The Practorian!!

We were flying for a long time, but on the horizon I could see tall buildings almost like modern skyscrapers from earth. It was impressive and confusing. Canterlot seemed to be practically medieval, but here I was flying towards a modern looking city. I turn to my travelling companion.

"Is that Manehattan?"

"Yeah that's it. Now how are we going to find where they're being kept? Manehattan isn't a small place."

"Not a hundred percent on that!"

"What!!" She yells looking at me "I thought you had a plan?"

"Just trust me, and follow my lead."

"..Alright Leo I trust you. But what are we going to do."

"We're going to find your friends. Now where are the worst parts of town."

Dash is quiet for awhile so I guess she's just thinking of all the bad parts. "I guess the East side and the docks are the worst parts. Why?"

'Docks and east side. If they're held around the dock, they might be referred to as merchandise. If I go to an east side bar maybe I can get some info."

"Dash, I know it's not a good thing. But do you know anything about how prostitution works here?"

"Geez, why would you think I know anything about anything like that?"

"Well whatever you do know could help save your friends. Also I'm not from this world so I don't know your customs."

As we are flying directly over head of the city, I can see it stretches out from the coast inland where most of the 'Skyscrapers' are. We enter a hover, to discuss things further.

"Well." She begins, rubbing the back of her head with a foreleg. "I'm  not familiar with the workings, but I've heard rumors. I thought they were just rumors. Seeing as theirs like 3 mares for 1 stallion. Who would need something like this. But from what I've heard they just take mares of the streets and get them addicted to 'Salts', and then when somepony.......I guess it's more like somebody wants to...... You know purchase one for pleasure, but I don't know where this takes place.

'Salts, I guess in ponyland that makes sense. Oh I wish I had Liam Neeson.' "Alright first things first, we need to dye your mane and tail."

"Wait WHY?" She asks, confused and nervous.

"Cause it's really damn noticeable, I'm thinking something black!"

"Ohh Can I dye it in a grayscale rainbow."

I raise a eyebrow "Grays?"

She rolls her eyes "Like my rainbow, but varying colours of gray."

"Uhh sure I guess why?"

"Cause Daring Do, has a grayscale rainbow mane." She says proudly smacking a hoof to her chest.

"Alright. You find a salon and get that done meet me up here in.." I look at my PCU, only too realize it's off. "Meet me in thirty."

With a crisp salute, she flies off leaving behind a hazy rainbow trail. I descend to the ground using Celestia's flying knowledge. I flap my wings once, then cut off all lift hitting the ground with a heavy thud. I shake it off and begin walking.

I find that I'm in the market district, and I have a few mares.... and a few chicks looking at me, with hungry eyes. I look around and notice among the ponies are a few Griffins. More then Canterlot seeing as their was only Flo. After getting a good look at the shops and stalls I make my way to what I hope is a bar. It's a medium sized shop, with a wooden sign of a old school tankard, overflowing with foam, under the mug is a smaller sign with the establishments name 'The Foaming Mug'.

Entering the place I get the feeling I'm in the right place. There's three large earth ponies.... well large to other ponies, are sitting at a table close to the door, Bouncers probably. I take note of them, but other then that I don't care too much.

There are various groups sitting in their booth's each one seems shadier and shadier. But, then again maybe that's just my paranoia talking.

The barkeep is an unassuming unicorn, with the same cutie mark as the sign outside. I'm able to sit in front of the bar and still I'm able to tower above him.

"What's your poison?" He asks in a gruff throat voice.

"Flank." I respond in an equally gruff, but low sounding voice, almost to the point of being a rumble.

He looks me over scrutinizing my appearance.

"I've never seen a griffin, quite like you before. Where do you come from?"

'Must think I'm a cop or something.' "Small village, outside of Gryphus. Goldentalon Clan! Maybe you've heard of it?" He shakes his head. "Well if you see any Griffs like me. Tell them Leo Silver-Gold, stopped by here. For some...entertainment. That should boost your...Business." I add a fake, smile near the end. It was a lie, a complete and utter lie, but the barkeep ate it all up. He nodded to one of the Earth ponies near the near and then gestured his head to the back.

A  single Earth pony got up. He was Dark blue with a silver mane, his cutie mark was that of a broken bottle, and he didn't seem too friendly. He lead me into the back room. Their wasn't much. But with a flick of a switch hidden behind a crate. The floor magically opened up too reveal a set of rough stone stairs leading down.

He quickly trotted down but I was more wary. Mostly of trying to go down the stairs with four legs. I had to get over the sense of my head being at the same height as my back legs. It was a pretty steep set of stairs.

It also turned out to be spiral. It was lit up every so often by flickering torches. When I finally made it to the bottom the pony was waiting for me. With a grunt he turned and started walking down the corridor. Like the stairs, it was all made out of smooth cut stone, with torches lighting it up. There was numerous doors on each side. I could accurately guess what was going on inside of them, from the grunts and panting I could hear.

It made me disgusted. But I held up the charade, of being interested. We soon found ourselves at the end where a strong oak door was, there were two ponies on the sides both were unicorns. Their horns lit up and I felt myself halted as it spread out along my body.

'Magical search?'

"Clear." The one on the right stated.

'I may not have a weapon, but I can still rip each one of your throats out before you can so much as scream.' My musings gave me a ghost of a smile.

The Earth pony just grunted in acknowledgement.

The unicorns open both doors with their magic. We stepped into a large, circular room. I took notice of the mares along the wall. They had vacant dead stares. Then I took notice of three people. Two were ponies, the other was a griffin. He was muscular and bigger then the ponies but I still outclassed him in the weight department.

They all also had Fedora's on their heads.

They watched as I came up to them. They were suspicious, but seeing as what they were doing was probably illegal paranoia was part of the whole deal.

We had a minor stare off, I kept most my focus on the griffin. If any of them could tell I was lying it would be another of my temporary kind.

"So, I'm interested in some of your.... merchandise." I say beginning the conversation.

"You got the bit, we got the whores." One of the ponies spoke, he was a white pegasus, with a vibrant yellow mane and tail. His fedora was orange, with yellow stripes.

"You do have the bits, Right?" Added the other pony, who was only a brown earth pony, with a lighter brown mane and tail.

He has a brown, black stripped fedora.

I chuckled, "I could buy, and sell all of you with my pocket change."

"Yeah, is that a threat?" The griffon asks, narrowing his eyes and put a leg forward. I assume it would be threatening. But it's effect was lost on me.

I took a step forward getting into his personal space, "No a fact." He shrunk back. I stepped back taking note of the atmosphere, it had changed. I was in charge of this conversation. So I steered it back towards business.

I want three mares. One of each race." I point a talon behind them "But not like those....Something fresher."

They started whispering with each other. I was able to pick up what they were saying. New, Pier 13, Rich and She.

After conversing they turned back to me. "How long you want them for?"

I chuckle again, "My friends you misunderstand, I will be purchasing them..... If they're to my satisfaction."

They narrow their eyes "Go to warehouse 3 on pier 13. Ask for Shady Deals, the password is 'Eternal Night'."

I nod, turning around. As I'm leaving they shout to me "Don't try to cross us!"

I don't answer them only keep walking. 'I won't try. I'll succeed.'

I leave the same way I enter, but it's easier going up stairs then down them.

I guess the interaction took around 30 minutes so I jump into the air and beat my wings to gain lift. I ascend high in the air and search for Dash.

I find her, or what I assume is her. She's dyed her hair, and is wearing a black hoodie. I'm glad she considerably less noticeable and I'm going to need that.

"Ugh, there you are. What took you so long?"

"I think I found where they're being kept. Warehouse 3, Pier 13---" I grab hold of her tail as she tried to fly off. "Stop. What are you trying to do?"

"Let go! We know where they're at!"

"Don't be stupid Dash! We have to plan this out."

She turns to me with pleading eyes. "But...But. What if they are hurt ."

I pull her into a hug, "They aren't." I take another look at her. "You ready to do this?"

She wipes a hoof across her eyes drying her newly formed tears, giving me a sad smile she nods.

"Alright, So this is the plan...."

As I explained my simple plan, we moved towards our objective: Warehouse 3. It was a simple looking rectangular building, it was the cliché slum looking storage facility. My plan was simple. I'd go in first, make sure they were actually here. Then I'd signal for her to start her part. If she was the fastest flyer in Equestria. Then we'd have no problems. If she wasn't....Well at least it would be flashy. We got there as the sun was beginning to set, causing an orange hued scene to reflect off the body of water along the pier. It was actually quite beautiful.

"So you understand the plan?"

She rolls her eyes "For the sixteenth time YES. But why does the codeword have to be...that?"

I shrug my shoulders, and also my wings. "Humour me."

She sighs, her shoulders sagging ever so slightly. "Fine, I trust you Leo. Please just be careful."

"Careful, is my middle name" She gives me a weird look. "No it's not....It's actually Dayne."

"Like a Great Dane?"

"...Woof." I say dryly. Getting a giggle out of Dash.

"It's getting pretty late!"

"Ya alright I'm going in." With that I leave Dash and walk around to the front of the building. I get to the doors, I don't see anybody.

I reach out for the door handle, but it opens before I grab it.

Out walks a pony he's got impressive thick dark shades on his muzzle that hide his eyes. He's a dark grey Earth pony, with a black mane.....He looks shady.

He silently observes me, not the slightest bit of emotion creeping on his face. I observe him just as carefully, before breaking the silence and telling him the password.

"Eternal Night." He gives a slight nod to his head, turning around and walking back inside. I followed after him, giving one final glance back at where Rainbow was waiting for my signal, before entering the warehouse.

It was dark inside the warehouse, only a few candles adorned the walls sending off flickering lights for me to see. The warehouse was made up of rows of shelves. Different sized boxes sat waiting patiently on their shelves gathering dust as nobody claimed them. We headed towards a light source, padding quietly. I was impressed at how quiet his hooves were.

As I feared I came upon a large group of ponies and a few griffins. The most notable was a totally black unicorn mare sitting on a throne made of some sort of ebony black material. She stares me down with freaking cat-slit eyes before sighing.

"Hmmp. Who's the hare brained foal that sent him here. I want the Elements not some griffin that's looking for some tail."

'So this is a trap for the Elements. I just can't believe this bitch said that outloud.'

"Kill him." The group start closing in on me. It was clear that I couldn't fight this many. I didn't even have a sword.

'Fuck' "Wait you looking for the Elements..of Harmony?"

"Hold it." They stopped advancing on my position. "What do you know of the Elements of Harmony?"

"I know I have one Element." I say smugly.

"Do you now? Which Element do you have? I have three of them locked up in the dungeon." She asked generally curious.

At least we're in the right spot. Speaking of we. "Well, I have the element...of Surprise Bitch. Now Taste the Rainbow !!!!" I barrel over two unicorns in my haste to find something solid to hold onto, while screaming as loud as possible the code word.

The thugs snap out of their daze and begin approaching me, cautiously as I'm gripping a metal railing rather tightly. Nobody says a word as they get closer.

'Come on Dash. Don't fuck me over.' I keep repeating the words in my head.....Until I hear it.

BOOOOOM. CRACK

Everybody freezes as a large sound booms from outside. The thugs begin looking for where the sound originated.

They hear a shout from outside, getting loud then softer as it drifts in.

"LEEEEE....."

The thugs don't know what's happening so they turn to their boss. Who's having her own time trying to figure out what's happening.

"...EEEEEEEEEEERRRROOOOOOOY."

Another sound crack causes them to tense up, with one of the thugs shouting out in fear.

A final crack is heard as one of the windows is shattered upon Rainbows passage through it." JENKINNNNNNNNS." She shouts out the final part before going into a corkscrew, and causing a vortex of air to pull along everything not bolted to the ground. Just like I planned she exits through the doors dragging all the lighter people out of the warehouse. Only a small hand full are left, including the unicorn mare.

Most are dazed and confused, which I take advantage of. I pounce my first victim, unicorn quickly swiping at his unprotected throat with my talons. I leave him to choke on his own blood and pounce my next target. I quickly get five of them before they realize what's happening leaving only 2 unicorns, 3 Earth ponies, and the leader mare. Who is now seething with anger.

"KILL HIM." She shouts, charging her horn with magic and letting a fireball off in my direction. I flatten myself against the ground, successfully dodging it, only to get tackled by a very large Earth pony. We run on the ground fighting for supremacy. He's able to pin me on my back but a strong buck sends him flying across the room into a unicorn, who was charging up his own spell.

The collision causes him to shoot a fireball at the ceiling. Raining debris crushes both ponies and the mare has to jump out of the way as a rather large piece falls on her throne.

I only get a glimpse before I'm tackled by both Earth ponies. One somehow is able to bend my arm behind my back and force me to the ground, while the other immobilizes my rear. Fortunately, this allows me to see the last unicorn is fire a spell at me.

Reacting, I painfully dislocate my arm causing the stallion, that's pinning my arm to fall backwards off of me and into the spell. The unicorns eyes widen when he realizes what he's just done. But it's too late. The Earth pony takes the full blast and goes flying over me into the wall and falling into the ground, smoking. With the stallion holding me down I twist around and grab the pony holding my lower half, with my good arm.

My talons pierce his skin and I toss him at the unicorn whose charging another spell. The unicorn 'yelps' but goes down. I quickly finish them both off so they won't be getting up. I grunt putting my arm back in the correct position.

I turned around to face the mare, but get blasted by lightning spell that causes me to spasm, and fall to the floor. My eyes spin in my head, as I get back up, face twiching.

She sends another bolt that I dodge by hopping around it. I charge her having to dodge another bolt, just before I run into her.

She's a rather small mare, and I'm a rather large griffin. So I easily bowl into her, grabbing her into a bear hug. I land heavily and then finish her off with a quick slice to the jugular.

And I say I don't like killing...........But as I look around the room I realize I didn't even think twice about killing them.

Deciding not to think about it, I run out the door to see how Rainbow is doing with her fight. It's not hard to spot her, or more specifically where she is. As I see a water spout, out in the water.

I hear a soft thump land next to me, so I roll and get ready, only to see a grim Dash. "You alright Rainbow?"

She sighs "Yeah."

"Good thinking with the water spout." I complement her.

"Yeah, they didn't even realize what I was doing till it was too late. They helped me, beat themselves."

"Alright let's go get the girls."

She nods determined.

We make our way back into the warehouse, Rainbow taking care to not look at the bodies.

We split up to find the basement, when I find the staircase I signal her over, I go first, telling her to be cautious and not touch anything. You never know when you'll find a trap.

The staircase down is like the one in 'The Foaming Mug'. When we get to the bottom it appears to be just a simple storage area.

Navigating we find our 'storage'.

They all look unhurt, which is good. Fluttershy and Applejack are cowering together with tear stained cheeks and closed eyes, and it seems Rarity is staring at me defiantly, that is until Rainbow pokes her head around from behind me.

Rarity gasp, "Rainbow......Is..That you? What happened to your beautiful mane?"

Rainbow smiles "Sure is Rare." Rarity finally breaks down and starts crying.

'I guess it's the strain from being strong for her friends.' I think solemly.

At Rarity and Rainbow's conversation Applejack and Fluttershy open their eyes and raise their heads, instantly jumping to their hooves, and shouting "RAINBOW!!"

"Okay, we need a key to get you out of there." She jumps up, and start flying around looking for something.

They're locked up in an old-fashion metal bar box, the ones found in old western cities.

Frankly, it looks really flimsy. But, along with that: Rarity has a ring on her horn and Applejack's four legs are chained together.

I look at the door, staring at it and studying it. The girls are wary of me, since they don't know who I am, yet.

I walk up to the door as Rainbow continues to search. I raise myself to two legged stance grabbing a hold of the bars with my talons. Then heave with all my might, just when I think I won't be able to get it I hear it, a loud crack. The door sears off the hinges and I toss it to the side. It clatters to the ground with a loud clang.

They stare at me with wide eyes, Rainbow lands next to me and pats me on the shoulder. "Good job Leo."

"Wait..What Huh.?"

Rarity is the first to break through the shock and regain her lady-like charm, and by that I mean she was the first to pick up her chin from the ground.

"Leo. Is that really you? By Celestia what happened to you?, and where did you get such a magnificent coat?"

"Eh, didn't have wings as a human! Had to get here somehow. Luna had a solution. End of story. Also I'm guessing my colours have something to do with Luna and Celestia magic. Don't know for sure!"

"So ya'll just turned into a griffin, came to Manehattan, kicked flank and rescued us...Just like that!"

I balance on three legs so I can ponder this scratch my non-existent beard, which is more of a fluffy neck warmer.' "Yup, pretty much. Though you should praise Rainbow, she did create a water spout to take out the bad guys."

"Oh thank you very much partner." Applejack says grabbing my hand and shaking it violently. "Don't know what would have happened if you didn't come along and rescue us."

"Oh, nothing bad I hope! Now let's get out of this horrid place." Rarity says, hoping to get moving and forget about this place.

I turn to address them, "I suggest NOT looking around when we get up."

"Why is that Darling?" Rarity asks.

"Rare...Just don't." Rainbow responds shaking her head.

"Ohh." Rarity says quietly, standing there, before studying me.

I stand there vigilantly, I've already decided that I would become the monster, if need be.

After a short time of studying me Rarity confuses me by stepping forward and wrapping me into a tight hug, gently nuzzling my stomach feathers.

I raise my eyebrows as Fluttershy and Applejack join in too, hell even Rainbow joins in, after rolling her eyes.

It seems too long before they let go of me, I look over them and realize that even though they are smiling up at me they all seem pretty tired.

Being the gentleman I am, I lay down and motion for them to get on my back. encouraging them with a few words. "Come on girls, I told Twilight I'd get you home safe."

Rainbow jumps on my back, without hesitation, making me snort in amusement. But is quickly followed by the girls. Arranging themselves in a comfortable seating arrangement.

I start up the stairs "Let's just get out of here. I'm tired."

I stop just before I reach the top, "Alright, close your eyes."

I don't hear them say anything so I can only assume they closed their eyes. I sigh before walking out into the warehouse, halfway to the door something makes me stop. I look around for the reason but it comes from above.

Thud My eyes widen as a battle-axe lands in front of me, I look up and see a familiar blue minotaur falling from a skylight, he lands in front of me quickly picking up his axe out of the concert and taking a aggressive stance.

I feel the girls shift, so they can all see what's happening. I hear Fluttershy whimper, having to see the bodies laying around.

"Whoa nelly Iron." Applejack says "You can lower yer weapon. It's just Leo."

Confusion, then understanding passes upon Iron Will's face. He settles on happy, "It's good to see you Leo. But uh why are you a griffin?"

I'm about to explain why I am a griffin, when the doors burst down and a red stallion carrying what seems to be a large purple lizard on his back comes in snorting and trotting aggressively.

"Big Mac?"

"Spike?"

"Let my sister and mah friends go Griffin." The red stallion named Big Mac says.

"Yeah." The purple lizard, who I remember is actually Twilight's dragon assistant, Spike says. "We came to rescue them."

Iron puts his hands up signalling them to stop. "Hold it guys, this is Leo. The guy I told you about!"

"Ah thought you said he, em looked kinda like yourself."

I decide to intervene "Yes, normally  I look like Iron, but I needed wings to get here quickly! So Luna changed me into a griffin. Get it, Got it. Good. Now I'm hungry for some MacDonald's." I start to leave but a plume of smoke stops me.

I sigh "What now?"

When the smoke cleared their was a ninja rabbit holding a miniature katana, and a... carrot.

...

I just walked past it. I was clearly not wanting to deal with this shit anymore.

"Angel!" Fluttershy cried happily.

"Ugh godamnit.   I stopped, and turned around. Only to get the carrot to the face.

I looked at the small animal un-amused, as the carrot hits the ground. "Listen here rabbit stew, do that again and I defile your very soul."

"Leo!" Fluttershy scolded me at me. "What are you doing here?" She asked softly.

He squeaked something that nobody could understand, but Fluttershy.

"Oh Angel my little hero." She giggled softly.

The fuck am I chop suey.

Getting tired I turn around to leave, but freeze when I see whose standing there.

A mare.

The one that I killed. Or thought I did. Her jugular still slashed in the same spot.

She stares at me with a manic grin. Those slit eyes looking over me.

She lets loose a short evil laugh.

"I underestimated you Griffin, or Leo. This mares body is weak. But you! You will work. Once I have control of you I'll finally be able to bring back my race. Mwahaha"

"You know you shouldn't tell people your plans. It just makes it easier to stop you." I deadpan, ejecting the girls from my back with my wings. Before she could respond I rushed her. Tackling her out the doors that Big Mac had busted down. I grab her and smash her into the warehouse walls, causing a dent to form around her body.

She laughs, and I spin around tossing her away from myself.

The others rush out the door, and stay behind me.

She rises from where she was thrown, tendrils of smoke creeping off her body.

She cackles at me, "You can't kill me. All your doing is damaging this body."

Alright, so she must be possessing the body. The mare's dead, so I don't have to worry about risking her life. Fluttershy called her Rabbit 'Angel', so this could be possible demon possession. It wants to bring back its race. Hmm, what to do.

I need more information, so I begin circling her, "So, I can't kill you. So what does that make you?"

"Yes, foolish griffin you're unable to kill me." She grins widely. "I am Titania, Queen of the Fey Sprites."

"Fey Sprites? Never heard of them."

She shakes with uncontrollable anger. "Yes, and it's all their fault along with that..Princess." She hisses. Pointing at the mares.

"Oh and what did Celestia do to your Fey Sprites."

"Oh, I'm not talking of Celestia. I'm talking of Luna. Thousand years ago I was banished to the moon."

"Why did Luna send you to the moon?"

"Luna didn't send me to the moon, it was her sister Celestia. who sent us to the moon."

This isn't making any sense.

"But you said it was Luna's fault! You're not making sense!"

"I'm making perfect sense!!" She rages "Thousand years ago. Luna, we.... It wasn't suppose to happen like that. I just wanted to keep my children fed. Luna, went mad with the power! Tried to overthrow her sister."

"You're talking about Nightmare Moon. What did you have to do with it?" I ask, getting angry.

"Nothing! I feed on a ponies life force."

"So you're a Parasite?"

"No. Not a Parasite, a..a symbiote. In return for the energy I need to survive, they become stronger!" She grows quiet. "She thought she could overthrow Celestia. She turned herself into Nightmare Moon, then she got us both banished and my race died. It's her fault I am the last of my kind."

She looks at me with determination, "But you. You will help me get my revenge on her and bring back my race."

The smoking mare drops to the ground, lifeless and the smoke that was floating around her streaks towards me. I flap my wings against the smoke, but it continues towards unaffected. I'm unable to do anything as it surrounds me. I hear the frantic screaming of my friends, but when I open my mouth the smoke enters cutting my words off.

All the smoke disappears inside of me, and I start to feel weird. I look over at my friends, but a sharp pain in my chest stops me. I grab my chest where my heart is and close my eyes.

The pain in my chest intensifies and all my muscles start screaming. Barely able of any thought process I realize I'm painfully transforming back to a human.

I realize I'm screaming and thrashing about on the ground, As soon as I stop thrashing I feel multiple hooves wrap around me. Just in time as my wings starts to die, the pain from them is unmeasurable, the nerves sending my brain warning after warning. I pass out from the pain shortly after that in the grip of the girls.