Sunday 31 July - Year 983

I spent most yesterday practicing my enchantment, adding and modifying variables, the sword mom wanted will have to wait, I needed to have a gem embedded on the pommel, for that I needed a blacksmith to make a base and enclose the gemstone with metal firmly, something I just didn't have the tools to do, I knew I could probably do it if I had a few tools and the metal bits already done but...

I didn't, good thing is we could have the pommel, that is able to be screwed on or unscrewed, done by itself with just knowing the diameter of the end of the handle of the weapon.

I already had drawn designs for the prongs holding the gems in place. For Sylf they would look good as fangs specifically the canines of a wolf, for Thunder they would be in the shape of feathers, for Coconut they would be in the shape of unicorn horns, and for me I just went with snowflakes in different patterns and shapes, some rectangular, other branching, snowflakes are very varied, and very beautiful natural shapes.

My fascination with cold is completely normal because that is my element, and what's not to like? I am attuned to it like ice to a glacier. I thrive in the lowest temperatures where others would die in seconds.

I smiled as I laid in bed, stretching and yawning lazily, it was a nice comfy morning of no school, and I felt accomplished from yesterday's experiments, I am in a good mood today, but now I need to head to Griffonstone to get the permits I need, at least the acknowledge of General Steelwing and King Treble.

I roll off the side of the bed, landing on the floor with a heavy sound of scales on wood, then get up and walk to the bathroom next to my room, where I do my morning business and then walk into the bathtub, I take a quick shower while I scrub myself nicely with a sponge and soap, then I shake myself dry and pat with the towel, after that I walk downstairs to get breakfast as usual, this time I wanted some tea, something floral.

"Heeey everyone! What's for breakfast? I slept in, hope you all had a lovely night." I speak as I walk into the living room.

Everyone is here, except the foals who sleep a lot, Thunder is by the touch with dad, and Sylf is sipping tea on the other smaller sofa.

"Slept in, didn't you son? Good, dragons should have more sleep than ponies. I have asked my goddess about dragon care and what I could do to be a better father to one, and she said dragons of all ages sleep for longer times, it helps them regulate their growth and to stay healthy and strong, just like it does for ponies." He explains with a fatherly smile, I decide to join them on the couch, as Coconut is spooning Thunder, I place my back against Thunder's underside and lay there comfortably, she wraps a hoof around my midsection and we both get comfy, the close proximity to the mare I now consider family makes me relax and make a softly purring sound.

"Morning you sleepyhead, like your father says, I'm glad you slept in, but you never really slept that long before, even when we were together, I think sometimes you slept less than me, I wonder why." Momma added to his words, looking at us cuddling with a loving expression. "You're all so adorable like that!" She exclaims, her tail wagging happily.

I nod and stick my lizard tongue out at her, opening one eye. "Look who's talking, you big fluffy plushie wolf! If you were to even fit in with us right now, I would demand you join us, but you're a giant teddy bear in canine shape and the sofa isn't that big." I pointed out with a small laugh then shook my head, focusing back on what she said first, I did sleep in nicely.
"I think it's because my brain is somewhat hybrid. Also, I don't think I'm the same type of dragon as the ones here, I've read that they breathe fire, but never read any about others having ice as their element." I tell them my thoughts, looking down at my own body, thinking further about my own self.

"I still have a tiny bit of human, a small part of my brain that includes fragments of my old memories, I don't really know how much, or what parts specifically, so yeah don't worry I sleep just as long as my mind and body want me to." I decide to turn around in her grasp and hug Thunder and Coconut's barrels with my forelegs, sadly too short forearms to grab both ponies at once in a hug, but I could at least touch the sides of his barrel too. "Whatever I am in my head, I'm sure I love the three of you, my life is wonderful thanks to all of you, just... Thank you for everything, and for giving me little siblings to look after." I said the last part with a mischievous tone, but I meant every word.

Having them around meant safety, not only monetary but also physical, and meant that I was more likely to survive the coming years, I felt in my soul that the next appearance of a dungeon was going to be the most brutal and dangerous one yet by far, and I couldn't let it be the end of us, but they have my back too and that gave me hope enough to be able to live.

"I speak for the three of us when I say that we love you a whole lot and we would do anything for you, isn't that right my dear herdmates?" He spoke while using his hooves to hug both of us tightly, feeling myself pressed against Thunder's fluffy belly and chest was lovely and comfortable in equal parts, I couldn't help the large smile on my face.

I can say for certain that this is my family now.

My old family... They'll be fine without me, they have each other and they will have to move on like I'm doing.

I'm not alone, not with this three here with me and the other 2 sweet little siblings sleeping on their rooms.

I knew Thunder probably feels the same way, I am growing used to her and she's growing on me definitely, at first I didn't trust her that much, when we first met in those very awkward circumstances, but she has proven herself loyal and loving, she's more like a friend to me, as I don't really need much babysitting unlike my siblings, most of her attention is directed towards them and that's perfect for me.

"Obviously, I think at this point we all know we are inseparable, now let's go get breakfast, I'm starving guys! And you Onyx dear, are you going to travel to Griffonstone to get some paperwork done, are you not? We need to make sure that we don't get in trouble with the guard because of those ores, to be fair I should have known there were laws against those, I don't know all the laws to be fair, I used to work only on patrols and learned the relevant laws for that, but not for this... Business deals are not my expertise." Sylf explained, while nudging us to get up, pushing everyone off the sofa with her snout, making both ponies fall on top of me, considering each pony weights around 100-120kg it was not an insignificant amount, I'm sure if I was a mere man, I would be in pain or even injured by this, but I was not even phased and I just nuzzled both of them more.

"Mooom! You didn't have to push us off! Well, now may as well get going, Thunder, dad? If I may?" I asked both of them with a muffled voice from underneath them.

"S-sure sorry Onyx, I didn't expect her to push us off, that was mean sweetheart! But I guess you have a point, time is of the essence!" He admonished her, getting up along with the pegasus mare and approaching her, poking her chest with his hoof while she just smirked at him, having gone back to the sofa.

"I'll get you back, you'll see..." The mare grumbled with a small blush on her face, looking at Sylf intently with less than pure intentions, I rolled my eyes with a small smile, of course that they would come up with something inappropriate to get even.

"What are you two gonna do about it, lovebirds?~" she teases and scoots to the edge of the sofa, jumping down and standing on all fours, towering over both of them and smiling smugly, she is about as tall as Celestia by now, seems like she's still growing.

They both look up at her, blushing slightly. "Well I'm gonna... N-no, can't say it with Onyx here listening, so you get off easily this time my love." He said with a small sigh, then turning to me and giving me an apologetic look. "I promised I would be more respectful towards you. Please let me know if I ever make you unconfortable, okay? after what happened in Griffonstone, I'm trying to be a better father figure and not get a repeat of that." He admitted with regret over this actions before, but I couldn't really blame him for it anymore, it's all in the past.

"You're fine, I'm over that already dad! Now... Let's go get breakfast quickly, I still have to get ready for my small trip, want me to cook this time, ma?" I ask, planning to make some delicious oat and dark chocolate porridge, with some diced strawbs and banana.

"Sure, let's go!" And with that we headed to the table and I to the kitchen, where I made breakfast, not even half an hour later, all of us were enjoying delicious oat chocolate milk porridge, a glass of apple juice and some diced strawberries and banana mixed into the porridge. A delicious and filling breakfast, specially after sprinkling a few teaspoons of small gems in.

After breakfast I started preparing to travel.

The next step was to gear up, putting on my mage robes, a bag with supplies was packed and stored in my pocket dimension, as well as something I wanted to bring to mister Gruff, a gift I think he would appreciate and would make his dish, the famous scones of his, more edible for non dragons.

Turns out that as a dragon, eating rocks is pretty common, the minerals in rocks and crystals have flavors that for others creatures can't get to because they can't break them down, griffons and ponies and other races don't exactly have the ability to digest or even bite into rocks, so is the case for griffon scones that lack baking powder, they're pretty much dense like rocks, it's possible to dissolve them in your maw if you let them soak in your saliva for a while, no better than hardtack.
Baking powder will surely resolve this issue, as long as he doesn't add rocks or twigs to the scones he should have a far higher quality and delicious product.

I brought with me around five hundred bits in case I wanted to buy something small, but I wasn't planning on spending much again for now.

I stood by the teleportation circle, having already said my goodbyes.

Magic surrounded my body in an invisibly vortex that I could feel, my own power, affecting the world, in this case, only myself and my bags, and in a flash of indigo, in less than an instant, I was thousands of kilometers away, on the backyard of the unofficial Griffonstone orphanage, it was unfortunate timing, because right as I appeared, a rubber ball bounced right on my head, making me blink in confusion.

It didn't hurt, but it gave me pause, I looked around and quickly spotted two girls, one around my age and the other much younger, I quickly realized who they were, right as they did, and both of them rushed to hug me.

"Onyx! You came back like you said you would, where are your parents? Did you came here alone?" Sable spoke in a happy and curious tone, nuzzling her beak to my neck and squeezing me pretty hard.

"Big shiny!" Gilda said in a childish voice while hugging my foreleg, her wings fluttering as she tried to pull my leg forward. "Go in!" She demanded.

"Hello you two dears, how has everything been lately my friends? I've come here on my own this time, my parents are busy." I answered with a happy smile of my own at seeing them, they were looking a bit better, probably a better diet.

But the little griffon reminded me that she was serious about me going in, and started pulling at my foreleg harder, making me chuckle but deciding to do what she says.
"Okay okay Gilda, I'm gonna go in and say hello to grandpa Gruff, don't pull my leg out!" I spoke with a pretend tone of alarm, as if she could do it, letting her pull my leg by not opposing any resistance for a while, before shrugging and walking forward, Sable let go of me and walked beside me and so did Gilda eventually when she realized I was walking where she wanted me to.

"Oh it's been great! Every since Treble got chosen as the new king, we have been having more regular meals! We have also new toys for Gilda and any other foal that comes by to play, grandpa can tell you more, but... It's really wonderful, what you did for us Onyx, I'll never forget it, no griffon here will forget it.
I promise, it's as if our fortune has turned around and now griffons smile more out on the street, they talk to each other, they hang out more too! I even made a few friends outside the orphanage, when before they didn't even want to talk to us." She speaks in a dreamy tone, sitting in front of me and holding one of my paws with her talons, looking into my eyes with hope sparkling on hers, hope and something else I couldn't quite place.

"All of that was your doing, I just brought back that golden relic thingy, nothing else." I just shrug, what else was I supposed to do? This only benefitted me and that's why I did it, not to help anyone.

If things are better for other nations they are better for me, and having allies is good, it's not like my actions were only positive for all, for the islander nation that tried to invade, I was the downfall of their attempt.

"You're kidding?!" She got visibly flustered and grabbed me by the sides of the head, shaking me around in exasperation.

I let her, relaxing my neck and letting her rattle my head around until I felt a bit dizzy, then she let go and using her talon, she patted my snout affectionately, making me smile at her in thanks.
"You're just gonna play dumb, aren't you? Well, I can't force you to see things as I do." She rolled her eyes and smiled, her face slightly red at the cheeks as she kept walking towards the door. "You're both the nicest and dumbest male I've met." She said in a soft voice that had something to it that I couldn't quite place.

"Let's go and at least say hi to grandpa before you go do whatever you are here to do, please? You'll make him happy, he has a lot of respect for you for what you did." Sable asked in a pleading tone, turning back and nuzzling my side to get me to agree. The answer was pretty clear to me, how could I say no to such an adorable and sweet girl?

"Of course! He was a wonderful host for our family, I can't ever thank him enough for letting us stay with him, and you as well, you helped make food, you were kind enough to hang out with me despite the fact that I'm eleven, and you are very adorable too. I should be thanking you Sable, you, Treble, Mr. Gruff and little Gilda here have been really wonderful hosts and you deserve to have happy lives in this wonderful city, and not struggle every day with hunger." This time I approach and nuzzle her side right under her wings, then look up at her face, showing that I meant everything I said. She looks pretty happy that I agreed and slightly pink on her face at being complimented, I could relate, I don't do well with them either.

"Now let's go see him so I can give him a little gift I brought for him." I smile warmly at both of them, then I approach Sable again and ruffle her head feathers, making them puff up, she returns it with a small punch to my shoulder with her talon and a giggle.

"You're just like Treble, he loves to mess with me whenever he gets the chance, you're lucky you don't have any fur or feathers or you would get the same treatment... Just you wait, someday I'll get you back!" She smirks and gives me a look that promises to return the teasing tenfold in the future, before opening the door and going into the hallway to the kitchen, where the three of us walk into and head to meet with the patriarch of the house, and there he is, sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper and having some tea.

He looks up from the article he's ready when we come in, then he smiles as he sees me there, I nod in greeting as I walk over to him. "Mr. Gruff, good to see you again so soon! How has the situation been at this lovely city? Hope that things have changed for the better, I come bringing you a gift, a small gift but it will prove useful for your business." I shake his talon when he offers it and then take my supplies out of my inventory, where the baking powder is stored, then start rummaging through the bag while we have a talk.

"It's grandpa Gruff for ya, young Onyx, what a surprise to see you visiting again so soon! Ya know? I never thought the day would come where I would look forward to tomorrow like I do right now, ya took this run down decadent nation and gave it hope, an' hope builds the future, it's made of hopes and dreams." Finally I find the jar and hand it to him, he holds it and looks confused, his head tilted to see it from various angles. "Wuts this now? Flour? Or some white spice I dun know about?"

"Oh no grandpa, it's baking powder, it's a very useful ingredient when you want to bake something to eat, I gift it to you, I want you to try adding it into your scones you make, for a whole batch, just add two teaspoons or so to the flour and mix it.
It should be enough, this jar here has a full kilogram of it, it should last you a while, and about giving hope? I just did what anyone in my place would have, trust me, I earned something from this too, don't take my actions for charity, it's something I had my reasons to do." I explain to him with a neutral expression, before giving him a friendly smile. "All of my plans require the Griffon Empire to return to its old glory and even surpass it, that I can assure you, now it's been a pleasure to talk, but I have business to take care of, see you later!"

He nodded, smiling back at me. "Am I glad you have our prosperity within your interests then! goodbye now young'un. When you come back, I'll have some tea ready, so please stop by!" He says as I walk out the door, I turn and nod politely before leaving without saying another word.

I walk out, it's lightly raining outside, cloudy gray skies, I smile at this, my favorite weather, along with snow.

I head to the castle, walking along the much cleaner city, all the debris and trash that littered the streets were gone now, there were still a few of the biggest pieces, but it was much better, and it seems that they were in the process of installing lamp posts, at least right outside the castle, all in less than a week since I left.

'Ah, look who decided to show up! I've noticed you as soon as you popped in, but now you're free to talk to, how interesting, don't you think? I wonder why you decided to come back so soon, my friend?' Of course, I sigh, mentally preparing myself to deal with him.

'Heya dude, long story short? All that ore I mined, turns out I need permission from King Treble or the General to be able to process it and keep it, otherwise it may be seized by the crown, and since we already showed the ore to the blacksmith... Well if I don't do what he says, he's going to inform the guards, and my dear mom will get into trouble badly, she may lose her job at the Royal Guard, and that would mean losing our house, and I like that house, so I came back to talk to them, and hopefully get them to sign a permit that allows me to keep the ore, something I really want badly, I need armor that's good for my family and I, so I'm back and with a mission, and how about you my high and mighty friend?' I answer truthfully, there's no point lying to someone who can read your mind like an open book, specially when he considers me a friend and I do consider him one too, even if we can't really hang out or do much other than talking whenever I'm inside his sphere of influence.

'That... Makes a lot of sense, I don't honestly know a lot about Equestria, honestly ponies weren't exactly the most neighborly, not that griffons were any better when I formed the empire, bunch of warlords with only short term goals.
The ponies had constant struggles amongst the three subraces for a long time until they were forced to come together into an alliance and later on, a nation, all of that from external pressure, this all happened as I was unifying my own nation, but I don't know much about their whereabouts now, after all I ascended when my nation was at its highest point and from there I just watched everything go downhill.' He gives me a little more context, while I keep walking, the black and red robes covering me and keeping me dry in the rain, except for my snout, paws and tail who didn't fully fit in the robes, mainly my tail.

'Then let me put things into context for you sir Boreas.' I decided to be respectful and explain the situation in Equestria.
'Now Equestria is ruled by a demigod princess who controls the sun and moon, she's a bit of a control freak, she may be improving in my opinion, but yeah she doesn't want "her little ponies" to suffer any inconveniences, she thinks they're made of glass or something, and acts accordingly, I can't really blame her fully, because she lost her sister to some otherworldly monstrosity, but it still annoys me having to deal with her laws sometimes, at least the most ridiculous ones, the only good thing is that the coming of age is legally fifteen, meaning that I don't have to wait till I'm 18 to legally travel alone, drink or work wherever I want.' I sigh and just shrug, at this point I'm halfway across the city, some griffons see me and wave, some come and say hello in person, I just give them a fistbump or a handshake depending on what they go for, and say a few pleasantries and move on, it's nice to be in a place where I'm treated kindly by the people.

Some go a bit overboard though.

This griffons sometimes stop me on the street and call me 'the chosen of Boreas' and I honestly don't see it, I just point out that the chosen of Boreas to rule over them is King Treble, I'm just the guy that got back the artifact back during a rappelling accident and of sheer luck, some seem convinced by my words, but still treat me with respect, while others just say I made it all possible so I should still be revered, and at that I point out that even if that was the case, I believed the King to be the one who deserves the honor, as he was actually chosen by the god Boreas himself, and that I fully support him and his decisions, that way no one gets the wrong idea that I'm looking to overthrow him or something silly.

It does get a bit annoying, fame doesn't really help me much, I mean I don't get paid for being famous, and no one is going to offer free services to me because I'm somewhat famous, nor will I let them, griffon are after all plenty greedy like myself, they don't really take exposure as payment, not do I believe in that bullshit.

I finally reach the castle, giving them guards outside a polite nod and lowering my hood, showing them my face. Both of them nod respectfully in recognition and open the door for me. "Welcome, Lord Onyx, the General and the King are training at the moment in the barracks and will soon be coming back to the throne room, you may wait at reception until they do, if you wish to talk to either of them."

I nod and walk inside, going to the long stone seats near the door, where I take most of the space by laying on my belly and stretch forelegs forward and hind legs backwards, sighing and enjoying the cold stone sofa, it's quite comfy honestly.

'Going up in the world huh? You're a Lord now! However you're being a lazy rump, that's not how a Lord sits now, is it? No one is going to take you seriously if you lay down like that Onyx!' The god of the griffons speaks in a mocking voice in my mind, his tone making it completely clear he's just teasing me, but it still makes me roll my eyes, yet I can't help but smile.

'Shut it, I'm just relaxing, it would be a waste not to enjoy this stone seat, it feels comfortable for my scales, I love sleeping on hard surfaces, but I rarely get the chance to, not that soft surfaces are bad, it's just I don't like sinking in when I sleep.' I mentally answer while groaning softly, closing my eyes and enjoying the moment.

'Yeah, I know, a close friend of mine used to love loafing around on any stone or metal surface he came across, I bet he has a bed of metal or stone now in his home, now pay attention, you have someone coming to talk to you, at least pretend you have more class.' He says, poking my snout magically and making me jump and let out a surprised gasp, but he gets what he wants, as I quickly get into a proper sitting position, my heartbeat increased from the unexpected touch.

I didn't know he could do that, fuck! That scared the hell out of me. 'Hey, you trynna give me a heart attack?! Also since when can you affect things outside with magic? I thought you weren't allowed to.' I ask with curiosity, sitting properly and straight, not feeling relaxed anymore.

'I have gained a lot of influence thanks to your actions, and while you are right that I can't just go around doing whatever with my power, I can play a prank on you, you are in a way, my champion, even if you aren't officially and you didn't get any powers, that means I can mess with you and Treble way more than any other creature, want me to turn you into a griffon?' He suddenly asks the last part with a serious and dry tone.

I blink in confusion at the offer, unsure if he's serious or not, before deciding I don't really want to change like that, I wouldn't be able to go to school and I would get in all sorts of trouble.

'No way, not only I like being a dragon, I also can't suddenly change or the school will not allow me entry, I will have to retake the entrance exam and I don't have any paperwork of being born a griffon!' I exclaimed mentally to the mischievous griffon deity, afraid of him actually turning me into one and I unable to turn back, I doubt my spells would even work on a spell created by a deity, they probably didn't even go by the same rules.

'Relax dude! That was a joke, goodness you're so easy to tease... You are perfectly capable as a dragon, and switching races like that would alter your ability to use magic, we griffons don't use magic like you do, and from what I can feel on you, you are a special case for dragons, as most dragons can only channel magic from their maws and breath, but you also have those channels on the paws.' He clarifies, I take a sigh of relief and not even a second later a griffon wearing armor comes around the corner, she gives me a polite nod before talking.

"Greetings Lord Onyx, the King has been informed of your arrival and he is ready to receive you at the throne room, please follow me." I nod back and jump off the seat, standing beside the guard.

"Great! How have things been since I left? Any other troubles? Have the Isles tried anything?" I ask with a serious and concerned tone, if they did... I'm going to have to do something about them, something I don't really want to do.

"Thankfully young sir, nothing bad has happened, no news other than good, Griffith Islands military activity has reduced massively in our territory and they don't even raid our ships anymore, looks like whatever deal you made with their General has worked, but General Steelwing surely will be able to tell you more, come through this door, the throne room is in there, head in." She gestures with her talon, then the doors are opened by another guard and I walk in, she goes and stands by the door outside.

Inside the throne room, it was very spartan, just a large stone throne with a large red cushion only, where my friend Treble is sitting, a tired look in his face, like he didn't get enough sleep, but his eyes light up when he sees me, recognizing me even in my robes. They're not exactly very concealing.

To the side, standing like an armored statue, is the only guard in the room, General Steelwing, who salutes me with a smile as soon as he sees me enter.
"Lord Onyx, good to see you again."

"Onyx! You came back so soon, that's amazing!" Treble stands up and runs over to me, I smile warmly and trot to meet him, we both stand on two legs and share a hug, he laughs happily and slaps my back, while I ruffle his head feathers, I nuzzle my snout against the side of his face and after a few more seconds, we move back.

"It's good to see you again my feathery friend, you look tired, are you okay?" I ask him with concern, after all, he suddenly had a lot of responsibility dropped on him, and a lot of stress too, running a nation couldn't be easy.

"Oh you have no idea how hard it is to be a king dude! Not to mention I just showered after training, the effort left me almost unconscious, training to be an elite soldier is... Really, really difficult, not to mention having to rule on top of it, I'm just glad that the General takes over during Saturdays so I can have some time to spend with my friends and grandpa, still I feel like my body is slowly getting used to training, still, I'm exhausted." He sighs, going back to sit on his throne while I approach and stand next to him.

"Well, how many times per week do you train? What about getting one extra day of rest? Maybe the whole weekend? I came here to ask you for a big favor my friend, I hope you don't mind." I recommend him, while just going for it and saying what I had to say.

"A favor? Sure! You know as long as it's not too much, I'll do my best to do whatever you ask for, and training for me is five days per week, but today and tomorrow are training days and then one day of rest and then another two days of training and then two days of rest. Oh and about having an extra day off? I will get time off once the nation is a bit more up and running, I just need to sort out a few things first, you know that site you said had amazing ore yields in the Abyssal Abyss? Well we are digging a large tunnel heading down there, making sure there is a way down that doesn't risk falling, it's going to take months to just open the way there, away from the strong current." He spoke with a hopeful tone about the construction project.

"Any news? Did the Islands pay their monthly reparation? How is the work on the railroad bridge from Equestria coming along? Up at the northern edge of the Empire?" I ask honestly curious, and hopeful.

He nods with an excited smile at my question. "Yes yes! The Islands have paid their monthly reparations and with those bits, I'm paying for the construction of the tunnel to the mine, it needs reinforcements and a lot of griffon workers to dig into the rock, it's hard work and we barely have enough tools as it is, but thanks to the extra bits, it won't be a strain on our treasury, the railroad bridge is however a different matter entirely, it's paid by the Equestrian Treasury, the workers are a mix of griffon and pony, working together, it's still a few years away, I suspect that our mine will be finished around the same time." He looks at the General for confirmation, and gets a nod from him.

"So what was it you wanted? You still haven't said, sorry for pushing but I'm tired and want to get some rest after, the General will take over meanwhile."

"I need a document that says that you allowed my mom to mine the ore I got from the crevice, this 'abyssal abyss' I need basically your permission to be able to have it worked on by a blacksmith, do you think you could do that for me?" I ask, bowing my head respectfully.

He grabs my head and pushes it up until our eyes are looking straight into each other's.

"Don't bow, you're my friend, now General, let's go to the table on the office next room over and write a permit for him, making sure it's clear he owns the ores he found, and that he has a right to mine within Griffon Empire territory, do you agree, right General?" He asked in a curious but no nonsense tone.

"Of course, he's a fine lad and he got the ore fair and square, he even told us about it, instead of keeping the knowledge over it to himself, now our nation has a possibly invaluable source of wealth for the future." The large griffon added, then we all walked to the office on the back of the throne, the next room over.

There, General Steelwing wrote the document, and both of them co-signed it, I read it over, making sure it was very clear that mom had in fact the right to those ores, including the platinum, before nodding to myself and storing the document in my inventory.

"Thank you, really thank both of you! Now I can get back home and only worry about going to school, my mom won't lose her job now, is there anything else I can help with while I'm here? If not, then I'll be going, or you want to go play, Treble?" I offer, I am here so may as well.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm far too exhausted after training to go play, and I don't think there is anything for now that needs helping, unless you want to help dig through rock on the tunnel to the future mining site, but don't worry about that, our griffons are working hard on that, have a wonderful time back at home, and please tell your family I say hi!" He dismissed me and I nod, smiling and giving him another hug before departing. Then I remember something at the last minute.

"Sorry, before I go, why do the guards and some others call me Lord Onyx? I'm just a civilian, no noble either, so why?" He looks a bit sheepish but smiles at me.

"I... Decided to make something for you, three things in fact, grant you full citizenship of the Empire, as well granting you a noble title, and property for your service to the nation, the property is a house, and it will be transferred to you upon your fifteenth birthday when you become legally an adult, I had the approval of the other nobles on this request, all of them decided that you deserve this, and so do I, as do the griffons of Griffonstone." He admitted, his unsure expression turned serious and determined, not giving the least bit of indecisiveness.

Was it going to be a problem for me in the future? maybe, but I could appreciate the gesture, it was something I didn't expect to get for helping them, I expected to get nothing in fact. "I accept! as long as I don't have any responsibilities associated with that title, also you can use my property freely until I turn fifteen. Really, this is extremely generous of you. I'll have something for you that you will quite like, I promise you won't outdo me when it comes to gifts!" I had an idea on a gift for him in fact. "But... I seriously got to go now, as much as I'd like to stay, I promised grandpa Gruff to have tea at his home before I return home."

"I'm glad you accept, this will be a source of great joy for the griffons living in our city, just knowing you have a home here and you visiting sometimes, you have no idea how much they adore you after the failed enemy invasion, the belief on the God of Wind has grown exponentially thanks in no small part to you, and they herald you as the one who manifested the miracle of the barrier." Ah, that explains why I get stopped on the streets and get called so many weird names even in whispers, I wonder how everyone found out.

"The barrier was all mister Boreas, not me, and you know it Treble, please tell me you didn't go around telling I had something to do with it?" I somehow already knew the answer, I smell it on him, more so when he swallowed nervously and looked away from my intense draconic stare.

"I... may have let it slip that you designed the barrier and you helped plan the defenses, sorry but the rumor is out of my talons by now, everygriff knows, from here to other cities. I thank you for your visit and look forward to that gift you mentioned, I'm still a griffon and I love a good gift!" Oh you feathery little fuck! So it's because of you that now everyone here knows more about me than what I would have liked. I take a deep breath and try to calm down, before sighing in resignation, he's my friend but he should have known better! Why would I want fame?

"Please don't tell anyone else anything else about me anymore, okay?" I asked in a demanding tone that clearly said it wasn't a request.

"Y-yes I promise, it was... I was really excited and proud of what we accomplished, of what you accomplished, and I wanted to give you the proper credit for it. I didn't know you would be inconvenienced, but I should have know! So many... I know it's not easy to be the center of attention, I'm sorry friend." He admitted his fault and apologized, I guess I could see why he would speak up about me, but I wasn't happy he made it a public announcement, an official one.

"I'm in enough trouble as it is because of helping your nation, I don't want griffons coming to me with everyday problems or I'll have to give up the title and property, understand?" He bowed his head apologetically and looked at me like a kicked puppy but nodded his head quickly.

"Y-yes, I... Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? I can talk some sense into the griffons here, if you think that could help?" He offered and I nodded, that seems like a plan.

"That's good, next time I come here, I hope you convince the griffons here that I want to be left alone and treated with respect, not adoration or fanaticism. Look, I don't mind if they want to come say hi, but I don't want it to get too out of claw, I like my privacy and if you ever want me to come stay here for more than a single day, you'll need to clear things up with your subjects so my family and I can feel comfortable in your city without getting harassed, it's all I ask." I ask with a significantly calmer voice, no anger in it anymore, I've made mistakes before too.

"I promise to make sure to not bother you, however I can only keep that promise within the city at most, my guards will mediate for you, and I'll announce that you are not to be bothered without first going through my guards." He looks at me seriously when he makes his promise, clearly meaning it, his talon closed into a fist on his chest.

"Thank you my friend, and sorry for my temper, I'll try to keep it under control as best as I can, just worried about getting the wrong kind of attention is all... Well, I'll take my leave now King Treble, goodbye." Having said what I needed to clear up, I give him a quick goodbye hug that he returns and turn around and walk back towards the exit, nodding to General Steelwing and closing the throne room door behind me with my magic.

Going downhill was faster, the sound of the rain had intensified and it was very nice out, if a bit humid.

I decided to linger around for a bit, going to the middle of town and standing there removing my robes and leaning against the statue of King Grover. I could calm down here, as it was raining, griffons preferred to stay indoors and I had at least a bit of time for myself.

Some griffons were flying around up in the sky even in this weather, I also saw that many headed towards the newly started hole in the ground that would become a future tunnel into the deep mines. Seems that not even rain can stop them from working if they wanted to, but most of the bird-feline hybrids were indoors.

I honestly didn't mind water, letting the rain wash over my scales, sensing every drop, it was nice, so I stayed for a few hours more just getting absolutely soaked. 'Quite the beautiful city, you know? maybe I shouldn't have gotten upset with him at all, I... I knew the risks of doing anything to help usually garners attention, I knew that others would notice and yet I did it all anyways, maybe the griffons around realized without Treble telling them, I'll go easier on him next time, I still need to get that gift done for him too.'

'I'm sure he won't hold this against you, but next time you see him maybe you can give him that gift you promised. And yes, it's going to get back to its glory days in a few years when the mine is completed. This is the nation I left everything behind for, I won't abandon them again, you made me change my mind on them and reminded me how much I cared and I want to thank you for that.' I could tell he meant that from his heart, I smiled and looked at the castle in the distance, it's beautiful really, far more minimalist than Canterlot's but also beautiful in its simplicity and design.

'I know you always did care, you just needed a reminder, now I better go back to the orphanage and then back home, I'll talk to you someday when I come back, I don't know when that will be, but it may take some time.' I stand back on all fours and start walking back to Gruff's unofficial orphanage, it's not far so it only takes me a few minutes.

'Please stay alive, my little friend, you have much yet to experience.' He spoke in a surprisingly caring tone of voice, I smiled and chuckled, it's good to feel like we are really friends.

'I'll do my best to not die, but if I do end up dying, save me a spot on your afterlife, it seems really fun in there from what you told me. I hope I get to experience being alive a long time still, so don't wait up.' I answer in a happy and unbothered mental voice, I mean it, having an afterlife of endless skies to explore and challenges to fight through without any danger of suffering real death? Sounds like fun.

'Deal, but seriously you better not come here for a few thousand years, if you come here sooner I'm gonna make you regret dying.' He spoke in a threatening tone, one that promised consequences that I definitively didn't want.

I ignored the fact he said thousand and not hundred, not ready to think about this philosophical nonsense right now.

I entered the house as he spoke, it was unlocked, inside the scent of tea was in the air.

A pot was ready, just like he said, and it was no coincidence as it's about 5pm.

I stayed a long time in the rain after all, just observing the city and the cloudy skies and thinking.

I sat on the table with the rest, Grandpa Gruff, Gilda, Sable and myself, I could see they were happy to have me, I feel welcome here with them, I feel something odd from Sable, I can't tell why but she's watching me more than usual.

We had tea, the four of us, mostly in silence, good company is sometimes enough to enjoy something as simple as a cup of tea.

After that, i had a few words of goodbye with the old griffon and with little Gilda, and headed accompanied by Sable to the backyard, where we had time to talk alone underneath the rainy skies.

"You're going back so soon? W-well... I thank you for your visit, you have made my day a lot better, I-i wanted to say... I-i think you have very beautiful eyes, I love how your slitted pupils look and they also glow in the dark slightly, it's... Honestly a-awesome." She stutters shyly, blushing and looking away after she's done, unable to look me in the eyes.

I feel my face cooling quickly as I blush too, what she said was really sweet, but I'm pretty sure she's trying to tell me she likes me, I wanted to compliment her too, but I wasn't good with them on the spot, so I fumbled terribly.

"A-and you are very adorable when you blush, you have lovely eyes, and... Your wings looks really pretty, as well as your black stripes on your orange hind legs!" I compliment her back awkwardly, although not stuttering as much as her, but I know my compliments are kinda basic and honestly they make me want to bury my head on the dirt.

I decide to add a bit of proof to my words, and I move forward, standing on two legs and pulling her into an embrace, or at least trying to, because I end up stepping on wet, very slippery and wobbly tile and so does my tail that I usually to stabilize myself, and I mess up slipping and falling onto my back like a turtle, pulling her down too right on top of me as I had grabbed at her foreleg to not fall.

Her beak pressed right to my snout in an almost kiss, and our bodies pressing together, I move my snout to the side when I realize, and now I feel way more embarrassed, and my face starts to get a colorful shade of indigo, even through my scales, I can see the glow reflecting on her eyes.

Those beautiful windows to her emotions, and surprisingly I see she is very glad this happened on her eyes.

We lay there, getting covered in rain for a while before I come to my senses and start to apologize.

"Uhmm... I-i apologize! I tripped on the wet tile, I promis-" my embarrassed rambling was interrupted by her beak pressed against my snout, and her tongue shyly poking my fangs, as she kissed me, she kissed me for real, not by accident, this was no accident, was it?

My eyes widened, I wasn't expecting this... But, as her smooth beak gently brushing against my lips, it felt tingly in a very pleasant way, it felt... Very good, and her tongue was licking my fangs for some reason, I was too shy to allow a deeper kiss that included tongue yet, but she seemed to understand and moved her tongue back.

We are basically the opposite in every way, and yet she didn't hesitate to kiss me, my eyes went from wide and shocked to focused, my pupils dilated and looking into her face, I started to smile and returned the kiss after a few seconds, having regained my confidence from earlier, I could taste the black tea and her distinctive and pleasant flavor of her beak, it was really unique.

It was my first kiss too that I could remember, it felt magical.

My smile widened, and I started chuckling happily after moving back and ending the kiss, feeling the worries about messing up fading and a growing sense of confidence, she giggled adorably too and I embraced her this time more confidently around her neck, she stayed on top of my clumsy self and we looked intently into each other's eyes.

After a minute, I spoke up first in a tone that was almost a whisper. "That was... my first kiss, and it was wonderful, I wasn't expecting it to feel so nice! T-thank you." I felt... Tingly and slightly euphoric for some reason, kissing really is as good as mom and dad make it seem. I get it now.

"S-so you liked it too? I loved it!" her adorable feathery tail wagged side to side while she spoke excitedly.

"Oh my gosh~ I-I was scared you would be furious! I liked you ever since I first met you, but I was scared that if I said anything in front of your parents they would pluck me feather by feather, you know? B-because I'm a bit older than you and... You're a male and ponies are more protective of their males, your sire maybe would be angry." She spoke nervously but also excitedly in a much louder voice than me, she's also blushing even more than me, this clearly was magic, there's no way a bird beak like hers or a dragon like me can blush! Not that it mattered.

I want one more kiss, this time I want to be the one that starts it, to take control.

"I-I didn't really know exactly how I liked you until just now, because... Honestly I don't know how to make the first move on something romantic. Whatever it is how we are now, but my parents, furious about you making a move on me?!" I snorted at the thought, they would tease me nonstop about it that's for certain.

"Pffff! They would probably throw you a whole party and everything, you're barely older than me, two years is nothing." I just start nuzzling the adorable griffon girl affectionately, with my eyes closed, enjoying the softness of her down feathers on her head.

"R-really? You think they would be happy? But what does this makes us? In the stories I read, a knight who kisses with a princess end up living together, happy forever after. But usually, in the stories they are both older... And neither of us is that old yet." Her hopeful idealistic view is quickly shattered by reality, she's right in the second statement, I can't nor do I want to be in a relationship other than friends. I will speak plain and truthful.

"I want to be close friends, but I did like that kiss and I would like to get one more, but will you let me give you one last kiss before I go?" I asked her in a soft voice, almost a whisper, not wanting to worry about stories or love, I liked her, maybe I had a crush on her, but I don't want to have any special someone, I'm not interested in that.

"Y-yes, but I'll miss you, w-" I interrupted her this time, stealing a kiss from her like she did to me, doing what I have watched countless times.

I smirked while I kissed her, this time I wasn't the one caught by surprise.

A much deeper kiss than the first, my larger maw was much more flexible and able to open more than her beak, so I was practically surrounding her beak from the sides with my snout, I made sure I pressed my lips to her beak a lot of times very gently, I kept my tongue close to hers.

Our tongues touched gently and shyly, we explored each other's mouths with curiosity.

Both of our mouths were very different outside but inside it was another story, having a curved palate, the only strangeness was the lack of fangs or teeth on her beak, that I was used to always being careful around in my own maw, but her having no fangs was not a bad thing, not in the least.

Oddly enough we had similar tongues, my own was longer and slightly thinner but hers was not as thick as a pony or wolf that I've seen.

As I laid there making out with her, switching roles now with me being the one to start it and my forelegs around her, my paws caressing her back, right between her wings, said wings were going straight up and fully extended, I lost myself and didn't realize that minutes had passed, she was the first one to get tired, and gently moved back, we separated and I licked my lips, enjoying her unique scent and flavor of her beak one last time.

She was blushing even more than before, there was a distinct look to her eyes and her expression that made it clear, she really enjoyed that kiss too, I felt a touch of pride in that fact, I didn't do too bad.

We stayed there, she was panting slightly, short for breath but I was fine, I waited for her to recover a while longer, then she spoke up first. "Onyx I... That was better than the first, definitively! H-how did you know what to do after just one kiss?"

"My parents, they're kissing at least a few times every day and many times right in front of me, I have watched many times and I copied what they did, but I was a bit more gentle and went way softer than the way they kiss, and honestly I learn as I go, it just felt right." I tell her the truth, while gently poking my snout against her beak, our gazes locked, I felt I could lose myself on those beautiful amber eyes.

"Oh! T-that I guess that makes sense, I really have no idea other than what I've read on a book on how a kiss was, until now that is, I hope it happens again in the future, I like you Onyx, next time want to go on a date together?" She asked with a surprisingly confident tone of voice, a date? A date could be fun, why not?

"We can go on a date, but... I want to clarify, we are just friends for now, okay? I like you and you like me, but I'm not ready for anything deeper than what we have now, I just don't feel ready, are you okay with that?" I ask in a soft and gentle tone, and surprisingly, she nods, she doesn't seem sad or anything. I let out a sigh of relief, regaining my smile, the last thing I wanted to do was ruin her good mood.

"I do, I know that those love stories i've read are just fiction, and I know you are still smaller than me, I... I don't regret kissing you though, but it's too early to think about being more than friends, I don't feel ready for more either just yet, I-I just think we can be friends who sometimes... Go on dates and sometimes we also kiss, does that sound okay to you, Onyx?" I nod with a warm smile, she returns it, I'm glad she understands me and that we think alike.
But I think it was time to prepare the spell to return, so I started forming the runic pattern in my mind.

"Well, I wanted to thank you for that wonderful kiss, I really enjoyed seeing you again Sable, but I must go home now, I have an important document to deliver and I want to do it today, so let me hug you one more time and I'll be gone, okay?" She looks sad to see me go, and honestly I was sad that we couldn't hang out more with her too, she is a lovely girl who gets what she wants while being sweet and kind, she's also very good at kisses, something I never experienced before, but now I want it again, I hope this doesn't become a problem.

"B-but... When will you come back again? Promise me you will at least visit twice a year or more, okay?" She begged, giving me a pleading look, basically on the verge of tears.

"Yes, I promise I'll come visit whenever I get the chance, it depends on what happens back home, and a lot of other things, okay? now... As much as I'd love to stay hugging all evening, you should get off me so I can leave, otherwise you'll fall face first into the floor when I disappear from under you." I warned her, and gave her a short affectionate smooch on the beak causing her to giggle.

I gave her one last squeeze, pressing her body to me before letting her go, she stood back up and moved a few steps back. "Thank you Onyx, stay safe, make sure you come back, please? When you do, I'll give you another kiss, I'll try to remember what you did so next time, I can impress you too." She spoke with a bit more confidence, making me slightly flustered.

"I-I promise I will, you take good care of Gilda and grandpa Gruff, your big brother Treble will take care of you, okay? See you later!" I gave her a wink and disappeared in colorful light the next instant.

I re-appeared back home with a crackle of magic, maybe I should look into making a silent version of the Teleport spell, that loud crackle was too noisy and I didn't want everyone to know when I teleported sometimes.

Yet I knew the amount of energy that dissipated after a teleport was enormous, having it dispersed as a shockwave was probably the most harmless way of doing it, but I could come up with another use, maybe kinetic or heat instead, to prevent the intense noise.

I appeared back at the third floor, my unofficial laboratory, where the magical enchantments were made.

I had a lot to think about, I brought my paw to my lips, blushing still from her last words. She's going to try to improve for me, that made me feel special.

But I couldn't stop thinking about what I experienced.

That felt... Incredible, no wonder my parents kiss so often, I suppose I already know they felt good, it's not like I haven't kissed both of them many times on the side of the face, but this was much different, it was with someone my size and around my age, it was not the same kind of kiss, either, it was far more intimate and I never felt something quite like it.

I smiled while prancing happily and heading downstairs to go give mom the document I got, today was interesting but I need to focus on something else for now, I think I'll stay doing some experiments with enchantment and then go to sleep early, after dinner of course.

"Mommy! I'm back, where are you?" I called out, unable to keep the cheerful note to my voice.

From her room she opens the door and comes out, a curious smile directed my way.

"From the way you're smiling, I'd say something good happened, and I doubt its just that you got the document you wanted, am I right?~" She knew right away something had happened, how?

"Yes! something wonderful happened, I got my first kiss momma, and it felt... heavenly, no wonder you and dad do it so often! Now I understand. But how did you know?" I admitted, unable to keep the pleased smile from my face.

I couldn't help but go back to thinking about Sable. I'm glad she thinks like me, remaining friends, at least for now is the best thing we can do, sharing a few kisses was surprising, but very welcome.

"You're smiling in a way that can only mean good news, the way your eyes are sparkling with joy, I could tell right away, you're also bouncing around like a hyperactive pup." I blushed a bit, realizing she was right about that last part, I was acting a bit too happy, but I couldn't help it. "Who was the lucky filly, or colt?" She asked in curiosity, a mischievous smirk on her snout, I didn't see the harm in telling her, the person I trust most.

"Sable, turns out she liked me since we first met, and I like her too, I don't think I'm in love with her or anything, but I definitively like her and think she's beautiful and adorable, but after kissing, I feel... I think I like her much more, is that not... wrong? I could use your advice here momma, I've never really done anything like that, and while I had crushes before and I fell in love, It never worked out, back then I mean, you know?" I asked her, honestly curious about what advice she could provide me, she had some experience when it came to love, while I honestly had none.

"Ohhh Onyx congratulations! Sable is indeed a really wonderful filly, she made us tea cooked for us, and she's good at it too." She cooed and sat down, then grabbed my cheek with her magical hand spell, pulling on it playfully while nuzzling my snout, I couldn't help but giggle and gently lick her own snout in return, we both ended up laughing from this and the nerves from talking about this dissipated like smoke in the wind.
"You don't have to fall in love right away with someone for a relationship to work, real friendship, as well as love, usually starts slow and grows over time, steadily, it can start... quite strongly too, like me and Coconut." She admitted, her face turning slightly crimson even through her black coat, her eyes unable to look into mine for a few seconds.

I giggled and just nuzzled her chin until she calmed down, deciding I should share what I felt too, in the moment.

"I kind of did the same, in that moment I just knew I wanted to experience more.
A kiss the way lovers do it, she kissed me first, it was absolutely wonderful, even if I was taken by surprise, but the one I started was even better, I wanted to try being in control I was curious as to what it felt like, both ways were sweet so yeah."
I paused, thinking how to best describe that situation to her in a short way.

"That's how it happened, and she liked it too! I feel happy mom, I more or less copied what I've seen from you all, the way you and dad kiss, and I have to thank you two, because it worked!" I cheered and jumped her in a tight hug, feeling honestly really thankful their helpful shows of love.

"Thanks for giving me plenty of examples by kissing right in front of me so often!" I spoke with a half sarcastic and half serious tone, making her chuckle and lay her snout on top of my head.

"You're very much welcome, I told you that you would find someone that you liked, what you two did is an adorable first step into what I can describe as one of the most wonderful adventures in life, that is love, even if you start as friends, it's a first step and for that I really congratulate you!" She sat down on her hind quarters and I laid my head against her neck, she really is happy for me, it sure makes me glad that I told her. I bet she has good relationship advice.

"Maybe you should go tell Coco and Thunder?, or you want me to keep this a secret?" She asked with a small smile, I just shook my head.

"I'll tell them later, for now, me and Sable are friends anyways, no need tell anyone, I told you because you're the person I trust the most, but if it comes up, ill tell them." I clarified with a small smile, Its not that I was against telling them, I just didn't feel it was that big of a deal for now.

"That's understandable, I'm glad you told me and I promise to keep this between us my dear. Oh by the way, tomorrow we are going to delivery this documents first thing in the morning, you can go do whatever you want now, but don't go to bed too late or you won't wake up in time, okay dear?" She spoke softly, then gave me one last lick across the muzzle like wolves do and turned to go back to her room.

"Kay! I'm going upstairs to do some research until dinner, thanks for the talk, love you!" I said my goodbyes and headed up, I had some things to work on now, some things have definitively piqued my interest.

I needed to draw what happened to me, I wanted to immortalize that moment of griffon and dragon kissing for the first time under the rain on a tile floor backyard, with the Griffonstone's towering branches and castle in the background.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading! Onyx has a wholesome time and gets a beaky kiss from a girl who likes him.