Chapter Ten: A Griffin in Canterlot

Canterlot Palace

Rainbow Dash flew slowly around the outer courtyard of the castle. Now that there was no threat from the ignorant guards below, they were able to fly happily in the open sky. It was bliss.

Fluttershy wore a wide grin upon her muzzle as she enjoyed the breeze. She flew alongside her companion in silence, with a curious mind as to what they would be doing next.

“Look Fluttershy! Something awesome’s below!” The call of the mighty cyan mare called Fluttershy’s mind to attention.

“What is it Rainbow?” Fluttershy turned her gaze down toward the the greenery below. “Oh... you think there’s some cute animals down there?”

“Well duh!” The cheeky cyan responded, flipping in the air. “Want a cool Rainbow Dash landing to greet your new pals?”

“Um... no... that’s... that’s okay... I’d... I’d rather just land on my own... I don’t want to... um...well, erm....” She tried to think of a way to put it lightly. “I don’t want to interrupt them.”

Rainbow Dash did her best to put on a sad face, but knew it looked fake due to the residual smile. “Awwww.”

“No... I... no... I don’t mean it that way.” Fluttershy bit her lip.  “...All right... we can do that. But please do it quietly?”

“Na... It’s okay, you can pay me back for it later if you like.” The speedster grinned, knowing her partner had misinterpreted her.

“But...”

“And I said we can roll with your plan. Come on.” insisted Rainbow Dash, not about to allow her marefriend to back down.

Fluttershy exhaled, why did she keep ending up offending or disappointing everypony at the worst possible time? And yet Dash didn’t seem to mind that she was being a bad marefriend. She just nodded and mutely headed down toward the ground level of the palace garden, trying to keep her mind off everything and hoped that seeing all the plants and animals together would be nice enough to lift her spirits.

Rainbow Dash stayed in the air while her animal lover landed. “You go... I’ll just scare them with my awesomeness.”

In truth, Dash knew that her presence would be best spent down below. She knew she could enjoy herself around the cute critters and the skill her shy mare showed always instilled a buzz inside. Rainbow Dash knew she could never possess such patience and peace of mind. She also knew why her wings were yet to carry her off into the wide open sky. Her eyes were still set on the flank of the mare of her affections and she really didn’t mind. Fluttershy had a hot flank and as her fillyfriend, Rainbow Dash figured she had all the right in Equestria to spend as long as she liked admiring it, even from afar. A silly grin settled on her face and she knew it was time to fly off before certain thoughts took over and her wings stiffened too much to maintain flight.

‘Imagine that... the great Rainbow Dash, killed by wingboner...’ She shook her head, yep, it was definitely time to go. Such a fall would be totally uncool. ...Yet hilarious in all the wrong ways. Her eyes traveled up the well groomed coat of her lover to meet her stunning aquamarine eyes.

Fluttershy looked back up at the pegasus above. She realized that her special somepony hadn’t even wished to share the moment with her in the first place. While it did make her feel sad, she found it easy enough to accept that they both did still have their differences and this would allow them a bit of time away from each other. At least the animals should cheer her up. She’d done this a thousand times before on her own; it was no big issue. It was just her first time in Canterlot Gardens and she had imagined that she would be able to share it with the pony who mattered the most to her. ‘Oh well... maybe some other time... I hope I can get her to come down one day with me. She really doesn’t know what she is missing out on.’

“Hello...” She greeted a couple of bunnies, albeit a bit nervously. “I hope you’re all doing well. I’m Fluttershy... I hope we can get along...”

The bunnies sniffed her curiously, before they smiled. It was easy for the little critters to tell, this new pony was kind. A squirrel came scampering over, while a few robins landed on the branches of a tree above, watching the scene.

Fluttershy smiled, glad to see that they warmed up to her so easily. Things weren’t always straightforward when it came to new animal friends, but it also was far from difficult. Since she came from a whole different area than they, she had a feeling it would take a little bit more coaxing than usual.

“Well, everyone, I'll be here for a bit, so why don't we get to know each other?” With a yellow hoof, she beckoned for more creatures to join her.

Later on, Rainbow Dash joined Fluttershy down on the ground. Considering that she had nothing better to do after failing to find the Wonderbolts HQ, she decided to partake with some animal interaction. However, upon her descent, the animals all fled in fright. ‘What a shock.’ She thought to herself as she glanced around.

As silence fell upon the couple, Rainbow Dash continued to examine the area curiously. “Say... where are all those animals, anyway?”

Fluttershy, not looking up, just pointed toward some bushes. She then trotted over to said bushes, and whispered to the animals that they had nothing to fear. At her bidding, quite a variety of creatures came out to greet her and the new cyan pony.

Rainbow Dash kept as quiet as she could manage as her fillyfriend introduced her to all the animals. Not knowing what else to do, she stood there, gazing down at the little creatures with a mixture of boredom and wonder.

The next hour passed quickly for Fluttershy who quickly found herself in a blissful state; here she was, with the pony she loved, in the most beautiful guardian she had ever seen.

Two young lovers strolled through the streets of Canterlot. To all the world, they appeared as friends, happy to walk in each others company through the well kept roads. The posh ponies they passed paid no heed to the two lower class strangers. The occasional mare or stallion would recognize the two element bearers and greet them, but they were otherwise left alone.

The bold mare paused her stride. “So Flutters, where do you want to go? It’s on me!” Rainbow Dash waved her left forehoof to indicate the various venues up ahead.

“What? But, Rainbow! It’s...these places are all out of our price ranges! I’ll pay for us....” The shy mare was shocked that her mare wanted to go to such a high and lofty eatery.

“Don’t worry girl! It’s my shout. I’m the big shot and if anypony is going to play gentlecolt, it’s me.” The cyan mare wore a charismatic grin, there was no way she was about to allow her fillyfriend to play the role of colt in their relationship, especially in public.

“But... you don’t need to pay for dinner to be one, Dashie... and I don’t want a gentlecolt... I want my Rainbow.” The buttery mare giggled softly.

Fluttershy’s gaze came to rest upon the furthest building. It appeared to be a restaurant more akin to the ones in Ponyville than a large well endowed city like Canterlot. The finely crafted outer stone wall was embellished by a sign, ‘The Pink Pegasus.’ This was a simple hoof carved sign in the shape of a pegasus mare in flight.

“How about that one Rainbow?” Fluttershy pointed toward her choice.

A delighted grin lit the cyan mare’s face. “Sweet! See... it wasn’t that hard.” She nudged her companion and took off toward her goal.

Fluttershy smiled sweetly at her lover. She allowed herself to admire the curves of that cyan flank, the swish, swish of colorful tail as Rainbow Dash ambled up to their destination, happy to lead the way. A light blush covered her muzzle as the mare of her dreams met her gaze. A smirk covered Rainbow’s muzzle and she poked out her tongue, happy to tease. Fluttershy blushed more. She had been caught.

The shy mare trotted to Rainbow Dash’s side, suddenly eager to exit the streets of Canterlot.

“I was tempted to give you a wiggle there Flutters...”

That was not what Fluttershy wished to be met with. Her muzzle heated up a little more.

“Rainbow...stop.” The buttery pegasus pouted, she felt oh-so-ready to find a table and get on with their good meal. “We are in public.”

“What? We’ve been discreet so far. See... no pony is even looking.”

The still flushed mare glanced behind her at the ponies on the road behind them. None paid the two ‘friends’ any heed. “See... we’re just two friends having fun in the big city.”

“That’s good.” The shy mare mumbled. “Just... please don’t be too cheeky, I don’t want anything bad to happen.”

Fluttershy took a final glance around at the other’s on the street. The passing ponies were still too busy with their lives to notice anypony else. With a deep breath for courage, the shy pegasus took the lead and headed right for the table in the far corner. The obedient silence told her that her partner had heard her.

As she seated herself, Fluttershy felt herself grow a little bolder.

The bold blue mare sat herself down beside the shy one and they shared a comfortable silence. Dash glanced around and did her best to look awesome and cool in the hope that they could get served faster. She was hungry after mucking about in the sky and was confident that they could get served quickly. The bold cyan pegasus waved a hoof at a light pink pegasus attendant who was flittering between tables tending to guests and congratulated herself for her own efforts when the mare noticed them.

“Rainbow Dash...” Fluttershy nudged her lover, “we can wait. If she’s busy serving other ponies, let them go first.”

“Nonsense. I’m more important. Plus there’s gotta be other staff here to serve those other ponies.” Replied Dash as she settled back, awaiting the arrival of their attendant.

The young light pink pegasus, with a single white blossom stuck into her braided snow-white and blue mane approached. She seemed warm and pleasant.

“Hello, fillies! Welcome to the Pink Pegasus. What can I get you two cuties for lunch?” A light cheeky grin crept across her face as pulled out a notepad, ready to take their order. “Can I get you two a drink to start off?”

“Um... I’ll have water, please...” The shy pegasus trailed off, smiling appreciatively.

“Cider for me!” Added a grinning Rainbow Dash.

The hostess giggled, nodding as she scrawled it down on her notepad, “Sounds good, coming right up. You two get comfy, but... not too comfy. I’ll be back soon.” She winked cheekily at the pair before she trotted off to retrieve their order.

“There, you see? Easy.” Dash lay back against the soft U shaped couch.

Fluttershy followed suit, allowing herself to sink toward her lover as the contours brought the pair of lovebirds together in bliss. They allowed the chatter of the busy restaurant to wash over them. Rainbow Dash wrapped a hoof around her mare’s shoulder and allowed herself to relax, her eyes closing and her breaths slowing.

Before the lazy pegasus could drift off, light clopping of hooves alerted her and she opened her eyes. The light pink hostess had returned with their drinks on a tray. She set them on the table and gave them their glasses. A careful glance was given to Fluttershy as she continued to rest happily upon her lover’s shoulder. “And what would you like for your main?” The pink pegasus trailed off, suddenly shy.

“Um....well....” Fluttershy looked at the menu. “I...I don’t know....I don’t want to spend too much....but it all looks yummy...”

“Fluttershy... don’t worry about how many bits it all costs. I’ve got it covered.” A light blue hoof rubbed for a moment on the light yellow one for encouragement.

“But Rainbow...”

“Never mind that, what do you want?”

“Um... I want... the vegetable goulash...”

“Awesome. I’ll have a veggie sandwich please.” Rainbow promptly added. She bumped a hoof against her fillyfriend’s shoulder with a grin upon her muzzle.

Fluttershy smiled appreciatively and settled back against her mare’s side. It felt good to rest against the warmth of the one she loved. It filled her system, causing a wonderful bubbly sensation to fill her for a moment.

“Are you two cuties together?” A giggle escaped the pink pegasus who stood at the edge of the table, notepad still in one hoof.

Rainbow Dash shot upright in surprise. “No.”

Fluttershy found herself awkwardly pinned between the strong blue back of her fillyfriend and the couch. A small ‘eep’ escaped her and she fought to sit back upright.

“Well... maybe.” Dash glanced guiltily down at the pretty yellow pegasus as she assisted her.

“We... we are. I-if that’s okay with you.” Fluttershy added, almost inaudibly.

“It’s fine, don’t you worry. Just good to know I’m not the only mare in this city who is like yourselves.” The pink mare’s voice was almost a whisper at this point and she glanced around to make sure nopony else had heard.

“Oh... Well what is it with everypony here then? If it’s so bad, why not just move out?” Dash asked, a hint of annoyance entering her voice.

“I can’t. You see... I kinda own this place and it’s... nice. Most of the time. I make enough to be comfortable by myself.” The pink pegasus replied, still clearly nervous.

“W-well, what’s your name...? I-if you don’t mind me asking.” Fluttershy piped up.

“Me... Oh, I’m just a nopony. Working my own place, nice and quiet... Name’s Snowflake if you must know though... Anyway... I’m off.” With a swish of her snowy blue tail, Snowflake turned and trotted off toward the kitchen.

In the absence of any reason to talk, two young lovers settled down to wait patiently, sounds of kitchenware and ponies busy with their meals filled the air.

Without warning, a cyan head popped out of the corner and checked out the rest of the spacious restaurant. Pink eyes scanned the uninteresting crowd of ponies. It was good to see that no attention was being paid toward her. This banished Rainbow Dash’s nerves and helped her relax. With a satisfied smile upon her muzzle, she slipped back into position beside her mare and even allowed a smug smile to take over her muzzle as she slid a wing around her fillyfriend’s back.

Peaceful moments of togetherness passed. It left both mares feeling warm and happy enough in the welcoming restaurant. The lack of notice was nice, but there was something missing. Fluttershy could feel it. The shy mare made the decision to break the atmosphere between them. She waited for the last of a small group to pass them by before she slipped in a loving lick to her mare’s muzzle.

Before the light yellow mare could pull away, Rainbow Dash turned and added a kiss to the mix. Although she could feel the world recede from them ever so slightly, it didn’t matter. She licked the blushing pegasus on the muzzle with love, happy to return the previous gesture.

Fluttershy giggled, her smile growing. “Oh, Rainbow...” She snuggled up against the strong blue pegasus at her side, nuzzling her muzzle to muzzle.

“I know... it was too much. Now stop it before we get caught.” The polychromatic pegasus cautioned. Her wing receded to her own side as she pushed her lover aside, eager to break the sappy atmosphere before it became too uncool for public.

“Please? No pony is looking.” Fluttershy did her best cute puppy dog eyes, gazing into the depths of two stunning red orbs.

“You like twisting my wing? Do you?” asked Rainbow Dash, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

“N-no. Of course not.” Confirmed Fluttershy. “But I would like to cuddle, maybe even just a little, like we were doing.”

“No... come on. We probably should act normal again. I don’t need someponoy seeing us. That would kill my image.” Defended the bold speedster.

“Is that what you are more interested in? Your image? ...Not me?” The yellow pegasus asked as she pulled away, her mate’s words hurt, even though she knew it was probably just the speedster’s ego talking.

“...Aw, come on. Don’t be like that. You know I have an image of cool to protect. How else am I supposed to get into the Wonderbolts?”

“By being yourself.” Fluttershy’s answer was almost a whisper at this point and she turned away to gaze across at all the normal couples who were happily sharing lunch together.

“Yea? Well you know me, and I’m always cool. I know you’re special Fluttershy, but save it. I’ve had enough snuggly, sappy stuff for now.”

“Okay...” Fluttershy let out a defeated sigh and leaned harder into the soft blue velvet seat.

A few painful moments passed for Dash as she fought with herself inside. She tore her eyes away from the pitiful pegasus beside her and concentrated on downing her cider.

The sweet mixture washed through her, refreshing and delicious. She finished her cup all too soon and set it down with a small clank. Her eyes wandered the slack wings of her beautiful fillyfriend and she couldn’t help but give in.

“Fine. Come here.”

As soon as those words escaped, a delighted Fluttershy turned around to offer a nuzzle. A squee escaped her as she cuddled up a little to her special somepony. Joy welled up inside the shy mare. Not only was she allowed to do a little bit more snuggling, but had once again proved that she could win over her fillyfriend whenever she really needed to.

“You’re allowed one kiss.” Dash whispered as her side tingled pleasurably at the touch of her soft lover.

As thanks, Fluttershy lent up and kissed her lover right on the lips, holding for only a moment before parting.

A big, sweet grin overcame the shy pony’s face as she remembered the first time they had kissed, so long ago in their fillyhood. She brought Rainbow Dash closer and whispered, “you have always been the best kisser I've ever known.”

“Fluttershy... I’m the only pony you have ever locked lips with! I made sure of that... a long time ago...” The cheeky mare grinned back, mischief written all across her cocky muzzle.

Fluttershy gazed into the wonderful eyes of her companion, a question forming on her lips, mirrored on her face. “Y-you made sure? B-but the only time I ever tried to kiss somepony else was that time I tried to date a colt. He was trying to kiss me, but... but I couldn't go through with it.”

“That was fun to sabotage... He was awesome to prank.” Giggled the culprit of the long ago incident.

“...That was you?” Fluttershy’s jaw dropped.

“Well duh. I couldn’t just let my best friend kiss some idiot who clearly didn't like you for who you were.” Rainbow Dash playfully nudged her stunned companion.

“O-Oh....” Fluttershy giggled.

A few moments of silence passed as the pair mulled over the past. Fluttershy fought a mental battle with herself for a few moments as another memory surfaced from later in their fillyhood. “....Well I....um...have a confession to make, too...”

“And what might that be?”

“Do you remember that one filly, Blazing Comet, who was trying to ask you out? Well... um... when I overheard her saying that... I-I... went and told her, you and I were dating so she would leave you alone.” Fluttershy confessed, turning pink.

“Oh, how could I forget that...” Giggled the cyan pegasus. “Wait... you did what?” Dash gazed at her fillyfriend, surprised.

“Yes...I...oh, I was so jealous! She was much better-looking and so interesting and fast and daring like you...I was being selfish and trying to keep her away from you! ...I’m sorry...” Fluttershy looked down at her hooves in shame. “I did it because I was so jealous... even though she was a very nice pony and I knew would treat you right.”

“It’s okay. I heard she wound up happy with her old friend Moon Dancer from Canterlot.” Dash mused, offering a nuzzle for support.

“But... but you could have missed out! And I had no right to do that since I was too chicken to tell you how I felt! I had no ownership over you! ...I lied about our relationship and then I was terrified you would find out and...and...and...” Fluttershy a near inaudible sob escaped the buttery pegasus.

“Come on, Flutters. I’m so happy you did that! She was maybe too much like me anyway. I need somepony like you to hold me down from time to time.” The cheeky prankster giggled at the double meaning of her last part.

Looking up, Fluttershy wiped her eyes, “...You really mean it? ...Oh, why am I asking... I don’t think you’d be with me if you didn’t feel that way.” She trailed off, her voice nearly a whisper.

“Well duh... Besides, you’re the only pony I’ve ever had some seriously naughty thoughts about.” The light blue pegasus chucked, ruffling her companions feathers with her own wing, sending jolts through both their bodies. “I know you know what I mean.”

“....I suppose...” The creamy yellow pegasus giggled a bit, a faint blush appearing on her muzzle. “Um....just...how did you manage that prank, Rainbow?”

“That’s for me to know. I am the master of pranks after all.” Dash boasted. “You were my friend and special to me. It just took awhile for me to see that ‘special’ meant this...” Rainbow Dash trailed off, motioning between them.

A few comfortable moments passed with both ponies going for a walk down memory lane.

The sound of hoofsteps caused them both to glance up at the incoming pony. “Sorry this took so long you two.” Snowflake slipped their selected dishes from her back onto the table with her wings.

“O-Oh... no problem... we hope nopony felt rushed... after all, Rainbow Dash here was a little bit... pushy.” Fluttershy mumbled, twiddling her hooves nervously.

The server laughed softly. “Oh no. Don’t you worry about that. Enjoy.”

“Thanks! That’s real swell Snowflake!” Dash grinned, eyeing her plate with a hungry tummy to call her onwards.

“Sweet as you two. I’ll be just over there if you need anything else. Or you can holler! Just don’t make a mess.” Snowflake winked and walked off again.

“Wow... She’s really quite a nice mare, isn’t she?” Fluttershy confided to her partner, softly, as if being afraid of getting caught talking about the waitress.

“Are you kidding? She probably the most normal pony in this entire Snobville, all right!” Dash laughed, ruffling the timid pegasus’s mane. “Now come on! Let’s eat!” She immediately went to work on devouring her meal. Slower than usual, but still with her usual vigor.

Fluttershy joined in the giggle. “Okay Rainbow.”

The meal was delicious and disappeared all too quickly for the speedster to feel like she could fully enjoy its delights.

As soon as the pair had finished, Snowflake reappeared. “Thank you girls. I’ll take it from here.”

“Sweet!” Rainbow leapt up, ready to leave.

“Thank you, Snowflake...” Fluttershy reached for her money bag, intending to pay at least part of the bill, only to be stopped by a blue hoof.

“I told you Fluttershy. It’s my shout. So, let the gentlemare pay.”

“Oh come on...” Fluttershy pouted. “...Okay....”

“That’s my filly.” Grinned the happy polychromatic pegasus.

Dash turned to the smiling serving pony and held out the bits. “Here you go miss.”

“Wonderful, you two,” The snowy pink pegasus accepted the bits, giving Rainbow the change, “Now you two have fun out there.”

“We will, thanks.” Dash called as she walked off, ready to continue their awesome day together.

“T-thank you.” Fluttershy quietly murmured as she followed her lover out.

Rainbow Dash kept a keen eye on their surroundings, making sure nopony paid them any heed. The cocky pegasus couldn’t help but notice, the population of the city consisted almost entirely of unicorns. Snobtastic, to add to that.

But as they went along, Dash spotted an unusual sight that made her blood run cold. She was confused, suspicious, and even had a slight tinge of anger upon the sight that she saw.

A griffin.

A griffin was actually walking the streets of the city, stopping many of the ponies he passed. Each pony he stopped, would receive some sort of parchment thrust in their faces as he asked them questions. The ponies would shake their heads and he would continue onward. Rainbow wasn’t sure why a griffin was in Canterlot, but she didn’t like this one bit.

He was a well built specimen, a young muscular griffin who wore trimming on his shoulder plates and tough leather armor to cover the rest of his hide. He looked like he had traveled a great distance, yet bore no sign to indicate that he wished to say long in the pony city. This young scout looked like trouble. His smouldering anger caused several ponies to retreat as he struck one well dressed stallion for offering the wrong reply.

“Fluttershy. Stay behind me.” Rainbow broke the quiet between the two otherwise content pegasi.

“W-what?”

“Please, just do it.” At the tone of Dash’s voice, Fluttershy complied, slowly moving to a protected position behind her fillyfriend.

The griffin spotted them as he walked along, and strode over to where they were. He could see something was different with the pair, they lacked the posh exterior of the others he had encountered. Maybe he could get answers at last. Even though Dash glared with defiance, he continued, undeterred.

“Excuse me, ponies,” the scout said, as if the reference to their species was poisonous. “But I am here on official business as ordered by Chief Grandeur. We seek a relic that belongs to the griffins. It is of utmost importance that we find the location of it and retrieve it.” He held up the paper in a foreclaw for the couple to see.

Rainbow Dash felt her breath catch. She recognised that rough scrawl.

It was Gilda’s writing.

At the memory of her ex-friend, she recalled how poorly her friends had been treated by the self centered creature. “I know that hoofwriting. Why are you working with that flankhole Gilda?”

This caused the big griffin to stifle a laugh. “Not with, for. She is the esteemed daughter of Chief Grandeur and you shal show her the respect she deserves.” He stepped forward aggressively.

Fluttershy gulped and spoke up nervously. “Um... we didn’t mean any offense kind sir.”

“Really?” Captain Volibeak laughed. “I rather think your friend here did.” He turned back to face the polychromatic pegasus once more with an aggressive sneer.

Rainbow Dash didn’t like the stranger at all and decided to make her dislike known. “Whatever big beak. Beat it or I’ll break your ugly face.”

The griffin sighed, he gazed at the pair as if they were two flies he wanted to swat away. “Express insolence all you like, but you haven’t answered my question. Now take a look at this very carefully...” He pushed the notice into the rainbow pony’s face to ensure she got the best close-up possible.

“We don’t know anything about what the hay you’re looking for! And frankly, I’m not sure I like the way you are treating us!” Rainbow snarled, her wings extending as if to prepare for action. She pulled away from the document that had been thrust into her face to stare daggers at the offender.

“Honestly, you ponies are all the same. Do you address your...princess with such insolence? I should hope she would not tolerate such rude and uncouth behavior,” the griffin rolled his eyes.

“HA! That’s where you’re wrong, bucko! We’re actually in cahoots with Princess Celestia! So if you’ve got a problem with us, then that’s not her problem! It’s yours!” Dash shot back.

“I don’t have time for your nonsense, pony. I have official business to take care of with your princess.” The arrogant chestnut brown griffin waved a clawed foot, deadly sharp claws shone in the daylight with menace.

As much as Fluttershy wanted to step in and offer a peaceful solution, all she could do was cower and hope that he would leave before any violence broke out.

“If you’re here on official business, go see the princess. She will happily kick your scrawny hide back to wherever you have come from.” The bold pony continued her onslaught.

“Why she has not dealt with filthy, horrendous fillyfoolers such as yourselves, I will never understand. Most especially that weak, pathetic excuse for a flying creature behind you. Hiding there like the little coward I see she is.” The griffin scout muttered as he turned to leave to continue his interrogation of the Canterlot population.

Rainbow Dash went livid. She hoofed at the ground, snorting through her nostrils with an angered glare. “What...did...you...just...SAY?!”

Turning, the griffin scout smirked with triumph. Smug and amused, “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I strike a nerve? It seems that I have. Well, not that it matters, though I must say that you ponies getting angry is quite entertaining. You have nothing on griffins, not even you so-called powerful battlefield oriented pegasi. And that pathetic creature behind you, I cannot believe you would call that a pegasus. It’s shameful to think.”

“LISTEN YOU....don’t you EVER talk about my fillyfriend like that! Oh, you can insult me all you want! Go ahead! There’s nothing I can’t take! But you do NOT mess with Fluttershy! Otherwise, you’re going through me!” Rainbow growled in pure anger, crouching low on the ground. “I dare you to insult her again, you jerk! Go on! I dare you! One more time...and believe me, you won’t like me when I’m angry!”

The muscular griffin stepped forward, muscles rippling with raw power. “This is going to be good. I haven’t had a fight with a fillyfooler before. I wonder what that ugly yellow mare behind you tastes like?”

“Get away from her!” Yelled Dash, hovering in the air now, “Fluttershy, get out of here, now! Go find Twilight, the Princesses! Get going!”

“N-no... Rainbow... I-I could never leave you!” Fluttershy began to retreat, feeling her wings lock up even more under the weight of her fear.

“I said go, Fluttershy! I’m not letting you get hurt!” Rainbow yelled, tears in her eyes. “Now! Move it!”

The griffin chose this moment to butt in as he advanced on the pair, he gazed at Fluttershy as if she were but a meal laid out for his pleasure. “You know... my lord, Chief Grandeur told me I was special, once he even allowed me taste pony, something my kind rarely have the courage to do. It was one he himself had captured for questioning. I happen to know from experience that pegasi’s wings are especially tasty... they also make good adornments for my armor too.” The predator continued stalking toward the petrified pegasus who cowered on the ground before him, licking his chops as he went.

Dash swooped in from the side, striking him in the face with her hoof while he was intent upon his prey, Fluttershy. Growling, the griffin turned his attention to the cyan pegasus, picking himself up in the air as well with his mighty wings.

“You’re going to regret this.” He announced before swooping toward her.

Rainbow flew toward him, leaving her signature trail behind her. She gritted her teeth, a full meal before a fight was not going to work in her favor. But she had to defend her fillyfriend, regardless of any consequences. Besides, if she could take Gilda, she could take this ruffian. When the griffin lunged toward her, claws ready to sink into soft flesh, the athletic pegasus immediately dodged with a burst of speed, pulling up behind him and landing a swift kick to his back with her hind leg.

An ear-splitting screech rent the air as the mighty griffin rounded on his attacker, massive wings flaring in glorious preparation for his next attack. There was one thing he saw, this pesky pegasus that required extermination. And it was going to be fun.

Shouts rang out as citizens panicked and ran. An authoritative voice rang out across the street. “Stop at once!”

“Ohhh... canned food.” The griffin scout turned to face the pegasus guard. “Do you want a piece of me too?”

“No. But if you touch either of those ponies I will be forced to stop you.” The guard replied in a resolute tone.

Borne aloft by his big, powerful wings, volibeak paused to consider his situation. Although he had been ordered to avoid contact with guards at all costs, the polychromatic pegasus in front of him needed to be taught a lesson. He had also lost out on all the fun in his last mission when Gilda had taken the artifact from his claws and ordered his patrol on another mission chasing rumors and myth.

“Let me just have my fun, then I’ll be on my way. I promise.” The cruel creature grinned as he prepared to launch himself at the bold pegasus who continued to stare him down.

Rainbow hovered above a set of houses, the gazes of the few nearby ponies who had not fled were fixated upon the scene above as she took off once again, looping round and round the larger flying creature. The smaller flyer rained blows upon the powerful griffin’s back causing him to emit a further earsplitting screech of rage. The pair exchanged a series of quick attacks which both sides easily dodged. They looped around each other swiping with hoof and claw, narrowly missing buildings as they fought. Each side tried desperately to gain an advantage over the other.

Anything. Anything at all that could lead to victory.

Rainbow Dash knew that speed was the key. It always was. It was something she could do well. With an added spurt she powered around corner after corner before she looped around and plowed into the pursuing griffin’s side.

However things were not set to go to plan and the blow caused her to spiral out of control and crash into a nearby rooftop.

Shouts reached her ears as more and more guards arrived in the vicinity to ward off the aggressive griffin. That was good. It meant all she had to do was keep him away from Fluttershy for a few more moments. Then they would both be safe.

The griffin scout held a cocky grin upon his beak, he knew he could finish the lone mare off before anypony would dare break up his fight. He was assured victory and he knew it. He swooped down toward the roof, ready to latch onto his prey.

Cerise eyes carefully watched the incoming attack. As the talons extended, Rainbow Dash thrust herself up, her wings took over and she propelled herself into the sky. Claws raked her back as she evaded the deadlock. A rainbow trail shot into the clouds before it plummeted back toward Canterlot below, a determined look wrote itself all across the speedster’s features. Losing was not an option!

The loud wingbeats of the pursuing griffin grew in volume with each passing second and Dash forced her wings into overdrive. The two airborne fighters zipped through the panicking crowd, a gathering number of guards in hot pursuit. Just before Rainbow Dash was about to collide with a solid looking building, she veered off to the side, rapidly rewarded by a loud smack as the birdbrain behind her smashed into it.

The bold pegasus panted as she grinned back at her adversary, time to bring more pain, he was going to pay for his words toward Fluttershy!

She zoomed down toward the downed griffin. A nasty grin covered the scout’s mug. With a mighty thrust of his legs he propelled himself upwards into the earthbound pony, knocking her out of the air. He let out a deafening screech, a call to arms for those under his command.

Stunned, Rainbow Dash fell to the hard road below. Determined, but stunned she pulled herself up once more, unwilling to give up. As soon as her struggle to her hooves was over, she was airborne in under a second and ready to meet her fellow flyer.

Several guards flew to her side, ready to aid her in the conflict. “Back down miss, we can take it from here.” Advised one of the armoured pegasi.

Before Dash could obey, the mighty beast was in her face, he had dived right for her. As she pulled out of the way, her opponent grinned and span off to the side to meet her. The harsh beak collided with the soft blue coat. An instant later a claw wrapped around Dash’s forehoof and she quickly found herself pinned to the pavement, dazed from the impact and unable to respond in any way.

The griffin buried his claws into her back and raked downwards, roughly, drawing blood. Before the cyan pegasus could react, a swift punch was delivered to her face, almost knocking her for a loop. A kick to her stomach knocked the wind out of her, along with any fight that may have been left in the once proud pegasus.

Several spears impacted with the griffin captain’s hide and he let out a shriek of pain. He took off into the sky once more, prey held firmly by the neck in a foreclaw.

Held firmly in the talons of Captain Volibeak, Rainbow’s world swirled around her in a sea of meaningless garbage. Black spots appeared in her vision. She needed air, and soon! The blackness filled her rapidly as her system begged for oxygen. Just one breath, just a whiff of her lover. Anything!

She had failed her Fluttershy - her one true love - and now the both of them were about to pay for it with their lives. Her wings cracked softly as she was scraped across a rooftop, guards in hot pursuit of the fleeing griffin. Dash screamed in pain. All remaining sense of vision disappeared beneath the crushing torrent of pain as her precious connection with her wings and lower body disappeared. Try as she might, he was far too strong for her. His deathlock on her neck continued to drain the life out of her system as every inch of her body begged for air.

She had no idea where she was anymore and no clue where her true love was. It was over.

She would never get to see her Fluttershy or any of her friends ever again.

She would never get to show off her awesome moves or invent new ones.

Her life was over, just when it felt like it was truly beginning.

Before she passed out, Rainbow Dash felt the deathlock on her windpipe cease. The faintest sensation of a downdraft told her fading mind that her attacker had taken off without her for some reason. Maybe the guards had finally chased the evil griffin away. Maybe her Fluttershy might find her, save her before her body failed. However, in her world of pain, all Dash could do was lie there and accept her fate.

The last thought to cross her mind before darkness claimed her and she succumbed to her wounds and lack of oxygen was of Fluttershy. Dash even thought she heard her mare cry her name from afar.

But that was probably just her failing mind playing tricks on her.

Fluttershy....