Rainbow over Griffany: RotE Episode 7

by Dream Volt

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Rainbow Dash, Comedy, Gilda, Adventure
Length: 27420

Rainbow Dash and freinds visit Griffany, and Gilda

Rainbow Dash and friends are were sent on a diplomatic mission to Griffany, the nation of Griffins across the sea. Then Gilda shows up in a frilly pink dress and Dash laughs her multi-hued tail off. After an apology and a little yelling Dash decides she is going to find a way to have all her friends to get along, no matter how difficult. Yes, she's going to make Gilda respect them. Surprisingly, this is not the biggest disaster of the trip.

Published 2013-02-23 16:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-23 16:40:01 UTC

It's a fish

It was a fish. A big pink fish. The metal part we'd seen plenty the last few days while fixing it up. Rarity did a good job. Even my room was sorta cool. She and Twi set up a cloud catcher frame too, so I even had a cloud bed. I don't know why Fluttershy sleeps on a mattress when she doesn't have to, but she's always been weird for a pegasus and getting stranger. Still, compared to Pinkie she was normal. The zeppelin was normal enough below the fish. I mean it was painted pink too, but it had two engines on the end of little wings sticking out the sides, some windows in the front, and was about the size of a house. I then looked up at the attached balloon again.

"We really should have known."

"Yes, I suppose so." said Twilight. "Actually the shape is quite streamlined, the fins don't really stick out and…"

"Yea, it's aerodynamic. I know that sorta stuff really good Twi."

"Really well."

"Huh?" I looked down to look at Twi

"Never mind."

I looked back tot he balloon. "It's still really odd. I mean making it a fish had to be a bunch more work right?"

"Of course. Though a proper zeppelin really shouldn't be a pure balloon, but have a support frame. Blinkie simply reinforced the balloon with an advanced polymer mesh and…"

I held up a hoof and Twi stopped talking. She was cool like that. "This is going to be really boring if you continue, isn't it?"

"I don't think so, but you do prefer to read things since you don’t have to wait right?"

"I guess. You've given me way too many books already though. Anyway, we really should get going. I mean if Blinkie's thing doesn't work we're gonna be really late right?"

"Yes, but the idea is sound, and extremely simple. Yes it requires a unicorn to activate the device, but most airship captains are unicorns anyway."

"Yea, there are a bunch of controls. It's so much easier just to fly as fast as you can and let somepony else make the decisions."

"Of course the magic link setup is rather ornate, and…" Twilight blushed. "I don't mean to brag but I'm not sure there are that many other unicorns that could manage to help her enchant it properly."

"Eh, who cares. I mean ours works right?"

Twilight sighed. "Dash, if this works properly it could revolutionize travel. Instead of pulling or otherwise indirectly generating thrust with a team, one pegasus could move an airship at their maximum speed regardless of mass or wind resistance."

"Okay, so that's good I guess, but unless they're as fast as me is it really a big deal? I mean it's a little boring so I haven't got all the way through it, but that book on jets is really interesting. Sounds like they'll be really fast."

"That's true, but multiple options are better than merely one and…"

"Bla, bla, bla. I get it. So I can't tell, is it done yet?"

"Now listen here you lazy rainbow-haired…" Began Applejack

"Ooop, later Twi. I just remembered something I gotta do."

I flew off, Applejack glaring up at me. I don't leave my friends hanging, but not only does AJ not really need me to lug around all our stuff, but she can barely even feel the load and I sure can. Besides even though she thinks it's just an excuse I really do plan to go all out once I'm sure this is working right and the blimp is right behind me. Of course I'm not really sure how fast I'll get tired. My stamina is better than most pegasi, but it still has some limits. I guess if I was a little more honest about that sorta thing more often she wouldn’t be doubting me.

Lion's Airie

It worked. It didn’t the first time, but Twi adjusted something and it worked perfectly. So I just went as fast as I could and the airship followed behind me. I had to wear these odd bands just above my hooves. Each one was gold and covered in rubies, and also covered in tiny little silver runes that would glow white every so often. I looked behind me. My rainbow trail spread out really weird, like a big cone behind me that covered the whole zeppelin. It was sort of like that time Fluttershy followed in my wake and things went a little too well. I know I didn't tell Blinkie about that. I wonder if that's how she got the idea or it was something else.

Then I suddenly stopped. Twilight warned me a bunch of times I should absolutely not do that, but it didn't hurt at all. I was pretty sure I slammed into the balloon super hard, but it wasn't any worse than any other crash. Of course it did knock me out of the sky for a second, but then I recovered. In the distance was the capital of Griffany, Lion's Airie. Gilda was always talking it up, but I thought she was exaggerating, not selling it short. I then realized the zeppelin was going to get there way before me if I didn't hurry and catch up. In fact now that I think of it Twi said something about momentum and stopping too, not just me getting hurt.

Lion's Airie was so amazingly awesome. A city built among the clouds, but not with them. Well maybe one or two buildings actually, but most were cut right from the rock of the surrounding mountains. It was that same big sweeping style as their embassy in Canterlot too. Twilight said it's called gothic. I mean it was obvious it was so a griffin style. Huge arches and stuff giving you plenty of room to fly, and those creepy gargoyles all over the place. Well, mostly. There were a few areas using lighter stone, and more classical stuff like Cloudsdale. Of course most of all there were waterfalls. Countless waterfalls coming from inside alcoves on the buildings, and pouring out all over the city, though various pools and canals lined with sculpted stone.

I then zipped in front of the zeppelin, it still not stopping and now heading for the palace, and flew strait at the front of the thing. It stopped just like that. I turned back to look at the palace. It was made entirely out of black marble, and a mix of gothic, classical, and some third thing probably. There were statues on it too, but they were all fierce looking griffins glaring at anypony nearby. Out front was a big courtyard, and just beyond that a few smaller circles for zeppelin like airships to land, and stone docks for the more boat-like airships. There wasn't any of either type here now.

Even though takeoff had gone well, I was still amazed landing went as easy. I mean Pinkie said she flew around the world in it for years, and her sister made it for her, but it still seemed odd she didn't wreck it. I then flew to the ground, and looked for somewhere to tie off the anchor ropes. I was a little tired but we're already here so I'm not going to let them down if I do just a little more work.

Gilded Rose

Gilda said male griffins were bigger, but I didn't think she meant as tall as Princess Celestia and built like a bear. Maybe these two are royal guards because they're even bigger than normal, but they still seem huge. The black armor they were wearing didn't help make them any less threatening. I mean I could whip their tail-feathers, but they sure looked scary. The armor wasn't fancy at all, the only real decorations on it spikes. There were a few along the spine, and on the knees and shoulders and such. It seemed like there should be more than one on the helmet, but the single silver spike did look sort of cool sticking out of the dome of a helmet. The helmet didn't cover the face because Griffins use their beaks to fight, and of course the armor didn't cover the wings for the same reason. It didn't cover the tail cause it was a small target and hard to armor.

"All of you, wait here, and don't move."

"The Equestrian ambassador has been recalled, so you will be meeting her first."

Then they turned and left the room. I watched them leave. I noticed AJ did the same. They didn't seem like they wanted to try anything, but I guess we both weren't too sure they wouldn't. The palace was fancy, but used darker colors than Canterlot. Well actually I guess Luna's castle was black inside and out, but that doesn't count. Most of the palace was actually grey, though it was all fancy, and full of black marble columns and other stuff so it was hard to tell most of the time. This room was pretty big. With stairs sweeping up to a balcony that jutted out a bit, and right behind that a set of big golden doors.

"Let me guess, this is the make a big entrance room?" I asked

"While they most certainly don't call it that, I believe the idea is correct Rainbow." I didn't even have to look to know Rarity just rolled her eyes at me. "I don't know who this recalled ambassador is, but she is likely royalty."

"It could be a he, not a she." I said "Griffany has a king, and while there are way more females just like Equestria, a bunch of the leaders are male."

"Really?" Rarity cringed slightly. "That just seems so…"

"Rarity, do you have a problem with males in power?" said Twilight

"I'm sorry Twilight, I know there are some good male mayors out there, but I'm an old fashioned girl. I just prefer mares to be the ones running things."

Then the doors creaked open, and trumpet fare sounded. Two guards wearing similar armor stepped out, but they looked much smaller. They stood to either side of the now open doors. Then a third griffin, trumpet hanging from a chain around her neck stepped forward. The mouth piece looked bigger than normal but I couldn't see it that well. Probably something so you can play it without lips. She also had on a weird little blue beret with a long feather.

"Welcome diplomats from the noble nation of Equestria, long may Celestia burn."

"Now see here…" began Rarity

"Rares, leave it." I said "Saying it that way is part of the treaty. It's one of the few concessions the griffin king got. She might even get arrested if she said it otherwise."

The griffin cleared her throat. "As I was saying. Welcome, and now I present the currently recalled ambassador to your great…" The sarcasm she coated that word in was not part of the treaty. "…nation. Her royal highness princess Gilded Rose."

The other griffin stepped aside, giving a bow. The guards just slightly bowed their heads. Gilda then stepped out in ridiculously poofy pink dress. The only thing making it even remotely cool was the frilly lace being black. Now we tried our best to be prepared, mostly Twilight running though some big boring list. Rarity kept going over and over the rules of decorum. One thing she told me all the time is how I should stop and think before I act. If I can't figure out the right thing to say or do, do nothing at all. Pointing a hoof and falling over laughing at the sight was without a doubt the wrong thing to do, but I just couldn't help it.

"How dare you laugh at the Princess." Said One guard.

"You should hold your tongue before I cut it out, or worse."

"Don't." said Gilda. "Just, don't do anything I…" Then she stomped a claw. "Oh buck this, just don't do anything to them, dad would be mad if you did."

Then she flew off. I did think through what I was doing, but only as I was speeding past the guards and into the long hall beyond the doors. I still wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do, even though Rarity was probably glad I had stopped laughing. They followed me, but clearly as uncomfortable as the dress looked it didn't slow her down too much, but the guard's armor did. I knew they were behind me yelling something in Griffin, but I didn't really care. I was behind Gilda at first, but I quickly caught up.

Gilda clearly knew this place by heart. She didn't even slow down when taking most corners. I was without a doubt much faster than she was now, but I needed to be to catch back up every time I lost a little time because I had to dodge out of the way of some statue or suit of armor I didn't know was there. All the other griffins were walking so she probably wasn't supposed to be flying, which she already knew and why she took the corners so fast. It only went badly for her once when some griffin girl that looked a lot like her, but with grey fur and no feather highlights. I finally caught up.

She mumbled something in griffin like "How dare you? You thrice born something or other. I will devour your entrails."

Gilda responded in Griffin with "Out of my way you over pampered refuse."

She then flew off. I was pretty sure about that insult, and the entrails comment. Griffin didn't just sound harsh, but was full of extra words for blood and guts and stuff. Also there was a ton of different words about how much you hate some Griffin, but I could never keep all those strait. Gilda was off again, and I followed, but she still knew this place and I didn't, so I rounded a corner just as she was going in some door. She would totally lock it if I didn't get in there first I knew, so I tried to do my new trick.

I still don't really get it that well, but then again pegasi aren't really supposed to cast magic, or we are but it isn't taught because it's rare. Twilight and Luna talk a lot and sometimes get way off track so it can be hard to focus the whole time. So I still don't get how it works, but it totally did, the world stopped around me, or at least seemed to. It was odd that I didn’t even have to go that fast to activate it, but it was cool too. I then flew into the room Gilda was going in. I blinked.

It was big royal looking room with a bunch of purple decorations, but the walls were white and the trim at least gold colored. There was this really bloody battle scene painted on the ceiling. It was between griffins and ponies, and the ponies were losing of course. The furniture was dark wood in most cases, but parts were painted purple, and the bed-sheets were a deep purple. I then casually laid down on what had to be her bed, smiled, and put my wings down on my side. Twi said pegasi used their wings for magic and she was so right. Gilda started moving again, quickly bolting the door closed with a little slide-bar thing with her talons could easily use but would have taken me forever to get right. If it was bigger maybe I could manage, but not that small. She then turned around and went wide eyed.

"Yo." I then waved a hoof.

"What the? You were behind me?"

"I totally was, but now I'm not, isn't that awesome?"

"What? That doesn't even make sense you dweeb."

"Sure it does. I'm just that awesome now."

Then I laughed. Gilda was standing there looking so much like she always did when ticked off, but in that stupid pink dress she just looked so ridiculous. If the bed wasn't so big and fancy I'm pretty sure I would have fallen off laughing so hard.

"Okay, that's it, you are so looking for a beating."

I laughed harder. "I'm sorry G, but I just can't take you seriously in that dumb dress."

"Oh, yea. I forgot about that. I can't take me seriously in it either. Still I shouldn't take it off. The equestrian delegation, I mean besides you, will…"

I sat up. "G, we are the delegation, the whole thing. It's just me and my friends, and the only one that might care is Rarity, but I doubt even she would like something that dumb looking. Though I really don't get fashion so maybe I'm wrong."

She raised an eyebrow. "What? You're kidding right?"

"G, we've saved Equestria twice, and Fluttershy saved it a third time nearly by herself by staring down a dragon. Sure we had to drag her up the mountain, for a while literally, and she did react only when we were in danger so…"

"Oh come on, you must be kidding? Scardeyshy staring down a dragon?" Gilda wasn't really looking at me, busy messing with her dress.

"I'm totally not lying, though from what you said you forgot all about her."

"Nah, but I didn't recognize her. I figured it out when I saw her on the cover of that fashion magazine."

I laughed again. "You read fashion magazines, and Equestrian fashion magazines?"

"In case you weren't paying attention I am supposed to be your ambassador. That's why dad gave me that stupid name."

"It's not that bad. Still, it seems odd that…"

"Dad has a bunch of Equestrian magazine subscriptions for me that come here. Research materials or whatever. I ignore most of them but that one caught my eye okay. How the hay did anyone convince her to get up in front of a bunch of ponies and strut around?"

I laughed. "You haven't met Rarity. Plus I know you only met Fluttershy like once but I did tell you enough about her."

"It was more than once, but…"

Then she suddenly roared, and tore her dress nearly in two removing it. Clearly she didn't like the dress either. I smiled and hopped down off the bed. It was almost as comfortable as a cloud, but not quite. Still, silk sheets do feel nice. I get why Rarity likes them so much. Gilda glared at me.

"Okay, be serious Dash. Who is…"

"It's us. We defeated Nightmare Moon, and Discord, and the princess knighted us. She made Rarity a Countess which I was so sure she would never shut up about, but she at least doesn't bother us about it."

"So she's in charge?"

"Nah, Twilight is. She's the Ducthess of Platinum Mountain, which is the old name for the Duchy of Canterlot and is this really important position. Of course she was all Twilight about it and didn't tell us until Luna brought it up."

"So you're serious?" Then she sagged. "This is a nightmare. I'm doomed."

"Huh?"

"You're all going to get back at me by making this as hard as possible, aren't you. I'm already in enough trouble with dad cause of the whole hiding thing."

I then suddenly put a few things together. Gilda was always tough to track down, and she complained like crazy about having to work. She also always would come back whenever we had a fight, even if she never actually apologized. But suddenly she didn't. I thought I missed something, maybe it was something else.

"You got caught? You were hiding in Equestria from, your dad, who is also the king. He got ya and you're in so much trouble, right?"

She nodded. "Yea. I forget how quick you can be figuring stuff out sometimes. That's why I was in Equestria to begin with. I mean I've told you enough about our history you know there aren't a whole lot of other reasons for a griffin to be there."

"Oh, but your dad didn't want you to get any special treatment, so you had to hide who you are right?"

"Yea, but mostly cause he was hoping the ponies would treat me badly. They were scared of me, but I like that."

I smiled. "Yea, I know."

Gilda suddenly blinked. "You're not mad anymore at all, are you? Please don't tell me you're going to apologize to me for me being a jerk to you."

I sighed, and shook my head. "Gilda, I don't care. I mean thinking about it you never took being pranked that well. The problem isn't making it up to me, but making up to my friends."

She cringed. "You mean I have apologize to Pinkie?"

"Nah, that would be pointless. For one no matter how fake it was she would accept it, just like Fluttershy would."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying, I talked this over with Fluttershy and she got me to admit I did miss you. Recently I was reminded you should fight for your friendships. Loyalty is not just being friends when it's easy, but when it's hard. Especially when it's hard. The problem is I'm loyal to my new friends and Fluttershy too."

"And to that stupid little town in general. So what do you want me to do?" Gilda looked away from me. "I still don't care about those dorks in your town, but I am sorry that I upset you. It may be sappy as you can get, but I don't want to lose you as a friend."

I blinked. It was sorta a roundabout apology, but she actually apologized. I just stared for a long time. I was ready to go pretty far to try to fix things with Gilda the next time I saw her, but she actually met me halfway. For a long time I just stared. Eventually she turned back, glaring at me.

"Okay, enough of the stupid mushy stuff. I read the official reports from Equestria what happened, neither of which mentioned you by name, but I want to hear it from you. Start with Nightmare Moon."

"Oh, uh, okay. Lets see. It was the Summer Sun Celebration and…"

The pink one

Gilda and I had both been laughing when the knock on the door came. Gilda sighed, unlocked the door, and opened it just enough for the guard to stick her head in slightly. I think she wanted to do more, but Gilda was holding the door mostly closed. She was one smaller griffins that had been beside Gilda earlier. Her face was as neutral as ever.

"His majesty requests an update on…"

Gilda pulled herself rigid, and face neutral. "You may tell my father I have been in conference with a member of the Equestrian delegation all this time. You may also tell him it is in fact that so called useless pegasus, who is now a full Knight of Equestria, and held in high regard by Celestia herself."

"Uh…"

"He did ask you to relay whatever I would say correct? I'm sure he'll understand exactly who is saying it and in what tone."

"Uh, yes your highness, of course."

"Also, where is the rest of the Equestrian delegation?"

"They have been escorted to guest quarters. Currently they are mostly in the common room of the red guest rooms. Though one of them is currently unaccounted for."

"Let me guess, the Pink one?"

"Yes your majesty, how did you know?"

"That is all. Leave. Now."

She then ran off. Gilda sighed, and shook her head. Then she poked her head outside the door, and looked back and forth. Then she quickly opened the door.

"Come on Dash, we need to get moving. I'm surprised it took them that long to find me. I mean it is my room."

"Huh?"

"Look it's just some court junk. Since I'm here and doing something there is only so much he can bother me without making a scene, and it's even less if he doesn't know where I am."

I suddenly laughed. "Oh man, the whole, my dad is a jerk who always gets his way thing is way different that you made it sound, isn't it."

"Yea, it's really annoying when your dad has the power to literally make anyone do whatever he wants."

I smiled. "Oh I know the feeling. I mean my mom actually encouraged me to seek out adventure, but I'm sure you remember Steelwing. He would send his guards after me so often it wasn't even funny."

"Oh yea, I always forget that hardflank was Fluttershy's dad."

Gilda then started walking. I followed her. Any servants looked away when Gilda passed. I smiled, so like her. Then I sighed.

"Ya know, I haven't really totally figured out what I want you to do to make it up to them. And you're right that you didn't even really do anything specific to Twilight and Rarity."

"I didn't even know the unicorn's names. But what about the other earth pony? I didn't do anything to her."

I cringed. "Actually she didn't know about it until days later, but you're the one that spooked her grandma. She's still angry with you about that."

"So what I don't care if some pony…"

"Even though she's my friend?"

Gilda cringed, then growled. "Why are you friends with those losers? I mean come on, they're not cool at all, especially Pinkie Pie."

I sighed and shook my head. "I get it, I mean she annoyed me, a lot, but you know that if she was the one that set off all those pranks you would have been laughing like mad. You always could dish it out but not take it." I grinned.

She stopped and spun around. "Hey, I can take it just fine."

"Oh you can take a buck just fine, better than fine, but you can't take a joke. I mean I don't even have to use the party as an example. Remember that thing in the weather factory when I…"

She glared at me. "I remember." Then she blinked, and sighed. "And all the other times I've tried to forget when you pull a prank on me. Ugh, I've been really stupid, haven't I?"

"I wasn't going to say anything, but you totally have." I laughed

"Still, Pinkie isn't cool and never will be cool. I doubt any of your other pony friends will be. I'll try but nothing…"

Then I suddenly smiled. "I got it. You don't respect them at all. Yea, forget trying to make it up to them, that doesn't solve the problem."

"So what, instead of making me apologize, you're going to make me respect them? That doesn't sound any better. In fact it sounds stupid as buck."

I smiled. "No, I'm going to make them earn your respect. No faking. With AJ it will even be easy, because I already know something that will work."

"Huh? What are you talking about."

"Look, we were friends before, but I don't think you really respected me until that fight. You're the one talking about how much griffins respect strength right? Well AJ has always had strength to spare, and now is like crazy strong."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, I'm not the only one way more awesome than I used to be. In fact maybe I should Warn you about Pinkie Pie because…"

"Hi Gilda. Hi Dashie."

Gilda jumped, leaping in the air and looking around. She looked around but didn't seem to see what she was looking for. Then her eyes focused on the pink griffin with magenta fur. One whose pink feathers looked terribly unkempt, and had a huge grin on her face. She just stared.

"No, that can't be right. You can't be her."

"Why can't I be her? I like being her." Then Pinkie blinked. "Wait, can I be he?" Pinkie put a hoof on her chin. "Hmmm, that would probably be even weirder though. I mean it is so much easier to fly like this, but it's still weird. I guess Griffins don't really need much magic at all to fly. I mean flying as a pegasus is kinda fun, but tiring, though I do get less tired recently and…"

I shoved a hoof in her beak. "That's enough Pinkie. I think Gilda…"

Then there was a thump. I wasn't sure if Gilda had fainted in midair, or forgot to flap and knocked herself unconscious when she hit the ground. Either way it looked like it hurt. I sighed.

"Come on Pinkie, help me drag her somewhere."

"I just told you I can fly better. Why don't we just carry her to the girls."

"Oh, sure, lets give it a try."

I'd tried to carry Gilda once or twice, and even with a pink griffin helping she seemed lighter than I remembered. It was not a graceful carry, but it worked. I just hoped no one questioned us about this. This would be a really stupid way to start an international incident. This so reminds me of mom. Though the last time we were doing this sort of thing we were technically kidnapping him, and it was sort of by Celestia's orders and that didn't turn out too bad. I mean really despite all the things she does mom almost never actually causes international incidents, and there was only that one war.

That went better than expected

Applejack glared at the still unconscious Gilda. I rolled my eyes. Okay, I forgot something else important. I need to have Gilda earn their respect too. The room had a red carpet, and on the ceiling a painting so incredibly gory even I couldn't look at it too long. Griffins can be so weird sometimes. Twilight was reading a book in the center of the room, while Rarity and Fluttershy had been on the far end of the room, but Rarity was slowly walking over here.

"Hmmm, at least she's lost that horrid dress. It may be trey hip in Celestia's court, but it's just completely wrong for her."

"Rarity, forget your dress silliness for a time. Now Dash ya can't seriously mean…"

"Oh AJ, parties are always more fun with more. I mean my last party didn't work, but ever since the Gala I've been studding different types of parties. I mean I still don't know how to make the Gala fun yet without also making the uptight ponies all grumpy whumpy, but I'm working on it and…"

"Pinkie." AJ didn't bother to use a hoof, but it still worked. "Ah didn't even ask ya, so would ya please let Dash answer."

"Pinkie, you really should know better. I mean that was the height of rudeness."

"If rudeness has a height, does that make her a pony?"

There was silence, but no pony said anything. I don't think Twi even looked up from her book. Pinkie then laughed. Gilda then groaned, and slowly got to her feet. She then took a step back. If I had AJ glaring at me, and Rarity giving me that focused look of hers I'd probably do the same. Pinkie then turned back to normal. Then she tilted her head and turned into her unicorn form.

"Seriously? She can shape change now."

"And I can go faster than time, and Fluttershy has pretty much made nature her…"

"Do not dare finish that sentence Rainbow."

"I was just going to say slave. Geesh. I have some manners ya know."

"Well I'm sorry, but you show very little evidence of that."

I rolled my eyes. "Just cause I'm not uptight about that sort of stuff as you doesn't mean I don't know how to behave."

Gilda then smirked, letting out a little laugh.

"An just what are you laughing at?"

"Their arguing, it's funny." Gilda then blinked

Twilight's head came up, and turned toward AJ. "I think that was a truth aura before you ask. It was only strong enough to sense clearly for a moment, but I told you I thought I was detecting one."

"Wait, you can make me tell the truth?" said Gilda, pulling back

"Ah guess. Is that right Twi?"

"Yes, or at least not lie. You're the one that talked to me about the difference. I'd guess you'll have only sporadic use out of it for some time."

"Okay, uh, good ta know ah guess."

"Dash, tell me one good reason why I shouldn’t buck this here varmint into next week."

"Yes, this is the miscreant that frightened Fluttershy, correct?"

Gilda suddenly took a step back, Rarity's hair now gently roaring purple flames. Of course G was already near the wall, so very quickly she had nowhere else to go. Fluttershy now walked over, shaking a little as she walked, but then stood in front of Gilda. She then looked both AJ and Rarity in the eyes in turn.

"Now Gilda didn't actually hurt anypony. No matter how mean she's been that doesn't mean you should be worse in return. You should be ashamed."

Rarity looked away, head down. "I'm sorry. You're right of course. It's just being mean to you on top of that horrible dress."

"It's not like I wanted to wear that thing."

"Hmm, then maybe you have some taste at least."

"Ah, guess you're right, though ah wasn't really planning on doing nothing." Said AJ "Ah just meant to scare her a bit like she done to granny."

"Yea I wasn't scared of you, I was scared of the one with the flaming hair."

"Oh my, again?" Rarity's hair then returned to its normal, solid state. "There, much better. Hmmm, you know, normally I'm against dying one's self, but from what I've seen griffins are a bit drab. In fact I think purple suits you very well."

"Huh?"

I laughed. "She's talking fashion. She's probably already figuring out some frou frou dress she wants to put you in."

Rarity shook her head. "Of course not. Though she might look lovely simple elegance is certainly the way to go with griffins." Then she got this huge smile on her face. "Oh my, an entire new species to work with. How exciting."

"Uh…"

"Hey Twi." I said "You okay here reading, whatever it is you're reading?"

"It's the griffin's history of the period known as the dark ages. Did you know that the solar bomb incident is seen completely differently from the griffin perspective."

I waved a hoof. "Yea, yea. Celestia's a jerk for doing it. I know that opinion well enough by now. I'll take that as a yes."

"One of the servants even said if needed they'll see me to the royal library later."

"Okay, so you're good." I then turned to Rarity "Rares, you're looking around because you already have some idea that you want to start sketching right?"

"Yes, I must start immediately. I simply must get this down post haste. I really…"

Twilight's horn glowed and a bunch of papers, a bottle of ink, and a quill all suddenly appeared. She didn't look up from her book at any point to do so. Gilda blinked, suddenly staring in Twi's direction.

"Okay, even I know that's impressive."

"Oh, it's nothing really. It's a fairly simple creation spell, and I often need paper or something to write with."

"Okay, so that means once Gilda shows us to the palace gardens Fluttershy will be set and then we can go show AJ the coliseum."

"Dash, you can't be serious? asked Gilda

"Oh, I'm sure I'll be good here. I'll just…"

"Really Flutter?" I said "Even though the garden is chock full of even more exotic animals than Celestia's?"

She smiled hugely. "Really?"

"Yea." Said Gilda. "My freaky sister is all about weird animals. She's got like a ton out there, and has more in her room. Dad would probably be really pissed if she wasn't one of the youngest. Unlike me she didn't have a job form birth."

"Ah still don't like you."

"If you weren't Dash's friend I wouldn't care at all. Come on, we're wasting time."

Gilda then stormed out of the room. I sighed. That went slightly better than I expected. Pinkie had her hoof on her chin.

"Wait, what am I doing?"

"I figure you'd tag along all day, unless you can think of something else. Oh, uh, Twilight, if you can try to think of something you can do to impress Gilda."

"Now hold on a minute here." Said AJ "What is this all about."

I closed my eyes. "I'm loyal AJ. Really loyal. I don't like leaving anyone hanging, even if they are a jerk sometimes. I fight for my friendships, all of them."

"Ah see. Ah I guess I can't really argue with that, though she still seems like nothing but a bad apple to me, and now a spoiled brat on top of that."

"You seriously just said that?"

Pinkie giggled, AJ didn't say anything in return, just frowned.

"Anyway, that might be true, but even though it's odd we really are good friends. We may rag on each other, even throwing a kick or two, but when I need her she's there. Well, if I can find her."

"Doesn't sound like she's too there to me."

"She had her reasons. I always believed her when she said that, and now I even know what they were. Come on. I have this idea and I'll think you'll like it."

"What da ya mean by that Dash?"

I walked out the door. Pinkie bounced out behind me, and Fluttershy was right behind her. AJ didn't immediately come out, but I'm sure she would. I saw Gilda at the end of the hall, tapping one talon on the marble floors. Okay, this might be tricky but I can totally do this.

Ah won't

The garden had been nice, but really boring. Fluttershy had a big smile on her face though, so things worked as planned. I was looking down instead of at AJ because the one thing I thought I had figured it wasn't going as planned. Applejack was glaring at me. Gilda was not far away, looking down at the action in the arena. She had a private box so we were alone. Which was good because I was pretty sure AJ was about to make me feel really stupid, and the fewer witnesses the better.

"So let me get this here strait. Your plan was for me and Gilda to fight…"

"The Arena cancels magic so it would be fair and…"

"That ain't the point ya fool pegasus. Now ah don't shy away from a tussle when ah got a good enough reason, an' ah even wanna fight her a bit, but if this is about respect, then even if that would work it ain't the way. Ah won't earn her respect for that."

"Oh." I then sighed. "So I have this all backwards and have to start over. It's about figuring out not just what might make her respect you, but how you would actually want to earn her respect."

"You two dweebs do know that as big as this box is and despite not being able to see my ears, I can hear you both just fine, right?"

AJ and I both turned and gave our best fake smiles. Gilda laughed.

"Look, you don't want to fight me, fine. Still, Dash said you're a physical kind of pony, so how about we try something like how Dash really earned my respect."

"It wasn't fighting?"

"Nah, I was mad cause you beat me, remember. Most Griffins would be impressed by a good fight, but that doesn't really mean anything." Then she laughed. "Well okay, you actually beating me at that too was impressive, but mostly it was the flying."

"So what, you want to have an iron pony competition?"

"I'm not sure exactly what that is, but obviously not. I still can't believe that pink annoyance is still out there. I mean she hasn't even tried to kick anyone and she's already taken out eight gladiators. It doesn't make sense."

I laughed. "Yea, that's Pinkie all over. So still not willing to give her a chance?"

"I'm going to try Dash. For you I can try, and you at least make the rest of your friends sound cool, though I find it hard to believe it could all be true."

"Dash don't lie much at all. You really think…"

Gilda waved a claw. "Oh I think she really does believe they're that cool, and she thinks they did what she said. I just figure that isn't the truth."

"And ah'm the first to prove her right? Fine, ah like that idea. Name it, and I'll do it. Anything that don't require wings ah can do, and do better."

Gilda was right in AJ's face an intense look in her eyes. "Oh yea pony, you sure you really want to try and prove it. Griffins play rough."

"Bring it on."

I was about to say something then I suddenly realized how familiar the scene looked. Some ponies didn't get it, but I was just fine with the way AJ and I got along. Though I would have to make sure things didn't go too far like that one running of the leaves, but I think we both learned that lesson the hard way. Also Gilda isn't quite as competitive, though if anything she's more stubborn than AJ. I blinked. They really are a lot a like in some ways, aren't they?

Fire and steel

The stadium, unlike the coliseum, was built mostly of clouds, but apparently Twilight wasn't kidding about casting the cloud-walking spell on everypony just in case. I mean I barely even saw her horn light up when she did it. Most griffin buildings were dark stone that clung to the cliff side, but other than the statues being griffins this place looked a lot like the stadium back home in Cloudsdale. It was on the ground though, with grass and dirt, and a track circling the edge of the stadium. A surprisingly full stadium. It had been nearly empty, a few athletes just practicing and a few spectators watching. But ever since Gilda confiscated it the thing had slowly filled with griffins and a surprising amount of ponies. I know ponies are everywhere, but I didn't think there would be too many in Griffany, even if most of them were pegasi.

AJ beat Gilda easily on all the strength things. Even though there was some shinny thing in the middle of the field which should cancel magic AJ still shattered the boulder to pieces like it was nothing. The goal was break off as much of it as you can, and shattering it to pieces sure counted. Though I sometimes wish I wasn't the one scoring this, I don't even get the point of some of this stuff. The race was simple enough at least. Run around the track ten times fast as you can. AJ had lapped Gilda twice. Earth ponies are crazy fast on the ground. I mean those four dudes were pulling a train nearly as fast as normal. I really have to remember to ask Twi about that some time. Or maybe AJ would know since her cousin's out there. Of course I'm super fast for a pegasus on the ground too, but earth ponies just have stronger leg muscles.

"Come on G, you can do better than this."

"Shut up Dash. I know I'm losing."

Then she was out of earshot again. I thought about following around the whole track, but it was much easier to just hover in one spot and turn around in a circle. Gilda had her wins of course. Though that shot-put was sort of unfair. Hooves just can't hold on that well and it did slip just like AJ said. Of course AJ was the one that said anything that doesn't involve wings. Gilda suddenly surged forward. Twilight was right about conserving your energy I decided. It's what let me beat AJ last time we raced. I don't think it was going to help Gilda now though.

She was still wearing that little tiara. It had to be magiced on. It so would have fallen off otherwise. Gilda did say some little magic might work since it's only to stop cheating. Gilda had done a pretty good job catching up. She even crossed the finish line first on AJ's last lap. Then I frowned when she started celebrating. I sighed and flew down.

"Uh, G, you still have a lap to go."

"I know that. Just give me this. That was a humiliating loss."

"I still have to score it as…"

"You're not using the big board so they don't have to know that."

"Just let er have it Dash. So far this don't seem that rough."

"You've still lost nearly half the events. Also this is so far just standard Olympic type stuff, I held off on doing anything more dangerous cause Dash would be upset if you got hurt. Ponies are just so fragile."

"I'll show you fragile you no good varmint. I can take anything you can."

"Fine." Gilda then yelled at the top of her lungs. "Fire and steel games. Now."

A few griffins came out of the woodwork and immediately flew off. They had been gathering stuff for various events the whole time, but now it seemed all of them suddenly were in action at once. I still wasn't too clear exactly where all of them were. Then the loudspeaker crackled, the announcers talking again.

"This is Pinkie Pie, your announcer today, and beside is Grumpy Mcfeatherpants."

"That's still not my name and that still makes no sense. By the way the security team gave up after they were informed she has diplomatic immunity so even if they did catch her they couldn’t really punish her."

"Oh Grumpy, that's so silly. That has nothing to do with the contest."

"You were talking about…" Then there was a sigh. "Sorry about this everyone. I'll try my best to give you a coherent play by play, no matter how annoying a certain pony is being."

"Huh, I don't see any other ponies in here. Who are you talking about?"

A loud thunk came over the speakers. "I hate you so much."

"So anyway Grumpy, what's this whole fire and steel games thing? It sounds scary."

"That, was almost a good question. As just about everyone in Griffany, pony or not knows, it can be, but mostly for the competitors. Still it isn't half as dangerous as a coliseum fight or they'd be dragging the princess back to palace already for even suggesting she compete. No, wounds will be superficial at best, and should heal quickly."

"Wounds? That doesn't sound very fun."

"Well the princess is quite skilled. She even holds a record or two. Or did. I'm not really the numbers guy. He's the one you knocked out."

"That was an accident. I mean I didn't even see him behind me with that mace."

"Yes, yes, whatever. I don't care. Ah, look the first event is set up. I hope that means we're starting and I can focus on something other than you."

"Oooo, it's pretty."

I had been focusing on their banter, but now saw a tunnel of metal that sparkled in the sunlight. It was full of large metal hammers in an upright position. Then they began to move, griffins on either side running along conveyer belts on either side. It had appeared out of what I thought was solid stone. I guess this is the main reason the stadium isn't in the clouds.

"What in tarnation."

Gilda rolled her eyes. "Isn't it obvious. You try to get though as quickly as you can. Getting hit doesn't deduct time, only however much it slows you down."

"So you can either be fast or tough?" I said

"Or both." Said AJ "Ah ain't agile enough to dodge 'em much, so ah think ah'll just go strait though and take it."

"Oh please. Do you have any idea how hard those things hit? I doubt you'll even be able to stand up again after the first time."

"We'll just see. You got that stopwatch right Dash?"

"Uh, yea I do but…"

"Then time this."

Applejack took off running toward the deathtrap. Well hopefully the hammers didn't really hit that hard and Gilda was exaggerating, at least a little. AJ did better than she thought she would not getting hit till the middle. She shook it off like it was nothing. She got hit a few more times, each knocked her to the ground, but she just got up and moved on like she just so happened to trip when the hammer hit her. She only wobbled and fell to the ground after she was on the far side. Gilda just stood there and ran to her side.

"Amazing. Simply amazing. Never in all my years have I seen a competitor shrug off the hammers effect so easily."

"That was horrible. That wasn't fun at all. Games are suppose to be fun."

"Why is your hair suddenly strait?"

"I shouldn't still be here. I should be there."

"How did she leave without opening the door?"

I didn't remember my first aid class all that well, but I was pretty sure AJ was fine. I didn't even see any bruises. Though I think Fluttershy said something about no bruises possibly being a bad thing once. A crying strait-haired Pinkie was suddenly hugging Applejack, muttering something I couldn’t hear.

"Now stop that right now Pinkie. Ah'm good enough as is, and once we're done here Ah'm pretty sure ah'll be right as rain once we're away from that magic nullifying thing. Still weird to think that matters at all."

"Then we're done." Said Gilda. "You are even stupider than I first thought, but you just beat my dad's old record. That is beyond cool. Also I'm going to love rubbing it in his face a pony is the one that beat his time. Especially how."

"Really amazing. Yes, I have confirmed it all. It's a new record. This Applejack, this Pony of steel, has done the unthinkable."

Applejack then got to her feet, and started walking over to the track. A bunch of rings set low to the ground were currently on fire. Only half were lit, but I assumed the rest were in the process of being turned on.

"Oh no. You're not doing it." I said

Pinkie hugged tight enough that AJ had trouble walking. "No, don't."

"So stupid." G said

"Ah said I'd see this though and…"

"Forget that noise."

Gilda then grabbed AJ and lifted her into the air. Pinkie was now only hanging on by one hoof. I noticed Gilda didn't even look down. Pinkie's hair was suddenly poofy again, and she even let out a loud "Wheee" as she barely hung on. AJ's struggles weren't that good at first, but then suddenly she looked a lot less dazed, and with one whack on G's talon she dropped AJ, then shook her claw. Pinkie caught AJ and tired to keep her up with hummingbird like motion of her wings, but it didn't work. I didn't even notice if she was in pegasus form or not when she appeared. Either there was some limit to what Pinkie could do no matter how impossible Twilight said it was, or AJ did something to mess Pinkie up, because they dropped like a stone.

Of course I was nearly there already, but I couldn't get the trick to work this time, so there was a loud crash as Applejack and Pinkie hit the stands. In fact it sounded more like someone dropped a cannonball on the wooden lower seating than a pony. I was briefly worried, but then I heard Pinkie giggle. Gilda landed at the bottom of the hole only a few seconds before me, despite being so much closer at the start.

"Applejack, do you think you've gained some weight?"

"It ain't funny Pinkie."

"Sure it is. I mean it's not like weight weight anyway. I mean you weren't any heavier till you had magic again, then you were. You also got all shinny."

"Pinkie what the hay are you…"

"Whoa."

I just stared. It seemed to be fading, but Applejack had a sort of metallic sheen. Does that mean she was literally like living metal, or just as heavy and shinny as metal? It was still super cool either way.

"Hah, elements of harmony, more like elements of awesome."

"I gotta admit Applejack, you are actually as cool as Dash made you sound. Also you totally have my respect already so we can just forget the rest."

"Ah said Ah'd do it and Ah will. Also ya don't have mine. Ah'm more sure than ever you're a spoiled brat who's never done a day of real work in yer life. The closest you ever got is this sorta thing, and I bet even then you don't work near hard as Dash."

Gilda glared at her. "Now listen here you stupid pony. Some of my idiot sisters might not have done anything worthwhile, ever, but I have. You don't know me."

"An ah don't aim ta. Ah reckon Ah can get along with you enough for Dash, but ah don't think I'm ever going to respect you. Now come on. Lets finish these games."

AJ then walked off, clearly looking for a way out of from under the bleachers other than flying. She'll probably make a hole in the side before she let one of us fly her out. Pinkie suddenly hugged Gilda, who let out a squak and pushed her off.

"Ugh, what was that for. I may tolerate you for Dash's sake, but that doesn't mean I want you touching me."

Pinkie saluted. "Understood mam. No touching mam."

Gilda just stared. "She never stops, does she?"

"She used to but with her earth pony endurance seems to mostly mean she's bouncy and stuff all the time. Apparently both her and AJ need less sleep now too."

"Yea, it's neato. I mean in the dead of night there aren't half as many ponies awake, but Luna is if she's around, and Blinkie usually is and…"

"But not enough for a party?" I asked

She zipped over to me and threw a hoof over my shoulder. "Silly Dashie, there is always enough ponies for a party. Not a big party, but still a party."

"So does this mean I have to go out there again?" asked G

"I don't know, and don't care. I guess there are a bunch of griffins and some ponies out there that are waiting for more."

"Ooo, yea, I left Grumpy alone. I should go back to helping him."

"There are actually a ton more events, but I think we'll just stick to what's already set up and say that's it. She won't know and hopefully I'll look a little less stupid."

"Actually you're not that far behind."

"Maybe, but I know I soon will be. Also not having highly flammable wings is probably an advantage on this next one."

Then she was gone before I could say anything else. Gilda seems to be acting a little weird. I couldn't quite put my hoof on exactly what was different, but it was something. Then I suddenly realized I had no idea what to do next.

Derpy's clock

I looked out over the city. Gilda was always good at finding awesome places. The waterfall came out between two huge statues, but because both were below any major building and the heads were held so high between the front paws of either statue was a nice place to hide. It also had the best view. However before I got the Gilda I stopped. Something felt, off. I had flown about a bit, and landed next to a big chunk of amber embedded in one side of the tunnel the waterfall came out of.

"I’m not even sure why I'm annoyed by it, but weren't you looking to bother me?"

"Just a second G. I have a feeling this is really important. Besides I'm sure you can sit there being all emo for another few seconds."

"Hay."

Of course her coming after me was even better, so this was working out great. I then touched the chunk of amber. It felt the exact opposite of Discord. Well, maybe it was a little different but it felt good. A little stifling but good. Actually it sorta reminded me of Twilight's library, but even more something else. I just couldn’t but my hoof on exactly what right now. I then turned to Gilda.

"So, you think you can pry this thing out of there."

"I dunno, maybe. Why do you care?"

"Cause you know that freaky jerk Twi just sent away, this feels like the exact opposite of him when he touched me."

"Why the hay are you letting him touch you."

"Cause he's a jerk with no respect for personal space, duh."

"Fine. I can pull it out I'm sure but you wanna talk about stupid feelings or something first I'm sure, so lets get that out of the way since we're alone."

I frowned. "Come on G. You know me. I just want to know what's up with you. You're acting really weird."

She sighed. "Ugh. I keep forgetting how dumb you are sometimes. Ponyville is lame, at least most of the ponies in it are lame, and Equestria in general is lame. Except there are a few problems. First, it's your home. Second, even though I never thought of it that way, it's mine."

"Weren't all your trips home to Griffany real? I mean you fudged a few details but…"

"That's all they were though. Trips. I grew up in Equestria. I thought of Lion's Airie as home, it was the only stable house I have even, but it wasn't my home."

"And you were worried about me talking about mushy stuff."

"Shut up." She then lightly shoved me. "I haven't even gotten to the last problem. See the thing is no matter how lame it all is, I hate it here." She took a breath. "I hate it here more than anything. Griffany is cooler than anywhere else in the whole world, but I despise actually living here."

"How does that answer my question?"

"I'm being nice because I'm trying. It's hard. You have no idea how hard, but all the best moments in my life involved you somehow. So I vowed I'd do everything I could if I ever saw you again."

"Oh, so that's why you didn't start ripping out my feathers in your room. I mean we've got in a fight for way less than that."

We both laughed at that. Once I even remember getting into a brawl with her over the right way to say potato. I could see Rarity or maybe even Twilight getting genuinely upset about proper pronunciation, but we sure didn't. We just both refused to back down and it eventually came to blows. Then suddenly I thought of something.

"Wait, really nothing? I know I'm awesome, but nothing else?"

"There is some stuff, but I can't think of any time here where my happiness wasn't tainted in some way. Also I just said you're the best, my life is just awful."

I smiled, and now I'm about to cry.

"Whatever. Let me get this dumb thing out for you. The more I look at it the more curious I am."

"What do you mean by that?"

She was in front of it, claws digging into the soft dirt around it, and with a big tug it came lose, tumbling to the ground. There was a big coo-coo clock inside. The chunk of amber was about as big as me. Actually touching it reminded me of what actually felt like that, even if it was really confusing.

"That thing is heavy. I'm not lifting it again."

"Yea. We need to get Twilight out here."

"I'm not sure how that would help, but whatever."

"So any idea what this thing is?"

"One of Derpy's clocks."

"Wait, that crazy mare you're related to somehow."

I laughed. "Yep, super great grandma Ditzy Doo. She's been collecting these weird clocks for a while now. Actually I guess they sorta feel like she does too a little, and maybe it's even that weird vibe I've been getting from that stallion she's seeing and Dinky. That guy is so fun."

"Wait, are you talking magic?"

I then smiled and turned to her. "Oh by the way. I was totally right. I wasn't just imagining things. I can read auras or whatever in flight. I also started doing it on the ground recently which is kinda weird."

"Wait, seriously?"

"Luna said it herself. Twi got really excited and started blabbing all this stuff about reading auras and it made like no sense to me so it's not like a unicorn but at least some things work somehow. I can't really explain it right."

"So you know why lazy eyes is collecting these clocks?"

"No idea. Mom got one for her once though. It wasn't easy either."

Gilda rolled her eyes. "She can make going out for dinner not easy. Heck, I still get really nervous shopping for groceries because of her."

I laughed. "Oh come on it wasn't that bad. There was only one ninja attack and we were only really in mortal danger like four times max, and that's counting those ninjas."

"Your mom is cool but I'm still glad I haven't seen her in a while. I don't need that much stress in my life."

I laughed. "It really isn't that bad." Then I sighed. "I know what you want by the way."

"What?"

"I never really had the whole picture until today, but you want freedom. As long as you're here you're trapped, in Eqsuestria you had that, at least you sorta did."

"When the hay did you get deep?"

"Freedom is like really important. Also I think about it a lot whenever I'm up in the air."

"Oh yea, that isn't just you, but all pegasi, isn't it?"

"Yea, so much it can freak out earth ponies and unicorns. Rarity came to me all worried since she heard Scootaloo say something about her parents not caring."

"How old is she?"

"Er I dunno exactly, but she's still foal, but totally big enough to be off on her own."

Gilda laughed. "As in she would have been long kicked out of the nest, and probably the house if she was a giriffin?"

"Yea, though pegasi don't really ever do that. Also never comes up, I mean we gotta do our own thing ya know."

"Even little Ms. Butterfly?"

I nodded. "Especially her, though her own thing doesn't make much sense to me. I sure as hay wouldn’t choose to live on the edge of the Everfree. I mean sometimes my house drifts that way, but that's not the same thing."

"Seriously? The foal that was afraid of her own shadow…"

"Still is."

"Lives next to the Everfree on purpose?"

"There were other places nearly as cheap, and her dad used to own the house. In fact he was way overprotective of her but she convinced him to buy that one. So she got her chance to visit the ground a lot, mostly with her mom, and now she owns it."

"Weird."

"Anyway, I'm going to fix it."

"Fix what?"

"You not being free. I'm going to fix it."

"How the hay are you gonna do that?"

"I'm sure I'll think of something."

Gilda rolled her eyes. I had no plan of course. First thing I need to do is go get Twilight. Teleporting this thing back to the palace should be way easier than carrying it, especially for her. It would be so much easier if Celestia would just get off her flank and make Twi an alicorn already. Seriously, what is she waiting for?

Moving on

Twilight was super interested in the clock. She had been muttering lots of stuff. Including something about how some undercurrent matched up with Luna and Celestia. I was not sure what that was about. I couldn’t see the coo-coo clock that much better than earlier, but it wasn't that interesting. Well except the reason it was so obviously was one is something sticking out, and I could now see it was a pony made up of a bunch of little gears on a little pole.

"Why can't we just bust it out of the amber?"

"Well we could…" began Twilight. "But that wouldn’t be the best idea. I think I can teleport the clock itself out, but I want to study it a little more just in case it's the combination of the two items somehow that…"

"Nah, it's the clock. Trust me, Derpy has a ton of things that feel about the same. Or had at some point. She might be taking them apart."

"What, why?"

"I dunno. It's not like it's important."

Twilight sighed. "Ugh, Dash. This is just a guess but I think this might be an artifact of Chonos himself. The great stallion of time."

"Wait, isn't that the father of…" began Gilda

"The diarchial princesses themselves. Yes. Though I'm not sure he had a literal hoof in it's creation, merely that it's themes fit with him and the magic hovering about it does have some similarity to their own auras but…"

"Whatever. Maybe that has something to do why Derpy's collecting them?"

"I can certainly see such a collection as interesting. Gilda is there any way…"

"You can claim it as treasure. There are some rules and you have to get it appraised, but there is no way they'll claim it's Griffin so you can keep it. Oh, and you do have to pay for it, but you can just tell them your an ambassador and they'll bill dad, though he'll bill Celestia for all your expenses in the long run."

"Derpy was just telling me how she regretted not talking to the princess more often so I doubt she'd mind an extra step or two in getting the clock. If Celestia does, Derpy is very wealthy and can pay her back."

"Oh, Twi." I said. "You should say Fluttershy found it on a mountain. That's easier, uh, right G. I forget the rules on this."

"Yea."

"Forget?" Then Twilgiht then got a huge grin on her face. "Oh of course, your mother must come here all the time to search for…"

"Here? No way."

"Yea, dad hates Daring Do so much. She isn't allowed anywhere near Griffany."

"Even after mom admitted how she exaggerated how much danger she was in, there really were a bunch of griffins dogging her."

Gilda laughed. "Oh it was hilarious how mad she made dad."

"Okay. Dash I assume you aren't willing to sit though doing paperwork and…"

I frowned. "Aww, I really don't want to but I know Derpy loves getting those clocks."

"I figured. I'll do it for you but I think I will need some help with the legal issues so while you can go Gilda…"

"Fine I can't think of anything else to do."

"Well I can."

Rarity entered with something on her back covered by a cape. It was a fancy cape but it was clearly mainly there to hide something. I could even sorta see some weird bulge under it on one side. It was clear she was hiding something, but it was impossible to tell what.

"What do you want you fussy…" Gilda cringed. "Never mind that."

"I won't. Now, is there some other griffin that could help Twilight."

G suddenly smiled. "Actually I know just who can help her. It might take a little bit to find her and introduce her but she probably can help more than even I could, and is one of the only griffins around here I trust."

I smiled. "Oh, as in one of the two sisters you actually like?"

G nodded. "Yep. Apparently Flutterycry and Applejack are hanging with Grace right now, so you three get to meet Gwen."

"You mean I've already met her?"

We all briefly turned to Pinkie poking out of a small wooden chest. We then all looked away again. Rarity and Twilight looking at Gilda, me in my friends' general direction since I was flying about a ways away from them.

"Fine, all four of you get to meet her. Whatever."

"Yah. I love meeting new ponies, and meeting new griffins is almost as good, though most griffins seem kinda grumpy for no reason."

"Yea, it's a complete mystery why they might feel that way after meeting you." Gilda then cringed. "Sorry Dash."

"Eh, as long as she doesn't notice I don't really care."

"Yea." Pinkie then giggled. "I totally don't notice at all."

For a brief moment the room went silent. Then I shook my head. "Anyway, you can think about my friends whatever you want as long as you treat them with respect."

"Dash, isn't the whole point trying to change my mind."

I blinked. "Oh, uh. I guess. Whatever, we're not done yet and respecting Pinkie is hard so it's okay, okay."

"Yea, I'm not respectable at all."

Again the room went silent. It wasn't just her saying it with that cheerful tone, but something about the sentence just felt wrong. Like she was admitting to something way worse than what I was implying. I shook my head. It's just Pinkie, how much worse could it be?

"Anyway we should get going so Rarity can, uh…" I paused

"I noticed a certain something here I would very much enjoy." Rarity then smiled. "As I said I would like to take Gilda along as well."

"That sounds fine, after I'm done with…." Twilight paused "Gwen right?"

G nodded

"Yes, after I'm done I can find Fluttershy if I need you."

"Oooo, I could do it too. Being a griffin is fun."

"I’m not sure I follow dear. Why specifically Fluttershy?"

"Well this city is designed with wings in mind." Said Twilight "You haven't left the palace any more than I have but I was looking at a map earlier."

"Ah, yes, too true. Come, let us meet this Gwen then be off to the next step."

So I then followed Rarity out of the room with Gilda on one side and Twilight on the other. I heard Pinkie bouncing behind us. I wonder what boring place Rarity found. Gilda sorta already liked her, but not really enough I think. I have a feeling whatever frou frou place Rarity found Gilda is going to hate her for it.

Gwen

Gwen had white fur with only slightly darker wings and that little tuft of fur at the end of her tail. Her head feathers were black, and her talons brown. She also wore a set of silver glasses. She briefly glared at Gilda, then turned back to the books.

"So what do you want?"

"Just help this pony with some legal junk. You like that sorta thing, right?"

"The purple one that was here earlier?"

"Nice to meet you. I'm Twilight Sparkle." Twilight held out a hoof. After a while she put it back down when Gwen refused to react.

Gwen sighed. "Horrible name as expected, but at least you don't seem to be a simpleton based on your book choices. The blue one is Dash correct?"

"The one and only." I puffed my chest up a little at that.

"Well that just reinforces she really is an idiot, but you can spend time with who you want. It's not my business."

"Hay." I leaned forward, glaring at her. She still didn't look up.

"The white one has that air of Royalty about her. Is she…"

"Why thank you?"

"That wasn't a compliment. Is she half as brain-dead as our sisters?"

I think I could actually hear Rarity grind her teeth from here.

"Nah. She seems lame at first with the whole focus on clothes thing but she's not really that bad. Nothing like the trio."

"Ugh. Father should just do the genepool a favor and have them executed."

"Oh my." Said Rarity, gasping

Gina finally closed her book "Well come on, let's go do whatever you want and hopefully prove your intelligence. Unlike our father you at least value knowledge not just intellect, so that's at least one thing in your favor."

"Uh, okay."

Gwen then walked off. After a moment Twilight galloped after her to catch up. I just stared for a good long while. I took a glance to my right to see Rarity doing the same.

"So that's one of the sisters you like?"

"Yea, she doesn't make the best impression, but unlike some griffins she bases everything on merit, and all kinds of merit. Though obviously she…" G paused. "What is that thing she always says. It sounds cool."

"She does not suffer fools lightly?" asked Rarity

G laughed. "Yea, that's it. Well maybe off by a word but whatever, close enough. Come on, let's go."

Then I was in Gilda's face suddenly realizing something. "Wait a second. G you call me stupid? Cuase it sounds like..."

"No, she's just really picky about that sorta thing. Come on, even you admit you do a lot of stupid stuff. A lot of times that's the best stuff."

"Yea, I guess even my first Rainboom was sorta dumb in a way. Just because I don't always waste time thinking things through doesn't mean I can't though."

G rolled her eyes. "Duh, I know that. Now come on dweeb, lets get going."

"Okay, but Rares where exactly are we going?"

"Oh you'll see."

Then Rarity let out one of those annoying little coy titters of hers. I really hate it when does that. Oh well, I guess I'll know soon enough.

Aim.... fire

I just stared. Rarity effortlessly shot another arrow out of the air. Her bow was silver and super fancy with curls that reminded me of her mane at either end. Instead of a normal string it glowed with a magic string of darker magic that otherwise matched Rarity's glow. The arrows were made of some pale wood with silver points, and purple feathers at the end. They also returned to the silver quiver she wore slung to one side. Sure magic made it far easier, but she was shooting arrows out of the air in large groups. The griffin drill instructor was just glaring at her. I did not in any way expect Rarity wanted to check out the archery range. Gilda was standing next to me staring much the same way I was.

"Wow."

"Yea."

"So you respect her?"

"Yea, but you still have no idea why they've impressed me, do you."

"Uh, I thought I did. What do you mean?"

"I mean this is cool. What Applejack did was awesome, Twilight too, but you're missing the point. I respect her because she could have easily thrown her weight around to get what she wanted, but convinced them to do this without bringing up her title once."

"What about Twilight?"

"First off she reminds me of Gwen. The second thing is something I can't really put into words but it has to do with how she stood up to the patchwork freak. It was just without a doubt cool. With Applejack it wasn't what she did, so much as why she did what she did. I actually feel guilty for messing with her."

I blinked. "But you don't do that. I mean you told me you never feel guilty about scaring ponies. That you like being feared."

She laughed. "The second is still true, and the first still mostly true. I will never be some goody goody little pony Dash, but for you I can try. And for Applejack I think I'm willing to try too." Then she shook her head. "Anyway, we should go. She probably can't tell but this is the point where if she shows them up any more things will go bad."

"I think I know what you mean." I took a step forward. "Hey Rarity…"

"One moment Dash." She then put her bow away "I'm very sorry all but I simply must be going duty calls and all that."

Gilda laughed. "Oh mare, I really should have known. Most of your friends seem okay after all. Fluttershy will never, ever be in any way cool, but at least she knows enough not to bother me. There is really just one I have a problem with."

"Ooo, it is me? I hope it's me, that way it isn't any of my other friends and I can fix it super fast and…"

Gilda spun around to face Pinkie and glared at her. I turned around more slowly. Pinkie was in the form of a griffin again. I was wondering where she went, but as Rarity kept showing off I stopped caring.

"Wow, you are such a grumpy pants. I mean how is that even possible, you don't even wear pants, but you're totally Ms. Grumpy pants." Then she gasped. "Omigosh, you're not Ms. Grumpy pants, you're Ms. Grumpy feathers."

"I will always hate you. I won't do anything to you for Dash's sake, but I will never ever be your friend, so just stop trying."

"Oh dear." I heard Rarity utter from behind me.

Pinkie smiled wider than ever, which looked especially strange on a griffin, and one eye twitched slightly. Yea, this won't end well. I just have to hope it doesn't end up too badly for anyone. Before either could say another word a fairly large group of Griffins landed around us.

"You'll have to come with us now. Your audience with the king will be starting soon."

"Wait, already?" said Gilda

"Yes. Circumstances have changed."

"So he's not going to make them outright beg to see him?" asked G "What did they do?"

"Come with us now please."

Rarity began to walk, but was roughly picked up before she could take more than a few steps. I took to the air the same moment as Gilda, Pinkie following a moment later. It was a surprisingly good take off, and she only had to flap her wings a little more than Gilda to get some altitude, and she could actually glide once in the air. Pinkie still flapped her wings way more than any other griffin though. Then Rarity stopped making incoherent noises of shock, and began to really complain.

King

The griffins had actually thrown Rarity into the throne room. I'm pretty sure she was about to outright yell at them but then she looked up. Gilda said her dad was much bigger than most griffins. Mom described him as a huge hulking red monster in her books. This might be the first time ever she undersold how large and dangerous one of her enemies was. If they hadn't shut the doors behind us and all my friends weren't right here I was pretty sure I would have run. Maybe the royal cape and crown made him look bigger, but he had to be at least ten times Gilda's height, and built like bear. A bear who spent an awful lot of time working out. The silver crown was boring except the green stone unicorn horn looking bit in the center. The white fur cape was huge, covering his wings completely.

He was also glaring right at us. The feathers around his head formed a sort of odd but fitting black mane. His white claws were huge, sharp, and clearly displayed. His mouth was big enough to eat me easily in one bite, and beak razor sharp. Gilda just casually walked forward, and sat down to the left of him. Twilight then took a deep breath and stepped forward. After a pause Applejack and Rairty did the same, but didn't get quite as close as Twilight. Pinkie hopped forward smiling, the action looking even stranger with a griffin doing it. I walked forward and as expected heard Fluttershy's soft steps behind me. She clearly wanted to be as close as possible to whoever she was hiding behind, and as usual that's me. Not so usual I wanted to hide too.

"Hello sir." Began Twilight "As you are aware we are from the equestrian delegation. I was informed there would likely be a considerable wait but I'm pleased…"

"Quiet."

Nopony said anything more. A brief smile crossed his face, and the glare faded a little. Despite being countless times bigger and male the look was familiar. It was Gilda's "at least your know your place" look. I wasn't a fan of it on her face, and liked it even less on his. He briefly ignored Twilight, turning to Gilda.

"So daughter of mine. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Nothing father. I have been with one or more members of the delegation all day, exactly as you requested. Other than the discovery of a pony clock in some amber there has been nothing of note that has happened today."

"Not even breaking my old record?"

"I said of note father." She then smiled slightly. "Or do you disagree?"

He then turned away from Gilda, and back at Twilight. "What does the sun queen wish of me now? Why does she not come herself and send foals such as you."

"I do not know why she sent us, it is not our place to question."

"Well said. What does she want?"

"Fairly standard adjustments. Some of which are in fact in your favor. Most notably greatly relaxing the restrictions on travel for griffins to Equestria."

"Why should I care about that?"

"Commerce if nothing else. You could sell goods."

I took a deep breath "How about we all just stop all this super polite talk and you tell us why you're practically ready to have us tarred and feathered?"

"Because each and every one of you has been working to undermine the well being of Griffany. Starting with your cheating to undermine my accomplishments."

"Now wait just a…" Began AJ, stepping forward glaring at him

"Then there is the duplicitous flower waif trying to seduce my daughter into…"

"I was? I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to."

For the first time since we entered he wasn't at least mildly glaring at us. Instead he was rapidly blinking. Clearly he hadn't expected that. He then quickly focused his glare on Rarity.

"And you were embarrassing my soldiers."

"They were embarrassing themselves if anything your majesty. Their form was terrible, and their speed sub par at best."

"Hmmm. So you think it best I dock their pay, very well."

"Now hold on I did not say…" began Rarity

"Then there is so called librarian who…"

"I am the town librarian. I did send a message to Celestia, but that's only restricted to secret correspondence. Gilda was right there."

"Yes, let us move to her next." He then turned to face her. "Nothing you say? You just stood by while all this was going on. I should never have sired you."

Gilda just stood there, not reacting at all.

"Then there is Rainbow Dash. Strangely you have been less a thorn in my side than your mother despite being so much closer, and especially today with various ways to cause problems you did nothing. So you're satisfied with just betraying my waste of a daughter? That's not even interesting."

I sighed, head drooping. "I should have gone after her."

"Then there's the pink abomination."

Pinkie looked around. "Do you mean me?"

"Yes you. I do not understand how you obtained the ability, but one thing is clear. Your every act in that from in an affront to all griffins everywhere. A mockery of all we stand for. A detestable…"

"A mockery? No, this…" Her voice then matched the king's exactly. "Is a mockery. I am so mocking you right now."

"Enough. You think you're funny? Don't you understand that with every word every griffin here just hates you all the more."

"Hates?"

"Each action causing them to not just feel more negatively toward you, but ponies in general. Every single…"

Then Fluttershy was flying right in front of his face. He blinked, stopping his rant. Pinkie looked like she was a snowpony in the sun, halfway melted. I think I preferred the strait hair. Then Fluttershy gave him the stare.

"How dare you."

He laughed. "You think that can effect me? I may not have the ability to determine what exactly you are attempting, but I know the idea. You think you can make me feel guilty? I dare because I do not regret my actions."

Fluttershy was silent.

"It's a clever little trick, but you can't really do anything to me."

"You're just a big meanie. You. You…"

"And you're just as bad. Trying to force your will upon me."

"Oh my, maybe you're right." Then Fluttershy shook her head. "No, I don't care. You can't talk to them that way. Worst of all is Gilda. You can't treat her that way."

"I can and will. I am king, and I do what I want. I am the strongest here, and Celestia will not meddle in minor affairs. In fact, for your insolence, I think you deserve a little punishment. As long as I don't kill you it will be fine."

He then attempted to smack Fluttershy out of the sky with the back of one talon. It suddenly stopped, a swarm of glowing pink butterflies around it. It was still strange as all get out that Fluttershy had magic, and that it took the form of butterflies. Even weirder that those antlers she had for a while practically made her an alicorn. He swiped a second paw, and more butterflies appeared. Soon he was hovering in the air. Supported by countless of the little things. Twi did say something about form not being the really important thing when it came to what set us apart from the princesses. Suddenly I was very sure Flutter wasn't that far at away at all.

"You are even worse than I thought. An assassin is a beacon of kindness? What a joke."

"You're not trying to help us be better ponies, you're not pointing out our failings because you want to help but just to be mean. You should be ashamed."

"I told you, that won't work. I am strong, and keep my people well fed and secure. Griffany is efficient and prosperous as it's ever been because of my rule. Everything else is meaningless. I feel no shame."

Then the butterflies began the slowly fade, one by one disappearing. He began to struggle, and it was clear he was breaking free. Then he laughed.

"I won't kill any of you, but you'll all pay for this insult. You will suffer."

"No." Fluttershy sounded strange, but one word was too short to figure it out.

"I told you…"

"You will stop. You will sit. You will not move."

Then I had it. This wasn't a scolding voice or righteous anger, it was a calm even voice filled with utter certainty. Like she was simply stating how many clouds are in the sky, or the time. Like it was a fact. And then the king made it so. As he sat down on his throne his eyes opened wide and he began to lightly shake. I hadn't really noticed it before. It was a simple black marble thing with a big cushion on the seat. Mare that is a big throne. I then noticed Gilda had done the same as her father other than lacking a throne to sit on.

"You are her, aren't you? Celestia herself, here to pay games. Some kind of sick mind-game of a bored immortal."

Fluttershy shook her head. "No. And I'm so sorry."

"I doubt that. This what you wanted isn't it, me helpless?"

"Not that, I mean I'm sorry you have to be this way. I'm sorry for whatever haunts you this way. I'm sorry you see kindness only as a weakness."

"It is a weakness."

"Take off the cape and crown." Said Fluttershy, strangely calm again, and quieter. "It's not just a weakness, and it's a far greater strength."

Then the king suddenly shrunk. I was sorta wondering how that could work since he was bigger than the doors. He was still really big, maybe twice as big as Gilda or so. Still the biggest Griffin I'd ever seen, but not I will eat you in one bite big. Though looking at the throne made me realize that maybe he hadn't really been as big as I thought. In fact he also seemed way less terrifying, and not just because he was smaller. Must have been some kinda magic. Why else would I have been too scared to do anything?

Then Fluttershy hugged him. For a very long time there was only silence, and the fear in his eyes faded to pure confusion. When Fluttershy finally released from the hug he smiled. I smiled too. Then he head-butted her and she fell to the ground.

"Hmm, maybe not the goddess herself after all. Still, that was not easy." He turned to his king stuff on the floor. "Clearly the time for intimidation is past, and I don't need that to deal with any of you."

Pinkie then jumped to the front, and glared at the king. Something was very, very wrong. There was some sort of odd static in the air and fur was standing on end. Then I noticed something about Pinkie's hair. Normally I try not to focus too much on her mess of curls because I get confused and sick to my stomach. Right now the curls looked like the edge of a blade. I then tried to figure out how that could work but started feeling nauseous so I stopped. I had seen Pinkie angry before I thought, but maybe those burning eyes when someone broke a promise isn't as bad as it gets. What happened to that stallion was so funny, but I would never want it to happen to me. I was suddenly wondering what Pinkie was like when she was truly furious. Then she laughed.

"I challenge you…" Began Pinkie and Gilda gasped. "To a game of…" Pinkie then breifly paused. "Death Ball."

Again the room went silent. Twilight's horn glowed briefly, along with Fluttershy, and then Twi let out a held breath and smiled slightly for moment. That must mean it isn't that bad. Pinkie then used her wings to leap backward and land between me and Gilda. Then she leaned toward me. The king looked confused again.

"Uh, Dashie, what's Death Ball?"

Or maybe Pinkie is the same as always. I sighed. "You mean you don't know either?"

"You challenged me to a game you don't even know?" The king's eye twitched.

"What, its not like that's a big deal." Then she leaned toward Gilda "So what should I have said instead of Death Ball."

"I don't know. I can't follow your craziness. I thought for a second you were going to challenge him for the crown but…"

"Oooo, that sounds like a way better idea. I mean what was I thinking? Death ball? That sounds totally dangerous."

"But the challenge is deadly. He will kill you."

Gilida then blinked, realized she was talking to empty air. Pinkie was suddenly in front of the king. More specifically she was between him and Fluttershy. That sure isn't subtle. The king glared at her.

"You can't seriously…"

"Awww, I have to do it seriously, fine." Pinke then stood up on her back paws, and pointed at him. Then she blinked and looked at her own talon. "OOOOO."

I face hooved. "She really just figured that out?"

"What?" asked Gilda

"That she her talons have fingers or, well, you know. They're not hooves."

"Wow. That's impressively lame."

"Oh yea, I challenge you for the crown you big meanie. A griffin like you totally shouldn’t be king."

"Ridiculous. You aren't a citizen of this realm and…"

"She can." Said Gilda "The rules of the challenge isn't any citizen, it's any griffin in the land. Also there is no rule about being born a griffin. She's here, as she makes the challenge she's a griffin. That's all that's required."

The king roared in Pinkie's face. She just giggled.

"Very well. I will accept your challenge. Name your terms."

"Ooo. I'll name the first one Butterscotch, and the second one is Rainbow Blitz, and the third Elusive, and the forth Berry Bubble, the fifth Dusk Shine." Pinkie then took a breath. "Oh, but what exactly is a term and how many do I get?"

First most of us simply sighed, then the room went silent. For a long time the king just stared. I really couldn’t blame him. Gilda then walked forward to stand closer to Pinkie. She shook her head.

"Okay listen up loser. It's like this. Terms means the terms of the challenge. Usually it's a battle. But the more annoying option is to pick up to three challenges that test the three principals of the crown."

"They are three things you clearly lack." The king laughed. "Strength, endurance, and intelligence."

"Ooo, so like I could pick riddles for intelligence, a baking contest for endurance, and rock pushy for strength?"

"Rock pushy?" I asked

Gilda laughed. "Riddles is even traditional. But how does baking for endurance work?"

"Duh." She rolled her eyes. "You just keep baking till ya drop. Cause its endurance it doesn't matter if it's any good or how fast you make stuff, as long as you keep going."

"I find both of those acceptable."

"Oh gee, I wonder why?"

Gilda then rolled her eyes. None of them were paying attention as Twilight lifted Fluttershy off the ground and began to float her over. She quickly woke up, wings flapping. She then zipped behind me, and pressed close to both me and the floor. I shook my head.

"He can still see you. Just be glad he's still distracted. She's fine, right Twi?"

"Yes, though when I first used the spell I was fairly sure she had a mild concussion. However now it's completely gone."

"So all that, and she heals super fast. Wow Flutter, you hit the jackpot."

"Uh, I guess."

"That simple?" asked the king

"Yeppers, you push the rock and I push the rock. Whoever pushes it further when time runs out wins. Since we're pushing against each other it's like a super good test."

"Not quite traditional, but close." Said Gilda

"Very well. I accept."

"By the way, he will kill you when you lose. It's the winner's choice of what to do with their defeated opponent, even if the tests themselves aren't to the death."

"Yes, and the treaty respects all Griffin traditions, so this is your last chance to back out little pony." He galred down at her, smiling.

"Nope a roo. I'm good. See I wanna completely humiliate you in front of your people and take your crown because…" Then Pinkie got a terrifying look in her eye. "Nothing hurts Fluttershy. Nothing."

Everyone griffin and non took a step back. I think her voice dropped at least an octave and I swear it echoed. But the worst part is it was still oddly cheerful. The king shook his head. Pinkie then giggled.

"Then let us prepare. I've never had pony before, but by all accounts it's delicious."

"This is going to be fun."

"I'll escort them out father."

"At least you're good for something."

The doors then opened and Gilda simply walked forward, assuming we would follow. It took a great deal of self control not to simply gallop out of the room. I quickly caught up to Gilda.

"Well, against all odds I think I could actually get to like all your friends. Each isn't that terrible. I never thought I'd see Clutzer…" Gilda shook her head "Fluttershy of all ponies stand up to my father, but I did and it was amazing."

"I didn't either."

"I'm even beginning to like the annoying pink one. Too bad she's gonna die."

"That's all you have to say?"

"What else is there to say? You cross dad, you suffer. It's the way it works. Until his reign we didn't even know that the necklace of state, the third part of the regalia hidden under his feathers, protected against aging."

"As in they died before it was noticed they weren't aging." I asked

"Not always died, but they were unseated. Dad doesn't lose."

"Can she lose one event?"

"She can't, but dad can. She has to prove herself better in all three. Also dad can use the entire army to help him in any challenge."

I blinked. "But she made sure he couldn’t in any of them. Or at least it wouldn’t help. It's about continuing to bake not quality or quantity. One riddle that his army can't answer is a loss, and the rock one…" I cringed.

"Yea, she didn't actually say no one else couldn't help, as long as he keeps pushing."

"Okay, that could be a problem."

Then I smiled. On the other hoof Twilight Sparkle was behind me, and if there were any loopholes in the rules to exploit to Pinkie's advantage, I bet she could find them.

Author's Note

Pinkie wasn't really supposed to do that, but then as I was writing she just did.

The challenges begin

The beds had been comfortable, and I slept really well because I had no idea that Pinkie turned down any help from Twilight. The riddles thing went really well. Despite the judges deciding the king and his entire army could each ask one riddle as a single turn Pinkie managed to answer them all easily. After the first two rounds the army was pretty much out of riddles, and Pinkie eventually stumped him and won. Because it took so long the king only looked a little stupid. Wish it could have been faster.

The baking contest on the other hand was a different matter. He could have as many helpers as he wanted, but because the way Pinkie worded things he had to be participating the whole time. It had been hours already, and I was full. They had to keep passing out the food to make room, since otherwise it would just be a waste. I then tapped Gilda on the shoulder, both of us leaning over the railing of the arena.

"Come on, this is going to take a long time to end. Neither is going to give up. Lets go do something fun until the tricky one comes up. We all have to be here for that, but as you can see I'm not the only one that's bored."

"Whu? Ah'm not asleep…" Applejack and shot to her feet, hat falling off her head, her mane all messed where she had been sleeping on it.

"Dash, did you say something?" Twilight looked up from her book.

"Hmm, I wonder if…" Rarity briefly looked up from a page full of griffins in dresses to see what Pinkie was doing, then looked down. "That might work."

"I see that. Where is Fartooshy anyway?"

"Ever since the throne room and, well, whatever happened, she's been acting sort of odd. Come on, I know just what we should do. You promised after all."

"What?"

"That if we were ever in Griffany you'd take me to see a certain something."

Gilda laughed. "Oh, sure Dash. Didn't think you'd ever be here, and if you were I'd be willing to show my face, but you're right. Come on."

Then Gilda flew off. I followed, a few shouted sayings in Griffin following us. I couldn’t hear them clearly enough but had no doubt they were insults. Pinkie would win this, and then the next one, and we could bring Gilda back with us to Equestria. I could keep my promises and everything would be fine. I just wish I could do something other than just watch.

We tried to get Pinkie to claim us as her army, but she refused, not wanting to put us in danger. Then she asked Gilda why that would be putting us in danger. The answer was obvious enough by that point though. Your army could even be made to suffer individual different punishments. I then tried to focus on what I was doing fully again, and course corrected so I was right behind Gilda again, instead of just sorta going in the same general direction.

Author's Note

Yea, there is no way I'm going to actually write the riddle contest. Besides Dash slept though most of it anyway obviously.

Rainbow Flash Falls

Rainbow flash falls. From down here I was reminded how high most of Lion's Aerie really was. The falls were huge. Splitting into smaller falls countless times as some rock redirected them. Yet one of their key features were the clouds. Countless dark clouds that formed in certain parts of the falls, in a way that didn't quite match anything anywhere else. But that wasn't the best part. No the best part was the lightning constantly jumping between the clouds, sometimes even up. It was every color of the rainbow, flashing constantly. For a long time I'd just been staring.

"I told you."

"Oh yea. You were totally right, no matter how pretty the picture you have to see it in pony. You griffins don't really go for creative names though, do you?"

"Only if we have to."

I took to the air, jumping off the rock we had both been standing on. I flew up a good bit just to get another view of it. I didn't get closer though. The roar of the falls and the rumble of constant thunder was loud enough even this far away.

"So why weren't you mad?"

"About what?"

"What dad did. Head butting the not so helpless one."

"I don't know about anypony else but I was in shock and still a little scared. I mean I could have whipped his tail if I stopped to think about it but…"

"Ponies have had heart attacks when they have to see him before. The magic on his cape is sorta subtle but really powerful."

"Hah, knew it."

"You did not. Honestly I was surprised Fluttershy didn't pass out the first time she saw him." Gilda then laughed. "Though I guess there is something there I missed."

"And you were serious about Pinkie too?"

Gilda took off herself, then nodded. "Sure. I mean I still think she's really annoying, but I can tolerate her for you. I might even have some fun, even if most of the time she still seems super lame."

"Eh, that's close enough."

"So now that you've had some time to think how do you feel about the headbutt."

I threw a few karate smashes, then followed with a kick. "I want to beat him till…" I then paused. "I'm not really sure, something. The others are mad too, but they were way more calm about it. Especially Twilight."

"Celestia probably warned her ahead of time. Also aren't unicorns just like that. You don't really see any negative emotion if they can help it?"

"Maybe, but Rarity and Twilight are both really bad at it if that's the case. Especially now with her mane."

"Oh yea, what is that about exactly?"

"It's her thing. We all seem to have something odd. Twilight's is just being like super powerful and good at magic so it's not really a change, but whatever."

"So Prissy's mane was burning because she was mad?"

I laughed. Rarity would be so mad if she heard that. "Yea. AJ I'm sure you heard even though she waited until you left the room to start badmouthing your dad."

Gilda laughed, then gained some altitude. "She really knows her way around a good insult, doesn't she?"

"Yea. Pinkie hasn't said anything else about what happened, and Fluttershy just mutters, so sad, or something similar and won't discuss it."

"So, how about a race?"

"G, you really don't know how much faster I am. I…"

"Strait up, as close to the waterfall as we can get."

I cringed. "So you'll have a huge advantage cause you know this, and I won't be able to go strait. Sounds like fun."

"Enjoy getting blasted."

Gilda was off. I sped after her going strait for the waterfall then up once I was close enough. The noise was intense, and I had to keep dodging the thunderclouds and lightning bolts jumping between them. I wasn't anywhere close to top speed and there was no way I could get there. If I could get my little trick to work I could easily get in front, but I didn't want that. I wanted a real win.

The clouds became harder to dodge, and flying strait up is crazy taxing. It didn't feel as bad as in the past, but the falls were huge. I had made up a little ground, Gilda not that far in front of me, but I was still well behind. Then I saw her start to go around a really big cloud. I decided that was my chance. Its not like she said I couldn’t hit any of the clouds, we just both knew it was a bad idea and would slow us down. I sped up wanting to get though best I can.

Something was different. I hit the cloud and the lightning arced across the cloud just like I thought it would, bits of dark cloud disintegrating in front of me. But the jolt when I left and the lightning could arc onto me didn't come. I dodged a few more, then hit another cloud. Again lightning crossed away from the cloud when I touched it, but didn't arc back. Or at least I didn't feel it. I tried again. A third time the lightning got pushed away by my magic at the first touch, and a third time I didn't get hit when I was no longer in a position for it to protect me.

Then I realized aiming for the clouds specifically and thinking about this had let Gilda pull way ahead again. I focused and decided who cares what's going on, I was going to use it, and I was going to win. I pumped my wings as hard as I could and sped forward. I only bothered dodging the rocks sticking out of the falls, blasting thought the thunderclouds like they were nothing. We were nearing the top, now neck and neck. Then G turned to me and stalled at the last second. I was past the cave the falls came out of in an instant and in the open air. There were no obstacles, nothing to slow me down. So I just kept going. I hadn't gotten a chance to show off a rainboom yet in front of Gilda, and this seemed like as good a time as any.

Then came the boom. Then it echoed. Again and again. I stopped and looked down. It was a full fledged rainboom, flaring out as usual, but as it moved it left black clouds in its wake at random. It was like the rainboom was revealing something that was already there, except I knew they hadn't been there. Gilda flew up to me.

"What the buck was that?"

I smiled. "I think I'll call it the thunder rainboom."

"Not that you dork. That doesn't make sense either, but I mean your wings. Lightning was crawling all along them and you just kept flying like it was nothing."

"Oh. Neat."

"Dash…"

Gilda paused and I dove down lower. Not all the clouds were at the same level, but there were a ton of them. Somehow I did this. Then suddenly it clicked.

"That's how the falls work."

"What?"

"Weather magic. Air magic I guess, but Unicorns didn't figure it out, so either it's something only griffins and pegasi have or something they don't get."

"So are you saying you know how to make the falls?"

I shook my head. "No, but that's why they're so unique, because somepony, or more likely some griffin, made them. They're a work of art."

"Wow. I never even thought about that, but I bet dad and a lot of other griffins would love to hear that." She then blinked. "Wait a second, you're just trying to make me forget you cheated, aren't you?"

"You didn't say I couldn’t go though them."

She just glared at me and I laughed. I still don't get what I did, but clearly it must be something along the lines of since I have to use magic to fly I can use it to mess with the weather at the same time, and somehow did this. I mean you can get lightning to arc around you if you're far enough away. It only makes sense you can do more than just that really. I then gave Gilda a wave and took off back toward the stadium. It's been awhile, and I should really get back. I could show off a few new tricks on the way.

Uh oh

It had taken days but eventually the king fell asleep. Pinkie didn't. Gilda had showed us around Griffany, though at least one of us was in the stadium the whole time. The tour wasn't that interesting really. I mean there were a few neat things, but honestly thanks to mom I'd seen a bunch of really neat stuff. Though we also slept some too. There had been a day of rest and now we had the short final test.

For right now the army wasn't helping. They just sat in a few rows along the edge of the arena. The king was doing a good enough job by himself, and doing it without any help made him look better. Except while Pinkie kept losing ground, she was losing it very slowly, and she wasn't in her griffin form. I wasn't sure why she insisted on making sure she could, but she did. The rules didn't say anything about shapeshifters and only mentioned griffins making the challenge, so they allowed it. I gulped.

"So how long did they decide on again."

Twilight sighed. "I know you're worried, but for the last time ten minutes. And before you ask it's been five."

"I still can't believe she's holding her own out there." Said Rarity

AJ laughed. "Ah sometimes forget it mahself, but Pinkie is an earth pony through and through. Still, ah think it's mostly that kingy down there may be impressive, but he's pushing more down than forward."

"Dad's also going a little easy on her. Though less than he bragged about earlier I bet. He said he'll start giving it his full effort right about now."

"Why hasn't Pinkie stopped giggling?" said Fluttershy

We all blinked. We could all hear it of course, if not well, and it was somewhat random, but I realized she was right. The stone was moving faster, and Pinkie was closing in on the edge. It seemed really obvious that he intended to smash her into the edge of the arena, and just hold the boulder there until the contest was over. Then very suddenly a pink version of the king was doing a pretty good job pushing the rock away from the wall. Of course it helped the king was just staring forward instead of pushing back.

"You, you…" He roared. "This is unforgivable."

"Oh come on, you look good in Pink. So you should really get everygriffin to help you, cause otherwise you won't have a chance."

"I will smash you against the wall without their help."

Pinkie looked away. "Twilight, how much time is left."

"About three minutes. Pinkie what are you planing?"

"Nothing."

I stared. I suddenly got it. Pinkie actually had a plan from the beginning. She planned this. She knew she could match the size and shape of the king. Which is why it was confusing she didn't seem to even be trying that hard to win. For a while they both just stood there no progress being made either way.

"Two minutes."

Pinkie giggled. "Thanks Twilight."

Then suddenly the king was quickly losing ground. Had Pinkie turned this into an endurance contest? Could that work? Then the king nodded. Nothing else, just a nod, and a few griffins began to help him push.

"I still don't get the army thing." I said

Gilda sighed. "Look, it's reall simple Dash. For a while there the kings turned over so fast nothing could get done. So the army thing adds a little stability."

"Ah, I get it." I smiled. You also gotta get an army of griffins loyal enough not to betray you, and you've explained how tough that can be plenty of times."

"Ah, so it works as a sort of extra leadership test?" added Twilight

Gilda nodded. "Yea. It's still lame though."

It wasn't a quick push, but wasn't that slow either. Very soon Pinkie was backed up against the wall again. Then she laughed.

"What is it you fool?"

"I think you should get all your army to help. I mean otherwise this won't be nearly as embarrassing as I think it should be."

"You want a swift end. Fine. Form up all. Prepare to aid me in spattering this pony."

This was met with thunderous applause from the crowd around us. Clapping with talons sounded weird. It wasn't nearly as loud or sharp. I then noticed Gilda was clapping too.

"Hay."

"What, it's polite. Besides, the little freak clearly has a plan here."

"Only one minute left Pinkie."

"Ooo, goodie. They look about ready. I bet they aren't though."

"Do your worst pink abomination."

Then Pinkie did her worst. At the one minute mark Pinkie was once again near the wall in the form of an oversized pink griffin. At the 30 second mark a super huge pink dragon with three balloons on her butt was easily pushing back a rock with an entire army behind it. As the hourglass ran out there was a mass of feathers and fur next to the wall desperately trying to budge it back. I was certain she could have pushed it even further if she wanted to. Then Pinkie was back to normal hopping around the arena randomly giggling all the way.

"Dash. You want me to get along with your friends right."

I nodded. "Uh huh."

"It's okay if I'm utterly terrified of them too right?"

"Yea. I know I am right now."

"Does this mean Pinkie is Queen of the griffins?" said Fluttershy

I blinked. Up until that moment I hadn't really considered what it really meant if she won. Also after that I doubt any other griffin would dare challenge her for the crown anytime soon. Pinkie pie now has an entire nation at her disposal. I couldn't help but shake uncontrollably. Fluttershy had a different reaction.

"Whoo! You did it Pinkie!"

Author's Note

Mwa ha ha ha ha

Grace

The garden was fairly wild, but full of all sorts of animals. It was clear Fluttershy was really enjoying herself next to pale blue griffin with flowers in her white head feathers. I used to call it hair but something about that bugged Gilda and eventually she got me to stop. Grace had black claws that might look more sinister if she wasn't clearly the griffin version of Flutter. Seriously, I didn't even know griffins could smile that much. But right now G had a smile on her face too.

"So, how bad is it, and is it me or Flutter because…"

"Yea, yea, one feather and you'll grind me into the dirt. I remember the speech. Even though I didn't even know it was her I just scared her. You can't blame me for that."

"I totally can. You even did it on purpose, but whatever."

"The funny thing is I really respect her. Of all ponies I never thought that could happen, but I do. I mean even I never stood up to my dad. It was dumb as you get, but I'm friends with you so obviously that's not a problem."

I shoved her, nearly knocking her over but not quite. "Hay."

"Hay yourself."

"But seriously, how bad? 1 to 10."

"I would say 5, but Fartooshy will think 10 I'm sure. You might think about 7. Also it's a gross out thing, not harm or any sort of real prank."

"Yea, it better not be. Your queen demands it so."

We both groaned. Pinkie then walked in giggling. She was spending a lot of time as a griffin. She was also wearing the cloak and crown. I wasn't sure how the cloak fit her but apparently it and the crown automatically adjusted, including downward.

"Oh hello most wise and happy queen. It's a pleasure to see you." G's smile was genuine and not remotely malacious. That still looked creepy to me.

"Oh, hi Pinkie. We were just about to go to lunch."

"Go?" said Grace "Why go? Don't ponies like also sorts of plants to eat and there is the bounty of nature all around. Why can't we simply dine here?"

"Oh, I, uh guess."

Gilda giggled. She actually giggled. Uh oh. "Yea, it's all around us, so why not."

"G, this is going to be really bad isn't it? What exactly…"

"Well see my sis is really into nature, but she isn't fond of cooking."

"So?"

Then grace picked up a squirrel and swallowed it in one bite. I suddenly felt sick. I mean yea eating meat isn't that great by itself but this was on a whole other level. Fluttershy seemed way more okay than I would have thought. She had a really big frown on her face and looked about ready to cry but wasn't catatonic or cowering.

"But, your pets you said…"

"I do love them of course. But it's not like most Griffins are fond of pets. This garden isn't full of strange beasts simply for their beauty, father just likes exotic food."

"Food?"

"Yes. Father indulges me a little but he only lets me keep so many. Still, it is the way of nature. All must eat."

"Of course eating stuff raw is still weird." Added Gilda

"I suppose. But I believe it is the right way. Also the way squirm around when I swallow is quite enjoyable."

I zipped over to a bush and lost it. I guess the griffin version of Fluttershy is still a griffin huh? Oh mare that is just so messed up. I wobbled away from the bush trying to look cool but no doubt failing. I'm awesome but there are some things no one can make cool. I wasn't really surprised Gilda fell over laughing. Really the only surprising thing is she clearly held out for a bit.

"That's horrible." Said Fluttershy

"I don't think so. Still, I guess we just have to disagree. I admit when father makes me replace one pet for another it's agonizing and I don't want them to go but for the most part there is a reason I eat only small short lived creatures."

Tears filled Fluttershy's eyes. "Because they die soon enough."

Pinkie was suddenly in front of Grace, glaring at her. "Did you just make Fluttershy cry? Because if you did…"

"In way, but…" She sighed. "I just reminded her of something, correct?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I still don't like it."

"Aww, don't be sad Flutters." Then Pinkie smiled "Ooo, I know. It isn't floatie, but my crownie thingie…"

"You mean your crown?" asked Gilda

"…is all fun and tinglie. Here, try it."

Then Pinkie popped her crown, or more accurately the Griffany royal crown on Fluttershy's head. Fluttershy then let out an "Oh my." I think I would have gone for something more than just that if I suddenly doubled in size. She frowned deeply for a second, then smiled. Pinkie then threw up her claws.

"Whooo. It worked, that frown went down." Then she flexed. "Yea." She then fell over, not used to flying with a cape on her back. Not that that's a good idea to begin with.

"She's brain damaged or something similar, right?" Asked Grace

"Technically she's in perfect heath and sane." I said

"How does that work?"

"I'm not really sure either."

"It's the same. It feels just the same." Fluttershy put a hoof to the silver part of the crown. "Oh, well maybe just part of it?"

"The power of the crown is quite impressive." Said Grace "Even wearing it for a moment can do much, but over time the nature magic behind it can do far more. It is an extremely powerful artifact. In fact it's odd your friend was able to best it."

"No it's not. It has his magic too and Pinkie's nullified it so…" Fluttershy then paused. "Well maybe, I'd have to ask Twilight to…" She gasped. "Oh, I need to tell Twilight right away and…"

"This is really that important?" asked G

"Oh, well maybe not but it's a piece of…" Fluttershy gasped. "Oh no, she said I should tell all of you but I forgot. Oh, I hope Celestia isn't too mad what if…"

Pinkie put a hoof into Fluttershy's mouth. "Hey, that's kinda fun. I bet that's why ponies shove their hoof in my mouth so often."

"Yea, sure it is." Gilda then rolled her eyes

"That's why I said it." Pinkie giggled. "You're so silly Gilda."

"Ugh." Gilda then face taloned.

"Wait, what was I doing again?"

"You were about to tell Fluttershy not to freak out."

"Oh yea." She then turned to Fluttershy who had pulled out Pinkie's hoof without her noticing. "Like Dashie said Flutters, don't worry."

"So what did she tell you?"

"Uh…" Fluttershy looked at Gilda, then Grace

"Let me guess, Elements of harmony only?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I'll explain it later. But Celestia and Luna will be really happy we found it."

"Well I guess it's a good thing Pinkie's queen now otherwise we'd have to steal the crown or something right?" I asked

"Aww, but I like it." Said Pinkie.

"Well you really only need part of it. Take it off dweeb. No one else can." G then smiled. "Well unless you can use awesome mind control powers of course."

Fluttershy let out a little "eeep" then quickly removed it. She then looked down refusing to meet anypony, or anygriffin in the eyes. She held out the crown and G took it. She spun it around a bit and then pointed to something hidden by the crown.

"It's a jade carrot?" asked Pinkie

"Is that what that stone is called?" asked Grace

Pinkie rolled her eyes. "Duh."

"Oh, I guess the griffin that found it didn't want to be seen carrying around a jade carrot."

"Actually the first one that did made it a necklace, but it got stolen." Said Gilda "The carrot itself can't be enchanted so a later king had the crown made."

"Ooo, so we can just take it out and I can still wear the crown?" asked Pinkie

I blinked. "Wait, why didn't you get bigger?"

"Cuase I am as big as I wanna be, duh. Ooo, does the cape do something cool too?"

"It lets you radiate an aura of fear." Said G

"But it's powered by hate rage and aggression." Added Grace.

I laughed. "So it can't work for her at all."

"It's warm and gets all shrinky. So it works a little."

"I guess so. How do we…"

The crown had been forged around the carrot. Apparently it was really tough. Fluttershy then yanked it out without a second thought. Grace and Gilda stared. She had twisted the metal that held the carrot in place into useless scrap of snapped it off completely in places. After a moment she was giant Fluttershy again. I still forget how freakishly strong Fluttershy is sometimes. Not that there aren't reasons. That stupid bunny seems to easily beat her at hoof wrestling. I'm pretty sure that jerk just pressures her into it anyway, I doubt she really likes it. So it's easy to forget she follows the sky calvary training regimen cause of her dad. Of course technically so do I but suddenly I had an idea.

"Hey Grace, you said nature magic, right? Does that make you stronger too?"

"Oh, yes. I should have thought of that. She was holding the carrot."

"Heh, yea. Nothing else fits. No way."

"Dash, that was pathetic." Said Gilda

"Huh, I don't get it?" said Pinkie

"So yea, off to Twilight and the others so we can talk about this carrot."

"Oh yes, that reminds me ponies. Didn't you say you're hungry?"

"I was." Said Fluttershy

I felt my stomach churn again, saying nothing.

"Nah, I'm not hungry anymore."

G smiled "Are you sure? I bet you've never had Haggis."

"Oooo, what's that?"

I was at a bush again, dry heaving since there was nothing left in my stomach to lose. I doubt it was a serious offer, she was just messing with me, and maybe Pinkie. For that matter Fluttershy too actually. I mean eating meat was bad enough, but haggis? That's just a horror show.

Griswald and Celestia

"Well?"

I had tried to hold it in, but couldn't. I fell backwards laughing. The king was wearing a gigantic pink dress with yellow and blue highlights. The Jester's cap was much the same, but with more yellow and blue. Pinkie was still wearing his cape and most of the crown. She left him the necklace I still hadn't seen. Gilda had been laughing for the last ten minutes. Pinkie had somehow managed not to, though she did have a big smile on her face.

"Okie doki loki. That looks just perfect."

"Is your goal to humiliate me?"

Pinkie nodded vigorously. "Duh. I mean I told you I'd make you suffer and I heard you'd say you'd rather die, but that's just silly talk, but don't worry mostly it's just your super lame defeat, so I'll let you take off the dress eventually my vizier. You know I was going to call you my evil vizier, but Twilight was totally right, and adding evil to an official position is silly, especially since you're not really evil, just really mean."

"And you think I'm kidding?" he then sighed. "So what horrible order comes next my queen? Another festival to add to the calendar? Something else to make the city look even more ridiculous?"

Pinkie laughed. "Oh silly, that's all just temporary. I mean maybe some of the stuff in the palace will stay, but the rest is just for the coronation."

"Oh joy of joys."

Pinkie raised an eyebrow, but a flash of light interrupted anyone actually planning to say anything. Celestia stood stock still gently shaking for a full minute before she broke into laughter. It was a strange booming softness that filled the room. Then it was gone and there was nothing but a wide smirk on her face. Pinkie giggled.

"I'm sorry Griswald, I’m sure we can have this all undone with little problem and…"

"No."

Gilda and I stopped laughing.

"What do you mean no?" asked Celestia

"Aww, but I don't want to." Said Pinkie

"She is our queen. She challenged me as a griffin, and won. That is the end of it. To do anything else is to ignore eons of tradition. That would be a far greater insult than anything our mad queen could do."

"First off I think that's underestimating her." Said Gilda "Also it isn't eons."

Celestia nodded. "Then I will leave you with your queen Grand Vizier Griswald, now come Rainbow Dash, we have much to talk about."

I blinked. "Me? Shouldn’t you talk to Twilight, or Rarity, even AJ and Fluttershy probably get all this political stuff more than me."

"Though you do not see it, that is completely wrong. I have already calmed Twilight, though I may have left her somewhat confused. Are you ready?"

"I guess but…"

Then we were on the roof of Lion's Aerie palace. It was a great view, the sun still rising. I guess the letter must have arrived when she was asleep. I blinked Celestia let out a great sigh.

"So did you really know Pinkie would do this since you aren't remotely freaking out?"

She nodded. "Know is a strong word, but it seemed extremely likely she would somehow stumble upon the idea and use it. The exact details turned out to be more disturbing that I would have liked, but acceptable."

"What about the carrot thing? Twi was still so tweaked Fluttershy didn't really get a chance to explain since she slipped into huggy mode to calm Twi down."

Celestia smiled brightly. "I now have another debt to you I cannot repay. I will explain it fully later. I'm sure she would prefer it that way."

"Okay, but why do you want me alone?"

"Because the first thing you asked me was whether I knew."

"It's kinda obvious you know just about everything. Who cares if it's mostly spies or mostly magic, all that matters is you do."

"I do not know the future, only possibilities. You did something truly amazing I did not immediately notice. You inspired loyalty in another."

"Uh, you mean Gilda? So what? It's no big deal."

Celestia laughed. "You say that, but while griffins value honor greatly, as well as various other things, they find most of the elements a weakness. Truth is the only one they give much respect in fact. Though even it can at times be cast aside."

"G is the best liar I've ever met."

"Yet since your reunion she has told you a hard truth, has shown kindness and generosity, laughed, and most of all has a true understanding of loyalty. Loyalty must both be earned and freely given. It is without a doubt a weakness, a great vulnerability."

"But it's worth it. If my friends need me. I'm there."

"Spoken like a true queen."

I of course lost my balance and tumbled to the ground. I was glad we were on a flat section of the roof or I'm sure I would have went sliding down the side. That always hurts, though just slipping might hurt less than a low speed crash.

"Wait, that's what you were getting at earlier?"

"Politics is many things, but most of all loyalty. The hardest part is keeping the loyalty of those around you, and determining if they are truly loyal at all, but…"

"It's loyalty. You wanted me to be queen here somehow, didn't you?"

"Ideally. But Twilight's research into transformation spells while more thorough than she seems to think hasn't quite made it into her plans yet."

"So right now if I asked her to turn me into a griffin…"

"She should be able to manage it. She would also most likely refuse, unsure of her own abilities. Pinkie may be able to do the same."

I nearly fell again, my wings refusing to keep still. "She can change other ponies?"

"Most likely not against their will, but yes. At least eventually she will. It is certainly within the abilities of a talented mer-pony. Right now I am sure she doesn't know how."

"But it's Pinkie so that may not stop her. Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I feel I should."

I blinked. "What?"

"In time you'll see, or not."

"Seriously?"

Celestia snickered. "Okay, I will be a little more clear. I am telling you because I want you to think on it. To think of what loyalty means, and what it can do."

"I guess it really helped Gilda but…"

"And she in turn helped you. In simple ways, but ultimately Pinkie now rules the griffins because of her."

"You're not really going to let her stay in charge, are you?"

"Actually it's quite clear that she plans to delegate most of the responsibility and power to Griswald. I hope such an arrangement may be good for him."

I nodded. Pinkie sure as hay took him down a few pegs. Right now it just seemed like it was going to add bitter to his list of faults, but I've been listening to Gilda badmouth him for so long I know I'm biased and so is she. Then I thought of something.

"You've always known, haven't you? About all of us and the elements and you got us in the same town and…" I stopped when Celstia shook her head.

"No. I did know there were two very special ponies in the world who got their cutie mark on the same day. The first a unicorn filly who had a magical surge of an unprecedented level. The second the pegasus filly that caused it."

"I am really awesome, aren't I?"

"Yes. Six cutie marks triggered by a single act I had thought long slipped into the annals of history alone. You truly are."

"But really it's Twilight and Fluttershy's show, isn't it? The rest of us are awesome, but they're the real alicorns."

"Possibly, but the truth is not yet clear. Now, despite my relative calm this is in no way a stable situation and…" She sighed. "…now the real work begins."

Then she was gone. Up this high the sun took a bit longer to make it over the horizon, but that just made the sunrise more awesome. In fact it seemed better than the last few days somehow. I wonder if she put a little extra work in on purpose. I then blinked. I always used to wake up for the sunrise every few days, then get in a little practice and go back to sleep, but I don't think I've missed one in months and I know I haven't been taking half as many naps.

Fluttershy's power

Fluttershy was the one that explained it all in the end. Even I noticed the way Celestia tensed up. If I had to talk about my mom being busted up into pieces I would tense up too. So of course Flutter stepped up and saved her the pain of doing it even though she didn't really want to. She was just awesome like that. It took awhile but I finally got her alone. We were in the blimp and everypony else was busy. She looked like she wanted to run, eyes zipping back and forth, and focusing on the door behind me. In other words just like any other time she didn't want to talk about something.

"Oh uh. Hello Rainbow Dash I just remembered…"

"Flutter. Seriously?"

"Sorry."

"Now come on. This has something to do with the mind control right."

She nodded. Then I stood there waiting for a response. She just kept me waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Finally I stomped my hoof.

"Come on already. You gotta talk about this to somepony and since you haven't already I have to make you so get on with it."

"Sorry."

"Fluttershy, come on. I'm bad at this. Just tell me what's wrong?"

"I hate it. It just feels wrong. And…" She looked down. "It was so easy. It wasn't like the stare. I know that with a little practice I could do it whenever I wanted."

"Yea. Just like whenever you wanted you could break the spine of just about anything if it isn't like super huge. How you could ninja your way though hordes of bad guys like it's nothing. How there is so much you can do but don't because you're worried that it might be mean. I knew this was gonna be dumb."

"I'm sorry." Then she was crying. Horseapples

"Oh mare, it's not like that, it's, oh whatever, it sorta is but it's dumb because you're not like that okay. You can but don't. I keep telling you to be more assertive and it's true, but you're never gonna abuse it. Pinkie and I so would, maybe even AJ a little, she does like bossing ponies around, but never you. So it's dumb to worry about it just like all the other stuff you worry about you shouldn’t, okay?"

She nodded but hadn't stopped crying so I hugged her. It was always so frustrating dealing with this sorta thing with Fluttershy. I mean she kicks so much flank during martial arts practice it's not even funny, but the second it's real she just cowers. And it's not like it's just that. It's everything. Heck I did the math and figured she can equal my wingpower if she really wanted to. Of course now the math says I can't even equal my own wingpower so magic can make things a bit wonky but it's still impressive.

"I'm still scared Dash. It's not the same. I…"

"Nah, you're wrong. Sorry Flutter but you've always worried way too much about things you shouldn't and let it hold you back."

"I'm not brave like you Rainbow. I'm just, not."

I laughed. "Sure you aren't. Because I'm the one that stared down a dragon and a cockatrice. I'm the one that was able to shrug off some magic fear effect and mess with G's dad like he wasn't some huge monster at the time."

"He's not a monster."

"Of coruse not. Now that crown is off he doesn't have discord's magic making him all crazy anymore and is back to just being a mean jerk like most griffins."

She pulled out of my embrace. "What?"

"Oh, I guess you don't know enough about griffin history. All their kings and rarely queens, are huge jerks and have been for a long time. Now it's super obvious it was Discord's lame magic doing it."

"Oh, that's very smart Dash."

"Duh. Anyway, you good now?"

She smiled. It was her biggest fakest smile. "Oh yes I…"

"So that's a no." I sighed and slumped. "Seriously Flutter, you make things way harder than you have to. If you don't like it don't use it. You said with practice right. So make sure you don't practice at all."

"But…"

"If it's really that problem ask Twi to just seal it. I don't remember how magic sealing works but I know one of mom's enemies was this unicorn who had all his fire magic sealed somehow as punishment for assault charges."

"Oh, uh. I guess that might be okay." Then she cringed. "Does it hurt."

"I don't know. I still think you can just not use it but whatever."

Then Fluttershy hugged me. "Thank you Rainbow Dash. It's so scary having so much power. Being able to just make him do whatever I wanted. I don't want to feel like that again. I don't like it."

"Uh, yea. Okay."

I hugged her back. This is not cool but there are lots of uncool things I do for my friends, especially Flutter. I think I maybe still don't get it entirely but she'll probably talk to Rarity about it now so if I missed anything Rarity will catch it and fix it. She's really much better with this sort of thing but doesn't always notice anything is wrong. Also unless it's really good gossip she might not even push hard enough. Just like everypony else she's so worried about breaking her. Fluttershy is super sensitive sure, but she sure isn't some fragile little doll. I may not always remember how awesome she really is, but I do remember she is way tougher than anypony else seems to think.

Being Gilda's friend

Twilight, Pinkie and Rarity were staying behind. Celestia was for the moment, but she had a busy schedule and would switch with Luna once she finished her visit to somewhere else. I know I'd heard where a few times, but I wasn't paying enough attention. Also Gilda was coming with us. She'd stay in the embassy in Canterlot this time, and might actually do the job she was supposed to, but I had the feeling Pinkie wouldn’t be much of a taskmaster like her dad had been. I was a little surprised we were leaving so soon, but AJ and Fluttershy both had stuff to do back home, and I had to pull the blimp. One of Luna's unicorn guards was the one running the magic thing on the blimp and piloting it. We had almost finished with our goodbyes.

"Now Rainbow, are you sure you'll remember…"

"I'm sure. Geesh. I totally know right where your parents house is, I can tell them easy."

"Very well. I still can't believe Rainbow knew and you do not dear."

"I'm sorry, you never took me to see them." Said Fluttershy

"It's alright dear. I'm sure it will be fine."

"Do you think we should go over my checklist again?"

I sighed. "Twi, I'm pretty sure eight is enough."

"I love that show." Said Pinkie "I mean it's not my favorite, but still funny."

Gilda laughed "I have no idea if that makes any sense, but whatever. You know, I really think I could really get to like you after all. I mean I didn't think you had it in you."

"Do you mean muffins, cause I just ate and totally have muffins in me."

Gilda just blinked, staring for a moment.

"Well I guess you should just go." Said Twilight. "We'll see you all once this is all wrapped up. Luna or Celestia will teleport us right home, depending on who is here at the time."

"But it might be a while?" asked Fluttershy.

"Don't worry, I think we can make short work of things here." Said Rarity. "As long as somepony doesn't keep making our job harder."

Pinkie rolled her eyes. "What? Balloon quality control is really important."

"Not important enough that…"

"Shut it." Yelled Gilda "If we have to wait for you to finish that lame argument we'll never leave. Anyway, as I was saying. I really respect you Pinkie." Gilda then got a huge grin on her face. "I didn't think you could be so ruthless."

"Ruthless?"

I sighed. "G could you maybe not…"

"Nope, I can't. Yea, ruthless. It should really win over the populace despite the whole humiliation of you actually winning. I mean some griffins will hate you anyway, but that kind of vindictive behavior must have really won over more than a few griffins."

"Vindictive?" Pinkie's mane looked slightly more limp

"Yes, downright cruel really. But really it doesn't matter too much whether they hate or love you, the really important bit is after the dragon bit they fear you."

"Fear." Pinkie then blinked. "I'm a ghostie?"

"I dunno, you still make no sense to me. But yea, I didn't think you had it in you to be a fearsome and terrifying queen, but you did it."

Gilda then spun around and walked into the blimp, barely holding back her laughter. Pinkie just stood there for a while, hair looking slightly limp. Then she ran after Gilda.

"Get back here. That's not right. That's not right at all. Don't respect me."

"What the hay just happened?" asked AJ

I sighed. "Welcome everypony to your introduction to being G's friend."

"You mean even when she likes you she's mean?" said Fluttershy

I nodded. "Sometimes meaner, because she knows how to push your buttons."

"Well I don't know about you Twilight, but I'm suddenly glad to be here a bit longer."

"I suppose."

I then walked into the blimp, looking for Gilda and Pinkie. I think it will take a good long time before anypony else really gets Gilda. If ever, and of course I'm pretty sure a real good understanding of how she is might still not be enough.

"I am not a mean Pinkie. I'm not mean. Now slow down so I can prove it to you with this hammer."

I blinked. Of course with Pinkie the normal rules never applied. I had no idea how this would all turn out between them. I also didn't know we had a hammer onboard the blimp. I wonder what Pinkie is planning to do?

Pinkie's Freindship Report

Dear Princess Celestia

I learned Gilda really is nothing but a big meanie who likes to tease ponies about stuff she really shouldn't. I also learned sometimes tolerating your friend's friends can be really hard, but the solution is to just super love and tolerate them until they can't stand it anymore and give up.

Her royal highness Pinkie Pie, Queen of the Griffins.

Discord is lame

It had been exciting. Pinkie sure sounded excited, and AJ broke two more records, and Gilda broke one herself. There were hoops of fire, more mechanized stuff that could have easily been made deadly rather than just painful, and some other junk, but I couldn't really focus on any of it. Well except the mechanized dragon, that was amazingly awesome, though I still don't know how you even can score that. I then blinked, getting it.

"Oh, it's just like the closing ceremonies, isn't it?"

"What did you say Dash?"

I shook my head. Twilight was in the royal library of course. It was really vertical with most books only accessible via flight. Well flight or a unicorn armed with a vision enhancing spell and crazy good at magic so she can pull books off the top shelves with ease. Actually it reminded me of Cloudsdale's library but it's been a good long while since I've helped mom so I haven't seen it recently.

"So were is Gilda?" asked Twilight, not looking away from her book

"Oh, Rarity grabbed G for a fitting right when we got back. I barely got her to tell me where you were. In fact I had to guess she said library."

"And a guard led you here?"

"Yes, and she was so slow too. So any ideas?"

"Honestly Dash I barely considered it. You know her, I don't. The only thing I know about her is she insulted all of Ponyville."

"Oh, yea. Didn't think of that."

"Unless she's likely to be impressed by me reciting Griffany's history I doubt there is much I could do that might make her respect me."

"Actually that might work. Though just a show of magical force might as well, but if you remind her too much of Celestia it could go the other way."

"What, what do you mean by…" Twilight turned to me, then gasped. "Wait, you mean the griffin version of things…"

"Actually it's the full version of things. G was right that Equestrian history books don't actually lie about it, they just gloss over exactly what Celestia did."

"So she really…"

"Melted the formerly rocky Griffin Mountains into smooth slopes while griffins were still inhabiting them? Yea, but when was this exactly? I never got what might put her in such a bad mood at the time, but now I know."

Twilight's face lit up. "It was not long after she banished Luna."

"Yes, I hate the fact I was related to someone that stupid."

I turned to see Gilda in a fancy purple and black dress. It had a bunch of points too it, all sorts of sharp angles. Some of the black was actually dark iron formed into various shapes. Some were buttons, but there also a few areas were little metal arrowheads hung off the dress. It was pretty, but also a little dangerous looking.

"Let me guess." I smiled. "You respect Rarity now?"

"She reminds me a little much of the sisters I hate the most, but a little, yea. This is a very cool dress. It makes me look good instead of like a fluffy cake."

Pinkie popped out of a bookcase, knocking several books to the ground. "Ooo, a purple and black cake would look cool and the only thing dark enough to be black is the darkest of dark chocolate. Mmmm, chocolate cake."

Twilight summoned a bucket to catch the drool literally pouring out of Pinkie's mouth. For a little while, Gilda stared at the bucket for a moment, then Twilight herself. Twilight cleared her throat.

"So Gilda, what exactly did you mean? I can guess but I'd much rather hear it from you. It being your family history should give you insight into things…"

Gilda smiled. "Yea, sure. See King Doofus, his real name has been erased from history by the way."

"The book called him King Foalish the last."

"Yea, which is a double insult since Griffins have chicks not foals. I don't think so, I mean ponies are lame as a rule, but they're not really less otherwise."

"Lame G? You do remember…"

She groaned and covered her face with a claw. "Ugh, sorry Dash. It's just so hard sometimes. Still, compared to griffins ponies are sorta boring, and they at least seem much worse than that to most griffins."

"Eh, I guess. I mean I know some ponies are totally boring."

"Lets get back on topic." Said Twilight "So what exactly did he do?"

"Well despite the fact that it was obvious to every griffin there that something was seriously wrong with her, and she was in the worst mood ever he decided it was a good time to be a smug loser."

"I still don't understand exactly why it was so bad. I mean apparently it was some great crime, but I don't see why crossing the border to hunt is so awful."

"It means hunt ponies." I uttered "Griffins used to eat ponies before the treaty."

Twilight went pale and gasped. It was pretty obvious to me what it meant, but I guess even the biggest egghead can miss something. Also maybe it's only obvious because Gilda told me about this before.

"Oh get over it. We're omnivores, and need meat. Ponies are meat and easy enough to catch. Also this was nearly a thousand years ago."

"But yea Twi. Mostly griffins didn't do it anymore, but a few did, and the king usually faked being sorry about the criminals crossing and stealing ponies away, but that day for whatever reason he said roughly the same words, but was super smug."

"Thus King Foalish earned his name by pissing off the sun. Total moron. In response she wiped out the whole army the king brought with him as well as the rest of the Griffin mountains colony. It was the start of the fall of the empire."

Twilight gasped. "It all makes sense now. That's why she wouldn’t talk about it. It's an atrocity in a time of anger. But it's also terribly important."

"Yea, you barely have a military but no one dares go against Equestria because even though it seemed to be a one time thing no other country wants to take the risk."

Twilight had a slight smile on her face. "And has used that unspoken threat to negotiate from a position of power. She's turned her greatest regret into a force for good, bringing peace to the entire world."

"For the most part. Dad isn't the only one that's figured out at the very least you have do something really major for her to actually use force."

"Oh you really think Cici could do that? It makes me laugh."

Twilight and I both sighed. I could feel my stomach churn a bit. He was practically right next to us. Gilda just looked up at the odd creature suddenly hovering next to us. Pinkie of course just hugged Discord. I really wish he would have been turned to stone again. Even nearly powerless he is so totally annoying.

"What do you want?" asked Twilight

"Don't you have anything better to do than bother us all day?" I added

"No, not really. I mean at least as a statue I could use my powers to watch anywhere in the world I chose, but now teleporting about is nearly all I can do."

"I love the way you make me feel all tingly."

Gilda cringed, but Twilgiht and I sighed again. Even though we knew what she meant it still sounded wrong. Discord's aura of chaos magic was still so strong it caused a physical sensation when you were close to him. It made me feel nauseous, and most of the girls seemed to agree. Apparently chaos agreed with Pinkie however. Once Twilight put it like that it made perfect sense, but it's still odd.

"So what dumb thing are you going to try and bug us about now?"

"Well I had just been hiding nearby waiting for an opportunity, but I think you might want to know while Cici did melt the mountains, she didn't actually kill the griffins. In fact I really like the little joke she played on them. It was my kind of thing."

"Princess Celestia would never do anything like you."

"Oh really? No, we're far more similar that she likes, but because of that whole mother thing we never became friends. I think we could have really gotten along otherwise."

"Okay freak, what did the big fancy horse really do?"

Discord smiled. "Ooo, I like this one. So many conflicting emotions to exploit. It's very simple. She did take the griffins out of the mountains, but she did it by turning every last one of them into a pony. Isn't that hilarious?"

"What?"

Gilda said it first, but Twi and I echoed a moment later. Pinkie either wasn't confused, or shocked into silence. The second seemed far less likely but it was possible. Then I realized I didn't see her at all anymore. Twilight glared at Discord.

"You will tell me what you mean. Right, now."

He laughed, then circled Twilight, looking her right in the eyes. "Oh isn't that adorable. Trying to imitate your fake mommy Celestia. Still, you're no Cici."

Then Twilight's eyes flashed, and Discord began to turn to stone. I blinked. Soon it stopped, but suddenly Discord was well away from Twilight, and that confident smirk was gone. It was back almost immediately, but I saw it slip. He was scared of her. For at least one brief moment he was scared.

"Very impressive. Though I have to wonder how you mimicked a basilisk's gaze effect so well. Were you actually turned to stone?"

"Yes. According to the crusaders Fluttershy stared it down as it was turning her to stone and got it to turn me and her chicken back, and never return."

Discord stared forward, grin gone again. "Wait, that was real? I get confused sometimes and thought that…" He then shook his head. "Never mind."

"Just answer the question you mismatched dork." I said

"Well now I don't want to." He crossed his arms over his chest. "I mean it will actually prevent chaos. So I think..."

"Just tell us already or I'll test some more combat spells on you. I don't feel comfortable testing them on live targets but…"

He laughed. "Well if you put that way. Fine. She was about to wipe out everything, and in a very Cici move had a moment of regret. So she enchanted the whole mess of solar bombs with the spell that allows your dragon to send mail."

"And that turned them all to ponies?" asked Gilda

"Yes. See, if you use it to transfer organic matter, the results are wonderfully chaotic. For some reason ponies think it's a bad idea. Honestly a few ended up as other things like dragons, rabbits, and the like, but mostly ponies."

"Wait…" asked Twi "…but with no destination enchantment how would they reach anywhere?"

"Again, you can use the spell without a destination. Those little seals are very useful. Any mail will find her regardless of location."

"Uh, if that's the case how come everything didn't get sent off randomly?" I asked

"Oh, well without a destination anything not alive will just burn up, but living things have that fun thin called a will to live. So they end up somewhere, and most likely somewhere they can survive too." He yawned. "A little boring really, but better than dead things."

"Wait, how come the griffins never said anything?" asked G

"If you had been turned into a pony, would you admit it?"

"Uh…." Gilda then looked down.

"They still should have asked Celestia to be turned back." I said

"And I know the princess would have done so." Added Twilight

"Oh maybe now, but then? No, Cici was a bit moody. Maybe it was just that time of the millenium ya know?"

Pinkie, now a tiny foal that had been hiding in his mane whacked him on the head. "Hey, that was mean."

He tried to swat at her, but of course he missed, just smacking himself in the head.

"Stop hitting yourself." Gilda and I echoed.

"Oh, so because she was in a bad mood…" began Twilight

"She didn't fix them." He missed Pinkie again. "Also some of them might have been under the impression they were always ponies." Again he missed, sadly including his own head. "Or used to be ducks, or thought they still were potted plants." He laughed. "Transporting things via magical flame is not really good for the sanity as well as scrambling your form."

Twilight sighed and frowned. "Fine, you told us, now leave."

"No, I think I like it here. It's a little boring, but there is just so much potential for chaos and I bet it wouldn’t even be that hard to get something fun going with just a few words. Griffins always were so touchy."

Twilight suddenly smiled. "In that case, I'll just make you leave."

"How exactly?"

A small blue seal just like the ones on Luna's scrolls appeared around one of his horns. Then suddenly he was covered in green flames, and a moment later he was gone. I just stared.

"Okay, that was pretty cool." Said Gilda

"Uh, Twi, I agree but wasn't Pinkie sorta on his head?"

Twilight gasped. "Omigosh, I didn't even notice where she was. I wasn't really paying attention to that. Do you think she's alright?"

"She can change her form to whatever already, and if she went more insane would you even be able to tell?" Then Gilda smacked her head. "I shouldn't have said that."

"Nah, it's okay. Pinkie is the only pony that doesn't call her crazy." I said

"And Fluttershy." Added Twilight

"Oh yea. Okay, but still it's no big deal."

"You're probably right as well. I think based on what he said it's really exposure to a great deal of chaos magic. Pinkie seems to like that so she should be fine. Also Luna should be able to fix her if I'm wrong." Then she blinked. "I should write her a letter too I think. Just in case. Also Pinkie is in the wrong country now."

"Hey, does this mean Spike…" I began

"Please don't tell him. He's still my number one assistant, but I figured out how to duplicate his magic a while ago. Although there is another reason I don't usually cast that spell."

Twilight then wavered and fell down. Before I could even reach her side again she was standing up, eyes wavering. She looked a little unsteady on her feet, but otherwise fine.

"It's not that powerful a magic usually, but it's very stressful to cast. Also sending Discord was a bit trickier than…"

"Whoo! That was so fun."

Pinkie had literally popped into existence in the air. She had a blue seal around one leg. She then proceeded to fall on Gilda. Being so small she bounced off her more than hit her, landing at her side, but Gilda still glared at her. Then she turned back to me, closed her eyes, and sighed.

"All for you Dash. Only for you."

Twilight blinked, then stared at Gilda. "So, Pinkie, are you alright?"

"I'm fine. That was so fun. You gotta send me again sometime Twilight. I mean it was all like whoosh, but more green and up, but it was also all left and crinkle, crangle, pop at the same time. So much fun. I was so happy when Luna said I got to go again."

"So Random." I said

Gilda laughed a little, the frowned again. "I still don't like you."

"Well you seem…" Twilight paused. "…lets call it normal. I think I'd like to be alone. Even if the princess didn't actually go though with it she almost killed a great many griffins. I'm sorry Dash but…"

Gilda smiled. "You're like the biggest nerd ever. I can tell. But you're cool in a couple a ways. I was wrong about at least two of you, and I'm sorry I called you all lame like that."

Then Gilda flew out of the library. I blinked. That was sincere and direct. I never expected she would ever say anything like that, even if she might deny she meant it that way if I asked her about it. This was the second time in one day. Wow.

Dash's Friendship Report

Dear Princess Celestia

Dash here. The writing is all fancy because I got Rarity to write this. I still don't think my hoof-writing is that bad, but she insisted. I tried to get Gilda to write this because I think she learned a lot about friendship, but she said writing letters is lame and refused. (Rainbow seems to think you already know Gilda is a Princess of Griffany and that she was here, but I'm sure you would have told us such a thing your highness.) So anyway I'll tell you what I learned about friendship, even though I haven't really done all that much, and Gilda's right that mostly it was other ponies helping me that made it work. I mean I know what I’m good at, and this sort of thing isn't really it, but it all worked out.

So what I learned is your friends can always surprise you. AJ not wanting to fight seemed odd at the time but I guess no matter how we mess around she doesn't really like fighting. Rarity and archery make sense I guess, but I sure never thought about her being interested in something that cool. (I tried to get her to rephrase this sentence but she vehemently refused.) Plus she'd crazy good. Twilight has been all kinds of awesome since I met her but it's easy to forget how hardcore she can be. I still don't get what Flutter did and why but I know it was beyond awesome. For a second I thought everything would be just fine, but it wasn't. Then Pinkie proved she can be all kinds of scary when her friends are involved too.

But I think most surprising is Gilda. She didn't really say much, but there was a time where I know she wouldn’t have even given my friends a chance to prove themselves. Of course the real test is when she has to spend time with them in Ponyville, and what she does when I'm not around. I still think she really learned something about friendship, and trust me, that's surprising.

Your best flier, Rainbow Dash

(Sorry your majesty, she absolutely insisted)

PS, Twilight is totally freaking out about sending you a report on our diplomatic mission, but I just thought you should know Pinkie sort of conquered Griffany, so you might want to get over here. (I must agree. Twilight is simply distraught. Luna would be more than capable as well I'm sure.)