Tales of a Griffon.

So now I’m in a grass field. Ugh. The sun was bright and the sky clear. Birds were chirping. Ugh! Why can’t things ever be straight forward in Equestria?! I rubbed my face with both hands. Something didn’t seem right, though. I felt two different types of textures. One was of a griffon and the other a human. Then out of nowhere, I heard a voice.

You should go to sleep.

“Why?” I asked the voice.

Trust us. Just fall asleep.

“Well I’m not tired.”

It is not wise to disregard our words

“Who are you anyway? Also, where am I?”

Those things are unimportant at this moment, but if you must know, you’re the realm between consciousness and sleep. Right now, you need to sleep.

“Wait a minute…I know that voice…Luna?” The sudden realization made me a little bit happy about my predicament.

Sigh…it is Princess Luna to you. Now do as we say.

“I would do that, but I’m having the hardest time understanding what’s going on.”

Then we shall make you sleep.

“Wait a minute!”

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Deep down inside a mountain resides a nurse, a general, and an unconscious griffon.

“Explain to me…how he got this way.” said the elderly female nurse.

A griffon, ranking high in authority, casually wiped blood onto a cloth.” Oh, you know. Young griffon males always challenge older ones for dominance. It’s a natural part of life. All you have to do it put them in their place.”

“Okay. Now tell me why you were so aggressive?”

Growing noticeably irritated, the general stepped towards the nurse and looked coldly into her eyes. She noticed the lack of compassion and stepped backwards. “Dare you speak back to your superior? Keep your beak closed and you might live a longer.” He noticed that the nurse was beginning to tremble, so he promptly backed away.” If you must know, this one would not quit. A persistent little warrior he will be. Now, wake him so that he can swiftly serve his punishment. As you know, tomorrow is the start of the big week”

“As you wish, General Warclaw”

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I can’t believe “Princess” Luna put me to sleep. Come on! I’m not a little kid…physically. O well. I think I'm in a dream. It was one of those vivid dreams where you could control yourself. A hole in the ceiling allowed a minuscule amount of light to enter. My feet were beginning to feel damp.  When I looked down, I was a standing in a shallow pool of water .In each of my hands was a rope. Each one was tied to two mirrors located on my left and right. I looked into the mirror on my left and saw my human form lying in a hospital bed. When I looked into the mirror on my right, I saw that griffon general carrying my griffon body into a nurse’s room.

What you are seeing is a rare occurrence.

“Rare?”

Yes. I suppose you’re wondering why you’re here?

“Of course I am!”

Okay, but before I explain, you must choose.

“Choose what, exactly?”

At that moment, the ropes in my hands started to move. I clenched onto both of them and felt my arms stretch. I looked at both mirrors and noticed they were moving backwards into shadows. I tried to pull them both back, but whatever was dragging them away was too strong. I was determined to hold them both.

Your soul is split between your home and Equestria. At this moment, you must choose where it goes. Hold onto the rope that you wish your soul to reside. Let go the one you wish to no longer dwell.

"You know! This doesn’t make any sense!"

My arms were stretched to their limits. I felt my muscles burn against the strain of holding the ropes. Every second that passed, the ropes slipped a little from my grasp. I looked up and saw a door open. Who came out the door was none other than Princess Luna. Her eyes were glowing and she had a scowl on her face.

Your question will be answered later. Right now, CHOOSE!

How could a person just choose where their soul went? Yes, living in Equestria would be awesome, but I still have my life on Earth. I didn’t know which one to choose, but I knew I had to make a decision fast.

“Sorry Luna, but if it’s all the same to you. I’d rather hold onto both.”

Then, everything was quiet. I was back in the grass field. I stood up and noticed I had my complete griffon body back. I walked over to a river. The water looked clean, so I took a drink.

You humans are really stubborn.

“We tend to do that.” I stated whiling still drinking water

We need you to stop it at once

“Yeah…as soon as you explain some things, ‘Princess’ Luna.”

It’s a lot to explain and we don’t have much time.

“I have nothing, but time”

Actually, human, you don’t.

“Hmmmm?”

I’ll tell you one thing. Ponykind is in need of a…

“Hero?”

No…not a hero…more of an insider.

Around this time, I was getting really confused. First, I was talking to the princess of the night. Secondly, I’m a griffon who needs to be an insider to Equestria. Of course, I’ve read fan fictions of this type of stuff happening, but I never imagined it would actually happen in reality.

“Why me and not some other person? I’m pretty sure there are a lot who are more qualified for the job than me.”

Oh there are. There are a lot who are more qualified than you. We just believe you were our best choice.

“You know, all this is beginning to sound like a cheesy, horribly written fan fiction.”

Look here, human. I have other matters to attend to, so I’m going to wake you.

“Wait a second.”

No, I can not do that. We shall be in touch.

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“Wakey Wakey,” A voice spoke so softly that Fluttershy should be jealous, “It’s time to get up.”

Seriously, Equestria is bucking confusing. I don’t even know where I am anymore.  Am I still dreaming? Naw.  This environment feels too real. I couldn’t move my body, but I think I’m lying down on a bed. A really uncomfortable one.

“Why is he not waking up?” It’s the voice of that monster and this time he seems irritated.

“Oh dear, this is very serious. He must be in a deep coma.” The soft voice grew troubled.”Why did you do this to him?”

“I already told you, Nurse Redtip. Just wake him up or do I have to do it myself” The monster’s voice grew agitated.

For some odd reason, I felt my body leave the bed. I felt a tight grip underneath my arms. I could barely feel it my paws (hind legs) as they lightly brushed the stone floor. Did the General just lift me up?

“Release him now! The patient is in need of serious medical attention!”

“Put a feather in it! All this light weight needs is some encouragement. Physical… Encouragement.” My vision maybe disabled, but no amount of darkness can hide the grin that appeared on his face.

“I’m up! I’M UP!!!!!” I screamed as I flung my eyes.

The room was cramped to say the least and was dominated by a bed, side table, an uncomfortable chair decorated in colors designed to be restful. The floor was rough. It too, had been hastily carved out. It actually had a window that looked off the edge of a cliff, but had no real view. The entrance to the hospital room was a large heavy door engineered to open quietly and not slam. Unfortunately, the bed was somewhat lumpy with padding and sheets that covered the mattress. The sheets were sterile white until someone’s(Moi) blood tainted them. The only light in the room was provided by a small torch. So far, things aren’t as bad as they seem. Well until-

BLAME!

With my face leading the way, I smacked into the wall.

“Oops. I guess I couldn’t stop. Now get up!”

Surprisingly, I felt no pain.  It did, however; feel like something was broke. With blurry eyesight, unsteady steps, and nauseating sounds, I rose to my feet and looked the general in his face. He wasn’t wearing his regular green shirt, so now it was possible to see the muscles he gained from years of combat. Nurse Redtip, I assume, was collecting medical supplies while mumbling something under her breath.

“How ever will I fix that crack?”

“Excuse me, nurse. Did you say a crack?” I questioned.

“Yes I did.”

“Where?”

“Your beak…doesn’t worry though. I’ll just wrap it up and within a month or two it’ll be back too normal.”

“We don’t have time for that.” The general interrupted, “You! What is your name again?”

“My name is Da…Puff. I thought you’d remember. You did give it to me.”

His expression grew calm. The first time I had seen it like that. Slowly, he approached me and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I believe anyone could see the chills that went around my body in that instant, yet I knew that I had to stay strong. The weirdest thing was when he started feel the injured parts of my face with his claw.

“You know. I really did a number on you. But it was only to toughen you up. Pudgy people like you don’t always make it in institutions like this. Yet, when I saw that fury you had against me earlier…I knew I could make you into a good soldier.”

“Thank you…and I’m not pudgy.” It was the only way I knew how to respond to his statement.

“No problem, lad. Now go do those laps before I give you another beating.” He laughed and then firmly slapped my back. It hurt so bad that I just wanted to lie in the floor and pass out, but I had to stay strong. I began to leave the room, but decided to look in his face once more. He facial expression was calm. He seemed to be sizing me up.

“Yes, sir.”I hurriedly yelled before leaving.

“Oh, I almost forgot. To get out just take a left and continue straight. Also, the name is Warclaw.” The general stated.

“Don’t strain your self too much on those laps, honey. Your body might not be ready for such high level of activity.” The nurse yelled with concerned voice.

I gave one last nod before running out of the room. It was weird seeing the General being nice. It was also weird seeing so much blood leading into the room from the opposite direction that I was going. How am I even walking? Seriously, the floor is painted red with my blood.

“I don’t understand this place” I sighed.

After a long walk, down a dark tunnel, I finally reached the exit. All I could say was “Gawd Dayum, Luna.” It was a dark, calm night as the moon glowed bright and the twinkling stars gave harmony to the black sky. I could have stayed there and explore the Equestrian night sky for days .Well, until a shooting star grabbed my attention.

“Wow. You don’t see those often.” I said while admiring the sight.

“Actually, I don’t see what the big deal is,” Confessed a familiar voice, “They’re nothing, but space rocks entering the atmosphere.”

I wasn’t really expecting someone else to be there, so I kind of froze in my spot. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. All I could do was look up at the night sky.

“Are you alright?”

I had to creak out my response. “I’m…alright. I just didn’t expect anyone else.” Slowly, I turned my head to confirm my suspicions. Of course, it was Gilda. Who else did I expect?

“Humph…yeah…So what are you doing out here?”

“Well, Warclaw sent me to do some flying laps.”

Gilda looked me up and down before speaking. “You are kind of fat. They’ll do you some good”

I was seriously getting tired of everyone calling me fat. I was going to say something, but Gilda spoke first. She wins this round, but I swear the next person to say something about my weight is going to get it.

“So how many laps did you get?” She asked.

“I got two-hundred fifty one.”

“I got about the same left,” She sighed, “Tell you what. I have some questions for you. So how about you fly with me until they are all answered.”

Something didn’t seem right. Gilda…was asking me…ME…to go flying. It just seemed strange.  But who would give up the chance to go flying with Gilda. If you said “I would” then you’re just insane.

“Sure.” I answered maybe too hastily.

Without a second thought, she took off like a rocket. Maybe, Rainbow Dash isn’t the fastest flyer in Equestria. She reached the flying height and started to fly in circles. I think she was waiting for me.

Flying can’t be that hard, right? Wings are part of the body; therefore, I can control them, right? I needed to calm down. I proceeded to close my eyes and take deep breaths. Just flap my wings. It should come naturally to a griffon. Well, I am not a natural griffon. Let’s just hope I can learn.

“Yo! Dweeb! Why are you just hovering?” said Gilda, interrupting my thoughts, “I have to finish my laps and you have to answer my questions!”

Oh sh-! I opened my eyes to see that I was at least twenty feet off the ground. This is amazing. I knew I would get it eventually. I commenced hovering in circles while humming a celebration song.  This griffon body is far superior to the human ones.  Sadly, my victory was short lived. In my excitement, I stopped flapping and fell.

Luckily, I caught myself and flapped hard enough to beat gravity. Gilda looked as if she wanted to laugh, but she just settled for just shaking her head.  I had to redeem myself, right? So…I flapped as hard as I could to catch up to her. I reached her in…wait for it…ten sec…naw just kidding.  It took me about thirty seconds to reach Gilda.  Needless to say, she didn’t look impressed.

“Okay…I’m here…huff…That was a flight…” I said breathing quite heavily.

“No it wasn’t. You’re just fat.”

What hurt wasn’t the fact that she said it. It was the fact that she said it with the most serious tone anyone could ever make. But, like I said earlier, the next person to call me fat is going to get it. Therefore, I did the most mature thing I could think of at the moment…I shoved her. Now, before you get all butt hurt, hear me out. I didn’t push her that hard. It was just a playful shove that friends do. You should be more worried about what she did to me.

She recovered from the push and looked me in the eyes. “You did not just do that. Please tell me that you didn’t just do that.” The look in her eyes… It was just raw fury. I tried to explain that it was just a friendly gesture, but… I was not quick enough.

“What the- You punched me!!” I yelled. Seriously! Gilda punched me. Not a slap, not a talon swipe, but a punch in the stomach.

“Well you did push me!” she resorted

“A punch for a push! What sense does that make?”

“Well at least you know not to push me.” A sly sneer appeared on her face. I bet she thinks I didn’t see it. “Come on, Dweeb. We got these laps to do.”

She literally knocked the wind out of me. I had the hardest time breathing. I sloppily flew behind her. She slowed down a little to let me catch up. After a while, I caught my breath. The pain subsided too.

“Alright. My first question, is how did you know my name when I first woke you up?”

I wasn’t really expecting that. Fortunately, I had a good answer.

“It was on the room roster?” I said hoping see would buy it.

She scrunched her face. “Alright.”

I sighed with relief. I was kind of sad that I had to lie, but it would have been weird to tell her the truth. ‘I know your name because in my home world I watch a show that was meant for little girls.’

“Alright. My next question is how did you now about the pegasus named Rainbow Dash and my relation with her?”

She really caught me off guard with that. I needed an answer quick or else she’d think I was lying.

“Well she is one of the Elements of Harmony, so I suppose information of her acquaintances would spread.”

She didn’t ask another question. She just nodded and flew off. I didn’t know what to do. So, I decided to go do some laps, but my phone vibrated. I almost forgot I still had it. I pulled it out of my inventory. I had received a text. I thought I didn’t get reception here.

It read:

All will be explained at a later time. For now, go after Gilda.

It was from an unknown number, so I couldn’t place it. Was it from Luna? Maybe, but it said everything will be explained. Not like I hadn’t heard that before.  I couldn’t argue with a text like that. So I followed her.

“Yo! Gilda, wait up!” I yelled.

She turned her head. Her face said stay away, but eyes were somewhat emotional. She started flapping her wings harder. I suppose she wanted to get away. Trust me. I’m not gonna let her go that easily. So I started flapping mine in order to catch up. When Gilda noticed I was trying so hard to catch up she slowed down.

“What do you want, dweeb?” she asked

“Well, I noticed you looked down, so I came to cheer my friend up.”

“We’re not friends.” She looked at me with annoyance.

“I don’t see why not,” I put on my best friendly smile.

“First, I don’t know your name. Secondly, we don’t know anything about each other.”

The second part was only half true. Well, she did have a point. What I saw in the show is probably not the best identifier of Gilda’s personality. We didn’t know anything about each other, so I suppose I’d better share some information.

“My name is Puff” I said. I stuck out my hand as if going for a handshake.

She looked at my hand for a couple of moments. Then she looked me in the face. She stared me down for the longest. I guess she was checking my sincerity. More moments passed and my arm was getting really tired, but I think she was getting ready to crack. She eventually sighed and put her claws into mine and shook.

“My name is Gilda…and what happened to your face?”

“Well, Warclaw kind of put me in my place,” I answered. I was pretty happy that she accepted my friendship, but I couldn’t show it. I had to stay cool, “No big deal, though.”

“He really kicked your butt. Most people don’t get out of the medical room for days after a beating form him.”

I was going to say something,  yet I decided to keep quiet. She shrugged her shoulders, and then flew off. Of course I caught up with my “buddy”. We flew in silence. Every so often one of us would flap harder to be in the lead. The constant position changing sped up per lap. This kept going until a full blown race had commenced.

“How about a race to celebrate our new found friendship?” I knew I shouldn’t have asked, however; this was too much fun to stop.

Gilda nodded, and then pointed towards a tree way off in the distance. It was a single pine tree on top of a tall hill. What was really captivating was that the moon was directly behind it. This made for a perfect finish line.  After she saw my confirmation, she took off. Before I realized it, she was about halfway to the tree. There was no chance I would ever catch up to her, much less win.

“Come on, Dweeb. It’s not a race if you don’t try!”

She had a compelling argument, so I flapped my wings as hard as I could. When she saw that I started, she began flying faster. I hadn’t quite gotten use to this whole flying thing, but I think I was doing pretty well. Everything was beginning to sync.

The cooling wind was flowing through my fur. My heart was pumping blood as fast as it could. My breathing was fast and shallow. This was so much fun that my wings were flapping harder and faster.  I don’t know how, but it felt like this griffon body was actually mine. Before I knew it, there were less than two pony lengths between Gilda and I.

Gilda did a quick glance behind her then looked back in front of her. Within a few seconds, she looked back. Who else did she see besides a handsome griffon smiling back at her?  She had an alarmed expression plastered on her griffon face. In an instant, it changed into a determined one and she bolted away. Afterwards, she put on brakes and I soared a past her. The tree was within my grasps. Only a few more flaps separated me from victory. Unfortunately, just like every other event in Equestria, I couldn’t win.

“Not today, Puff!” Gilda howled.

I felt a tug on my back side. I peeked behind me only to see that Gilda had grabbed hold onto my tail. She made a diabolical smirk, waved, and then jerked my tail backwards. You’d think my tail would get dislocated or something, but NOOOOO. I somehow sailed backwards. When I recovered, I was nearly at the starting place. I saw Gilda lay at the bottom of the tree. I wasn’t a sore loser, so I went to congratulate her.

“Congrats, cheater,” I laid down on the opposite side of tree. My back was against the tree,I had crossed my legs, and put my talons behind my head. “I didn’t know this was a dirty race.”

She chuckled and said, “I didn’t know this was a clean race,” She looked around the tree and asked a question. “How are you sitting like that?”

I looked down at myself. I didn’t see anything particularly wrong. “I always sit-“ My growling stomach interrupted me. It had been a couple of hours since I had eaten.

Gilda got up and walked over to my side of the tree. She stuck her talons out, offering me a hand. “Come on, dude. It has been a while since I had something to eat too. Hopefully the mess hall is still open.”

“Alright, Dweeb.”