Chapters 2 - Reaching for the Flames
I went to sleep nice and peacefully. But I was not alone. I should rephrase that. I was laying in my bed, ready to go to sleep when the mattress of soft material(feathers?) jostled and another form joined me.
They were too large to be Twinkle, and far lacking in energy to be Pinkie. They also touched my side with what was clearly a talon of a finger, tracing gently. Griffon. There weren't many other options. "Gallus?" I cracked open an eye to see who I was sharing space with.
That was a griffon, but it was not Gallus. She smiled at me gently. "He said we should not reach for this fire, but its warmth calls to me, good sir." She rubbed gently at my chest, gazing into my eyes. "May I sleep here tonight?"
I tensed, startled by the bold griffon volunteer's sudden proximity whispering brazen desires my way in our unexpectedly intimate arrangements. But her fiercely intense gaze brooked no rejection as talons teased smoldering embers within despite risking social and spiritual conflagrations alike...
I carefully rolled over meeting her eyes directly as tension jangled nerves barely braced against this brash beauty's smoldering stare. "Er, tempting for sure, but seriously, questionable impulse control seems a bad move before crucial tests and all, y'know?" She frowned as my awkward hoof pushed hers firmly yet politely away.
"You seem nice and eager, but I don't even know you. I prefer to know who I'm with, you know?" I shrugged self-consciously clearly out of my depth here. "Think hard if you might regret things later, that's all."
She studied me curiously talons lingering meaningfully along my tense shoulders. "You sound cowed by punishments should supposed superiors notice you're being a little 'naughty'." Her beak smirked subtly as quills stroked tender flesh. "Scared by their scared scriptures?"
I gulped nervously - she read me rightly in some ways and it stung. When had obedience become preferred over understanding? "There's principle and then there's just preserving leverage..." I managed softly stilling wandering limbs insistently testing boundaries.
It didn't help that some parts of me didn't agree with my brain. I could feel the heat within me growing ever warmer, and it seemed to be pleasing my guest as she snuggled in closer to it. That I gently pressed against her in the 'wrong' place also didn't help.
She would be my first, if I allowed it. But to allow it meant my first would be with someone I didn't know, at all. The thought of that was a cooling splash, but the fire was quite hot indeed. "Who even are you?" As if knowing her name would somehow fix the entire problem.
She smiled subtly, dangerous and alive with her own self-authorship that dared chains chaining her potential however alluring the gilded cage. "I am me - is that not enough now?"
Beak tenderly traced quickening pulses as boundaries blurred between judgment and desire. But words rang true - beyond roles imposed, simply being fully sufficed didn't it?
I shivered, of lust yet also exhilaration witnessing fierce flowering refusing imposed sterile order. "Y-yes" I managed huskily, "But names can be shields too - why unshared still...?"
[clop]
Gold gleamed knowingly as she claimed her place. With my weak resistance, half-baked at best, she casually wrapped her legs around me and sank against me. It was done. She was the first. I was nestled in her warmth, and the sensations of it were just perfect.
In that moment, it was better than I had ever dared imagine. It didn't matter who she was, just that she was willing, sapient, and fully grown. Did I hold power over her? Not that I could figure out.
I laughed at myself for running through the consent checklist, but I could find no problems immediately. I had run out of objections. It was time to burn. I kissed her on either side of her beak. "I still want your name. I want to know who is my first. I want it to matter. I want you to matter. Please."
She pecked me, more of an avian gesture of greeting. "Giselle, curious fire pony." She ground against me with increasing fervor. "Now let me feel that fire. Set me ablaze with your passion."
"Hello." It felt dumb to say, but I had said it. I stopped trying to say things and focused on the act. She wanted what my body had, and, in that fiery pit, I wanted what she was offering in return. I reached around her, cloven hooves pressing at her back as we rocked with mutual notes playing the most ancient song of meeting life.
I confirmed that kirin did not combust in the act of lovemaking, or at least, I didn't. No, I just drew an excited yelp from her as I hit that wall and discovered what it was like, to do that. My stiffened rod pulsed with every jet, firing deep into her as I pushed through it. Stubborn willpower let me keep moving, wanting to hold her and please her forever, at least in that moment.
[/clop]
But the lethargy that came as a man came for me, gently lulling me. I didn't want to sleep, not then. I wanted to be close, to hold and somehow become one with her, but such a union was not happening. "I'm... happy to have met you, Giselle. Are you going to vanish?"
"Like the flicker of flames." She tapped me gently on the nose. "But you are a sweet thing. Even after you are done, you keep calling me. Most males wouldn't care so far." She pecked me, which was growing into an even interesting feeling. "When you find your partner, they will be happy, I feel."
"But it won't be you?"
She chuckled low, a sound felt more than heard that somehow soothed lingering loneliness. "Even if our roads now diverge, know you will travel with me as inspiration towards truth beyond convention's golden compromise."
I clasped her talons tightly in my magic as she slipped from the bed and moved towards the exit with a teasing sway of her tail.
Finally, sleep claimed me, and I awoke a changed kirin. There was no special first time to offer the world anymore. But what was done, was done. I wouldn't bemoan the past. I would think fondly of Giselle.
I figured my odds of meeting her again were slender, the way griffons seemed to operate, but the meeting had been pleasant. "Gallus?"
"Hm?" Gallus sat up, awakening. "What?"
I wondered a moment when he had returned to the room, but he was there, so I pressed, "Just checking, but can a pony and a griffon end up with, uh, foals? Kittens? Hatchlings?"
Gallus sat up swiftly, as did Twinkle and Pinkie. They were all staring at me.
"Hypothetically?"
Twinkle's brows fell. "I don't think you're being hypothetical."
Pinkie shook her head. "I leave you alone for one moment. You're fast." She giggled, rather than fire any scorn. "Did you have fun?"
I colored at that. "I didn't expect you to ask that."
Gallus rolled a hand. "When did that happen?! I swear. Anyway, since you asked." He took a shuddering breath. "Hippogriffs are a thing, so it is possible. Does that make you happy, or scare you?"
I tensed as three curious faces crowded closer inquiring coyly just what misadventures my slumbering self managed the prior evening. Pinkie simply giggled playfully as ever while Gallus eyed me shrewdly clearly judging potential impacts from my unplanned romantic interlude.
Twinkle hovered anxiously clearly torn between adult insights comprehending risks and her diminutive doppelganger instincts fixating on exciting escapades without grasping consequences fully. "Oooo, so the pretty griffon lady spent the night? Did you have fuuu---I mean, pleasant time?" She hastily amended catching herself mid-breath.
I flushed scarlet scuffing a self-conscious hoof through rumpled bedding as recollections from passion's hazy aftermath surfaced under their scrutiny. "I uh, yeah quite educational I assure you!" I waved hooves placatingly. "And zero winged foals will result no worries heheh..."
Gallus rolled his eyes knowingly. "Riiight...'educational romps' eh? Just take precautions if more 'lessons' get scheduled." He shouldered past winking brashly. "C'mon loverboy, sunrise waits on no Phoenix protégé's lazy rump!"
Pinkie shot me a thumbs up, despite having hooves, giggling madly clearly enthralled living vicariously through my audacity however unplanned! Face aflame I hurried their laughing wake bracing for fresh revelations whatever this day held after last night's adventures.
Twinkle landed on my back, riding me as I went out. "Unfair."
"What is?" I turned an ear back to her as we emerged into the main room of the temple.
"I wanted to be that first. I wanted it to be my first." She inclined her head on my back. "Impossible, clearly. Unfair."
I colored faintly, thinking about Twinkle. "Let's focus on Gallus' situation. We have a hen doing some kind of sacred test to be worthy to learn how to be a phoenix. I don't like the idea of her being hurt."
"Me neither." Her thoughts shifted swiftly to that brave griffon hen, standing stiffly in the center of the room. "I hope she does well." She paused. "I don't suppose that is the griffon that visited you?"
I hesitated responding to Twinkle's murmured curiosity over exactly which lovely griffiness graced my intimate company the prior eve. I looked over the griffons, trying in that moment to pick Giselle out. Griffons were not ponies. Giselle had been a classic eagle/lion combination, but she had a stripe of red just over one of her eyes. The kind the hen had. I swore silently.
I simply smiled mysteriously Twinkle's inquiring way. "Kissing and telling is rude." Delicately I redirected focus towards the tense volunteer awaiting dramatically unrevealed tests.
"But this determined damsel waits words impacting her entire tribe." I nodded respectfully Giselle's way sensing heavy destinies pivoting on her proud shoulders and watching eyes above. "I don't know what these tests are, but let's cheer her on at least."
And as imposing priestly figures billowed ominously from shadowy recesses I added sotto voce towards Twinkle "Keep an eye on that one. Religious folks have their own motives.
I watched as other griffons stepped forward to anoint Giselle with paints they applied with holy reverence. The priest nodded. "Know this, you will be remembered. If you fail, and burn in the fire, you will be known as being brave enough to make the move. You are already beyond many, for standing here."
He smiled perhaps cruelly. "But this is not the winning step. You must succeed at each test, one to the last, to be allowed an audience with the phoenix, and be permitted to be ignited." He snapped his fingers. "Do you understand, and do you consent? This is your last chance to bow your head and back away. Do so in peace, and we will only mock you in quiet. Better than death, some would say. Worse than it, others would say. Which path do you take?"
Twinkle bristled atop me. "That one is most foul in tempérament."
Pinkie nodded. "I'm with you there, being a real bummer. Go Giselle!" She waved a hoof excitedly at the hen.
But I had not shared her name? Pinkie remained Pinkie, known to do things that didn't make much sense.
Giselle marched ahead towards heavy doors that opened before her. "I will take the test, to rise from the flames, or die in them."
With the same firm devotion, she was lost to sight as the doors closed with the grinding slap of stone against stone. The priest turned to the rest of us. "Now we wait. She emerges, or she does not. There is little more to be done until then."
He extended a talon towards Gallus. "Be ready. If she does emerge, she will be eager to share in the phoenixes' fire, and will be worthy of it."
Gallus laughed tensely. "Yeah, I got it, sure." He didn't sound as confident as his words implied.
Author's Note
Say hi to Giselle. Was she just looking for a fun little meeting? Time to be tested.
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Gallus went to his house with us trailing behind, along with one of those guards. "Grampa! You in there?"
"Who in blazes is shouting out there?" The door slammed open on the humble house, revealing an aged griffon that scowled at us all. "Bloody... What are you all doing out here?" He pointed a cane at Gallus. "And didn't I already send you away?!"
I decided swiftly I didn't particularly like the guy. Sliding in next to Pinkie, I leaned in for whispers, "So, did he know we were coming?"
"I sent a letter." Pinkie shrugged at that. "Heya Gruff!"
"Hay is for horses, pony." His gaze was locked on Gallus. "What's going on?"
Gallus waved to the remaining guard. "I'm a phoenix, and that's why he's here."
Grampa Gruff's eyes contracted a moment. "You're getting bolder with your lies. The phoenixes were gone before even I got here." He waved his cane threateningly. "Don't you come here throwing wild tales at me!"
"Sir." The guard nodded at the elder. "We have seen it with our own eyes. He is a phoenix. There is no doubt in this. What it means, we could not say, but it is beyond doubt."
Gruff grumbled clearly unimpressed by earnest testimonials however official backing them. "Pah! That scrawny descendant ain't no mythical monster."
Cane smacked the splintering doorframe punctuating, gaze never leaving stubborn Gallus unmoved by all the dramatics. "Probably some unicorn prankster's illusion-weaving a-ways off hoodwinking gullible guards again."
Before we could object he hobbled right up getting beak to beak poking rudely. "Where's yer feathers then?" Gruff demanded squinting fiercely. "All preened and shiny and trash like every phony tale says?"
Indignant Gallus indeed lacked the fabulous finery his fancy form demanded. But Pinkie gasped pointing suddenly behind me. "Oooh but maybe those loose moltings lying around already could convince this grumpy geezer?"
All stared curiously following her theatrical hoof towards wisps wending haphazardly upwards where none wafted prior. And as our eyes lifted, flickering feathers trailed seemingly sourceless meandering gently glowing until stumbling sight discovered the incandescent creature they crowned.
There hovering silent witness stood transfigured Gallus, lambent wings framing fierce eyes gazing revelations daring doubters defy truths burning bright as they choose. None moved nor spoke beholding brilliant plumage gracing our companion's changed shape shown clearly last under fading sunsets.
Until Gruff growled something vaguely resembling "Huh. So the bumblin' braggart brat brought some spark back after all..."
I smiled at the sight. "You're getting better at that."
Gallus landed, fire going out with a tired huff. "That... is not easy, but you can't ignore your own eyes. I did it."
"The phoenix is reborn," cried the guard, as if blessed to have seen such a thing, twice in one day.
"And I'm not naked this time." His feathers hadn't burned away entirely that time, leaving him with most of his plumage. "Either way, there! Beleive me now, or what?"
Twinkle hopped off of me and darted forward to Gallus' side. "I imagine he wants to show some of you how to do that too."
"Yeah! I do. This is, uh..." He rolled his hands over one another. "It's too big for me to hold to myself... I don't owe griffon-kind a dang thing... But this doesn't feel like something I should keep to myself."
I grinned at Twinkle rallying Gallus' shaken confidence. For all his bluster, sharing that gift came before keeping it. Good.
Gruff stiffened, clearly sensing seismic shifts rattling ancient assumptions and stubborn pride. Thoughts of bowing before untested insights scraped against stubborn elder notions of "proper place" however literally glowing evidence crackled nearby.
Yet wisdom blossomed slowly as old vines unwound rigid certainties forged under different lights. I subtly directed attention to fresh perspectives literally smoldering impatiently. "Perhaps actually sharing perceptions around these phenomena would be good?"
Gallus blinked my way then nodded firmer confidence summoned by that subtle call to bring discussions beyond unproductive quibbles into unfamiliar terrain.
Gruff grumbled, protesting still, but Pinkie nudged him playfully. "C'mon, even grumps gotta grow a bit! Stay grumpy but listen yeah?" Bit by bit, barriers lowered as eyes turned up towards dawning futures.
"On your head!" He jabbed Gallus sharply with his cane. "You'll need a place, I bet, ugh, and all your friends... Whatever, you know where the bedroom is. Don't make a mess!" He stormed inside, angry as ever.
But his words had no denial. Gallus was welcome there. He smiled with a nervous laugh. "That coulda gone worse."
"Sir." The guard dipped his head. "You are a holy relic. You do not need to sleep here. You and your sacred gifts are due better housing."
Gallus puffed up at that. "I like the sound of that, uh.... But I want to talk to people, you know, other griffons. Ones I know? Not special ones."
"Sir... That isn't my choice, or entirely yours. The council will make those decisions." He bowed low. "I am here to see that you get a chance to speak to your relations, which you have. We should proceed to the temple now." His words were stiff, speaking to something he both had to control but was subservient to. "Please."
Pinkie raised a hoof quickly. "Just making sure, but we are with him. I have to, being his teacher and all."
The guard waved that away. "Not an issue. You can come with, but we are due at the temple at your earliest convenience, Phoenix."
I looked to the bright side. "If we're at that temple, will there be a lot of griffons that Gallus can teach?"
The guard perked. "Hm? Oh, yes, certainly. The priests will want to hear every word he has to share. His techniques may yet revive the nation entire! That is why we must go."
My brows lifted impressed by the ideas and the revival they were suggesting.
Pinkie bounced eagerly conjuring costumes somehow suiting the occasion's lofty air. "Ooo, does this fancy temple place need like, super respectful robes and stuff? Do phoenixes wear sparkly medallions when teaching?" Without waiting for replies fabric flowed becoming splendid vestments trailing her gamboling frame.
I chuckled softly. "I doubt the temple's looking for that. Gallus, what do you think?"
Gallus frowned, though that was often his default. "Well... You're with me, which I appreciate. Let's... Go teach some griffons." With a cheer, we all headed off with the guard taking point for a change.
I gathered Twinkle along the way, a thing she didn't complain about as I moved her from my hooves to my magic and then my back. "If we mess up, just tell us. I'm sure we will."
The guard paused, looking surprised. "Few are willing to admit they're idiots." He clacked his beaks. "But it is appreciated. You will be treated as a child and scolded when you step where you shouldn't."
I was a little insulted, but mostly, relieved. Better to be handled like a child and be given a chance to course-correct. "Thank you. Now, where's the temple?"
"There." The guard pointed ahead at a grand structure of marble, gold and silver. "It shines with the promises of yesterdary, and perhaps, tomorrow."
I eyed the temple's gleaming grandeur warily. Momentary renewals meant little against inevitable decline when built on arrogance alone. But humility borne of experience built more enduring monuments internally where insights transformed pain into compassion.
Thus, I resolved to simply witness events unfold with restraint rather than chase praise and power as impatient youth might. Not my place to blaze trails uninvited.
Pinkie and Twinkle whispered excitedly already weaving fanciful notions around Gallus' mythic role.
I held back, bemused, as fanfare greeted Gallus at the gates. Celebrations expected champions already conquering rather than fledglings merely flexing wings before harsher breezes ahead. Still, we were welcomed like returning champions, with cheering and food in abundance.
A griffon, a guy, swatted me on the shoulder. "And a kirin. Fire and fire. Coincidence? I doubt it. It's very rare we see one of your kind around here. Most don't... like griffons much."
I didn't like being swatted like that, but didn't say anything. "I helped Gallus get here, to a phoenix." A few gasps echoed around us.
A small griffon clapped, a child. "Show us! Please, show us! Bring the fire!"
Gallus colored faintly, standing tall. "How do I say no to a little chick?" He ruffled the child gently as the adults cheered around him. "David's not lying. He helped me grab the fire and--" He exploded in fresh flames, easier than the last time, and that easier than the one before it. Each time, a step easier. "Phoenix."
"Phoenix," cried the room, adult and child alike, all equally amazed and cheering.
I wanted to burn with him, just for the show of it, but becoming a nirik required some hot emotions. I wasn't angry. I was just a kirin. Not that that was a bad thing to be.
Gallus snuffed his flames with a sigh. "But!" He held up a lone finger. "What I want is to share. Who's ready to grab the fire with me."
"None." A griffon adorned in thick robes emerged from the back, eyes barely visible. "Unless I permit them. There are tests to be done before we get to that. Only those ready for the flame will even think of reaching for it."
Gallus hiked a doubting brow. "Let me guess, that includes you?"
"No." The priest twisted his beak like he smelled something bad. "I am forbidden from ever touching the flame. I am its steward. Never will I dance with it. Phoenix, you carry the fire for us, but only those truly worthy of its touch will you pass it on to. To do so wrecklessly? No... That will lead us only to destruction, hatchling."
I bristled as the priest patronized Gallus, reducing him back to unworthy "hatchling" despite talents manifesting before all.
I stepped forward as the elder droned doubts demanding obedience from youth yearning for more. "Good things often wear unexpected forms you didn't expect" My tone carried subtle notes of defiance towards stubborn stances chaining status quo by mere custom not ethics.
Instead I simply smiled knowingly, challenge meeting superiority smugly certain of sole legitimacy in interpretive matters. Gallus straightened sensing shields raised allowing space to stand his trembling but growing ground. Evolution builds momentum in time...
Despite all that, the room was becoming quiet. The griffons were leaving, rather than facing that elder priest.
Save one. A griffon woman stepped forward. "Test me. I am ready to reach for the fire." She punched one palm with the other hand with a scowl. "I will pass your test!"
The elder chuckled darkly. "Confident... Good. The fire has no place for the meek. Guards, see she is given food and shelter for the night. The tests begin tomorrow morning."
The room filled with stunned whispers. The elder looked to me. "You. Kirin. Your kind are rare here. I was told you aided the phoenix, and for that, we are in your debt. I would not have imagined a kirin would be the key to their return... You and yours may stay. Do not interfere with our ways, but you may stay." He cawed sharply. "We must respect the fire... Even if yours is not one we will reach for."
I snorted at that, thinking back on how, technically, Gallus had found the fire with me. He had reached for mine, and found his own. "Thanks."
"Thanks!" echoed Pinkie. "This is a neat place." She looked around with naked wonder. "Really digging the vibes you're putting down. Now, I'm more of an earth pony than a fire one, but I can still dig the vibes! We should do a little fire shindig."
The elder chuckled softly at Pinkie. "Foalish one... Perhaps you will get your chance, if that hen passes all the tests and embraces the flame. That will be a moment worthy of celebration."
Author's Note
Welcome to a new tale, here, in the griffon lands. There is no friendship school to help you!
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"I didn't think you'd be the one." An older griffon snorted, standing near me and leaning against the wall with his back. "A kirin. Thought they promised not to."
I lifted an ornate ear at him. "Promised not to what?" Chill ran through me, wondering if I'd tripped over a new rock nobody has bothered to tell me about.
The griffon shrugged. "When the last of our fire went out, we tried everything. We tried stealing. We tried fighting for it. When those failed--" He raised a taloned hand, gripped tightly. "We--" The hand and its arm fell limply. "We begged. The dragons laughed. The kirin, oh, that was a little more special."
I turned to the griffon. "What did they do?" I pinned my ears back. "I only became one recently. I don't know the history."
"I guessed not, or you wouldn't be here." He reached to prod me on the nose, an irritating gesture. "They scolded us, called us out on losing our flame. If we managed that, we didn't deserve the fire. All that wind, they claimed, blew the fire right out. All we had to do was ditch the wind and they'd gladly help."
"And you declined."
"Not me." The griffon perked a brow at me. "I wasn't there, but I heard about it. Of course we told them to piss right the hell off! Give up our wind? Not happening. So we kept the wind, and the fire was unlit, until Gallus came wandering in here like it wasn't even a big deal. Chicks these days."
I listened thoughtfully as the elder griffon shared fragments of forgotten negotiations longing for rekindled talents lost through bitter twists of history. So others sought aid when wings of creative passion first faltered only to meet callous rejection from comfortable neighbors.
"Guess every new generation must rediscover some truths for themselves..." I murmured half to myself. How many cyclical struggles rose and fell blotted from records glorifying narrow versions of the past?
The old bird nodded wordlessly staring across the tense tableau where an isolated rebel now struggled reviving dormant gifts through hellish trials by hidebound hierarchies unwilling to shift even if meant rebirth.
"Chicks like those two don't bother with dead past's chains - just start flyin' like the whole empty sky belongs to 'em no matter who says what's proper." Admiration glinted austere features eyeing Gallus and Giselle's direction defying different limits.
I smiled softly realizing the two headstrong youths somehow inspired this hardened veteran towards wistful hopes on their unfettered behalf. "Think they'll actually pull it off embracing mythical mantles bucking the status quo?"
He eyed me sidelong wryly. "Beats fading away caged by aging arrogance - rather soar and crash than never stretch wings far as they can go!"
With a grunt he levered stiff limbs upright. "C'mon - let these faded fossils poke all they want. Destiny don't wait on nobodies' permission now does it?"
"Yeah." I could imagine that conflict, but a question jostled around. "What actually made the phoenixes stop being phoenixes?"
"Time?" The griffon shrugged at that. "They didn't just die out. They just died . One by one, no great conspiracy. The odder part was that we didn't get new ones to replace them." He pointed at Gallus. "Maybe it was just a bit of time we needed. Pity the damned priests insist he doesn't rush to share." He lowered in a squat, closer to my level. "Still, mighty nice of him to offer. Good chick, annoying as they are."
I inclined my head towards Gallus. "Thanks, I appreciate it. I want to talk to Gallus about this." The elder didn't stop me, so I trotted to Gallus' side. I noticed he was wearing a rather ornate vest, golden and red in fiery hints. "The priests give you that?"
Gallus tugged at it a bit. "Yeah, not bad? Pity it comes with being caged. But! But." He danced up a finger. "I learned there is an out of this. Once I pass my gifts on to three others, I'm a free griffon. Just three. That isn't even a big deal. Now I really am cheering for Giselle. 1/3rd of the way right there."
I raised a brow at that. "There's. Oh. Let me guess; each phoenix has to make three phoenixes, if they want to walk out."
Gallus flicked one of my ears. "Exactly. They're pretty sure if each phoenix makes three more, they can't run out again." He shrugged emphatically. "Simple math, right? Still, way better than keeping me here forever."
I nodded thoughtfully as Gallus outlined the temple's devised contingencies ensuring phoenix perpetuation through enforced multiplication. Simple math indeed, though rarer magics often balanced unpredictably on weights we couldn't hope to know.
"Well at least they allow eventual opt-outs after paying regenerational tithes..." I murmured. Gallus ruffled feathers fidgeting under ceremonial vestments itching constraints however temporarily tolerated.
"So who're candidates two and three if Giselle passes?" I gestured around the sullen hall. "Other rebels waiting in her blazing wake already?"
Gallus followed my gaze thoughtfully through rows of robed priests peering like vultures over obliging proteges yet oblivious towards deeper yearnings. "Not sure who else bucks their crusty mindsets honestly."
He brightened suddenly with scheming inspiration! "Say, what about getting Smolder over here trying out some radical hybrid magic herself?" His grin sharpened impishly. "Bet dragon fire explodes their obstinate obedience right quick!"
I laughed heartily imagining the mutual meltdowns witnessing typically domineering dragons bow before a humble hatchling's arcane abilities! "Now that's some chaos I'd revel rousing!"
We fist-bumped unity already delighting in shocked outrage awakening fresh perspectives. "One thing. Smolder isn't here, and I don't think a fire-air dragon will change their mind too much. They wouldn't be a phoenix."
Gallus huffed at that. "True, true. We just need adventurous griffons that don't care about prec--" He cut himself off. "Oh, right. Duh." He slapped his own forehead. "Gabby. She only follows her own compass and nocreature else's. If anygriffon was going to do this just because she feels like it, it'd be Gabby. No idea if she'd pass or not, but she'd try if she got it in her head."
I imagined the sweet griffon hen that knew only kindness and determination. "Maybe we should wait until Giselle comes out and maybe we get a clue how rough it is in there? I'd feel bad sending Gabby off to certain doom."
"Knowing her, she'd figure it out." Gallus shrugged with a chuckle. "Worth a shot. You can walk out of here. See if you can't find her and tell her about it while we wait. Tell her all about it if you're feeling guilty. If she walks in with all the facts, then we didn't do nothing wrong."
I shuffled hooves thoughtfully weighing Gallus' canny suggestion recruiting irrepressibly sweet Gabby next as fiery protege. "True, letting her choose eyes open does tilt options her way..."
It still rankled risking such a kind soul towards arbitrary judgment under suspicious priests with unclear motives. But respecting autonomy meant acknowledging individual courage chasing symbolic status however perilous too.
"Okay, I'm off finding our chipper candidate before tension boils over!" I waved towards the sealed inner sanctum. "Don't let them pull anything till I'm back, okay?"
Gallus mock saluted with a smirk. "What trouble could priests make, really? Go on, I'll keep watch." But something sly still lurked there making my tail twitch anxiously glancing frequently back.
Sighing I brushed aside shapeless unease fixating on the task ahead. Likely just impatience for action after suppressing rebellion's restless flare so long himself. Finding a single upbeat griffon somewhere in this dreary settlement seemed enough distraction for now!
I trotted purposefully into broken streets realizing my limited knowledge of local hangouts or haunts. But vibrant spirits shine unmistakable somehow if you lift eyes, or so I hoped. I went right up to a stand offering something steaming and kind of tasty smelling. "Excuse me."
The griffon there scowled. "Kirin, huh. What do you want? Want one?" He gestured to the puffy things he was selling.
"Tempting! Looking for a specific griffon. Gabby? Cheerful, to a fault almost?" I cycled hooves as I described her as best I could. "Traditional build by and large."
"Gabby?" His face was one of disgust. "Everygriffon knows her, what a nutball. Why would you want her?"
"Kirin things." It was the first thing that came to mind, and I didn't allow any hesitation to creep in there. "Have you seen her?"
"Kirin things." He rolled his eyes. "I heard you helped bring a phoenix back, or I'd tell you to find a nice tall pole to climb." He jabbed a talon past me. "She's in there most days, drinking, chatting, or doing something stupid . It's her way. Try to not let it be your way. Damned kirin, hanging out with Gabby of all griffons."
Biting back equally thoughtless retorts I simply nodded brisk thanks towards the surly directions. She waited within while countless other vibrant voices surely cried unheard behind dour doors decreeing normalized paths.
My stalled steps stirred street's dusty depths before resuming resolutely. I headed inside where the dim interior swallowed me as heavy weighted wood swept shut behind me. Murky shapes loomed oddly angular amidst hunched profiles peering around grimy glasses clinking cheap escape from light's exposure.
There indeed perched Gabby, radiant even dust dimmed by dreary doubt and bitter brews. Sensing my entrance, brightness turned up winningly my shy wave met with fierce friendly tackle! "David! Once pony from another world, now a kirin! Oh this makes today the best now!"
Gabby smiled eagerly my stunned way. "C'mon, pull up a seat and tell me everything new under skies lately!"
My guilt swelled as I stepped up and sat on the chair across from her. "Gabby, a pleasure to meet you. You already know me, from the sound of it?"
"How could I not know you." Gabby laughed at the joke I hadn't mean to tell. "I deliver mail, to the ponies often. You're kind of a talk. They told me about you." She reached across to ruffle me between the ears, stroking them curiously. "I never met a kirin before. Ooo, you're built all funny, but in the best of ways! I love it. What brings you?"
I smiled, her cheerfulness infecting me. "It's a pleasure to meet you, seriously. Did you hear about the phoenix?"
"They won't stop talking about it." Gabby crossed her arms with a huff. "Like all of Griffonstone is going to catch fire all of a sudden. I don't get it."
"Most griffons know air magic, if they know any magic, right?" I rolled a hoof at her. "You know air magic?"
"Really handy for delivering mail." She beams with such pride. "Only kind I know."
"But imagine if you knew fire too. You could fly in the dark, to start." I shrugged, trying to think of other peaceful uses. "You could cook your own food so easily even in the middle of nowhere. In the middle of the snow even."
I went on weaving tantalizing possibilities awaiting additional magical mastery. "So that guard said their whole civilization peaked when phoenixes flourished - like those fiery legends somehow uplifted all species together through inspiration not intimidation or demands..."
Gabby oohed wide-eyed clearly enchanted envisioning such golden ages. "Helping hearts ignite towards highest potentials sounds wonderful! How'd you make a phoenix all of a sudden?"
I scuffed a self-conscious hoof. "That's the trick - Only griffons who pass a few tests at the temple are allowed to learn that, and become phoenixes themselves. They could be dangerous, but I have high hopes for such an optimistic griffon like you. Want to give it a try?"
Gabby tapped at her chin. "Wow! That's a big thing you're offering." She swiveled in her chair to look at a dangling calender. "Mmmm, nope!"
"No?"
"Nope! Nothing on the calender for a little while, so sure, why not? I'll give it my best! Hopefully, you'll see me soar out of there on wings of fire." She hopped to her feet, flapping her arms with imagined flames. "This'll be fun!"
I wasn't sure if 'fun' was the operative word, but I had found another volunteer to try at least.
Author's Note
Gabby! Best griffon, or worst?
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I meandered the streets of Griffonstone. A theme song played in my head. In that moment, I missed having a set of headphones. They were so good at driving away any song, replacing it with the one they were playing, instantly. But, I had none, so whatever song was in my head had a chance to come out with soft whistling about an elven warrior in a fantasy land.
But I was already a pony in a fantasy land? I switched my music towards the MLP theme song, distracted successfully.
Something heavy and sharp pressed against the back of my head. I started to turn reflexively, but a firm hand kept me forward. "You don't need to do that," barked an angry male voice. "You need to stop doing everything you're doing. You go right back to that temple and you don't come out until your 'friend's done claiming they can light that match."
I hated being told what not to do. "Why do you care?" I asked evenly, channeling my inner Maud. That wasn't that hard. We were two chips off the same stone in some ways.
"A lot of reasons." He pressed a bit harder, but I had scales back there, and he wasn't pressing nearly hard enough. "Shut up. All we need."
We? "You're already late." I flicked my tail, catching him in a light brush.
He didn't like that, and, in the end, neither did I. He slashed down across my poor tail, pain exploding upwards from that point as stone rushed across my body alongside my surprised yelp.
I could feel the stinging pain of the cut tail, but it was safely encased with the rest of me in my shell, and by the time I dared to peek free of it, that griffon was gone, and I was largely along on that street. I saw one griffon sitting there. "Did you see who attacked me?"
"Huh? What?" The griffon peered at me oddly. "Ain't seen nothin'!"
I waved a hoof dismissively. "Nevermind." I turned and broke into a firm jog towards the temple, grumbling faintly to myself along the way.
I winced testing a sore limb gingerly where the angry griffon's vicious swipe landed. I had become stone quickly enough to keep it from more than a lightly bleeding cut at least.
Sighing, I resumed brisk trot towards the temple, one ear swiveling ceaselessly for sounds of stealthy pursuit. But empty streets echoed only distant voices muted by cynicism. Unease stirred feathers ruffled by casual callousness festering in fearful hearts. Something or someone clearly resented what I was doing to help bring back old, better, worse, different times.
An unpleasant notion surfaced - what if jealous figures harbored desire keeping such potent magic suppressed rather than risk cultural shakeups threatening stratified comforts? Dominion seldom collapsed overnight after all...reactions began subtly.
I paused, glancing skyward where feathered deputies maintained stern watch over their charges however quirky or alien beneath serene facades.
Shaking myself roughly, I resumed firm stride - speculation brought little, immediate safety mattered most. I hurried into the temple past the guards there and settled next to Gallus.
Gallus perked near immediately. "What? Dude." He looked over me. "I don't expect my friends to wander off and come back smelling of that. What happened to you? You okay?" I tried to paw him away, but he found the tail fairly quickly. "Ow. That looks like it hurt. Should we call somegriffon?"
I swayed the tail away from him. "It stings, but I'll live. Did Giselle come out?"
Gallus waved at the still closed door. "The priest says she's passed the tests so far."
I perked at that. "That's good news."
"Yeah." Gallus crossed his arms with a huff. "So, what did Gabby say? Something dumb, I imagine."
"Yeah," I echoed back with a little smile. "But also yes. She's going to come and try. She seemed cheerful enough to even stand a chance. I'm really hoping she doesn't get hurt. She's way too nice for me to have gotten hurt, even if it was her choice."
Gallus smirked knowingly at my account of Gabby's unhesitating enthusiasm diving into danger unconsidered. "Yep, sounds about right! Jumped without blinking as expected from that fearless featherhead."
He nudged me playfully clearly unbothered by potential squishy outcomes endangering gentle souls on his behalf. I scowled back tail lashing irritably. "Well, I still say this whole arbitrary trial thing runs pretty heartlessly if you ask me!"
Before Gallus formulated glib rebuttals doors creaked ponderously admitting one small shape before grinding closed ominously once more. There stood Giselle swaying clearly exhausted by spiritual stresses but still she stood!
Priests peered from on high almost resentful their reluctant convert survived spiteful tests designed to demonstrate the predestined's special favor under trying tribulations. But living proof persisted and postures subtly shifted towards next-phase considerations given destiny's unexpected boons manifest despite best laid plans...
Gallus swept wings wide relief unrestrained as Giselle trudged wearily into welcoming embrace. "You actually pulled it off, you stubborn buzzard!" He swung her laughing dizzy but delight unmistakable having overcome hostile odds emerge unfettered and eager for more!
The head priest advanced with a grand smile. "Well done. Well. Done. Little chick, you have survived many tests, and for that, a celebration. But you have not finished this ordeal."
Giselle glared at him with a fury powerful even for a griffon. "I'm standing here. What other trials can there be?! You'll get out of the way and let me phoenix it up."
"Exactly as I plan." The priest backed a step. "But that is the final challenge. You have precisely one week. You will learn to embrace the flame, or the flames will embrace you. Live by the flame, or die by the same. Either way, my job will be complete." He leaned in towards Giselle. "If it helps, I wish you success. To a new age for us all."
Gallus swallowed at the terms set. "Wow, sink or swim time. Look, I'll show you how to do it."
"Speak no further." The priest pointed deeper into the temple. "Take her where no other ears can hear, and whisper gentle the secrets of the flame. Do not emerge until she learns, or the week has passed."
I scrambled to my hooves. "Can I go? I helped Gallus. I'd gladly help her too."
The priest held up a hand. "If a griffon cannot pass this torch to another griffon, then we are already doomed before we begin. No, you will not accompany them." But he smiled in a genuinely kind way, odd on a griffon. "But that you are willing is noted. Kind kirin, sit yourself and let us treat you as the honored guest you are."
I bristled as the officious priest pronounced imperious decrees designed clearly more for perpetuating hierarchy's exalted status rather than nurturing vulnerable disciples. But feathered followers ushered Giselle and Gallus obediently within shadowed depths where mysterious ignitions or immolations awaited uncaring for protests.
Grudgingly I stilled tongue against tirades knowing myself still ignorant wielding elder magics shaped through mists of lost legends. Yet strictures seemingly served systems more than students sincerely seeking still...
An unexpected talon brushed my injured tail gently - the nameless griffon veteran from before gazed solemnly my restless way as fresh fanfare erupted distractedly around us. "Not all roads remain smooth however pure the cause when old slumbering sins get stirred." He kept ministering quietly where injury irked. "Their ilk grasp tight dwindling dominance fearing frail frames unable bearing stark truths..."
I studied my impromptu physician thoughtfully as he worked. Beyond embitterment some guttering grace glimmered occasionally. "So we'll show them with actions?" I ventured softly sensing wisdom wrapped wounded behind callous shields.
A ghostly smile traced fierce features at philosophical inquiries where rage normally reignited. "Walk any true path unflinching and some light endures..." With that cryptic sigh he simply resumed raptor regard towards scenes unseen awaiting ahead.
"What happened to you?" I turned my head to see Twinkle sitting next to me where Gallus had been. "I let you outside for a moment." She reached a hoof for my tail. "Are you alright?"
"No." I kept the tail still. "But he's already taking care of it, and it isn't cut off or anything, just a nick." I hissed softly at the painful reminder. "Where were you?"
"Waiting for you." Twinkle tapped at her chin. "And I feel I got something wrong. Twilight read to me, some of your stories. I thought I was acting the way you wanted me to. Am I not taking on the role of a rescued female, ready to give sexual coin in return for good treatement?"
I blinked at that. "I'd be more insulted if I knew I hadn't written a few things like that. But I'm not that person anymore." I rubbed at one arm nervously. "I'd prefer to be a friend first, then a friend that likes to cuddle, and maybe more after that? That'd be nice."
Twinkle spread a wing to encircle me. "Well, I am a friend, and I am perfectly alright with a little cuddle." She nestled against me. "I am realizing more and more that I know so little. Perhaps I am, in some ways, as young as the moment I animated, and I don't like that." She crossed her arms with a huff. "I wish to do things as an adult, but, considering that, what foal wouldn't say the same thing?"
I smiled affectionately as Twinkle confessed insecurities fearing inexperience still overshadowed maturing identity however abruptly selfhood ignited for her. But wisdom oft emerged roundabout through reflection upon roads initially taken less mindfully.
"Hey, we're all figuring stuff out as we go Twinkle - no shame backtracking to walk ahead more thoughtfully." I gave her little shoulder a supportive squeeze. "Heck, my own path's pretty crooked looking back..."
I exhaled heavily, feeling the myriad awkward fumbles behind my words. "Just wanting connection itself ain't automatically bad if we build understanding too, yeah?" External validations rang hollow alone; self-knowledge also took its rightful place determining direction.
Twinkle scuffed a hoof self-consciously but hints of a smile returned acknowledging common struggles all souls faced awakening. "See, the thing." She worried her hooves with concern. "I don't trust anycreature else. I know you'd prefer I didn't think that way, but you are the one I feel safest around. I know you'd like somecreature like that, and there is not another creature I'd want to be that close to, or could trust that way."
The griffon tending to me released my tail. "Want me to get out of here? You two're having serious enough talks that don't need a stranger listening in on it."
I had forgotten he was even there and colored at the reminder. "Right, sorry. I didn't mean to-- Thank you." I curled the tail back to a passive swaying. "Thanks."
"Having a tail means knowing what it's like to have it hurt." He winced with old remembered wounds. "Take care of it." He propped himself up and moved away, giving us room.
I pulled Twinkle into what passed for a lap, so far as a quadraped had. "Your emotions for me are complicated, but I'll promise this much at least. I won't just write them all off. Tell me more about them. Share, so I have some clue. Tell me about that, and tell me about you . Not my dreamed imaginings of some perfect Twilight Sparkle, which you aren't, and neither is the one keeping the name in this world. She isn't here, and this isn't that world."
"It is not." Twinkle leaned back against me. "But, since you're offering, I would be a foal to not accept it." She curled against me. "One of my earliest memories is being held by you gently, with a little smile on your face. You were so happy to have me, to hold me, and looking back, I feel just as happy, to be that one you were holding."
Our relationship was, at best, a little complicated.
Author's Note
You did it, Giselle, at least 50% of the way there. We can but hope Gallus guides her the other half and we end up with two phoenixes.
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I focused, horn glowing along its horizontal stripes at power gathered. The magic gathered at a singular point that became a flickering ball of flame. I smiled at that accomplishment. "You know." Twinkle looked over at me. "When I was a little child, I would wish, hope, that one day I could make some light, any light. Even the smallest mote would have pleased me."
I raised my hoof to either side of that hovering orb of fire. "And here I am, master of fire, holder of magic."
"David." She sat up fully. "On one hoof, congratulations. On the other, I can hear the hurt there." She leaned in to press her nose against my side. "Want to talk about it?"
"It's not hurt, exactly." I released the ball and it faded away with barely a noise. "Just thinking I had to run to another world to see that happen. Pretty sure, in most cases, that means it wasn't a very reasonable wish."
"But you did it." She pressed against me. "Even with an unreasonable wish. That looks like a thing to be proud of."
"I suppose." I smiled down at her. "Thanks for being here, Twinkle."
"I wouldn't be anywhere else." She nuzzled me. "Now, I have some ideas on how to spend our time together."
I chuckled softly. "I bet you do." I ran a hoof gently down her back, rubbing around where her tail met her bottom. "How long do we have to wait for Gallus?"
Twinkle turned her head sharply to glare at the closed door Gallus had gone down with Giselle. "Until they master it, or fail, I suppose. We don't have to sit right here and wait."
"What else do you suggest?" I leaned back against her small form. "You see Pinkie?"
"You call?" Pinkie sank down on my other side with a huge smile. "I was checking in on Maud. She found some pretty rocks that she says are super interesting, but you know me, a rock is kinda a rock." She shrugged at the memory. "But, I also ran into that griffon girl! Gabby's waiting her turn, but, apparently, only one griffon at a time in there."
"Oh, that's a shame." I shook my head. "She seemed really excited to try it."
"Well, she's still waiting, and I'm still here." Pinkie hopped to her feet. "So, what do you want to do?"
"I think I'm going to stay here for a little bit." I patted the ground. "I want Gallus to see us when he comes out. I'm also hoping to see Giselle did okay."
"Ooo, I know!" Pinkie bounced. "I'll go get a picnic basket and we can have a picnic!
Twinkle snickered from my other side. "This is hardly the proper place to be holding a picnic, Pinkie. This is a temple, whether or not it happens to be ours." She bumped against me. "Ask one of the guards if there's an open cafeteria or something of the like."
"Good idea." I waved one of them closer. "Where do you suggest we go to eat in here that isn't rude? Got a kitchen or something?"
"You don't eat in the kitchen," gruffed out the griffon as if shocked at the idea. "This way." He waved for all three of us to follow, marching through the hallways to a fair-sized room with some griffons already inside, eating. It smelled like meat was the primary offering. "Here. You can ask for food there." He pointed to what appeared to be a counter. "Enjoy yourself, as long as Gallus remains."
"Thanks." I trotted over to the counter, Pinkie bouncing alongside. "So, what do you have?"
"We have meat, we have bread, we have some fruit." The griffon at the counter gestured to a plate of apples. "Those are the best, though."
"I'll take some of those." I floated a few apples and some sliced meat to add to my plate. "I admit, surprised. I didn't think griffons would have a collection of apples of all things."
Pinkie tilted her head, her tray heavy with sweets that I hadn't even spotted as being on the menu. "Why not? Everycreature loves a nice apple."
Twinkle nodded at that. "As they say, an apple a day."
"Sure." I slid up onto a bench and took a crunchy bite of the apple. It was as good as the griffon had promised, sweet across my tongue. "But a griffon is two obligate carnivores pasted together. I didn't think the two together would make for something else." Both ponies looked confusedly at me. "So, what are they, if you know?"
Twinkle looked across me to Pinkie for help on that. Pinkie snorted out a giggle. "Griffons can eat whatever they want, they just prefer meat if you give them an option of the two." She curled a hoof at herself. "Just like ponies! If it fits in our mouth and we can chew it, we may give it a try."
"Well, that makes sense." I finished the apple and tossed the core aside. "But, why would a griffon even bother with apples?"
"Same reason anycreature else does." Pinkie nibbled at a slice of cake. "They taste good. And, sometimes, they're just what you need."
"And sometimes, they're just what you want." Twinkle floated one of my apples over and helped herself. "Mmm, good."
Things grew quiet a bit as we enjoyed our snacks companionably. "Pinkie." I looked to her. "A question."
"Shoot." Pinkie put her hooves together on the table in front of her. "I'm all ears." She turned an ear towards me for extra emphasis.
"I feel like both of the mares here have some interest in what I decide." I looked between Twinkle and Pinkie. "I'm in a poly relationship, you know that, right?"
"Yup."
"And that doesn't bother you?" I peered at Pinkie skeptically. "I figured you'd prefer I be with Maud alone, if anything."
Pinkie snorted at that. "Silly, do you think I forgot what you've been up to? You are clearly a young and wild kirin, ready to do the wild oat thing." She waved it all away. "I know that, and Maud understands. She isn't trying to own you. She's trying--" She paused a moment as if searching for the right word. "She's trying to be understood, and to have somepony that understands her."
"But she's still your sister." I looked to Pinkie. "You're okay with me sleeping with your sister?"
"It's not my business." Pinkie shrugged. "I'm not in charge of your love life. You are. You get to decide who you love, and who you sleep with. I can't tell you what to do." She reached over and patted my shoulder. "But I can tell you that you are a wonderful pony, and I'm happy to have you as a friend."
She inclined her head. "Still kinda impressed you found a lady griffon so fast though." She giggled as I colored. "
I smiled at the friendly worlds. "Thank you, but what about this." I pointed to Twinkle on my other side. "She'd like to be involved. Maud wants to be involved, and I'm already involved with Twilight and Spike. It's--" I rolled a hoof slowly. "--crowded? I didn't mean it to be, but it is, and I don't want anypony involved being hurt by this and I feel like it's pretty much my fault it's happening."
"Won't be me." Twinkle smiled with that positive energy of hers. "I already spoke to Twilight and Spike. You're the one we're waiting on."
"You talked to them?" I stared at Twinkle. "You talked to them about this?"
"Of course I did." She leaned against me. "I want to be part of your life. I don't want to just be the one you come to when you need a cuddle. I want to be the one you come to when you want to talk, or laugh, or share a meal." She pressed against me. "I want to be your partner, David. Not your pet, not your foal, and not your toy."
I was stunned and quiet a moment. "What did Spike and Twilight say?"
Twinkle hummed. "Well, Spike sounded like he was in complete agreement. He doesn't 'get' physical stuff, the real physical stuff, and Twilight isn't interested, but they both want this family of ours to be that, a loving family where we all care deeply about the happiness of the others. That's the important part."
"Yeah." I smiled at that. "That's the important part." I looked to Pinkie. "So, what do you think?"
"I think you're a very lucky pony." Pinkie leaned against me. "You have so many ponies who care about you, and who want to be there for you. I think that's great." She smiled. "And I think you're a very special pony, David. You're a kirin, but you aren't like any other kirin.
And there I was, a kirin trapped between two such caring ponies. "I don't even deserve this." I thought back. "I should have said no. I should have shoved her away."
Twinkle perked at that. "Who?"
"Giselle, when she visited me." I pantomimed with waving hooves. "I should have turned her down, and kept my first time for family, not her. I don't know her. I feel awful."
"Stop that." Twinkle pawed at me. "If--"
"--Wait," I cut in suddenly, looking to Pinkie. "What about Maud? She's not part of the family, but she is interested in me, how is that going to work?"
"Maud will be fine." Pinkie waved it off. "I'll talk to her, and I'm sure she'll understand." She smiled. "She's my sister, and I love her. I don't want her to be unhappy. I want her to be happy, and I think you can make her happy."
"You really think so?" I leaned against Pinkie. "I don't want to hurt her."
"I know." Pinkie patted me. "And I think you're a very special pony, David."
"So, what, we're just going to tell her to stop caring? That doesn't sound fair." I crossed my arms, frowning at the mess I felt I had made for myself. "Twinkle, do you know what Spike and Twilight think of Maud, that way? Do they hope she'll go away? Do they want her closer?"
Twinkle shook her head quickly. "I don't understand her, and I don't think they do either. Only you seem to connect with her." She shrugged softly. "But, you know, if Maud's alright with it, it can be just like it is. So long as you're upfront with her from the start. If you feel sure you like this family, let's make it work, then ask Maud if she wants to be involved, or not, and respect her answer."
Pinkie pointed a hoof at Twinkle. "That's the most mature answer I heard all night." She grabbed an apple to chomp. "Do that, and I'll not even be mad if she gets upset. It's the best answer I can think of, and it's honest. Be honest, and be good."
"Right." I sighed softly. "I guess I'll have to talk to Maud, then." I turned my head to look at the door where Gallus had gone. "After I talk to Gallus."
"Well, I don't think you'll have to wait long." Pinkie pointed. "Look."
The door was opening, and out stepped Giselle, followed by Gallus. Giselle looked tired, but triumphant. "I did it!" She spread her wings wide. We rushed out of the cafeteria, but with the company of many other griffons hurrying to see the news.
Gallus looked about as tired, but with a confident smile on his face. "Get that priest in here. It ain't official until he sees it too, yeah?"
Guards hurried off to see that done as the excitement in the room grew with each passing moment. Whispers spread about how Giselle had succeeded, or they were about to see Gallus burn somegriffon to ash. Either promised to be an interesting sight.
Author's Note
There was a lot of talking in this chapter as family relationships were discussed honestly. But then Giselle.
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The head priest entered with imperious motions. "You have emerged." His tone was serious and full of deadly weight. "You come before us successful, or your life ends now. Which will it be? We all hunger to know." He raised a taloned hand to clench it. "Show us. Burn with brilliance, or just burn. There is no room for anything else."
Giselle's eyes wandered over the thick crowd of curious griffons. "Alright." She took a slow breath, marshalling herself. "Alright. I'm still new at this, but I will do it." She folded her wings. "We are griffons. We are masters of air." Wind picked up around her, crackling as if with static electricity. "This is our birthright."
Several other griffons called in rough avian cries, cheering with solidarity in the claim that air belonged to them all.
"But for some of us, the greed is too powerful." Her talons wreathed in crackles of lightning, jumping from talon to talon. "We hunger for more, we reach for the fire. Some of us are burned, while others--" The electric field washed over the rest of her as she caught fire, bursting into full mystical fury as she ceased to be just a griffon, but a full phoenix. "--rise from the flames."
She flared her wings wide, bathing the entire room in the heat and light of her radiance. "This is the power of the flame, the power of the phoenix. We are griffons, and we can rise again and again. No matter what happens, we will rise."
The room exploded with cheers at her words, bidding them all to rise from their miserable state, but it was all cut off with a sharp motion from the priest. "You burn, little chick, in all the right ways." He smiled, a genuinely kind expression. "Today, you are more than you were yesterday. Prepare a feast!"
Griffons that were easy to miss struck great drums, beating on them with increasing fervor as the cheers returned. Some griffons pressed close to Giselle, complimenting her, or making awkward advances. She was the star of the show, and no secret was made of that.
Gallus sank next to me. "I go through all that effort and they don't even say thanks."
I patted his side. "Rough, but I'm glad to see you. You look beat."
"I just spent most of the week giving lessons." He raised a brow at me. "How did you teach me so quickly? I got it so fast. For a moment, I thought I wouldn't be able to get to her."
"Well, you did it." I smiled at him. "And you're the hero of the day. I'm just a friend."
"Yeah, I'm the hero." He looked around the room. "I'm the hero, and I'm the only one who cares right now." He turned his attention back to me. "You should be the hero. You did it, you taught me first. I just did it second."
"Don't be like that." I considered things. "I'm a kirin. I was already fire, and I shared that. You are a griffon first. Air. It took some getting used to not only burning, but sharing that fire, the way I see it. You had further to go, so my hat goes off to you."
"You're not wearing one." He flicked one of my long ears, but was giving a happy smirk of sorts. "I say we get some food and get some sleep."
"I'll stick around for you to get your share."
He started with surprise. "Not hungry?"
Twinkle snorted, announcing herself. "We just ate, I'm afraid. Bad timing. But we'll gladly stay with you before bed."
"Count me as three." Pinkie bounced to her hooves. "Food, then bed."
"Hey, David!" I turned to see Gabby waving from across the room. "They said I could come in tomorrow, so I'm going to try, okay?" She hurried over and bent over us with a big smile. "Oh, hey Gallus. Been a while."
Gallus huffed softly. "Right. I have to teach three." He pointed at Gabby as he rose to his feet. "And you're number two. You feeling ready to hug a fire and enjoy it?"
"That sounds intense." Not that she appeared at all discouraged. "Teach me, oh wise teacher." She clapped with building excitement. "I'm ready!"
"I hope you are." Gallus shook his head slowly. "Once I hit three, I'm done, and kinda looking forward to that. Oh, Gabby, you have friends?"
"Tons!" She began listing them, but they didn't sound like griffon names at all, none starting with the letter g.
Gallus stopped her. "Griffon friends, I mean. Any griffons you know?"
Gabby seemed confused a moment before she perked and pointed at Gallus. "Here's one right here!"
Gallus rubbed his face with a groan, but he did so with a smile as well, and turned to the door with a wave of his wing, taking Gabby with him to the next stage of her journey. I wondered a moment. "Wasn't he going to get something to eat?"
Pinkie shrugged. "Maybe he's too excited to get Gabby doing the fire griffon thing? That sounds pretty exciting to me." She bounced around Twinkle and I with a big smile. "I say we go visit Maud. She's been working really hard with almost nopony to keep her company."
"Oh, that sounds like a great idea." I stood up and stretched my legs a bit, feeling sore from all the sitting and the walking we had done the last few days. "We should probably find her and tell her what's going on. You know, the whole 'she's welcome to be part of the family' thing."
So we headed off, all three of us. Pinkie led the way to a hole and vanished into it without hesitation. "Maud! Maud! We're back."
"We can't be back." Maud turned calmly to face us where she had been mining a wall steadily. "Two of you were never here before."
"True." Pinkie pointed to me and waved to Twinkle. "These two have things to talk to you about, and I'm going to spy. Don't notice me." She sank to her haunches.
Twinkle advanced first. "Good evening, Maud. We wanted to talk, about you and David. Me and Twilight and Spike and you. The whole mess of us."
Maud raised a brow smoothly. "Have you made a decision?" She was looking at me directly. "I was waiting."
"I have." I nodded, feeling nervous butterflies in my stomach at the prospect of letting her down. "Maud, I love you. I love you, and I want to be with you. I don't want to lose you." I thought about the words I was saying and felt silly. "That sounds trite at best. I don't know how to say that better."
"Try."
The bluntness of the request surprised me. "Maud, you lovely stone-faced mare. I want to hug you forever. I want to be held by you. I want to work next to you, doing my thing as you do your thing, and know that we just care about each other, even if we don't say a thing. I want the things we do say to count."
Maud was still a moment. "Swoon." She did not swoon, despite her word.
"Maud." I stepped closer to her, lowering my head to be level with her own. "You are amazing. You are smart, and beautiful, and so very wonderful. I can't think of a single thing I don't like about you, except that you aren't closer."
Maud suddenly grabbed me and pulled me close with her tremendous strength, squeezing me close. She pressed her lips to mine and we kissed. As powerful as her hug was, the kiss was gentle and felt like it lasted forever.
Twinkle and Pinkie cheered the two of us on, pumping hooves and bouncing with collective joy.
Maud released me, stepping back and giving a nod. "I will accept your offer, and the terms. I will be with you." She smiled. "My stallion." She flicked her tail as she turned to Twinkle. "Speaking of that." She marched on Twinkle with several firm steps. "He's mine."
Twinkle folded her ears back with a squeak of concern. "Please don't hit me."
"I wouldn't do that." Maud inclined her head. "But he is mine. If you want to borrow him, you have to ask."
Twinkle's confusion was growing, as was mine. "He is a grown pony. He belongs to himself."
Maud backed up beside me and reached up underneath me to run a hoof over my dangling sheath. "This part belongs to me. Twilight and Spike already gave up their claim. They own the rest of him."
"I belong to myself." I moved away from her hoof, not that it was unpleasant, but it was a little sudden and I was still working through the situation with Maud and the others, and it felt a little odd to be doing this right in front of them both, not that I was going to complain, exactly, but I was a little lost, honestly, and needed some time to work out what was happening and how to react to it all, especially the more intimate touches.
Maud turned to me fully. "You said you wanted me. If I'm giving you me, you give me you. That is how romance works." She glanced aside at Twinkle and Pinkie. "Am I wrong?"
Pinkie shrugged, having no particular objections.
Twinkle scowled with a huff. "I was here first, besides, Maud, I'm here ready to share. Don't be so greedy I start to change my mind. We're all civil ponies, I hope."
"Well, I wouldn't call any of us civil." Pinkie giggled at her joke, even if it was a bad one, and bounced around Twinkle and Maud, settling next to me with a giggle and a friendly nuzzle. "But I'm not worried. I trust you three."
"Thanks." I smiled awkwardly. "Maud, how can I make this work?"
Maud tapped at her chin thoughtfully. "Pinkie told me what you did. I am furious." But her tone remained even, and she showed not a hint of those emotions. "I propose a spell."
Twinkle perked at that. "A spell? What kind?"
Maud pointed underneath me. "We tie him to us, so that 'little David' remains little until we both trust him entirely again. I will feel better if we do that, and I will share, with just you."
"Sounds reasonable." Twinkle smiled and came close, rubbing against me with a friendly bump of her shoulder, and a kiss to my cheek that made me flush deeply with a nervous flutter of butterflies in my stomach. "You know, I'm glad we're doing this."
That left me feeling nervous. "Don't I get a vote?"
"No." Maud inclined her head at me. "You already agreed to this. You have no reason you should want to get an erection around any other mares. If you don't agree, I will leave."
On one hoof, that felt harsh. On the other, she wasn't wrong. Being in a committed relationship was promising exactly that. "You have a point. If it means--yes. I agree."
"Good." Maud curled on herself, drawing a stone free. "Put this down there." It was a slender blue stone. "It will anchor the spell, once we cast it. Twinkle, you'll have to work with me to perform the spell."
"Eagerly!" She looked quite happy to be part of a spellcasting. I smiled at that eagerness, even if I was a little nervous about the rest.
I watched the two of them prepare, moving to stand opposite each other with the stone in the middle, facing me, and in front of the stone, with a horn glowing on one side of me as Maud focused intense earth energies at me, and a feeling like a cold breeze running over me as magic gathered, and then, the feeling of the spell taking hold and locking in place, and I could feel the presence of the stone, and the magic, and the connections between us, and how I could not, and would not, get an erection for anypony but Maud and Twinkle.
I was locked to them, but I could think of far worse ponies to be bound to.
Author's Note
Some trust was injured, but there are magical means to make sure a stallion doesn't wander off. Promises are made and a step is taken.
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I wasn't there for this part, but Gabby told me about it. She was excited to learn about fire, and wandered into the back halls with Gallus. "So, do we play with lighters?"
"You wish." Gallus leaned agains the frame of a door heading into what looked like a big plush area with way too many pillows. "The last griffon had to meditate on it, a lot. I'm hoping we don't have to do that with you. You're wired different.
Gabby frowned a little. "Yeah... Sorry. I am a little odd as griffons go. Are you upset?"
"Nah." He waved Gabby closer. "Truth is, I'm not exactly normal, or I wouldn't be at a pony school getting friendship lessons, now would I?"
"That sounds so fun!" Gabby shook her trembling fists. "Can I try that?"
"One thing at a time." Gallus poked the older, taller, griffon in the belly. "We're here to learn about fire, right?"
"Oh, yeah." Gabby seemed to remember the purpose of the visit, her attention turning back to the subject at hand. "I'm ready. Teach me."
Gallus clapped his hands. "Great, good. So, fire." He waved downwards where fire erupted into being on the stone floor, casually burning despite nothing actually burning.
Gabby stared at the flames with a gasp of wonder and awe, her eyes sparkling as she reached a claw to touch it, then pulled back, then reached again, and pulled back again, and then, with a deep breath, she touched the fire and smiled at the warmth that greeted her, even as the fire died away to nothing, leaving the stone untouched by the flame, as if it had never been there at all.
Gallus seemed impressed. "You really wanted to touch that fire, huh?" He wriggled his fingers, lightning and fire dancing over them fitfully. "That's a good start. You're barely afraid of it." With a snap, he focused on just the flame, dancing at the tip of one of his fingers. "Fire's done a lot for griffons. Think about how, and how it's reached into your life."
"Um..." Gabby put a claw to her beak, thinking hard and long, before her face brightened with a smile and she looked to Gallus again. "I know! I know what fire does. It makes things smell good."
Gallus wrinkled his beak. "Sure, it does that, but think a bit deeper. It cooks our food. It keeps us warm in winter. Fire does a lot. Think about all of those things and your place right next to that fire."
"Oh, okay." Gabby closed her eyes and breathed slowly, deeply, and calmly, as if meditating, and then, she began to glow softly, golden light washing over her feathers and fur, and then, the light burst forth with a wave of heat, and when the light faded, Gabby was standing there, holding a ball of fire between her cupped hands. "Look, look, I did it! Did I win?"
Gallus looked properly impressed. "Wow, seriously, good stuff." He leaned in towards the flame. "But just using one fire spell doesn't mean anything. It's a step, a good step! But you're not a phoenix. We can't leave here until you're all the way phoenix, got it?"
Gabby nodded quickly, looking down at the fire in her hands. "So, how do I do that? What comes next?"
Gallus casually swatted Gabby's fire away, the elemental power fading in the air. "Well, you have some control, and that's good. We just have to turn it towards the inside. You have to focus on you being a part of the fire, instead of just the fire. You are the fire. You breathe the fire. All is fire."
Gabby seemed confused by that. "But I don't breathe fire." She patted her chest. "I'm not a dragon. I'm a griffon."
Gallus put a hand to his face. "You're not wrong. Neither of us are a dragon, but we do want to be phoenixes, and they are very on fire, all the time."
"Oh, yeah." Gabby nodded quickly, and then, she focused on her own body, and began to glow again, even brighter than before, the light so bright that Gallus had to shield his eyes, and when the light faded, Gabby was glowing like a bonfire, but she was still herself, and not a phoenix, and the light faded to nothing, leaving her looking frustrated and upset. "Why didn't it work?"
Gallus, unlike Gabby, looked positively amazed. "That's not a phoenix, but you're making great progress. Seriously, I'm kinda impressed." He stroked along his beak. "You're a natural. I had help and it wasn't that fast. Okay, okay, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Next step, a drink of water. That much fire magic must have you really thirsty, but I bet you didn't even notice until I reminded you."
Gabby blinked slowly, as if realizing something for the first time. "Oh, yeah. I am thirsty. I could use a drink." She pushed past Gallus and spotted a pitcher in the room. Rushing over to it, she poured herself a glass and chugged down the lifegiving water. "That is way better. Are you sure I'm doing good?"
"Very good. You're still glowing. Now, cut that out. All on fire, or it doesn't count." Gallus followed her into the room, stepping over the bright pillows on the way. The scent of sandlewood incense floated around them. "Feel the fire, because you are the fire. Breathe it."
Gabby closed her eyes again, breathing deeply and evenly, and with each breath, she glowed more and more, the light growing brighter and brighter, until she was a bonfire again, and then, she opened her eyes and smiled at Gallus. "This is amazing! I feel so hot!"
"You're bright, but not exactly there. So close." He swatted Gabby on the side. "You want to beat Giselle in this, huh? Keep it up!"
"I will!" Gabby closed her eyes again, focusing on herself, and breathing deeply, and then, the glow began to fade, and she opened her eyes, looking confused and upset. "Why did it stop?"
"Well, a couple of reasons maybe." Gallus shrugged. "When I first learned fire magic, I could only do it slowly and a little at a time. You have to build up fire stamina. Like air stamina, but fire, get it? Relax, eat some of these snacks, and try again later. You're already way ahead of the game, so don't stress about it.
Gabby nodded slowly, grabbing a handful of nuts and munching on them slowly. "Okay, I can do that. I'll just relax and eat some food and then try again." She chomped eagerly on those nuts just to swap to a pear. "Mmm, fresh. You try one of these?"
Gallus snatched up one, but didn't bite it right away. "You're awfully relaxed for being in a life or death situation, you know that." He waved the pear at her. "Giselle was a little more tense about it. For you, this is just a fun little training camp, with provided snacks."
"That's because I'm not worried." Gabby smiled at Gallus as she chewed on her pear. "I know I'm going to win."
Gallus stared at her with a slack beak. "Wow, that is some intense confidence you have going on there." He burst into laughter, finally chomping into that pear. "Good. Maybe that's why you're doing as good as you're doing so far. If we walk out of here phoenixes, I call dibs on a fire flight over the city."
"What's that?" Gabby tilted her head curiously. "I've never heard of that."
"I just made it up." He shrugged. "Figure there should be a name for when two or more phoenixes take a big showy flight over the city, that all the other griffons can see. It'll be fun, or at least it'll stick in their heads for a while.
Gabby smiled brightly. "Sounds like fun. I want to do that too." She popped the remainder of the pear in. "So you're on! Let's finish this fire thing, then do the very first fire flight ever! Think they'll join us? Imagine it, a huge wing of griffons, headed by some phoenixes? That'd be a sight worth remembering." She sighed with the future thoughts of such a dramatic spectacle.
"You're a strange one, Gabby." Gallus grabbed another pear, and tossed it to Gabby. "But I like you. You just might make it out of this." He reached up tall in a slow stretch. "Ready for another try, or should we chill out a little longer?"
Gabby was giggling. "Chill out, I get it. If you're not burning, you're chilling. You're funny."
Gallus rolled his eyes, not having been trying to make a joke. "Ha. Ha. Seriously, which is it?"
"Seriously, I'm ready to go again." Gabby seemed to still herself closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and then, she began to glow, brighter and brighter, until she was a bonfire again, and then, with a final flare, she burst into flame, her feathers and fur vanishing in the sudden blaze of light and heat, and from that fire, a phoenix emerged, Gabby's form shining with the glory of the phoenix, and she spread her wings wide and gave a cry of triumph and victory.
Gallus grabbed a few nuts to chew. "I'm not even beleiving this, but they won't either. Not even one day? Gabby?! Seriously. Okay, Okay, Okay." He took a breath himself. "Put yourself out. You may look funny because--" He didn't get to finish as Gabby's flames guttered out and she was left without feathers. "--Because that. That happened to me the first time too, don't feel bad."
"Oh, I don't mind." Gabby reached a claw to touch her bare skin, feeling the smoothness of it. "It feels weird, but it's not bad. It's kinda fun, actually. I think I'll keep it."
Gallus scowled at her. "You're joking, right?"
"Yes." She giggled as she came in to grab Gallus in a big hug. "Thank you so much! Okay, what was that last part you were trying to get at?"
"Right." Gallus snapped his fingers with a touch of a smile. "Before we go out there, you have to be able to ignite more than the once you did for me, so, now that you're not burning, you have to get burning again. I suggest we not go out there until you can go back and forth like it's easy."
Gabby nodded quickly, stepping back and closing her eyes, focusing on herself, and breathing deeply, and then, she glowed, and the glow grew, and she opened her eyes, looking up at Gallus with a bright smile. "How's this?"
"That's pretty good." He patted her on the head with a smile. "But you're not actually on fire. You have to be able to go full phoenix and back. Keep trying. You're so close I'm feeling burned."
Gabby giggled at that. "You're not actually on fire," she taunted, as if anycreature there was unsure of that fact. "Okay, phoenix, feel that phoenix." She drew her arms in close and spread them out with her released breath, fire spreading along with the motion, washing over her. "Phoenix!"
Gallus clapped with a chuckle. "Phoenix. Now put phoenix away. Back and forth until it feels easy."
Gabby closed her eyes and focused, breathing slowly and evenly, and then, the fire guttered out, leaving her naked again, and she smiled at Gallus. "I did it."
"We're almost ready." They met, hand to hand with a firm clap of a high-five. "Do that half a dozen more times and we can go out there to face them."
That was where I came in, waiting with the others when the door opened and Gallus emerged, looking far less haggard than the first time. Conversation picked up quickly. Surely something had gone wrong, that he was emerging so quickly that second time. How had Gabby failed? They all wanted to know.
Author's Note
Gabby, in all her fluffy innocence, figures this out nice and fast. Firebird! It felt proper to move the focus over to Gabby and Gallus for this instead of sticking with David. Thoughts?
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Gabby cleared her throat. "Okay! Have to make this cool. Giselle was super--" She cut herself off, noticing the crowd was watching her expectantly. "Sorry. Okay, fire up!" She threw her hands wide, body engulfing in flames and hiding her featherless form with pinions of fire. "Ta da!"
The room exploded with cheers for both of them, with many griffons rushing forward to congratulate them both. They were almost bowled over under the force of the griffons, excitedly yammering about the miracle of it. It was only Gabby's flames that kept her safe from their eager well-wishes.
Gallus slipped away with a soft chuckle and made his way over to me. "Guess they don't have a lot of questions for me right now."
"No, they don't." I patted him on the shoulder. "Her little showing off answered all of those." I lowered my hoof to the ground. "But grats! Seriously, that was way faster. You getting the hang of teaching this?"
"You know, I think I am." He seemed surprised by his own words. "But I can't deny Gabby all the credit. She wanted to be a phoenix and she put her everything into it. It was kinda amazing."
"And you're not tired." I smiled at him. "That's a plus. So, learn to like Gabby a little?"
He rolled his eyes at that. "She's alright, I guess."
"I'm alright!" Gabby crashed to her butt next to Gallus. "That's a step up."
Gallus prodded at her. "You know, you're pretty odd looking when you don't have feathers. Glad to say, that wears off after the first ignition or two, so you should be alright, once they grow back."
"I can't wait." Gabby rubbed at her bare skin. "It's not exactly bad, but it's strange, you know?" She noticed my looking her over. "What? Is it that odd?"
"Just reminds me." I shrugged. "A world away, smooth skin was the default. You remind me of a female from there, though you are missing parts." She had no breasts. Griffons were like ponies, with no breasts. Perhaps she had udders? I didn't dare start staring down at her lower belly and crotch. That felt kinda rude.
Gabby looked at me with a little confusion. "Huh. I never thought about that. I guess I would look weird to them." She leaned in, clacking her beak. "And they'd look odd to me, fair is fair. I forgot you're from another world. That's kinda cool. You okay?"
"I'm fine." I smiled at her. "Just thinking about home. I've been here a while now, and I still miss it sometimes." I reached for her and she didn't stop me, so I felt her shoulder then down her arm casually, just examining her textures. "Hello."
"Hi!" She giggled at that greeting. "We already met and are talking. Do you always say hi to creatures you met already?"
"Sometimes." I colored faintly. "It's a, uh." Did anyone on that planet know what autism was? I doubted it. "Did I bother you?"
"How?" She shrugged at that, then turned her eyes to Gallus. "We're phoenixes!"
"Yeah, we are." He reached over to give her a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Huh, that does feel funny. Now I know why David was fascinated. It's different when you're the one dealing with it."
"You two are getting along." I smiled at that. "It's good to see. The teachers back at school will be happy to hear that."
Pinkie raised a hoof, reminding that she was there. "Hello, teacher right here, taking notes." She stuck out her tongue. "And I am impressed. So many friendship lessons being learned on this trip."
"Oh, yeah, I totally forgot you were there." Gabby waved at Pinkie. "Hey! Thanks for coming to watch me become a phoenix!"
The priest approached with a soft cough. "Speaking of that. As a phoenix, you are charged with several duties, one of which is quite pressing, if you wish to live life beyond these walls."
Gabby perked up at that. "What's that? I'm ready!" She pumped an arm, looking as ready as one could look.
The priest pointed at Gallus. "He is almost done with this task. You must raise three griffons to phoenix status. Do this, and you are a free griffon once more. Until then, you remain. You may not instruct any griffon that does not first pass the tests I administer. Do you understand?"
Gabby nodded quickly. "I do, but who would I teach? I don't know any griffons."
Gallus snorted. "That isn't true, or you phrased that oddly." He pointed at her. "There's one." He turned the finger at himself, then the priest. "Look, more griffons."
"I know that!" She swatted at him, laughing. "But I meant griffons that'd want to be phoenixes and take those tests."
The priest crossed his arms with a soft huff. "Speaking of that, that you, of all griffons, passed, is still a mystery to me. How did you manage it with your limbs still attached and mind intact, as intact as I could claim your mind is at any rate."
Gabby shrugged. "I just wanted to be a phoenix. I knew I could do it. I knew I could win. I didn't think I could lose."
Gallus howled with laughter. "Wow, the power of positive thinking, right here. Gabby, that part was pretty cool, not gonna lie."
Gabby beamed at the compliment. "So, knowing I wanted it and not letting it go, I got past the problems until I was done. That was it."
"Madness." The priest shook his head with amazed incredulity. "But the tasks remains. You must find three." He pointed to Gallus. "You must find one more." He turned his gaze on David. "You found one willing griffon, and they even passed. Will you repeat this task? I cannot force you, but griffonkind would be thankful if this is a trick you can repeat."
I looked at Pinkie, who nodded, and then at Gabby and Gallus, who were both looking at me expectantly, and then at the priest. "I'll do it, but I'm not sure how I'll find them. I don't know any griffons. I barely know these two."
It had been quite some time, but I looked inwards, to my internal spellbook. "Been a while," I thought casually to myself, dusting off the mental construct. "To know." I pulled the tab and started at that section. The mindreading spell wouldn't help me, so I brushed past that. "When man was young, knowing their neighbors meant surviving. Isolation meant death. My ancient forebares, give me the spell that might help, so your foolish child may thrive." I felt a bit silly, thinking such flowery thoughts at myself, but they felt somehow right.
The spellbook opened to a page, and I looked over the spell. It was simple, and easy, and yet, it was a spell I had never seen before, and yet, I knew it as well as I knew any other spell. I knew the magic, and I knew how to cast it. This was a spell of knowing, of finding those who could be trusted, and I knew how to use it.
I opened my eyes with such a serene smile. It was then that I realized such a spell wasn't going to just fix my problems. "I have a spell that I think will get me closer, but I'm going to have to work it myself." I rose to my hooves. "But I've been sitting here doing nothing and waiting for you, Gallus. Moving feels right."
"Make that two." Pinkie slid in next me.
"Three!" Gabby pressed in on the other side.
The priest shoved his hand between Gabby and I. "You are to remain here until you have trained three. Did you already forget?"
"Oh yeah." Gabby sank to the ground next to Gallus. "But you need three." She spotted Twinkle reading a book. "There's three."
"I am not a griffon." Twinkle closed her book. "But David is a friend, so I'd be delighted to help." She rose to her own hooves. "Which way do we begin?"
"This way." I pointed towards the door. "We go out there and I use this spell to find those who can be trusted, and then, we ask them if they want to be phoenixes."
Twinkle followed me outside, the cooler breeze of the streets making her shiver. "You have a spell for that? I don't remember you mentioning that before."
"Sounds kinda handy." Pinkie nodded softly. "Which element is that? Earth or fire?"
"It's not an element." I shrugged. "It's just a spell. I learned it from my spellbook. I've been carrying it around in my head since I was a kid, but I never had a reason to use it before now, at least here in Griffonstone." I circled there in the setting light of late afternoon. "Let's try it." I focused on the icon of the spell, a faceless crowd of people with just one smiling. To find the one that spoke no lies.
I felt the magic flow through me, and then, it was done, and I felt like I knew who I could trust, and who I couldn't, and I looked over the griffons walking past. "There. That one." I pointed at a griffon walking by, a young male, with a face that seemed far more pleasant than most of the others. "That one is trustworthy."
Twinkle perked an ear at the griffon. "You sure?" But she was advancing anyway. "Excuse me." The griffon paused in their walking. "We were hoping to ask you a question."
Pinkie bounced up towards the griffon. "Hey there! Would you like a chance to become something super duper awesomely amazing? You could help all of griffonkind!"
I caught up with them, chuckling nervously at the griffon's nervous face. "Sorry if we came on strong."
"Just a little!" He laughed with me. "Who are all of you?"
Twinkle waved a hoof. "I'm Twinkle, and this is David and Pinkie. We're trying to help Gallus and Gabby become phoenixes, and we need three more griffons to help us do that."
"Ah huh?" He tilted his head sharply, as birds could do. "I know one of those. How does that involve me?"
Pinkie grinned as wide as she could. "You could be a phoenix, all on fire and everything. Think of how cool that'd be!"
"I don't think I want to be on fire." He shook his head. "That sounds painful."
I inhaled hard, sides swelling, then let it out in a slow easy puff, letting flames lick at my lips and the air just in front of my snout. "More like this, less 'oh please put me out' kind of fire."
He hesitated. "You're a kirin." A fact he clearly hadn't noticed before. "It's kinda like that? What does that feel like? Does it hurt?"
"No, it doesn't hurt. It feels warm, but not hot." I smiled at him. "It's a little like breathing fire, but it's a lot easier to control."
"That's kind of cool." He caught himself. "Kind of hot."
Twinkle pointed a hoof at the temple we were in front of. "Ready to try for flames of your own? Every phoenix we've talked to so far has liked it."
He made unsure noises, considering the solid building. "Will they even let me in there? The guards give nasty glares to everygriffon that walks past. I usually hurry on this part, but you said hi."
"Oh, don't worry about them." Pinkie waved a hoof dismissively. "We already got past them. They didn't even blink when we came back out. You'll be fine."
I cleared my throat. "She's leaving out the part that they want griffons that want to be phoenixes right now. If you're going for that, they will let you in. They let us past because we're doing this." I wave at myself and the griffon. "Getting volunteers."
"Ah huh." He seemed to consider that. "So, if I go in there, and I say I want to be a phoenix, they'll let me in?"
"Yep." I nodded softly. "You'll have to pass some tests before you get to be a phoenix, but they will let you in, promise."
Author's Note
But will this griffon pass?
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9 - You Must Gather Your Party
"No."
Pinkie blinked in surprise. "No?"
"No." The griffon crossed his arms firmly. "That sounds like a lot of hassle."
Part of me wanted to argue, but I remembered. I had detected who would tell the truth and speak it plainly, not who would say yes. "Thank you for considering, really, but any ideas who would be interested?"
"No." He shrugged. "I'd just be guessing. Sorry."
I frowned with thoughtful annoyance. "No adventurous friends, or even not friends?"
He looked ready to deny it, but a new thought came to him. "How dangerous are these tests of yours?"
Twinkle shrugged at that. "So far, two of two have survived. They made them sound quite challenging, but no griffon has died to them so far. Perhaps they're making them sound dangerous to scare griffons from trying?"
"Huh." He seemed to consider that. "Well, there is one griffon I know who might be interested. She's not a friend, but she's always talking about how she wants to change things around here. Maybe she'd be interested?"
I snapped fingers I didn't have, using magic to create the noise. "Great! Please share. We'll--" I trailed off, noticing the griffon wearing a smirk that implied more. I thought I had detected the truth? "Something wrong?"
"Just thinking if she wins or dies, I win either way." He presented a slip of paper. "Here's her info, name and address. Hope you both have fun."
"Oh, I'm sure we will!" Pinkie grabbed the paper and bounced away. "Thanks for your help!"
Twinkle hurried to catch up. "He just admitted to being alright with maybe hurting somegriffon, indirectly. You're okay with that?"
Pinkie shrugged with an 'eh'. "He's a griffon. That's how griffons roll, you know?" She bumped against me on the other side of her. "We're getting closer! Let's rescue Gabby and Gallus. Neither deserve to be prisoners."
"Agreed." I nodded softly, looking over the slip of paper. It had a name, Gabriel. It also had an address. A pity I had no idea how the streets were arranged in Griffonstone. I held up the paper to the others. "Either of you know how to read a Griffonstone address?"
Pinkie shook her head quickly. "Nope! But look, another Gabby, technically." She giggled at the name, changing her direction. "But I bet Maud does. She's been looking around, and she notices things."
Twinkle looked back at me. "You trust this griffon?"
"No, but yes." I wobbled a hoof, a bit precarious until I got all four under me. "I think he said the truth, but I wouldn't trust him with too much else. He thinks Gabriel might say yes. He also doesn't care if she lives or not afterwards."
Twinkle cringed at the thought. "I meant Gabriel, the one that might try the test?"
I inclined an ear at her. "Does it matter? We don't need a lot of trust there. She tries, and she's already done everything we wanted. Ideally, she passes, and finishes with becoming a phoenix."
"And if she dies?" Twinkle frowned at me.
I hissed a breath at that. "We have to keep looking then." I applied a hoof to my face. "Is there another way to do this?"
Twinkle shrugged. "Perhaps? I'm just thinking out loud." She looked at Pinkie. "Did you know any griffons before this?"
"Nope!" Pinkie bounced ahead. "I was just here to help David and Gallus, and now Gabby too. I don't know any other griffons."
Uneasy quiet settled on us until we arrived at Maud's mining pit. I could see other holes, where other griffons were perhaps also mining? I couldn't be sure, but I heard soft tinks of picks at work. We descended down to find Maud examining a bright yellow rock.
She looked up as we came in. "Hello." She stood up. "Good to see you."
"You too." I smiled at her. "How's your day going?"
"Good." She held up the rock. "This is a new mineral. It's a little shiny, and it has some magic in it. I'm not sure what it does yet."
I examined the rock, but, to me, it was just a bright yellow rock. I didn't know its mysteries. "Nice. Say, do you--"
"--know how to read this?" Pinkie thrust the paper forward that I thought I had been holding. "We need to find this griffon."
Maud's eyes wandered over the paper slowly, as she tended to do things. "Hm. Yes. That isn't very far." She returned to examining her rock as if the conversation were done.
I rolled a hoof in the air. "Could you show us the way?"
"Sure." Maud set the rock down. "Follow me." She led us back out of the mine, and onto the streets. "This way." She pointed towards the distance. "That's where Gabriel lives."
Twinkle gently nudged Maud, not that she could force Maud to move much. "Walk with us? We don't understand Griffonstone addresses."
"Oh." Maud nodded softly. "Okay." She started walking. "It's just this way."
We followed along with her. I casually brushed against her side. "Maud." She said nothing. "Sorry for not hanging out with you more, on this trip."
"I didn't ask you to." Her voice was even, as always it was. "Did you want to do something?"
"Be with you. But now we're trying to rescue two griffons, by finding more griffons. It's a bit of a mess." I sighed at the thought of it. "Assuming we can finish that, I'll hang out with you if you like."
She glanced at me. "Okay." She looked away again. "You don't have to."
"I'd like to." I gently grabbed Twinkle with my magic, pulling her up onto my back. "You too. If we have time, a little family time would be nice."
Twinkle laughed softly at that. "A little family time, huh?" She leaned forward to look at Maud. "So, what do you like to do, Maud?"
Maud shrugged gently. "I was mining. If you want to watch me mine, okay." She stopped in front of a house, pointing at it with her snout. "Here."
Pinkie bounced ahead of us, knocking on the door. "Hello! Is Gabriel home?"
We could hear steps approaching. "Who is that? I didn't order nothin' and I don't want nothin'!" A large, angry, griffon swung the door open, giving us all a glare. "Buzz off!"
"Hi!" Pinkie waved a hoof at her. "We were wondering if you'd like to become a phoenix?"
Gabriel blinked, clearly caught off-guard by the question. "What? Ain't no way a random street thug like me's about to become one of those things. They're damned legends!"
I cleared my throat. "It's true. We've already got two griffons in training right now, and we need three more. Do you want to be a phoenix? It's a lot of responsibility, but you get to help your fellow griffons."
"Pfft." She rolled her eyes. "What have griffons done for me lately? Nothing, that's what!" She looked over our motely band. "But it ain't every day I get a bouncing pony, a kirin, with a unicorn for a hat askin'."
Twinkle adjusted herself on my back. "I'm not a hat."
"Whatever." Gabriel waved that complaint away. "Let's play pretend. I go with you and then what?"
"You get tested, and then, if you pass, you become a phoenix." I shrugged softly. "If you don't pass, you don't."
Twinkle tapped at the back of my head. "For sake of honesty, I really do need to mention not passing could get you hurt."
Pinkie bounced eagerly. "But passing means you're on the way to phoenix. Think how jealous everygriffon else will be."
Gabriel stroked along her beak. "That'd really show her who was the one that knew which way was up. Hm, how hurt are we talkin'?"
"Uh." Twinkle stammered a moment. "In theory, all the way hurt, but, so far, every griffon has made it through fine."
I picked up where Pinkie had left off, "And you look like you're made of better stuff than Gabby."
"Gabby?!" She stepped out and slammed the door shut behind her, allowing her to stand even taller, looming over us. "Gabby passed? This test has to be easy if she managed it." She suddenly scowled anew. "It ain't a friendship test or somethin' is it?"
"Nope!" Pinkie shook her head quickly. "Nuh uh, no friendship tests. Just being awesome enough to be a phoenix."
Gabriel slammed her hands together, fist against palm. "Then this'll be easy if Gabby can pass it. Where do I go?" We all pointed to the temple, well, all of us but Maud. "On it." She took flight, off with only a single lost feather settling towards the ground.
Maud reached out and grabbed the feather, looking it over. "Hm. A feather." She tucked it away somewhere.
I blinked at that. "I didn't think you cared much about feathers."
"I don't." Yet, she had taken it. "You need to get more griffons?"
"We do." I nodded softly. "Three in total, so two more to go." I focused on the icon of the spell, seeking those who would speak truthfully. I felt a warm draw towards the ponies around me. They would not lie to me. I smiled but spread my search beyond them. "It's late in the evening. I'm not sure how much we can look today."
Twinkle looked up at the sky. "I think we have time for one more, but then, we should stop. We can pick up again tomorrow."
Pinkie threw a leg over Maud. "We can find the last one together! You wanna be a part of this, right? It'll be so much fun!"
Maud nodded softly. "Okay." She tilted her head to look at me. "What about you?"
"I'm the one dragging everypony else along." I felt a soft ping and led the way towards it. "And I feel like we'll get straight answers this way." I expected a griffon to be what we found, but it was another creature, related to griffons at least. She was at a fire, chatting with other griffons, but she was a hippogriffon.
She noticed us approaching and said something to the griffons she was talking to, then stood up to meet us. "Hello there." She smiled at us. "It's rare to see ponies wandering around here."
I raised a hoof at her. "Good evening. Sorry, not trying to interrupt things." A thought tickled at me. "But now I'm just curious. Do you know what phoenixes are?"
"Of course." She nodded quickly. "They're a mythical race of griffons that can control fire. I've always wanted to be one. Why?"
I smiled, hope building inside me. "Oh, great! Good. But first, can a hippogriff be a phoenix?"
"We won't know if nogriffon gives me a chance." She put hands on her hips. "But nogriffon's done anything but laugh when I bring it up. Why? You're ponies." She reached and casually pet over my snout. "Cute, but you can't be a phoenix for sure."
I rubbed my snout at the touch. "I'm not. But I am helping Gallus and Gabby to train more griffons, and we need more griffons."
She put a hand on her own chest. "Me! Me me me!" She hopped forward, eyes shining with hope. "Me!"
Pinkie bounced in time to the hippogriff's excited movements. "I like her. I bet she'll make a great phoenix."
"She will." I nodded at the hippogriff. "Do you want to try? We don't know how long it'll take, but we'll help you as much as we can."
Maud shrugged softly. "You may die."
"Or you may become a phoenix, if you pass," I hurriedly added with as good of a smile as I could muster. "Only one way to find out." I pointed up at the temple. "Come with us and you at least get the chance."
Her eyes shone with hope. "I'll really have a chance?" She took a deep breath. "Then--" She looked to those she had been speaking with before for help on the decision.
Author's Note
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We led her straight towards the temple. The guards nodded at our group, allowing us past, but thrusting spears across our way as our hippogriff companion tried to follow.
"Halt!" The guard raised a wing. "This is a temple for griffons only."
She scowled at him with a low growl. "It's in the name. I am a griffon." She thumped her own thumb against her chest. "And I plan on passing that test. Let me past."
The guard snorted at her. "Nice try. Griffons are griffons, and you're not one."
I turned back towards the conflict. "The priest told me and me alone to find candidates." They stiffened. "You don't question the high priest, do you?"
Twinkle shrugged with a little smirk. "It does appear they're doing some doubting."
"We don't question the high priest." The guard stepped aside. "But we still can't let this creature in."
I considered that a moment. "The forces you worship have the answer." Both guards started at that with obvious surprise. "Isn't it obvious? All I'm doing is getting her to the tests. If she's not worthy, then we know what will happen to her."
They exchanged glances, then stepped aside. "Very well. But if she dies, we're holding you responsible."
I folded an ear back. "Good? It is my job to find candidates. Some of them will die, or this isn't a very good test. I should be upset?"
"No." They shook their heads together. "We just wanted to make sure you understood."
The hippogriff skipped past us with a big smile. "Not that I plan on losing." With access achieved, she went straight for the doors leading towards the test.
But that wasn't my problem anymore. "We have to find more."
"Cold." Maud inclined her head. "Colder than I thought."
"I was just being honest." I looked up at the sky. "We have time for one more, I think. Let's get going."
Pinkie zipped ahead of me. "Nuh-uh. That was the one more. you're getting carried away. Let the two we got take their tests. We can go tomorrow. Maud? Wanna hang out with us tonight? We miss you around."
Maud considered that. "Okay." She nodded softly. "I'd like that."
I smiled at that. "Great. Now we just need to figure out where we're sleeping." I sighed with the thought. "Napping in the common room is getting old."
Twinkle went inside the temple, looking around. "Have you tried asking?"
I hadn't, and laughed at myself for missing such an obvious solution. "I'll do that. The shared rooms had interesting visitors, let's avoid that." I went up to one of the lesser priests. "Excuse me, but can I get a room for my friends and I?"
The griffon went stiffly erect. "Hm? Oh! Of course, honored guest. You brought two supplicants today, better than we had expected, truth told. Rest, and look further tomorrow." He waved the way and led down a few hallways. "This is a private room. I will give you a key." He drew the key from the folds of his clothing. "Only the head priest has another that would work."
I accepted the key and unlocked the door. "Thank you. This is perfect." I stepped inside, finding a large room with a single bed.
It was only when we were all inside that I paused to consider that. It had one bed. There were many more than one of us. Even if you counted romantic knots, there was one pony left out. "I may have messed up."
Pinkie bounced onto the bed, laying on her side. "Nope! This is great! It's just big enough for all of us."
Maud walked calmly up to her sister and stared at her a moment before nodding. "You have a point. If we're all just sleeping, this is fine." She climbed up and sank down into a pony loaf beside Pinkie, closing her eyes.
Twinkle shrugged. "I didn't plan on anything but sleeping. Let's get cozy."
Was I the only one that had entertained dirty thoughts? Colored faintly, I took a spot and curled up for sleep, which came to claim me in not too long after that.
I awoke to find Maud sitting beside me, staring off into space. "Morning." I smiled at her. "How'd you sleep?"
"Good." She nodded softly. "Are we going to find more griffons today?"
I sat up, where I could see Twinkle reading a book and Pinkie doodling on a pad idly. "That's the idea." I slid to the ground. "Just to be clear, I'll be happiest on a few different levels if each griffon we bring back passes with flying colors and is a phoenix when we're done."
Maud followed me, face impassive as usual. "Why aren't you cheating then?"
I started at that. "Cheating?"
"Cheating." Maud reached out and tapped at my ornate horn. "You're a kirin. You have fire. You could teach them how to phoenix before they even get here."
It took a moment for that to sink in on me. "Well, now I just feel bad. I could have improved the odds of the other two." I took a slow breath. "But I can't change the past. Just the future."
"Yes." Maud nodded softly. "Where do we start?"
Pinkie bounced over, grinning. "I know! I know! We should go ask the priest."
I started at that. "The head priest? What for?" Despite my questions, I headed for the door where we could find him. "Got a good question in mind?"
"Yep!" Pinkie nodded quickly. "We need to find griffons who want to be phoenixes. He can tell us who those are."
"It can't be that easy." Still, I went to him, finding him standing before the testing doors.
The priest smiled at me as I came closer. "Ah, your first candidate is being tested right now. Only the spirits themselves could say if she will pass or not, but a commendation to you for finding her so quickly."
I inclined an ear at that. "Thank you. I was hoping to ask you about the other candidates. Do you know any others who would like to become phoenixes?"
The priest frowned firmly at that. "I know who spoke words. Many crowed about how they would make great and powerful phoenixes, but when it came time to put their life on the line--" He waved around the still temple. "Their bravery fled them. I don't see them here now."
"Oh." I frowned at that. "So, they probably won't want to try."
"They won't." The priest shook his head.
Pinkie smiled like she knew something. "What about the ones who didn't say anything?"
The priest hummed. "What of them? Speak clearly, pony."
"Did they want to become phoenixes?" Pinkie pointed at the doors. "If they didn't say anything, then they didn't say no. Did they want to be phoenixes?"
The priest let out an exasperated noise. "The ones who did not say anything would be all of the nation entire, save a few. That hardly narrows the list, pony. Have you thought this through?"
Pinkie's smile faded. "No. I guess not." She tapped at her chin. "I just thought if they came and listened but didn't make a lot of noise, then maybe those would be good griffons to try."
The priest perked. "You didn't ask that." He reached into his robes and drew a paper. "Here." He thrust it at me. "This is a list of those loyal to the cause. I marked the ones that have failed to appear after trumpeted their cases. The rest, simply didn't make a motion one way or the other."
I took the paper. "Thank you. I'll go find them." I turned away from him. "I assume we can take this?"
"If it helps find more potential phoenixes." He waved us away. "Then take it. Return it when you have finished your hunt, and may your claws find suitable prey."
We headed outside, where I unfolded the paper. "Do we know where any of these are?"
Maud leaned in, just to shake her head. Pinkie took her turn to shrug.
Twinkle had a chance, but she wasn't going any further. "Sorry, I shouldn't have even looked. I'm as new to this world as you are."
I sighed at that. "Okay. So, we need to ask around." Fortunately, I did have a spell to help, focusing on that icon. I felt a powerful tingle, someone who would speak true, who wanted to. "This way." I led the band down the steps away from the temple. "I hope they have the info we're looking for."
We found a griffon sitting at a small table, eating some kind of meat. They noticed us approaching and stood up, glaring at us. "What do you want? I ain't got no money, so don't try and mug me."
I pinned my ears, taking note as I did so that my pony parts were more eager to demonstrate my feelings than my human bits had been. A bonus? "We're looking for information, so we're a source of money, not trying to take yours." I held up the paper in my magic and floated it towards the griffon. "Any of these names familiar, and if so, do you know where to find them?"
The griffon squinted at the list. "Hm. Yeah, I know a few of these. Some of 'em live close by, others are across town."
Pinkie bounced happily. "Great! Which ones live close by?"
"Well, there's one that lives just down the street." The griffon pointed at the street. "She's a real looker, too."
I imagined what a looker would be, just to realize I had conjured the image of an anthropomorphic griffon, with breasts. That was a thing actual griffons lacked entirely. I pushed those thoughts away. "Thank you very much." I floated out a bit towards him. "We may be back, for the others."
"Don't bother." He waved us off. "They're all losers. They ain't gonna pass that test. You'd be better off finding more than you already got."
I nodded softly. "Thank you for the advice. We'll keep it in mind." I turned away from him. Once we were moving, I angled closer to the others. "He was a bit of a downer, but he did give the information."
Twinkle shrugged. "Sometimes, people are like that. Don't let it get to you." She went right up to the door and knocked gently. "Anygriffon home?"
"That doesn't sound like a griffon," came from inside, the voice soft, even kind. An unusual cast for more griffons. "Hello?" She opened the door, looking down at us. She had a smile, but it was a gentle one, unlike the more manic version that Pinkie or Gabby offered. "Look at you." She reached out and casually gave each and every equine ear there a soft rubbing. "What'd I do to get all the ponies visiting me?"
Pinkie giggled at the rubbing. "We're looking for griffons who want to be phoenixes." She held up the list. "Are you Glendela?"
Glendela nodded, leaning in to get a peek at the list. "Where did that come from? I attend the masses, sure. Why would you come to me of all griffons?"
I considered her, the griffon that at least one other griffon had praised for their looks. To me, they seemed nice, but I wasn't an expert on appearances to start. "Finding griffons that could become phoenixes is very important. Tell me, what do you think of fire, as a force?"
She smiled at that. "It's warm and beautiful, but dangerous. It can burn you if you're not careful, but it can also keep you safe and warm." She sighed, crossing her arms. "Almost everything griffons whisper about me when they think I can't hear them."
Twinkle seemed to perk, ears doing it literally. "You could make it literal, that'd stop them from whispering it. Being a phoenix would change your position entirely."
"Would it?" Glendela gestured around. "I don't have much. I'm not some big shot. I just live here, quietly."
Maud shrugged. "Phoenixes don't live quietly."
Pinkie bobbed her head. "Exactly. You could kiss that all goodbye if you go firebird on them!"
Glendela looked away. "I don't know. I like my life, quiet and simple."
Author's Note
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Glendela prodded at me curiously. "So, what's a kirin doing visiting me?"
I couldn't quite get my thoughts together to respond, focused on trying to keep her beak out of my face. She was enjoying that far more than I liked. "Because, I was given a mission to do?"
Pinkie nodded firmly. "We have to find brave griffons that are willing to take a chance to become something bigger and better, for all griffonkind!"
Twinkle huffed softly. "I don't think she cares about that."
"I do not." Glendela folded her arms across her chest. "Griffonkind hasn't done much for me recently. I can barely get my own business done."
Maud tilted her head. "Your own business?"
"Fashion. I design and create clothes." She spun a hoop that served her as a belt, decorated with some flowers. "Most of it's handmade. I have trouble getting the materials I need."
Twinkle smiled brightly. "I bet becoming a phoenix will help. You'll be able to buy all the materials you want."
I blinked, unsure if that was actually true, and where did Twinkle hear about it?
But Glendela looked like she was pondering the idea. "Not many griffons would say no to a phoenix that came swooping in, all a-fire and demanding to buy some stuff." She smirked her beak. "Maybe even get a discount."
"Or free things." Maud shrugged softly. "Just give it away."
"You think?" Glendela ruffled Maud's mane, not that she reacted. "Now we're dreaming. Still, you're not wrong. That might help. So, what's the trick? What do you want from me? I'm not rich, to make that extra clear."
"That's fine." I nodded softly. "We're not looking for that." I pointed to the temple. "Just come with us, pass the test, and learn how to be a phoenix. We have a few phoenixes in there, waiting to share how to do it."
Glendela tilted her head, looking back and forth between the temple and us. "It's that easy?"
Twinkle shrugged. "That easy. They say the test is hard, but I haven't seen a griffon fail so far."
Pinkie nodded along with that. "So far, everygriffon that's been brave enough to try has gotten it. You just have to try it."
She smiled slowly at that. "Alright. You got my attention." She clapped her hands together. "I'll do it. I can't guarantee I'll be any good at it, but I'll at least go have a look."
We led her back to the temple, thoughts of only needing one more griffon, if they all passed, on my mind. When we dropped her off, we didn't see Gallus, perhaps busy teaching another griffon? We emerged to consider our next move. "This is going well so far. One more." I frowned with thought of how to find the next. "It's worked so far."
I focused on the icon of the truth-speaker spell and felt a strong response. "This way. They may not be the griffon, but they'll tell the truth."
Twinkle smiled with amusement. "Like with Glendela?"
Pinkie shook her head quickly. "Glendela actually said yes. More like that other griffon that pointed us towards Glendela."
"Right." I nodded quickly. "She was fine." I set off at a quick pace, not quite running, but certainly trotting along. I quickly found the source of the spell, a griffon sitting at a bar, holding a drink. They were a male of the species, and didn't react as I wandered up.
"Good morning." I reared up, hooves on the bartop. "Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question if I can take a moment?"
"That's one." He chuckled at his own joke. "What's a kirin and his herd need with me?"
Pinkie inclined her head. "I'm not in his herd."
Maud shrugged at that. "I am."
I waved both off. "It's about griffons brave enough to try becoming a phoenix."
"Yeah?" He leaned in towards me. "I know where to find those, but before that, come with me." He slapped my shoulder and stood up. "Got business." He walked out of the bar without another word.
I exchanged confused glances with my friends and followed after him, leading into the city streets, deeper away from the temple. "Where are we going?"
"To find a bunch of griffons who'll try and become phoenixes." He gave that odd bit of a chuckle. "I know a wing of them really interested in that." We were passing into a dark alleyway, one of many in the city. "They hang out around here."
I hesitated, feeling that tingle of uncertainty. "Isn't that the wrong direction? I thought the temple was back that way?"
"Huh? I didn't say we were going to no temple." He snapped his fingers, heavy forms dropping ahead and behind us. "I said I'd bring you to interested griffons."
A huge form emerged from the dark, glaring down at me. "Yep, good job." He reached out for me. I shrank back away, but he closed his fingers around my skull, taking firm hold. All I could see in that moment was the palm of his hand, and darkness. "You don't understand what you're doing"
I struggled uselessly, unable to pry him loose. "Let me go!"
The hand was wrenched from me, a pillar of stone shoving the hand and the griffon attached to it in an abrupt thrusting motion. Pinkie swirled with arcane fury as she waved a hoof, a new pillar sending another griffon flying away in a heap.
Maud glimmered faintly with earthen power, but did nothing until a griffon tried to slash her with a big knife, for the blade to shatter against her. She punched a hoof upwards, shattering the wrist that held the knife just as surely, several wet cracks filling the alleyway along with the griffon's howls of agony.
Twinkle was left standing between us and the remaining griffons, those trying to swarm Pinkie and Maud, leaving only two facing her. "I only know a little magic of this world," she admitted, sounding and looking just embarrassed of that fact. She fled beneath me, using my legs as cover.
I couldn't blame her, but now I had a job. "Fireball!" A bright sphere of light and flame formed in my open hoof, flinging forward and slamming into one of them. But the griffon swirled with wind magic, channeling the ball of flame around them to crash into a building instead.
"That the best you got." The wind picked up, flecks of lightning surging around him. "We have magic too, fire horse."
I was distracted as the second griffon advanced on us. "Not going to let you run away." The griffon reached for us.
Suddenly, I was a stone, so was Twinkle, caught in the rock I had become.
I heard Pinkie laughing maniacally in the distance as a whip of blood was sent lashing out, hitting the one attacking us. They recoiled back, clutching at a bleeding cut, slumping. I let the stone spell lapse, freeing me and Twinkle.
Maud and Pinkie had worked through them with ruthless efficiency. Neither of them had a single cut to their name. Pinkie giggled as she stepped on one griffin. "Now, you can be a nice creature and tell us why you did that, or we can be extra not-nice."
The griffin laughed, then laughed more as he realized how serious Pinkie was. "Oh, come on. We just wanted you off our trail."
"Trail?" Pinkie tilted her head, while Maud kept walking, head down.
Maud slammed a hoof beside the griffon's head, sending stone flying in a crater. "You touched my stallion. Only I get to do that."
I blushed deeply at that. "Maud, that's not necessary." I sat on my haunches. "So, tell us?" I glanced at the other bruised and battered griffons. "You lost this pretty firmly."
He sniffed. "Go back to Canterlot if you know what's good for you, and forget about phoenixes."
I took a moment to consider the situation. "You think phoenixes are scary. Why do you think that?"
"Ha." He smirked viciously. "You don't know anything. What do you think we griffons are? We're nothing if not ready to not agree about something." He rolled his eyes at the idea. "We have a lot of ideas about phoenixes, which is half the problem, stupid pony."
I blinked slowly. "You mean you disagree about whether you should have phoenixes in Griffonstone?"
"Closer." He stood up slowly, each movement clearly coming with some amount of pain. "Some of us would rather not have them at all. Others think they'll bring a new golden age, like the griffons at that temple. Bottom line a lot of us can agree on, them being around will change things, in a big way."
I leaned towards him, making him shrink away. "Do you think becoming a phoenix will make you different?"
"Me? Duh, of course." He lifted his shoulders, nervously laughing. "But I'm talking about the bigger picture! Griffonstone will change, not just any one griffon."
Pinkie shook her head, frowning with frustration. "And you had to do it the not-fun way?"
Twinkle rushed ahead of Pinkie. "I'm fairly certain he's telling the truth."
Maud nodded faintly. "Yeah." She turned away from the griffon. "They don't want it."
I was forced to accept the conclusions that the others were reaching. "That seems to be the case." I sighed heavily.
"I do," came a little voice. We looked over to see a griffon boy watching us with wide eyes of amazement and a little fright.
I blinked at the kid. "Aren't you--" I looked around. "A little young? Is there an age limit on phoenix?"
"Is there?" The boy certainly didn't seem to know.
Twinkle knelt before the boy. "There isn't, as far as I know. But it is dangerous. Have you asked your parents?"
The boy shook his head quickly. "I don't have one of those. I make my own decisions." He fluffed up as best he could. "I wanna be a fire bird."
I considered the little guy, but was mostly worried about the angry adults nearby. "Let's talk about this back at the temple." I led the way and the others trailed along behind me.
Soon we were back in the safety of those gilded halls. I went directly for the first priest I could find. "We have a griffon that's ready to test, but they're just a kid. Is that even allowed?"
The priest regarded the boy with some amusement. "Of course. Come in, child."
The boy clapped with a big smile, scampering right up to the priest. "I'll pass all the tests!"
"You are welcome to try." The priest led him to the forming line. "But you must wait your turn. While you wait, you will be fed and housed."
"A place to stay? Awesome!" The boy skipped off with the priest, eager and happy.
That was when I took notice of that line. There were griffons waiting there that I hadn't put there. I gently poked the priest. "There are more here than before. Did something change? Should I still be hunting?"
"Hm? Oh." The priest shook his head. "You have fulfilled your duty admirably, and beyond that." He waved around to the crowd. "This is a result of what you have accomplished."
Pinkie looked from one side of the line to the other. "What happened?!" She bounced up to one griffon. "What made you come?"
The griffon raised a brow at Pinkie. "I heard a kirin was encouraging griffons to come here. With so many successes, Gabby even, I figured I had a chance at this."
I didn't have time to answer, a priest moving up to my side. "Your services are required upstairs. Do you have the energy for more?"
I blinked at that. "I can't recruit griffons upstairs. What kind of help?"
"Help with our records." He tapped a quill against a large book.
Confused, I trailed after the griffon. "I know nothing of your records. How can I help? Seriously, kinda confused."
"I didn't expect you to know anything." He led me up two flights of stairs, Twinkle, Pinkie, and Maud trailing after. "You've proven yourself capable in other ways." He paused before a door, looking me over.
I swayed my long tail. "Have I? Seriously, show me how I can help."
"If you will allow me a moment." He pushed the door open, leading us inside. The room was dominated by shelves and cabinets, with stacks of books and papers all around. "This is the library that contains all of the history of the phoenix. From their birth, to their deaths. This is their legacy, and a small part of our test of the worthiness of a potential phoenix."
"Huh, okay." My eyes swept slowly over the many tomes. Twinkle dashed ahead, grabbing one in her magic to examine. "What do you want me to do with them?"
The priest cleared a spot on the desk, opening up the first book. "When I read the dates, I will tell you the shelf. Then you can replace the book accordingly."
I was stunned a moment, but went along with it. He began reading dates, and I ferried books off to where they belong as quickly as I could. Soon, Pinkie joined in, and we were hurrying around the library, pushing books into their proper homes. "Now, stupid question, but shouldn't a librarian be doing this, or at least another priest?"
"They are, but your presence and cooperation allows us to organize much faster. Not only that, but it speaks volumes of your willingness to aid in this." He was still flipping pages. "Such help is not unheard of, but uncommon."
It began to make sense then. I was being tested. A griffon purely in it for themselves would have made quite a bit more noise about being asked to help sort books. There I was, just doing it. I wasn't even being paid. I was just helping. I put the next book away as the date was read. "Glad to help. How are Gallus and Gabby doing with their mentorship duties? They close to done?"
The priest paused in his reading to smile. "They are doing wonderfully. Such fine additions to the order of phoenix. You're doing wonderful work with them."
"Good to hear." I reached for the next book. "Gallus just had to do one more, right?"
"Indeed." The priest began to flip once more. "I'm sure we'll have the final details ironed out in no time."
"I figured they started that one more, at least." I got the book where it belonged with a nod of satisfaction. "I didn't see him in the main room."
The priest perked. "Not in the main room?" He went to the window and looked out. "That's strange."
We returned downstairs to the common room, Pinkie having taken a spot by the door to wait for him. "Nope." She bounced after the priest. "We're starting to get worried."
But an idea was bouncing in my head. "What if he did do his three and he's not even here anymore? You have this going so smoothly, you've already got other phoenixes working in his place and didn't even worry about it."
The priest looked up from where he was looking at Gabby. "That is not the most unreasonable explanation." He tapped his chin. "I will consult with the archpriest." He marched off with firm conviction, leaving us there in the main room.
Author's Note
Is this a good ending?
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