.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Gallus himself. And these must be your ‘friends’.” A commanding griffon said contemptuously. “What are you doing here? Trying to sow more dissent in the Empire, spread your Harmonist ways?”

“Generalfeldmarschall Bronzetail.” Gallus answered tiredly. He really had enough of stupid griffons right now. “What are you doing here? I thought you were too busy staring at the Republican border all day, dreaming of war.”

“Are you mocking me?” The older griffon asked, his soldiers putting their claws on their weapons. “If I were you, I would choose your next words very carefully. Whoever you think you are, you just illegally crossed the border into the Empire. I have every right to arrest you here and now.”

“You have bigger problems then that.” Smolder interrupted, pointing behind her. “Maar is controlling Greifwald, and planning to start a war. If I were you, I would focus on that, first.”

“Maar? Really. A likely story.” Elias Bronzetail, great war hero and unyielding defender of the Empire, looked at her with pity in his eyes. “Did you really think I would believe in something so…”

Then they felt it. The darkness. And the cold. Everycreature instinctively looked at the empty fields of Greifwald, shivering. Some Empire soldiers grabbed their weapons, unsure what to do. Others just stood there, paralyzed.

“On that note, we need to get to Griffenheim as fast as possible.” Gallus said nonchalantly, a stark contrast to the shaken soldiers in front of him. “We have information the Emperor needs to know. Preferably now.”

Far west from them, Nicolette Mountainclaw looked once again at the maps of Greifwald. It had been some time since the young Equestrian agents reached their goal; she expected news from their spies soon. In fact, they were already late.

“Still no trains?” She asked one of her guards, stationed outside the building.

“Nothing, ma’am.” The special forces griffon answered, looking at the tracks.

Nicolette went back to the map. What was going on? No train left that country since yesterday. She ordered all trains leaving Skyfall to halt, just in case. She didn’t want to even think about the colossal financial losses it would cause, but she decided it was better then risking sending those trains to whatever was going on in Greifwald.

“Ma’am!” One of the guards stationed a little further way entered the building. “A group of griffons is approaching fast from the other side of the border!”

“How many? Nicolette inquired.

“Around two dozen, ma’am.”

“Two dozen?” Not enough for a full-scale attack. Would be enough for a raid… if she didn’t have reinforcements hidden in the area. She smiled. If it was one of those agents of ‘Maar’, they would have a surprise. “Tell Parkunas to get ready for an ambush. If one of those creatures has some kind of augmented strength, pincushion them with arrows and try to capture alive if possible.”

“Yes ma’am.” The griffon saluted and left the building, alongside the other guards, leaving her alone. The griffon looked at the map one last time, this time with a sense of satisfaction. “A border raid, huh? Think we’re another band of barbarians like those Vedinans or Hauklanders? You’ll see.”

She was pondering her next move, arming herself and putting on some more armor. With this incursion on their territory stopped, they may demand explanation from the Prelate. Concessions. New trade policies. She could see it in her mind, she would bring much wealth to Skyfall with this. And being the country who swiftly dealt with this impostor will give them much respect in the eyes of other countries.

She shivered involuntarily, a chill running down her spine. Why was she feeling cold? It was a warm day outside. Must be nerves, she thought to herself. The battle would start any second now.

However, instead of a battle, she heard different sounds. Talking? And… weeping? What’s going on? She decided to go and check, when one of the griffons station at the border entered the building. “Message from the general, Ma’am.” He passed her a piece of paper.

“A message?” She took it, surprised. Why not just come to her himself? “I hope he has good reason to send… a written…” She stopped.

She knew that clawriting. She would recognize it anywhere. She turned to the griffon who brought the weird message. “Is this some kind of a joke? Where did you get this?!”

“There are two types of dangers in this world, Nicol.” The griffon said, his voice changing to one she knew so well. “There are those who want to attack us for our riches. They are easy to predict; just make sure that attacking us will cost them more then they gain, even if they loot entirety of Skyfall.”

“How… not, you cannot be…” She weakly said. Only one person ever called her Nicole. But it was impossible! And this voice…

“The second group is more annoying.” The ‘messenger’ continued. “These are those who want to conquer us because of ideological reasons, prestige, or other petty reasons. For countering them, the key is to make sure everygriffon else is opposed to that idea. Even if the Empire wants to attack us one day, they will not do that if they know that everygriffon else on the continent will defend us. That our strategic position, riches and trade cannot fall into the hands of the Empire.”

“You cannot know that. It’s a trick! A telepathic magic! Guards!” Nicolette drew her sword with a shaking claw. “Stop it this instant!”

“It seems I was wrong back then.” Wingmar Folkhe, the old Skyfall Federation’s head of internal security, continued. “There are powers that just cannot be stopped. That can just take what they want. And rightfully so, for we belong to Him.”

“You are not him. You are NOT!” The current Skyfall spymaster run out of the building, calling for soldiers to deal with this situation… but she stopped, frozen in her tracks, as she saw what was left of the commando division.

The air outside was unnatural. It was cold. It was hot. It hurt, but it was perfect. She could breathe freely, but the air felt too thick to move and too thin to fly.

One of her soldiers cut herself with her sword. It was just a small cut, tiny one. She bled purple blood, and she cried green tears, begging for something. She was speaking in reverse.

Most soldiers just stood there, or fell on the ground. The voices of the dead mocked them, asked for help, called to them to join them. Sometimes all at once. It was a cursed choir, poisoning the minds, tainting the air. Even the griffons in the stopped trains weren’t immune, some of them trying to run away.

General Parkunas was there, bravely resisting whatever madness it was. She shook one of the soldiers, snapping them out of the trance. A small group of griffons under her command was trying to prepare defensive perimeter. Seeing as Nicolette was also lucid, Parkunas run to her, cursing. The pony – one of the few non-griffon commanders in Skyfall – seemed much more resilient to those visions of madness.

“We need to fall back!” The general shouted, grabbing her. “We'll get slaughtered if we stay! Too many are incapacitated to fight. I’m having some of my soldiers try to get the trains operational…”

It was then that the demons in griffon form descended upon them. And the hordes of Maar begun their march through Skyfall, none able to oppose them.

Nicolette opened her eyes. Weird. She did not remember closing them. She was floating in endless darkness. “Hello?”

“I missed you.” Wingmar said, standing in front of her. “You did well, really well, Nicole.”

“Do… you really think so?” Nicole asked, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and happiness.. The old griffon rarely had any praise to say about anygriffon.

“Yes. It was not your fault that you lost this time. It was inevitable. None can stand against the Imperium of Maar.”

Suddenly, the younger griffon remembered why she was here. “No, you… you’re not…” She took a step back, yet it made no difference. The creature, impersonating her teacher, remained right in front of her. She tried to run, jump, fly. But he was always there.

“What are you running away from?” Wingmar asked calmly.

“It is your home, my child.” Maar said.

Nicolette screamed in fright, trying to run away.

But there was no running away from Death.

Author's Note

And so, we conclude the middle part of the Student Six story. We will see them back again soon, do not worry. The next story in this series is already in the making, although I'd like to finish the Black Crusade first.

I decided to make a Patreon, to see if people would be interested in supporting my writing. The link is here: https://www.patreon.com/Alank2, if anyone is interested.