A Second Chance

Chapters

Prologue: The Longest Night.
Chapter 1: Unexpected Arrival.
Chapter 2: Reintroductions.
Chapter 3: Complications.
Chapter 4: Recuperation.
Chapter 5: Confessions.
Chapter 6: Questions Without Answers.
Chapter 7: Playing Your Role.
Epilogue: The Storm on the Horizon.

Prologue: The Longest Night.

She knows what I've done.
My pain.
She knows that how ever hard I try, I won't escape...

Luna loved the night.

How could she not? She was The Princess of the Night, after all. Such trivial things were to be expected, for how can an artist claim as much, if they do not love their craft?

She sighed, as she gazed upon her sleeping kingdom. Her attention was slowly – and surely – pulled towards the small village of Ponyville, nestled snugly within the valley that held it.

A smile formed on her lips. To many, Ponyville held historic value, as one of the first settler towns. To Luna, it held a much more symbolic meaning. It was where she was set free, or more accurately, it was where Twilight and her friends saved her from herself.

Since then, her reintegration back into a society that no longer needed her was… difficult, to say the least. Her first Nightmare Night was evidence enough of that.

Until Twilight saved her for a second time. Luna owed her a debt that she couldn’t properly repay, freeing her mind and reuniting her with her sister.

For that is where she belonged, ruling beside her sister, not in her shadow.

Her gaze returned to the rest of her kingdom. Night court had been adjourned a few hours prior, and all of her other evening duties had been concluded. The only thing left for Luna now, was to kill time until Celestia raised the sun, in two hours’ time.

She sighed a content, and happy sigh. As she did, something in the corner of her eye caught her attention. A whisk of a blur that only lasted for a fraction of a second, raced through the cover of night, and towards Ponyville.

“Curious,” Luna muttered, before she took to the night air.

The cool, crisp air of night sky ruffled her coat, and filled her ears as she sped towards Ponyville at an impressive rate.

Diving towards the ground to gain momentum, she arched her body upwards, high above the sleeping town. Flaring her impressive wingspan, she came to a halt instantly, and floated over Ponyville's town hall; the very heart, and center of the town.

Scanning the immediate area, she soon discovered that the shadows cast by the clouded sky were too dense for even her to see through. Firing up her magic, she cleared the over-cast sky, and brought the moon to bear directly behind her; illuminating the streets completely.

With added visibility, it didn’t take long for The Princess of the Night to acquire her target. Her shadow, while more pronounced, was still difficult to make out at this altitude. She watched as it darted between the streets, hugging the ground as it searched for something.

Her brow arched as she lost track of it, only for a moment. It soon reappeared, dashing out of the town, and speeding towards its outskirts. Narrowing her eyes, Luna followed suit.

A few short minutes later, the dark sapphire Alicorn had found herself high above the secluded cottage of ‘The Shy One’, as Luna had dubbed her. Although, she would never call Fluttershy such a name to her face, it was simply a caricature she used for all of Twilight's friends.

The Farmer, The Speedster, The Fashionista and… The Pink One…

Returning to the matter at hoof, Luna scanned for a sign of her mysterious shadow, giving a frustrated little huff at the fact that she could see neither head nor hoof of her elusive friend.

Convinced that there was nothing more to be done here, she turned and began making her way back to Canterlot. Or she would have, if a small ruffle of movement in a nearby tree hadn’t warranted her full attention.

“Most curious,” she muttered to herself. Righting herself fully, she activated her magic once again. Morphing herself into a miss-like form, she shrank herself down to the size of a pony’s hoof, and slithered silently towards the source of her curiosity.

Stealthily, she slid through the branches and leaves, and beheld something she had not been expecting. Truth be told, Luna didn’t rightfully know what to expect when she first spotted her shadow. She certainly wasn’t expecting the creature before her to have the body of a lion, and the head of an eagle.

Returning to her original form, Luna conjured a small cloud beside the tree and its sleeping occupant. She then proceeded to plop herself down onto said cloud, dumbfounded.

She blinked, “Old One?” She whispered, still in a state of shock. She hadn’t seen one of their kind in a millennia, Griffins tended to keep to themselves, and were generally hostile to all outside elements. Perhaps this why Luna found herself so fascinated by them. Due to their reclusive nature – and despite the fact that they had roamed this land since long before Luna and her sister arrived – next to nothing was known about them.

Shaking herself back to reality, she did a double-take of the Griffin before her. Firstly, she noticed that the creature was sleeping. Second, and more importantly, she noticed the creature was mumbling and moaning quietly as it shuttered.
A grin spread across the Alicons face as she clopped her hoofs together. She was The Princess of the Night, after all. And as such her duties involved ensuring that all inhabitants of her kingdom were safe in the comfort of the nights embrace.

Closing her eyes, her horn flared for a third time…

Luna’s eyes flew open, and she beheld her surroundings. She was standing in a poorly lit and cramped corridor; the steel grating beneath her hooves unsettled her almost as much as the riveted, steel plates that made up the walls. But not nearly as much as the hooks and chains that hung from the unseen ceiling. Darkness enveloped her, shrouding her vision, making it impossible to determine where the hallway ended, in either direction.

Luna furrowed her brow, What manner of horrors torment this soul? She thought to herself as she slowly and cautiously began her trek into the unknown.

A scream of terror from behind her, startled her into action. Wasting no time, she instinctively fired up her magic and merged her coat, mane and eyes with that of her surroundings.

She pushed herself as far into the wall as she could muster, as the sound of talons and paws clattered against the grating. The Griffin – who’s mind she now resided – sprinted past her with a look of wide-eyed terror that unsettled the Princess deeply. Following closely in the Griffins wake was a monster of shapeless shadows, its blood red eyes filled with hatred, and its razor like teeth protruding from its maw.

“Come back! I only wanna play with you!” The monster taunted, as it ran past.

Pushing herself off the wall, the Princess cancelled her camouflage spell, and began trotting after them.

A short time later, she found the Griffin cowering in corner of a dead-end, with the monster skulking towards it.

“Here fishy fishy fishy,” It cooed cruelly.

Luna gritted her teeth, she had quite enough of this ordeal. A blinding white light shot from her horn, colliding with the monster and disintegrating it completely. But her power did not end there, the light continued to build encompassing everything, until her vision was filled with nothing but blinding light.

And as quickly as it built, it vanished. Leaving Luna alone with the still cowering Griffin in a pitch black room, the only source of light, was from that of a transparent beam shining down on them from the heavens.

Sighing, Luna cautiously approached the Griffin, “Ah, c'est mieux.”

The Griffin slowly removed it's claws from it's face, and stared up at the Princess with a look of awe.

Luna smiled warmly down at it, “Un accueil chaleureux pour vous, Old One. Mon nom est Princesse Luna, quel est votre nom?”

The Griffin wiped the tears from its face, and stared at the Princess, dumbfounded.

Luna frowned as she tilted her head, “Avez-vous oublié votre propre langue? Perhaps Equestrian will suffice…”

The Griffin blinked, “W-who are you?”

Luna smiled, “I have many names, Nuit. Nacht. Oíche. However, you may call me Luna.”

“G-gilda.” The Griffin replied.

Hmm, it could be female, it does have a scratchy sort of voice; tomboyish, very similar to The Speedster... Luna giggled, “A pleasure to meet you, Gilda.”

Gilda glanced around nervously, “Thanks for… you know, saving me. If you hadn’t have showed up-”

“You would have awoken form your nightmare, no more worse for wear,” The Princess interjected.

Gilda blinked, “Nightmare… you mean this isn’t real!?” Her head darted around frantically.

Luna rolled her eyes and smirked as she mumbled to herself, “That part always gets them, but not the fact that they are conversing with a Princess…”

Gilda shot a worried look towards Luna, “Uh, if this is a dream, where are we supposed to be?”

Luna opened her mouth to answer, only to swiftly shut it again. She glanced around at the seemingly endless blackness that surrounded them.

With a sly grin, she turned back to the Griffin, “This is all a bit bleak, isn’t it? How about a change of scenery.”

A midnight aura surrounded the Alicons horn as she focused her magic, a bright flash of light filled hers and Gilda’s vision once again. When it died down, the Griffin opened her eyes, disappointed that exactly nothing had changed.

She frowned, “Yeah, not to rain on your parade Princess, but that didn’t do anything.”

Luna smiled as she casually walked up to the Griffin and sat on her haunches. Turning her head to the side, she held her smile as she stared wistfully at nothing.

Gilda followed suit, and plopped herself onto her backside as the Princess did, still keeping her gaze fixed on the midnight blue Alicorn.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of her, and she trailed Luna's gaze, “Princess, what are you…” Her beak fell open, “Whoa.”

Stretched out before her, sat a small pond, surrounded on all sides by the thick trunks of trees so high, Gilda couldn’t see the top of them. She whirled on herself, eyes wide with incomprehension.

“Wha… b-but, we were… h-how did-”

Luna chuckled, still staring ahead, “Perception spells only work when you least expect them.”

“Yeah, you don’t say…”

Luna turned her head back towards Gilda, “What ails you, child?”

Gilda looked defensive, “What?”

"What troubles you."

"What makes you think I got problems?"

Luna gave her a flat look, “One does not suffer nightmares, voluntarily.”

Gilda opened her beak, ready to retort. She swiftly closed it when she saw the unimpressed look the Princess held, a look that said ‘don’t kid a kidder’.

Sighing tiredly, she hung her head in defeat, “I… I did some things…”

Luna remained silent.

“And, well… some… ponies got hurt.”

Luna thought for a moment, “Someponies. Or some pony?”

Gilda snapped her attention back to Luna immediately. Her eyes couldn’t quite meet the Princesses, and she lowered her head again.

Luna smiled kindly, “If you do not wish to talk about it, then that is fine, I completely understand. However, I am willing to listen, if you are willing to talk.”

Gilda glanced up at the princess, uncertainty present on her features. Her eyes darted back and forth as she thoroughly considered the Princesses offer. After what felt like hours of thick silence, Gild sighed again.

Reluctantly, she told Luna everything. Her time at Junior Speedsters Flight Academy. Her friend, Rainbow Dash. How they drifted apart. Their reunion. Her sour departure. Her time away. The things she did, the ponies she hurt.

Everything.

Gilda talked.

Luna listened.

Chapter 1: Unexpected Arrival.

It was late in the morning when Celestia's sun crept through the bedroom window of Fluttershy's cottage, gently irritating the face of the sleeping Pegasus. Slowly opening her eyes, she squirmed as she stretched under her sheets.

She sat up in her bed and blinked several times, clearing what little sleep remained from her eyes. Hopping merrily out of bed, she made her way downstairs to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for her animals.

She donned a saddlebag and filled it with all of the necessary ingredients, before heading outside to greet the day.

The celestial sun shone brightly from its pedestal, was high up in the sky. I must have slept in later then I thought, oh no, my poor little critters… Fluttershy thought to herself as she quickened her pace to the backyard of her cottage.

Upon reaching her destination, she was greeted by all manners of creatures, large and small. Ranging from birds to chickens, rabbits and badgers, she was overjoyed to see all of her woodland friends and lowered her saddlebag to her side. Hoofing out birdseed for the birds, chickenfeed for the chickens and acorns for the squirrels.

She giggled as they took their food and scurried away to eat it. She bent down, and lay a carrot on the ground for her little Angel Bunny. She smiled as he began chomping away at his orange treat.

"Eat up now," she commanded softly.

Angle Bunny stopped, and glared at her. His attention was quickly diverted from his caretaker, and towards something behind her. He dropped his carrot, and ran back into her bunny box.

"Wait, you haven't finished yet!" Fluttershy called after him.

All around her, she slowly noticed all of her animals were following in Angels example, retreating into their homes and cowering in fear.

Fluttershy tilted her head, confused.

That was, until she saw a shadow dwarf her own.

Slowly, she turned around. Her mind drew a blank as her mouth fell open. She knew what she was looking at, she knew who she was looking at. Yet, she still couldn’t comprehend it.

Her ears flattened against her head as her eyes widened, “G-gilda?!” She squeaked.

Gilda didn’t say anything, she didn’t even move. She just kept watching Fluttershy intently, with an unreadable expression.

“I-I-I…” Fluttershy stammered, her mind was a chaotic blur of questions and thoughts.

Gild cleared her throat, “Can I say something?”

Fluttershy froze. She clamped her mouth shut, and nodded shakily, “Mmm Hmm,”

Gilda sighed, “Well, first things first. I guess I should start with saying that, I know it’s been a while. But last time I was here was… pretty unpleasant.”

Fluttershy remained silent, she was too afraid to speak.

“I realise that I acted like a bit of a jerk towards you. And, well. What I’m trying to say is, I’m sorry, for how I acted. And for making you cry.”

Fluttershy blinked, she closed her eyes and shook her head, “I’m sorry. Forgive me for asking but… what?”

Gilda’s eyes darted left and right, “I’m sorry?”

Fluttershy furrowed her brow, “Y-you came here, to apologise?”

Gilda nodded, “For being a jerk and… well, mainly for being a jerk,” She grinned, in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Fluttershy shook her head, “I appreciate that, Gilda. And I must thank you, for coming all the way out here, but… it’s been three years…”

Gilda rubbed the back of her neck, “Yeah, I know. I would have come back sooner, but… you know…”

“Not really…” The Pegasus answered meekly.

And awkward silence fell between the two. Fluttershy pawed the ground with her hoof.

“Uh, thank you… f-for apologising…” she smiled briefly, “What are you going to do now?”

Gilda sighed as she glanced nowhere in particular, “Well, I still need to go and see Dash. And uh, the other one-”

“Pinkie Pie?”

“Yeah, her. I still need to set things right with them.”

Fluttershy frowned with contemplation, “Um Gilda, do you know where to go? I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

Gilda opened her beak, “I… don’t, actually.”

Fluttershy shifted slightly, “Well, I think Rainbow Dash was helping Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres this morning. She may still be there. And I’m fairly certain that Pinkie is at Sugarcube Corner.” She shrank behind her mane, “I could come with you, I mean, if you want me to…”

Gildas face returned to its neutral state as she gazed down at the small Pegasus, “Sure. If you want...”

Fluttershy brightened immediately, “Oh, it would be my pleasure! I just need to finish feeding my animals, and then we can go,” She smiled as she turned and resumed her morning chore.

Gilda glanced back over her shoulder, and then walked over to Fluttershy’s side, “Hey, uh, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy looked up at her.

“Do you want some help?”

Fluttershy smiled, “That would be lovely, thank you.”

The two fell into silence as Fluttershy showed Gilda what to do. With their combined efforts, it only took them a few minutes empty Fluttershys saddlebags.

Gilda stood, and look down at Fluttershy, “So, do you want to head over now or…” Gilda frowned and held a claw to her stomach as it rumbled, loudly.

Fluttershy covered her mouth with a hoof, “Oh, my. Gilda, would you like some breakfast?”

The Griffin shook her head, “We don’t have time-”

Fluttershy sprang into the air, hovering in front of GIldas face, “But you simply must have something to eat!” She dropped to the ground, “I mean, if you want to.”

Gilda rolled her eyes and shook her head, “Fine, fine. You win.”

Fluttershy clopped her front hooves together, “Oh wonderful! Follow me please.”

The yellow Pegasus turned, scooped up her empty saddlebags and trotted towards her cottage. Gilda followed suit.

Chapter 2: Reintroductions.

Gilda and Fluttershy found themselves on the very familiar dirt path that lead out towards Sweet Apple Acres. Well, familiar to Fluttershy at least. Truth be told she couldn’t remember if Gilda had been this far out of Ponyville, or if she had simply stayed with Rainbow Dash during her brief time here.

The trek out to Applejacks farm was a quiet one, whether content or awkward was up to speculation; however Fluttershy found herself oddly enjoying the Griffins company. Now that she had spent some more time with Gilda, and was within a close enough proximity to observe her more thoroughly, she noticed a few things that she had previous glanced over.

For one, the Griffin looked… thin. Granted, Gilda was thin and in good shape the last time Fluttershy saw her, but now? A more insensitive pony would describe her as gaunt.

Secondly, she noticed that Gilda didn’t stand right. She had heard tell that Griffins were a proud race, and displayed as much. But the way Gilda carried herself was… wrong. Her wings – although rested at her side – clung tightly to her body, as if covering, or protecting her. Her face held that same, half-lidded, blank expression. Almost as if she were a million miles away.

“Uh, are you okay, Gilda?”

“Yeah. I’m fine, why?”

“Oh, no reason…”

The pair passed through the vine covered arch-way, which served as the front gate, and stepped up to the farmhouse. Knocking three times, Fluttershy stepped back onto the winding cobblestone pathway of the house.

A few short moments later, when the top-half of the door swung open, they were greeted by the upper body of a giant red stallion.

“Good morning Big Macintosh,” Fluttershy said.

“Mornin’ Miss Fluttershy,” He replied.

“Is Applejack and Rainbow Dash around?”

“Eeyup.”

“Um, do you know where they are?”

He nodded, “Should be the south field.”

“Thank you Mac.”

“Eeyup.”

Departing swiftly, Gilda and Fluttershy circled around the aging farmhouse, and began the search for their rainbow haired Pegasus among the vast apple fields. Shadows danced across their path. Cast from the tall apple trees that surrounded them. A look of apprehension crossed Gildas face as they pushed deeper into the fields.

“Don’t worry Gilda, I’m sure Rainbow Dash won’t hold a grudge.”

“It’s not Dash I’m worried about…”

Fluttershy tilted her head, “Um, I don’t think you need to worry about Applejack.”

Gilda shot her a look, then sighed, “Look, can we just do what we came to do and go?”

Fluttershy forced a smile, “Of course.”

Gilda hung her head as they continued in silence.

Their trip didn’t last long, however. Upon entering a clearing, Gilda and Fluttershy found the pony they were looking for. On the other side of a small pond, the duo could easily make out Applejack hauling an apple cart, while Dash knocked the apples loose from the trees.

Gilda stopped, and exhaled a shuttered breath.

Fluttershy extended a comforting wing over the Griffins back, “I’m here for you, if you need me.”

Gilda smiled briefly, “Thanks.”

Steeling herself, Gilda slowly began to make her way around to Dash, and Applejack. Fluttershy followed closely behind her. They circled counter clockwise around the pond, and as such, came up behind the two ponies. Dash was just a few metres in front of Gilda now; too caught up in a conversation with the orange farm pony to notice her approach.

Gilda stopped and cleared her throat, “Rainbow Dash?”

Applejack glanced over shoulder, and quirked a curios eyebrow.

Dash froze mid-air. Slowly, she turned around. Confusion filled her eyes, “G?”

Gilda smiled weakly as Fluttershy came to a halt beside her.

Rainbow Dash dropped to the ground, and furrowed her brows, “What the hay do you want?”

Gilda winced, and held up a defensive claw. “Easy there, Dash. I came to talk.”

“Talk?” Dash scoffed.

Fluttershy stepped forward, “That’s right Rainbow Dash.”

Dash blinked, only just noticing Gilda companion, “Fluttershy?! What are you doing with her?”

Applejack – who was previously unhitching herself from her apple cart – joined the conversation, “What’s goin’ on here?”

“Fluttershy says Gilda wants to talk!”

“Gilda?!” Applejack stared at the Griffin, still slightly confused, “Well, Ah’ll be. What brings you round these parts?”

“Who cares!” Rainbow interjected, “Do you even remember how she acted last time she was here?”

Rainbow Dash flared he wings, “Why are you even here? Come to boast about how awesome your life is now?”

Fluttershy jumped forward, “Gilda came here to apologise!” She shrank slightly, “I mean, I think Gilda has something she would like to say, right Gilda?”

“Right,” Gilda stepped forward, “Look Dash, I know it’s been a while. And I know I said some pretty stupid and hurtful things last time I was here. But, I just wanted you to know that, I’m sorry. For being a jerk.”

Simultaneously, Rainbow Dashes mouth fell open, Fluttershy beamed at Gilda, and Applejack tipped her hat back. After a few moments of silence, she was the first to speak.

“Well shoot! Ah guess that just about settles it.”

“B-b-b, what?!” Dash stuttered.

“That seems familiar,” Gilda chuckled as she glanced over to Fluttershy.

Applejack trotted up to the Griffin, and shook her claw “Apology accepted Gilda.”

Gilda grinned briefly, “Thanks… Applejack?”

The Earth pony smiled, “Sure as sugar are.”

“Hold on a minute!”

Applejack stepped aside. Her, Gilda and Fluttershy all gazed at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow shook her head vigorously, recovering from her stupor, “But, you’ve never apologised, for anything! Ever!”

Gilda nodded solemnly, “Yeah, I know. I know what I was like, but I’m trying to turn over a new leaf.”

Dash flared her wings again, and took to the sky. Hovering a few feet from the ground, she strode up to Gilda and glared at her, “Let’s say I believe you – which I don’t – it’s been three years! You’re a little too late,” She turned her back and crossed her hooves

Gilda frowned, “That’s not fair Dash…”

Rainbow Dash whirled on her, “Not fair?! You insult me and all my friends, and then you storm off. And now you show up like nothing’s happened?! You could have tried to write…”

“Hey! You’re the one who kicked me outta town.”

“Because you were acting like an ass!”

“Alright, that’s enough!” Applejack intervened, stepping between them.

She turned to Dash, “That was way outta line, Dash. So Gilda didn’t write? She came back, and she wants ta make amends, Ah say that’s what counts.”

Dash huffed, staring past Applejack, “You could have written, why didn’t you?”

Gilda sighed, “It’s not that I didn’t want to, I couldn’t.”

“Why?”

“I just couldn’t, okay?”

“No, it’s not okay,” she dropped to the ground, “Your one of my oldest friends, G. We were tight once, what happened?”

Gilda looked away, “I want to tell you, I do. But I can’t, not yet.”

Dash sighed, glancing at Fluttershy and Applejack, “Yeah, maybe it’s something we should talk about in private.”

Gilda offered a weak smile, “If it makes you feel better, I’m sorry?”

Dash half-huffed humorously, shaking her head, “Yeah.”

Turning to Applejack, Rainbow quirked an eyebrow and nodded towards Gilda. Applejack smirked as she stepped aside. Dash walked up to Gilda and offered an apologetic smile, “I’m sorry too, G. For blowing up like that.”

Gilda smirked back, and offered a clenched claw, “All good Dash. I probably would’ve done the same thing.”

Rainbow bumped the Griffins claw with her hoof, and a smiled.

Fluttershy beamed, “Oh, I so glad you two could make up!”

Gilda smiled briefly.

“Me too, Ah’m glad things worked out. Err, not ta cut this short, but Rainbow and Ah need ta be getting’ back ta work.”

Gilda nodded, “Okay,”

“So, what are you two gonna do now?” Rainbow inquired.

“Well, Fluttershy said she’d take me to Sugarcube Corner. You know, so I can make up with Pinkie Pie.”

Rainbow smiled, “Well alright then, maybe we can catch up later? When your done?”

“Sure, why not?” Gilda half-smiled.

Departing with friendly goodbyes, Applejack and Rainbow Dash resumed the work of gathering the Apple family’s harvest. While Gilda and Fluttershy and made their way back towards Ponyville.

The sun was now perched atop its midday pillar when the duo finally arrived back in Ponyville. Gilda frowned as they made their way down the dirt paths that branched out from the cobblestone main street. The Griffin had hoped that her time away, had been long enough for the ponies of the small rural town to forget her, however the looks she was receiving from it's inhabitants told her otherwise.

She sighed.

“Don’t worry, Gilda. I’m here for you,” Fluttershy reassured her.

She shot the meek Pegasus a grateful grin, “Thanks Fluttershy.”

Gilda kept her eyes focused on the dirt ahead of her, if her time away had taught her anything, it was not to draw attention to yourself. Which was counterproductive, considering how poorly she blended in with the crowds of ponies who were mulling about their daily business. The trip to Sugarcube Corner was a short one, but for Gilda it couldn’t have come fast enough. The building itself looked exactly how Gilda remembered it, although last time she hadn’t really paid much attention to such things.

The doorbell chimed as the two stepped through the front door, and out of the scrutinizing gaze of the public.

A light blue Earth pony, with a cherry coloured mane greeted them as stepped into the building, “Good afternoon Fluttershy, what can I do for you and your friend?”

“Hello Mrs Cake, is Pinkie in?”

Mrs Cake smiled, “She’s in the kitchen, I’ll go get her.”

The Earth pony disappeared behind two saloon style swinging door to the left of the counter. A few moments later, a familiar pink Earth pony mare hopped out, looking as excited as she normally did.

“Hey Fluttershy, what’s up! Mrs Cake said you wanted to see me?” Pinkie spared a glance towards Fluttershys’ companion, “Hey Gilda!” She greeted, not batting an eyelash.

At that moment Pinkies eyes went wide, and she tilted her head to the side, as if she was having trouble understanding something.

Fluttershy and Gilda looked at each other, uneasily.

“Um, Pinkie Pie?”

Pinkie snapped herself out of her daze, and stared at Fluttershy intensely, “Yes Fluttershy?”

The already timid Pegasus, was even more so under the unwavering gaze of her pink friend.
She cowered behind her mane, “G-gilda h-has something she would like to say…”

The Griffin stepped forward, “Right, Pinkie Pie-”

Pinkie sucked in a huge breath.

“YoureheretoapologiseforactinglikeameanymeanpantsbecausethroughaseriesofunfortunateeventsandmishapsyouvelearnedthatbeingbullyisnotassatisfyingorimportantthanhavingponiesorGriffinswhocareaboutyou.”

Gilda’s beak fell open, “W-wh…” She fell onto her rear, “W- h-how? How did you-”

“Just a hunch,” Pinkie smiled. She bounded around the counter-top, stopping in front of Fluttershy and a still bewildered Gilda.

Gilda shook her head, and let her gaze sink to the floor, “Y-yeah. Pretty much…”

Hazarding a glance up at Pinkie, Gilda found her staring intently, still brandishing her signature smile, “Well of course I forgive you! What was I gonna do, pass up an opportunity to make a new friend? Hello?! Have you met me?”

Gilda smiled weakly, “Thanks.”

“Sooooo, what now?” Pinkie asked.

Gilda tried to reply, only to find that she couldn’t properly formulate a response. “I actually hadn’t thought that far ahead…”

Pinkie quirked an eyebrow, “Really? You came here to apologise, but didn’t think about what you’d do next or where you’d stay?”

Gildas beak clamped into a firm line, “Yup, pretty much.”

“You could stay with me…”

Gilda and Pinkie both turned, and gave their quiet yellow spectator questionable looks.

Fluttershy pawed the wooden floor, not quite meeting Gildas gazed, “I mean, you could stay with me, if you want to.”

Gilda smiled briefly again, “Sure, why not? Not like I got anywhere else to go.”

Fluttershy brightened immediately, “Oh, really? That’s just, fantastic!”

Gilda chuckled.

“I’ll need to get everything ready.”

“I’ll help, if you want,” Gilda offered.

“Oh, that’s quite alright…”

“I insist, it’ll give me something to do.”

“Oh, okay then,” Fluttershy smiled, she turned back to Pinkie, and her smile died, “Pinkie?”

Gilda also took a look of concern as she too faced the pink part pony. Pinkie looked troubled, like she was deep in concerned thought. She snapped her attention to the duo in front of her.

“Don’t go outside!”

“Pinkie?-”

“There’s not time to explain,” She called over her shoulder, “Sorry Mrs Cake, I need to go out for a little bit!” Turning back, she rushed an explain as she shot towards the exit, “Stay here, I’ll be right back!”

The doorbell chimed as front door slowly closed.

Gilda and Fluttershy looked at each other.

“What. Was that all about?”

Fluttershy shrugged, “I don’t know, Pinkie can be a bit random sometimes.”

Gilda shook her head, “Well, you wanna go now, or…?

Fluttershy nodded.

Upon exiting Sugarcube Corner, Gilda furrowed her brow as she gazed down the street.

“Uh, Fluttershy?”

“Yes Gilda.”

“Do ponies usually form angry crowds?”

The Pegasus looked puzzled, “Um, I don’t think so, why?”

Gilda raised a talon past Fluttershy, and towards the group of angry looking ponies barrelling down on them, “Because I think we have a problem.”

“Oh, my…”

Chapter 3: Complications.

Gilda frowned, “Fluttershy, you should get out of here, now.”

Fluttershy shook her head, “No. Maybe we can talk to them…”

“Do they look like they want to talk? We don’t have time for this, you need to leave. Now.”

“I won’t leave you!” Fluttershy shot back.

Gilda narrowed her eyes. She glanced at the fast approaching crowd. Sighing, she returned her gaze to the yellow Pegasus beside her. Wordlessly, Gilda stepped out onto the center of the street, and faced the oncoming mob. Fluttershy stood by her side.

“Fluttershy?” Gilda asked, staring ahead.

“Y-yes Gilda?”

“Get behind me.”

After a few seconds, Fluttershy disappeared from Gildas peripheral view. Gilda bowed her head, closed her eyes and blew out a long, slow breath.

“My heart is a lonely hunter, that hunts on a lonely hill,” She whispered to herself.

As her eyes flew open, she sprinted forward. Kicking up dirt and stones in her wake, as she sped forward focusing all of her attention on the first pony caught within her sights. Which happened to be a blue stallion Unicorn, carrying a pitchfork within his magical hold.

His eyes widened as the Griffin closed on him with impressive speed, he dug his hooves into the dirt in an attempt to stop, and dive out of her way.

He was too late.

Gilda lowered herself closer to the ground as she approached the pony. Just before they collided, Gilda curled into a ball and threw herself at him, gliding an inch across the ground. She slammed into his chest, pushing him back onto his haunches. Snatching the pitchfork from his grasp, she followed through with the sheer amount of momentum she had accumulated and propelled herself into the air above his head.

Twirling through the air, she unfurled herself and threw her wings out as gravity propelled her towards a light green Pegasus mare, – who dropped the makeshift club from her mouth and fell onto her rear, dumbfounded – a look of horror crossed her face as the Griffin fell towards her; she raised her hoofs in an attempt to protect herself.

The weight of Gildas body colliding with hers, forced the mare onto her back, splaying her arms either side of her body. One short, close-clawed jab to the side of the face knocked the mare out cold.

Steadily standing to her full height, Gilda took the pitchfork in both of her claws, and ripped the most dangerous end from the shaft. Dropping the iron trident to the ground beside her, she flipped the handle around and held it by the splintered end.

“We don’t have to do this, I’m not here to hurt you and I don’t want to fight,” she announced to the wide circle of ponies that surrounded her.

“Horseapples!”

“Kill it, Kill it!”

Furrowing her brow, Gilda rushed forward again. This time, her sights were set on the three ponies in front of her that made up the back of the circle. (From left to right, a brown Earth pony, a light pink Pegasus and a grey Unicorn.) Clasping her off-claw over the pink mares muzzle; she swatted her make-shift club across the back neck of the Earth pony stallion.

The club shattered on impact, sending splinters of wood – and the stallion – flying in the opposite direction. Taking a firm hold of the stub that remained of her weapon, Gilda jabbed the mare in the ribs, causing her to reflexively flinch away. Wasting no time, Gilda swiftly aligned herself alongside the pony; she jumped and curled her hind legs towards her chest, kicking the Pegasus mare into the Unicorn mare and toppling both of them onto the ground.

Landing on her wings with a grunt, she quickly rolled onto her feet and lunged towards her next target. The black Earth pony stallion reared onto his hind legs, jabbing his front legs towards Gilda. Gilda twisted and dodged his blows; slamming her body against his, she linked her talons together across his back, locking herself to him.

Turning and pulling, the pair fell backwards and rolled across the dirt, until Gilda had the pony in her clutches pinned beneath her weight. Glancing up, Gilda spotted a cream Unicorn mare bearing down on her with what looked like a baseball bat. Flapping her powerful wings, she lifted the stallion off the ground and kicked the stallion in her grasp towards the Unicorn mare just as she took a swing at the Griffin.

The bat collided with the stallion, sending him flying to Gilda’s right. Giving her no reprieve, the Griffin rushed forward, striking the cream mare with a right hay-maker, and following through with an uppercut; the mare was thrown backwards onto her side, landing with a dull ‘THUD’ and sliding a few feet to a halt.

The end result had left Gilda standing on her hind legs for a few seconds longer then she anticipated. Pain exploded through her left side as some unseen Unicorn mare bucked her in the ribs. Rolling to a sliding halt, the Griffin sluggishly recovered her footing. Sucking in a shaky and painful breath, she re-focused her attention towards her new attacker.

Standing fully, the Griffins entire side burned as her breaths came in short, shallow bursts. She guessed that she had a broken rib… or three.

Pushing the pain to the back of her mind, she charged forward. The Unicorn fired up her horn, and fumbled around blindly for anything within reach to hurl at the oncoming Griffin.

With a grin, she found something.

Blindly grasping the object, she flung it toward Gilda with all her might. The Griffins eyes widened as the iron pitch fork head flew toward her. Tucking herself into a ball, she was fortunate enough to narrowly avoid catching the trident with her face. She was not, however, fortunate enough to dodge the projectile completely; she howled as it grazed her back, stripping flesh and feathers alike.

Recovering from her dive, Gilda rushed forward, and followed through with an uppercut; knocking the mare onto her back. She gritted her teeth as she pounced forward and pinned the Unicorn to the ground.

She pressed the ‘thumb’ talon of her left claw against the mares throat as she raised her other claw over her head. Her talons made a resounding ‘SHHNK’ as she readied herself for the killing blow.

“STOP!”

Gilda snapped her gaze up. Fluttershy sat before her, a few feet away. Tears spilled from her wide, horror filled and terrified eyes. “P-please, just s-stop…”

Gilda looked down at the mare beneath her. Her face held the same terrified look as tears brimmed at the edge of her eyes.

Gilda glanced back up Fluttershy, her beak fell open as she stared at the purple Pegasus mare sitting before her; her dark green, stylized mane covering the right side of her face.

She shook her head slowly, “I thought you were better than this…”

Gilda quivered.

The purple mare tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, “I thought you were different.”

Gilda stumbled backwards, oblivious to the Unicorn mare as she scurried away.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…” she whimpered.

Pain flooded through her jaw as a glass bottle collided with it, throwing her to the ground.

“Now, get it!”

“GILDA, NO!”

Gilda curled into a ball as half a dozen hooves pummel her body. A stray hoof collided with the side of her head, causing her body to fall limp, her vision swirled and faded to nothingness.

The last thing she remembered before her world went black, was the purple Pegasus mare, looking down at her with disdain.

Chapter 4: Recuperation.

Tears streamed down Gildas face as she crawled away from the glaring mass before her. Smoke oozed from unseen orifices’ of the shadowy blob, as it tauntingly skulked towards her.

She released a terrified cry as her back hit the wall behind her; she was cornered. “Please…” She pleaded, pushing herself deeper into the wall.

A low chuckled escaped the monsters glowing red maw. A shadowy tentacle shot forth from its body, wrapping itself around the Griffins neck; two more tentacles sprung forward, entangling themselves around her wrists, holding in an outstretched ‘T’ manner.

Its grin widened as she was slowly pulled towards its face, “I like it when you beg,” It cooed.

Gilda quivered with fear as its mouth gave way to a sickly green, slimy tongue.

“We’re gonna have some fun, little fish.”

She clenched her eyes shut, awaiting the inevitable.

She waited. Trembling with fear.

Only to feel.

Nothing?

She blinked, and looked around wildly. She sat beside a serene pond within a forest enclosure; a very familiar midnight blue Alicorn sat on the bank next to her, staring wistfully ahead.

“You know, we really should stop meeting like this.”

“Luna?”

The Princess turned toward the Griffin with a comforting smile, “You were expecting somepony else?”

“N-no I just…” Gilda wiped the tears from her face, “Why are you here?”

Luna tilted her head, “It is my duty to ensure the comfort and happiness of my subjects.”

Gilda frowned, “Yeah, you mentioned that last time. But, I mean there’s gotta be other… ponies that could use your help.”

Luna furrowed her brow, “Firstly, do you think so little of yourself that your problems do not warrant my attention?”

Gilda avoided eye contact with the Princess.

Luna smirked, “And secondly, what makes you think that I can only enter one dream at a time?”

That grabbed the Griffins attention, she snapped her gaze back the Princess, “… what?”

Luna chuckled, “Come now child, tis my royal duty to enter your dreams.”

“That seems a bit… intrusive.”

Luna nodded solemnly, “I can understand how it would appear so to those on the outside. Yet here we are; no monsters, no worries, just… peace and tranquility,”

“Point taken,” Gilda grumbled.

Luna smiled a smile that was short lived, “Which brings me to why I am here.”

“I’ve already told you…”

“You cannot continue to blame yourself, child.”

Gilda scoffed, “If I don’t who will?”

“Gilda…”

“What the hell do you want from me, huh?! I’ve already told you everything, what else do you want?”

The Princesses gaze remained steady, “I only wish to help.”

Gilda sighed, “I know, I’m sorry. I just… I don’t wanna talk about it.”

The princess shuffled closer towards the Griffin, and extended a wing over her shoulders, “I understand it is painful for you. However, I believe confiding in somepony is exactly what you need.”

Gilda frowned, and glanced up at the Alicorn, “I don’t know if I’m comfortable with that. Beside, who would I talk to?”

“Fluttershy, perhaps?”

Gilda shook her head, “Fluttershy? Really?”

Luna nodded, “She has already offered you residence, and if her dreams are any indication-”

Gilda swatted the Princesses wing away, and took a step back, “You’ve been in her dreams?”

Luna blinked, slightly taken aback, “But of course.”

Gilda narrowed her eyes, “That’s impossible. I’ve only been back for less than a day, unless she’s been dreaming about me since before I came back… You’re lying.”

Luna retracted her wing, and frowned, “You really don’t remember, do you?”

“Remember what?” Gilda shot back.

Luna sighed, shaking her head, “Of course you don’t remember, because that would have made my job easier. But oh no, Rosetta forbid my job should be easy…”

“What are you talking about?”

Luna fixed her with a troubled gaze, “Gilda, where do you think you are right now?”

The Griffins beak fell open, “Uh…”

“Allow me to rephrase. What is the last thing you remember?”

Gilda blinked. She couldn’t quite remember, she could only see fragments; as if she had just woken up and was trying to remember her dream, “I… I don’t know. Everything’s foggy. Like it’s on the tip of my tounge…”

“Presque vu,” Luna agreed

“R-right, I was… I was with Fluttershy and…” Her eyes flew wide, “Fluttershy! The angry mob!”

She rushed up to the Alicorn, laying both claws on her shoulders, “Is she okay? Did they hurt her? What happened?”

“Calm yourself, child,” Grabbing Gildas claws with her magic, she gently pushed the Griffin back onto her rear, in a sitting position.

“Please Princess, you gotta tell me! If they hurt her because of me…”

“Fluttershy is perfectly fine, child.”

Gildas chest deflated as she exhaled heavily, “Oh, thank the maker…”

“As are her friends. You need not worry about them, if fact, you should be more concerned with your own well-being.”

The Gilda looked up at her confused, “What do you mean?”

Luna bit her lip, “There is no easy way to tell you this child… but you did suffer quite a few serious blows to some critical areas of your body, and well…”

A look of horror flooded across the Griffins face, “A-am I dead?”

Luna blanched, “What?! No, of course not! You are in a coma.”

Gildas brows shot skyward, as her beak pressed into a thin line.

“And this is the third time we have had this conversation.”

Gilda blinked, “Oh, really?”

Luna nodded.

“I don’t remember… Wait, if I’m… then how are you here? I though you didn’t have dreams if you were in a coma…”

“Ordinarily no,” She smirked, “Do I really need to reiterate the ‘it is my royal duty to come into your dreams’ spiel?”

Gilda grinned sheepishly, “I guess not. Thank you, for caring enough to try to help me.”

Luna beamed, “Perhaps there is something you could do for me, in return.”

“Yeah?”

Luna grinned like a maniac, “I have been dying to know more about your people. What can you tell me about your culture, or religion? Ooo, what kind of fashion do Griffins employ?”

Gilda chuckled, just as she opened her beak to reply, she spotted something in the corner of her eye. Turning her head, she saw a blinding white light shining from between the tree trunks of the think forest. Gilda squinted as the light became more intense, burning brighter.

Luna pouted, “Oh, that is just typical.”

“What is that?”

She smirked, “That is you waking up. I will look forward to our next conversation, Old One.”

Gilda watched on as the midnight Alicorn stretched and twirled into herself. A fierce gale force wind blew from every direction; ripping trees from their roots, and throwing up pikes of dirt and grass. Gildas heart beat faster and faster as her beautiful surroundings were destroyed and mutilated before her very eyes. She stared down at her claws, the edges of her vision blackened as her claws stretched and twirled unnaturally. Her vision blurred as she fell away from herself, and into total darkness.

Dull pain flooded through Gildas body. The Griffin groaned, and squirmed weakly. She could hear muffled voices around her, they sounded familiar yet foreign to her.

“Murm, Mockter? my hrrm pees making hup.”

Gilda slowly opened her eyes. Her vision swam with blurry figures that made her head hurt. She groaned and turned away.

“Herrmmba?”

She turned her head back and blinked rapidly. Slowly, her vision returned to her. Judging from the softness she felt against her back, she guessed that she was lying down. Glancing down, she noticed that her body from her chest onward was covered with a thin green bed sheet. Her claws rested across her stomach; bandages were present around her palms, and stretched up the length of her arms. Turning her attention back to the right side of the bed, she saw a caramel coloured Unicorn stallion with a short brown mane.

“Good morning Gilda, how are you feeling?” He asked softly.

Gilda groaned, and shifted slightly, “Never been better…” She coughed, and swallowed in an attempt to moisten her dry and scratchy throat.

The stallion chuckled, oblivious to her sarcasm, “Well, I’m glad to hear that.”

“How am I doin’, Doc?”

He levitated a clipboard up to his eye line, “Well, you’ve sustained substantial damage to your ribcage, resulting in cracks to your third, fourth and fifth left hoof ribs. A minor laceration to your jaw; nothing major, but you will need to keep those stitches in for a few days. Some minor internal bleeding and trauma to your midsection. Hair-line fractures to your arms and legs. And a minor concussion.”

He lowered the clipboard and gazed at Gilda over his nose, “If it weren’t for your friend, you might not have made it.”

“Friend?”

The stallion nodded to Gildas left. Slowly turning, her beak fell open at the sight before her. Fluttershy sat beside her bed, the meek yellow Pegasus smiled tiredly from behind her disheveled pink mane.

“Fluttershy?”

“Hello Gilda.”

“You brought me here?”

“And stayed with you, Miss Fluttershy hasn’t left your side for three days,” The Doctor interjected.

“I’ve been out for three days?!”

A searing pain stabbed her temples, she winced. This is the third time we’ve had this conversation.

Shaking her head, she looked back at Fluttershy, “Why?”

The Pegasus tiled her head, so Gilda elaborated, “Why did you stay with me? You didn’t have to do that.”

Fluttershy smiled, “Because that’s what friends do.”

Gilda smiled back, she would have thanked Fluttershy for showing her such a kindness, were it not for four other ponies who barged through the closed door of Gildas hospital room.

Rainbow Dash flew up to Gilda, “G! You’re awake!”

Gilda flinched, “Yeah, I am. Mind toning it down a bit?”

Rainbow bowed bashfully, “Sorry, the nurse just told us.”

“How ya feelin’, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

Gilda turned back to the Doctor with a raised eyebrow, “How am I doing?”

He smiled, “A few more days rest, and you’ll be good as new.”

“Well, I guess that answers that.”

“I’ll leave you to your guests,” without another word, the Doctor took his leave.

Gilda turned back to the four ponies eagerly watching her, “So… how did you guys hear about what happened?”

Rarity stepped forward, “News travels fast dear, why, it was just awful the way those ponies came after you!”

Gilda narrowed her eyes at the white Unicorn. She cocked her head and jabbed a talon in the mares’ direction, “Uh… hmm…”

Rarity rolled her eyes, “Rarity, dear.”

“That! Was gonna be my next guess,” Gilda grinned sheepishly.

“Yeah! Well, that and Fluttershy told us,” Rainbow took a step towards the foot of the bed. “Is it true, G? You really take on down eight ponies? By yourself?”

Gilda nodded shamefully.

Rainbows wings fluttered as she grinned, “That’s so awesome!”

Applejack jabbed her side, “Dash!”

“What?! Oh, come on AJ! You heard about those ninja moves she pulled, you have to admit, it was pretty cool.”

Rainbow turned back to Gilda, “Where’d you learn to fight like that, anyway?”

Gilda looked away, “I’ve learned a lot of things since I’ve been away.”

Dash leaned closer, “Yeah? Like what?”

Gilda huffed, “I don’t wanna talk about it.”

Rainbow opened her mouth to push the conversation further. She swiftly closed it when she received another jab, and a glare from the farmer beside her. “Ah think Gilda needs her rest. Come on gang.”

Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity all began slowly making their way towards the exit.

“You comin’, Fluttershy?”

She shook her head, “I’d like to stay with Gilda, if you girls don’t mind.”

Applejack smiled, “Sure thing, sugar cube.”

“How ‘bout you Pinkie?”

The pink mare sat on her haunches at the foot of Gildas bed. She held a deflated look about her. It took Gilda a few seconds to realise that she had been present here the entire time her friends had, and in all that time she hadn’t said two words. Pinkies over-the-top antics had been the reason for Gildas hatred towards her in the first place.
But now? Seeing the usually exuberant party mare in such a depressing state, disconcerted the Griffin deeply.

“Pinkie Pie?” She asked.

“Why did you go outside?” Pinkie asked absently.

Gilda opened her beak.

“I told you not to go outside.”

Gilda nodded solemnly, “Yeah, you did.”

Pinkie turned to face the Griffin, “Then why did you go outside?!”

She shook her head, “I don’t know.”

Pinkie shook her head, dejectedly, “And now you’re in the Hospital…”

“Hey!”

Pinkie gave a startled jump, and look up at Gilda.

“This is not your fault. I’m the one who walked out the door. I’m the one they were after. The blame here, is with me.”

“Well, I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

Everypony – and Griffin – turned their attention towards the entrance of Gildas room. Standing proudly in the doorway, was a regal looking lavender Unicorn. Golden plated boots covered the edges of her hoofs, with a pink six-pointed star adorning the front of each boot. A large, thick golden necklace clung tightly around her neck, brandishing a larger version of the same six-pointed star. Atop her head, sat a golden tiara with an exact copy of the star present on her breast piece.

“Twilight!” Everypony shouted in unison.

She smiled, “Hello girls, it’s been a while.”

The other five mares in the room swarmed Twilight, leaving Gilda sitting in her bed, confused. After a while, the rabble died down.

“Sorry girls, I wish this were a casual visit,” she pushed past her friends, “I came as soon as I heard. I had hoped to keep this entire ordeal as quiet as possible.”

“Ordeal?”

“Twi, what in the Sam hill are y’all talkin’ about?”

“The attack on her,” Twilight answered, staring at Gilda.

Gilda frowned, “So a bunch of ponies held onto a grudge, what’s the big deal?”

Twilight shook her head with a sigh, “Girls, could you please give me a minute with Gilda? We have some important matters to discuss.”

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie all nodded and mumbled their agreement. Soon only Twilight, Fluttershy and Gilda remained as they shut the door behind them.

“Fluttershy, do you mind?”

The Pegasus looked distraught, “I-I don’t want to leave Gilda by herself.

“Fluttershy, you don’t have to-”

“No no, it’s fine,” Twilight interjected. She gave Fluttershy an understanding smile. Turing back to Gilda, she frowned at the look of incomprehensibility the Griffin held.

"Err, is something wrong?"

Gilda frowned, "I know it's been a while. But I'm pretty sure you didn't have wings the last time I saw you..."

Twilight flexed her wings, and grinned bashfully, "Oh, right. Heh heh, it's a bit of a long story."

"Twilight is a Princess now," Fluttershy added happily.

"Really? Huh. Didn't see that coming..."

Twilight cleared her throat, "If we could get back to the topic at hoof..."

"Oh, yeah. The uh... revenge thing.

Twilight sighed again, “This ordeal was not about revenge, Gilda. It has less to do with some petty grudge, and more to do with the rising instability between Grifforia and Equestria.”

“What?” Gilda questioned.

“Not three weeks ago there was an incident in Fillydelphia.”

“Incident? I didn’t hear about any incident,” Fluttershy added.

Twilight turned back to her friend with a smirk, “Of course you didn’t. I wouldn’t be very good at my job if you did.”

She turned back to Gilda, “Which brings me to why I am here. I’ve managed to pull a few strings, the only factor that remains is you, Gilda.”

“Me?”

Twilight nodded, “Currently, there are eight counts of assault pending against you.”

“What!?” Gilda narrowed her eyes, “Those ponies came after me.”

“True, but you attacked first.”

Gilda scoffed and shook her head, “I can’t believe this!”

“Be that as it may, the fact still remains. This act cannot go unpunished. As I said, I was able to pull some strings, your choice of rehabilitation comes down to one year of community service…”

“A year?!”

“Or, three months in Crystal Star State Penitentiary.”

Gilda snapped her attention back to Twilight. She fought to contain her quivers as she asked, “C-Crystal Star…?”

Twilight nodded.

“A-and that’s it? One or the other?”

Twilight nodded again, “Yes.”

“Why are you letting me choose?”

“Because I would like to give you the benefit of the doubt.”

Gilda could feel a shiver run down her spine, she swallowed hard, “I’ll take the community service.”

Twilight gave her a small smile, “Alright then. Report to town hall first thing Monday morning, the paper work should be done by then.”

Without another word, Twilight turned and left the room, leaving Gilda and Fluttershy alone.

“Crystal Star…” Gilda murmured to herself.

“Um, Gilda?”

Gilda slowly glanced up at her, “Yeah?”

“What is ‘Crystal Star’? I-if you don’t mind me asking.”

Gilda shook her head, “Trust me, Fluttershy. You really don’t want to know.”

Chapter 5: Confessions.

“Can you at least tell me where we’re going?”

“I’m afraid not, it’s a surprise!” Fluttershy replied happily.

Gilda rolled her eyes, “Yeah, right.”

The Griffin sighed, she and her companion continued along the quiet dirt path towards their destination. After spending another three days in bed recovering, Gilda was eventually deemed competent enough to earn a discharge from the hospital. Not that she was fully healed; she still needed to keep her stitches in for the next week or so. And maintain a light workload. However, walking was well within the small list of activates she could easily facilitate.

Her wings fluttered with agitation, “How much longer till we get there?”

“We’re almost there,” Fluttershy chirped.

With another sigh, Gilda frowned as she trudged along.

Clearing a small alleyway lined with houses, the duo emerged onto a large open area. Before then stood a giant oak tree; in the evening dusk, the lights from within shone brightly through the windows, which could be seen elevating to various heights of the tree.

Gilda furrowed her brow with confusion, “A tree. You brought me to a tree?”

Fluttershy giggled, “No silly, this is the Golden Oak Library.”

Gilda glanced between the Pegasus at her side, and the tree before her, “That’s a library?”

Fluttershy nodded, “Twilight used to work here before she moved away.”

“Really? Who runs the place now?”

“Spike.”

“Spike… who was that again?”

“He was the dragon… you met him last time you were here, at your party…?”

“Spike… oh! You mean the little dude?”

Fluttershy nodded, “He's away in Canterlot at the moment.

“Huh."

Fluttershy quickened her pace, Gilda followed suit. Reaching the door, Fluttershy stepped aside.

She beckoned Gilda to enter the building, “After you.”

Gilda frowned, she eyed the Pegasus suspiciously as she pushed the door open.

“So, how is a tree supposed to be a-” Gilda reflexively covered her face as a shower of bright light, and confetti bombarded her.

“SURPRISE!” A parade of voices screamed.

Lowering her claws, Gilda blinked several times, returning her vision to her. Before her stood five ponies, all eagerly beaming at her with anticipation.

“Uh…”

Gilda scanned the room around her. The local Ponyville library – in which she currently stood – had been decorated with streamers, balloons and all other manor of party décor. The most predominant of which was a giant white banner, which hung lowly across the center the rotunda-like room. Scribbled in red crayon across the banner read: Happy ‘Gilda Got Out Of Hospital’ Party.

Gilda glanced back at the Ponies in front of her.

She quirked an eyebrow, “Really?”

Pinkie hopped forward, “Yup! You didn’t really think that I wasn’t going to throw you a party, did you?”

Gilda chuckled, shaking her head, “Yeah, I guess not.”

Pinkie turned back to her friends, “Now come on everypony, let’s par-tay!”

A chorus of cheers replied to her, as the sound of music kicked off the evening’s celebration.

Gilda shuffled her way around the edge of the room, and stood idly by what appeared to be the refreshments table; all manner of sweets, treats, drinks and snacks lined the small rectangular fold-away table.

Gilda couldn’t help but chuckle at the ponies around her as they danced – at least, she thought that was considered dancing – She shook her head; enjoying spending time with ponies, she never thought that would ever happen.

Twilight trotted up to her during a lull in the music, “Hello Gilda, how are you doing?”

“Just peachy, Princess.”

Twilight smiled, “There is no need for such formalities here, I’m off-duty.”

Gilda eyed her, “Really? You’re not here to check up on me, and make sure I do what I’m told.”

Twilight chuckled, “Of course not. Besides, we both know that you are going to behave yourself.”

Gilda narrowed her eyes.

Twilight sighed, “Let’s not spoil the mood, try to enjoy yourself. Okay?”

Gilda glanced away, “Sure, if you answer me one question.”

Twilight tilted her head.

Gilda spoke in a low voice, “How bad are things with Grifforia?”

“Gilda…”

“How bad?”

Twilight sighed, “Honestly? I don’t know. I’d like to think Celestia is making some head-way on the matter, but that’s just wishful thinking.”

The Griffin frowned, “What does that mean?”

“It means, things could become very bad, for all of us.”

“What, like ‘staring a war’ bad?”

Twilight grimaced, and glanced down.

Gildas face fell, “Holy crap, seriously?”

“It may be a possibility, yes.”

“Maker… do you really think it’ll come to that?”

Twilight frowned, “I sincerely hope not. However that hasn’t stopped Cadence from adding a regiment of Crystal Guards to the Canterlot garrison; or Luna from trying to enact mandatory conscription.”

Gilda glanced back to the other ponies at her party. She couldn’t help the smile across her face as she gazed at them; they all looked so carefree, in spite of the current situation.

“Do they know?”

“No.”

“Then why are you telling me?”

Twilight thought for a moment, “Because, I thought you might like to have a fair warning.”

Gilda furrowed her brow as she glanced back at Twilight.

“If things were to escalate…”

Gilda glanced at Fluttershy, “Yeah, I kinda figured as much.”

“We need to know where you stand.”

Gilda cocked her head, "Wait, what?”

Twilight scanned for potential eavesdroppers, “If things did explode, and we were faced with the Nightmare scenario. Who would you stand with: Equestria or Grifforia?”

Gilda frowned, “I-I don’t know, I hadn’t put much thought into it.”

She glanced away from Twilight, “Can I think about it?”

Twilight frowned with a huff, “Of course, but I urge you to come to a verdict quickly. The sooner we know where you stand, the better.”

“Yeah, right.”

Rainbow Dash strode up to the pair with a grin, “Hey guys, whatcha doing?”

“I was just leaving,” Twilight declared.

Slowly, she stood and made her way over towards Applejack and Rarity; on the opposite side of the room.

She called over her shoulder as she walked, “If you stood with us, you would be protected. Just something to consider.”

Gilda gave her a short nod, and looked away.

Rainbow looked confused, “What was that about?”

“Nothing.”

Gilda turned back to the Pegasus, “Something I can do for you, Dash?”

Rainbow lowered her head, and glanced around, “Yeah, actually. You said we could talk in private?”

Gilda swallowed, “Yeah, right. Follow me.”

Checking that nopony was looking her way, Gilda swiftly and quietly led Dash out the front door of the library. The sky above them was heavily overcast, with dozens of clouds listing lazily across the town.

It was a good place for the privacy they needed.

Flaring her wings, Gilda took to the sky; with Rainbow following close behind her. The pair set down on a small cumulus cloud; just above the library, yet still high enough so they wouldn’t be disturbed.

Gilda couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the brightly illuminated town. Her mood slowly fell as the realisation began to sink in; she was going to tell Dash.

She sighed, “So…”

“So what the hay happened?” Rainbow blurted out, she never was one for subtlety.

Gilda shook her head, “So much, Dash. So much.”

Rainbow shot her an annoyed look, “Well?”

Gilda grimaced, her heart was pounding within her chest, “I don’t like talking about it. But you need to know.”

Gilda took a shuddered breath before she continued.

Fluttershy trotted up to Rarity and Applejack, “Um, girls? Have either of you seen Gilda or Rainbow Dash?”

Applejack shook her head, “Nope, can’t say Ah have.”

“They probably slipped out for a minute. As I understand it, Rainbow Dash was meaning to talk with Gilda privately.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Why, is sumthin’ the matter?”

“N-no, I was just curious.”

Rarity smirked, “Are you sure about that?”

Fluttershy took a step back, “W-what do you mean?”

The Unicorn smiled, “I simply find it interesting how much time you and Gilda have been spending together.”

Fluttershy blushed, “I-I just want to make sure she was alright, that’s all.”

“Come on, Rare. This ain’t like one-uh-ya romance novels, just cause they spend time together, don’t mean they are together.

Fluttershy lowered her head.

Rarity shot Applejack a sly look, “Oh really? Just like you and Rainbow Dash?”

“Exactly! Wait, what?”

Rarity giggled, “Nothing dear, just a casual observation I’ve made.”

Applejack squinted at her, “An what is that supposed ta mean?”

Rarity feigned shock, “You don’t know?! You mean you never wondered why she touches your cutie mark with her wingtips?!”

Fluttershy perked up, “W-what?! Rainbow Dash has been tip-touching you?”

Applejack glanced between her two friends, confusion evident on the farmers face.

She turned to Fluttershy, “She may have done that… wing thing a couple uh times.”

Applejack faced Rarity, “Ah thought it was a normal gesture, ya know. Kinda like a hoof bump.”

Fluttershy and Rarity looked at each other. Fluttershy blushing profusely, Rarity failing to contain her hysterical giggling.

Applejack frowned, glaring at her friends, “Will one o’ ya tell me just what the hay is goin’ on here!?”

Rarity wiped a tear from her eye, “I think you should ask Rainbow Dash about it when she gets back.”

“Yeah? Well, maybe Ah will!” Applejack blew a gust of air through her nose, “Where is she anyway?”

Rarity rolled her eyes, “As I said before, she stepped out to have a word with Gilda.”

Applejack glanced over her shoulder. She shot Rarity and Fluttershy a look, “Hey, don’t ya think they been gone fer a while now?”

“Do you think we should check on them?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m sure they’re fine.”

Fluttershy frowned, she couldn’t shake the oppressive feeling on unease that slowly seeped through her, “I hope so…”

Rainbow Dash hung her head, with her ears folded back. She didn’t know how to react, or what to do. It was one of the few moments in her life where she was at a complete loss. Her mind swam with dozens of different thoughts and feelings.

She shook her head, “Goddess’s, I didn’t know… the way I acted… G, I’m so sorr-”

“Shut up.”

Dash winced, and snapped her attention to her companion.

Gilda glared at her pleadingly, tears streaming down her face, “Don’t you dare pity me.”

Rainbow lunged forward, and wrapped her arms around Gildas midsection, “I’m sorry G! I’m so sorry!”

Gilda gritted her teeth as she clenched her eyes shut, “I-it’s okay…”

“No it isn’t, I didn’t know!” Dash wailed.

Gilda smiled through her tears, “It’s okay Dash, really. It’s fine.”

Rainbow pushed herself away, and gazed up at her friend, stunned, “H-how can you say that?”

She shrugged, “Well, someone had to take me down a few pegs.”

Dash took a step back, she now looked horrified, “You’re making jokes?!”

Gilda shook her head, “What do you want me to do? Sit on my ass and bitch about how hard my life had been?”

“Well-”

“I can’t do that. Besides, it’s not all bad. I mean, look at us. Three years ago, would you have pictured us here, Talking? After the way I left?”

Rainbow sighed, “No.”

Gilda smirked, and wiped her face, “See? It’s not all bad.”

Rainbow furrowed her brow, “Doesn’t mean that you deserved what happened.”

Gilda nodded solemnly, “Yeah. But life don’t work like that, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.” She shrugged, “Nothing you can really do about it. Except learn from it, move on and try to make the most of it.”

Rainbow gave Gilda a curious look, “Huh, that’s an… interesting way of looking at it.”

Gilda smiled slightly, “I’m just being realistic.”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but beam at her friend, “You really have changed, haven’t you?”

Gilda puffed her chest out with a grin, “Yeah, I guess I have. Better late than never, right?”

Rainbow laughed, “Yeah, right.”

Rainbow glanced up at the moon, despite the fact that she couldn’t tell what the time was, she was fairly certain that it had moved a dramatic distance since they began their conversation.

“Goddess’s how long have we been here? We should get back, before the others start looking for us.”

Gilda nodded, “Yeah.”

Sliding of the cloud, the pair gently glided back to earth; and landed just outside the library door. Stepping back inside the tree, the pair was greeted by the questioning stares of everypony in the library; and a very cross looking farmer.

“Rainbow Dash! Ah need ta speak with ya, now.”

Rainbows eyes widened, “O-okay, but I swear I didn’t do it! Whatever it is…”

Applejack dragged Rainbow Dash to the other side of the library. Twilight Sparkle was nowhere to be seen, as Rarity stepped up to Gildas right, and Fluttershy her left. They joined the very confused looking Griffin by the entrance of the library.

“Uh, what the heck was that about?” Gilda asked.

Rarity grinned slyly, “I’m afraid Rainbow Dash has a bit of explaining to do.”

Gilda glanced to Rarity, questioningly, then over to Fluttershy, prompting her to explain.

“O-oh, um. Apparently Rainbow Dash has been tip-touching Applejack.”

She glanced between the two ponies beside her, “And that is…?”

“It is a symbolic gesture among the Pegasai. Most Ponies think of it as flirtatious in nature; however it is more accurately a way of conveying attraction on a deeply personal level.”

Fluttershy and Gilda both looked at Rarity. The Fashionista glanced at the pair and rolled her eyes, “Yes, I do know things outside of fashion.”

Gilda glanced back at Fluttershy, “So, what is it exactly?”

“Well, if you like somepony, you touch their cuite mark with the tip of your wing.”

Gilda quirked an eyebrow, “Like this?” She extended her wing, and draped it over Fluttershy’s back; gently brushing her wing tips over the Pegasus’ cuite mark as she retracted her wing.

Fluttershy stiffened at the contact, and blushed furiously, “Y-yes, l-like that…”

“Huh,” Gilda shifted slightly. “Sorry about that,”

“I-it’s fine…”

Gilda opened her beak to press the matter further. Clearly her action had upset the Pegasus, or startled/confused her at the very least. She decided against it when the sound of somepony clearing their throat caught her attention, her and Fluttershy glanced back at Rarity.

“If you two love birds are quit done?” She gestured across the room.

Following her gaze, the Griffin and Ponies observed a very interesting conversation taking place. Form their position, the trio couldn’t make out the contents of their conversation, although that didn’t stop them from reading their facial expressions

Applejack looked as if she was about to murder Rainbow Dash, said Pegasus was flailing her arms about shaking her head.

Applejack narrowed her eyes as she leaned towards Dash and muttered something.

Rainbow Dash shrugged and rubbed the back of her neck nervously as she answered.

Applejack seemed to relax a little as she nodded.

Rainbow rolled her hoof aimlessly as she explained herself.

Applejack’s glare faded slowly. She blinked and fell onto her haunches, tilting her head.

Rainbow grinned sheepishly as she continued.

Applejacks eyes flew wide as her mouth fell open.

Rainbows Dashes wings fidgeted as she shrugged again.

A look of deep contemplation crossed Applejacks face.

“I think we should give those two a little more privacy,” Rarity said.

“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea,” Gilda commented, “Besides, it’s getting kinda late. We should go.”

“Very well then, until we meet again take care of yourselves,” Rarity bowed her head, and departed ways with Fluttershy and Gilda.

Gilda glanced back at Fluttershy, “You wanna lead the way? I don’t know if I’d be able to find your house at night.”

“Of course,” Fluttershy smiled, and left the library. Gilda in tow.

Gilda sighed as she entered Fluttershy’s small cottage, the afore mentioned Pegasus had stepped into a side room once they entered the cottage. Gilda had previously only set foot inside her home once before, although back then, Gilda was in too much of a hurry to make amends.

Now that she had time to stop, and examine, she found that the cottage held a pleasant air about it. She would even go so far as to describe it as cosy. The front door of the tree gave way to a spacious living room, where a large crimson rug struggled to cover the timber floorboards in the center of the room.

To her left, beside a doorway that led into another room, was a simple timber staircase that led up to an unknown destination. To her right, along the far wall, was a simple stone fireplace; judging by the pans that hung from the rack above it, it was where the Pegasus cooked her meals.

Gilda walked over to the couch directly opposite her, and sat down. The couch ran parallel with the wall, and mirrored another chair across form it, with a small side table between them.

Fluttershy emerged from the side room she had ducked into, a small smile on her face, “Well, that was an interesting evening.”

“Yeah, ya don’t say.”

Gilda frowned as she glanced away, “Fluttershy, can we talk?”

Fluttershy sat down beside Gilda, on the other chair, “Of course. What did you want to talk about?”

Gilda glanced away and frowned again, “Us.”

Fluttershy blinked, “Excuse me?”

Gilda shot her a blank look, “What are we, Fluttershy?”

“N-nothing, I don’t know wh-”

“I’m not stupid, Fluttershy. I’ve seen the way you look at me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me, and there’s no way I could ever repay you, but what does that make us?”

Fluttershy drooped her head, and glanced away, “I don’t know. What do you think we are?”

Gilda shook her head, “I don’t know. But I don’t think ‘us’ would be a good idea,”

“Why?”

Gilda shot her a flat look, “Seriously? You heard Twilight; if things go to hell, who do you think those Ponies will come for?” She shook her head, “I don’t want to put you in the firing line.”

“And if there was no danger?”

“Huh?”

Fluttershy shifted, “If there was no danger, or threat, would that change things?”

Gilda sighed, “Probably not.”

“Why not?”

Gilda sighed, “Because. I don’t have a clue about ‘romance’ or anything like that. And, I don’t want to build your hopes up, just to smash them.”

Fluttershy hunched over, “I see.”

“That being said, I’d be willing to give it a try.”

Fluttershy snapped her head up, “What?!”

“Look, I meant what I said earlier; I don’t want to get your hopes up.” She slid off the couch, “But I do owe you, and I can’t think of anything else that would cut it.”

She offered a claw to Fluttershy, “So, what do ya say?”

Still dumbfounded, Fluttershy took her claw and allowed Gilda to pull her to her hooves. She stared at Gilda, still not sure how to respond.

Gilda looked at her with a smug smile, “Ya know, you’re going to have to close your mouth eventually.”

Fluttershy shook herself back to reality, “S-sorry. Um, I would like that, Gilda. Giving it a shot, I mean.”

Gilda grinned, “Well alright then.”

The pair stared at each other, awkwardly.

“So, what happens now?” Fluttershy asked.

“Uh, yeah. I hadn’t though that far ahead,” She grinned sheepishly, “Not really much of a forward planner.”

“Well…”Fluttershy pawed the floorboards beneath her, “Would you like to go to bed now?”

Gilda recoiled with a surprised look, “Whoa, that was quick; I’m pretty sure we have to go on a date first.”

“Wha-!? N-no! I didn’t mean-” Fluttershy fell onto her rump, wide-eyed and blushing.

Gilda chuckled, “Got ya.”

Gilda blinked. With a sigh, she concluded her intense staring contest with the timber roof of Fluttershy’s cottage, and instead, occupied herself with staring out one of the two windows on the right side of her bed.
The clear night sky bustled with millions of stars, burning like far-off candles. When she was just an eaglet, one of her caregivers had told her that ‘the stars were the windows of Ciel, so the souls of those past could watch over us’. She didn’t know if she still believed that, but it was a nice sentiment.

Turning away from the window, she glanced down at her side. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight; Fluttershy had wrapped one of her hooves around Gilda’s midsection, while the Pegasus’s face was buried in her chest. Gilda could easily outweigh how strange and weird it felt, with the fact that Fluttershy looked adorable hugging her like some kind of stuffed animal.

Her brief moment of tenderness was cut short when she noticed something in the corner of her eye; Luna smiled at her from beside the staircase that lead to Fluttershy’s room.

“Well, this a refreshing change of pace.”

“Figures that this would be a dream,” Gilda gently slipped out of Fluttershy's grasp.

“I have missed our conversations, Old One.”

Gilda furrowed her brows as she walked towards the staircase, “Why do you keep calling me that? I‘m only sixty three.”

Strolling past the Princess, Gilda crept downstairs. Luna was waiting for her; sitting on the crimson rug in the center of the main room, she held a surprised look.

“Only sixty three? You say it so nonchalantly.”

Gilda tilted her head in confusion, Luna rolled her eyes and rephrased, “You say it like it isn’t a big deal.”

Gilda scoffed, “It isn’t. Hell, back in Grifforia? I’d barely pass as an adult.”

Luna’s mouth pressed into a thin line, “Interesting,” She murmured.

Gilda sighed, “I’m assuming you’re not here to talk about our age differences.”

Luna shook her head, “Unfortunately not, though I would like nothing more. I came to check on you, how are you doing?”

“I’m good, I guess. Why?”

“I understand you told Rainbow Dash.”

Gilda blinked, taken aback, “Yeah, how did-”

“Everything that transpires during the night, falls under my jurisdiction,” She smirked briefly, before concern overwhelmed her features, “So, how are you?”

Gilda took a long, calming breath, “Y-yeah, I’m good. I mean, it was hard, but I’m glad I finally got it all out, you know?”

Luna smiled, “Indeed, and I see you took my other piece of advice.”

Gilda nodded half-heartedly, “Yeah, that just kinda… happened. I’m still not sure what to make of it.”

Luna frowned, “You doubt your relationship will last?”

“In the long run, yeah. I mean, Fluttershy is cool and all, and she seems like a really nice Pony; but I feel like she deserves better. But the way she looks at me? She’s got it bad, and well…”

Luna smiled wistfully, “Nopony ever said love was without complication.”

“Yeah, love…”

Luna’s smile fell again, “You don’t return her feelings?”

Gilda looked away, “Not really.”

“Hmm, surely you could tell her?”

Gilda shot Luna a heated look, “And what, break her heart? After everything she’s done for me?”

Luna gazed down at Gilda with deep concern, “How is leading her on any better?”

“I never said it was better, but it sure beats hurting her.”

Luna shook her head disappointingly, “So you would continue with this ruse?”

“What the hell am I supposed to do!?” Gilda shot back.

“Tell her the truth.”

Gilda hung her head, “I-I can’t.”

Luna cupped her hoof under the Griffins chin, and lifted her head, “I understand, child. But know this; the longer you prolong this charade, the deeper it will hurt her when it falls through.”

Gilda blinked, and nodded, “I know, but maybe it doesn’t have to.”

Luna dropped her hoof to the ground, and prompted Gilda to continue.

“Maybe, maybe I can develop feelings for her. That’s possible, right?”

Luna frowned, “Typically there needs to be some kind of residual attraction for the flame of love to spark.”

“So it is possible?”

“Well, yes. But-”

“Then that’s what I’ll do.”

“You cannot force yourself to fall in love, it doesn’t work that way,” Luna chided.

“I know, but I gotta try. I owe Fluttershy that much.”

Luna sighed curtly, "You know, I could lecture you about all of the different ways your plan would fail."

"You could."

"But you wouldn't listen, would you?

"Probably not."

Luna shook her head with a smile, "Then I wish you luck, Old One."

"Yeah, thanks."

Luna stood and began making her way towards the entrance of Fluttershy's small cottage.

"Hey Princess?"

Luna turned, "Yes?"

"The next time you see Twilight, can you tell I said Equestria? She'll know what it means."

Luna smiled, "Of course child."

A blue aura surrounded Luna's horn, causing a blinding flash of light. When Gilda opened her eyes, she was laying down, in Flutterhsy's bed. The Pegasus is question was snuggled against her chest, sleeping soundly.

She grinned, and whispered to herself, "One year to work off my debt. Things should be pretty interesting."

Author's Note

I'm sorry this took so long, I don't know what happened. All I remember is, a mate of mine gifted me this game called Dust: An Elysian Tale on Steam... and then everything gets kinda hazy after that... The next chapter will also be the last one, and should be uploaded within two weeks.

Chapter 6: Questions Without Answers.

Gilda couldn’t help but smile to herself. From the small stone bench that she sat, she marveled at the sight of the late afternoon sun, slowly disappearing behind the horizon, clouded by the far-off shrubbery, and trees of the Everfree Forest.

She glanced to her left; from this angle, it looked as if her yellow companion was hiding behind her flowing pink mane, all the while remaining snuggled against her chest. She chuckled, and turned her attention back towards the setting sun.

“Something funny?” Fluttershy asked through closed eyes.

Gilda shook her head, “Just enjoying your company, mon amour.”

Fluttershy smiled, and buried herself deeper into the Griffins embrace. Gilda arched her tail over Fluttershy’s, and half-stretched her wing around the Pegasus' shoulder. The Griffin closed her eyes, and basked in the serenity.

Until the sound of rustling leaves caught her attention.

Peeking through one of her eyes, she spotted a lavender Alicorn standing to her right. Twilight Sparkle appeared to be staring wistfully ahead, enjoying the beautiful sunset.

“Twilight.”

“Gilda,” Twilight faced her with a smile.

“Hello, Twilight.”

Twilight nodded, “Fluttershy.”

“I take it this isn’t a social visit?” Gilda inquired.

“Yes and no. First and foremost, I came to check up on you two.”

“We’re fine, Twilight. Thank you for your concern,” Fluttershy assured.

Twilight smiled again, “I see that.”

Gilda glanced back at Fluttershy, then fixed Twilight with a determined look, “So… how are things going?”

Twilight sighed, “Compared to three months ago? Better. But things are still pretty iffy at the moment.”

Gilda and Fluttershy glanced at each other uneasily.

“Which brings me to the second reason for my visit. Gilda, I need you to come with me.”

“Why?” Fluttershy interjected.

“What’s going on, Twilight?”

Twilight glanced over her shoulder, “I can’t say here, but I wouldn’t ask this of you if it wasn’t important.”

Gilda glanced at Fluttershy again, then back to Twilight, “Okay, I’ll come with you.”

“But Gild-”

“Shh, it’s alright,” Gilda pressed a talon over Fluttershy’s mouth, “I’ll be okay.” She removed her talon and wrapped her arms around the Pegasus’ neck, bringing her into a tight embrace.

“I promise I’ll be alright,” she reassured.

Fluttershy broke the embrace, and held Gilda and arm’s length, “I know, because I’m coming with you,” she said with a look of determination.

Gilda pressed her beak into a firm line as contemplation crossed her face. She turned back to Twilight, “Where we’re going – will it be dangerous?”

Twilight shook her head, “I honestly don’t know, there is a very high chance it will be.”

Gilda turned back to Fluttershy, “I can’t take that risk. Fluttershy, I need you to stay here.”

Fluttershy slumped her shoulders, she shook her head disapprovingly, “So you’re just going to leave me here? Worrying sick about you, while you run off to goodness know where?”

Gilda’s features softened, “If something happened to you, I would never forgive myself.”

“How do you think I feel? I’ve stood by your side for this long, I won’t leave you now. I’m coming with you.”

Gilda frowned, “Flutter-”

“I said I’m coming with you, and that’s final,” She nodded curtly, finalizing her conviction.

Gilda sighed exasperatedly, “Anyone ever tell you you’re as stubborn as a mule?”

Fluttershy smiled, “What can I say? I’ve had a lot of influence from this Griffin I know.”

Gilda gave her a small smile, she and Fluttershy stood from their seat and faced Twilight, “Well, I guess I’ll be adding a plus one to the trip.”

Twilight smiled as she shifted her attention between the duo in front of her, “I couldn’t think of a better companion for you.”

A purple magical aura surrounded her horn, “We don’t have time to hoof it back to Canterlot, so try to relax; this may feel a little… strange.”

Blinding light exploded form her horn, consuming them in its flash. The only remnants they left in their wake, was a small patch of scorched Earth.

Chapter 7: Playing Your Role.

Gilda swayed uncontrollably. Her vision swam as her head spun at a rate of a million miles an hour. She lost control of her balance, and promptly face-planted into the cool, cobblestone floor beneath her. She took a few moments to calm herself, her vision began to clear. She carefully planted her feet beneath her, and surveyed her surroundings.

She was standing in a gigantic, dimly lit, dome-like room. In the dead centre of the room, directly beneath the only source of light, stood a low-set stone table: tomes, scrolls and maps were strewn over the entire surface of the table. Whirling on herself, she found Fluttershy behind her: plopped on her haunches, holding her head in her hooves.

“Fluttershy!” She cried as she rushed to the Pegasus’ side, “Are you okay?”

Fluttershy faced her with a dazed look, “I-I think so…” She shook herself back to reality, and glanced around the ominous room, “Where are we?”

“Canterlot,” A familiar disembodied voice answered, “More specifically, the catacombs beneath Canterlot.”

Gilda and Fluttershy turned toward the stone table, Twilight stepped forward out of the shadows, watching them impassively.

Gilda helped Fluttershy to her hooves, “I didn’t know Canterlot had catacombs,” Fluttershy commented.

“It was originally a crystal deposit. I discovered it two years ago, during Chrysalis’ invasion. I’ve been spending most of my time since then harvesting the crystals, and building this chamber.”

“Why?”

“Two reasons, actually. It turns out the crystals are highly magnified with a magical energy, more so than I’ve seen before. The residual energy that this entire chamber is saturated in, allows me to channel my magic much more effectively.”

“And the second reason?”

“Said residual energy also radiates a type of cloaking aura. So we don’t have to worry about any unwanted eavesdroppers.”

Gilda glanced uneasily at Fluttershy, “Okay, why did you bring us here, what do you want?”

Twilight sighed, “We need your help.”

Fluttershy and Gilda made their way towards the table, they stood directly opposite Twilight.

“What do you want me to do?” Gilda asked.

A lavender aura flooded over Twilights horn, she levitated a large, old looking tome from beneath the stacks of papers, and set it down in front of Gilda and Fluttershy. The pair examined the book before them, the language written on the pages was not something Fluttershy had seen before: sloppy scratches formed strange looking symbols, rather than words. Gilda clenched her jaw.

“T-that isn’t Equestrian, what is that?” Fluttershy questioned.

“It’s Prench,” Gilda replied evenly, not taking her eyes off Twilight, “Where did you get that?”

“Information is my job, Gilda.”

“Wait,” Fluttershy turned to Gilda, “You can read that?”

Gilda glanced back at her, “Of course I can.”

“Well, what does it say?”

“It’s a lineage chart,” Twilight interjected, “It details every member of the Griffin Royal Family.”

Fluttershy glanced between Gilda and Twilight, “What does that have to do with Gilda?”

Twilight nodded towards Fluttershy, “Do you want to tell her, or should I?”

“Tell me what…?”

Gilda faced Fluttershy, she opened her beak.

“She’s a Princess,” Twilight blurted out.

Gilda glared at Twilight, while Fluttershy’s eyes flew wide, “W-what?”

“More specifically, she is rightful ruler of Grifforia, and next in line to take over the throne.”

Fluttershy stared at Gilda, dumbfounded. Gilda continued to glare at Twilight.

“No. I won’t do it.”

“Gilda…”

“Information is your job, right? You know why I left?”

“I have been able to put some of the pieces together, yes.”

Gilda narrowed her eyes, “I am not going back.”

“Gilda, we don’t have a choice. Tomorrow, the King of Grifforia will formally resign, and appoint his successor. That is the only chance we will have to put you on the throne.”

“I don’t care, it’s not my problem.”

Twilight gritted her teeth, “This is as much your problem as anyponies, we are facing certain extinction here!”

“Ooo, I’m just shaking in my feathers, here,” Gilda mocked.

Twilight glared, “How many lives do we need to lose before you accept your destiny?!”

“Oh, why don’t you just shove it up your a-”

“STOP IT.”

Gilda and Twilight flinched, and turned towards Fluttershy: She sat before them, panting harshly, tears streaming down her face.

She turned to Gilda, “Please, s-stop fighting.”

A pang of guilt stabbed at Gilda’s chest, her features softened as her shoulders slumped, “Fluttershy…”

“S-stop,” She sobbed.

Gilda stepped forward and wrapped her in a comforting embrace, all of her anger melted away at once, “Fluttershy, I’m sorry.” The yellow Pegasus buried her face deeply into Gilda’s chest, heaving with shuddered with sobs.

Gilda tightened her embrace, she frowned as she glanced at Twilight. Twilight lowered her head remorsefully, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Fluttershy pushed Gilda away as her sobs began to subside, however she kept her at arm’s length. Gilda cupped a single talon under the Pegasus’ chin, raising her head to meet her gaze; she used her ‘thumb’ talon to gently – and carefully – wipe the tears from her face.

“I’m sorry, Shy.”

Fluttershy gave her a small smiled that didn’t touch her eyes, her smiled slowly faded as she sniffled, “Why didn’t you tell me you were a Princess?”

Gilda absently caressed Fluttershy’s cheek with her talon, “Because I’m not, I gave up that privilege a long time ago.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t have a choice,” she half-turned to Twilight, “Isn’t there something else we can do?”

Twilight shook her head, “If there was any other option I would take it, but there isn’t. I’ve checked, double and triple checked. Gilda, this is the only way, you are the rightful ruler of Grifforia.”

Gilda sighed, and released Fluttershy from her grasp, “But I’m only a half-breed. My father was nobility, sure. But my mother wasn’t. They’ll never accept me as one of their own, least of all their ruler.”

“Then we will convince them that there is no other way,” Twilight said with an air of finality.

Gilda frowned, “Let’s say that I wanted to do this – which I don’t, by the way – What about the debt I still have to work off?”

“I can annul your community service,” Twilight said, authoritatively.

Gilda narrowed her eyes, “Just like that?”

“Just like that.”

Gilda frowned again, “Okay, then let’s say this plan of your works. What then? I wouldn’t know the first thing about running a country.”

Twilight smiled, “We will be there to help you, Gilda.”

Gilda scoffed, “Yeah, because that’ll totally help win me favors – a Griffin being told how to run a country by a Pony.”

Twilight nodded, “That thought has crossed my mind. I’m not saying it will be easy – at least not to begin with. But you have to believe me Gilda, the lives you will save in the long run, will be well worth the hardships you will face.”

Gilda thought for a minute.

Gilda shook her head, “Hell, how can I say no? Now that you’ve guilt-tripped me into it.” She glanced back at Fluttershy, “You should stay here, in Equestria. There’s no telling how dangerous it’ll be.”

Fluttershy nodded, “You’re right, I should, but…”

Gilda quirked an eyebrow, “But?”

Fluttershy smiled, “I’m not going to. I said I’d stay by your side, and I fully intent on doing just that.”

Gilda huffed, she shook her head with a grin, “Stubborn. As. A mule.”

Fluttershy smiled, and took her place beside Gilda, the pair turned back to Twilight, “Alright, I guess that settles that. Twilight, when do we leave?”

Twilight smiled, “Immediately.”

Gilda couldn’t sleep. The trip from Equestria to Grifforia was long and arduous, and would easily take them all night. Twilight had repeatedly assured her that they would arrive by the morning.

Although, that was the problem. Between now and morning, Gilda had nothing to occupy herself with, and her mind overflowed with nervous thoughts. She plopped herself onto her haunches and stared aimlessly up into the night sky.

She exhaled a long, slow breath. She sat in silence, accompanied only by the dull, practically non-existent hum of the skyship’s engines.

Gilda was a little sceptical at first, when Twilight had revealed their mode of transportation to them. She didn’t even know such things existed. As far as ships go – it looked like any ordinary water craft. Save for the minor addition of the gigantic hot-air balloon, that was anchored to the ship’s main deck, directly above them.

Gilda still wasn’t entirely comfortable with it. It just didn’t feel right to her – flying without actually flying? It made her feathers itch. And there was the other thing that was bugging her. ‘What happened if that balloon popped?’ Gilda would be fine – The perks of wings and all that – but what about the crew? She had seen a fair amount of Earth and Unicorn Ponies mulling about the ship before lights out…

“Gilda?” a soft voice called.

Gilda jerked involuntarily, snapping her out of her stupor. She turned her head. Fluttershy stood a few feet away from her, looking as if she had just woken up.

Which was probably because she had, “Are you alright?” She asked, slightly dazed.

Gilda smirked briefly, “Yeah, I couldn’t sleep.”

Fluttershy made her way towards the Griffin, and sat by her side, “Would you like some company?” she asked with a yawn.

Gilda smiled as she returned her attention towards the sky again, “Yeah, I’d like that.”

Wordlessly, Gilda encompassed her wing around Fluttershy’s shoulders, holding the Pegasus close to her body. The two sat silently within their embrace, gazing up into the vastness of the star-painted night sky.

“It’s beautiful,” Fluttershy mused.

“Yeah,” Gilda nodded, “I don’t know why, but watching the stars at night – it always makes me feel better.”

Fluttershy hesitated as she glanced up at Gilda, “Um, Gilda?”

“Hmm?”

“You never told me why you came back to Ponyville, or what happened while you were away.”

Gilda glanced down at her, tightening her jaw, “You’re right, I didn’t.”

Fluttershy fidgeted nervously, “D-do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really, no,” Gilda replied, a little hotter then she anticipated.

“Oh, okay. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No, it…” She shook her head, “I’ll tell you about it, someday, it’s just not… easy, to talk about.”

“I understand, and I’m sorry. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here for you.”

Gilda smiled slightly, “Thanks, Shy.”

The two fell into another lull, as they continued their silent stargazing. As the seconds wore on, and another bothersome question popped into her head, Fluttershy couldn’t help her fidgeting.

Gilda glanced down at her impassively, “Something wrong?”

“Well…” Fluttershy pawed to wooden deck beneath her, “Do you mind if I ask you something?”

“Depends what you want to ask.”

“It’s just something you said earlier, that keeps bothering me…”

Gilda cocked her head, “And that is?”

“You said that you gave up your right to rule a long time ago, and that you had no choice. What did you mean by that? I-if you don’t main me asking.”

“Oh, that.”

Gilda shrugged, “Well, my father was the King of Grifforia, a long time ago. My mother was just a service Griffin – a maid. When he was killed during the war, I was supposed to take over the kingdom, but I was only an eaglet. At the time, it had never been heard of – ‘a child Queen?’” Gilda scoffed.

“My uncle wanted the throne – said it was his right to take over, that he was of purer blood,” Gilda shook her head, “I don’t remember much about the night they came for us, just a lot of running and screaming. My mother was able to smuggle me out of the city, she… wasn’t so lucky. I wound up in a settlement far to the south – a little place called Griffes de fer – some of my mother’s friends took me in. As soon as they could, they shipped me off to Equestria, said I’d be safe there.”

“So, you grew up in Equestria?”

Gilda nodded, “I spent my first few years here in and out of orphanages. That’s actually how I met Rainbow Dash. Funny how things work out.”

Fluttershy rested her head against Gilda’s shoulder, “I’m sorry about what happened to your parents.”

Gilda pressed her cheek into the top of Fluttershy’s head, “Thanks, Shy. I appreciate it.”

“Do you feel better?” Fluttershy asked after a moment.

Gilda chuckled, “Yeah, you know what? I do, a little. Thanks Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy broke away from Gilda’s embrace, and smiled up at the Griffin, “I’m glad I could help. Are you coming back to bed now, or…?”

Gilda ginned smugly, “Sure, just give me a minute, okay?”

“Of course,” Fluttershy leaned forward, and planted a kiss on Gilda’s cheek. Gilda watched through half-lidded eyes as the meek Pegasus sauntered away from her.

She turned her attention back towards the cool evening sky. She inhaled through her nose, as she allowed herself thoughts about Grifforia. Her home. She felt a lump catch in her chest. Home. It seemed so surreal to her, after all these years, she was finally going home.

“Accueil...” She breathed, “Je rentre chez moi…”

“Pas vraiment,” A level voice beside her objected.

The sudden appearance, and proximity of another Pony would have caused Gilda to jump out of her skin. Were it not for the fact that her heart was already pounding faster than a runaway steam train.

Slowly, she turned her head to the right, and smiled at the sight of her companion, “Princess.”

Luna smiled back, “Greetings, Old One.”

Gilda’s smiled faded, “I’m dreaming?”

Luna shook her head, “No child. You are very much awake, and this is very real,” A brief smirk crossed Luna’s mouth, “I felt you deserved a more… personal visit, before you left our fair shores.”

“Right. So, did you want something, or…?”

“I wanted to thank you.”

Gilda cocked her head, “What for?”

“For doing what you were born to do, for ‘playing your role’, so to speak.”

Gilda shifted uneasily, “Yeah, sure, don’t sweat it.”

“I understand if you are nervous, or anxious…”

“It’s not that, not really.”

“Then what ails you, child?”

“What Twilight said – that I would be saving lives by doing this. Princess, what did she mean by that? I know there’s a lot of stuff you guys aren’t telling me, and I feel like I should know what’s going on if we’re gonna pull this off.”

Luna nodded, “You have a fair point. You are correct, we have withheld certain pieces of information from you. However, we have been most upfront in telling you everything you have needed to know. The truth is, we did not wish to overburden you.”

Gilda furrowed her brow, “I think I deserve to know just what the hell is going on.”

Luna sighed, “Of course,” Her shoulders slumped as she continued, “The truth is, there is a darkness coming.”

“A darkness?” Gilda echoed lamely.

“Yes. We are taking all of the necessary precautions, we have rallied warriors from across space and time to fight for us; we have done everything he has asked us to do, and I fear it is not enough.”

“What do you mean, time and space? And done what ‘who’ asked you?”

Luna smirked knowingly, “That is the question, isn’t it?”

Gilda stared as her, dumbfounded, she shook her head, “Princess, you’re not making any sense.”

Luna blinked, “No, I suppose not. My apologies, for digressing. You wished to know how you would save lives?”

Gilda nodded.

“Equestria will be attacked, very soon. By something we have never encounter before.”

Gilda’s eyes widened.

“When that happens, we will try to minimize civilian casualties as much as we can – but those Ponies will need somewhere to go.”

“Grifforia,” Gilda breathed.

“Exactly,” Luna nodded.

“But, won’t Grifforia be at risk too? What about Druhgon? Or Saddle Arabia?”

“No,” Luna shook her head, “This force – this darkness. It is only after Equestria, it wants what we have.”

“And… what do you have?” Gilda asked cautiously.

Luna grimaced, “Something more powerful then you could ever hope to comprehend, and older then time itself. If it fell into the wrong hooves… the horrors that could be unleashed, are unfathomable.”

Gilda blanched, “Seriously?”

Luna nodded, “Yes. Now you know what is at stake here, and why you must succeed.”

Gilda gulped, “Well, no pressure or anything.”

Luna smiled kindly, “I know you will not fail, though it may seem it at times. And in the coming days, it will feel it, but I know you will not let us down.”

“Oh, why did you have to go and say something like that?” Gilda whined.

Luna chuckled, “You wished to know your role in all of this, do you feel educated?”

“Yeah, now I wish I kept my big beak shut…”

Luna smiled.

“Hey, look. Thanks for levelin’ with me, I appreciate it.”

“Of course,” Luna turned, and took a step back from Gilda. She unfurled her impressive wingspan, “Apologies, but I must be off.”

“Uh, Princess?”

Luna glanced back at her.

“Earlier, when I thought I was by myself – you said ‘not really’, as in I’m not really going home. What did you mean by that?”

Luna smiled, “I believe your people have an old saying: Accueil? La maison est où le coeur est.”

Gilda blinked.

“Tell me, child. Where does your heart truly lie?”

Gilda swallowed, her beak pressed into a firm line as she contemplated deeply, “With Fluttershy.”

Luna quirked an eyebrow, “Are you certain? The last time we spoke at length, you told me you did not return her affection.”

Gilda straitened her posture, “That was then, this is now. I wouldn’t have said so if I didn’t mean it.”

Luna beamed, “Then this is one of the few circumstances that I am glad I was wrong. So long as you are with her, you will always be home.”

A small smile crept onto Gilda beak, as she watched Luna silently take to the sky, and vanish among stars. She sighed a content breath as she turned her attention back to the night sky, and gazed nowhere in particular. She felt lighter, like everything had suddenly become clearer to her. Sparing one last glance to the direction Luna had departed, Gilda promptly made her way to the aft of the ship, towards her cabin.

Gilda stood on the main deck of the skyship, watching as they slowly made port. She adjusted the brown, hooded cloak Twilight had supplied her – ensuring that it hung loosely enough to not restrict her movements. She glanced briefly to either of the Ponies that flanked her: Twilight and Fluttershy both wore cloaks identical to Gilda’s. While Fluttershy wore her hood down – like Gilda did – Twilight had opted for the exact opposite look, brandishing a half-face mask in addition to wearing her hood up.

When Gilda questioned her about that, she replied: ‘One Princess returning is enough, it would be better for all of us if The Royal Family did not know who I was.’

Gilda decided not to press the matter further.

The skyship shuttered, and surrendered a resounding groan as it was pulled into the dock, and secured. Once the draw-bridge was lowered, the trio made their down to the gangway and onto the sand soaked cobblestone of the capital city of Grimoria.

Grimoria, was technically two cities built directly atop one another. The upper level – where Gilda, Twilight and Fluttershy currently stood – was considered the actual city. Built onto the the slopes of the largest mountain in Grifforia, it house the upper and mid classes of the Griffin elite, it also contained the only ports in all of Grifforia – west of The Great Divide, that is – for ships to dock and trade.

The Undercity made up the rest of Grimoria. As you can probably guess, the Undercity itself was built directly into the side of the mountain. When overpopulation quickly became a rising issue, and they could no longer build upward, the next logical step was to dig down. In just a few short years, the mountain was mined and hollowed out to make way for construction of what is now known as the Undercity.

However, as time wore on, the Undercity was disregarded. With ridiculously high overcrowding, and a non-existent justice system – it was no surprise that the Undercity quickly fell into disrepair, and became little more than a slum not long after.

The dock looked pretty much how all docks look: shipping containers and barrels littered the stone streets, which backed onto tall, solid clay houses. Griffins of all shapes and sizes, clothed in blue overalls mulled about the dockside – occupied with the task of either loading creates onto one of the many other ships that lined the dock, or retrieving cargo from them.

The trio quickly made their way through the bustling crowd, and stepped onto what appeared to be a main street.

Gilda stopped, and swayed against the side of one of the clay huts that flanked either side of the street. A shuddered breath caught in her chest as she gazed ahead. In the distance, past the wall that separated the inner city form the outer, the towering spires of the Royal Palace could be seen. They were barely distinguishable through the haze of dust and sand, which blew in from the desert that sat at the base of the mountain.

“Gilda, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked, as she made her way to Gilda’s side.

“Y-yeah. I’m good, i-it’s just been so long since I was here last… nothing’s changed, but everything’s different, you know?”

Twilight joined them, “If you need to take a minute…”

“No, I’m good,” she pushed herself off the building, “Let’s just do what we came here to do.”

Leading the way, Gilda and her companions made their way through the crowded streets, towards the inner city. The main street that backed off of the docks, was the primary market place: Set up in front of virtually every clay house along the street, was a merchant stall. Traders of every kind peddled their wares, selling everything from baked goods, to rugs, pots, clothing and even jewellery.

Gilda and Twilight knew what needed to be done, they kept their heads down, and maintained their focus. Fluttershy, however, hadn’t set hoof out of Equestria – as such, she jumped at the opportunity to absorb as much of the local flavor as she could. Trotting past every stalled she could find, and examining as much of the wares as she could.

Turning back to find her friends, she realized that she had been separated from the group, and fallen behind in the crowd. Pushing through the crowd, towards the outskirts of the market stalls, she rushed as fast as she could to catch up.

She was barely a few meters away from Gilda and Twilight, when she felt something snag her hoof, and pull her into the shadows of a nearby alleyway.

She grunted, a brief pain flooded through her as her back was slammed against the cold stone of the house beside the alley.

She blinked, in an attempt to clear her vision. She was sitting on her haunches, with her arms being held firmly in place by her sides. The Griffin holding her was old, she could tell that much. A single, ugly scar ran diagonally across his face, and his once white feathers were caked in dirt and grime.

“Hello pretty Pony,” He grinned, revealing crooked yellow teeth.

“O-oh, h-hello,” Fluttershy replied, not meeting his eyes.

“You’re a long way from home, Pony.”

“Oh, w-well I…”

“Hey!”

Fluttershy snapped her gaze to the left. Relief flooded through her as she spotted Gilda and Twilight. They stood a foot apart, by the mouth of the alley. Gilda gazed impassively at the Griffin holding her, while Twilight stood in a lowered battle stance.

“Is there a problem here?” Gilda asked.

The Griffin glared back at her, “This doesn’t concern you, youngling.”

“It does – when that’s my bondmate you have there.”

The older Griffin blanched, her glanced between Fluttershy and Gilda. A sneer crossed his beak. He stepped back, and released Fluttershy from his grasp; allowing her to fall to the ground. He made a disgusted sound as he slinked further into the shadowed alleyway.

Gilda calmly stepped up to Fluttershy, and helped her to her hooves.

“Thank you-”

“You do not leave my sight, you understand?” Gilda berated.

Fluttershy blinked, taken aback, “I-”

“Dammit Shy! Do have any idea what could have happened to you?!”

Fluttershy shank back, “I-I’m sorry, I-I didn’t mean…” she whimpered.

Gilda sighed, shaking her head, “Just… don’t do that again.”

Fluttershy trembled, “I’m sorry…” she whispered.

“Hey…” Gilda hooked her arm around Fluttershy’s neck, “Hey, it’s okay. Everything’s fine.”

Fluttershy buried her face in Gilda’s chest, “I’m s-s-sorry,” she sobbed.

Gilda wrapped her other arm around Fluttershy, and fell onto her haunches, “Hey, shhh. It’s alright…” she cooed. Gilda rocked back and forth, as she comforted her fillyfriend.

“Gilda…” Twilight objected.

Gilda shot her an unimpressed look, “Not now, Twilight.”

Twilight groaned, and rolled her eyes, “I’ll be outside,” she stated curtly, before she stepped out of the alley.

Gilda ignored Twilight, all of her attention was focused on calming the hysterical Pegasus in her arms. She tightened her embrace.

“Fluttershy…”

Fluttershy sniffled, and wiped her eyes.

“We need to go,” Gilda said, softly.

“Why?”

“Because we have to, I’m supposed to take over the throne-”

“No, I mean – why did that Griffin grab me, and then just to let me go?”

“Oh…”

“Why?” Fluttershy glanced up at Gilda, dried tear lines stained her eyes.

Gilda shook her head, “I’m not gonna lie, we was probably looking for a good time. He would have used you and moved on. But, the thing is – Grifforia isn’t like Equestira. A lot of Griffins here aren’t that open-minded. And, well… he left because he was disgusted.”

Fluttershy frowned, “That is just horrible, love comes in all shapes and sizes!”

Gilda half-heartedly nodded, “Yeah, well. Tell them that.” She glanced over her shoulder, “Come on Shy, we still have a long way to go.”

Fluttershy swallowed, “Okay.”

Gilda helped her to her hooves. When they were both standing, Gilda released her from her grasp, “Are you alright?”

“I’ll be fine,” Fluttershy replied with a small smile.

Gilda nodded, “Stay by me, you don’t leave my side for anything, got it?”

Fluttershy nodded, “Got it.”

Gilda, Fluttershy and Twilight reached The Royal Place by midday. It was easily the tallest building in the entire city: being situated directly on the mountains peak, may have contributed to that factor, adding to its already immense size. From the tallest tower, one could easily gaze across two thirds of the vast expanse of the Grifforian countryside.

It was no secret why Grimoria was the capital city, after all.

The entire Palace was constructed from smooth, white marble. Atop the Central Chamber, – which doubled as the Throne Room, and meeting place – sat an enormous dome. Flanking each corner of the dome, were four towers, which easily surpassed the highest point of the central dome. The rest of the building was square in design.

The trio walked through the Entrance Archway of the Palace without so much as a second glance from any of the armed guards, that littered the hallways and balconies.

The guards themselves were a most impressive sight: they all wore brilliant crimson helms and armour, which covered their chests, hindquarters and rear feet. The helms rounded around their heads, – to compliment the natural curves of their bodies – and were fully enclosed. The only opening on the helm, was a single slit for their eyes. The only other exposed area, was the bottom half the helm, which was molded around the Griffin’s beaks, exposing them, and making them the only distinguishable features.

Each guard wore crimson armored gloves over their claws, these gloves had razor sharp nails that extended past where the Griffins actual talons ended.

Gilda averted eye contact as they strolled past an entire regiment of Royal Guards. Her heart was pounding her chest as they slowly made their way towards the central dome.

They were only a few metres from the central chambers archway, when a white Griffin swooped down and landed in front of them.

“Gilda? What are you doing here?” The Griffin asked, only slightly amused.

Gilda’s heart stopped. She recognized the Griffin instantly. She could never forget those glaring, golden eyes. Or how the midnight black feathers around her eyes, matched her beak and claws perfectly.

“Gretchen, I should be asking you the same thing,” Gilda had to fight to keep her voice level.

Gretchen smirked, “As if you don’t know. I’m here for the new crowning, obviously.”

“New crowning?” Gilda feigned confusion.

Gretchen’s smirk faltered, “You mean you really don’t know?”

“No. Why don’t you tell me,” Gilda replied hotly.

Gretchen grinned, “Father is stepping down, and appointing his successor,” She pointed her thumb talon at her chest, "Namely, me."

Gilda blinked, her chest tightened, “Father? Y-your father is the King?” She didn’t need to feign her surprise that time.

Gretchen’s grin widened, “I told you I had connections.”

Gilda swallowed, suddenly her mouth felt excruciatingly dry.

“So, uh… who are your friends?” Gretchen asked, only just staring to pay attention to Gilda’s companions.

“Pilgrims,” Gilda answered, a little too quickly, “Pilgrims from Equestria, come to pay their respect to your farther.”

Gretchen quirked an eyebrow, “Is that so?” she glanced at Fluttershy.

“O-oh! Yes, um… Gretchen, was it? We’re here to pay our respects to your farther,” Fluttershy smiled enthusiastically.

Gretchen blinked, “Dude, your Prench in amazing, where did you learn it?”

Fluttershy blinked rapidly, “W-what? I’m sorry, but I don’t speak Prench…

Twilight groaned, “She has to do this now?.

Gilda shook her head, “Fluttershy…”

“Yes?”

“Do you remember when we were on the ship?”

“Of course.”

“And Twilight cast that translation spell?”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened, “T-translation spell?”

“It was actually a translation filter,” Twilight explained, “It’s effects are only temporary, but basically it allows the recipient to filter a foreign language into that of one which is understandable. And vice versa – instantly translates anything the recipient says into said foreign language.”

“So…?” Gilda prompted.

Fluttershy’s mouth fell open, “I-I’m speaking Prench? Right now?”

Gilda nodded methodically, “Yes.”

Gretchen glanced between the trio, “Okay, what the hell is going on here?”

Gilda waved a dismissive claw, “Nothing. Hey, we should get going, right?”

Gretchen nodded, “You’re right! Come on, I’ll lead the way.”

Gilda silently followed Gretchen, with a still confused looking Fluttershy, and an uneasy looking Twilight.

“Gilda?” Twilight asked in a hushed voice.

“Yeah?”

“If your uncle is the King…”

“Yeah.”

“And Gretchen is his daughter…”

“Yeah…”

“Then that means-”

“I know. This complicates things.”

“Correct. But according to the lineage, you are still the rightful ruler.”

“He won’t see it that way,” Gilda said tensely.

“So, what will he do?”

“Honestly, Twilight? I don’t know…”

“So what does this mean for us?”

Gilda sighed wearily, “It means, things are about to get really ugly, or really interesting.”

Gilda, Fluttershy and Twilight followed Gretchen through the marble archway that separated the expansive assembly area, and into the Central Chamber. As soon as the trio passed into the dome-like room, their ears were assaulted with an explosion of heated voices, bickering and arguing.

Closing their distance between Gretchen, the group slowly waded through the crowded maze of Griffins; they received only a few questioning looks as they trudged onward.

The inside of the Central Chamber actually resembled that of a semi-circle. The first half of the room – the half Gilda and her companions entered through – was a recessed area, with what appeared to be spectator boxes lining the walls either side of the entrance. Each spectator box overflowed with rowdy Griffins, yelling and hollering. The boxes themselves looked as if they were simply carved into the marble. In fact, the entire building looked as if it were carved and hollowed out of a single, gigantic piece of the rock.

The second half of the room was elevated, ascending up a wide flight of stairs. At the pinnacle of the staircase, stood a tall and regal looking throne: fitted with deep burgundy silk, and trimmed with gold plating.

And then Gilda saw him.

Standing next to the throne, caped in a burgundy cloak, gazing out at the crowd of rambunctious Griffins, was him. Gilda’s Uncle, Geoffrey.

Gilda froze. Her breathing hitched, coming in short, ragged breaths. She didn’t know how she would feel seeing him again. He was the Griffin responsible for exiling her, after all. Gilda narrowed her eyes, his feathers suited him: black as a moonless night, and twice as treacherous. He had the same eyes as his daughter: a brilliant golden color that was also present in his beak and claws.

Gilda never believed in this plan of Twilight’s, she had been doubting and second guessing herself since they left Equestria. She had felt nothing but dread since they touched down in Grifforia. Truth be told, she was ready to just call the whole thing off, and leave Equestria to whatever fate awaited it. But now that her nerves had subsided, and the Griffin responsible for ruining her family's name was within spitting distance...

She didn’t feel nervous, or anxious anymore.

She felt calm, cool and collected.

The way a hunter felt – right before she took the killing blow.

Gilda glanced back at Twilight, after she received a small encouragement nod from the Alicorn, she returned her focus forward. She took a deep, steadying breath. She knew exactly what she was going to do, and nobody was going to stop her.

Geoffrey smirked as he raised a single talon to his beak.

The rabble within the chamber died almost immediately.

Gilda struggled to contain her scowl as her Uncle addressed the room, his voice was too smooth, and suave. It made her feel dirty.

“Brothers and Sisters. We are gathered here today, to witness a momentous occasion.”

A few cheers rang out through the crowd. Geoffrey smiled warmly.

“As you may know, today is the day that I formally relinquish my rule of Grifforia, and appoint my successor.”

Gretchen glanced at Gilda, she was grinning like a maniac. Gilda fought to maintain her neutral expression.

“My one, and only heir. The only Griffin truly worthy of ascending the throne, and continuing my legacy.”

Gilda looked away, she felt like she was going to be sick.

“My darling daughter, Gretchen Gridlock!”

A roar of cheers and applauds exploded around the room. Gretchen squealed like an eaglet with a school crush as she bounded up the throne stairs, and took and place beside her farther.

Gilda gritted her teeth, she turned back to Twilight and nodded. A magical aura encased Twilight’s horn as she levitated an old looking tome from beneath her cloak, and floated it toward Gilda. Gilda snatched it out of the air, and held it tightly against her chest.

All she had to do now was wait for the right moment…

Once again, Geoffrey held a talon to his beak. Once again, the room fell silent.

Geoffrey smiled at his daughter as he addressed the room for a second time, “I can think of no better Griffin to lead out magnificent country into a bright and prosperous future!”

“I can!” Twilight called out, Gilda smirked.

Geoffrey narrowed his eyes at the crowd, “Who said that?!”

Gilda wiped the smirk off her face, “I did,” she stepped forward, out of the crowd.

Gretchen scoffed, “Oh, you have got to be kidding me…”

“And just who the hell are you?” Geoffrey sneered.

Gilda held her head high, “Gilda Grimfeathers: daughter of Gerald Grimfeathers, and rightful ruler of Grifforia.”

A flurry of scandalous murmurs, and shocked retorts echoed around the room. Gretchen stared at Gilda, dumbfounded. Geoffrey narrowed his eyes, “I’m assuming you have proof of your claim?”

Gilda smirked, “Of course,” she drew back her cloak, and tossed the tome she was holding with all her might. Gretchen caught the tome between her claws, and immediately began flicking through the pages of the book. The Central Chamber was muted with a thick and oppressive silence; punctuated only by the sound of pages turning.

Geoffrey quirked as eyebrow as he silently read scanned the lineage chart before him. A sly grin crossed his beak as he double checked his findings.

He closed the tome and tossed it aside, “Your only a half-breed. Little more than a pleb, your claim holds no weight here.”

Gilda swallowed discretely. She could feel the scrutinizing and scornful gazes of every Griffin in the Central Chamber, she did her best to ignore the hot feeling on the back of her head.

“Is that so?” She questioned.

“It is. So why don’t you run along like good little eaglet, and stop wasting everyone’s time?”

Gilda clenched her jaw, “I have a better idea. Why don’t you give me the throne, because the rule of law dictates that a single bloodline must be completely exhausted before a new one can attain rulership.”

“Unless another bloodline challenges the legality of the ‘rightful’ bloods claim. Which would result in an honor duel between bloods,” Geoffrey retorted.

Gilda grinned, “Are you challenging me to an honor duel?”

Geoffrey smirked, “No. Gretchen is.”

Gilda’s grin died immediately.

Gretchen blanched, “Wait, what?!”

Gilda’s beak pressed into a hard line.

Geoffrey grinned, “Unless you would wish to forfeit-”

“I accept.”

Geoffrey’s grin widened, “As does Gretchen.”

Gretchen glanced between Gilda and her father, “Farther, I…”

“Gretchen,” His tone was harsh, “You are honor bound now. For the preservation of our bloodline, you will fight.

Gretchen bowed her head, “Yes, farther.”

Gretchen leapt from her elevated position by the throne, and half-glided to the base of the stairs. Landing on the left side of the recessed area. Gilda shrugged off her cloak, and took up her position on the right. The crowd hustled, and squirmed it’s way backwards, in an attempt to give the two Griffins more room.

Gilda’s features hardened, “Gretchen, we don’t have to do this. Yield.”

Gretchen shook her head, “No way.”

“I don’t want to kill you.”

Gretchen scoffed, “You can try, I kicked your ass before, I can do it again.”

Gilda tensed her muscles, “Two years is a long time…”

Gretchen barred her teeth, “Enough talk!” She rushed forward.

Gilda lowered herself to the ground as Gretchen sped towards her. Gretchen lunged forward, slashing her right claw at Gilda. Gilda kicked off the ground with all of the force of a coiled spring, she twisted her body around, and narrowly avoided a face full of claw as Gretchen sped through the air beneath her. Gilda arched her body, and slammed her hindlegs down onto Gretchen’s back.

The full weight of Gilda being brought down on top of her, forced onto the smooth stone floor. With her accumulated momentum, Gretchen slid along the floor and collided with a group of Griffins spectating. Gilda, having pushed Gretchen into the floor, didn’t have enough force behind her blow to continue holding Gretchen down. When Gretchen slid out form under her, Gilda was thrown into the opposite direction: landing on her back with a grunt, she tucked herself into a ball, and followed through with her own momentum. She pushed herself off the ground, and flared her wings in an attempt to stop herself. She slid backwards a few feet before she stopped: standing on her hind legs with her clenched claws held up in a fighting stance.

Gretchen struggled to regain her footing as she glared up at Gilda, questioningly.

Gilda furled her wings, and dropped down onto her claws, “Like I said – two years is a long time.”

Gretchen righted herself, gritting her teeth and glaring daggers at Gilda.

“This is your last chance, cousin. Yield,” Gilda pleaded.

“Go to hell!” Gretchen spat. She lunged forward again, keeping low to the ground.

This time, Gilda met her charge. She sped towards Gretchen, keeping herself at an equal height. Gilda tucked herself into a ball as the two of them collided. Pain flooded through Gilda’s left shoulder as the two Griffins smashed into each other. Gilda jabbed her left elbow wildly into Gretchen's midsection. The Griffin jerked involuntarily. Gilda used her right claw to push off the ground, forcing both herself and Gretchen onto their hind legs. Wasting to time, Gilda broke away from Gretchen, and swung to the right with a wide haymaker. Her claw collided with Gretchen’s left cheek, causing her to hunch to the right. Gilda followed through with a left claw uppercut in rapid succession, temporarily stunning her. Gretchen stumbled backwards, dazed and bleeding form her beak. Gilda rushed forward and grabbed her by her chest feathers, she slammed her forehead into Gretchen’s, in an unrelentingly brutal assault.

Gilda turned, and tossed the barely conscious Griffin onto the throne stairs. Gretchen groaned as her back collided with the jagged edges of the steps. Gilda wasn’t done yet, she gritted her teeth as she pounced onto Gretchen: pinning her right arm in an outstretched manner from her body, Gilda wrapped the talons of her other claw around Gretchen’s throat.

Gretchen’s eyes flew wide as she gagged, and gasped for air. She kicked and squirmed violently as she struggled to break away from Gilda’s grasp. Gretchen slashed her left claw at Gilda’s arm, in an attempt to loosen the Griffins grip: Gilda fought to ignore the pain, she kept her features solid as she tightened her squeeze.

Gretchen’s kicks became less violent, her squirming became more subdued. Her chokes, and gags became less and less audible. As her eyelids began to fall shut, her eyes rolled back into her head. Gilda kept her talons wrapped around Gretchen’s neck until she felt the Griffin fall completely limp, once that happened, she grabbed Gretchen by her chest feathers, and tossed her carelessly down the stairs, onto the recessed area. Gretchen landed with a dull thud in a limp, and lifeless heap.

Low murmurs filled the central chamber. One of the many spectating Griffins stepped forward, and place a talon on the base of Gretchen’s neck.

A moment later, he glanced up at Gilda, and then Geoffrey, “She’s dead.”

The entire Central Chamber fell silent. Gilda spared a glance towards Fluttershy, she was staring at her, horrified doesn’t even begin to describe how the Pegasus looked. Gilda clenched her jaw, I’ll deal with that later, she told herself.

She briefly glanced down at her claw, Gretchen had managed quite a number on her before she passed: Long, vertical lacerations spiralled down the length of her arm, from her elbow to the base of her claw. She made a tightly clenched fist of her claw, and tried her best to ignore the pain as she faced Geoffrey.

Slowly, Gilda carefully traversed the stairs, compensating for her wounded arm. She reached the top, greeting Geoffrey with a glare.

He gazed back at her impassively, “You know, you’re more like your farther then you realize.”

Gilda narrowed her eyes, “Get out of my sight.”

A sly grin crossed Geoffrey’s beak, “Of course, but I would like to claim my daughter’s body.”

“No.”

Geoffrey grinned, “As you wish, your Majesty,” he shrugged off his royal cloak, and retreated down the marble steps in front of the throne.

He stopped half-way through his descension, and turned to address Gilda, “You know, if our roles had been reversed, you would have done the exact same thing.”

Gilda half-turned to face him, “We can already see that I haven’t,” her voice dripped with contempt.

Geoffrey flashed her one last sleazy grin, before he turned and promptly left the Central Chamber with his head held high.

Gilda watched him leave. That’s gonna bite me in the ass later, she thought. She turned her attention to the rest of the Griffins in the assembly; everyone in the Central Chamber was eying her expectantly. She steeled herself.

“You are all dismissed,” She spoke with an air of finality that she honestly didn’t know she could pull off.

Every Griffin in the central chamber cupped a clenched claw over their chest, and bowed before her. They muttered their acknowledgement as they slowly exited the chamber.

In just a few short minutes, the entire Central Chamber was completely vacated: save for Gilda, Twilight, Fluttershy and Gretchen’s body. Gilda glided briskly through the air, and landed before her companions.

“So, what happens now?”

“Now, I go back to Equestria,” Twilight replied, using her magic to pull down her hood and mask, “There are a few things we need to prepare for.”

Gilda nodded, “Right,” she glanced over her shoulder, “I guess, I’ll just… run the country?”

Twilight smiled, “I meant what I said, Gilda. I’ll return tonight, then we’ll formulate our plan of attack.”

“Right, well. Don’t be too long, ‘casue I’m pretty sure Geoffrey’s gonna try to take the throne back, one way or another.”

Twilight nodded, “I had better not waste any more time, then,” Twilight’s horn glowed with magic. A blinding flash exploded from her horn, when it cleared, Twilight was nowhere to be seen.

Gilda sighed, all they had to do now was survive until nightfall. Provided that Geoffrey hadn’t already started a slander campaign against her, or amassed a crowd of enraged citizens. He was a crafty son of a bitch after all. Gilda glanced at Fluttershy, she look awful. Her coat was uncharacteristically pale.

Probably because she just watched her girlfriend kill another Griffin, Gilda mentally chided herself, the sooner she explained herself to Fluttershy, the better.

She opened her beak…

“Excuse me, your Majesty?”

Gilda clamped her beak shut, and whirled on herself. She blinked, and tried to look and uninterested as she could – in an attempt to mask her surprise.

Standing before her was a very tall, very noble looking snow colored Griffin. His feathers were the most pristine shade of white Gilda had ever seen – so much so that the sheen of his fur was almost making it difficult to look directly at him. This was quite the contrast to his black beak and claws. His eyes were an amazingly bright shade of green, and were obstructed behind the spectacles that sat atop the bridge of his beak.

He spoke in a reserved, upper class manner, “My apologise – I did not mean to startle you, your Majesty.”

“It’s fine,” Gilda brushed off, “And you are…?”

“Fredric Freatherbottom, at your service ma’am,” he gave her a small bow, “I act as the royal adviser: it is my job to assist you in your royal duties.”

“Okay…”

“I understand that this is sudden, however there are a few matters of importance that require your attention.”

“Such as?”

“Well, first and foremost? The disposal of, well…” Fredric trailed off as he gestured towards Gretchen.

Gilda nodded, “I’ll take care of that.”

“As you wish, there are several other matters that-”

“Look, Fredric? It’s kinda been a long day. So, can we do this tomorrow?”

Fredric smiled politely, “Of course, ma’am. Is there anything else you require of me?”

“Yeah,” Gilda trotted over to Gretchen’s body. She hauled Gretchen onto her back, ensuring that none of her limbs would hinder her movement, “Can you show me where my bedroom is?”

“Of course, your bedchambers is this way…”

Gilda glanced back at Fluttershy, “You coming, Shy?”

Fluttershy nodded, and followed them silently.

The Royal Bedchambers was towards the rear of the Palace, just behind the Central Chamber. Like everything else inside the massive building, the entire room was carved from smooth marble. Along the right side wall, was a study area – complete with a wooden desk and small library. Along the left side, was a small balcony, which provided an almost three hundred and sixty degree view of the city. The last feature of the bedchambers was the bed itself. It dominated the rest of the room. Among the burgundy sheets, were four posts that sat on the corners of the bed, and reached towards the ceiling. Draped between the bedposts were sheer curtains of burgundy, with laces attached to the post, allowing for the material to be tied back, if the occupant so wished.

Gilda crossed the room, and gently laid Gretchen’s body on the foot of the bed.

“Do you require anything else, ma’am?”

“No thanks,” Gilda called over her shoulder.

“Then I shall bid you both, a good evening,” Fredric exited the room, and closed the large wooden door behind him – leaving Fluttershy and Gilda alone.

Gilda examined Gretchen’s body: her feathers were ruffled, and unkempt. Although, considering what she had been through, that was to be expected. A thin line of dried blood stained the right side of her beak, and the makings of a bruise was already begging to take shape on the side of her face.

“How could you do it?” Fluttershy asked.

Gilda turned around, confused, “What?”

Fluttershy stared at her, still horrified, “H-how could you kill her?”

“Flutter-”

“How could take a life like that?!” Fluttershy wailed.

Gilda’s beak pressed into a firm line, “Fluttershy. Come here.”

Fluttershy’s eye widened, “N-no, I-”

“Fluttershy.”

The Pegasus flinched.

“Come. Here.”

Fluttershy trembled as she pulled herself to her hooves. She slowly made her way to Gilda’s side, shuddering more profusely with each step. She stopped, and glanced up at Gilda.

“Fluttershy…” Gilda reached up to touch her with her claw.

Fluttershy yelped as she flinched away from her, tears spilling down her face.

Her eyes flew wide as something cold clasped onto her chin. Her breath caught in her throat as her face was involuntarily guided until it met Gilda’s. Gilda’s eyes softened as she gazed at the timid yellow Pegasus.

“Fluttershy…”she breathed, “I would never hurt you. You know that, right?”

Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat, and nodded timidly, “B-but you killed her… how am I not supposed to see that every time I look at you?”

Gilda removed her talons from Fluttershy’s chin, “First: It was an honor bound duel to the death, there was nothing I could do to change that. Second: Gretchen was the reason I was sentenced to twelve months of hell… and third. Kill her? I can’t believe you think that little of me…”

Fluttershy blinked, confused. Gilda smirked, and held up a single talon, “You might wanna stand back.”

Gilda turned back to Gretchen, she carefully cupped her talon under the other Griffins chin, and applied a microscopic amount of pressure.

Her reaction was instantaneous.

Gretchen’s eyes flew open, as she jerked and gasped for air. Fluttershy jumped back, and exclaimed with surprise, “W-wha… b-but how?!”

Gilda grinned back at her, “I told you – I learned a lot of things during my time away.”

Gretchen coughed and massaged her sore throat, “Ugh, w-what happened?”

“You want the short version? I won.”

Gretchen groaned, “Great, just great.”

“You would have preferred that I kill you?”

Gretchen rolled off the bed, and righted herself. She glared at Gilda, “Better than being dishonored, why didn’t you kill me?”

“I’m not a killer,” Gilda replied evenly.

Gretchen scoffed, “Yeah, right. Well, if it’s all the same to you, I’ll be going now,” Gretchen strolled past Gilda and Fluttershy.

“Where to?”

“To find my Father,” She called over her shoulder, “He’ll probably want to know that I’m alive.”

“I wouldn’t waste your time,“ Gilda said casually.

Gretchen stopped, “What?”

Gilda inspected her unwounded claw, “He’s probably half-way to the Undercity by now.”

Gretchen whirled around and glared at Gilda, “Bull. He wouldn’t have left without me.”

Gilda quirked an eyebrow, “Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

“Hmm,” Gilda mused, “He tried to claim your body, you know – when you were still out of it. Didn’t even bat an eyelash when I refused him, he just scurried out of the Throne Room with his tail between his legs.”

“You’re lying!” Gretchen roared.

Fluttershy spoke up, “I-it’s true! Well, the past about leaving you, that is…”

Gretchen shifted her glare between the two of them. With a huff she turned and exited the bed chambers, slamming the door behind her.

Gilda sighed, “Stupid, spoilt brat…” she shook her head.

“S-should we go after her?”

“No point. She wouldn’t listen to us even if we did,” Gilda clenched and unclenched her right claw.

“Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy exclaimed.

“What?”

Fluttershy rushed to Gilda’s side, “Your arm! I’m sorry, I completely forgot about it!”

Gilda half-grinned, “It’s fine, Shy.”

“No it isn’t, you were bleeding! You simply must let me take care of it.”

“You a doctor?” Gilda asked

“Well, n-no. But I work with animals, and I know a few things about medicine,” Fluttershy carefully grabbed Gilda’s arm, “Here, let me have a look at it…”

Gilda shook her head, amused. She relaxed, and allowed Fluttershy to examine her arm.

The yellow Pegasus carefully turned and examined Gilda’s arm. Her wounds were completely stable, and showed no signs of actively bleeding. In fact, most – if not all – of the lacerations along her arm appeared to be… scabbing?

Fluttershy stares at Gilda, questioningly, “T-this isn’t possible…”

Gilda shrugged, “What can I say? I heal real fast.”

Fluttershy released Gilda’s arm, and took a step back. She frowned, and pawed the marble floor, “I-I see. Well, now that that’s taken care of, what would you like to do now?”

“Well…” Gilda turned to examine the Queen sized bed before her, a sly grin crossed her beak as she glanced at Fluttershy, “Twilight said she’d be back by nightfall, right?”

Fluttershy nodded, “Yes…”

“I can think of something we could do, that would pass a few hours…” Gilda breathed.

Fluttershy fell onto her haunches as she blushed furiously, “W-what?! I-I, oh, um…”

Fluttershy clopped her hooves together, “W-well, I mean… it’s just we’re so different, and…” She stared at the floor.

Gilda snickered.

She couldn’t contain herself any longer, she fell onto her back as she roared with laughter, “O-oh man, I-I’m sorry Shy, but that was just priceless!”

Gilda glanced up at Fluttershy, she stared at the Griffin with an unimpressed look. Gilda wiped a tear from her eye as she climbed to her feet, “Oh, come on Shy – you have to admit, I got you good.”

“That was not funny,” Fluttershy chided.

“It was just a joke,” Gilda defended.

“How can you joke about something like that?”

“Look,” Gilda consoled, “I know you’re not ready for that, and I didn’t mean anything by it. It was just a stupid joke.”

Fluttershy glanced away, “What if I was?”

Gilda blinked, “Say what?”

Fluttershy swallowed, “What if, I’m ready now?”

Gilda’s beak fell open, “Uh…”

Fluttershy sauntered towards Gilda, swaying her hips exaggeratedly. Now, it was Gilda’s turn to blush. Her eyes widened as Fluttershy stopped directly in front of her.

Fluttershy gazed at her through half-lidded eyes, “What would you do, if I told you I wanted you?” she breathed.

Gilda swallowed. Her heart was racing in her chest. She could feel sweat building on her brow, since when was Fluttershy so assertive? She wondered as she stared at her, dumbfounded.

Fluttershy delicately placed a hoof on Gilda’s chest, Gilda involuntarily flinched at the contact. Fluttershy grinned slyly, “Why are you so worked up? We haven’t even started yet…” As she leaned towards Gilda’s beak, her eyes slipped close.

Gilda clamped her eyes shut, as she both dreaded, and eagerly anticipated Fluttershy’s warm lips.

Her was pounding so fast, it threatened to fly out of her chest.

Any second now…

Gilda swallowed.

She felt… nothing, why didn’t she feel anything?

Cautiously, she slowly opened her eyes.

Fluttershy sat before her, grinning from ear to ear, “Gottcha.”

Gilda blinked, “W-what?”

Fluttershy giggled as she bound past her, “You’re right, Gilda. That was priceless.”

Gilda shook her head, “Oh, you little…” she turned to follow her, grinning as she did so.

The pair found themselves on the small balcony, overlooking the rest of the city.

“So, what do you wanna do?” Gilda asked.

Fluttershy leaned into Gilda’s shoulder, “You could tell about your country.”

Gilda raise an eyebrow, “Seriously? All the things we could do, and you wanna do that?”

Fluttershy nodded, “I’ve never been here before. I’d like to know more about it.”

Gilda smiled, “You sure? I could just show you…”

“That’s alright. I’d much prefer to hear you to tell me, if you don’t mind.”

Gilda leaned into Fluttershy’s embrace, “Not at all, Shy. Not at all.”

The sun had fallen below the horizon well before Gilda had finished reiterating her people’s entire history to Fluttershy. Well, all that she could remember, anyway. The truth was – no Griffin had a complete record of their history, it was just one of those things that been lost with time.

As Gilda finished her tale, the pair was left in their embrace, illuminated by the glow of the full moon. Gilda would have been content to spend the rest of her evening like that – held within her lovers embrace, gazing wordlessly at the stars. However, fate had other plans for her.

The door to her chambers bust open, as two Royal Guards scurried into the room.

“Your Majesty! We are under attack!” One of them declared.

Gilda whirled, “What!?”

“Equestrian troops, ma’am. Marching down the main street, they’re heading straight for the Palace.”

Gilda narrowed her eyes, “That can’t be right,” Gilda stood, “Take me to the entrance of the Palace.”

“Yes Ma’am,” The guards turned and left the room.

Gilda half-turned, “Fluttershy-”

“I’m coming with you.”

Gilda frowned, but nodded anyway, “Alright then, let’s go.”

The pair left the royal bedchambers, following the two guards as the led them through the Palace.

“This can’t be right, Twilight said she’d come back for us,” Fluttershy whispered.

“Yeah,” Gilda agreed, “I guess we won’t know what’s going on til we get there.”

The four of them hurried as fast as they could to the Palace entrance. Through winding corridors, illuminated only by small oil lanterns embedded within the walls. It only took them a few minutes to reach the expansive foyer. Dozens of guards lined the hallway, either side of the entrance – armed with spears and swords, and ready to give their lives in the defense of their home.

The two guards that had escorted Gilda and Fluttershy, joined their comrades in a battle stance. Gilda and Fluttershy stopped mid-way down the hall, the stood in the centre of the walkway.

What they saw next, confused them, to say the least.

Twilight stood in the Entrance Archway of the Palace, clothed in her Princess attire. From half-way down the hall, Gilda could make out a very rows of royal Guards flanking her sides. Gilda and Fluttershy glanced at each other nervously, they slowly made their way towards Twilight.

When they reached her, their jaws dropped.

Standing in front of the Royal Palace, in a segmented and professional manner were hundreds of Royal Equestrian guards. But the sheer amount of Guards wasn’t what awestruck them. It was the simple fact that, these weren’t typical Royal Guards.

Ordinarily, Royal Equestrian Guards wore brilliant golden armour, and were solely comprised of either Pegasai or Unicorns.

These Royal Guards were clad tip to hoof in armour of a dark, midnight purple. In place of the plumes that sat upon normal guards helms, were webbed spines, a darker shade of purple then that of their armour. They were all Pegasus Ponies, only, not quite – in place of their bird-like wings, were those of a bat. Their eyes were different as well. More specifically, the pupils of their eyes – they were slitted, similar to those of cats’ eyes. Finally – and most disturbingly – they all brandished two small fangs that protruded from mouths, and lapped over their bottom lips.

Gilda blinked, she shook her head, “W-wha… huh?!”

Twilight smiled, “I told you I would return.”

“Yeah, ya did. You didn’t say you’d bring an army with you!”

Twilight chuckled, “Luna was feeling extremely generous, and donated a Battalion of her Shadow Guard. They are yours to command.”

“What? Why?”

“Two reasons. First, they are a peace offering – and a symbol of good faith. Second: they are here to help enforce the peace. Things will become very ugly in the days to come, these guards are here to help you.”

Gilda shook her head again, she still had a hard time processing this, “T-thanks, Twilight. But I have no idea what I’m gonna do with ‘em.”

Twilight nodded, “Lieutenant! Front and center!” She yelled.

Fluttershy flinched slightly, Gilda gave her a reassuring shoulder pat.

“My advice? Coordinate with the company officer,” Twilight smirked, “I believe you two have already met.”

Gilda cocked her head.

The ‘Lieutenant’ was a purple Pegasus pony: draped in sliver-blue armour, the pony saluted Twilight, “Yes ma’am?”

Gilda squinted, wait… where have I heard that voice before?

Twilight smiled at the Pegasus mare, “Lieutenant, I believe it would be within everyponies best interests if you worked directly with Her Majesty. As I understand it, you two have a history?”

No, it can’t be, can it?

“Yes ma’am,” the mare turned her head to face Gilda. The helmet that covered her face was not like the other soldiers’ helms. In place of the webbed spines atop her helm, was a large plume of white feathers – swept back along the length of the helm, and ending just past her neck. The opening for her right eye was covered with plate mail, exposing only her left eye.

Gilda felt her chest tighten.

No…

The brilliant pink of her iris brightened as her eye widened.

No, no no.

She removed her helm, allowing her short, dark green mane to fall over the right side of her face.

No! No no no no no! “You,” Gilda breathed, she fell onto her haunches.

“Gilda…” The mare whispered, dumbfounded.

“Ahem?” Twilight cleared her throat.

The pair glanced at Twilight, “I’m sure you two have some catching up to do, but right now we have more pressing matters.”

The purple mare shook her head, snapping herself out of her daze, she nodded, “Right, we need somewhere to house all these Guards. Does this Palace have a Barracks?”

Gilda blinked, she half-turned to the first Griffin Guard she could see, “You! Does this Place have a Barracks?”

He glanced between Gilda and Twilight, confused, “Of course-”

“Good, I want you – and everybody else – to take all these Equestrian Guards there, and get 'em settled in.”

“B-but your Majesty!”

Gilda narrowed her eyes, “Did I stutter?”

“N-no-”

“Then what are you waiting for?”

He hastily saluted, “A-at once, ma’am! You heard her Majesty, move!” Griffins flooded through the archway, meeting the Shadow Guardsmen, systematically sectioning them into groups, and funneling them around the sides of the Palace.

“Well, I can see you have things under control here,” Twilight announced, “Now, I must take my leave – there are still a few preparations that need to be made, I trust you two will be able to handle things here efficiently?”

“Of course, ma’am.”

“Yeah, what she said,” Gilda added.

Twilight smiled, “Then I wish you both the best of luck,” with a near blinding flash of her horn, Twilight disappeared.

“If there was nothing else?” The purple mare asked.

Gilda turned to Fluttershy, “Hey, Shy. Think you can remember how to get back to the bedroom?”

Fluttershy nodded, “Um, I think so.”

“Great! I’ll meet you there.”

“Um, okay?” Fluttershy gave Gilda a brief peck on the cheek before she turned and trotted down the hallway they had come from. Gilda watched her leave, she turned to face the purple Pegasus only when she was certain the she was out of earshot.

“We need to talk, follow me,” Gilda said evenly.

“Yes ma’am.”

The pair walked in silence through the long corridor, and into the Central Chamber. Once inside, Gilda whirled on her companion.

“What the hell are you doing here?!” She hissed.

The purple mare blinked, severely taken aback, “Well, it’s nice to see you too, sunshine…”

Gilda shook her head, “No, I mean – what the hell are you doing here?! And why are you dressed like a guard?”

The purple mare’s eye darted to the left, “Because I am one…?”

Gilda groaned, as she face-clawed, “Spirit…”

“Hey, I’m just as surprised as you are! I mean – Queen of Grifforia? Like, seriously?”

Gilda nodded.

“Damn… I did not see that coming. Still, congrats and all…”

Gilda shook her head, “That’s all you have to say, Spirit? ‘Congrats’, after everything that happened?!”

Spirit frowned, “What do you want me to say? You spoke your piece, I spoke mine – we kissed and made up, so as far as I’m concerned, we’re good.”

Gilda narrowed her eyes, “You keep saying that, but I’m not buying it.”

Spirit matched Gilda’s gaze, “Seriously? You're still on about this?”

Gilda pressed her beak into a firm line.

Spirit sighed exasperatedly, “Okay, fine. You want to know how I really feel? It sucks. It fact, it monumentally blows! But I’m making lemonade out of it. Don’t get me wrong, it took me months to get right, but I did get right. You happy now?”

Gilda clenched her jaw, “What would you say, if I could give you the Griffin responsible?”

Spirit furrowed her brow, “Gilda…”

“She’s here. In Grifforia.”

Spirit scowled, “I would say, thanks but no thanks,” she used her hoof to sweep her mane behind her ear. Three long, well healed scars ran vertically down the length of her right eye – the once brilliant pink of her iris was now just a dull grey, offset by the lighter grey of her pupil. Gilda frowned.

“How is revenge gonna fix this? Hmm? What’s done is done, no point dwelling on it.”

Gilda shook her head, dejected.

Spirit straightened her mane, “Besides, if you wanna get technical – I should be apologising to you.”

Gilda cocked her head, “How the hell does that make sense?”

Spirit’s shoulders slumped, “Gilda… I didn’t know what they’d do to you.”

Gilda’s features hardened.

“Hell, I didn’t even know about that place till I join the Guard. I didn’t…” she sighed, “I’m sorry, Gilda. For what happened to you.”

Gilda squinted, “You, have got a really screwed up way of looking at things.”

Spirit grinned broadly, “Maybe that’s cause I’m a really screwed up Pony.”

Gilda huffed, she half-grinned as she glanced away. She gave Spirit a small smile, “Still, it’s good to see you again,”

Spirit smiled, “Yeah, you too. Still can’t believe it though – ‘Queen of Grifforia’, I mean, wow.”

Gilda scoffed, “Forget that, how the hell did you become a Guard?!”

Spirit shrugged, “I enlisted right outta high school. Did me eighty days at Kapooka: Basic Guard Training, and then – for some damned reason – I was shipped off to Duntroon: Officer School. I guess I impressed the right Ponies.”

“Then you joined the Shadow Guard?”

Spirit nodded, “Yup.”

Gilda quirked a skeptical eyebrow, “But you don’t have… I mean you’re not… you know…”

Spirit grinned as she glanced over her shoulder, “You noticed, huh?” She fluttered her wings, “Ordinarily, you have to undergo the procedure to become a Shadow Guard, but, I don’t know. I think they made an exception in my case – cause my great great great something-or-rather was a Shadow Guard.”

“Huh.”

“Yeah…”

The two fell into an awkward silence.

“So,” Gilda began, “Now I’ve got an entire Battalion of Shadow Guard?”

Spirit nodded, “That is correct.”

“You guys know what’s going on?”

“Princess Twilight briefed us on the flight over. Which reminds me – with your permission, I’ll begin coordinating with your Palace Guards first thing tomorrow morning.”

Gilda nodded, “Yeah sure… say, you answer to me, right?”

“Correct ma’am.”

“Then, I want you to assign some Guards to watch over Fluttershy.”

“Fluttershy?”

“Yeah she’s the-”

“Element of Kindness, I know.”

Gilda narrowed her eyes, “It’s just that I can’t keep an eye on her all the time and-”

Spirit held up a hoof, silencing Gilda, “Say no more ma’am, a squad has already been detached to look after her.”

Gilda blinked, “Already? How?”

“Princess Twilight was adamant in the protection of Miss Fluttershy. The last thing she wants is the loss of a Bearer.”

“Oh, I guess that makes sense.”

“Yeah, I don’t mean to pry but… are you two…?” Spirit quirked an eyebrow.

Gilda glared, “Yeah, is that a problem?”

Spirit shook her head, “Never said it was, ma’am. Just curious is all.”

“Yeah, well. You’re dismissed. I’m pretty sure the rest of the Guard are at the Barracks, so…”

Spirit saluted, “Ma’am,” she stared off down the one of the many winding corridors.

“Hey! You even know where the Barracks is?” Gilda called after her.

Spirit waved a dismissive hoof as she called over her shoulder, “Don’t worry ma’am, I’m sure I’ll find it… eventually.”

Gilda half-chuckled, shaking her head, “She’s the head of my security? We’re so screwed…” she muttered to herself.

She stretched, and yawned. Blinking to tiredness from her eyes, she turned and began making her way down the opposite corridor, towards her chambers.

Epilogue: The Storm on the Horizon.

Gilda stood in the ‘Situation Room’ of the Royal Palace. Locationally, it was situated directly beneath the Central Chamber. Fredric had assured Gilda that it was the most secure room within the entire Palace.

Like that made her feel better.

The room was had a cramped feeling to it, like the ceiling was too low set. It gave Gilda an unnerving feeling of claustrophobia. In front of Gilda, was a large wooden table – which held a detailed map of Grimoria on one half, and Grifforia on the other.

Gilda glanced up at Fredric, – whom stood directly opposite her – “So?”

“Well,” he gestured to the market district on the map, “There are several matter within the city that demand your attention. First and foremost, is setting the new business levy.”

“Business levy?”

“Yes ma’am – all market stalls and businesses must pay a fee, this is to ensure that no unfavorable character set up shop within the city limits.”

Gilda quirked an eyebrow, “So, what. I have to set a new tax price?”

Fredric nodded, “Yes ma’am.”

“Can’t I just get rid of the tax?”

Fredric frowned, “Yes, you could do that. However, taxation is one of the cities primary sources of income. It would be very difficult to run the city – let alone the country – if we had not money to do so.”

Gilda massaged her temples, “This is already making my head hurt. What kind of options do I have?”

Well, “Your uncle enforced a strict taxation on the city. If you kept the fee the same, you wouldn’t win any favors with the locals – nor would we see any increase of our net profits. You could reduce the tax, which would defiantly make you more popular – however, we would lose profits in the long-run.”

“And the third option?” Gilda inquired.

Fredric’s eye’s gleamed as he grinned, “Increase the tax.”

Gilda’s beak fell open, “What!?”

Fredric raised his claws, “Please, your Majesty, allow me to explain.”

Gilda clenched her jaw, “Go on.”

“If you increased the taxation fee, you would certainly make enemies. However, our profits would increase, giving us more money in the long run.”

Gilda narrowed her eyes, as she pondered her choices.

“The decision is entire up to you, your Majesty.”

Gilda frowned, more money would mean more opportunities to fix the city later on. But at the cost of possibly inciting a rebellion, not to mention all of the Griffins she would force onto the streets. She remembered walking through the market district when she had arrived yesterday.

How many Griffins would starve if she increased the tax?

How many more would resort to pottery crime just to survive?

In the end, how many more problems would she cause before she solved any?

Geez, a Griffin could go crazy over thinking this kinda stuff, but then, that was exactly what she was supposed to do, wasn’t it? Gilda briefly wondered if she had made a huge mistake coming back to Grifforia in the first place. Suddenly, she felt extremely overwhelmed by the responsibility she had thrust upon herself.

She glanced up, Fredric was staring at her, expectantly, “Well, has your Majesty come to a verdict?”

Gilda blinked, that was it, then. She literally had the power of life and death and at the tip of her talons. She could do anything she wanted. She could throw money from the rooftops, or demolish orphanages. No one could tell her what to do, because at the end of the day, she had the power.

“Ma’am?”

Gilda narrowed her eyes, she held her head high as she gazed back at Fredric, “Lower the tax.”

Fredric quirked an eyebrow, “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Gilda answered evenly, “I finally have a chance to do some real good, I’m not gonna mess that up. I won’t become my Uncle.”

Fredric smiled, “As you wish, ma’am. I will begin drawing up the necessary paperwork immediately.”

Gilda sighed. That felt… good. Like an oppressive weight had just been lifted off her shoulders. She smiled to herself.

“Now that that is taken care of, there are other matter to discuss.”

Gilda’s smiled died, “Like what?”

“Well, There is the matter regarding the Undercity, the problems along The Great Divide-”

“Problems? What problems?”

Fredric sighed, “Well, since your Uncles reign, the east has been… neglected, to say the least. They formally announced their independence a few months before you arrived.”

“Well, we need to get them back!”

“I’m afraid that is impossible, Ma’am. They have declared hostilities against Grimoria – any and all who wonder too close to The Great Divide are met with extreme prejudice.”

“We’ll need to fix that.”

“How, your Majesty? They have cut themselves off, they wouldn’t know about your ascension.”

“Then I guess I’ll just have to tell them.”

Fredric’s eyes widened, “That’s suicide, Ma’am!”

“You got a better idea?”

“Well-”

“Look, if have any hope of surviving whatever-the-hell is coming, then we need to stand together. How will we be able to focus on the bigger threat if we’re constantly worrying about getting stabbed in the back?”

Fredric nodded solemnly, “Very well spoken, Ma’am. What would you have us do?”

“Well, we need to get Grimoria fixed up first. Then, I’ll take a small group of Guards with me, across The Divide.”

“Very well, Ma’am. There is still the matter of the Undercity…”

“The Undercity can wait.”

Fredric cocked his head, “Ma’am?”

“That’s a long term problem, not something I can fix in a few days. We should focus on the little stuff, and get ourselves ready for the fight ahead.”

“Very well Ma’am, what do you propose?”

Gilda eyed the map of Grimora, she pointed to the base of the mountain – on the west side, “What’s here?”

“That… that is the Western Basin. It is where the mountain meets the desert, there is nothing there.”

“So, there’s heaps of space there?”

“Well, yes.”

“Good.”

“Why do you ask?”

Gilda glanced up, and half-grinned, “Cause we’re going to build a refugee camp there.”

The way I feel inside is written in her lines, and I... well I am left here all alone.
And I cannot see, under this black sun. Now it starts to rain.
I know now, that what I did cannot reverse my fate...