The God of Sleep Has Made His House

"Wait, you're telling me that Ellie is back already?!" I shouted to the griffin in front of me.

"Yeah dude, and she is less than happy that you not only went off on this mission alone, but that you've been gone for two whole weeks, pushing on three." He replied with an amused look on his face.

I place my hand over my face and shook my head from side to side.

"Man, she must be so pissed at me right now," I sighed. The griffin chuckled.

"Shut up, it ain't fucking funny."

'It's pretty hilarious dude."

I just grumbled in reply.

Dash and Willow crept up from there hiding place behind me and stood by my sides.

"Lou, you know this guy?" Dash asked, while Willow stared to the ground, afraid to look the griffin in the eye.

My friend in the eye, that is.

"Yeah, Lucifer, what's up with the mares here?" The griffin asked, fixing the collar around his red cloak.

Little shit. Always wants to look good in front of the females.

Guy'll fuck anything.

I turned my head to Dash.

"Dash, Willow, this is Rush. He's a Red Sparrow just like me. Rush, the little filly here is Willow Song, and the cyan mare is Rainbow Dash, one of the elements of Harmony. So behave yourself."

Rush. He was a griffin of slim build, with a small, orange beak, dark brown fur, and feathers as black as midnight. He was an odd looking griffin up here in the North, but looked quite ordinary compared to the rest of the Western griffins.

Bastard has been my friend for years, ever since he moved from the coastal griffin kingdom to the west following the wake of the plague out there. He may have been a smart mouth, cocky shit bag, but he was a good a friend as he came.

Rush walked up right in front of us, before dipping his head in a slight bow.

"It's a pleasure to meet an Element of Harmony, Miss Dash," he said, before taking her fore hoof in his claw and kissing it.

I rolled my eyes and smirked, while Dash blushed like mad before yanking her hoof back.

Rush, with that oh-so-fucking-charming-smile on his face, just chuckled again.

"Y-yeah, uh, hello to you t-to, than." Dash managed to squeak out. Goddamn, she's cute when she stutters.

Willow chose to hind behind my leg again, once again. Rush seemed to take notice of the scared filly.

"What's the matter, kiddo?" He asked with a tilt of his head.

I nodded at Dash, who placed a protective wing over Willow and brought her in for a comforting embrace.

Rush looked to me with a confused face.

"She's had a bad experience with griffins, Rush. These two were the only survivors up at Arsis. The little one still won't tell me what happened to her," I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. A look of sympathy spread across his face, before he lowered his body as far as it can go, meeting the little filly's eye.

"It's alright, little one, I'm a friend," He said with a small smile across his beak.

Willow poked her head from inside of Dash's wing, and stared at the griffin before her.

"Y-you w-w-won't hurt m-me? L-l-like the other m-mean griffins?"

Rush shook his head.

"Of course not! I'm here to help you! Will you let me do that?" He extended his flaw, offering it to the little filly.

Willow stared at the outstretched claw, before she placed her little fore hoof into it. Rush gingerly shook it up and down, smiling at Willow.

I reached out my hand and patted the top of her head.

"That was very brave of you, sweetie," I said to her.

"Thanks Louie. And thank you, Mr. Rush," she sweetly replied.

Rush chuckled his little chuckle again.

"Please, kiddo, Mr. Rush is my father. Just call me Rush."

Willow giggled in return.

Rush was always good with kids. Don't know why, never asked him why. Probably never will.

He turned back to me, scooting up close enough that his beak was by my ear.

"We gotta talk. In private," he whispered. I nodded my head in reply.

"Girls," I addressed the two ponies,"You guys think you can get the last of the stuff together? After that, theres a creek about a hundred yards straight in front of us that you could use to clean yourselves up with. I gotta talk to Rush here in private for a bit."

I knew they wanted to protest. The looks on their faces said it all. But, they did as I asked instead, gathered the remaining supplies, and walked towards the creek, while I poured Rush some coffee and offered him some bread from last nights dinner.

"Now," Rush said between bites and sips,"You better tell me everything that's happened to you, so far. Not only is Ellie going mad without you there, but your mom and pop are pretty worried about you, as well. Gilda is just as upset as Ellie."

"First of all, when did Ellie get back?" I asked, taking a seat by the fire pit. Rush joined me as well.

"She got back about three days ago. And boy, was she pissed off when she found out that you weren't back by then."

"How pissed?"

"About as pissed as a young dragoness could get, dude. Double pissed when she found what the assignment really was, too."

I glared at the ground.

I love Ellie to death. More than that. But she could be a little....extreme...sometimes.

"Dude, you know I couldn't tell her that I was going off to kill not only a wanted war criminal, but a bandit leader as well. She needed to go to the migration, and like hell she would've if she found out that I was doing something like this, ALONE!"

"She cares about you. Ya shouldn't have lied to her about it. What did you tell her, any way?"

"Recon."

"That you were just doing a recon mission?"

"Eeyup."

"And she bought that?"

"Eeyup."

"Cuz, like I said, she's REALLY fucking pissed."

"I know, I know. And Gilda's up set, too?"

Rush nodded his head.

"She may not act like it, especially when she's in the conference room or with her friends around the city, but two weeks of you not being there really shows when she's by herself, bro. When we walk past her room in the palace during our rounds, we can hear her crying sometimes."

I hung my head in shame.

Gilda is one of the most important things in my life. Knowing I was making her upset was like driving a knife through my own my heart.

But, she's a strong girl, and I knew in my heart that she could stick it out, if not for just a bit longer.

"I feel like shit, Rush."

I felt his claw on my shoulder,with that sympathetic look he so good at giving on his face.

"It's alright man, at least I know you're alive and well. Like I said, the king and queen, even the council, are bit concerned about your absence. This should've been an in and out mission. Especially for the Lieutenant  of the Red Sparrows."

"My Intel was off."

"Care to explain?"

I took a deep breath, drinking from the cup of water that Rush was using (must to his displeasure), before beginning my tale:

"So, the first day after leaving Monolith was spent heading to the place that the Council's informant said that Abinchova and company were hiding out. I trashed that shit heap of a den and found nothing. There weren't any signs that he and his bandits were there for months. So, I made my way to one of the Rooks that lined the Great Southern Road for the next three days. There, I talked with some of the locals who pointed the remains of a raided caravan about a mile into the Woods of Desolation. I followed the directions that were given to me and I find the remains of the caravan."

"Survivors?"

"Just rotting corpses."

"That bastard."

"There was a creek by the remains, so I naturally followed it for about two days, stopping ever so often to investigate a corpse that was left behind. Usually it was a bandit, and I could only imagine what they fought over, but at least I knew I was going in the right direction. I finally reach a part of the forest that we're all to familiar with."

"Which is....?"

"What area do you think we're in?"

"...........Arsis......"

"The very same, man."

"And the fort...?"

"Let me explain first. So now that I arrived in this.....pleasant place.....I headed in the direction of the fort, before crossing into a small village. I didn't like the looks of the place. It gave me a very off feeling. Looking back at it now, I never should've trusted the info they gave me."

"What are you talking about, Lou?"

I sigh. God, I'm an idiot.

"I set about asking the locals about the whereabouts of Abinchova, or any raids in the area."

"Dude! You weren't suppose to do something like that! Rooks, that's a different story, but showing yourself to a whole village?! The Un-Prince?! ALONE?! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!"

"I WASN'T FUCKING THINKING!"

An awkward silence took over. We both couldn't look each other in the eye.

I sighed. Yelling at each other wasn't going to solve anything.

"I'm sorry for yelling, Rush," I said, breaking the silence.

Rush just waved his claw.

"It's alright Lou," he replied, soothingly,"But still, showing yourself in public? Alone? You could've died, man. You know that you aren't really popular in the South, with you being an Un-Prince and all. But if Abinchova knew you were there, alone. He has spies everywhere!"

"I knew that! I was just so frustrated, Rush! I should have had is head in bag on it's way to my father days ago! I was off schedule and just wanted to find this fucker. I....I shouldn't have done that."

"It's fine, Lou. It happens to the best of us. But you exposing yourself like that out in the open must've put him off, bro. Every creature around these parts know who you are. Even out of the Kingdom."

"I know, I know. That's probably why I didn't end up finding him. I think he planted look outs and scouts in the town, because, when I began asking for info, all the information I got was a just a series of wild goose chases, sending me to various parts of the area, to investigate nothing! At the time, I just thought the populace was scared, but looking back at it, all the those 'hints' and 'tips' were just bullshit to keep me away from the place I knew I should have went to in the first place!"

"Fort Arsis?"

"That place, exactly."

"What happened next, Lou?"

"Well, the amount of time I wasted added up two about 5 days! I wasted 5 days going all over the region! I was at wits end, and I just felt like abandoning the idea of finding him and just going home. But, I knew I couldn't I came this far, so why stop now, you know? So, a day and a night of walking through the woods, and I stumble upon ol' Fort Arsis."

"Lot's of bad memories there, dude."

"Tell me about it. And what do I find there? Bandits with Abinchova's mark upon their helmets and armor."

"You mean that letter A with the three claw marks through it?"

"That one, exactly. So I walked back to this very cave, which I've been using as a sort of base camp in this area, and waited until nightfall. Once the moon was up, I crept back to the camp, fully intent on killing this scum."

"Finally! Some action! Well, don't keep me waiting! What happened next?"

I recounted to him all that had transpired that night. The killings. The two burnt Equines. Willow and Dash's rescue. And no Abinchova.

"..........after that, I brought them back here, and that's where you found us."

".......he got away, Lou."

"I know, Rush. I'm sorry."

I put my head down in shame. God, I felt like shit.

I always said that killing was all that I was really good at. Serving my country was what I did best.

So when you fail at something that your really good at, it makes you really question yourself. Your worth.

And it makes you feel like shit.

I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes.

"I-I'm sorry Rush. I-I fucking -t-tried but I let you -a-all down," I barely choked.

I could feel the tears falling off my cheeks. I could feel my nose running, accompanied by choked sobs.

I was always a messy crier.

I could feel a pair of fore arms wrap around my head, cradling it, rocking it gently.

I could hear Rush shushing me. Telling me it's alright.

But it wasn't. It was far from alright.

I failed.

At least Rush was trying to make me feel better.

He was always there for me, especially during the war.

We were suppose to be bad ass Red Sparrows.

But we weren't unfeeling.

Sometimes, after we had to do something that we knew was horrible (usually torture of some kind) we would try to comfort each other as best as we could when the job was finished.

Anything to keep us sane.

Heh. Surprised we weren't lovers by the end of those years.

He was a good friend. He IS a good friend. He was my brother in arms.

At once, I grabbed Rush and pulled him into a hug, one which caught him by surprise, but was gladly accepted.

"God, it's good to see a friendly face right now."

He nodded his head and smiled.

"It's good to see you're still alive, bro."

I laughed. He laughed. We laughed!

"But you won't be for long when Ellie finds you."

Aaaaaaannnnddd there goes the mood.

"You gotta keep bringing that up?"

"I'm sorry," Rush said, still laughing,"But it's gonna be hilarious when she kicks your ass for lying to her."

"We interrupting something, boys?"

The snapping of twigs twigs to our right alerted us to the presence of my Equine companions.

Willow was making the cutest like 'Daw' face, while Dash stared at us, a smirk on her face and one eyebrow raised.

Blushing, we let go of each other as quickly as possible, before standing up and brushing dirt off our garments that wasn't necessarily there.

The two came strutting back in the camp, Dash's mane still somewhat wet, water dripping from her rainbow crainium.

Rush went wide eyed, as his wings shot up with a *pomf*.

I had to admit, Rush had a huge pair of long, black wings on him, that I've seen many a hen (female griffin) ogle over.

Pegasi, it appeared, were no different in their taste for big wings, because Dash's sprung straight as soon has she beheld my friends erect wings, a bright blush quite apparent on her face.

I acted accordingly.

"Oh God, keep it in your pants, you two!" I cried out in laughter, causing him and Dash to glare over at me, blushes still over their faces.

"I don't get it, what's so funny, Louie? And why are their wings like that."

"I'll tell you when you're older, sweetie," I said before scooping up the little filly and embracing her, which she gladly returned.

Man, I love how all it takes to lighten the mood is just a bit of social embarrassment.

Quite a few awkward minutes later, the gear was packed and everyone seemed ready to go.

If only they knew the bombshell I was gonna drop.

"Well, shall we head on home, than?"

Dash, Willow and Rush looked at me expectantly.

"I'm ready," I said, before sighing, stalling a bit,"But, I....."

"But, what, Lou?" Rush asked.

"You three need to go on ahead without me."

"WHAT!?" My three companions shouted at once.

"No way, dude! I ain't leaving you here, alone."

"Yeah, Lou! We came here together, we'll leave together!"

"Louie! You can't stay here by yourself!"

I rose my hands to stop the torrent of arguments.

"I know guys. I know! But listen to me. Dash and Willow have already been captured. Dash has been imprisoned for at least a day or two, Willow won't tell me how long, but I can assume it was longer than Dash's. They need to get to a hospital and get a check up ASAP! Rush, you remember how those dungeons in Arsis were! They were full of disease, they were dirty! You two are leaving with Rush, and Rush, you're leading them back to the palace to my personal physicians!"

Rush walked closer two me, standing on his hind legs, placing his face right in front of mine.

His eyes glared into mine, while behind them was an expression of deep concern and worry.

"I'm. Not. Leaving. You."

I put my hand on his shoulder.

"Yes, you are. It'll be faster if you flew, instead of wasting days walking by my side. You need to get back to the palace and report my.....failure. That way, the message could be spread that Abinchova is still out there, still hurting creatures."

"Lou, don't make me do this, please." Rush looked away from me, refusing to look into my face.

I put my hand under his chin and brought his eyes back to mine.

"Do it. For me. Please."

He stared into my eyes, the worry more apparent than ever, before he dropped back to all fours and turned his back to me.

".......alright, I'll fucking do it."

"And you two!" I said pointing towards the two Equines,"You two are going with Rush. No if's and's or but's. Rush, give them the best guest rooms at the palace. And if I recall, Dash is going to Monolith to help make amends with a friend. Help her do so so."

The two Equines looked at the ground, while Rush turned back towards me, a defiant look in his eye.

"I'll take em back to Monolith. We should be there by evening if we fly nonstop with the filly on one of our backs. But as soon as we get there, I'm sending Ellie to come and bring you back. So, you better fucking be here. Got that?!"

I nodded my head.

Man, Rush was upset. I wouldn't blame him. First thing you learn in the Red Sparrows: Never leave a griffin behind.

He was breaking the Cardinal Sin.

He's a good friend.

"Alright," he said, ruffling his cloak and spreading his wings,"Put Willow on your back, Dash, and follow me."

Willow and Dash walked over to me first, each putting a set of fore hooves around me.

I wrapped my arms around them as well.

"I'll see you two soon," I said with a sad smile.

I felt a pair of lips on both cheeks again.

This time, I didn't blush.

I looked at the ground, admiring every stone, every pebble, every crevice in the ground, while the sound of wing beats filled the air, before slowly disappearing. I looked to the sky, the silhouettes of my friends fading off into the distance.

And than, I was alone, once again.