Episode 38:

Griffon the Atoner

In the following days since the Fall of Mizimu Grove another summit has been called upon in light of the growing emergency they are now facing. Said summit is held once more at the Canterlot Castle where all of the leaders from both kingdoms have gathered together in the war room so they can discuss their new best course of action going forward.

“Thank you all for coming here on such short notice, everyone.” Princess Celestia warmly greeted. “Normally we had hoped that this wouldn’t have had to come until later this month. But as you all of heard and or seen, there have been recent and sudden changing developments have warranted this summit to today.”

“And that said change is that Scar himself and his followers have been increasing their control over the Pride Lands with every passing day.” Simba then explained next. “So now our main concern is to figure out how to re-strategize in order to put a stop to this before it gets any worse, or at least slow it down to keep the Pride Lands from falling anymore than it already has, twice.”

“Assuming that there is a way to defeat him.” Gilda sarcastically remarked as if to kill the little hope in the room. Upon seeing the looks from everyone she defensively stated. “What?! I mean don’t get me wrong but it seems to me that every time we try to mount a counter defense against him, we ended up having on the losing end on each and every battle against him.”

“Gilda…” Twilight scolded. “...we’ve talked about this. It’s because we’re dealing with someone who keeps outsmarting us each and every time. And before you ask, we already tried sneaking into enemy territory. He’s already cracked down hard on security ever since.”

“But didn’t you make it out there more than once?”

“We got lucky more than once.” When Gilda prepared to speak she continued. “And before you ask, they’re long complicated stories that are for another time. Anyways…” She then said moving forward with the main topic in hoof. “...we need a change in strategy in how to deal with the threat of Scar going forward.”

“So, anyone have any new ideas or suggestions of how to turn things around?” Kion then asked but before letting the others speak he added directly to Thurston when he was about ready to say something. “That doesn’t involve panicking and running away?”

“How about extra security around the borders?” Ma Rembo asked. “I believe I have some elephants who’d be willing to volunteer for it.”

Kion shook his head in response. “We already had that covered. Besides we need you and your herd at full strength for when the Outlanders do try to attack again.”

“Whenever that is.” Gilda muttered under her breath which did not go unnoticed by Twilight and the other leaders.

“How about a new spy that’s willing to infiltrate the Outlands and give us the heads up on whatever Scar is preparing to do next?” Makku then suggested.

“Ooh! Ooh!” Hodari raised his arm up (with Makuu lifting him up on his tail so all eyes can see him. “I would be happy to do it!”

Twilight had to hold back a chuckle at his enthusiasm before regaining her composure to properly address him. “As much as we appreciate the offer, I’m going to have to decline it because the best spies we could get to step up barely escaped death each and every time we’ve tried to do that.”

Kinyonga who was also there had to agree with the alicorn princess on the matter. “Trust me Hodari, that’s nothing something with your expertise should be tackling if I were you.”

“Okay.”

“I’ve been keeping the antelopes in top form with their training as much as Makku keeps his float in top form.” Bupu then brought up next. “But that’s all I am pushing them into doing. Unless of course we’re being paid overtime for it.”

“Um, Bupu.” Kion quickly spoke up. “Even during your time here, you’re not even getting paid at all since the Pride Lands doesn’t operate on foreign currency.”

“Exactly my point, Kion.” Bupu bluntly stated. “It’s not worth our time to risk injuring ourselves and literally become prey to our enemies and that’s final!”

“Okay…” Twilight then tried to move forward with the main issue at hoof. “...anyways…anybody else has any other ideas?”

“I guess that depends if there are any other ideas we haven’t tried yet.” Basi then said next. “We tried putting an inside friend and ally inside enemy territory, we’re training every chance we can get in, have as many patrols around both kingdoms 24/7, what else is left?”

All while Gilda is just rolling her eyes in exasperation before speaking her mind. “Oh, for the love of pony feathers! Forget all of this talk of staying on the defense! Since this has been the tactic we’ve been going on since this war started back up again, why don’t just oh you know, flip the script on them!” All eyes are looking on like it’s the most shocking thing they have ever heard.

“Young griffon…” Princess Luna sternly addressed first after her outburst. “...it’s impolite to not use your indoor voice and talk out of turn like that.”

“Hmmph!” Gilda scoffed. “Well excuse me for trying to voice the answer to our big problem.” Upon seeing the night monarch's stern glare she quickly realized she needed to backpedal and choose her next words more carefully. “I mean, excuse the way I phrased it just now but think about it. If we’ve been on the defense this last year or so, why not make that the change in strategy. Instead of waiting for the Outsiders to come and take another part of either the Pride Lands or anywhere in Equestria, why not take the fight with them into their territory? One fight with them in their territory and they have to surrender for good. Problem solved, right.”

“Because…” Twilight calmly spoke first as she found herself having to properly explain otherwise while at the same time diffusing the brewing argument before it could boil over. “...there is one major flaw with that plan. And that is defeating Scar himself.”

“Exactly!” Kion stated to back her up there. “Even being able to beat him comes at a heavy price against us.” He then moved to look at his wings and horn. “And for someone who briefly died after trying to fight him once I would know of what could have been if it weren’t for a stroke of luck in my favor.”

“Right…” Gilda’s expression soften a little upon hearing that last bit especially after catching a glimpse of Fluttershy herself looking very uncomfortable at the near spectacle within this very room yet with a strong desire of potential courage burning inside of her wanting to emerge as much as the griffon's potential kindness. “...that.” Trying to get everyone else on board with what she is pitching. “But even still this idea still has merit to work out, and as for Scar, get every powerful pony and Pride Lander to go up against him. There should be no way Scar is that invincible.”

“But didn’t we already try that?” Mbeya asked. “Did you not hear or see what happened when he took Mizimu Grove?”

“Yes and no. I meant every powerful pony and Pride Lander leader we have.” She said with eyes directed at each and every powerful figure present in the room. “If teamwork and all power combined can bring you back from the dead, then why can’t it do the same to defeat Scar for good?”

“Gilda…” Luna spoke up trying to be fair yet still firm. “...while we do see the merit in your words, there is the matter of understanding just how dangerous Scar truly is.” She looked around the very room they are in now to make sure they aren’t being watched right now. “Regardless of whatever we plan, Scar always has eyes and ears around us so he can surprise us with however he plans to flip the script against our favor.”

“But…” Simba spoke up earning surprise from the others. “...we are however willing to give this idea of yours a shot.”

Hearing this spark shocked voices among the Guard standing to the side.

“Huh?”

“What?”

“Hapana?”

“Seriously?”

“Are you for real?”

“You sure you didn’t receive hurt your brain from your last battle with him?”

“Sounds mighty risky if you ask me?”

The others however thought it is something they should do going forward.

“I never thought I’d hear you say it is time.”

“Me neither! About time if you ask me!”

“It is time!” Simba firmly stated with full confidence. “Time to defeat Scar and his followers once and for all.”

Everyone else eyed everyone in uncertainty before looking on with something that needs to said.

“I suppose there is reason to consider this plan.” Makuu spoke first among the Pride Lander leaders. “Especially since the clock is ticking with no way of knowing how much time is left before Scar completely secures victory over us, again.”

“As long as it’s something we can handle, me and the rest of the rhinos are willing to give it a shot.” Mbeya said next.

“And the same can be said for the antelopes as well.” Bupu then said now moved by the idea himself.

“Us too! The galagoes are in!” Laini happily declared.

“So are the elephants!” Ma Tembo also declared feeling very sure of herself and her herd’s abilites.

There it just left the royal family’s voices on the matter.

“Then I guess we’re in too!” Twilight voiced first. “Regardless of whatever happens next, I’ll reach out to my brother, sister-in-law, and niece to see if they’re willing to help us out.”

“If everyone who respects the Circle of Life is willing to fight this battle is willing to help us.” Kion then said next. “If my dad is willing to invade the Outlands, then I will too!”

“So will us.” Celestia voiced next feeling sure of it herself.

“Although we do need to be fully prepared for when we do make that attack.” Luna then cautioned with especially a deep focused stern look directed at Gilda. “And do keep in mind we are putting a lot on the line here, so be warned of what to expect while in the Outlands because it’s going to be tough.” The leaders all nodded to mentally say “Understood.” With the full voted agreement made. “Then with that this meeting is adjourned for now. We’ll meet up next time around to discuss the plan once we have a full team assembled and ready to fight that very battle.”

With that everyone declared. “Pride Landers and Equestrians Unite!”

After the meeting had ended, Gilda was about to head before being called out by the leaders of the Guard. “Hold on, Gilda.” The pony leader said with a raised hoof with both Kion and Rainbow by her side. “We need you to hang back for a moment.”

“About what? Talking out of turn for speaking an idea that can actually work?” Gilda asked like she expected that.

“Not that. At least not right now.” Twilight however shook her head. “But we could use your ‘inspiration’ of yours to do the same for the ponies in Ponyville.”

“Not only that we’ve also got extra company to agree to join us for a trip to Griffonstone to help train and prepare the griffons for battle too.” Kion added. “So we’re going to need to spark you’ve created earlier to get everyone ready for the most important battle of all.”

“Isn’t that great?” Rainbow eagerly asked.

“I guess. Sort of.” Gilda replied indifferent like before. “I was just telling others what I thought they needed to hear.”

“Well of course what you did back there was bold yet wasn’t quite your turn to speak out at the time…” Rainbow spoke while acknowledging both sides of the matter. “...but the point being that Scar has been still winning bits and pieces of the Pride Lands with every battle and plan he concocts did warrant that push we need to finally start turning this around.”

“And while we will have a talk about displaying better tact and manners later on, you do have a bold and brave mindset of a leader.” Kion then said next.

“Really? Well that’s…” Gilda started to say feeling pleased for once before Twilight spoke up mid-sentence.

“But you as said before you lack tact and a level-head to think clearly.”

Hearing that had the griffon taken aback. “Excuse me?” She asked more surprised than offended.

Twilight continued remaining firm with what she said before scolding her. “While there are ways to get your point across, talking out of turn is not the way to do it. If this was when you first came here, you would have been disciplined severely for doing what you did back there.” She then soften a little. “Just keep in mind, it’s to insult or criticize you. But it’s something that should be taken to heart going forward to improve yourself on. You do have potential for being a leader someday, but you’re not going to get much success and respect if you’re not willing to show said respect in return.”

“I don’t get it?”

That’s where Rainbow once more stepped forward to clarify, “What Twilight means is you have the courage and character, but you don’t quite have the heart yet to be a true leader.” The others looked at her like they never expected said words to come out of her mouth. “If you watched that Christmas movie Sunset shared last Hearth’s Warming you know what I’m talking about.”

Both leaders immediately got it from there.

“Right, right of course!”

“That movie!”

“Okay…” Gilda then turned her attention back to the others. “...so back to my ways of growing leadership. You said I need to improve my attitude, is that you are saying?”

“Yes.” Kion nodded. “Which is why your response was not quite well received with everyone especially Princess Luna.”

“Right…that.” Gilda acknowledged still feeling the cringe from the princess’s glare that could have killed her on the spot if looks have the power to do that.

“But that we can we work on as we make our way to Griffonstone.” Twilight assured before leading the way on over to the train station.

Once they arrived at the train station they are greeted by familiar faces some the griffon’s already met and some she hasn’t been acquainted with yet. And said faces are Fluttershy, Jasiri, and Makuu.

“Hello, Kion. Twilight. Glad you could make it!” Jasiri happily greeted first while hugging the two. After breaking up the hug she turned her attention to Gilda. “And nice to meet you too, new friend of the Lion and Pony Guard.”

“Um...thanks. Good to meet you too.” Gilda awkwardly replied just for the sake of appeasing her other friends before moving to do the same for Makuu. “Same to you too, um…”

“Makuu.” The croc comfortably replied before returning the greeting. “And it’s nice to meet you too.”

“Nice to see you again.” Fluttershy then followed suit although she meekly added. “Even though you roared at me and made me cry the last time around.”

“Wonderful! We’re all present and accounted for!” Twilight quickly spoke up while leading everyone towards their ride to Griffonstone before anything else can happen. “Let’s go!”

Everyone all moved to did so with Kion himself quick to understand why they cut the greetings short considering Gilda’s already getting a heavy helping of humble pie herself due to their just recent discussion they've just had.

“You’re sure she knows what she is doing here, right?” Kion whispered to Rainbow.

“Totally!” Rainbow stated fully sure of that. “If anyone can read others like a book it’s her!”

In answer to his question of how well it’s really going to turn out, that’s up to his best guess in their upcoming journey back to Griffonstone.

The train ride to Griffonstone, went through without much trouble. Twilight along with Kion and Fluttershy managed to share some giggles and chuckles as they recalled their latest stories since the last time they saw each other. At the same time, Gilda just kept her distance from the group not interested in wanting to join in out a guilt complex due to remembering how she made Fluttershy cry and then recently Twilight’s chastising words for her curt display of manners at the war meeting. Makuu who was also in a solo seat because he wasn’t interested in joining on the conversations got a good glance at the lonely griffon in question. And said look was enough for his usually grumpy look to soften as if he was looking at himself in a mirror for a second.

After some time, the group had finally reached their destination and little later on, Griffonstone itself.

“Well here we are!” Gilda spoke up as they walked under the arch. “Griffionstone! Home of the griffons, gold diggers, best-selling scones, and fliers on this side of Equestria.”

“Wow!” Jasiri remarked as she took in the sights of the place itself even though it’s still not quite like seeing the streets of Ponyville and Canterlot. “How very descriptive!”

Makuu on the other hand, just looked on indifferent about it like always. To him it’s just another place in Equestria. “For a place that could some work around here.” He muttered to himself before speaking up as if Twilight and Rainbow heard and read his lips. “But from what I have heard it’s quite an improvement.”

“Thanks.” Gilda returned as if it’s something worth taking in. “I know it’s not quite like what either of you have been accustomed to since your stay back in Ponyville, but it’s still better compared to when ponies and Pride Landers first started coming here.”

“That’s true.” Rainbow acknowledged and she said whispered to both Jasiri and Makuu. “Even better now considering we managed to fix up the library so Twilight doesn’t have one of those episodes of hers.”

“And what episode would that be, Rainbow Dash?” Twilight curiously asked.

“Oh nothing in particular…” She returned somewhat awkwardly with nervous sweat on her forehead. “...just the ones that involved books being tampered and or destroyed.”

“Oh, those.” Twilight casually replied. “Well hopefully it’ll be quite a show for you. That is if it was another me.” She quipped before setting off ahead leaving the Guard’s Fastest and Loyal pony baffled by what had just happened.

Jasiri then giggled. “Looks like Twilight’s picking up the pace on surprise hi and bye cues you’ve given her in the past.”

“Yeah. She has.”

“And it sounds like you need to start stepping it up if you want keep surprising her.” Makuu then suggested. “Otherwise she isn’t going to feel challenged anymore herself.” After that little bit of humor passed by, he then focused on the griffons that are waiting for them ready to get down to business. “And speaking of challenge, shall we get this over this?”

“Let’s.” Gilda agreed before summoning the griffons over. “All right, griffons! I’m back!” She roared. “Now that we’re all here, we’re going to start up training again!” The griffons then all lined up ready to resume said training. “Now! For today, I’ve brought some friends with me here today to help oversee it and help us out. Of course you’ve met the Lion and Pony Guard…”

“Hi.”

“How are you all doing?”

“Good to see you all again.”

“...not only that we have other leaders here with us today. Jasiri the hyena.”

“Hello!”

“...and Makuu the crocodile.”

“Nice to meet you all.”

“All right.” Gilda then said feeling there has been enough said. “Let’s get started.”

So with that the griffons were quick to start learning and practicing their technique and form which was something that got all eyes pleased with the teamwork and coordination they shared together. They were in perfect sync together, they performed the exercises perfectly, and they even obeyed Gilda’s commands without question.

One look would have them thinking they have a perfect team ready for battle, yet a minute later one would see the lack of emotion and satisfaction in the griffon’s eyes. “All right! Good job, griffons! Now it is time to incorporate some of those moves into crocodile moves which Makku will now teach you all. I will be back in a little bit to check up on your progress, and in the meantime, I expect you to give Makuu your full cooperation and respect as much as you do to me. Are we clear?” The griffons all nodded and said “Mmm-hmm. Yes, Gilda.” “Good.”

It was there said crocodile stepped forward to take charge in the matter. “Thank you, Gilda.” Turning to the griffons. “Okay, everyone. First moves we’re going to try out are the jaw vice and the reverse tail-whip Any questions on how to accommodate what you don’t have compared to me should be brought up ASAP. Any other questions before we get started?” When the griffons mostly shook their heads, he then said next. “Good. Now get to it!”

In the meantime, Gilda had retreated to a private area in Griffonstone where once she was sure she was along she let loose a sigh of relief while dropping the mask she put forward in front of everyone. In addition a groan with a solemn expression to match.

“Doing okay?” A voice asked from nearby.

“Yeah, yeah. Doing just fine…” Gulda started before yelping in shock upon seeing said voice happens to belong to Jasiri who she intially though was someone else. “AAH!”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you there.” Jasiri apologized.

“What are you doing here?!” She returned while trying to catch her breath from her spiked heart rate. “I’d thought you’d be checking up on the other griffons by now.”

“That’s already covered since Twilight, Kion, and Fluttershy are around to keep things under check in case tempers flared between them.” Jasiri explained. “Besides, I figured you could use a listening ear for whatever has got you out of sorts, today.”

“Who, me? I don’t think so. What makes you think I’ve got a problem with anything?” She returned rather defensively.

“Because it doesn’t take a simple look to see that you weren’t entirely there when training the griffons just earlier.” Jasiri calmly replied. “You clearly got more on your mind that just preparing for an important battle.”

Gilda sighed in defeat. “All right. Fine. You got me, It’s because I do.”

“Anything in particular, like what happened at the meeting earlier? Because if that’s so you know Twilight only said what she said to you to help you become a better leader.”

“Not just that. But also Fluttershy that pony that has accompanied Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Kion.” She along with Jasiri managed to eye the Pegasus giving Makuu and the griffons some much needed kindness coaching with both Twilight and Rainbow behind them ready to discipline and throw down if they misbehave.

“Hmm.” Jasiri then asked upon seeing another bigger potential root of her internal struggle. “Any idea why?”

“Well...back when I first met them, I wasn’t exactly the friendliest griffon one could meet unless you’re Rainbow Dash. And because of that mindset I had, I roared at the yellow pony, made her cry, and fly away.”

“Hmm…” Jasiri nodded while taking in what she is being told in. “...that is quite a reason.”

“Tell me about it.”

“But it’s all in the past now.” She then assured. “So maybe what you just need to do is try to talk with her and apologize for how you treated her back then.”

“I don’t know.”

“Never hurts to try. Plus it might make you feel better, might make her feel better too. And it might help you better grasp that kindness and compassion that helps Twilight and Kion strive to become better leaders in their own right.”

Gilda looked aside still unsure about the idea itself, but was truly sincere in wanting to change herself for the better so she didn’t dismiss it entirely. But before she could give it some thought another familiar voice came out calling for them.

“Gilda! Jasiri!” Rainbow’s voice shouted before spotting them. “There you are!”

“Yep, you found us.” Jasiri smiled in contrast to Gilda’s deadpan enthusiasm.

“Hooray.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll give it to you straight.” Rainbow then continued. “Good news is most griffons have picked up on the crocodile style moves.”

“And the bad news?” Gilda asked.

“Some of the griffons still have yet to fully grasp them, nearly tested Makuu’s patience…” She then whispered. “...which has improved remarkably by the way.” Then pulling away. “...and could use a more friendly face teaching them.”

“No worries.” Jasiri replied feeling sure she can straighten this out. “I got this!” With that she made her way back over to the field where everyone else to apply some positive reinforcement on the griffons to get them motivated to keep trying where they failed.

All while watching, Gilda is left amazed and speechless with how well both Jasiri and Makuu were able to train them separately. She got to see the differences and the similarities between the two styles of leadership training. It was like she found herself in the middle uncertain of just how she was going to balance them out if only she could combine both the pros together in one solid approach.

For Jasiri herself, she barked firm yet gentle orders to the griffons like she is still treating them like their her family. While Makku on the other hand, is still firm and serious like before yet still has the griffons needs in mind as evident when he doesn't get all ruthless and callous towards them for not picking up the exercises as quickly as his crocs do.

“Wow.” She breathlessly spoke as if she is watching the Wonderbolts like she did back when she was at flight camp.

“Wow, indeed.” Makuu replied standing next to her. “It’s like watching what you wish you could do yourself.”

“Huh?” Gilda returned while tilting her head in surprise. “How would know what I am thinking of right now?”

“Young griffon.” Makuu replied as if he can see right through her. “It’s because I can read you like a book. Your family never understood you, your friends they all turned their backs on you. You couldn’t take it anymore so you opted to sulk through life going forward.”

“Wow!” Gilda returned with nothing to say in her defense. “You’re good.”

“Eh.” He simply shrugged. “Technically, but still not someone you’d want to catch in a bad mood. Nobody likes to picture that in their heads. Trust me, it’s not a pretty picture.”

“And I’ll take your word for it.”

“But all joking aside, not really, you doing okay yourself?”

“Yeah. Why won’t I be?”

“Well considering that you’re not being yourself today along with feeling like you wish you could do more to own to leadership yourself. It’s not hard for me to see why.”

“Oh, really?”

“Mmm-hmm. And what you ask is quite simple. Because I was just recently down that road myself before.”

“Really?!” She returned quite astonished herself with that revelation.

“Yes, and it was indeed a humbling experience I will admit.” Makuu then recalled as he led his float during the first wet season with the Lion and Pony Guard around to witness his rise to power. “Especially when coming to learn of what is best for your followers than just yourself.” During said flashback he did some serious thinking to himself when he got word of the upcoming dry season is around with King Simba himself personally inviting him to come to the upcoming Savannah Summit. “And antagonizing a few neighbors along the way can be really messy over time. Along with that you wind up coming to terms and taking to heart of what wiser leaders before you have tried to tell you only for it to kick in after stirring up a fair share of trouble.” He then recalled the various times the now wiser and affable Pua has said and did reasonable and wise decisions after mellowing out. Thinking of it now, had Makuu started seeing the errors of his ways and why the former leader mellowed out when he did. “So I too know what’s it like to make some regrettable decisions and left knowing you can’t take them back after all is said and done.”

“But how did you get through it?” She asked.

“I just moved on, made steps to regain the trust of the Pride Landers, apologizing to each and everyone for what I did back then, and then made peace that I’m becoming a better leader than I was before.”

“But what about the Lion and Pony Guard along with the Pride Landers you previously caused trouble for?”

“It did take some time for them to come to terms with my atonement, but gradually they came to see me as an ally in due time.”

“What about Fluttershy?” She specifically asked which clued the croc in of where she is going with this.

“She needed some time to accept my apology, but came around a little while later. And if you ask me, I’m sure it’ll work out as well with you if you’re willing to give it a chance.”

“Huh? What?” She returned once more baffled and taken aback. “You mean you know about that too?!”

Makuu nodded once more. “Through direct and indirect means of communication whether it’s you or the pony herself. Like I said there are more than one ways for someone to put two and two together. And I feel that if making amends with those you had hurt in the past is what it will take for you to become a better leader, then I think you should pursue it.”

“Maybe.” Gilda sincerely replied as if she is taking more mental steps in doing so. But even then, she still felt unsure of how to approach the mare in question.

Though at least for everyone, their lunch break came around which allowed everyone to take a breather and fuel up as they prepare for the next round of training together. During which Gilda saw a first potential opportunity to try to make amends with Fluttershy who is currently eating lunch with Twilight, Kion, and Rainbow Dash.

“Hey girls, Kion, um…” She spoke up to get their attention. “...think maybe I could join up all by any chance?”

It didn’t take a second thought for the former two to consider it.

“Of course.”

"Go for it."

“Sit away, captain!”

“Huh?” Gilda spoke confused at what Rainbow said to which had Twilight correct her in a whisper.

“It’s sit down, Rainbow.”

“Really? Because I thought I meant it as “Go for it! Or “Fire away!” Twilight shook her head. “Oh, oops! Sorry, Gilda!”

Gilda instead opted to say nothing as opposed to saying whatever to avoid sparking up anymore word play trouble on her end. After getting settled in along with eating her lunch she then tried breaking the ice by trying to speak to Fluttershy.

“So...Fluttershy, right?” Fluttershy nodded. “What do you think of Griffonstone so far? Is it um, all right?”

“It is. I guess.” Fluttershy replied still feeling as awkward as ever. “That isn’t a problem is it?”

“No, no, of course not!” Gilda quickly responded while shaking her head. “I was just asking along with just making sure you are okay so far.”

“So far, yes.” Though the still somewhat upset tone made it an uneasy atmosphere for the two while both Rainbow and Twilight see that they are having a tough time clearing the air with one another. “Are you going somewhere with this?”

“Me?! No! Of course! Can’t a griffon ask a question without one worrying if there are any ulterior motives behind it. All I was just trying to do was greet and say Hi, you know check up to see if you are enjoying your stay. Not me just trying to build up on for silly reason.” She nervously giggled a little before realizing she is starting to sound silly herself along with digging a hole here. “Oh, who am I kidding? Forget I asked.” She then slumped in defeat before continuing on without another word.

At the same time both ponies looked on at each other and both the other two looking very concerned and sympathetic for what they just saw. An attempt at conversing and then making amends which all ended up falling flat all in one sitting. So with that the two moved to discuss it themselves in private.

“Excuse us.”

“We’ll be right back.”

"Kion, would you mind...?"

"Not a problem, Twilight." Kion returned with a smile before nodding at them to go ahead with what they have in mind.

Upon retreating to a nearby straw house where no one will hear nor see them they started talking.

“She’s still reeling over what happened back then isn’t she?”

“Oh, yeah. Totally!”

“Hmm…”

“Got any ideas on how to fix this?”

“I’m thinking! I’m thinking!” Then an idea struck her like a brightly lit light bulb. “Got it! The gold simple talk, smooth, and push plan.”

“Oh! That’ll totally work.”

“Yeah!”

Just then they found themselves barely ducking their heads when a griffon who happened to be inside chucked a plate at them. “Hey! What the hay are you two bucking clowns doing in my house?!”

“Nothing alarming! Just talking in private!”

“Thought this was a vacant house. But it’s not.”

“You’re dang right it isn’t! Now beat it!” The griffon then tossed another plate at them while forcing the two out the door.

“Okay, okay, we’re going! And we’re sorry!”

“No need to throw things at us, and consider yourself lucky we’re not filing charges up your flank!”

Twilight quickly pulled the hot headed pony away before it could escalate any further. “Okay, that’s far enough. Goodbye.”

Upon returning back where Kion, Fluttershy, and Gilda are they moved to put their attempt at resolution in action. Upon sharing a look the two split apart to speak with one another. Twilight moved to speak to Fluttershy while Rainbow moved to speak with Gilda again.

“So, Fluttershy. I know you and Gilda didn’t interact on the best of terms in the past, but I’m sure you know that she has been making effort to change herself for the better.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“And that even if she isn’t the most sociable ally in Equestria, she is trying hard to make amends with those she has hurt in the past, right?”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“So that said, given that Makuu was able to do the same, I think maybe you can do the same for Gilda, don’t you think so, too?”

“I guess I could try to talk it out with her a little more.”

“Feel free to do so whenever you are ready, okay?”

“Okay.”

“And Gilda, I know that Fluttershy isn’t exactly a pony who is quick to pick up on certain cues but I’m sure you know that she doesn’t have any bones to pick with you.” Suddenly a literal bone flew right past them. “Whoa! Or actual beef! Whoa!” She dodged a literal ham bone. “Or even a literal axe to grind against you.” She found herself narrowly dodging an actual axe. “Okay! Who keeps doing that?!” Said culprit happens to be the same grumpy griffon still mad at her for accidentally entering her house without permission. “You again?!”

“Yes! Got a problem with it?!”

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!” Gilda quickly threw herself in between the two. “What are we talking about here?”

The griffon moved to point a claw at her, angrily and accusing. “This arrogant hotshot strolled into my house for a little private time. No doubt to make out or something.”

“No! As in I don’t make out with her, and even if I did, I would have done it at home. And you know dang well that we stumbled in there by accident.”

“Yeah, right?”

“No, seriously. We didn’t even see or know that you were actually still living in there!”

“All right you two, break it up!” Gilda commanded before speaking more level headed then before. “Now, Rainbow Dash. You did say you’re sorry right?”

“Right.”

Turning to the griffon. “And you do know that was an accident, right?”

“Right.”

“So don’t you think you should let bygones be bygones?”

“I guess.”

“Good. Now go on, shake and make up.” Both pony and griffon proceeded to do so though the latter still a bit reluctant on her end before taking her leave. “Phew, talk about looking at yourself in a mirror, am I right?” She then asked rhetorically.

“Yes, you are definitely right!” Rainbow however complimented the surprised griffon. “And you just told yourself what you needed to hear.”

“I did?”

“Yeah! Come on!”

Upon rushing back to regroup, they have also found that both Jasiri and Makku have also grouped up there too, having waited for them themselves for a bit.

“Makuu!”

“Jasiri!”

“What’s up!”

“What’s going on?”

"Is there something we should know about?"

The five all asked upon seeing them.

“Oh, nothing overly important other than we are ready to start the next round of exercises and drills together.”

“That is assuming you all are up for it.”

The two replied with contrasting tones and demeanor.

“Of course!”

“Absolutely!”

“We’re coming!”

“Definitely!”

"Ready when you are!"

The five all replied much to the former’s delight and the latter’s satisfaction.

“Great!”

“Then let’s go!”

“Um…” Twilight quickly spoke up as she and Rainbow quickly got close to the two. “...if you don’t mind, I would like to make a little suggestion and proposal before we get started.”

“Oh…”

“Like what…?”

The two curiously asked as the two ponies moved to whisper into their ears of what they have in mind and specifically what they can do to help them out.

“Hmm. Oh. Okay. I see where you’re heading with this.”

“And that I suppose we can do.”

The two replied after they were doing whispering.

“Great! Thanks!

“And now, is the part where everything becomes smooth sailing from here!” At that moment a bird let loose something from above which is thankfully caught by a sparkling aura of magic. “Starting now.”

Upon returning to the field where training is taking place both Jasiri and Makuu together took lead on the next round of exercises. And it was something that Gilda herself was paying full attention to courtesy of both Twilight and Rainbow wanting her to do so.

“Pay close attention, Gilda.”

“Because seeing this is very important with what you need to learn.”

Both reminded.

“Okay.” Gilda replied ready to take their word on this one before allowing the hyena and croc to both take lead on the next round of exercises and drills.

With a nod, both Jasiri and Makuu were ready to begin.

For their demonstration, they moved to oversee the griffons perform a flight maneuver followed by a simulated aerial attack scenario.

"All right, griffons. Fly high!"

"And attack!"

The griffons moved to do just that by flying up high before moving to charge at each other after splitting up into two parties followed by obeying a series of commands from both leaders from down below.

"Go for the face!"

"But not too hard!"

"Hit him and her low!"

"Not too low! Remember the gut! Not the batteries!"

"Sweep them off of their paws!"

"Knock them dead!"

"Not literally!"

Together they both commanded.

"And finish them off!"

"Quick, Decisive, and Firm!"

Both parties did just that with each other which resulted in said defeated griffons while sparing soundly with one another. And just like that, a nice balanced showing of yin and yang like sparring between two differing styles of leadership was shown for all eyes present to see.

Afterwards, everyone was left feeling very impressed by the teamwork in leadership that one could call it a training exercise nobody will ever forget.

“Wow!” Fluttershy uttered in amazement. “Those two really do know how to work together.”

“Amazingly, yeah.” Gilda admitted before noticing the Pegasus moving to turn to walk away. “Fluttershy, please stay for a minute…” She then spoke up hoping she’d stop and listen to what she has to say next. Fortunately, she did when asked. “...about that day back when we first met, griffons have not been known for being friendly, and it wasn’t until recently that I was able to start seeing things in a better light. Ever since meeting up with your friends when they first came here further helped me become a better griffon myself. In other words, what I’m trying to say Fluttershy is, I’m sorry for making you cry back then. It was wrong and there is nothing else I can say about it.”

“Well, true…” Fluttershy began to acknowledge. “...but other than that it’s okay.”

“Just okay? What do you mean by that?!” Gilda said now sounding a little frantic.

“I mean…” Fluttershy quickly calmed her down. “...it’s all good. You are forgiven.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s really okay now.”

“Oh.” She then sighed in relief. “For a second there I thought you meant otherwise.”

“Nope.” She shook her head much to the griffon’s surprise when. “We’re good!” She smiled to which had the griffon chuckle in response.

“Good one!”

“Well, well, well…” Rainbow spoke up having witnessed this along with the others with a smirk on her face. “...look’s like somebody’s finally made up.”

“We’re very proud of you both.” Twilight complimented. “That sure took a lot of courage for the two of you to make that push together.”

“It sure did.”

“No kidding.”

"And it is a very big step in regards to improving on friendship and leadership all in one day." Kion also said with compliments to share himself.

“So that said Gilda,…” Twilight then continued. “...do you think you’re ready to balance out what both Jasiri and Makuu showed you in an effort to be a better leader?”

“Yes, I do.” Gilda nodded before asking with one small glimmer of uncertainty surfacing. “But what if I do by any chance slip up?”

“Easy!” Rainbow answered while turning to his childhood friend. “Fluttershy can help you out there. One friend to another?”

Fluttershy beamed up feeling ready to step up to that too. “Yes!”

“Well, what are you waiting for? Go for it!” Twilight encouraged.

Both fliers moved to fly forward and take charge of the next portion of the drills. With Fluttershy proving kindness here and there, Gilda was able to balance out the yin and yang just like Jasiri and Makuu showed minutes earlier. And by extension what Twilight had wished for the griffon to strive for from the beginning.

"Go for the face!"

"But not too hard!"

"Hit him and her low!"

"Not too low! Remember the gut! Not the batteries!"

"Sweep them off of their paws!"

"Knock them dead!"

"Not literally!"

Together they both commanded.

"And finish them off!"

"Quick, Decisive, and Firm!"

Along with Rainbow, Jasiri, and Makuu they were all seeing a new leader becoming stronger and better right on the spot right in time for Princess Luna herself to drop by.

"Seems I've arrived just in time to seek an apology from the young griffon?" Luna asked the others.

"You could say that for sure." Twilight replied with a positive smile and nod. "You can even say she learned how to balance out her positive and negative energies inside of her."

"Sounds quite like the talk of balancing light and dark, but also so very true and very well done, Twilight Sparkle." Luna returned with a small and proud smile herself towards the younger princess and on towards the changing griffon.

“She is sure is shaping up to be a good leader isn’t she?” Kion asked the others.

“She sure is.” Jasiri happily agreed.

“It’s a start.” Makuu voiced otherwise before smiling to feel it is worthy of praise. “But all and all an excellent start. Maybe even better than when I started to improve myself.”

“Don’t you know it!” Rainbow returned with a friendly jab before narrowly dodging a snap from the irritated croc’s jaws. “Okay, okay! Pushing it! Sorry!”

“All and all it certainly feels good to see everything all playing out exactly as planned.” Twilight happily expressed.

“Yep! Once again, you read my mine!” Rainbow happily returned as they all continue watching what is beginning of a golden era for the griffons and especially Gilda herself with the major steps she has taken into becoming a better leader.

Author's Note

As you all have read, this is the replacement episode for Pony Point of View which consisted of another childish spat within the Mane Six in regards to a boat trip gone wrong (right before heading out to boot). Instead is another episode focusing on further training among the Pride Landers and Equestrians one where the most important lesson of all when dealing with the griffons is one who needs to learn to be more patient and empathic of the situation. One where in order for a certain griffon to learn and overcome her struggles requires her to make peace with someone she's hurt the most and that someone is the kindest of the bunch herself.

Of course when two parts of the road need to be put together in order for the bridge to be created, there is much needed support to help push them to come together. And who better than both Jasiri and Makuu who managed to combine each of their coaching to help balance out it like yin and yang. And needless to say it works out perfectly.

Up next the remaining members of the Guard will head on over to the Wonderbolt Academy when another friendship mission comes up one where thunder and lightning strike once more so stay tuned...

Oh before and forget, "Where Your Apple Lies.", won't be included as part of Season 6 in this story so just a heads up before any of you start wondering and questioning me why it's not popping up here. Okay. Great.