Over 4,000 years before the events of Nightmare Moon...

The lands where the mountain of the great city of Canterlot should be, appears instantly through a bluish tear in the sky, crashing into the ground with smaller rocks smashing into the plains around it, the large mountain-sized rock sparkling with electrical energy, snow and ice falling from it after impact, embedding itself into the ground as a wave of rock and dirt are blown outwards.

On a small part of the mountain a small figure glowing with the same sparking energy as the rest of the mountain appears, the energy surrounding it fading away with the rest of the sparking energy. The mountain stands tall, and as the dust clears, a goat stands on the hillside, "Hmm... Now this is interesting," he chuckled darkly while walking towards it, "Come my monsters, I believe we found our new home. Now to build my empire." The large goat taps his bell and the monstrous creatures behind him lower their heads and march towards the mountain.

Canterlot, moments after the defeat of Nightmare Moon...

A few guards doing their rounds notice the sun rising once again with the moon lowering. It had been an unnaturally long night. They watched and felt the warmth of the sun when a bluish light sprang into exsistance dancing around the entire city of Canterlot.

As they looked around wondering what it could be, one guard asked, "What is this?"

"I have no idea," the other guard said as he waved his hoof through the waves of cloudy light all around them, "It seems harmless." For minutes, many streams and waves of the light flowed around the mountain and city.

Shining Armor came out of the castle and took a good look around, awed at the mysterious light. Seeing the two guards close by he approached and ordered, "Report."

"Captain, the light just came out of no-" the unicorn of the pair began as the light faded away. Within half a moment the city was returned to its original state, as if it were never there. "Where did it go?" the unicorn guard asked as he looked around curiously, "That was odd."

The pegasus guard next to him flapped his wings, taking to the air to get a better look around, "Other than the light show, nothing seems to be out of place, sir." he reported.

Shining Armor rubbed the underside of his snout in worry, "That is odd... I'll inform the princess on her return. Until then, continue the rounds as usual."

"Yes sir!" the guards saluted and left to continue their rounds, unaware of something watching, trembling in fear.

Canterlot, two weeks later...

Shining Armor stood before Princess Celestia, reading out a report to her as she sat on her throne with her sister Luna watching and listening from her side. Still recovering from the events of a few weeks ago, her magic was slowly recovering, as was her true appearance once more. "–The theft of food from the food waste bins has been discovered yet again, Princess. Nopony seems to be able to discover who is behind it or why they enter the castle grounds to steal from the bins, as the food at the time of the theft would have pretty partially decomposed and unhealthy." Shining Armor stated as he finished the report.

Celestia used her magic to levitate the parchment from the Captain's own magical grasp. Levitating it up to her own face she took a look at the report herself, "That is very strange indeed, Captain. Not only has this thief managed to get past all the patrols, including the newly increased number of guards, but they have been able to get to the waste bins and eat semi-rotten food instead of entering the kitchen to steal perfectly good food." Celestia's mind started to tick as she thought of other possibilities that could have been easily been overlooked.

"We do not understand, sister. Why would one of such skills in stealth do such a thing for the past two weeks?" Luna inquired as she used her still limited magic to take the report and read it herself.

"That Luna, is an interesting question." Celestia said as she turned to face Shining Armor, "Hmm..., maybe we're looking at this the wrong way." Celestia said as she came up with an idea as she was speaking.

Shining Armor gave a confused expression. "Princess?"

Celestia rose from her throne, "Luna, Captain, please come with me. I believe I've just solved this mystery." Luna and Shining Armor looked at each other for a moment before following Celestia out of the throne room. They walked through the castle, out one of the rear entrances, and to the large dumpsters used for uneaten food and general waste.

Shining Armor looked around and said, "I do not understand why we are here Princess, the guards reported no sighting of the pony."

"Thou heardest this too sister," Luna chimed in.

At that Celestia turned around to the both of them, "I believe the reason why you haven't seen anypony come or go is because they've been here all this time." Using her magic, she moved the waste bins to reveal a crude pile of crushed cardboard boxes, worn and torn blankets, and under them both, a young yellow griffon with black chest fur and wings, a creamy yellow head, and short black feathers around both eyes.

The three ponies noticed he was wearing scraps of a green shirt and the tattered remains of old blue socks around both of his hind legs close to the paws. Shining Armor started towards the youngster, still asleep and unaware that he was discovered. The griffon was holding a plushie tightly to his chest, a plushie that looked exactly like him, except that it was wearing a brown vest.

"I never would've thought to look back here..." Shining Armor whispered.

As he was about to approach the griffon he was stopped by Celestia, "Princess?" He asked in confusion.

Celestia motioned for he and Luna to move away, "Captain, has anypony seen a griffon who looks like this in the city?" She asked quietly.

With a shake of his head he answered the princess at the same volume, "No, I haven't, nor has the guard. Why?"

"I would like you and the guard to ask around the city to see if anypony had seen a teenage griffon in the last two weeks." Celestia requested.

Shining Armor looked towards the griffon and back to her, "What of the griffon?" He asked.

"I will stay here and wait 'till he wakes." Celestia replied.

"No disrespect Princess, but this is not the place for somepony to stay at for long periods of time... It's not exactly the cleanest place in Canterlot." Shining Armor said as he looked around and got a good smell of the stink coming from the large dumpsters.

Luna also took a good sniff and shook her head, "Sister thou cannot be serious, this is not fit for a princess."

Celestia turned to the griffon, "It may not be, but I believe it to be–" Suddenly, a flash of green flame and a letter, appeared before Celestia. She opened it, seeing two tickets with it. She proceeded to quickly read the contents of the letter then giggled good naturedly, "Oh, Twilight..." She shook her head and summoned a new scroll and quill to appear. Writing out a brief response and putting four more tickets in it, sending it off to Spike, "Oh, I forgot about Spike," She said as she put another ticket into another scroll and sent that one too, "There, that should solve that problem."

Shining Armor then spoke up, "That it may, Princess, but how does that solve the new problem you created?" He asked.

"I created?" Celestia asked, confused by what the captain said. Shining Armor lifted his left forehoof and gestured behind her. She turned around to see the young griffon was wide awake and had huddled himself and the plushie into the furthest corner away from the three Ponies. He was shivering with fear, fear that was also shown on the griffon's face and in his golden brown eyes. That said it all. "Oh..."

The teenage griffon’s eyes shifted right and left, his heart pounding in his chest. He was scared, confused and trapped. His golden brown eyes searched for some way to escape from these strange creatures, holding the plush tightly while trying to back up with paws pushing and kicking slightly against the torn blankets and cardboard.

“It's okay. We won't harm you.” Celestia softly said, as she tried to reason with the young griffon.

“Princess, I believe it would be best to give the young griffon some space.” Shining Armor said in suggestion to Celestia.

Celestia could easily see the tension from him as he tried to back up further. “You are correct captain, all guards take a step back.” she ordered. They did as asked and the two princesses backed up as well.

The griffon relaxed a little, but that is when he noticed something just above him, a hole in the ceiling. Looking right at it, then back at them, he flared his wings open. With a push from them, he leapt up, grabbing ahold of the edge of the hole.

“Buck! He’s trying to escape!” Shining Armor exclaimed. By the time they could react, the griffon had already slipped through the hole in the ceiling.

Shining Armor used his magic to light up the hole, looking for any sign of the teenage griffon. “That can go anywhere inside the castle! All guards spread out and search every floor thoroughly for the griffon!”

“Yes sir!” They replied, then quickly split up to start their search for the young griffon. Shining Armor rushed to the princesses to join in the search for the griffon.

Luna and Celestia walked up to the hole, both looking up at it. “The young one is acting in fear, they could end up anywhere.”

Celestia kept looking at the hole in the ceiling. “This is my mess... I caused this problem unintentionally...” Celestia then walked away from the hole. “What am I to do Luna?”

“Walk Sister, clear your head. Rest. We will wait here.” Luna turned her gaze to the hole.

“Luna...”

“In thy state of mind, thou will try to do the right thing, but will not. Unintentionally or not, it is not your fault. Twilight Sparkle did not know, nor did you.” Luna stated without facing Celestia.

Celestia took in her words and turned to walk away. “If you find him-”

“We will inform you.”

“Thank you...” Celestia said, then left to go inside the castle.

Celestia walked towards her room, and with each hoof step her thoughts came back to those fearful eyes locked with her own. The way the teenager fled, and now guards rushing back and forth around her, searching for the griffon that was now in the castle itself weighing heavily on her mind.

Celestia stopped, looking out the window to the city of Canterlot. “How can I rest when my thoughts are stuck on that poor, terrified griffon? I know Luna means well, but how can I even think of resting?” She whispered to herself, while watching a few guards flying outside doing sweeps around the castle. With a few words exchanged between them, the guards parted ways.

Celestia shook her head softly, then turned to walk down the hall, but she noticed Cadance handing out some food to some of the guards. They thanked her with a salute of their free hoof before leaving to continue their search. “Cadance.”

“Aunt Celestia. Why are the guards searching every room from plant pot to ceiling lights?” Cadance asked, approaching Celestia. “I haven't seen the guard this tense in a long time. Even Shining Armor seems desperate to find whatever they are looking for.” Cadance added, as she turned her head to a guard passing by looking behind the drapes.

Celestia motioned with her head for Cadance to follow. “There is a young griffon and from the looks of him during our contact, he is roughly around late teens at my best guess. He is yellow, black and cream, with ill fitting scraps of clothing on, and he has a plush toy of himself.” Celestia described, as Cadance joined her aunt.

“The griffon is inside the castle somewhere. He quickly fled with fear and terror in his eyes, through a hole in the ceiling where we keep all the waste.” Celestia said, adding the finer details.

Cadance put a hoof out, stopping Celestia from walking. “Auntie, a griffon is a hybrid of two predatory species, raptor and feline. If any of the guards back him into a corner, you are going to have more than a terrified teenage griffon to deal with. He will lash out, clawing, pecking, biting to defend himself and whatever he feels the urge to protect, with every ounce of life he has in him.”

“Like a cat backed into a corner...” Celestia muttered, eyes drifting left and right, watching the guards rushing around them in groups of two. “I see your trip to Trottingham was a worthwhile trip.”

“It was auntie.”

Celestia turned her gaze to one guard that was sitting down, while eating the meal Cadance had given him. “Hmm...”

“With griffons and ponies living together on the Griffish Isle, you have to pick up on a few...” Cadance noticed Celestia wasn't paying attention. “Auntie are you liste-” She noticed where Celestia had her eyes locked on. “Ooooh.”

Both princesses walked up to the guard as he was in the middle of chewing a bite of the food. He didn't notice either of them now standing only a few feet from him, until he looked up. The guard swallowed hard, seeing that both princesses were looking down at him. “Erm... Am I in trouble your highnesses?”

Smiles crept onto their faces, making him feel even more nervous. “Why would a genius be in trouble?” Cadance asked, turning to Celestia. “Right?”

“Indeed. Why would we? And Breaker.”

“Yes?” The confused guard responded.

“Expect a raise.” Celestia told the guard, as she and Cadance walked away. “Cadance, find Shining Armor and bring him to my private dining room.” Celestia said. Cadance nodded, turning to the right as Celestia headed onwards down the hallway.

Breaker looked down at his meal and where the princesses went. “Genius? Raise? I'm sooooo confused.”

Cadance found Shining Armor brought to the private dining room to find Celestia at the table with blueprints of the castle rolled out. From hidden passageways, to each and every room throughout the ages, from construction to recent upgrades to the castle. “Where did all these construction blueprints come from? I have never seen these before.” Shining Armor asked, looking at each of them.

“These are my own personal blueprints of the castle. I gave them to the construction crews to build and improve the castle through the many years I've ruled.” Celestia replied in a calm manner. “Cadance brought you here because we both agree that searching high and low for the griffon in such an aggressive manner will result in many getting hurt or worse if they find him.”

“He will react badly.”

Shining Armor removed his helmet, placing it on the table. “I had that feeling myself. What do we do? He is inside the castle right this second. I am the captain of the guard, and have to do my duty Princess.”

Celestia looked over the plans. “That is why you are going to do your job with Princess Cadance's help.”

“With what exactly? All I have heard is that food is going to win him over.”

Celestia walked around the table looking over the blueprints. “I've got a plan that should work, if the pieces are in the right place.” Using her magic, she moved chess pieces onto the blueprints.

“Your guards going to focus on the far side of the castle and thin out towards here where we are right now.”

Shining Armor stared at the blueprints in confusion. “Princess, that would lead him right here. Is this what Cadance meant? You want to feed this griffon?”

“In a way, yes.” Celestia replied as she sat down on the far side of the table. “I know it will take most of the night to pull this off, but I believe we can do it. Princess Cadance will make sure to help create a channel that will lead the griffon to here. You and I will be waiting for him here after you have given the orders to the guard.”

Shining Armor was confused more than ever while taking note of the chess piece locations. “Princess with no disrespect but this teen, this griffon has been on the castle grounds for two weeks from what we know.” Shining Armor said as he walked around the table. “We do not know how he got here, or why he lived behind those dumpsters. But he has fled into the castle and-”

Cadance cut in. “Shiny, what did you see in his eyes before he fled?”

He turned to Cadance. “What does this have to do with the intruder?”

“Oh he is an intruder now?”

“Yes, for the last two weeks!” Shining Armor countered.

“Let me guess... your pride is damaged because the youngster been able to avoid you and the guard until now. Hmm?” Cadance mocked, now right in his face.

Shining Armor looked into his special somepony’s eyes and gulped. “M-maybe... No...” He nodded slightly. “Yes...” He finally said his true answer.

Cadance walked around him. “Shiny I love you, but you need to use that head of yours.” She tapped Shinings head with her hoof. “Now close your eyes think back to when you met him. What did you see?”

Shining Armor closed his eyes, thinking about then opened them in realization. “Terrifying fear...”

“If you saw an opening to escape would you take it?”

“Yes...”

“Now be a dear and tell the guard so I can do my part.” She kissed him on the snout and put his helmet back onto his head. “Please.”

Shining Armor rolled his eyes. “Fiiine...” Shining Armor said in resignation, then turned to Celestia and saluted. “I do not like this plan, but Cadance managed to sway me.” Cadance smiled slyly, just to the right of him. “I will inform the guard of Operation Bait and Breakfast.” He said, as he left the room.

Celestia raised an eye. “Bait and Breakfast? Interesting off the top of the head name for this operation.”

“It is a Sparkle Family thing.” Cadance replied with a smile. “I will do my part, and tell Shiny to enjoy his breakfast.” Cadance said, turning to leave the room too.

Celestia started cleaning up the table and looked back at the door. “I wonder when Shining is going to drop the question.” Celestia smiled, shaking her head. “Better get everything set up and ready for our young griffon friend.” Celestia hummed to herself as she started to get everything set up for breakfast, using her magic moving sheets over the table top and put the chairs in place.

Shining Armor walked back in, seeing Celestia setting everything up. “I've informed the guards of the plan, and they will make sure to not go after him if spotted. They will make openings that should lead him here...” Shining Armor paused. “...If it goes to plan.” He said as he finished reporting to Celestia “I still don't understand this plan of yours Princess...”

“I am trying to make up for the mistake that I made when rushing to send those letters off. If I thought before I had, the young griffon wouldn't be in the castle running around and hiding from all the guards...”

“Also I think he'd be sick of eating food waste by now.” Celestia said without looking at Shining Armor, but turned to him to ask a question. “Pancakes with syrup and whipped cream. How does that sound?”

“I do have to admit, it sounds tasty.” Shining Armor replied, using his magic to help prepare the table. “I never thought being captain of the guard would lead to directing an intruder to your private dining room to have breakfast...”

“I have to agree with you on that part. Think of him as a scared and terrified guest.” Celestia replied with a laugh.

Shining Armor had confusion once more written on his face. “Urm... Sure your highness...” Shining Armor had to press on with the subject at hoof. “In all seriousness your majesty, why are you taking such a keen interest in this teenage griffon? I don't see anything special about him, apart from carrying a plush toy of himself and wearing what looks like ill fitted clothing for a griffon to wear.”

Celestia simply replied with “I believe you've just answered your own question captain.”.

The captain closed his eyes once again, picturing the griffon’s, his clothing and plush. His eyes opened as he realised that he'd overlooked a few minor factors about the griffon. “That plush... It looked too well made.”

“Exactly. The clothing and the plush are two parts of the question that has been building. Another is why was he so terrified of ponies?”

Shining Armor took off his helmet and placed it on the side table by the wall. “He was wasn't he?” Celestia nodded. “Why?”

Celestia brought a mixing bowl over with her magic and gave it to Shining Armor, who took it with his magic. “Two questions I can not answer. Maybe... Just maybe having breakfast with us might allow him to relax and not be so fearful of us, to the point we can get answers.” Celestia picked up her own bowl. “Now follow my instructions and we will prepare breakfast.”

He look at the bowl, floating in his magic and back to Celestia. “Princess I-” She gave him a stern look. “Okay... Don't demote me if this goes wrong.” He muttered as Celestia started to show and tell him what to do, as she did it herself while hinting at him to follow.

Not paying much attention to what Celestia said, he stared at the inside of the bowl. “I'm doomed...” He whispered.

Deep in the castle catacombs, the young griffon flapped his wings as flew. Landing on the ground, he looked around for where to go next. He looked at the burning torches above him, around the stony ceiling and down to the floor. The sound of hoofsteps nearby got closer, and with a soft squawk the griffon walked backwards while trying to find a way out, bumping into a pressure switch.

The wall to his right opened up, causing him to jump and turn around. Standing on two paws and one talon, with the other holding the plush tightly to himself, the passageway opened up and gave him the chance to slip through. As he did, the wall closed up as the guards entered. The six of them looked around with one noticing a feather by the wall. “Sir.” He said as he showed it.

The other guard replied with a nod. “Nothing here, let's move on.” They left, to keep searching.

The wall opened up with the griffon looking around seeing they had moved on. Breathing in relief he quickly moved off in the opposite direction of them, heading up some stairs to find himself in a large and open corridor.

Red carpets with white pillars. Violet tapestries hung from each pillar. Large, white windows, with the view of the city, with lamps between to light up night time activities. The griffon looked around then he squawked in fear, seeing a few guards nearby.

Quickly moving towards a pillar, he hid behind it as the guards turned in his direction. They walked until they were near him, one pointing to the tail. Another nodded and they moved away, the griffon peering around to see them walking away. Not waiting around he ran the opposite direction, away from them.

Throughout the hours that passed, the griffon kept playing hide and seek with the guards. When saw him, the guards kept creating openings for him to take. Cadance watched from a tower with two guards, seeing him heading in the direction they planned for. “Princess I am very surprised this plan is working.” A female guard stated with surprise.

Cadance used the telescope watch him through the windows as he passed them. “He has been on the move for hours. He is scared of us ponies for some reason, and must be tired too, so he may not be thinking very clearly.”

The other guard in dark grey armor spoke. “Why is he scared of us?”

“That I do not know.” Cadance replied as she turned away from the telescope. “Continue playing our part of the plan, and let my auntie handle it okay?” Cadance looked back into the telescope. “The final act is a go. Make the final push.” She raised her hoof to give others the signal too, from a distance.

They saluted. “Yes princess.” Then the two guards left the balcony.

“Okay auntie, the ball is in your and Shiny's court...” Cadance said to herself, having lost sight of the young griffon. Looking out to the land far and below, she watched the sun start to rise. “As the sun rises, a new morning comes. Shall we start a new and start fresh...”

The young griffon noticed the sun starting to shine through some of the windows. This gave him the warning of shadows from the guards nearby. He ran from them, noticing more in front. Sliding to a stop, he turned to the only path that was left...

...and rushed right down the hallway towards a set of large double doors.

The sound of hoof steps got closer from behind. He pushed at the doors that easily opened and turned around to close them just as the guards came into view. He let out a breath of relief, having escaped the guards, but when he turned a surprised squawk came from him, seeing that he was not alone.

Celestia warmly smiled and pointed a hoof to the far end chair. “We have been expecting you young one. Come and take a seat, there are some freshly cooked pancakes for you.” Celestia said making the offer to the young griffon.

He stared at her and Shining Armor sitting at the table. One thing that confused him at the sight of this was Shining Armor was covered with cream coloured pastry stuck on his fur, mane and armour.

Even with that he wanted to run, but looked back through the crack of the door to see the guards now present at the end of the hallway.

Closing it back up the griffon looked to the table in the middle of the room again, the smell of fresh food and general welcome from Celestia, with the messy state of Shining Armor now muddling his mind.

Sit at the table and eat with these strange creatures, or flee to try and escape though the maze of hallways. One thing that was weighing more to the first option, was the delightful smell of a freshly cooked stack of pancakes.

He was trapped in a conflicted state of mind.

The doors in the middle far side opened with Luna walking in, using her magic to pick up a few apples from the bowl. “Morning sister. Care to join us?”

“Tired... Smell of trash... Griffon not found... Going to have a bath... Then bed...” Luna muttered, biting into the first apple and walking towards the griffon, who quickly shifted to the wall, pinning himself to it.

The door opened with her magic, his eyes widening from the glow from her horn to the door, but Luna completely ignored him, or didn't even notice him as she walked through. The doors closed with the same magical glow.

Shining Armor and Celestia stared at the closed doors with dumbfounded looks upon their faces.

The young griffon blinked a few times, unable to process what had just happened...

“Princess Celestia did she-”

“Yes.”

“Are we-”

“No.”

“But-”

“Captain.”

“Understood your highness.”

Celestia turned her attention to the young griffon that was still staring at the closed door. “Are you going to stare at the door or join us young one?” Celestia asked, giving the teenage griffon a call sign of 'young one' until she knew of his name.

The tilt of his head and not moving from the wall showed that he either didn't completely understand or still had little to no trust in her or Shining Armor. She opened up one wing and flapped it a few times in his direction, blowing the smell of hot pancakes towards him. He sniffed the air, his stomach grumbling with his free talon hand over it.

Celestia kept her genuine smile. “We are sitting on the far side so you can have your room. Please sit.” She gestured to the chair on the far side of the table.

He still didn't move, staring at her. “I don't think he believes you Princess...”

Celestia closed her eyes her horn glowing, then all doors gently opened up in the room at once. The griffon watched all of them open, looking back at her quickly, then at all the doors to see guards standing by each door like statues.

He quickly shifted away from them, but none of the guards reacted to him, which caused him to pause his movement.

“You may leave if you wish. I won't stop you, nor will the guards.” She gestured to the doors. “I won't force you young one.”

Shining Armor quickly turned to Celestia. “Princess Celestia wh-” She gestured a hoof up to him and he went quiet. The griffon tilted his head, watching Shining Armor go silent. He quickly looked back at the doorway, slowly walking up to it until he stood between the guards, looking to the right to the left as they seem to not even look at him.

The griffon turned around to one standing up on his hind legs waved his free talon close to the snout of the guard, getting no response. With a chip and soft squawk, he sounded confused by the lack of reaction “Hmm...” Celestia said to herself and Shining, looking to be deep in thought. “I don't think he can speak...”

The griffon got down back on his free talon and his paw feet to turn towards the table. “It sure seems like it, and the plan appears to be working....” Shining Armor's, doubts lingering, and turned to the griffon himself after what he just saw.

Celestia raised a cup of tea to her lips. “I was in doubt too.” Celestia replied sensing his doubts. “The guard being stationed after he arrived to gave him an option to stay or go was a risky one.” Celestia said, as she drank some of her tea, watching the griffon walk over to the table slowly while looking at each of the doors as they closed back up. “But I am glad it paid off.”

The teenager walked up to the seat that was gestured to by Celestia at first, then he put the plush down on the edge of the table and climbed up onto the chair to sit on it. He looked to the pile of pancakes, seeing the syrup oozing over them, to the whipped cream picture of a griffon face on it.

He had a very questioning look about it and looked to Celestia.

“I got a bit creative. Hope you don't mind.” Celestia giggled, seeing a slight smile from the griffon. “You have a nice smile young one.” She softly told him, causing him to blush shyly, a wing covering his face. Celestia stifled a laugh, a hoof to her snout.

A quick confused look came from him a few seconds afterwards.“I am sorry. It’s just good to see you are not running away. I see you are still a bit wary of us, from the way you were looking around.”

The griffon set his wing back to his side and looked confused again. “It look like he understands to a point, but loses track.” Shining Armor observed, and was having more doubts about the griffon, his suspicions growing.

“It seems so Shining Armor.” Celestia agreed, using her magic to pick up the knife and folk, the griffon seeming to act a bit fearful of the magic. “It’s okay. I am only using them to cut and eat my pancakes, see?” She put the fork into the pancakes, than cut them with the knife before picking up the bite of pancakes, putting them in her mouth and chewing.

He looked down at the knife and folk reaching out to each with his talons. Holding them, he watched what she did and tries to mimic the movement of the knife and fork, making a bit of a mess. He growled a little and tried again, until a bit of a messy mix of whipped cream, pancakes and syrup were stuck on the fork.

Putting it into his beak, he pulled the fork out, chewing on it. His eyes widened as the flavour exploded in his mouth. Chirping with a slight whistle, he swallowed and licked his beak, the griffon eagerly eating some more.

“Would you like something to drink?” Celestia asked. He looked up after a few more mouthfuls, his beak messy. The feathers around the beak also covered in whipped cream and syrup, blinking a few times.

Celestia using her magic float over two jugs to him. “This one is orange and this one is apple.” She pointed a hoof to each. “Which would you like in the glass?” He tilted his head. “Hmm... Smell and see which you like, like this.” She brought them back to her and sniffed at them, then placed both to the left of his plate.

The griffon leaned over to the orange filled jug, taking a sniff, he instantly recoiled with a scrunched up beak, shaking his head and pawed at his nostrils with his talons.

“I think he hates the smell of orange juice.” Shining Armor stated. “And didn't know that griffons had teeth in their beaks, let alone that they could scrunch them like a pony's muzzle.”

Celestia pulled the jug away and poured the apple juice into the glass. “Apple juice it is.” She said as she turned to Shining Armor. “Well at least we getting somewhere.”

“I don't know princess... Maybe he is playing dumb.” Shining Armor suggested, looking back over to the griffon as he picked up the glass with both talons to sniff at it then drank some.

“He seems to know the basics well enough, maybe the two weeks and the runaround was all a ploy...” Shining Armor's doubts growing about the true extent of the young griffon. The griffon happily ate more pancakes, squawking happily, his wings fluttering.

“Captain Armor, we know very little about him.”

“That’s the point princess. My doubts about him are because of the plush. I didn't say anything because I was uncertain, but now I think he maybe playing us.” Shining Armor whispered to Celestia.

Celestia look directly at the captain before something came to mind. Yes. I can use this to gain the trust of the young griffon. Maybe this will work.

The thought that came to mind allow Shining Armor to continue, to see if he would do what she'd thinks he will do. “You’re playing us for a foal, aren't you?” He raised his voice at the griffon, the young one’s head rising up and swallowing hard when he saw the look Shining Armor had.

“That plush is too well made you-” As he got off the chair, the griffon instantly grabbed his plush and with a beat of his wings, moved backwards, knocking over the chair and squawking in panic.

“CAPTAIN SHINING ARMOR!!!” Celestia used her Royal Canterlot Voice. The griffon covered his ears quickly, closing his eyes. As soon as the echoing stopped, he opened his eyes to see the white stallion flinched and showing slight fear on his face and eyes.

Shining Armor slowly turned around to an angry looking Celestia. “Sit back down and leave the griffon alone! If the young one approaches, you will be able to talk to him! Not the other way around! Understood!?”

“Bu-”

“Understood!?” She repeated, pointing to the chair.

Shining Armor's ears flattened, and he looked to the floor. “Yes, your majesty.” He dragged his hooves as he walked back to the seat and sat back down on it.

The griffon watched and relaxed, as Celestia smiled towards him. He went back to the table, grabbed hold of the chair and pushed it back up. He still watched Shining Armor now eating his pancakes and not even looking up. “Sorry if I went overboard, but I think this may work in our favour.” Celestia whispered to Shining Armor, using her magical mane as a cover to block her face and mouth while speaking to the captain.

Shining Armor glanced to her quickly without a word, then back to his food, until he felt something near him. Shining Armor slowly looked to his right, to see the young griffon holding his plush while looking directly at him. ‘Okay…’ Was the only thought he had at seeing this.

The griffon pointed to the other side of the table, chirping and squawking as if he was trying to give a command. Shining Armor smiled at seeing that he was trying to copy Celestia. “Nice try kiddo, but it’s going to take more than that.” He said. The griffon pouted and then tried another idea that came to him.

Shining Armor drunk a little, only to spit it back out into the glass when he saw the massive eyes and sad look the griffon was giving him. “Okay that is cute and-” He instantly pauseed. “Can you stop! That is creeping me out!”

The Griffon kept doing it for a whole minute, which felt like an eternity to Shining Armor.

Shining Armor quickly got up from his seat and used his magic to pick up his drink and plate. “Fine fine! I'll move! Please just stop!”

The griffon smiled and chirped happily as Shining took his new seat, Celestia laughing now that the tables were turned. This griffon was learning fast and had used a cute charm attack to get the captain to move chairs.

Also her plan was working, the griffon felt slightly safer with Celestia now.

The griffon put the soft plush by Celestia, which she looked to as he flew over to the side he sat at, taking the plate and glass. He returned to the seat Shining Armor had been at, and sat there after putting his plate and glass down, looking up at Celestia with a big cheeky grin on his beak.

“Feeling not so scared of me and Shining?” Celestia asked. He looked over to Shining, still a little wary, but not too much. He reached out with a flat talon out, twisting it left and right slightly.

“That’s either a maybe or so-so...” Celestia said, surprised by how he seemed to understand her now, compared to a few minutes ago. “How can you understand me better now than before?” He gave a confused shrug. “This is very strange...” Celestia muttered as she rubbed the underside of her snout.

Shining Armor looked over from the other side. “That’s why I had my doubts Princess, and thought he was playing on it.” The griffon cooed looking down at his plate sadly. “Wow you really did pick up on what we said quickly... How?” He gave a confused look at the captain. “Not sure are you?” The griffon haked of the head.

“Hmm... Do you know what happened, or how you came to be in Canterlot?” He gave a confused look as if he had never heard of the city. Celestia was surprised. “You do know you’re in a castle?” Still confused. “Do you know what a castle is?” He shook his head.

“Village?” Shining Armor asked, getting a shake again.

Celestia was next to speak. “Town?” He shaked his head once more.

“City?” Another shake from the griffon, as he groaned and rubbed the back of his neck.

Celestia gestured to the food and drink. “Drink your apple juice and eat your breakfast, okay? Don't worry about not knowing.” He nodded and started to eat again. Celestia looked over to Shining Armor. “This is very mysterious...”

“I'll say Princess... He understands us speaking, but not exactly what we are saying. Not knowing about settlements from small to large? How is that possible?” Shining Armor as well as Celestia were confused by this new development.

Celestia looked to her own food. “We can think about it after we have eaten. Having him sit by me is an achievement in and of itself.”

“Understood, your highness.” Shining Armor went back to eating his breakfast, but kept glancing at the cheerful griffon eating his breakfast, The questions the captain had were mounting, and if he had to guess, Celestia also shared them.

Throughout the exchange, the griffon still didn't know exactly what they were saying, or how he started to understand them all of a sudden. It was bits and pieces until he knew exactly what they were saying for word for word, but many of the words he didn't even understand. From ‘the castle’, ‘village’ and other words spoken by them.

Something about the one that was called 'Highness, princess, and majesty' by the one called Shining Armor... he felt a bit safer as he sat by her now, since she'd protected him from the Shining Armor creature, from what he witnessed in the way she told him off.

Drinking what she called apple juice, it tasted and smelled better than the other overpowering juice he smelt, that had a taste in the air that made him shudder. He finished off the ‘breakfast’, as they called it, with a happily filled belly.

“Enjoyed it did you?” He nodded. She gestured to the napkin as she used her own to wipe around her snout. “Now you do it, young one.” The griffon picked up the napkin opening it up. He wiped it around his beak and feathers, then pulled it way to look at the mess now on it.

He put it down on the empty plate, but one thing that got him curious was the waving stuff from her head, now staring at with his eyes following with the movement.

Celestia noticed his eyes moving up and down. “You’re looking at my mane?” He blinked a few times and turned his eyes to her own. He nodded. “Curious about it?” He nodded again and reached out to it. She lowered her head to allow him to touch her mane.

He laughed slightly from the feel of it through his talons.

Celestia smiled, but suddenly there was a sharp gasp. Celestia moved away quickly, and saw him staring out to space with eyes shrunk to pin pricks. “Young one... are you okay?” No response came, and she watched as his eyes roll upwards.

His eyes closed, and he fell backwards, pulling the chair over with him, Celestia tried to catch him with her magic, only to feel parts of the telekinetic spell being cancelled out around the scraps of clothing. This resulted in the griffon landing on his back unconscious, but her magic softened it.

Shining Armor knocked over his own chair while jumping up onto the table then off it to land next to the griffon. “Princess, what happened!?”

“I-He-I-” Celestia stuttering.

“PRINCESS!”

She blinked and shook her head. “Sorry...” Celestia looked down to the griffon.

“I don't know. He touched my mane when I let him, then suddenly gasped and passed out! I tried to stop him from falling but the clothing... it interfered with my magic!” Celestia said with worry.

Shining Armor put the right side of his head against the griffon's chest, listening for a heartbeat. He heard and felt it. Shining raised his head. “Princess, he is still breathing! We need to get him to Canterlot General right away! I don't want to take any chances!”

“Right! I will teleport all of us there at-”

“Princess, if the clothes interfered with your magic, teleporting won't work!” Shining Armor quickly tried to pick up the soft toy with his magic, but it fizzled out around the soft toy. “Princess, take the plush with your wing. I will carry the griffon!” He commanded as he put his head under the griffon and pushed the griffon onto his back.

Celestia picked up the plush with her wing. “Why am I carrying the toy?” Celestia asked.

Shining Armor noticed her mane stopped flowing as if the magic from it was being interfered with. “Your mane.”

“My mane?” She looked and noticed. “Well...”

“If that plush can cancel out magic, it is not safe to leave here.” Shining Armor quickly said, Celestia now getting the point.

Celestia knew the captain was right as looked at the plush she now held in her wing.

He quickly rushed to the doors opening them with his hooves. “Private Spirit! Get any four pegasi guards and meet us out by the chariot! Get the rest to clear the airspace from the palace to Canterlot General! This is Alpha One priority!”

The earth pony saw the unconscious griffon on the captain's back and saluted. “Right away, Captain!”

“Damn the salute and go!” Shining Armor screamed out, as the guard galloped down the corridor. “Princess, let's go. By the time we get there, the Pegasus guard should be ready to get us to the hospital!” Celestia didn't say a word but nodded as they both galloped down the hallway towards the chariot outside.

Celestia looked at the teenage griffon that was unconscious on Shining Armor's back as they galloped, and all that could come to her own mind was...

Was it her own fault again?

Inside a private waiting room of the hospital, three ponies waited. Walls painted with green hills, blue skies and white clouds, along with green floor tiles.

Shining Armor and another guard watched Celestia pace past them from one side of the room to the other. She muttered something to herself that they couldn't quite hear from the seats they sat on as she walked past them again.

The guard whispered to Shining Armor. “Captain, a few years ago, I saw her like this back in the throne room when it was about your sister.”

Shining Armor gave a light sigh. “Oh I know... Princess Celestia was like this a week ago.” He took a look around the room. “In fact in this very... Room.” He stared at the article of ruined clothes and plush.

“Princess, what are we going to do about these?” He asked, hinting to the very items on the table side beside him. “They are heavily resistant to magic and need to be dealt with.”

Celestia stopped her pacing and turned to address Shining Armor. “We will return them to the young one, captain.”

Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. “With all due respect Princess, I need to have a good reason before giving the griffon back something that can easily interfere with both active and passive magic.” Shining Armor hinted to the flickering light from the lamp that was affected by the said items.

The guard looked past Shining Armor at the items and frowned. “How is that even possible? Fabric and stuffing shouldn't be resistant to magic.”

“Indeed you are correct Sergeant Blue Star. Yet for some strange reason they are.” Celestia answered, speaking directly to the grey unicorn guard. “And yes, I was in this state of worry a few years back when you asked your fellow guard pony the question. As I quote. 'Are we supposed to say something?' Am I correct?”

He slipped almost off the seat when she quoted that very thing. “Y-Yes your majesty...”

Celestia raised her hoof. “At ease Sergeant. I am open to all subjects of thought about these items and the young one. The captain has voiced his uneasiness already about the path that I am taking.” Celestia glanced at Shining Armor.

“However I have never seen anything like this in my long life...” Celestia added.

Blue Star blinked. “Ne-never?”

She shook her head. “I may have lived far longer than most in this world Blue Star, but I am not as all knowing as many think I am.” Celestia smiled. “As you’ve seen I've been in a panicked state twice in the last few years.”

“I-I see what you mean Princess...”

“Princess” Both of them turned to Shining Armor. “Something needs to be done.”

“And it will Captain.”

“I am just doing what a captain needs to do for both yours and other ponies protection.” Shining Armor stated.

“As we already know, those items could bring harm to many, if they were to fall into the wrong hooves. I would rather see them-” The door opened before he could finish the sentence about the plush and clothing.

They all turned to see a cobalt blue unicorn with a silvery white mane and tail, wearing a doctor's coat, with a cutie mark of a magnifying glass over a magical set of stars magnified by the glass. “Doctor Trace!?” Celestia and Shining Armor said unison, surprised to see him.

Doctor Trace already knew about them from statements given to the nurses that he had on him including the results. “Top of the class twenty years ago in detecting magic, as well as mastery of transfiguration magic at your school Princess Celestia.” He said, with a hint of sarcasm.

He walked up to a seat and sat down on it. “Ten years later you specially requested my services for the Captain's parents to be tested for said magic. Another ten years later I am called from Manehatten to Canterlot, for your sister that no pony knew about till a week before, which was after the extended night and the Mare of the Moon vanishing.”

He continued to speak to them, without letting them have a chance to respond as the irritation grew in his voice.

“Just before I was about to leave from filing my report in, I got an Pegasus guard storming in shouting out the highest alert from the castle that a patient is coming in.” Doctor Trace said, looking annoyed. “I took charge instead of going home, and now I wish I had gone home after what I have found.”

He used his magic to pull a sheet of paper up, looking at it. “Three times in ten years I've been caught up in something strange and no longer see this as a coincidence. The chances of that are astronomical.”

Celestia and Shining Armor looked at each other with confusion. “I don't follow...” Shining Armor said, seeming oblivious to the connection presented by the doctor.

“I am surprised to see you here. We brought the griffon here because we feared he had a reaction to Princess Celestia's magic.” Shining Armor stated. “How is this connected to my parents and Princess Luna?”

Doctor Trace rolled his eyes slightly. “Okay I will play along.”

The three ponies stared in confusion,Trace took a look at the papers. “It as you said in this statement you've given, you believe the griffon did have a reaction to said magic.” The blue unicorn ran a hoof over it. “However, the griffon is in perfect health.”

“Perfect health? But the young one has been eating out of the food waste for the last two weeks!” Celestia exclaimed in surprise.

“That is true Princess, but from the look at his health, I say he took what was thrown in on a daily basis. So even if it would taste nasty, it would be edible and not spoiled.” Doctor Trace informed her.

Celestia was relieved. “That is good news, doctor.”

Doctor Trace pressed the subject he had in mind. “Indeed Princess. Now... what are you two not telling me?”

Shining Armor was still oblivious as was the Princess, but Blue seemed to be catching on. “Not telling you? I said everything in the report that you got from the nurse.”

“Fine... I'll continue to play your game.” Doctor Trace said with a sigh.

Going over the report, he shared his findings. “I believe from what I read in both of your statements about his reaction to the magic, it is something I have seen in those with memory loss when regaining an traumatic memory, or are overwhelmed by a wave of memories.” Looking to Celestia he spoke on. “So indirectly, this was caused by touching your mane, the magic setting it off. That is what I believe.”

Celestia felt dejected at the news. “So my magic did harm him...”

“Indirectly Princess.” Doctor Trace specifically stated. “There was no way of knowing that he would react to your magic like this.”

Blue Star was listening to them talk and it finally clicked as to what Doctor Trace was pressing towards. “Doctor, you said you specialize in magic detection and transfigurations, correct?”

“That is my specialization.” Doctor Trace answered, now focused his attention on Blue Star

“And you said this was the third time.”

“Yes.”

“Are you going somewhere with this Sergeant?” Shining Armor asked, turning towards Blue Star.

Blue Star answered. “I am Captain. You two are so concerned about the griffon that you didn't pay attention to what Doctor Trace said when he'd walked in.” Blue Star turned to the doctor.

Doctor Trace smiled. “I like you, youngster. You listened and paid attention.” Doctor Trace now had a serious look upon his face. “Now, we can press on with the serious matter at hoof.”

“Please tell us.” Celestia requested.

“I ran a scan of his body, and nearly had to max out my magic to complete it. He is too perfect of a griffon in every way.”

“Too perfect?” Celestia repeated those words. “Are you suggesting that he wasn't a griffon?”

“Indeed. I think the ill-fit of clothing was the easiest clue to that.” He hinted to the scraps of clothes by Shining Armor, seeing how they had overlooked the simplest of details.

“An extremely powerful transfiguration spell, unlike anything I know of or have seen must have been used on the poor teenager for the magic in his body to still be faintly present at this time.”

Shining Armor looked at the clothes, then back at Doctor Trace. “Do you know what he looked like originally from the magic you found in him?”

“Faintly. He could belong to any of the bipedal races.” Trace used his magic to bring up a grid image of the griffon on it and show what looked bipedal being beside it, but it was a very degraded image. The being couldn't be made out clearly, and could belong to any of the bipedal races in Equestria or outside of it.

Celestia looked at the magical display before it disappeared. “I see what you mean, there are many from what I know of, so knowing what he may have been would be very difficult to discover.”

“Indeed, now shall I continue?”

“You may.”

“Whatever level of magic did this, it put even your magic level of power to shame Princess. The level used was most likely torturous... Being melted alive by lava would be the best way to describe the pain he must have felt.”

Celestia's gaze suddenly seemed to just bypass Doctor Trace, staring off into space as she heard what he just said. “To-to-torturous...” The word barely escaped her snout.

“How can you be sure of this?” Shining Armor demanded.

“I can't, but from everything I have gathered, it seems the most likely explanation” Trace showed all the papers to Shining Armor.

“From tests and statements, to how long ago he was turned into a griffon. The traces of the original form are far too gone to recover...” He explained, having paused to directly look Shining Armor in the eyes with his golden yellow ones.

“The clothing and that plush are like him, resistant to our magic.”

“What!?” The two guards were surprised by this. Celestia was non-responsive.

“You heard me!” Doctor Trace confirmed what he said and continued to speak.

“I found that even if he isn’t as resistant to magic now, he still is partially resistant due to the traces of his true self that remain. He was a being that showed little effect from our form of magic. In fact, I would go as far as to say he was on the opposite side of the magical spectrum.”

Shining Armor got up off the chain. “That is impossible!”

Doctor Trace walked right up to him, putting the folder down on the table. Now only a foot of air was between them the doctor spoking once more. “Shining Armor, everything has an opposite for balance.”

“Without balance there would be no reaction, no way of progress, no point in life. Not all opposites are good, such as the dark forces that would rip us a new one and take over the kingdom, as some have tried in the past.”

“So...” He lifted his hoof up and poked it against Shining Armor's chest plate a few times. “Don't you dare question my findings. I have twenty years of experience and this! THIS….” He pointed to the door he'd come through.

“...Is a whole new level of magic that I have never felt before! Whoever did this used magic to not only change that poor griffon into what he will be for the rest of his life, but ripped him apart in such a way that when he was put back together as a griffon, his memories were most likely scrambled! The way he has been acting since you found him is most likely because of that!”

Doctor Trace growled and turned to Princess Celestia, looking directly up at her, leaving Shining Armor lost in his own thoughts about the words spoken by the doctor.

“Promise me that you will find the ass that did this, Princess Celestia! I have been patient and calm as best I can, but now I tremble at the thought of that kind of magic out there! If they can use magic that interferes with our own magic with ease, to do this to a poor soul like that griffon... I do not want to think about what it could do to one of us.”

Celestia slowly turned to the plush and clothes. “Tortured... Transformed by transfiguration against his will... A teenager tortured...” She was trembling with fear and pain from what she just learned.

“Princess?” Shining Armor asked, seeing the pain in her eyes.

“I want answers captain...” She turned to the captain. “I want whoever did this to be found!” Celestia's rage wasn't just by just words, but by the burst of magic coming from her.

Shining Armor lowered his foreleg as the magic burst died down. “Of course, but where do we start?” Shining Armor asked.

Celestia thought about the reports of blue light and lightning that were seen throughout the city after Luna was restored. “Talk to everypony in the city about the morning of two weeks ago. The morning of the blue light and lightning. Any clue that can be found could be the answer we need to figuring this out.”

Shining Armor saluted. “At once Princess, but what about you?”

Celestia turned to Blue Star, ignoring Shining's question. “I have a special task for you Sergeant.” She leaned down and whispered into his right ear. “Got it?”

Blue Star saluted. “Yes Princess.” He took the remains of the clothing and departed at once.

Celestia turned to Doctor Trace. “Take me to the young one please...” She picked up the plush with her wing. “And I promise.”

Doctor Trace smiled slightly having gotten the promise he wanted. “Follow me.” He said, heading for the door and gesturing for her to follow. Celestia nodded, following the Doctor towards the door.

“Princess!” Shining Armor exclaimed, his voice raised to get her attention.

Celestia stopped without looking at the captain. “I must do what I can to protect the young one from anymore harm.” Celestia then hinted for the doctor to keep leading.

Shining Armor was soon left alone in the waiting room. “Scrambled memories... Can't speak. Rapid understanding... Not knowing what we are or where he is?”

“Now it makes sense...” He whispered to himself.

“That kind of damage to the mind may take days, weeks, months or even years to heal... What sick being would torture a teenager?” No answers came to his mind.

He looked to the empty spot on the table. “Princess I hope you know what you’re doing...” Shining thought back to Blue Star taking the scraps of clothing away. “...and what do you have planned with the griffon's clothes?”

With no answer coming to mind, Shining sighed and turned to walk to the door of the waiting room. “I have never seen you like this. I don't think anypony has.”

Shining Armor left the waiting room, to start on finding the answers Celestia wanted as the mystery of the young griffon deepened.

Laughter came from the darkness, nothing but darkness. The sound of hooves on stone echoed through out the blackness. “Time may not pass but it shall. I have got what I needed and now the time has come. The magic of the mountain will be mine!”

Two glowing golden and black auras around two horns shimmer lightning up his face showing an evil stare and smile. Shifting from left to right the same shimmer came from six objects all around. “Now the final steps. This will hurt a lot.” He laughed as the magic flared up.

The griffon eyes snap out with him screaming out sitting up looking around breathing heavily, his eyes shifting around the unknown room rapidly. Before he could get his bearings one of those hoofed beings with a white hat and red cross on it came in a hurry.

He squawked and growled at it backing up on the soft unknown object he woke up on.

“Calm down I'm a nurse, I heard you scream and ca-” He backed up against the bed backrest as the nurse pony tried to calm him down, to only get a more defensive squawking and growling at her.

She could see his heart rate was going through the roof on the heart display.

The nurse quickly backed up to the door way hoping this would work and calm him down. It was the first thing she could think of and just as she did he seem to slightly relax with the heart rate dropping.

“Sweet Celestia...” She whispered. “How the hay am I suppose to do my job if being in the same room as the poor griffon will freak him out?”

A set of hoof steps came to her left. Those steps was Princess Celestia and Doctor Trace. “D-Doctor, Princess. I-I-well-”

“From your reaction Nurse Pink Heart. I gather the young griffon is awake and alert?” Doctor Trace calmly spoke to the white mare with pink mane and tail and eyes.

She glance into the room. “Alert... Yes... Awake... Screaming.” She sighed. “I tried to help the poor thing and he-”

“Freaked out and backed up as far as he could?” Celestia interrupts.

“Yes...” Pink Heart lower her head.

Celestia use her hoof to raise the head back up gentle. “Nurse it not your fault. He did the same thing with me, my sister and Captain Shining Armor.” Celestia gave a light smile.

“It took all night with misdirections to get him in the same room as us for breakfast. I haven't slept in over 30 hours.” The nurse now noticed the dark circles under Celestia's eyes.

Pink Heart turn back to the room. “Could you maybe try to tell him that I won't hurt him and that my job is to make him feel better. Please?”

Celestia nods. “I will try.” She turn and walk into the room, both nurse and doctor watching as the griffon calming down even more.

“Hmm... An imprint of trust has be placed on the princess.” He took notice of the sadness fallen on the griffon as Celestia approached. Trace didn't say anything else as he observed with Pink Heart.

Celestia noticed he was looking up for a second and quickly looking down towards the talons, he held the sheets firmly. “Do you think your in trouble?” She asked gentle.

He nods without making eye contact, Celestia sits by his bedside. “Your not young one.” He rose his head slowly and his eyes meet with the eyes of his own plush. “I believe this will make you more comfortable.”

The griffon lean forwards take it with his talons and held it close to him, lowering his head to rub it against the soft plush to his short feathered face. “Doctor Trace.” He look up to Celestia. “He said there was two things that might of happened to you...” She sighed.

He blinked a few times tilting his head. “When you touched my magic through the mane. You might of remembered a lot of things or something very scary and terrible.” Celestia didn't say tortured to the griffon, she thought it was best not mention that word.

The flashes of the two horn magic and laughed came before his eyes, quickly the griffon shook his head to get those frightening images out of his mind.

Celestia saw the fear and the way he acted. “Something terrible wasn't it?” He looked up with tears falling from his eyes down through his cream feathers to his beak.

Celestia closed her eyes breathing in and letting it out with an anger blow through her nostrils. “Young one I promise you whatever did this to you, will not hurt you again. I will protect you with every ounce of magic I have.”

Using her magic to bring over a tissue to wipe his tears away, the plush was a good twenty or so centimetres away but didn't effect her magic as much. The griffon reached out to her and in kind Celestia lean down, she put her hoof around his back gentle and let him hug into her neck crying. “Go on let it out. Cry my little griffon.”

Trace and Pink Heart watch the griffon cry for what seem forever till he finally stopped with Celestia using more tissues to wipe the tears away. She place one over his beak. “Go and blow little griffon.” He did so and Celestia put all the tissue waste in the bin.

“Now do not worry about what you remembered and let me ask a few basic questions that I can answer for you. Okay?” He nods with a smile now present.

“A promise can I keep?”

“NO! I will keep! This young one has been through too much. Now I believe what Doctor Trace said to be true. Somepony or something out there did this to him and I will not allow whatever did this to do it again to him or any other.” She thought with a promise that intended to kept.

Celestia decided to start with him. “You are a griffon.” He blinked and point to himself with a finger. “Yes your a hybrid race. Made up of a feline and an avian species.” Celestia uses her magic to create a grid before him.

The griffon looked surprised by it. She point to the griffon and he nods. “That is your kind. A griffon.” Two other races a cat and a bird appear. “This is what you are made up of. Half feline or cat, which ever you prefer to call it and avian or bird.” The two merge and turn into a griffon.

Celestia now change it to three ponies. “I and those over there are called ponies.” He nod. “I am also like you.”

The griffon tilt his head. “A hybrid but unlike you I am made up of Earth Pony, Unicorn Pony and Pegasus Pony.” She point her hoof at each as she spoke and than merge them into one form before his eyes.

He look to her pointing at himself and than her. “Yes we are sort of the same. But unlike you I am called an Alicorn made up of all three pony races.” She look to the two ponies. “Now which one is a Earth Pony?” He quickly point to Nurse Pink Heart. “Correct and Unicorn Pony?” He point to Doctor Trace.

“Amazing. His learning as Princess Celestia speaks to him.” Doctor Trace whispers to himself with surprise.

“Alicorn?” He now point to Celestia.

“Griffon?” He held up the plush and got a smile from her. “Yes young one that is indeed a griffon.” He laughed and she did too. “And you are too right?” She giggles a bit more and got a happy grin from him.

Celestia now turn her attention to the next task in mind. “Now Doctor Trace the unicorn and Nurse Pink Heart the Earth Pony are not going to do any harm to you, in fact they work to make others better like you.” She turn to the machine on the other side of the bed. “You see that over there.”

The griffon look at it making beeping sounds tilting his head as he now noticed it. “That the sound of your heart beating, those wires attached to sensors on your chest right now.” He pull the green shirt away from his neck to see the wires lead to two round objects on his fur. “You didn't even know they there till I told you.”

He let go and look at her with an questionable look in his eyes. “They only want you to get better. So will you let them come to you? I will stay right here by your side the whole time.” He wearily looked over to them and back to Celestia with a hard swallow the griffon nods.

Celestia gestures them to enter. They did so and he shifted slightly on the bed but Celestia kept a wing over him. “First thing I do like to ask is a name.” Doctor Trace stated. “I mean we can't keep calling you griffon. It your race not your name afterall.”

The griffon eyes shift left and right with something in his mind ticking till he gasped. Quickly picking up his plush turning it upside down to show a tag on it right paw, poking it. Celestia lean over to take a look, soon as she hit as she guess about less than fifteen centimetres the magic in her mane started to act up.

Celestia figured out by that the plush has a small effect radius. Her mane was that close to her own wing she'd held the plush against. “Hmm...” Celestia look at the tag at the characters on it. “I never seen characters like this in my life. I wouldn't even to guess how to say it.”

Doctor Trace took a look. “Indeed this is an mysterious form of writing. First time any of us have seen it.” He turn to the griffon. “You can understand it?” He nods. “Can you say it?” The griffon lower his head with a soft coo. “I will write it down under griffon for now.”

Pink Heart came up to the bed side near the machine. “Hello there young griffon. I want to say sorry for scaring you.” She put her hoof out to him.

He look to it and back at Celestia. “She like you to shake it and accept her apology.” He gulped and reach out to grab her hoof with a slight shake before letting go quickly and shivered slightly. “I guess touching a hoof for a first time is a strange feeling right, young one?”

He nods fluffing his wings slightly.

Pink Heart walk around with a smile taking the chart. “From the look at things. I believe tomorrow morning he can be discharged into your care Princess Celestia. The papers should be ready by then.”

“M-my care?” Celestia was startled by what she heard.

“I have to agree with the nurse.” Doctor Trace backs the nurse. “The young one as you keep calling him, has grown to trusting you and feeling safe. Taking him out of it would most likely put him back to square one.”
Celestia's eyes dart to the griffon and back to the two ponies. “This is a bit fast isn't it?”

“Well you did act without thinking Princess.”

“How can I care for him as-as erm...”

“A guardian? An parent?”

“Yes that Doctor Trace! I'm a ruler of an kingdom! I don't know if I have the time for that!”

The griffon listened to them talking to each other. He wasn't sure what exactly they was talking about, he knew somewhere inside that a promise that was made is something really important.

“Well you did openly promise to protect him. You acted on impulse and anger-” Doctor Trace said calmly as Celestia started to breath in and out rapidly unable to finish what he was trying to say.

The griffon wondered what a guardian or this parent thing Doctor Trace spoke of meant, he scratching lightly on top of his head trying to know the meaning of these words. But he saw the Alicorn called by the doctor Princess Celestia was in distress and reached out to her side.

A talon was felt against her side. “I think he trying to calm you down. How the tables turned Princess.” Doctor Trace chuckled. “Now before you let me finish speaking, I have a few suggestions to aid you in this Princess.”

“I was your personal student twenty years ago was I not?” He gave an sly smirk.

“Yes you were.” Celestia replied calming down as her eyes not leave the sight of the golden brown griffon eyes looking back up at her. “Trace, what are your suggestions?”

Doctor Trace coughs and they turn to face him directly. “My suggestion is the two other Alicorns, your sister Princess Luna and your niece Princess Cadance.”

“Hmm... I-”

“Didn't think?” Celestia got interrupted by the doctor. “Also you do have your captain too, he is one of the first ponies to get close to him.” Trace turn to the griffon. “I did notice though. The magic residents that plush creates seem to emit a distribution field around 15 to 20 centimetres.”

“When in contact with somepony like you Princess Celestia it directly caused interference to your magic within, which in turn block the flow of magic to the mane and tail.” Trace explained. “You thought the mane magic was interfered due to close proximity am I correct?”

Celestia smiled. “Indeed. It seem one of my formal students still can keep me on my hooves. Thank you for explaining how it effected my magic.”

Trace bow his head slightly. “It been my pleasure.” Trace rose it and turn to Pink Heart. “Shall we do our rounds?”

“Of course Doctor.” Pink Heart notice the trolley of books out in the corridor. “Princess. May I make a suggestion.”

“You may.”

Pink Heart picked up a book with her mouth and place it down on the end of the bed. “Read this to him, he seem to like adventures.” She winks to the griffon and leaves with Doctor Trace.

Celestia use her magic to pick up the book, she looked at the title and cover. “Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone. Hmm...” She turn to the griffon. “So... Young one would you like me to read this to you?”

He narrow his eyes looking at the book's words. He rubbed his feathered head not having a clue what it says. “Don't worry; it will be one of the things I and a few other ponies will teach you. It may take time but you will be able to read. Also to write and speak.” He nods hugging his plush tight to himself as Celestia kept her wing draped over him.

“Now... Shall I begin?” He nods getting comfortable against Celestia's wing. She open the book to begin reading the adventure novel. “As Daring Do trekked through the tropical jungle, the wet heat sapped her energy and slowed her every step.”

“-You thought you could evade me and capture the relic for yourself, but you are sadly mistaken, Miss Do. And now, you shall meet your doom!” Ahuizotl blows his whistle and various of big cats and an-” She stared at the page with an raised eye. “Kitten? Really an kitten emerged with tigers-” Celestia pauses.

Her eyes slowly turn to the griffon whom looked annoyed. “Sorry young one. It just strange that you have a group of large cats and than a k-” He gave a huff. “Story right.” Celestia look out the window.

“Oh my is it that time!?” Celestia quickly put the book down and moved. “I'll be back in a second. I got to lower the sun!”

He tilt his head as she quickly walk to a double window door to the balcony and open it with her magic. Celestia used her magic and the sun starts to lower, his eyes widen as he watched the dusk sets in as the sun sets.

“There all done.” Celestia turn closing the double door windows and walk back in with him pointing at the now closed double window. “Oh sorry. I forgot to mention that I control the sun and my sister control the moon with our magic, we basically give the day and night.” The griffon still in shock at what he saw.

“It a normal thing young one. We do this to give the days and nights through out the year.” The griffon looked very puzzled as the shock wears off.

Celestia walked over to the bed side and sat back down beside it letting out a deep yawn, making the griffon yawn too. “I promise you young one, I never misuse my magic. Even it look scary this is my duty to bring day and set the day. It part of who I am.” He looked over at the double windows seeing the moon rise into the sky and back to Celestia.

“I made a promise too didn't I?” The griffon gave an thoughtful look and recalled her promise. “Now you have two promises from me.” Celestia whispered softly to him.

He nods and she put her wing back over him. “Ready for me to continue?” He squawk happily eager to hear the last of the story, excited even.

Celestia continues to read the story. “The cats move in and Daring Do down for the count surrounded by the cats, Ahuizotl laughing-”

….

Later that night Princess Luna, Cadance and Captain Shining Armor walking with Doctor Trace to the griffon's room. “So Auntie Celestia decided to stay with the griffon, on top of that you twisted her hoof to take him in.”

“Not exactly. I just hinted that he took to being safe with her, sending him some place else we could end up destroying all that progress made.” Trace replied as they continued their way to the room. “Also I might add she did this with haste.”

“From what we have heard and read about this griffon, we see why our sister would do such a thing. We believe that this action Celestia took was just.” Luna looking through the file as they walked.

Shining Armor glance to Princess Luna. They arrived at the room, guards salute. “Princess I think th-” Upon the door opening he stopped in his tracks.

Before them was Celestia fast asleep and tuck under her wing was the young yellow, black griffon holding his plush close to his chest also sound asleep.

The guards glanced in the room seeing this, a quick glance from Luna they instantly went back to standing attention at either side of the door.

“Let's talk about this somewhere else shall we?” Trace whispered.

“They so adorable.” Cadance smiled warmly. “Don't you think Shiny?”

Shining Armor rubbed the back of his head. “I have to admit I didn't see this coming.”

“Please. Come to my temporary office.” He point his hoof down the hallway.

“Of course.” Shining Armor and Cadance follows but Luna walked into the room.

Trace watched for a moment but got a glance from Luna, with a bow he left with the other two ponies. Luna crept up using her magic to move the sheets over to cover Celestia and the young griffon. He opened his eyes slightly yawning and looking at her.

Luna put her hoof to the tip of her muzzle. “It okay little one, go back to sleep, we shall make sure thy have pleasant dreams.” He closed his eyes and drift back to sleep.

Luna smiled softly at her sister and the griffon. “Sweet dreams sister, little one. Sweet dreams.” She turns, just before she leaves a book catches her attention. “Daring Do? Why would our sister read this?”

Luna takes it with her leaving the room and closing the door quietly.

“Speak of this to those unaware we will act on it and thou will be punished severely.” Luna walk to the office.

One guard glance over to the other. “Did you see anything?”

“Nope, didn't see anything at all.”

“Good...”

“Good.”

Luna the last to enter the office closing the door behind with her magic, Doctor Trace took his seat behind the desk. Luna, Cadance and Shining Armor stand before the desk ready to hear what Doctor Trace has to say about Celestia's actions. They watched as he place a wooden cube on the table and cast a spell that shimmered all along the walls, doors, floor, windows and ceiling.

Cadance took a look around as the magical shimmer died down. “An silent spell. Correct?”

“Indeed. I rather our little chit-chat doesn't wake the patients.” Trace replied. “And captain before your sister was even born I was Princess Celestia's personal student. That is why I know a fair few spells.” He turn to Shining Armor speaking directly to the captain.

“I gather you sparked an interest with Princess Celestia?” Shining Armor questioned.

Trace uses an transfiguration spell to turn the cube into a red rubber ball, knocking it off the desk to bounce a few times before rolling to an stop by Shining Armor's hoof. “Indeed when I was about eleven years old. I spent around nine or so years as her student.”

“Did thy choose to leave our sister?”

Trace now turn his attention to Luna as Shining Armor using his magic to pick up the ball and examine it. “Yes, she taught me all that could be learnt. I respect what Princess Celestia did for me. I could have been in a darker place but in the direction I was pushed to, gave me what I need to follow my heart.”

Cadance understood what he meant. “Being a doctor. Tending to sick and injured.”

“Correct. Also helping those magical injured to attacked as well. Manehatten is quite the lively place day or night.” Trace put his two front hooves together giving them a dead serious look. “I came to Canterlot as a request for Princess Celestia.”

“Princess Luna was once Nightmare Moon and why I am here.” He around the desk and around them. “I gave Princess Luna a complete clean bill of health and Princess Celestia was more than pleased. So was you.”

“Correct.” Luna replied as he continue to walk around them and head back to the desk.

“So... Let's recap shall we?” He came back to his desk.

“Somehow a griffon ends up on the castle grounds, he found two weeks later after all other options about the theft of the waste food is exhausted. Two of you and Princess Celestia find him, because of the magic used he wakes, freaks out and flees.”

“Next you find a way to get him to the private dinning room of the princesses. Shining Armor and Princess Celestia have breakfast with the griffon.”

Luna looked confused. “They did?”

“You were half awake.” Shining Armor stated.

“Ah yes, that was true. We was.” Luna admitted.

Trace continues. “By touching Princess Celestia's mane he sees something from his past. Remembering something terrible. The result of that was the magic. Then he submitted to the hospital and we know how that played out.”

Trace still kept his serious expression as he finally comes to the very reason for them being in the office.

“Princess Celestia made a promise she can not break. By morning she will sign papers and will take full custody of the teenage griffon. In other words Princess Celestia let this get personal and acted on impose.”

Shining Armor bounced the ball a few times testing it bounce and surprised by how the transfiguration spell worked. “Impressive.” Shining Armor got a look from both princesses.

“Right...” He gives the ball to Trace via telekinesis and got back on topic. “As for what Princess Celestia did. I had an feeling this may of happened.”

Trace pulled out the file from the draw opening it up. “I believe you are right captain. I read through your statements and have to say it detailed.” Luna and Cadance now knew how Trace was well versed in what happened so far.

Trace point a hoof at a part of the papers. “This part where Princess Celestia raised her voice at you during breakfast to gain his trust.”

Cadance eyes drift away thinking about what just been said by Trace. “Showing authority to one that may bring harm to the confused and scared. Bring a sense of safety and confidence to said griffon.” Cadance theorised.

“With what I discovered adding to his tortuous memories resurfacing while coming in contact with Celestia's magic. I say this is no longer a theory but an fact. His now imprinted a sense of safety and familiarity with your sister Princess Luna.”

Trace explained to them and turn his attention to Luna. “That familiarity is griffon and Alicorn.”

Luna walked to the window looking out at the city lit by street lights and many activities going on at night. “That familiarity is in the hybrid race. We are both made up of difference races.” Luna sighed. “Celestia has taken this personally.” She turn to Trace.

“What is there to do? This has escalated in the last two days.”

Cadance took a good look around at the ponies in the office. “I believe the answer is clear. We're Alicorns, so he may trust us. As for Shining Armor, he doesn't feel threaten by him because of Aunt Celestia.”

Shining Armor gave Cadance a puzzled look. “Just from standing down by Princess Celestia's command, he now sees me as somepony to be near cause I may feel scared of what Princess Celestia might do if I did something to him?”

Trace nods. “In a way the griffon sees that. His mind set is scrambled. It amazing that his learning as he goes. So the next month at least will be a trying one at most. We have to teach him the differences from right and wrong or he will see-”

Luna interrupts. “Wrong is right and right is wrong.”

“Yes Princess Luna.” Trace confirmed. “Princess Celestia will not have the time to fully commit to this. She will need all of your help.” Trace stated. “I know it sudden and out of the blue but each of you now play a vital role in his up bring.”

Luna didn't like this being put into a spotlight but she understood why. “We will do what we must. This young griffon been through too much already.”

Shining Armor sighed heavily. “As captain of the guard, my duty to Equestria and it citizens. I will aid in his up bring.” Shining Armor reluctantly agreed.

Candace the last to accept her part in helping the griffon. “I had foalsitting experience with Twilight Sparkle. So I will be up for the task at hoof.”

Trace smiled but lost it a few seconds later. “Now we sorted that out. I got on finding that is troubling, it be best that it doesn't go beyond us...” They look to each other and turn to Trace giving their word.

“Care to explain?” Shining asked.

Trace used his magic to turn the rubber ball into a wooden sculpture of Luna. “When I and Pink Heart was heading to Canterlot City Hall of Records to acquire the forms. I decided to track any form of magic similar to that within the griffon.”

Luna felt a ping of within, it was an awful feeling within her gut. “Doctor Trace... What thy found?”

“The magic that changed him... It's faint but it in Canterlot...” He slowly begisn to say and turn to Shining Armor. “Whom ever did this was here a few weeks ago.”

Shining Armor felt a chill run down his spine to his tail. “Can you track where the spell came from in the City?”

“No.”

“Why not!?” Shining Armor demanded.

Trace sighed. “I wasn't here two weeks ago. If I was, then I could of tracked where it originally came from. The magic in the air at this very moment is so fate now. Not enough to get a location, sorry.”

“For magic to linger in the air around an large area like the city after two weeks, means we are dealing with something that could easily dwarf any form of magic we know or knew.” Cadance wearily stated. “Aunt Luna. This can't get out. If this was to get it would cause panic and mistrust among the ponies as a whole.”

Luna sighed. “We not one for keeping such things from our sister but... We have to agree.” Luna turn to Shining Armor. “Captain you are to investigate this discretely. Whom ever is behind this does not know what we know. We can not scare them off into hiding. Less they know the better it will be.”

“Princess are you sure?”

“We are... Thou the reason may not be sound. It has to be. This pony or creature has power of an greater transfiguration then even we have.”

“Which means whom ever this is may come after the griffon again?” Luna nods to what Shining Armor said. “I can see why Princess Celestia made it her personal mission to take custody of the griffon. She aware that something out there that did this to him and may return.”

Trace closes the folder up. “That is why I am staying. I' will inform my wife via letter that I will be home for the weekends, but during the weekdays I'll be working here in Canterlot General on a special assignment for the crown of Equestria”

“A good call.” Cadance agreed. “You are the doctor he feels safe around. Right?”

“In a way me and Pink Heart are. But only when Princess Celestia is most likely present.” Trace partly confirmed what Cadance said. “For now there is little information to work with, prepare for an possible attack and hope it doesn't come.”

With that Luna choose to end the meeting by using her magic to cancel out the spell. “Thy has our thanks. We bid thy an good night. We have much to work on.” Luna turns around opening the door and leave the office.

Cadance suddenly came up with a crazy idea. “Shiny. There a empty room on the same level as the aunts rooms correct?”

“There is. It usually used for VIP guests of the crown. Why?” Shining Armor asked.

Cadance quickly came around behind him and pushed. “Hey what are you doing Cadance!?”

“Your helping me.”

“With what exactly!?”

“Oh you see! Come on Shiny stop sliding and start trotting!”

“Alright!” The Alicorn of Love and captain of the guard leaves the office.

Trace look down at the closed folder than at the open door. “Temporary office now became my permanent office.” He open the draw up and put the file inside it. Looking at the figure he used his transfiguration spell to turn it into a diamond sculpture of the griffon.

Trace took out the sealed envelope staring at it.

“Well... I hope Amber Flare will not fry me for this.”

The golden glow around the quill as it's tip danced around on the piece of paper creating the signature of Princess Celestia. Little over two days ago Celestia wouldn't even thought she would become an guardian to a teenage griffon, yet as she signed the last of the papers her eyes trail from them to that very griffon sitting on top of the bed eating cereal.

He was completely unaware of how sudden this was for the princess of the sun, the griffon happily chowing away with each spoonful of cereal and milk. Doctor Trace had to show him how, but as Celestia was told by the doctor. The teenage picked up quickly on how to use the spoon with the bowl to eat his breakfast.

Pink Heart checked through the papers. “This all looks good Princess, you and the griffon may leave when your ready.”

Celestia replies without taking her eyes off the teenage. “Thank you Nurse Pink Heart.” Celestia was still trying to wrap her head around all that happened in the last two days. “Nurse... Do you have any young foals?”

As the griffon cheerfully eat away as Pink Heart responds to Celestia's question. “Yes, an eight year old colt. Love him with all my heart but tend to be a bit of a hyper little thing that gets into trouble.” She laughed softly. “I am gathering your asking me because of the young one?”

Celestia turn her head to now focus on Pink Heart. “Yes.”

“Am I rushing this? Am I doing right?” Celestia said with concern.

“Princess. I can not exactly answer that.” Pink Heart glance over to Doctor Trace and the griffon. “He is far better than I first met him before you came. So...” She turn to Celestia. “What does your heart says?”

Celestia put a right hoof on her chest. “I am doing the right thing. Yet I do not understand how or why...” Celestia lower her hoof.

Pink Heart looked around for the Daring Do book. “That I can't answer Princess. Each answer to that differs.” Pink Heart look over to the griffon again at the end of the bed to see no book. “One thing I can say for sure. His a teenager and from what I seen his a fast learner via visual.”

“So teaching him from right and wrong will be one of those top priorities?” Celestia asked Pink Heart nods.

“Yes. That would be a good idea Princess.”

Celestia noticed Pink Heart opening up a cupboard and closing it. “What are you doing? If I may ask.”

Pink Heart sighed. “The book you read is missing.”

Celestia noticed a dark blue feather under the bed. “I believe my sister has the book.”

“Your sister?” Pink Heart look to where Celestia was looking at. “I see...” She took the feather in hoof.

Celestia smiled. “She unaware that it most likely not allowed to leave the hospital. I will get Luna to return it.”

Doctor Trace walked up to them. “That would be grateful Princess.” The mares turn to him. “Also the young one be free to go when you are ready.” He gave the discharge papers to Celestia.

Celestia looked at the papers and made them disappear into a magic pocket dimension. “Thank you Doctor Trace, Nurse Pink Heart beat you too it.” Doctor Trace look over to Nurse Pink Heart with an smirk.

Celestia continues to say. “Your services been amazing as always.”

“Just doing my job Princess.” He replied and leave the room.

Pink Heart smiled bowing. “I got my rounds to do. Hope that you and the griffon have a safe journey home.” Pink Heart lift her head up and leave the room.

Celestia walk up to the bed. “Almost finished?” He nods. “We be flying back to the castle via chariot.” He tilted his head. “You will know what it is when you see it.” She smiled.

Celestia turn to the door. “Guards. May one of you go and inform the Pegasi Chariot Guards we be departing in a few minutes?”

One came into view and salute. “Right away Princess!” He turn and head off to the chariot outside the hospital.

The teenage griffon drunk the last of his apple juice and removed the green hospital gown. That is when he noticed his own items were missing, looking around he pull the sheets up to see if they was in there but nothing was found.

Celestia coughs and he pulled the sheets off his head looking at her. “I had Sargent Blue Star take them to be remade into something more presentable.” He gave her an annoyed look.

“Do you want to walk around looking like your living on the streets to ponies?” The griffon eyes drift away before refocusing on her and lowering his head in defeat. “I promise you will like what I have in mind.” He rose his head with a hopeful nod.

Grabbing the plush he jumped off the bed landing beside Celestia. “Eager to leave?” He nods. “Keep close to me and you will be fine.” Celestia starts to walk and he keeps up to her paste as they leave the room.

Walking down the corridor the griffon look into the rooms that were opened to see all sort of injured to ill ponies in each of them from all ages. He look up at Celestia with an questionable tilt of the head in asking a question without words.

“Am I to guess that you are curious about those in the wards you've looked into?” He gave a nod as they walked and turn to the stairs. He look down at it and carefully started to walk down them using the wall for support with each step of his three limbs.

Celestia watched him walk down the steps. “Those ponies are ill or injured. Some even here to have treatments.” Celestia explained walking down following the young griffon. “You was brought here because of your reaction to my magic. We learned a lot about you, but at the same time we got more questions as well.”

They arrived at the ground level walking by the reception desk with the guard behind them and two more now stood attention at the presents of Celestia. “Ready for a ride to your new home?” He tilted his head. “You are my responsibility now.”

Upon exiting the hospital he got to see part of the city. “Impressive isn't it?” The griffon flapping his wings to hover a few feet to get a good look around at Celestia's eye level. “I take that as a yes and good to see you can use your wings.” She warmly smiled at him.

He look around to his wings with each flap and turn to Celestia with a shrug before landing back on his paws and one talon. “You just know how to do it without knowing?” He nods. “Impressive instincts.” The griffon gave a toothy smile by that response.

An guard came over to them. “Princess the chariot is ready.”

“Thank you Private Wind Storm.” He salutes and flies off to clear the sky for the chariot flight path to the castle. Celestia lead the griffon to the chariot with four Pegasi guards standing ready for take off.

The chariot was gold with purple between the gold star on each of the two largest wheels at the back with purple lining on the floor of it and backing. It had a star on the top of it with a flag pole and purple flag with the sun and moon displayed on it in gold.

The griffon couldn't tell who was who from the four guards. They all look exactly the same from the helmets to the tails, armour, hoofshoes and their eyes. The guards seem to have two or three different colour of guards which confused him.

But his attention shift to an uneasy feeling as he saw how open the chariot was. “It perfectly safe young one. Come on.” She walked onto it and sat down.

Celestia tap her hoof down to her side and he reluctantly got onto it sitting close to her holding his plush tightly to his chest. “To the castle please.” They nod and with a short run up with a flap of their wings the chariot is airborne.

At first the young griffon kept really close to Celestia's side as the chariot gain altitude, soon he started to get curious at the sights around them. He carefully moved to the edge of the chariot to look over it at the city below as the castle grew closer with every moment that past.

As Celestia watched him move around her from left to front and then to the right looking at the view of the city she began to wonder. “Young one.” This got his attention turning to face her. “Is this your first time seeing the city?” He nods.

She became even more curious. “Do you remember the bluish white aura and lightning two weeks ago?” He nods.

“By any chance you remember anything before that?” He shook his head.

“So your first memories was on the castle grounds.”Celestia rubbed the hoof under her chin. “Young one, you saw Shining Armor on that night didn't you?” He nods.

Celestia came up with the conclusion from this. “It seem whatever happened to you, did an number on your memories before that night.” Celestia sighed softly. “I am sorry this had to happen you.”

He rose up the plush to her with a smile. “You want me to hold your plush?” He nods and she took it with her hoof. “I guess we found rule one.”

He tilted his head. “Letting somepony or in this case someone hold your plush means you trust them and feel that they would return it to you in kind. Such as this.” She gave it back to him.

He happily chirped and went back to looking over the side at the view of the city passing by them far below. “Such a pure heart...” Celestia whispers to herself as she continue to watch him with an warm smile.

Soon descending to the castle grounds the chariot touched down with hooves landing with a short gallop to a slow trot from the guards. They came to a stop outside the main entrance to the castle, Celestia got off and the griffon follows her into the castle to be welcomed by an orange Pegasus in the gold armour.

He saluted and spoke directly to Princess Celestia. “Princess Celestia. By request of Princess Cadance and Captain Shining Armor, I am here to escort you and the griffon to the Royal Suites.”

“What are you two up to?” Celestia thought.

Celestia gracefully nod to the guard. “Very well Private Flash Sentry. Please lead the way.” Flash Sentry lower his hoof turning around to head up the stairs. “Come young one. Let see what the captain and my niece been up to.”

The griffon follow the guard named Flash Sentry close to Celestia heading up first a set of stairs, a corridor followed by turning to a right down another hallway and up another set of stairs. They went to the left and down the next hallway past many doors till they came to another level of stairs finally coming up to the top.

At the top two guards either side of two large doors salute and using their magic the doors open to the Royal Suite. The bedrooms of Celestia and Luna as well the guest rooms of the invited by the royal sisters.

“This young one is the place we go to get sleep, I and my sister have our rooms on this level. Also there is a few guests rooms too for the more important visitors such as rulers of other lands.” Celestia explained to the griffon. “Though... Why would they be up here in one of those rooms?”

Cadance emerges from one of those rooms. “Private we got it from here, thank you for bring my aunt and the young one.”

Flash Sentry saluted once again. “I will be at my station.” He turn walking up to the wall, turning back around he stood attention.

Cadance wave her hoof for Celestia and the griffon to come inside. “Mind the fresh paint smell and the mess Shining Armor got himself into.” Cadance walk back inside.

Celestia raise an eye brow. “Fresh paint smell?” The griffon shrugged in confusion. “I am with you on that young one.” Celestia walk towards the door with the griffon. “Shall we see what they been up to?” He nods holding the plush close as the smell of something strong hits him as they about to enter the threshold.

Upon entering the room both Celestia and the griffon were surprised at what they saw, the room had been painted with a massive picturesque landscape of snowcap mountains with forests, grass and an lake with flowers around it. Blue sky and white clouds were behind the mountains and beyond the horizon of the landscape to the very ceiling above them. Sheets covering all the furniture, bed and interior doors out the bedroom to the private bathroom.

In the middle of the room was Shining Armor covered in different shades green, brown and blue paint on the mane, tail, fur and armour.

Celestia laughed and Shining Armor rolled his eyes slightly. She calms down and speaks. “Captain... Did you and Cadance spend all night doing all this?” Celestia hints with her hoof to the whole room.

“We did Princess.” Shining Armor replied. “It was Cadance's idea and I went along with it.” He smiled. “What do you think of the young one's room?”

The griffon walking up to the wall to touch it with a talon got a white wing pulling him away. “Best not young one. It still drying, you want to be covered it paint like Shining Armor?” He look over to Shining Armor and back at Celestia with a shake of the head.

With that said, like to reply how you like your room?” He tilted his head with a few confused blinks. “This room is yours.” He looked very surprised and point all around the room. “Yes it is.” She laughed.

He squawked happily and rushed to give Shining Armor a hug, but got a white wing blocking him again. “Paint.” She giggled. He gave a O expression on from his beak and backed up from Shining Armor. “After the captain cleaned himself up than you can give him a thank you hug okay?” He nods happily to that idea.

Cadance sat down on her hutches. “I am able to give you a hug if you wish.” Cadance open up her forelegs out to him. He look up to Celestia whom nods, he flew up at her and hugs her with Cadance returning it with her forelegs around him. “Happy with what we did for you?” He nods.

She let go of the hug and turn to Shining Armor. “Come on Shiny, best get you cleaned up. We having lunch around your parents home aren't we not?”

Shining Armor gasped. “I completely forgot!”

“Luckily I didn't” She giggled. “Come on.”

With a salute he left with Cadance in a hurry. “Hmm... They forgot to take the paints out.” Celestia using her magic to pick them up with the brushes and trays. “Come young one, best not to be in here too long. Best let the paint dry.” He took a good look around and with a nod they exit the room.

“Private Flash Sentry can you get a guard or two to help you take this stuff back to the utility room please.” Celestia place them down by the room door.

He salutes. “At once princess.” He leaves to find a few guards to help him out to clear up the paints, brushes and trays.

Celestia look down to the griffon. “Come with me. I like to show you something.” Celestia walk away from the room and the teenage griffon following.

A whitish grey unicorn with brown mane and tail wearing a glasses and a collar came up to them. “Princess there you are! I been looking all over for you! You've got three meetings to attend before lunch!”

Celestia turn to her. “Raven! I do apologise. Unexpected events happened in the last 48 hours. I completely forgot about the meetings!” Celestia explained to Raven.

Raven brought up a scroll looking over it. “Well we can make up for lost time by going now Princess.”

Celestia look down at the griffon. “Whom will look after the young one. I can not possibly leave him alone.”

Raven came up to him. “Don't worry I will get-” He growled at her and kept close to Celestia. “Really? Growl at me fo-” He quickly retreats and now directly behind one of Celestia's hind legs squawking at her to get away from him.

Celestia sighed. “He only trusts a few and those he doesn't he acts in this manner. Shining Armor and Cadance just earned his trust with what they did to his new room.” Celesita explained.

“His scared of you Raven.” Celestia turn to the griffon. “It okay.” She whispered to him.

He calms down a bit but still staring at Raven as she step back a few feet. “What do we do Princess? These meetings can not be missed.”

Celestia look over to her sister's bedroom door and an idea came to mind.

“Hmm... I believe I got the solution to that.”

Tick... Tick... Tick... Tick...

The clock ticking was the only sound coming from Luna's dimly lit room for the last few hours after the griffon was dropped off by Celestia. The clock continue to tick as Luna awkwardly watch the teenage stand at the main source of light into her room via the window.

He was curiously watching the view of the land far beyond and below. The griffon watched a train come and go every so often up the mountain trail. “We-” Luna paused as he gaze shifted to her and sighing the princess of the night looked away.

The Griffon turn back to looking out the window. “Why can we not speak to thy griffon...” Luna muttered. “Why we are awkward to him? Sister we do not know what to do...” Luna closed her eyes thinking back to the moment Celestia had her look after the young one.

“WHAT!? We shall not!” Luna protested

“Luna, I have meetings I can not miss. Plus he let you hold his plush and you gave it back.” Celestia point a wing to the teenager watching them argue in front of him unphased but confused.

Luna now point her own wing at him. “What does that have to do with us looking after him?”

Celestia calmly smiled. “One he trust you and two it either this or punishment for taking a hospital reading book out without permission.”

Luna growls under her breath. “Sister, this is extortion! Thy will not accept either!”

“Luna we maybe rulers but rules are rules.”

Luna weighed in what Celestia just said and sighs. “Fine... We do it.”

Celestia give her a wing hug. “Thank you Lulu.” She whispered.

“Sister. Go before thy change our mind...”

“Thou we did do wrong and accept the crime we did.” She whispered opening her eyes. “Yet how does one interact with this young griffon Celestia took in. That would make us an aunt would it not?” Luna asked herself without a clear answer coming to her.

She just wished it was a dream.

Luna suddenly came up with an idea. “Dreams... Of course! Dreams does not require to know our language! Speak can come for the young griffon! Yes that is a good plan!” Luna said proudly and quickly turn to the young griffon.

Without a second thought she cast the dream walking spell that she haven't cast in over 1000 years, Luna's horn glowed with white magical energy spiralling up from her forehead up to the tip of the horn.

The griffon turn around to see the string of magic moving in a wavy pattern towards him, curiously his head and eyes followed it movement as it got closer to him. He reached up to it with his right talon, the claw tip touching the magical white string.

With a sudden rush everything around him seem to have changed to an mountain range, he was sitting on the cold white snow with a cold wind blowing. Strangely that neither seem to be effective against his feathers and fur.

He looked around at the captivating landscape, it was a breath taking view of the clouds below blowing by with the sight of plains far below.

“Interesting.” He turn around and look up to see Luna come down with a few short flaps to land on the snow. “The most happiest place within your dreams are here?”

He looked puzzled for a second and recalled touching that magic string, it felt safe to touch he recalled. “Yo-” He paused placing his talon over the neck looking surprised and open his beak to speak again. “I am talking! I think of the words to say and I say!” His voice was slightly broke between deep and semi squeaky.

Luna warmly smiled. “Indeed, dreams differ to reality.”
Rubbing the top his feathered head with both talons he started to freak out. “Dreams? We dreaming? I am talking in my dreams! I know but are you, you!? How are you with me in my dream? Am I day dreaming because of that weird magic string!? IS-”

Luna quickly embraced him with wings and forelegs. “Shhh, shhh... Calm down. I will explain. Relax before you throw us both out of this connection.” Luna tries to calm him down from the sudden panic attack.

After what seem forever he calms down and She relaxes with a gentle smile.

The griffon look up at her. “O-okay... I-”

“I know. I did this without thought. If anyone to blame is I.” Luna let go and step back a bit. “Feeling better?”

He took a good look around and finally set his eyes back on Luna. “I think so...” His eyes shifting around. “I am very confused... I didn't know magic can dream share. That is what we doing right?”

Luna walk by him to the top of the peak looking around at the land far and wide. “Indeed.” He joins her looking out to the same landscape. “Do you know where this is?” He shook his head. “But is this place real?”

“I think so. But I don't know why... I feel safe here when I sleep. When I dream of scary things, I come here. It makes me feel safe.” He responded with semi broken sentences.

The griffon sat down beside her. “You not speaking with we, thou or thy. Why?”

“As you are speaking with your beak without trouble. The realm of dreams has no barrier to the words we speak.” Luna explained to the griffon about why they speaking to each other.

He looked at the sun just over the horizon. “When we wake I won't speak but I understand.” He lowered his head sadly.

“Indeed but me and my sister will help you to learn to speak again.” Luna insured him.

He lifted his talons up twiddling the claws between each other. “I know what family is...” She looked over to him. “But I didn't till what she said at the hospital. I do not understand...” He rubbed his foreleg with his talon.

“Why I know this stuff without knowing before?” His words plagued him in sentence.

Luna knew whom he spoke about and why he was knowing some things. “Celestia. My sister your speaking off. Correct?”

He nods slightly. “I have a weird wrong feeling that I can't call her by her name but call her a-as-” The last word he couldn't bring himself to say with fear of rejection.

“A connection between you and my sister. You found a bound that only can be one thing.” The mountain faded away with Celestia standing on the hospital balcony setting the sun with her magic.

Luna and the griffon look to the bed seeing himself on it looking at her with shock. Celestia walk up to it and speak to his dream-self reinsuring him.

“Nephew...” He turn to Luna quickly as the hospital room disappears and replaced by a whitish cloudy ground with millions of stars around them as far the eyes can see.

Luna stood tall with the moon raising through the whitish clouds far behind her. “You have been through a lot in the last two weeks. My sister cares for you and such you feel safe with her.”

Luna continue to speak with the moon shining bright behind her. “As such your hesitation To you young griffon my sister is in all it purpose your mother now.” Luna put her hoof out to him. “Rushed or not this has happened. All we can do is proceed from this point forwards.”

“Aunty... Luna?” He begins to ask feeling a bit uneasy calling her aunt and not sure how he knew it but did. It was confusing for the griffon.

“Yes?”

“What does two weeks mean?” The moon's bright glow turns off instantly and crashed in a comical way with a big cloud of dust poofing up afterwards. Luna had fallen over on her back with an hind leg twitching.

Staring at what was the moon the griffon tilted his head. “Moon goes poof?”

Luna sat up instantly with her mane frazzled. “Nephew! You do not know what a week is!?” He shook his head. “What about a day? Month? Year? Minutes? Hours?”

The tilt of his head and confusion was clear for Luna. “Do they all mean something and is that why the moon went poof?” Luna's right eye now twitched.

“I was on the moon for 1000 years... 1000 years and I even knew time. How do you not know time?”

“I know the words but I do not know what they mean.” He lowered his head. “Am I in trouble?”

Luna shook her head. “No Nephew. But there is much I have to teach you.” Luna walk up to him draping her wing over his back. “It seem we-” The dream realm starts to glow with white light coming up all around them. “My spell is coming to end sooner than I thought.” She turn the griffon.

“Can we do this again? I like talking, not the other thing I do cause I can't get words out of my beak...” He sighed heavily as the white rapidly closes in on all sides. “Will I be able to?”

Luna rub her hoof over his feathered head gentle. “Yes Nephew... Yes. But I will also teach you many many things.” Luna hugged him close to her and he return it with his talons around her neck closing his eyes.

An explosion burst of energy erupts as the spell comes to sudden end, it creates a shockwave that knock both of them over onto their backs. Luna gasped and quickly sat up looking over to the griffon as he sat up looking around with confusion before setting his eyes on Luna's.

With an confused tilt of the head he got an answer from Luna. “Yes it did happen and yes we shared the dream.” He slowly smiled to starting to snort a bit with laughter followed by a full blown laughter. Luna tried to not laugh but his laughter got to her and she joined in.

The guards open the door quickly to see both of them leaning back with front hooves and talons out behind them looking at each other while laughing their heads off. “I think they okay.” The first said.

Second guard glance over to the first. “You sure? There was an magical blast from in here.”

“Could be many things. Best not to ask unless you want to.” The first look over to the second guard.

He shook his head. “Nope.” They step back out and one last look they about to close the door when Celestia arrived.

"Princess!" They saluted.

"At ease." Celestia walked in and look upon her sister and the griffon laughing still. "It seems you two have gotten on the right hoof."

Luna turn to her sister wiping the tears away. "Indeed we have dear sister." He nods to her to tell. "Oh sister..."

"Yes Luna?"

Luna grins.

"Happy Mothers Day."

“Happy... Mothers... Day...” Celestia slowly repeated the words her eyes set upon the griffon. “H-How di-”

Luna answered the question Celestia tried to ask. “We dream shared sister. Within he spoke and knew what family was the moment thy took him in.”

The teenage griffon nods to confirm this. “Th-that means you've accepting me as your mother till we find your real one?” Celestia managed to say gulping nervously at what she caused to fall on her hooves.

The griffon nods hugging his plush with a smile. “At least one of us seem to be calm about this...” Celestia muttered under her breath half glaring at her sister without Luna noticing.

Luna did notice the tilted head confusion from the young one and turning to Celestia. “Sister we believe thy know that the young one was nervous and unable to exactly say it.”

“It was also only mere moments, ten maybe more minutes to that of the waking. To our perspective he just said it in the dream. Not hours ago.” Luna further explained to her sister.

Celestia turn to the griffon. “So... Speaking in the dream is possible hmm?” He nods with a smile and groans lowering his head soon afterwards. “Yet not so when awake it seems.” Celestia smiled.

“That will change over time.” Celestia reinsured him.

With a raised head and few blinks came the confusion. Luna realised from the last moments of the shared dream, he didn't truly understand time. “Sister, we shall explain what happened in the day-dream.”

“Very well Luna.” Celestia replied.

As Luna start to explain to Celestia the griffon walk over to to the desk looking at papers, ink well and quill. Suddenly a flash of images came to him making the teenager wobbly a bit at first, after a few blinks he slowly reached out to the quill recalling a skill he did not know he had a moment ago.

Putting the plush down on the desk he held the quill in his right talon, thumb press over the top with the index resting over it to the middle finger. The last finger under the middle, he twist and look at how he'd held it as if he did it before but unable to recall when or how.

“Luna it seem that his semi residence to magic may resulted in the backfire you two got hit by-” He listen to part of what Celestia said but lost in the word of his own looking at the ink well and paper.

Lowering the tip into the ink he recalled words spoken at some sort of trip about what students used an long time ago. Blinking he seem to get a understanding as the ink dripped from the quill tip about what is and what was.

To his mind was the quill used before or now? Or was it now or before?

He was confused by the concept of what came to mind. Moving the quill to the paper he started to draw lines along the paper, what seem random at first started to form an rough image.

Each stroke from think to thin gave him more understanding at what he was doing, sticking the tongue out to the left side of his beak he'd continue to work on the forming image before him.

As he continued to draw away on the scroll of paper the sisters had finished talking to each other with Celestia asking the last dreaded question. “Luna, did you ask for his name?”

Luna groans. “We did not.” She continues to speak with a hoof out to stop Celestia from replying. “We saw how he enjoyed speaking to us, thou did not think of asking for thy name.”

“That I can understand.” Celestia smiled and glance over to the desk. “Hmm... Now that is curious.”

Luna turn to it and saw the teenager's back to them doing something out of view of them. “Indeed sister.”

They crept over and stood over him looking down at what the griffon were doing. What the sisters saw was a surprise, they saw a bit runny sketched ink out drawing of both of them. Celestia put her wing tip on the muzzle tip towards Luna.

Luna nods and they watched without a word as the griffon continue to draw without a hint of knowing they was behind him watching. He was so into it that the world around him seem to just melt away to white noise as he smiled and happily draw what came to his mind.

What was on his mind were the two Alicorn sisters, Celestia he saw and felt protection, love and care of an mother would be. So she is his mother to mind and Luna was his aunty.

This made him happy that hybrids like him gave a sense of family and meaning from the last two weeks of the only true memories he had. The other ones that kept appearing through minor dizzy spells were confusing to the griffon.

Putting the quill down he picked up the scroll to get a good look at his drawing. Smiling at what he created, the smile faded a second later when silence came to his attention.

Now he felt as if something was watching above him, slowly raising his head up the golden brown eyes met the two set of Alicorn sisters eyes. Sheepishly smiling at them he rose up the drawing to show them it.

Celestia using her magic took it from his talons to get a better look with Luna. “Have you ever drew before?” He shrugged. “Interesting.”

“Indeed it is. We wonder whom this dragon is.” Luna took it from Celestia.

Celestia noticed the head of the dragon behind their own heads. “Indeed. Who is this?” He shrugged. “You remember seeing a dragon look like this?” He rubbed the back of his head trying to give them a answer from that.

“We gather his not sure. But it could help us.” Luna stated and look to him with a warm smile. “Yet what matters at this moment is what he drew and feels.”

He smiles. “Thy look happy and should be.” He gave a happy nod.

“I think we should pin this somewhere that we all can see day to day.” Celestia suggested.

Luna tap her snout with her hoof. “We could set something up on the corridor wall.”

Celestia take the picture from Luna and give the drawing back to the griffon. “What do you think of that?”

“Hmm...” With a hum he nods liking that idea.

An knock comes from the door and they all turn to it. “Come in!” Celestia called out.

A blue glow and the door opens with a guard stepping in. “Ah Blue Star. It good to see your back.” She notice the flat box held by his magic.

“Princesses, I have what is asked for and also been informed the coach is ready to take you all to Donut Joes.” He informed and saluted.

“Thank you Blue Star, have the rest of the day and tomorrow off. You earned it.” Celestia gracefully nods to the guard taking the flat box with her magic.

He salutes once more. “Thank you Princess. I will report back in on Sunday! Have a nice meal out and goodnight.” He leaves the room closing the door behind him.

The griffon went to grab the box but Celestia quickly pull it away. “Not till we eaten at Donut Joe's young one.” He grumbled crossing his forelegs. “Get your plush and let's go.” He nods picking up the plush from the desk. “Come Luna time for both of you to enjoy something I have done for many years.”

Luna looked a bit lost. “What is this Donut Joe's thou speak of?”

“Donut Joe is a name of a pony that run his own restaurant that sells all kinds of doughnuts with amazing hot drinks.” Celestia answered.

“Next question. What is a doughnut?” Luna asked with the confused look still present, the griffon sharing his own confusion.

Celestia sung in her reply walking by them. “Oh you will see~!”

“Sister! Thy will answer!”

“Nope!” Celestia open the door and leaves.

Luna look down to the griffon. “Shall we nephew?” He shrugs putting the drawing down on the desk. “My thoughts exactly...” Luna muttered and they leave her room to follow Celestia down the stairs.

The griffon noticed she said my and not our before leaving.

After a short track through the corridors and stairs they approached the pony drawn coach, it was roundish and white. It has gold patterns swirling around it and on the door was the gold markers of the Equestria flag on it.

A guard open the door for them and the princesses enter with a thankful nod to him. The griffon follows them inside but freezes at the sight inside, it was roomy red soft seats. Too roomy for the coach size.

He quickly came out flying over it and around seeing the size of it from the outside he lands to go back inside. The griffon looked very confused at the size of the inside to the outside, this made him unnerved at the sight of the irregular dimensions.

Celestia pat the red cushion beside her. “Come on sit by me and I will explain.” He nervously nod and sit down beside her as the door now shuts. “We ready to depart.”

“Yes Princess!” Came a female guard's voice and the slight shift within showed they were moving.

Celestia put her wing around the griffon and begin to explain to him about what he experienced. “Now young one, you are aware there is magic in us and all around us right?” He gave an unsure look but nods slightly.

“Unicorns and Alicorns can show this through our horns via picking up things with telekinetic magic to an wide range of spells, like how I can raise and lower the sun including Luna's with the moon as well dream magic.”

Celestia's horn lights up picking up the box floating it around, but one thing the griffon noticed it was flickering slightly as if something in it was interfering with her magic. “Now the same thing applies to all forms of life, most noticeable are Earth Ponies and Pegasus Ponies.”

“Good example is how you can fly. Have you noticed your wings not exactly the right size for flying?” He look over to the uncovered wing opening it out slightly seeing she was right. “Now the magic in you flow through the wings more than other parts of your body.”

Celestia continue to explain. “When you open them and flap to fly do you feel as if they are bigger yet they don't look it?” He nods to confirm that feeling he had while flying. “That is the internal magic in you effecting the dimensions of your wings without changing the size of them but within.”

His eyes drift left and right with thoughts coming to mind. He finally clicked after a moment to the inner parts of the coach they was in. With an squawk of surprise pointing to his wings and to the interner, Celestia understood without words he now knew what she was talking about.

“Indeed even structures are affected by this irregular form of dimensions within to the outside. It something that became part of the norm to all forms of life that live in homes to forms of transport like this.” Celestia said nuzzling the side of his face with her own. “I can see what Luna means about you being a smart little griffon.”

He cooed with happiness and hugs her side and she return the hug to the griffon as Luna watched with silent smile. The coach slows to a stop and a call comes from outside from the same guard pony. “Your highnesses. We have arrived at Donut Joe's.” Follow up by the door opening.

The two Alicorns and the Griffon step out the coach, they walked up to a pair of large glass doors. Using her magic Celestia opens it with a jingly, Luna coughs catching her attention. “Yes Luna?”

Luna hints to the sky. “Are thy forgetting something?”

Celestia turn to the sky with the door open.. “Oh my!” Celestia using her magic to lower the sun with Luna casting her spell to raise the moon. “Better sister?”

“Better.” Luna walk through the open doors into the Donut Joe's. “Coming Nephew?”

The griffon staring at the sky seeing that they just changed it from day to night together, this was the second time for him to see but it still amazed him. With a nod he quickly follows her and Celestia letting out a giggle walk inside while the guards stood either end of the two glass doors.

Donut Joe the light amber coat unicorn with orange mane wearing white hat and jacket on. His green eyes locked on the princesses and the griffon entering his shop. “Princess Celestia! It good to see you again and I see you brought your sister Princess Luna with ya!”

“And whom may this cool looking griffon be?” The griffon tilt his head in confusion of the words spoken. He had a feeling what cool might mean but wasn't very sure, this also was the first pony he seen that fear didn't set in like so many before.

He also took notice of the white and dark grey chequered floor to wooden tables with stalls around them. The green wars with circle objects and holes in them on pictures as well in a case behind Donut Joe. The lamps hanging over each giving light in the room equally in the room with the different shades of green diamonds banner on the squirting board.

Celestia looked around noticing the shop was empty. “Always come at the right hour Princess. How do you do it?” Celestia slyly smiled as Donut Joe talked to her.

Luna leans in to the griffon. “We guess those are doughnuts.” She hints to the display and he nods in agreement.

“That would be telling Donut Joe and for this little griffon here.” She put her wing over the griffon and gentle pulling him into a hug. “I recently took him in as his guardian or as one would say... His new mother.”

An short silence fell in the room till Donut Joe using his magic brought over many cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows in them and three plate full of doughnuts onto the table.

He smiled as he sits down at the table. “Let's hear all about it Princess!”

Luna rubbing the griffon's back with her hoof as he emptied more of his stomach into the bin, holding onto the rims of it he groaned in discomfort with a few sniffs. He felt really bad from eating the orange flavoured doughnut, it did not agree with him or his stomach at all.

Donut Joe comes over from behind the counter with an cup of water and a few napkins. “Here Princess Luna. Use these to clean his beak and give him this water.”

Luna took them. “Thank thou for thy help.” Luna used her magic to wipe the griffon's beak as he rose it up and place the glass in his talon hand. “Drink this dear nephew. It will help.”

The teenager nods and drunk a little as he sat on his hunches, he felt dizzy and drowsy as well look it via the paling colour in his feathers. Breathing a few lengthy times he still felt uneasy in the stomach from that cringe worthy doughnut he ate.

Recalling that moment he took a bite and spitting it right out with a deep shiver from the taste he'd swallowed some in the process, this added to that moment he had threw up. Those moments still plaguing his mind as he drunk the cool cold water.

Luna put her wing over him. “Take it easy nephew. Celestia be back shortly.” With an bright flash of light her words came true.

Celestia teleported in with Trace beside her with an medical bag. “Luna how is he?”

“No longer throwing up. Thou look unwell.” Luna moved her wing away to show the poor state the griffon was looking.

Trace quickly went to the griffon. “Is he going to be okay Doctor Trace?”

“I will tell you in a moment Celestia. Let me check first!” He took a quick glare at Celestia. “You did drag me out of an meeting for your son. So...”

Celestia lower her head. “Sorry I-”

“Throwing up and reacting badly to oranges? Yes I understand your reason and reaction. Just let me do the check to see if this is only a mild allergic reaction”

“Mi-mild!? Throwing up being-”

“Celestia...” He said deeply to the princess as he opened his bag up.

Celestia pasting back and forwards now. “Okay okay okay... I-”

“Anypony please calm the Princess before she goes into an panic-attack...” Trace said in an deadpan expression.

Donut Joe walked up to Celestia. “Come with me Princess. Let get you a cup of hot chocolate to calm your nerves. Your son in perfectly good hooves.” He push her slightly to follow.

Celestia nods and follows but keeping an eye from the corner of her eyes. “Right.” Trace turn to the griffon before him. “Let see what I can do for you young one.” The young groggily nod as the glass it removed from his talons being placed on the table beside him.

Trace light up his horn. “Say ahhh.” The griffon tries with an mix squawk in it opening his beak up. “Hmm... Your throat look a bit red and swollen.” He said calmly to the teenager.

“That kiddo is from you throwing up mostly. If your not aware when you do the stomach acids come up too, giving a slight burning feeling that you most likely have right?” The griffon nods in reply coughing a little.

Trace give him the glass back. “Continue to drink this slowly. Take deep breaths, you will feel a bit unsettled for a little while.” Trace continues to check him over with standard tests.

While this happened Donut Joe sat with Luna and Celestia. “Ease it up Princess.” Donut Joe seeing that Celestia's right leg with bouncing, this showed how easily worried she was. “I am sure Trace will make sure the young griffon is fine.”

Celestia drunk some of the hot chocolate before responding to Donut Joe. “In all my years... All those years. Not once I felt like the way I do now...” Celestia's gaze was locked on the doctor checking over the young griffon. “He threw up and turn so pale... I only knew one pony that could help him and acted on it...”

“Thy did right, we were here for him.” Luna said placing her hoof on Celestia's. “Thy should be proud at how fast thou acted.”

Celestia still anxious but understood. “T-thank you Luna...”

After a short time paste Doctor Trace seem to finish doing his check up on the teenage griffon.

Donut Joe walked over to the counter using his magic to bring over a box with doughnuts entering it and closing the box up. “These are the caramel filled doughnuts, the kiddo seem to like them a lot.”

“So when his better give these to him will ya?” He smiled.

Celestia took the box from him. “I will Donut Joe. Thank you for your support and help.”

“All in a days work Princess. I will make sure to keep the orange filled and flavoured ones out of reach.” He insured them.

“An lesson learned... Not one we wish to happen but it has.” Luna said walking over to Trace with Celestia.

Trace finished his check over and turn to the sound of the pair of hoof-steps. “Princess Celestia, good news! Your son will be fine. A good night rest and take one of these after eating some toast and drinking either tea or water he should be fine in no time at all.” Trace presented the small pouch of two capsules in it.

Celestia sighed in relief. “Thank you Doctor Trace. I am glad my little griffon will be alright. It an relief.” She took the pouch from him.

Trace rubbed the griffon's back gentle. “Just make sure to keep him from eating anything with orange in it and he will be fine.” Trace notice the box on the table side. “Is that what I think it is?”

Celestia nods. “It is, but I think I will give to him in the morning.”

“Good idea.” Trace packed his stuff away. “I will get something to eat here and head back to the hospital to update the griffon's charts.”

“Come on my little griffon. Let's go home.” He nods and walk with Celestia to the door, Luna pick up the plush with her wing and follows out of the restaurant.

They travelled back via the coach back to the castle and Celestia at the end carried the young griffon on her back to his room. She turn her head every so often seeing him lying on her back half awake and half asleep. “Keep awake a little longer my sweet griffon.”

He nods slightly yawning afterwards.

Walking into the bedroom, Luna and Celestia went up to the bed, Luna put the plush down on the right side of the pillow while Celestia using her magic place the griffon down on the bed putting the sheets over him.

“Now we have one last surprise for your bedroom.” Celestia step back with Luna their horns glowing as they touched tips. “This is our home welcoming gift.”

“We hope thou like it!” He watched from where he laid as the magic builds up and bursts upwards dancing around each other, blue and yellow orbs with sparklingly light.

They hit the ceiling and as the burst of magic spread outwards. He watched the magic not only spread over the ceiling but down the walls, suddenly the sunny theme of the painting came to lift and changed to a purple night sky with the moon shining with the stars.

The landscape also showed the night time feel as well, the painting now magical transformed. “During day and night, the painting Cadance and Shining Armor created will change magically. This is our gift to you.” Celestia said with a sweet gentle voice.

Luna smiled. “We hope thy like this gift.”

The griffon looked around with surprise at what they just did. “Goodnight my little griffon and sweet dreams.” Celestia walk up to the bed and kiss him on the forehead. “Sweet dreams.” He nods with a happy squawk at the gift she and Luna gave but also wishing them goodnight best way he could.

Yawning and grabbing his plush the griffon turn to his side. Luna nuzzled his side of the face gently with her own. “Goodnight nephew. We will make sure thy have good dreams.” They walk up to door and Luna left.

Celestia closing the doors stop to look at the griffon now asleep. “See you in the morning my child...”

“My son...” And the doors close.

Celestia knocks on the door with her hoof a few times to get no response from her now griffon son. “Young one are you awake?” No reply came. “Has my little one came out of his room?” She asked an guard.

The guard in question shook his head. “No princess. But I have heard the sound of a shower running for about five or so minutes.”

Celestia listen to the sound within. “Hmm... It seems he figured out how to take a shower.” Celestia carrying a tray of toast, eggs and hash browns with a pot of tea with an cup, milk and sugar beside it.

The guards open the two doors and Celestia walks inside with them closing the doors behind her. “Hmm...” She saw the bed had been attempted to be made with the griffon plush sitting on top of the pillows. “Basic memories of how to do things return, but how is another story.”

Magical the room's landscape walls and ceiling had shifted back into an daytime feel, Celestia happy to see her's and Luna's joint magical present is working with wonderful results.

She put the tray down at the table. “S-” Celestia caught her breath on the word and taking a calm deep breath of air she spoke. “Son!” She knocked on the door. “I got you breakfast.”

The shower stopped running and Celestia step back from the door, it opened a few moments later with Celestia trying not to laugh at the feather and fur fluffed griffon before her. “Oh my... You poor thing. It look like you need a good brushing.”

The griffon looked over himself and shrugged. “Not bothered huh?” He nods. “Well I can help.” She picked up a brush with her magic. “While you eat of course.” Celestia hints to the table.

He accepts it with a nod and a few flaps of his wings the griffon walked up to the table, he sat down at it to eat his breakfast while Celestia started to use the brush on him.

First thing he did was make himself a cup of tea from pouring the milk into the cup followed up two tea spoons of sugar. Celestia watched him pour the hot water into the cup and mixed it together, she was impressed by the way he did it.

Moving on from that he took the knife and folk cutting into the toast and placing it on the egg to cut that too. He placed the food into his beak enjoying the taste of the breakfast. Celestia curiously watched as she continued to brush his fur and feathers back into the right place.

“Am I to guess you know how to have a shower, brush your teeth and even use the toilet but you do not know when or how?” The griffon almost choked on his food when Celestia said it, he squawks angrily in response raising his head looking upwards at her while hinting to his food.

“Not the right time to ask.” He nods. “You are correct.” Celestia continue to brush him.

He nods annoyed and goes back to eating.

Celestia put the brush down and used her magic to bring over a hand held size mirror to him. “Finished.” He stops eating once more as the mirror now floating before him.

“Will this be forgiving?” Celestia smiled slyly as he saw that Celestia sorted out his fur and feathers. With a nod and slight smile he continue to enjoy his breakfast.

Celestia walked over to the box sitting on the dresser. “After you've eaten the breakfast and drunk the tea, I think it finally time to open your present.” Celestia sat down on a set of cushions by the balcony doors.

The teenager looked over at her with a nod, taking a sip of tea he loved the flavour that came from it. With a gleeful sigh he drunk a bit more of it, feeling the refreshing semi hot liquid go down his throat.

After finishing his breakfast and tea he went over to the cushions sitting down on it looking at the box beside Celestia. “You look a lot better.” She gentle moved her hoof over his side the face. “Feeling better?” He nods

“But still feeling a bit unwell?” He nods again. “Maybe this will help brighten your day.” Celestia place the box down on his lap.

He look down at it with talons grabbing it sides. “Go on.” Celestia eager to see his reaction when opening it.

The teenage griffon dig the claws in and tear the paper off with the lid to see inside was an green bandanna with two blue silky bands. He somehow knew what they were and what they were before, these was the scraps of clothing he had on now something more wearable.

“Like me to-” She was about to offer to help him but suddenly saw him doing it all by his own.

“Nevermind, I see you can handle it. Son.” Celestia watched the griffon slip the bands over his paws and up his hind legs slightly, then tie the bandanna around his neck adjusting it.

He stood up on all fours and showed off his new duds to his mother the princess of the lands Equestria he knew so little about. Celestia Smiled warmly at the sight of her griffon son looking very handsome in her own eyes, the sight of him so happy with what he now wears it was an wonderful feeling to have.

The teenager gasp and flies over to the desk pulling out some papers, a quill and ink well. He point to it and to her. “You want to draw me?” He nods rapidly and eagerly. “Very well you shall my little griffon.” She sat still smiling as the griffon got to work on drawing her.

Celestia watched as his eyes quickly gazed over to her before going back to staring at the paper on the table as he drew on it. “Why do you want to draw a picture of me?” He use a wing to point to his bandanna and then at her. “And how did you learn to do that with your wing?”

He glance over to the doors and back over to her. “Ah I see, the Pegasi.” The griffon nods slightly as he continue to draw.

After a little time that pasted he grins and pick up the paper handing it out to Celestia. He eager for her to see what he created for his mother, he hoping she likes what he drew.

Celestia using her magic took it from him. “Well let's see what we got right-” Suddenly looking at it the drawing was a different shades of blue and moving. “H-” Celestia flare her wings with surprise seeing she was surrounded by the same stuff.

Looking around it was moving around her. “What is this aurora? Is this what Shining Armor saw a few weeks ago on the day my sister came back to me?” Celestia asked no one.

She thought it was no one but the griffon watched with a curious and confused look. His mother was looking around with wings flared out moving in an odd fashion still holding the picture, he didn't know why Celestia was acting so weirdly while holding a drawing of herself he created.

Flapping his wings the griffon flew over to the paper and took it from her magic as he did Celestia blinked a few times, her eyes finally set on him holding the picture showing it to Celestia. “What happened to the blue aurora?”

He hovered with a tilt of the head confused by the words she said and showed the picture he drew. “Your drawing it was of-” She paused seeing he was still confused. “That is the drawing you created?” He nods slowly and put his talons out to her.

Celestia took it with hesitation but didn't get the same effect from the first time only the feel of paper in her levitation magic. “It a beautiful drawing.” She decided to put aside what she experienced since her griffon son wasn't even aware of what just happened.

“I love it. Thank you for this wonderful gift.” He hummed happily and hugged her, in turn she hugged him back. “Now...” She let go of the hug.

Celestia sighed slightly. “I and my sister have meetings attend to sadly.” His ears lowered and his head too with sadness falling upon him. “Son...” He looked up. “Your still recovering but I believe you can go to the castle library.”

The griffon looked excited at the news of that. “Captain Shining Armor and my niece... Your cousin now Cadance will take you there and look after you.” Celestia said walking over to the tray picking it up. “I will see you just before sunset. I do apologise but duties as princess is an busy one.”

He cooed in disappointment. “I am not sure how to explain it...” Celestia said looking over to the door. “They be around shortly and I advise reading up on a duty of an princess or prince. Then I hope you understand.” Celestia opens the door. “Love you son.”

The griffon tapping his beak with an finger trying to think of how to reply and recalled an expression all the sudden. Blinking he did it by putting his talon over his beak and pushing it out with a smush sound from his beak.

Celestia laughed at what he did and repeated it back with her own hoof over the snout. Pushing the hoof out and saying. “Yes you love me too.” They laughed for a moment, Celestia left the room a moment later with tray and drawing.

The griffon walked over to the window jumping up on his hind legs placing his forelegs on the window frame, he took a good lookout to the town in the distance. Curiously wondered about that town and what kind of ponies live there.

Unknown amount of time past for him as he just kept staring out the window letting his mind wonder into countless imaginative thoughts. A knock on the door got his attention turning to it Shining Armor and Cadance stepped into the room.

“Ready to go?” Shining asked.

He nods.

Cadance took a good look at the new bandanna and leg bands. “That a nice look for you...”

He nods.

“Cousin.”

He squawked happily and Shining Armor waved his hoof. “Come on kiddo, the library awaits.”

Within the Canterlot Castle Library the dim light within and the light of the sun shined through the hourglass, filled with many books of different ages to many scrolls holding all kind of contents from historic rules to very powerful old spells.

The teenage griffon sat at a desk next to the large hourglass that the sands endlessly fall, he was reading a book about Canterlot and the country of Equestria. Quietly watching over the griffon, Shining Armor and Cadance sat at a desk across the way.

They were reading through books on the very race of Griffons from culture, kingdom to a book filled with many griffon names. “Now this is odd.” Cadance whispered.

Shining Armor glanced over from his book. “What is it Cadance?”

“I am reading a book on the rulers of Griffonstone and the very Griffon Kingdom Griffina.” Cadance begin to tell Shining. “Listen to this...”

“In ancient times the griffons were to be known as greedy as dragons hoarding their gold and other treasures, all that changed when King Grover discovered an mysterious golden artefact called the Idol of Boreas. Legends says Idol of Boreas made from the dust of golden sunsets blow access the mountains by the north winds.”

“Processing this idol filled the griffons hearts with pride and made Griffonstone the most majestic city in all the lands.”

Shining Armor saw her confusion. “What odd about that Cadance?”

Cadance flip through some of the pages coming to the end of it. “After the fourteenth ruler King Guto there is nothing. No history, no details... Nothing. It just stops.”

“And?”

“And Shining that was almost 200 years ago.” Cadance showed the date the historic book was created in. “I had to look at the sections covered in thick dust to find this.”

Shining Armor took the book from her skimming through it as Cadance took the book with griffon names in it. “That is odd. I ran into a fair number of griffons in my time and many live on the Griffish Isles at the town Trottingham among ponies.”

Shining Armor put the book down. “I did recall they was charging insane prices for things.” Rubbing his hoof under the snout thoughtful expression.

Cadance flipping through the pages respond. “That sound like the griffons of old. Not the prideful griffons stated in the books.”

“Indeed and the kiddo over there isn't anywhere near prideful or greedy. He seems so...”

“Innocent?”

“Yes. But do you think before he lost all his memories he was either of these?”

“Maybe Shining. But we did discover he wasn't a griffon to begin with. So that can play a part.”

Shining Armor sighed. “Your right. I totally forgot about that.”

Cadance looked over at the griffon drinking some water and continue to read. “You can easily forget with this youngster. Just little over four days ago he would of clawed and kicked if you even got near him.”

“That is true Cadance.” Shining Armor rubbed his mane. “I would of believed he was faking it. But Trace showed us all the facts and I can not ignore what I saw in that report...” He staring at the griffon.

Shining Armor shivered. “The thought of me going through that is a scary-”

Cadance put her hoof on his. “That is why we do what we can to help him.” Shining Armor put his other hoof over hers and their snouts drew closer till-

“Phtttp!” They both turn their heads at the griffon staring at them blowing a raspberry.

Shining frowned. “You did that on purpose didn't you!” The griffon nods and go back to reading. “That cheeky griffon.” Shining chuckled.

“Guess he doesn't like kissing.” Cadance giggled. “Interesting that he knew what we was about to do.”

“Maybe past memory of something like that for a young teenager find gross. I sure had that feeling a few times before back when I was that age.” Shining Armor recalling the way he acted with his parents kissing, Cadance laughed with him.

Cadance push the book between her and Shining Armor. “Well we just have to later on tonight.” Shining Armor nods in agreement. “The matter of the youngster need to be addressed.”

“A name correct?”

“Yes.” They were in agreement. “It just persuading a teenager to agree to it.” Cadance knew this would be a challenge to address.

She already attempted to call him some names and all were rejected while they were heading to the library earlier. Through out the day they spent in the library Cadance been thinking of ways to get him to agree and maybe found one. Shining Armor need to help her to pull this off.

Cadance put her wing over Shining Armor to cover him from the view of the young griffon. “Cadance wh-”

“Follow my lead Shining.” She hints to the book between them.

“Alright you lead, I'll follow.” Shining agreed, for a few moments they didn't say anything and she kept her wing in the way of them and the griffon.

Just as Cadance hoped for as she lowered her wing the griffon now stood before their table holding his plush close to him. He had gotten curious at what they was saying under her wing, tilting his head and noticed the book between them.

That when he realised what they may have talked about. Quickly back-stepping from them and a shake of the head with total refusal to even look at that book.

Cadance picked up the book with her magic. “Here the thing cousin. Your mother my aunt Princess Celestia has the rights to call you whatever she wishes since we do not know your name.”

He quickly sat down and point to the plush tag. “We know that your name and you understand it. But you can not speak or even know how to even write it in our own words.”

The griffon snorts at Shining Armor's comment. “Also this would be a middle name.” The griffon curiously tilt his head. “My full name is Shining Sparkle Armor. I hold our family name as my middle name. So...”

The griffon snorts trying not to laugh but Cadance said it. “Sparkle Armor.” The griffon burst into laughter.

Shining rolled his eyes. “Yeah yeah I get it kiddo. I got an funny middle name. But would you like to have one from Princess Celestia that silly?” The griffon stopped laughing with eyes widen followed with a rapid shake of the head.

Cadance moved the book towards him placing it on the ground. “That would leave you two choices cousin. Either you pick the name or Auntie Celestia does.” Cadance's plan to get him to pick a temporary name was working.

“This book has griffon names in it. Thought since you are one kiddo you've wouldn't mind a griffon name.” Shining Armor following Cadance's lead.

The griffon placed his free talon over the cover of the book feeling the texture of the text and the griffon symbol engraving. They had made a very valid point about the name he couldn't disagree on, it was only now a matter of time before he would get an temporary name if they were right.

Placing the plush down the griffon open the book up as he sat there on the spot looking through the many names. Tilting his slightly the names all of them started with the letter 'G' of both female and male.

“You just noticed that they all start with G correct?” He nods without looking at Cadance. “That an traditional griffon name.”

“If you don't like it we-” Shining Armor got a anger squawk at him. “Okay no pony names got it.” Shining raise his hooves in defence.

Cadance laughed softly watching the griffon continue to look through the pages. “I saw this coming Shining.” Cadance turn to him. “We need to speak about how he going to learn to speak for himself.”

Shining Armor rubbed the underside of his snout. “Hmm... True Cadance.” He look cross eyed at his snout and to the griffon. “Snout... Beak... Snout... Beak...” Shining kept repeating the two words over and over again.

“Shining. Why are you saying snout and beak over and over?” Cadance stared at her love in concern.

Shining Armor cleared that concern with his reply. “I believe that the reason we can not get him to talk because we don't have beaks.”

“We don't have...” Cadance paused realising what he was saying. “Of course! How did we miss it?”

He shrugged. “Never taught a griffon to speak before.” Shining glance over the griffon too engrossed reading the book of names to listen to them. “We can't go to any griffon to help us, we will need one that been friends with ponies for some time at least.”

“Because of those you met were more concerned with bits?” Cadance asked.

“Yes. I have a feeling Griffina isn't the kingdom the book say it is, if my past experience with griffons has anything to do with it I would say most likely.” Shining Armor sighed.

Cadance tap her hoof on the wooden surface a few times before coming up with an idea. “I am going to Cloudsdale tomorrow to check over the preparation for the 'Young Flyers Contest' that is happening in a few months time. Auntie Celestia attending it.”

“I can look over any files from different camps to flight schools.” She suggested.

“I do know of an 'Junior Speedsters Flight Camp' that some of the guards spoke about attending in their foal to teen years. That could be a good lead.” Shining Armor suggested an place in Cloudsdale to check out.

“Shiny I will do that, thank you.” She kissed him on the cheek.

“Phtttp!” They both turn to see the griffon with his tongue stuck out at them.

“H-”

“Shining Armor best not question how teenagers know, they just do.” Cadance exclaimed. “Still deciding on names?” He shook his head.

“Kiddo did you pick out a name already?” He nods to Shining Armor. “Wow that was fast.”

“With the right push you be surprised how fast results can come in.” Cadance thought with a soft smile seeing her plan had worked.

The griffon turn the book around and tap the finger on the word with a smile across his beak. “So your name is-”

Shining Armor, the griffon and Luna sat in the private dining room with the griffon reading while the two ponies talked to each other. Celestia and Cadance with the help of the chefs came close to finishing their dinner and plating them.

While they continue to finish up the meals for themselves and the other three they spoke to each other about Celestia's adopted son. “The captain suggested this junior speedsters flight camp huh?” Celestia asked as she stirred the gravy in the large saucepan.

Cadance swishing the veg in the pan replies to her aunt. “Shiny did. After meeting with the officials at the Cloudsdale Stadium, I will check there right away for any records on a griffon or two attending it.”

Celestia look down at the brown swirling semi thick liquid smelling the herbal flavours of the gravy raising with the steam. “That would be a good start. The captain usual have good on the intel.”

“Tomorrow I plan to take my son out into the city of Canterlot. Go see a Wonderbolt Derby and erm...” Celestia became stuck with what mother and son could do.

“Why not ask Shining Armor for some suggestions?” Cadance made a suggestion as Celestia turn the stow off and walk over with the saucepan to the five dishes.

Celestia start to pour the gravy over the food. “I might do that Cadance.” They smiled. “Thank you for helping and preparing our meals with us.” They bowed their heads.

“Go have a good evening. I will clean up after we finished.” Cadance said to them.

The lead chef smiled and bow once more. “Thank you princess. Hope you and everypony have a good evening.”

“We will. Goodnight my little ponies.” They said their good byes and left.

Cadance and Celestia picks up the five plates with their magic. “Oh after dinner, your son got something to share and I promise you it a amazing surprise.”

Celestia raise an eye brow. “Oh? Wonder what it could be.”

“Sorry auntie you have to wait, it wouldn't be a surprise otherwise.” She giggled and Celestia rolled her eyes.

“Oh fine. Niece.” Celestia giggled back and they walked into the dining room. “Hope you all are hungry.” Celestia announced as she and Cadance placed the plates down in front of each pony and griffon.

Celestia and Cadance sat down at their own seats. “Sister, thy like what thou made. This looks very appetising.”

Celestia picked up her knife and folk with her magic. “I can not take all the credit, Cadance and the chefs all did their part too. We worked as a team and this was the results.” Celestia started to eat her meal.

Shining Armor swallowed and took another piece. “This would give mum a run for her money.”

Shining raise his folk up. “I even bet that you and mum would be able to cook up something really amazing together.” Shining ate the food off the folk.

The young griffon cutting up the food scooping it in gravy and eating his meal cheerfully, the hum of delight and the expression of happiness was what Celestia aimed to see. “Son.” He looked over to her with his cheeks puffed out with food in his beak.

Celestia laughed at the way he looked before the griffon swallowed laughing a little himself rubbing the back of his head. “Ahem... As I was going to say.” Celestia calmed herself. “Tomorrow you, I and the captain going out to see not only the Wonderbolt Derby but enjoy the day.”

“Last few days I been busy with meetings and so on, tomorrow I am making sure to clear my caldander to spend it with you.” She said to the griffon.

He nods happily at that and tilt his head in question. “I think he wondering what the Wonderbolts are.” The griffon turn to Shining Armor curiosity still in his expression. “Well you have to wait kiddo.”

The griffon grumble and goes back to eating. “Impatient isn't he?” Shining chuckled.

“Indeed that would be a teenager for thou.” Luna laughed as well before they went back to eating their dinner.

The teenage griffon enjoyed his meal so much that he not only finished first but picked up the plate and licked it clean. “Kiddo gives it a eleven out of ten.” Shining chuckled.

“And we agree on that statement!” Luna just finished her's off. “Sister and niece thy did wonders with dinner.”

Celestia smiled. “It was a joint effort from us and the chefs.” Celestia clarified as she finished hers off.

“We thanks all for their hard work!” Shining Armor spoke and took his last bite.

Cadance using her magic picked up all the used plates, cuttery and glasses. “I will start cleaning up.” Celestia went to protest but Cadance cuts in before she could. “While I am doing that your son can give you the surprise.”

“I'll help you out.” Shining got up taking half the items with his magic. “Come on Cady.”

Celestia slumped down on her seat watching them leave. “Sister we are curious, since they know the surprise already, it wouldn't be for them as it is for us. Which thou does not know what this surprise is.”

“Your right Luna.” Celestia sat up. “Young one, I and your aunt are ready for your surprise.”

He grinned and opening his wing up to pull from between the folds an piece of paper. The griffon hand it to Celestia and Luna now stood directly behind looking over Celestia's shoulder. “A drawing?”

The griffon shook his head.

“Hmm... I wonder what it could be.” Celestia opens it up to see an single word written in Shining Armor's horn writing.

The Alicorn sisters spoke together saying the word out loud. “Gale?”

Squawk!

They blinked and looked at each other before turning back to the griffon, Celestia this time spoke at him. “Gale.” He point to himself with a tilt of the head but keeping a cheeky smile.

Celestia teleports and a flash came from behind him, turning around Celestia scooped him up nuzzling him. “Oh I am so happy!” The griffon now named Gale squawked and squirmed, he tried to break free but failed as Celestia now gave him an motherly crushing hug. “Gale is a wonderful name! It perfect!”

Celestia continue to keep him in a locked hug and nuzzling while she spoke with excitement. “Tomorrow we will go to the Wonderbolt Derby to celebrate! Have a day out as mother and son! Oh I am feeling so amazing and joyest!”

Gale gave a pleading look to Luna. “Thy staying out of this.” Luna whispered with a shake of her head. Without words she could see the expression saying 'Traitor'. Luna just shrugged.

FLASH

Celestia blinked so did Gale both of their eyes turn to the door into the kitchen. Cadance and Shining Armor walks in with a colourful wrapped flat object. “Auntie I know your very happy with Gale getting his name, but could you let him go so we can give him this gift?”

“Of course.” Celestia blushed seeing the camera around the captain's neck, Gale didn't know what it was or what it did but Celestia knew he would find out soon enough. “Gale go on open it.”

Gale walked over to the table as Cadance placed it down. “Use your talons to rip the paper off the gift inside.” Gale nods and standing in front of it he did that.

Upon ripping the paper away he saw a wooden varnished plaque with his name on it, gentle moved his talon over it and felt the engraved letters. Gale picked it up to show to Celestia. “It beautiful Gale, we can put that right on your bedroom door.”

“We do wonder how thy did this so fast.” Luna turn to them.

Shining Armor smiled. “That for us to know, Princess Luna.”

“Thy wi-”

Celestia rose a hoof and speaks over Luna. “Sister, sometimes we do not need to know they did it. All that matters Gale likes it.”

Luna turn to Gale seeing the griffon admire the plaque. “Hmm... We can not disagree.”

Celestia put a wing over Gale. “Shall we go to your room to place this on your door?” He nods eagerily. “Then thank Shining Armor and your cousin Cadance for the gift first.” Gale give her the plaque and flies over to them, giving each a hug.

They returned it. “Goodnight cousin Gale.”

“Goodnight kiddo, see you in the morning.” Shining Armor raise his hoof to Gale. The griffon close his talon up and fist bump it against the hoof smiling at the captain.

He gives Luna a hug too, Luna slowly return it. “Goodnight nephew Gale. We will be watching over thy dreams.” He nods and go back to Celestia. They both left the room after Celestia said her goodnight to them all.

They soon arrived at Gale's room, Celestia look to the two doors. “Which door? Right or left?” Gale point to the left. Celestia placed it on the door using her magic to seal it to the very door itself. “There we go.”

Gale hovered in front of it placing his talon on it with glee. “Looking forward to tomorrow?” He turn and nod happily. “No looking up the Wonderbolts, let me surprise you okay?” He nod in agreement.

Celestia open the doors up. “Brush your teeth and I will tuck you in.” Gale goes over to the bathroom and closes the door behind him. Celestia stood by the balcony window looking out to the moon lit sky.

Celestia thought back about Twilight Sparkle and how it been refreshing to somepony or in this case somegriffon close to her again. Relying on her guidance, felt needed on a personal level and yet this felt very different to all her students of the past.

As Celestia waits for Gale to brush his teeth in his beak to other needs within, one thing that crossed her mind many times over as she look to Ponyville in the distance were...

“How do I tell my former student about my adopted son Gale?” Celestia's emotions was a mess at this point.

The door opens and Celestia turn around forcing herself to smile and not show anything worrying her. Walking over to Gale as he walk over to the bed, she picks up his plush with her wing and giving it to him. “Goodnight Gale, see you in the morning okay?”

He nods settling into bed and she give him a kiss on the forehead. She hummed to him softly an musical soft tone and Gale slowly closed his eyes drifting off to sleep.

As Celestia leaves her thoughts once again fall upon Twilight Sparkle, sighing slightly on the other side of the now closed doors. Celestia tries many thoughts on how to proceed and nothing comes to mind..

Celestia mutters to herself as she walk to her own room. “Why can I not find a way to tell Twilight? Why is this so difficult to send her a letter about it?” Questions Celestia left unanswered.

She looked at the doors into her own bedroom. “Why am I hesitating?” Celestia whispers and opens the doors into her room walking inside the doors close behind in a soft golden glow...

Thank you and Results: There was an total of 20 votes made and thank you for all of ya taking part!

First: Gale with 7 votes

Second: Geralt with 5 votes

Third: Gaius with 4 votes

Fourth: Geostar and Grafight with 2 votes each

Fifth: Gesta with 0 votes

The sky arena of Canterlot where the aerobatic show to the derby of the Wonderbolts happened came into view of Celestia, Shining Armor and Gale. A few guards walked either side of them as protection detail requested by Shining Armor, Celestia agreed to those terms of four guards no less.

Gale saw the arena as they got closer on the mountain edge road, the stands over looking a cloud shaped course with poles sticking out of the clouds. Each with the Equestria country flag flapping in the direction the wind. The stands had ponies already sitting at them with VIP level behind them to the Royal booth at it highest, two alicorn statues on ever side of the Royal Booth.

The view of the building next to the Canterlot Sky Stadium Gale recalled from the book he read about the city of Canterlot. He point the stadium and building followed by a few flaps of his wings trying to mimic the motion of papers turning.

“What are you trying to say?” Shining Armor watching Gale repeat it a few more times. “You want to fly around the stadium course?”

Gale shook his head.

Celestia closed her eyes picturing the movement of the wings. “I believe it a book Gale hinting to.” Opening her eyes looking down at the griffon beside her.

Gale nods happily.

Shining Armor thought about the pointing and gets what Gale was trying to say. “You read about the stadium in a book about Canterlot yesterday!”

Gale squawked happily as they continue to head to the stadium.

Ponies came up to them and instantly Gale retreated close to his mother, Shining Armor moved his hoof in motion with the four guards acting upon it. They quickly crossed their spears halting the advance of ponies, Celestia lower her head to Gale shifting her wing over him.

“It's okay.” Celestia whispered to Gale, he nods but kept close to her. Raising her head she gestured to the ponies. “My little ponies. I've came to see the Wonderbolt Derby today with my newly adopted son, a lot has happened to him that I took it personally to be his guardian.”

The ponies looking and speaking to each other. “His a griffon that easily scared of new things or those he doesn't know. Gale by unknown means lost almost all his memories, his past lost and the present I will guild him to relearn all that was lost.” They could see Gale trying to his best to be not seen by them and scared by their present.

“I will answer any questions from the press in time.” She slowly looking around the ponies. “For now please give us space and let him enjoy this day outside the castle.” They all nod and stood to the side.

Celestia push her wing forwards a little to get Gale to walk. “Come on it alright.” With a gulp he nods and walk alongside her, he wearily look to the left and right at all those ponies that look back at him from a mix of different emotions on their faces.

Shining Armor took a good look around as he walked behind them before coming back up to Celestia's other side. “That seem to go quite well Princess.”

“Indeed. I am glad it did.” Celestia sighed slightly. “I was hoping to avoid speaking to ponies about Gale after adopting him, specially the press.” She glance down at Gale whom been listening and looking up at her.

“The press can easily change what you really say and spin it into something that isn't. Not all but some” Celestia explained to Gale. “One time I yawned and the Canterlot Daily took the picture of it, they spinned it as if I didn't care about the show I was watching.”

Gale tilted his head. “Somepony making up something that didn't happen and frame it as true but it called lying or an lie.” Celestia explained and Gale still looked very puzzled. “You don't understand why somepony would do you?” Gale nods.

Celestia warmly smiled. “Gale your so pure.” He smiled back not sure what his adopted mum meant, but he knew with an feeling it was a good thing she said to him.

None of the ponies got close but bowed as Celestia, Gale and Shining Armor with the guards walked up the steps between the stadium seats of the lower levels to the Royal booth. The guards stopped just outside it turning around and stood attention as Celestia, Gale and the captain carried on walking up to the booth.

Gale noticed there was red carpet with gold rims on the steps they walked on into the booth, turning to the right and walking up a few more steps he saw nice comfortable seats. In front of them was a semi long table with an red table cloth over it and hanging over it on one side.

The griffon walked up to the wall and jumped up putting his talons on it to get a good look at the amazing view they had of the cloud course. Gale whistled with an impressed expression before pushing off and going to one of the seats.

Celestia shook her head before sitting down on her own chair, Shining Armor standing beside it and Gale gave a soft squawk as he points to the empty chair beside him. “Sorry Gale, I'm on duty. This is my station.”

Gale turn to his mum tilting his head with the questionable look. “His right son. Captain Armor is on duty till after the Wonderbolt Derby and meeting the Wonderbolts themselves.”

“Princess?”

Celestia got Shining Armor confused and now she drops the ball into his hooves. “After the show your going to give him the experience of having fun.”

Shining Armor shook his head recalling his talk with Cadance at breakfast. “I remember now. Cadance told me about this.”

“Will it be a problem?”

“Not at all princess.” Shining Armor replied.

Celestia smiled. “That good to know.” Gale rubbed his feathered head wondering what kind of fun they speaking about.

“Mares, stallions, colts and fillies! Welcome to the Canterlot Wonderbolt Derby! I present to you the Wonderbolts!” A grey Pegasus were an black and white shirt with a head set on spoke out to the stadium.

Seconds later Gale watched six pegasi flew over him and over them with smoke lightning trailing behind them. Each of them he did notice wore blue with yellow lightning suits that covered almost every inch of their bodies. They came back around to land on the clouds beside the grey pony, three to the left and three to the right.

The yellow face one pull up the goggles and took the headset off the grey pony putting it on her head. “Hello everypony! Those that are new to the derby I hope you all look forward to seeing our race followed by our aero acrobatic show!” The ponies cheer in response.

The pony noticed Celestia with a salute she and the others did in an instant. “Princess!”

Celestia nod slightly and those lower their hooves. “I look forward to seeing the derby and the race with my little griffon here Gale, this be his first time Captain Spitfire.”

“We make it a show he will remember!” Spitfire ensured Celestia.

“I have no doubt it your teams abilities captain.” Celestia gracefully smiled, she leans down to Gale. “You are going to like this Gale.”

Gale was curious and eagerly awaits to see what will be happening in a moment.

Spitfire give back the headset to the ref pony. “The line up of the Wonderbolts here today are...” He begins to role call the Wonderbolts one at a time.

“Lightning Streak!” Light blue stallion with two tone yellow mane and tail salutes.

“Misty Fly!” Cream colour mare with light blue and white mane and tail salutes.

“Fire Streak!” White colour stallion with orange and white mane and tail salutes.

“Fleetfoot!” Light green mare with white and light blue mane and tail salutes.

“Co-Captain Soarin!” The light blue stallion with the dark blue mane and tail salutes

“And last but least! The captain of the Wonderbolts! Spitfire!” The yellow mare with two tone of orange mane and tail salutes.

The ref pony point his wing to the starting slash finish line. “All Wonderbolts to your position!”The flew up to the line and land on the cloud behind the line. “This will be a twenty lap race! Good luck to all Wonderbolts!”

He turn to the stands. “On your marks!” They lower their fronts down and wings open. “Get set!” They flex their wings as he raise his own.

The ref pony lower his wing. “GO!”

All six Wonderbolts took off exploding the cloud they stood on, in seconds they rounded the first turning moving into the second straight before turning again a moment later. They pass through the line ending lap one as they continue to race around the cloud course.

Gale eyes was locked on the racers as they went through lap after lap, he leaned forwards on the seat he sat on keen on seeing this race taking place. Gale had guessed that the first through the twentieth lap wins and he wanted the captain to win the race.

Ponies at the lower stands screaming and cheering out different names. “Princess, would you and the young griffon like refreshments?”An pony in an black suit and tie with a white shirt asked.

Celestia glance over to him. “Apple juice for Gale and a cup of tea for myself please. And if you got some of those lovely cucumber sandwiches that would be perfect.”

“We do and I will be bring them up shortly.” He bows and leave the booth.

Gale got so engrossed in the race that he wasn't aware of how much time seem to pass, he read up about it but it was still confusing to exactly understand. A cough caught his attention and saw a unicorn in an black suit with refreshments. “Sir; your apple juice and cucumber sandwiches.”

The plate and drink float down onto the table before him, Gale try to think of a way to thank the unicorn and bow his head down to him. “Why are you bowing to me?”

“That my little pony is Gale saying 'thank you', due to the fact he can not speak at the moment.” Celestia explained to the waiter.

He looked surprised but understanding. “That princess makes sense. Thank you.” He turn back to Gale. “Enjoy.” The waiter pony bow his head to Gale and steps to the side.

Gale took one of the sandwiches, holding it in his talon taking a sniff of it and a bite of it. He chewed and took in the taste before swallowing it. “What do you think?” Gale give a thumbs up to his mum and she smiled. “They really make amazing cucumber sandwiches here.” He nods in believing it.

The attention turn back to the race seeing that it was coming to the last few laps, Gale saw that Spitfire was just behind two of the Wonderbolts Fleetfoot and Soarin. As they past the final lap Spitfire made her move squeezing into the inner turning, now all three were neck and neck as they came to the final straight passing the finish line in a blur.

The ref pony speaks out to the crowd as many talk to each other in wonder on who had won the race.

“What a finish! I could not even tell who crossed through the finish line first! We going to check on photos taken at the moment they all crossed! We will have an winner declared in a moment!”

Celestia turn to Gale who just put the last piece of food in his beak chewing on it. “Hmm...” He stopped hearing her hum. Gale's eyes shift to her. “How would you like to declare the winner?”

Shining Armor quickly took a double take at Celestia. “Princess!?”

Gale instantly swallowed and followed by an very loud surprised squawk.

1. Spitfire
2. Fleetfoot
3. Soarin

Celestia whispers into a Pegasus guard ear, he salutes and flies off to the ref pony. She now turn her attention to Shining Armor and Gale, the press had been informed about Gale and what happened to him in the briefest way possible.

“Princess you've just let the press know about Gale, why are you even thinking about letting him declare the winner!?” Shining Armor said with shock.

Celestia look over to the blacken screen she were holding up with her magic. “Captain. Do you really think they will sit on it for two days?” Shining Armor's eyes shift to the left and right.

“We both know they will do whatever research they can do and create a story for tomorrow's headlines. Ponies don't need it to be real to be news.” Celestia said firmly to the captain of the guard.

“This is the chance to give them something to write about and have it on our terms.” Celestia turn to Gale. “I know this seem very confusing to you but please trust me in this. I been dealing with stuff like this for a very long time.” Celestia lower her head to his level looking him in the eyes.

Gale slowing breathing in and out finally give a nod. “Thank you my little griffon. I will make this up to you, I promise.”

Shining Armor lowered his head slightly with a sigh before raising it back up. “I do not like this Princess but you have a valid point that is very much true.” Shining Armor turn to the black screen. “How would you want Gale to present the winner?”

Celestia smiled. “A rather simple way.” Gale tilt his head in curiosity and nervousness. “Gale put your talon around Shining Armor's right foreleg gentle.”

Gale does it and looked very confused by this action, so did Shining Armor. “Now Shining Armor raise your foreleg and Gale raise your talon.” They did so and now Shining Armor's hoof was above his head. “There we go, you just declared the winner.”

Letting go of the foreleg Gale rubbed the back of his head. “This was a testing kiddo. When you do the real thing you will go to the one that won the race, the photo will show it and be on the right side.”

Shining Armor face the same way as Gale raising his right foreleg. “This is right and this is left.” He rose his left foreleg after putting the right down.

Gale nods in understanding him. “Shall we go?” He nods again to Celestia this time and she cancel out her spell, the black screen fades away.

They leave the royal booth heading down the stairs. “I just been informed that Princess Celestia wishes to have a word before we announce the winner!” The ref pony gives her a wing signal to take the headset off him.

Celestia does so and put it on over her head. “Hello my little ponies, I do apologise for interrupting the results of that stunning race.” Celestia turning her head to the left to the right looking at each of the ponies. “As many of you know now this young griffon I recently took in as guardian and adoptive mother.”

Gale nervously wave at the ponies staying just between her forelegs. “Gale at first saw me and all the ponies in fear, he fled and ran. But soon we came to a calming setting that I gained his trust to the point he saw me as an motherly figure.”

“I first wasn't sure if I should take that role but soon I learned he begun to learn, gain memories and become this young curious griffon you all see. I decided from that moment to do so and I never regretted it, Gale will be fearful and shy to many ponies.”

Gale showing that all too well to the ponies that listened and watched, Celestia gestured for the photo. “I thought being the first step to bring him out is to announce the winner by raising the foreleg of that said Wonderbolt.” The pony gives Celestia the photo. “What do you think captain?”

Spitfire pulled up her goggles showing her eyes. “I say it a great start for the cub.” Spitfire and Gale looked at each other. “I saw you watching us fly. Those wings fluttering that excitement, your first time seeing the Wonderbolts right?” His gaze shifted ruffling his wings slightly before nodding in reply.

“Princess give Gale the photo and show us who out of us three have won!” Spitfire turn to Fleetfoot and than to Soarin, they both nod in agreement raising their goggles up too to show their eyes.

Gale took the photo from Celestia. “Go on son. Pick the winner!” He nods and looking at the photo he showed it to Shining Armor to get it right.

Pointing to it the captain nods. “That right that one won by the tip of the muzzle. Go on announce the winner!”

Gale looking around hearing sounds of clicking and slight flashes from the cameras around. He nervously gulped and flew over to them, looking at the clouds he slowly and carefully landed on it.

Gale looked suddenly surprised and excited, he bounced around on it. “Look like your having fun, first time on a cloud?” He turn to Spitfire and nods. “Well cub. Go on show who of us won.”

Gale look to the photo again and up at each of them, instantly he went right to Soarin taking his foreleg with the talon and raised it up.

Shining Armor chuckled seeing ponies now cheering as Gale announced the winner.“That was blunt.”

"Indeed." Celestia giggled.

“Look like we got a win Princess.”

Celestia give back the headset to the ref pony as he calls out the winner. “The winner of the Wonderbolt Derby is... SOARIN!” The ref pony point his wing to the co-captain.

Celestia glance down at Shining Armor as the Wonderbolts gather around Gale rubbing his feathered head talking to him with photos being taken.

“Indeed it is captain. Gale is happy and forgetting his fears at the moment, I know this is a push that could of gone badly but I am glad it worked out for my little griffon.”

Gale flew over to Celestia pointing and squawking at the Wonderbolts with excitement and joy also showing the photo with three hoof prints on it. Celestia didn't need to say a word as she hugs him and he hugs back happily, they both full of happiness at this very moment.

The ball is now rolling and Celestia knew by morning her former student Twilight Sparkle WILL know.

Gale had his head stuck in an cloud with both talons and paws pressing against it, wings flapping to pull his head free. With success he hovered in front of the cloud course inner wall he'd managed to hit while going around it, with a hefty laugh Gale span around a few times before returning to an stationary hover in front of Spitfire.

Spitfire smiling with forelegs crossed rolled her eyes as she hovered just in front of him. “I told you cub to fly slow and easy! Not fast and reckless! Be glad that the cloud barriers are the best safety clouds in Equestria!”

Gale pull a piece of cloud off his head and held it out to her with amazement. “Urg... What am I going to do with you cub?” He shrugged with a cheeky grin from his beak. “Alright shall we start again?” Gale nods throwing the piece of cloud behind himself.

Gale flies over to the start line and Spitfire lands next to him. “Now watch, follow and take account of your larger wings.” Gale nods. “Ready?” Again an nod.

Celestia watches from the edge of the now empty stadium lower sitting area with the other members of the Wonderbolts chilling, eating, drinking and talking among each other. Soarin the co-captain haven't said much during this time. “Something on your mind?”

Soarin turn his head looking up at Princess Celestia. “I'm just trying to understand Spitfire.”

“Oh?”

“The captain hardly act like this.”

“Maybe your looking at this all wrong.”

“I don't follow.” Soarin rubbed the side of his head.

Celestia looking back out to the race course seeing Gale having a lot of fun flying around even mucking around at points with Spitfire. “Gale doesn't see Wonderbolts as others see Wonderbolts.”

Soarin didn't even think about that very thing. It became very clear to him the sudden moment Celestia stated that about Gale's view on them. “Spitfire teaching someone that doesn't see us anymore then experienced flyers of the skies...“

“Clipper it took you long enough to figure it out.” Fleetfoot chuckled. “Here drink this, we be leaving soon for our next performance in Las Pegasus.” Fleetfoot throws with her wing a water bottle.

Soarin caught the water bottle and drunk out of it. “Gale will be disappointed that you have to leave, but hopefully he will understand.” Celestia knew how busy the Wonderbolts are.

“From what you've told us Princess Celestia. I think he will, Gale a bright young griffon.” Soarin said as the two flyers got around the bend. Gale crashed into the barrier again. “Wow he can really turn.”

Celestia giggled slightly. “Indeed and it doesn't seem to phase him failing at it. He goes back and tries again.” Celestia said with pride.

Spitfire shook her head and explains to him where his gone wrong and Gale nods to go again. After about twenty minutes of trying Gale almost turned too sharply into it but got around without crashing into it.

Spitfire slows and lands on the cloud course wall. “Nice one cub!” He lands in front of her and raise his talon closed in front of her. She taps it with her hoof. “Now practice those turns and fly into straight ever so often.” He nods as she took to the air.

“Well my team and I got to go.” He tilted his head with wonder. “Gale you will understand what it to be a Wonderbolt and how proud we are as a team.” Spitfire took off her goggles and threw them down to him.

Gale caught them and looked at the goggles before looking back up at her with confusion. “You got some raw talent and your turns are really sharp. Never seen a griffon pull off those kind of turns before.” Spitfire smirked.

“I'll be keeping a eye on you but for now you got some growing up to do first. Be a cub and enjoy those moments. What you lost you can gain through new experiences, memories and moments with those that care about you.” Spitfire hovering over him.

Gale took in her words and thought about them as he stared at the goggles he now held in his talons.

“Alright team, we heading to Las Peagsus. We need need to be there by sundown for tomorrows show!” Spitfire spoke out to her fellow Wonderbolt members. “Gale till next time.” She salutes and flies off with the other Wonderbolts taking off after her flying in formation.

Gale coos in disappointment sitting down and watching her leave. “Son they have other events to perform at. Also I think you've left a good impression on the captain.” Celestia lands on the cloud sitting beside him. “Talking about captains...” Celestia hints for Gale to look.

He does and sees Shining Armor walking into view from the mountain side path to the stadium carrying a basket and two objects in his magic. Gale point to the captain.

“Yes let's go meet him.” Both Alicorn and griffon fly over to Shining Armor landing in front of him with the guards either flying or walking up from behind standing attention.

Gale put the goggles on his head and shows Shining Armor. “Not to bad Gale. Guess Spitfire gave them to you.” He nods. “Well it seems you got a knack of impressing captains.” Shining chuckled but got a confused look from Gale.

“Oh come on that a good joke!” Shining Armor sighed seeing that he failed to pull off an joking pun.

Celestia laughed a little. “It was alright captain but I think Gale doesn't understand the concept of jokes all that too well.” Gale showed that answer by looking up at her confused. “Don't worry about it son.”

Shining Armor moved the basket and objects in front on himself. “I got a picnic basket with everything made by my mum and two kites to fly after we eaten.”

Gale stared at the objects called kites and curiously wondered how they fly without the telekinetic levitation spell Shining Armor had be casting on them. “I gather you have a location in mind?”

“Indeed Princess Celestia, this is a place me, Twilight, Spike and Cadance went to many times for this kind of thing.” Shining Armor turned around waving his hoof for them to follow.

Close to the castle walls Shining Armor lead them to, it was a water way with hills, trees, flower beds and fields. On the far side of the water way was a bridge over it before turning into a waterfall. “This is the place, nothing too fancy. Just a piece of Canterlot's green beautiful landscape” Shining Armor place the basket down on a picnic table with the kites.

Gale flew over to a flowerbed of roses, he curiously look at the red roses taking a sniff at the flowers. “They roses, be-careful they have thorns on the steams.” Celestia use her magic to push the flower to the side slightly to show the thorns. “These are grown by the ponies that keep this little place of beauty, beautiful and tidy for vistors like us.”

Celestia point her wing out to a few unicorns and earth ponies planting a few new flowers in another flowerbed. “You see those ponies, they the ones that maintain this place. Not just for a job but something they love to do.”

“Do you understand?” He rubs the back of his head slightly and nod a little bit. “Little huh?” He nods.

Shining Armor walked over to them with the two kites. “Princess I like to spend a little one on one with Gale, could you set up the picnic blanket, food and drink while I teach him to fly a kite?”

Celestia smiled. “Very well Captain. I yield time to you.” She bows in a mocking way with a wing out in front before walking off to the table.

“Pr-Princess I-”

“Relax captain I am teasing you.” Celestia giggled.

Shining Armor sighed in relief. “So...” He turn to Gale. “Ready to fly a kite?” Gale open his wings up. “No your not flying, this is.” He hints to the kites.

The griffon curiously stared at them and back at Shining Armor in a look that was asking how the kites fly without wings. “You see these sticks on this side.” Shining shows the reverse side of the kite.

“These are the skeleton structure of the kite that hold the fabric in place with string here, here and here.” Shining Armor pointing to each part of the kite with his hoof. “This string here.” He point to the string leading away from it to the handle. “This is what you hold onto as the kite gets lift from the wind.”

“The more string you unwrap from the handle here and the higher the kite goes depending on the strength of the wind.” Shining Armor explained and shows Gale with his own kite.

Gale watches with amazement as the kite flies high above but stops going any higher with Shining Armor controlling it. “Now you give a try.” He gives Gale the other kite.

The griffon took hold of the handle. “Ready?” He nods and Shining lifts it up with his magic to get the lift from the wind. Gale squawk in surprise by the force he felt and pulled back on it causing the kite to slam into the ground, he grumbled as he failed to hold it in the air.

“Nice try for a beginner, let's try again shall we?”

Celestia watched as she place the blanket down and placing the plates, cups, food and drink down. She saw Gale try and try again without giving up to try and fly his kite, he squawking angrily at some points with Shining calming him down explaining it over again and showing him how it done.

Celestia picked up a flask, opening and pouring tea into a cup. She sat and watched with the guards near by for about ten minutes of Gale trying to get the kite to fly longer than a few seconds till he got it to stay up for a few minutes before losing control once more.

“How about you take a break Gale and come over to eat.” Celestia called out. Gale picked up the kite seeing the picnic all set up, he flew over and took a good look around at the food and drink laid out on it.

“Mum sure went all out on this.” Shining Armor stated taking a good look at the food they get to sit down and eat. “There enough here even for the guards.”

Celestia look over to them. “Why not give them a plate each?”

Gale put his talon up. “Look like Gale want to do it.”

“Very well, here it the plates. Take two at a time and come back for the other two okay?” Gale hums with a nod before taking the two plates and flying over to the guards to give them some of the food they had.

They all had their share of the food and drink, Shining, Celestia and Gale sitting around the food and drink enjoying the day. Shining Armor and Celestia going over some pointers to Gale about how to fly the kite to help him improve next time around.

Shining Armor flying his kite again after their meal, Gale sitting beside him watch the kite fly high in the sky. Celestia sitting close by watching the two bond.

An orange Pegasus in armour flies in and lands before her. “Private Flash Sentry, this is unexpected. Aren't you assigned to be my niece's side while she in Cloudsdale?”

“I am princess but Princess Cadance made it clear that these two files got to you ASAP.” Flash Sentry give the files over and salutes.

Celestia using her magic take a look at the files that was given. “Hmm...” Celestia noticed who it was in the first one. “Rainbow Dash? She the element of loyalty.” She said to herself outloud. “Why would Cadance want me to see a file of her from Junior Speedters Flight camp?”

“There a second file your highness.”

Celestia open the second file and it became clear. “Flash Sentry.”

“Princess.” He stood to attention.

“Prepare the royal carriage for the overnight train to Ponyville.”

“Right away! Princess!” He salutes and flies off.

Celestia look to the file. “The chance to get my son to talk and write...” Celestia walk over to the bridge looking out to Ponyville in the distance.

“I am jumping at.”

Celestia tap her hoof on her snout. “Question is; Should I tell Twilight I am coming to Ponyville or just unexpectedly show up?”

“Either way Twilight Sparkle will have an freak out...”

“What to do... What to do?”

Freak out WILL happen from Twilight! But.....

48 hours to choose the two choices. 22/12/2019 9am GMT votes will close!
Votes are in and closed: Results in chapter 14.5

1. Tell Twilight Celestia coming and tell Twilight about her new adopted son Gale the Griffon.
2. Unexpectedly show up without a word and Twilight find out via News Paper by morning.

Twilight skimming through a book in Golden Oak Library looking up on information when Spike walked in from the kitchen, he carrying a plate of cucumber sandwiches and glass of orange juice. “Hey Twilight what are you looking at?”

The purple unicorn rose her head up from the book as the purple dragon place the glass and plate down beside the book for Twilight. She sighed before replying to Spike. “I am looking up for any spells that could dis-spell invisible ink.”

“You got pranked by Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash too huh?” Spike sat down on the stall. “I did too. I hiccuped all the scrolls to Princess Celestia.” Spike rubbed the back of his head. “Weird thing is... She asked me to do it again.”

Twilight raise an eye slightly with an Questionable look. “Send a lot of blank scrolls at once? Why?”

Spike shrugged. “She wouldn't say.”

“That is strange...” The door opens and Pinkie Pie walks in. “Oh no... Please tell me your not pranking again!”

Pinkie Pie shook her head holding a rolled up news paper in her mane. “Nope not at the moment. Rainbow Dash flying around with a old friend of hers. She would do pranks with me later.”

“Old friend of hers? Wonder who that could be.”

“Some griffon called Gilda. First time meeting a griffon too!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “They did this funny sky dance thing about Junior Speedsters!”

Twilight turn back to the book. “Fair enough. I read up about it.” Twilight flipped a page over. “From what I know it a summer camp for Pegasi, never knew a griffon went to it. That new news to me.”

“Oh talking about news Twilight! That why I came! I decided to read this paper and found something about a griffon in there too! What the chances a griffon friend of Rainbow Dash showing up and news about one in Canterlot!”

Spike got off the stall walking over to Pinkie Pie. “Could I read it?”

“Sure!” Pinkie Pie gives it to him. “It a real head spinner of a dozzy!” Pinkie walked to the door. “Well it later now! So I going to catch up with Rainbow Dash and Gilda!” She giggled before bouncing off out the door and closing it behind.

Spike unrolled the paper opening it up to the big news page of Canterlot. Reading it a first time he blinked a few times and read it over a few more times. “Erm... Twilight...”

“Yes Spike?” Twilight said with a slight announce half way eating her sandwich. “I'm eating see.”

“I can but you got to read this! Really read this!”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Fine...” Taking the paper off him and read the article.

Suddenly her horn fizzled dropping the paper with eyes shrunk and right eye twitching. “P-Pri-Prin-”

Unmoving and frozen Twilight stood staring into space. “Twilight?” Spike waved his claw in front of her face and clicking it without a response from the purple unicorn.

“Twilight!” Still no reply.

Spike rushed into the kitchen and came back with a cup of cold water throwing it over her face. The ice cold water snapped her out of her trance. “Ah!” She shook her head blinking a few times. “Spike please tell me I was seeing things!”

“That Princess Celestia adopted a teenage griffon named Gale as her son? Nope I saw it too.” Spike place the glass down. “That kinda explains why she wanted me to send all those scrolls in one burst of flame.” He rubbed the underside of his snout.

“That doesn't explain ANYTHING Spike!” Twilight pick up the paper again looking at it. “This said she adopted him almost a week ago! A WEEK AGO! Why didn't she tell me!? WHY!?”

Twilight walking towards him and he stepping back grabbing a book and hold it out in front of him as a shield. “I am her prized student! SOMETHIG this IMPORTANT I should have been told about! Not find out in some newspaper!”

Spike shrugged nervously. “Maybe she forgot?” Twilight's horn grew brighter the instant he said that, her mane frizzled and steam raising from her body as the water turn to vapour. “Uh oh...”

A knock came from the door. “WHAT!?” Twilight screamed at the door.

“Twilight it m-”

Celestia was outside the door, Twilight wasn't prepared for that...

“Princess Celestia!?” Twlight unleashed her magic in a short burst teleportation to the door.

Opening the door with her magic Twilight quickly bowing her head. “I am so so so sorry Princess! I didn't know you were coming!”

“Of course you didn't, I never sent you a letter.” Celestia responded with an calm tone.

Twilight rose her head up. “Wh-” She froze seeing not only her brother Shining Armor

“Hi Twily!”

“Shining Armor!?” Twilight stood surprised seeing him.

He also stood with a orange Pegasus guard, but the griffon Gale from the newspaper was there too. Shifting her eyes to each of them rapidly as her mind just shuts down from trying to process everything that just happened.

“I-ha-ga-fj-ka!” Twilight's horn shorts out, her mane fizzles into a mess with smoke raising. “Hahaha...” Twilight laughed and her eyes roll to the back of her head.

They watch the purple unicorn tip backwards onto her back with all four legs in the air, the right hind-leg twitching. Gale curiously walked over to her as Spike stared in surprise from over the book he held.

The griffon tap Twilight's right hind hoof with a claw tip and tilted his head in confusion as he continue to hear her muttering words in a nonsensical way that made no sense at all to Gale.

Shining Armor put his hoof to the forehead rubbing it, Flash Sentry frowning with confusion at what just happened and Celestia was standing there calmly watching Gale try to make sense of what just happened.

Next words spoken by Celestia were...

“Well... That went better than I thought it would.”

The overnight train pulled up from Canterlot into Ponyville Train Station, ponies leaving the train soon as it stopped. Two guards stepped out of the royal carriage, they stood to attention as Shining Armor, Flash Sentry, Gale and Princess Celestia stepped out afterwards. Many ponies noticed Celestia in a instant and stopped to bow to her.

Celestia rose her hoof. “Please go about your business.” They stopped bowing and went on their way, some getting on the train to other ponies going off into Ponyville.

Shining Armor point his hoof over to the Golden Oak Library after the train pulled out from the station. “We do not have far to go Princess, the place my sister lives at just right there.”

Celestia rubbed her hoof under her snout. “Hmm... Strange. I thought it was a bit closer to Sugarcube Corner.”

“Are you certain Princess?”

Celestia shrugged. “Now I think of it. I was distracted by my sisters recent return and the festival held in her honour.” Celestia recalling the events of little over three weeks ago.

Gale tilted his head at the sight of the tree like house. “Let me guess, weird that a library slash home is an house tree?” Gale nods to Flash Sentry. “Your not the only one that find that weird and a bit ironic that paper comes from trees.”

They left the train platform walking across the rails to the Golden Oak Library, as they got closer the voice of Twilight could be heard alongside Spike's. “Twily must of just got the newspaper princess.”

“It seems she has.” Celestia walk up to the door and knocked on it.

“WHAT!?” Twilight screamed at the door.

Celestia quickly responded to Twilight's scream. “Twilight it m-”

Twilight screaming out Celestia's name and the sudden pop with flash interrupted Celestia. “Princess Celestia!?”

The door opens with Twilight's magic, she quickly bowing her head. “I am so so so sorry Princess! I didn't know you were coming!”

“Of course you didn't, I never sent you a letter.” Celestia responded with an calm tone.

Twilight rose her head up. “Wh-” She froze seeing not only her brother Shining Armor

“Hi Twily!”

“Shining Armor!?” Twilight stood surprised seeing him.

He also stood with a orange Pegasus guard, but the griffon Gale from the newspaper was there too. Shifting her eyes to each of them rapidly as her mind just shuts down from trying to process everything that just happened.

“I-ha-ga-fj-ka!” Twilight's horn shorts, out her mane fizzles into a mess with smoke raising. “Hahaha...” Twilight laughed and her eyes roll to the back of her head.

They watch the purple unicorn tip backwards onto her back with all four legs in the air, the right hind-leg twitching. Gale curiously walked over to her as Spike stared in surprise from over the book he held.

The griffon tap Twilight's right hind hoof with a claw tip and tilted his head in confusion as he continue to hear her muttering words in a nonsensical way that made no sense at all to Gale.

Shining Armor put his hoof to the forehead rubbing it, Flash Sentry frowning with confusion at what just happened and Celestia was standing there calmly watching Gale try to make sense of what just happened.

Next words spoken by Celestia were...

“Well... That went better than I thought it would.”

Shining Armor raise a eye brow. “How exactly is that better?”

“She could of surged and blew the door off it hinges.”

Shining Armor rose his hoof to protest but thinking of what Celestia just said made him realise she was right. “Fair point...” Shining Armor put his hoof down, using his magic to pick up Twilight and walk over to the beanbag cushions to set her down on.

That when Gale noticed Spike and his curiously walked up to the purple dragon, circling around Spike looking up and down with wonder in his eyes. Spike nervously watch the teenage griffon circle around him a few times before he got his voice to ask. “What is he doing?”

Celestia put her hoof up over her muzzle realising her mistake. “I may have told him about you but not what you were.”

“When the blank scrolls came to you Princess?” Celestia nods to Spike's question.

“Well!” He puff his chest out. “I'm Spike a dragon!” Gale took a deep breath like Spike did and puff his chest out as well.

Shining Armor closed the door after the rest entered and the guards took station outside the library entrance. “It look like Gale likes you Spike.” Shining chuckled. “Why not show him some of the Daring Do books?”

“Sure! But afterwards could you explain to me why you all here? And why Twilight wasn't told you were coming?” Spike asked for two answers to his two questions.

“We will.” Celestia nods and wave her wing to Gale. “Go on follow Spike he will show you where the Daring Do books are.” He squawk happily.

Spike shows him where they are, Celestia and Shining Armor explains to him about the theory of why they can't get Gale to speak. Also how they found a clue that may lead to the best choice in griffon to have Gale taught by.

Spike poured some tea for the Princess and put the tea pot down on the plate. “So this is what made you choose Gilda huh? Because she best friends with Rainbow Dash...” He rubbed the underside of his snout. “That makes sense and weirdly enough Gilda in fact right here in Ponyville with Rainbow Dash.”

Gale quickly rose his head from the Daring Do book he was reading with surprise in his eyes. “Your serious?” Shining Armor asked.

Spike nods. “Yeah, Pinkie Pie told me and Twilight only minutes before you arrived.”

Celestia was surprised. “That coincidentally surprising Spike... The chances of a newspaper coming out with the article about my little griffon Gale, Gilda being friends with Rainbow Dash from a flight camp and being here at all days we come to see Rainbow Dash. The odds of that is-”

“Unbelievable huge!” They all turn to Pinkie Pie standing next to Gale, his eyes slowly turn to the pink pony. The griffon quickly moved when she reach a hoof out to him, before she could even have her hoof where he were Gale was already behind Celestia's right foreleg. “Wow his fast!”

Shining Armor turn to the door and back to Pinkie Pie. “How did you get in here?”

“Oh through the window on the balcony!” Pinkie points up to the open double doors.

Shining Armor stared up at it and turn to Celestia. “Sorry Princess I didn't think to place any guards up there!”

Celestia dismissed it. “It fine captain. A lesson to be learnt for next time.” He nods. “Now Pinkie Pie what brings you back to the library?”

“Oh!” Pinkie slap her forehead with her hoof. “I came to talk to Twilight about that meany griffon Gilda! She popped my balloons and caused me to crash my peddle chopper!”

“And why would she do that?” Celestia curiously asked as Gale kept his eyes on Pinkie Pie at all times.

Pinkie Pie start to walk back and forwards. “Well... I decided to meet up with them and hang out with Rainbow Dash! Cause it was later!”

“How later was this?”

“Erm... About a hour. Why?”

Shining Armor glance to Celestia mouthing the word 'hour?'

Celestia rose her hoof for a second to tell Shining she got this. “From the beginning Pinkie Pie.”

“Okay...” Pinkie Pie explains everything that happened.

Shining Armor sighed. “Gilda was irritated. by your actions Miss Pie. When she told Rainbow Dash to race her to a higher cloud it was for them to spend more time alone.”

“And that means?”

“That means you are jealous.”

“WHAT!? Me jealous!?”

“Green with envy... Well pink in your case.” Spike points out to Pinkie Pie.

Gale listen to them speak and even he could see how this Gilda reacted but he thought she overreacted too, but the thought of how he reacted to his mum, aunt and Shining Armor found him first came to mind.

His own reaction could be classed as overreaction by some.

“Gah! I-You-” Celestia rose her hoof to silent Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie Pie what you did was jealousy. You had no idea what Rainbow Dash and Gilda were up to and you wanted in on the action. But also the way Gilda reacted by this was in the wrong too.” Celestia sighed softly. “Both of you are at the end in the wrong, neither you acted in an respective manner.”

“You can't be serious! Rain-” Gale threw a pillow at her, she stared down at it and back at Gale with forelegs crossed frowning at her. “What was that for?”

Celestia smiled. “He telling you to be quiet and think of your actions.” Gale squawk with a nod. “I think his right, might not be able to talk but his actions does speak.” Celestia tap her hoof on the end of her muzzle.

“Let's put this in your point of view. You and Rainbow Dash are doing whatever you wish to do.” Celestia creates a grid image before her with a cyan and pink ponies on it. “Now Gale shows up and bothers you to play.” Image shows a teenage griffon on it.

Gale complains with a squawk. “It a reference not something you do kiddo.” Shining Armor rubbed his feathered head with a hoof.

“What would you do?”

“Let him play of course!”

“Urg...” Shining Armor shook his head. “What if it something only you and Rainbow want to do and he keep bugging you over it?”

“Erm...” Pinkie Pie tapping her snout a few times thinking it over and gasped as Celestia dispelled the spell. “Oh I-” Pinkie realises. “Oh... Wow... I was being jealous...” Pinkie dropped to her flank staring down at the floor.

Celestia walked over to the sudden sadden pink pony putting a wing over her. “Pinkie Pie we all not perfect, we think we are at times and act with actions we do not realise that would cause issues.”

Gale shook his head not going near Pinkie Pie as Celestia gestured him to come over. “Guess he doesn't feel keen in being near you.”

“Why?” Celestia remove her wing from Pinkie Pie walking back over to Gale standing by the teenage griffon.

“That something I can not know.” Celestia thought of a idea. “How about you join me and Gale for something to eat while we leave Rainbow Dash and Gilda to have their friend time?” Celestia offered. “My treat.”

Pinkie Pie smiled. “I like that! Thank you Princess!”

“Princess...” Shining approached.

Celestia turn to Twilight Sparkle still unconscious. “Flash Sentry will be with us, you stay here and explain to your sister and Spike about everything on Gale.”

“Fair enough, but only if you take the other guards with you.”

“Acceptable.” Celestia agreed. “Shall we go?”

“Yeparooine!” Pinkie Pie giggled bouncing to the door and opening it before bouncing out of it.

The two guards at the door look to each other with surprise turning to Celestia whom just shook her head with a 'no worry' gesture.

Gale tilt his head slightly and now look to his talons and paws. Bending down he pushed off both talons and paws to jump on the spot not moving from it, he tired to bounce like Pinkie did but no matter what he couldn't move from the spot like she could.

“Curious pony isn't she?” Gale still trying nods before he finally gave up after a few more tries breathing heavily. He wondered how Pinkie Pie did it.

“Time to meet Gilda, Gale.” Gale squawk happily and walk out the door with Celestia, Sentry with the other guards follow them to the café at the market.

A short time later Twilight woke up groaning. “Spike... I was dreaming that-” Her eyes met her brothers. “Shiny?”

“Twily.”

“Princess Celestia really did adopt a griffon didn't she?”

“Yes she did, come sit over here and I will explain everything to you Twily.”

She sits down beside Shining Armor and Spike joined them. “Everything, right?”

Spike raise a claw. “Princess Celestia did give him permission to do so!”

“That she did, only what I seen and know of. To get the rest you will have to ask all three princesses for their part.” Shining Armor explained. “Ready?” They nod.

“Just over a week ago I reported in about the food waste theft to Princess Celestia...”

Just outside Sugarcube Corner at a table with an umbrella Celestia, Pinkie Pie and Gale sat at, the guards stood close by watching over them. Gale happily eating on a cream filled cake and drinking the strawberry milkshake, even making a bit of a mess with the cake he found it too tasty.

Celestia drinking her tea looked over to Pinkie Pie sitting the opposite side of the round table to Gale, he had refused to be near her and Pinkie with caution sip her own milkshake looking up to the sky from the edges of the umbrellas obstruction.

“Pinkie Pie.”

“Yes Princess?”

“Looking up at the sky continuously isn't going to make them fly by any sooner.”

Pinkie Pie turn her head from looking upwards to looking over to Celestia sitting by Gale. “I know Princess.” Pinkie giggled. “I just doing it to not make Gale uncomfortable.”

Celestia frowned looking down to Gale. “Son. Pinkie Pie is taking account on your feelings about her.” Celestia turn to Pinkie Pie. “I know her sudden appearance beside you spooked you but she had no ill intend. In fact one of her main goals in life is to make others smile and be happy.”

Gale frown and tilted his head. “That right! I am the Element of Laughter after all!” Pinkie giggled.

Celestia knew if he could very well speak right this moment it would be questioning on the Elements of Harmony. “Gale to answer the question you can not ask, she one of six ponies that represent the Elements of Harmony. Pinkie Pie as she told you is Laughter, Twilight Sparkle my former student and the sister of Shining Armor is Magic.”

Gale instantly gasped and so did Pinkie Pie. “Twilight has a brother!?” Gale would of said 'That Shining's sister!?'

Celestia rubbed the underside of her snout. “I am sure I mentioned it when we were in the library Pinkie Pie and Gale.”

Flash Sentry standing guard by the door to Sugarcube Corner responded. “Yes you did Princess.”

“Thought so.”

Pinkie Pie and Gale looked directly at each other for a few seconds before slapping their own foreheads, Celestia laughed. Gale sunk down feeling his face warm up groaning with wings over his head, Pinkie giggled. “We did a silly.”

“Come on Gale! I know we forgot but it funny that we both did!” She giggled.

Gale lower his wings and nod with an slight smile. “See.” Celestia nudged him a little. “Now are you going to finish that cake or shall I?”

He squawks in defence taking it and shoving the last of it in his beak, the result was a messy face and laughter from two ponies. Gale soon joined in the laughter but soon stopped with his ears twitching to laughter coming by and above them.

Celestia and Pinkie Pie heard it too, while Gale wiped his beak and face clean they watched Rainbow Dash and Gilda land not to far from them. Gale gasped and points to Gilda. “That must be Gilda.” Celestia made the files appear, opening it up to get a look at the cub version of her. “Yes it is.”

Celestia closed her file up and noticed Gale was missing from the seat beside her. “Gale?”

Pinkie Pie points her hoof towards Gilda. “I think he eager to meet Gilda. Hope she isn't m-” The look Celestia gave her didn't allow her to finish what she'd was going to say. “Right... Both in the wrong.”

“Correct. Shall we?” Pinkie Pie nods as Celestia stood up.

Gilda looked around, she saw Granny Smith walking towards the market stall and a prank came to mind. About to head over to it quickly but only to have Gale hovering before her with his plush out to Gilda. “What the...?” Gilda frowned. “How about getting out of my way you-” He moved a bite closer with the plush out stretched to her.

Gilda growls slightly. “Fine! I'll hold your...” Gilda was about to say 'stupid' but holding it and looking at it closely. “Why the heck do you have a soft toy of yourself?” He shrugs. “Cub here yourself toy back. I got things to do.” She gave it back to Gale.

Gale squawks happily and the result was flying around Gilda rapidly, she turning her head to follow the teenage griffon with utter confusion. “Seriously cub! What the heck wrong with you!? Your making me dizzy!”

Gale stopped holding his plush close to himself hovering there. “Well your going to say something or what?” He points with the free talon to his beak and squawk softly. “Right... You think I am gonna fall for the can not speak gag?”

“That would be true Gilda.”

“Oh and ho-how-” Gilda turn around in mid-sentence to stare at a gold chest plate against a white furry chest, slowly raising her head to meet the eyes of Princess Celestia. “Dude your a really tall pony!”

Celestia smiled. “That I am Gilda. It a pleasure to meet you.”

“Did Dash tell you about me or something? Seriously who are you?” Many ponies gasped around her, some even stopped in mid movement staring.

Celestia waved Gale to come to her side and he did so. “I am Princess Celestia co-ruler of Equestria and this cub is my son.”

Gilda raise an eye before started to do a fake laugh. “Okay Dash you got me! Funny prank!” Gilda look around.

“This is no prank Gilda. I am really the princess.” Celestia smiled slightly. “Maybe this will help.” Using her magic the sun shifts slightly and Gilda's beak hangs open seeing the sun shift. “Impressed?”

“Impressed!? That was awesome! I heard stories of a pony princess could move the sun! But-” She stopped in mid-excitement. “Okay your the real deal. But seriously why are you speaking to a griffon like me of all griffons? What the catch?” Gilda crossed her forelegs.

Celestia open the file now floating beside her. “I will be blunt since you are.” Gilda's rolled her eyes. “In the last week since Gale came into my life due to unforeseen events that left him with only the memories of three weeks. None of us can figure out how to teach him to speak while he can read and understand us clearly.”

Gilda frowned. “So you have a teenage cub with brain damage. What that got to do with me?” Gale tilted his head not sure what 'brain damage' meant.

“I looked into your Junior Speedsters Flight Camp records and since your very good friends with Rainbow Dash from then to now. I came to find her to find you in aiding me to give my son the ability to speak.”

Gilda now turn her attention from the file to Gale. “You want me to teach him to speak?”

“Yes.”

“Teaching?”

“Yes.”

“Not happening! I am no egghead!” Gilda shook her head. “Well... I got to go. Se-” Gale flew up to her and gave a big hug around her neck to chest. “H-hey let go!” He shook his head squawking a few times. “Seriously! Get off me you crazy dorky griffon!”

Celestia wasn't sure what to do. One side she felt a rage building when Gilda called him dorky but on the other side Gale did latch onto Gilda in an surprising action, the guards moved in but Celestia rose her wing to stop them. “If she hits or throw him off then act.” The nod standing firm and ready to go.

Gilda looking down at his golden brown eyes with her own golden eyes. “Gale was it?” He nods. “Get the heck off me! I am not a toy! I don't do hugs! It uncool!” He shook his head. “What will it take to get you off me!?”

Pinkie Pie watched eating pop-corn as Fluttershy walked by backwards with ducks and ducklings. “Hi Fluttershy!” Pinkie giggled.

“Oh hi Pinkie Pie, what going on over there?” Her attention drawn on the two griffons.

“Gale is Princess Celestia's adopted son and he refusing to stop hugging Gilda till she agrees to helping him to try and speak.”

“Princess Celestia adopted a griffon?” The ducks and ducklings was as confused as Fluttershy.

Pinkie Pie pulled out a invite. “After you taken care of the duckies come to the party and you will know then!” She giggled.

Fluttershy took it with her wing. “Oh-oh okay.” Fluttershy turn to the ducks. “Shall we?” They nod and they carried on walking by.

Pinkie rubbed her puffy mane. “Hmm... Why do I get a feeling that wasn't suppose to happen...” Pinkie shrugged. “I guess it just me.” She went back to watching the scene unfold munching on pop-corn.

Gilda wanted to throw this griffon hug latched to her into the nearby fountain, but seeing and hearing this Princess that can move the sun call him son made that not a option at all. “Okay dweeb! What will it take for you to stop being in my face and latching onto me!?”

Celestia came up with an suggestion. “How about this... If you get him to say one word before this party Pinkie Pie invited you two too, you agree to become his teacher and we will write up an fair agreement.”

“And if it doesn't happen?”

“We will leave you in peace.”

“I'll go with that!”

“But I do might have to add one little detail.”

“And that be?”

“You held his plush and gave it back.”

“So?”

“So...” Celestia smiled mischievously to the adult griffon giving her a chill down her spine to the tail.

“You shown that he completely trust you. Break that trust and I will break yours.” Gilda for a second thought she saw the sun grow a bright but shadowy look behind Celestia as she towered over Gila, causing her to gulp. “Am I clear?”

Gilda managed to squawk out one word as she give out her answer to Celestia. “Perfectly...”

Power to the Readers 0.5 Chapter: How would you like a short of Gilda wrecking the Library for helping her to get Gale to say at least one word as well interact with Twilight Sparkle?

Voting is now closed, thank you for all the votes.

Gilda growled as she threw a book behind her landing on a bigger pile of books, soon after agreeing to help Gale say one word the griffon went into panic mode. Now Gilda was in the one place she never thought to be in, a library of all places. “Come on! One of these dumb books must have something I need!”

Gilda flew across to another shelve taking a book about speech. “The library has all the answers you seek...” She said with an sarcastic voice. “Yeah right!” Gilda searching through the pages.

“Grah! This is sooooo lame!” Gilda took another book. “Is there ANYTHING on griffons!?” She screamed out.

The door to the library opens and Twilight with Spike walk in to see the mess around the library. “What in Celestia's name is going on in here!?”

Gilda turn for a second before going back to the books. “I'm looking for a way to teach a cub in his teens to say a single word, so buzz off purple!”

“Purple!? My name is Twilight Sparkle and I will not buzz off!” Twilight snaps at her and continue to speak as Gilda just rolled her eyes ignoring her. “This is my home and look at the mess your making of it!”

Gilda turn around landing on all fours still holding onto the book she took out of the shelve. “The top of this lame place is Purple, not this area! It a public library!”

“Twilight Sparkle! Gilda! It Twilight Sparkle! You might be Rainbow Dash's friend but don't talk to me like that!” Twilight shouted back at Gilda. “This is a public library, but it not to be treated like this!” Twilight point to the mess with a hoof.

Spike rubbed the back of his neck. “Twilight got a point, your making a massive mess. But why are you looking for a book on teaching Gale to speak a word?”

Gilda turn to Spike. “I will give you two reasons! That Princess Celestia gonna fry me if I don't prove that I did my best to show I am not betraying the trust Gale has on me!” Gilda explained rather loudly.

“Princess Celestia fry you?” Spike scratched the top of his scaly head with confusion.

Twilight shook her head. “Spike that stupid! Princess Celestia will never do such a thing! She an understanding Princess!”

“Oh? How about this quote Purple!” Gilda growls. “Break his trust and I will break yours!”

“Princess will never say that! Never!”

“She did you dorky pony! She even showed off the movement of the sun to impress me and use it to scare the heck out of me when she said it!” Gilda shouted back.

Spike turning his head to Gilda to Twilight as they continued to shout at each other.

“Lair!” Twilight shouted pressing her snout against Gilda's beak.

“I am not lying!!!!” Gilda roared pushing back Twilight from the might lion roar mixed in her rage.

Spike had covered his ears and closed his eyes from the roar. Slowly opening his eyes to see Twilight now under a pile of books groaning. “Twilight!” He rushed over to her to help.

Gilda snorts. “All because I am friends with Dash from when we were young and I becamse friends with a pony! Not including that brain damage griffon giving me that damn toy of himself! He trusted me because I gave it back to him! What is it with every single one of you thinking I like being around ponies other than Dash!”

Spike let go of Twilight's hoof turning quickly to Gilda forgetting he was aiding her as she fell back on her flank. “Toy of himself?”

“Grrr.... Yes!”

“Erm... He has a rule that base on if he give that plush to somepony and give it back he trusts you right out. Also Princess Celestia might have had said that hybrids was to be trusted too...” Spike said in a semi panicked voice seeing Gilda roared out holding her head.

Spike stared in confusion as she flop backwards to sit down on the pile of books.

“Great! Just great! That princess put me in an complete impossible position! That DWEEB!” She laid on her back staring at the ceiling. “I am sooooo fried...”

Twilight using her magic pulled the books off herself putting the dozen so books onto a neat pile behind her without looking as she walked over to Gilda and stood over her. “All this mess because Gale takes everything for word?” Gilda just stared.

“You weren't lying... Princess Celestia really-”

“Said she break me? Yeeeeeah she did.” Gilda sat up. “Purple I don't care about the mess I am making! When my life is on the line I will do what it takes to do this.”

Twilight sighed heavily. “It's-” She sighed again. “Nevermind.”

“Nevermind what Purple?”

“Why would Princess Celestia say something like that to you?”

“You ever thought it to do with that dweeb being a parent?”

Twilight flinched at the word towards Princess Celestia. She didn't want to get into another argument and wish for Gilda to just get out of her sight. “Look... If I help you will you get out of my library!” She tried to move the subject away from the Princess.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Fine! It a deal!” She grab Twilight's hoof with a claw shaking it. “Now get on it Purple. So I can get out of this lame library!”

Twilight grumbled words not to be heard as Gilda called the library lame.

Twilight used her magic pulling Gilda's right talon over to her neck pressing two claws against it. “What are you doing!?” Gilda tried to pull her talon away.

“Feel that as I speak?”

“Yes! It your stupid muscles in your stupid neck! Now let go of my talon you crazy pony!”

Twilight ignores her. “Get him to feel your neck muscles and watch your beak Gilda and maybe... Just maybe you will get him to say a word.” Twilight released her talon, Gilda rubbing it.

“Geez your magic is strong.”

Twilight shook her head slightly. “You heard what I said right?”

“Yes Purple. Get him to press his claws on my neck, get him to read my beak's movement as I say a word.” Gilda gave a sarcastic remark.

“And get him to say your name!” Spike added.

“Fine I will...”

“Good, now get out!” Twilight open the door pointing to it with her hoof.

Gilda smirked. “Galdly! Oh and Spike was it?”

“Yeah?”

“Here!” She toss a odd oval clear shape gem with a lattice of shapes within.

Spike caught it and look to the gem. “Wh-”

“It a lame family heirloom, worthless by all the ponies I tried to sell it too and take it as my thanks! If this doesn't work I be back! Purple.” Gilda leaves the library.

Twilight slam the door shout. “Take my thanks!? I am the one that suggested it! Why do you get her thanks and she calling me Purple when my name is TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” Twilight roared.

Spike looked around at the mess in the room. “Could I help after look over this gem! It look so tasty!” He nervously asked

“Fiiiiiine...” Twilight groans and he cheered rushing up the stairs leaving Twilight alone surrounded by the mess Gilda made.

A knock came from the door. “Gilda if that-” Opening the door to see Princess Celestia. “Princess!”

“Hello Twilight, I do wonder if you seen Gilda?”

“Yes just a moment ago. Something you said to her basically made her act like you would fry her. I had to have a really rough dealing with her and get that griffon out of the library before I did something I regretted." Twilight not so pleased by what unfolded.

"Fry?" Celestia blinked and recalled what she said. "Ooooh... Erm..." Celestia trying to think of something to say about that.

"Care to explain Princess Celestia?” Twilight hints to the mess in the library.

Celestia stared at the mess. “Ah... I can explain?” Celestia slowly said realising she was responsible for the chaos that most likely happened between Gilda and Twilight.

“Please do... And help me clear this mess up.”

Celestia had to make this up to Twilight. “I believe I own you this for what seems my own actions caused this. Being a parent is something very unpredictable.” Twilight lets her in.

Twilight only could respond with one word. “Indeed...”

Gilda flew around above Ponyville looking out for Gale, the clue to finding him was looking for the guards that kept close to him. Soon she spotted the orange Pegasus guard and lands not to far from him to find Gale. He sat at a table with Shining Armor dipping hayfries in ketchup and munching on.

“Hey dweebs!” She did a mock salute with two claws to the forehead pushing out to them. “I finally got a idea how to get Gale to say one lame word...”

“For sure or your just setting the bar too high?” Shining Armor sounding not very convinced by Gilda's boosting.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “I just spent who knows how long in that lame library looking for something to help Gale.” Gilda walked up to the table sitting down on a stall. “I finally got help from this purple unicorn.”

“Twilight Sparkle.”

“Yep that the one.” Gilda clicked her claws.

Gale with a hayfry held in his open beak stared at Gilda's talon as she clicked the index and thumb claw together. He ate the fry, then looking to his claws to try and repeat what Gilda did with her's. “If that the case we solid.”

“Just like that? You think I got a shot?” Gilda raised an eye.

Shining Armor nods crossing his forelegs. “I do.” He picked up a hayfry with his magic and ate it.

“You know that purple unicorn don't ya?” Gilda stared at him.

“She my s-” Audible click came from Gale's direction whom squawked happily and clicked again and again. “Gale just learned that off you.”

Gilda grew annoyed of the clicking and put her talon right over Gale's. “Okay I get it! You know how to click! Please stop it getting annoying!”

Gale hummed it sadness as she let go and to apologise he pushed the plate over to her. “What are you doing?”

“He saying sorry and giving you the rest of his hayfries as part of it.” Shining Armor stated.

Gilda was about to protest but her hear stomach growl getting a confused look to her stomach by Gale and Shining Armor chuckling. “I'll accept your apology and these hayfries.” He smiled happily.

“But...” Gale listen to what Gilda was about to say. “After I ate and hopefully getting you to say my name at least.” Gale now was excited by this news.

“We going to work on you saying sorry and leave it at that. Not giving stuff to others to add to it, some may accept it and move on but others will use it against you.” Gilda explained and warned.

Shining Armor nods. “I agree with Gilda on that one. Kindness can be taken advantage of even you are doing the right thing. Just saying sorry is good enough.” Gilda was surprised to hear Shining Armor agree.

“Blue Hooves, thanks...”

“It Shin-” He pauses. “Nevermind. Let finish our meal and get you started Gilda.” Shining Armor decided to let it go by the odd name Gilda gave him.

Gilda shrugged. “Fine by me. Sooner the better to get Princess Celestia off my back.” She lean in to whisper the rest to Shining Armor. “No offence but she terrifying and you tell any of these ponies what I just said. I'll-”

Shining whispered in response. “Loud and clear, I know what image means. Just don't let it get in the way of helping Gale.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Dweeb I know.” She took a hayfry, dipping in ketchup and eating it. “Wow no wonder Gale put so much of this sauce on this. It awesome.” Gale grinning. “Yeah yeah I like it. Now let me eat cub.” Gale nods holding his plush watching and waiting.

Gilda felt unnerved being watched but didn't show it as she put on a brave stubborn face eating the hayfries. After she was done, Gilda took Gale along with the guards protecting him to small lake just outside Ponyville.

Shining Armor took a good look around pointing to one location to another, the guards salute walking or flying to those locations. “I don't like being in the open like this. But I guess you picked this lake for a reason.”

“Dash told me not many come by here. It got a good view and best place without the distractions of other ponies around.” Gilda move her talon around showing what she meant.

Shining Armor couldn't disagree with the logic Gilda brought forwards. “Very well. Proceed. I'll be just over here.” Shining Armor point to the tree next to the lake.

“Good by me. Your not half bad Blue Hooves.”

Shining shook his head slightly. “Thanks featherbrain.” He countered getting a roll of her eyes, both knowing it wasn't a good one.

Now Gilda was sorta alone with Gale, he sitting on his flank eager to say his first word. She didn't like the high hopes he gave her. “I am going to be real here Gale. What I got in mind is do or don't moment. If you don't pick up on this you may never know how to speak.”

Gale suddenly looked sad. “I am just dropping reality on you cub. I am not being a dorky duchy dweeb on purpose. So whatever happens...” Gale nods without her needing to finish as he got a understanding what she trying to push. “Now shall we?” He nods.

Gilda took a deep breath in and breathed it out. “Okay... Here we go.” She walked up to him sitting on her hunches. “Now place your claws gently on my neck here.” Gilda points. “And look directly at my beak as I say my name.”

Gale raise is right talon placing his claws around that part of the neck gentle as told to do and look directly at her beak. “PLEASE WORK!” Gilda cried in her mind. “Gil... Da... Gilda... Gil... Da...” She repeats over and over again.

Gale at first felt her neck muscles move with a startled shift of the eyes to his claws. “Gale eyes on beak!”

He nods and went back to watching her beak move with each time she told her name in slow to fast and breaking down Gilda's name. The movement of the beak with each time she spoke came to his dream talks he has with Aunt Luna.

Gale recalled seeing the mirror speaking towards it with the way the beak moved. “Cub try mouthing it first before trying to try and speak okay?”

He nervously nods with sweat forming and running down his feathered fur face. Gale started to attempt to mouth her name with no words spoke Gilda suddenly stared with amazement. “H-how the heck are you picking up on this so fast!? Your mouthing my name!”

Gale gasped in excitement and hugs her surprising her. “Gah! Get off! I don't do hugs!” He refused and continue to do it for a few more seconds before letting go. “Now let try saying it, you felt my neck muscles right?” He nods.

Gale gives it a try but came out a odd sounding squawk. Gale tries again with another odder one. Growling in annoyance he tried again and again. Gilda flinched at the high pitch squawks. “Gale cool it! Don-”

That when the next oddest squawk came with Shining Armor now turning to his directly with surprise and Gilda staring with beak hanging open.

The word was...

“Sqida.”

Celestia sat at a table over looking Sugarcube Corner writing down on a scroll the terms to Gilda's contract together with the griffon, they were coming up with a fair and acceptable agreement that would work well for Gale to learn to speak after the minor high pitch success.

“As requested by you Gilda, work days will be Monday morning to Thursday evening with you having Friday to Sunday off to go home to Griffonstone. Also I added my own personal touch to this and will give you all exclusive pay for your train journey there and back.” Celestia gave the scroll to Gilda.

“As to the terms of working in Canterlot Castle teaching Gale to speak as well maybe if you have a chance to write as well. That one is optional by your own desire. The rules will be followed as any other staff that works in the castle and you will be given accommodations.”

Gilda scanning through what Celestia had written. “A simple room be fine by me. None of that girlish thro thro stuff.” Gilda dismissed with a wave her an talon. “I have a image to keep.”

Celestia drunk some of her tea before responding. “Sometimes trying to keep a image is worse off then you think. It could lead to more trouble than it worth, yes I keep a somewhat image among the ponies but I do tend to let my mane down time and again to throw them off their hooves.” Celestia smiled.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Yeah as if.”

“We sitting and talking aren't we? A princess enjoying her cup of tea talking with a lone griffon that try to make herself look awesome and somewhat arrogant?” Celestia calmly stated.

Gilda lift a claw at Celestia. “That uncalled-for!”

“But it true is it not?”

Gilda rolled up the scroll putting it under her wing. “Yes...” Gilda grumbled. “You got me! So what! What are you gonna to do about the way I am?”

“I'm not. You are. It your life not mine to change.” Celestia drunk a bit more tea and lower the cup. “My question is... What did you feel when Gale called you Sqida?”

Gilda lower her head on the table with talons over it. “Why... Why out of all the first things he said he said that! It soooo embarrassing!”

“Yet when you did what no one else could do, how did you feel?” Celestia repeated.

“Proud.” Gilda muttered. “I felt a sense of pride and proud.” Gilda removed her talons from her head and rose up. “Pride... How?”

“Hmm?”

“Nothing. It a griffon thing.” Gilda dismissed and turn to Gale chasing after a blue butterfly laughing as he tried to catch it. But he instantly stopped with a freak out flying to one of the guards keeping close to them, the ponies walk by giving him odd looks as he curiously watched them pass.

“Yet I don't get him... I only know that fuzzball for a few hours at least.” Gilda watched him go back to looking for the butterfly. “I see he like a egghead and other times his a comeplete doofus dweeb.”

Celestia watching Gale as well. “I have to agree on your colourful words Gilda. I have seen that myself and a concern to those he care about that suddenly became part of his and our lives.”

Celestia thoughts shift to the reports from Shining Armor and Cadance about his ability to learn at a rate that leaves the young griffon in a state of confusion.

“Maybe grounding him down slightly on the speed of learning he seem to have would be best. One thing I learned from being Twilight Sparkle's former teacher is that knowing more isn't always the answer. Her friends and Spike ground Twilight to slowing down and see the world in a whole new prospective.”

“Purple was your student!?” Gilda was startled at first but started to laugh. “Hehe I can see how now hehe. That egghead was the reason I got him to speak.”

Celestia chuckled lightly. “Oh I know. Twilight told me everything.”

Gilda stared. “Everything?”

“Indeed.”

“Hehehe...” Gilda nervously responded and Celestia just kept calm but inside she knew it was her own fault that it happened.

Flash Sentry returned with a camera around his neck holding photos in his hoof. “Princess I believe you need to see these.” He gave the photos to her right away. “Rainbow Dash is setting up pranks in the party to be, these photos I just took shows what I said is true.”

Celestia took a good look at each of the photos. “Thank you Flash Sentry, you did well.” He saluted and stood to the side.

Gilda got off her seat to hovering over Celestia's right side to take a look. “Wow they are pretty lame pranks.”

“Maybe but set off by the unexpected not so lame.” Celestia said with concern looking over to Gale. “I believe Gale wouldn't understand what a prank would be let alone a simple joke...” Celestia was even more concerned.

Gilda could see Celestia was about to act on this but a idea came to mind to the griffon. “Your about to end the party before it begins aren't ya?” Celestia turn to Gilda. “How about we turn the tables on the pranks?”

Celestia slowly smiled. “Please continue.”

Gilda frowned with a cheeky smirk. “Are you a prankster?”

Celestia gave a slight playful shift of her head and wings with her own sly smirk.

“Maaaaybe.”

Gilda turn to Gale. “Hey Gale! Featherbrain!” Gale turn to her with the butterfly caught in his talons. “Come here!” He let go of the butterfly flying over to table.

“How would you like to put your smarts to the test?” Gale tilted his head.

Celestia caught on to what Gilda was aiming for. “Oh I see what you got in mind Gilda.”

“Guess no matter how old you are you can be awesome.”

“Indeed.”

Gilda blinked as Celestia just brushed her off and they burst into laughter afterwards.

“Let's get to work.” Gilda closed her talon and Celestia bumped it.

Gilda, Gale, Celestia, Shining Armor and Flash Sentry walk into Sugarcube Corner to be greeted by Pinkie Pie bouncing over to them, she stood before Gale giddy with excitement as the griffon guests of honour had showed up for her signature welcome to Ponyville Party.

“I am honoured to throw you one of my signature Pinkie Pie parties, I really truly sincerely hope you feel welcomed here amongst us ponyfolk.” Pinkie Pie did a big smile with a hoof out to Gale.

He look to the hoof and back at Celestia. “Go on.” Gale took her hoof and shook it.

Pinkie Pie's smile shifted to a confused puzzled look. “That's odd.”

Gale felt something pressing against his palm of the talon, moving it from her hoof to see a strange red object with a silver metal button on it attached to a yellow strap around Pinkie's hoof. Removing it off her hoof he sat down examining it. He pressed it down with a claw with nothing happening, Gale turn to Gilda showing it to her wondering if she could tell what it is.

Gilda stared at it. “That's a hoof buzzer...” Gale tilted his head, he never heard of a hoof buzzer before or even knew what it did. All he could tell from pressing the button it make a clicking sound.

“Yeah it should of went off when we shook hoof and claw. It was a fun harmless shocking prank that well... Failed.” Pinkie Pie rubbing her mane with her hoof. “I don't get it. I tested it on myself just about five minutes ago and it worked perfectly fine.”

Celestia leans close to Shining Armor. “The buzzer created in Cloudsdale correct?” She whispered.

Shining Armor glance to her. “Indeed Princess. It uses a small electrical charged magical crystal.”

“Are you thinking what I am thinking why it didn't work?”

“I am princess.”

Gilda pressed it while in Gale's talon. “Look like a dud, good thing too.” Gilda took it from Gale. “Not sure how you would of reacted to being shocked by this.” Gilda chuckled lightly. “Would of been a real shocker for sure.”

“Hey G let me have a look at it.” Rainbow Dash came over to her from behind reaching a hoof out to it and as she pressed it.

ZZZZAAAPPP!

Rainbow Dash lit up with electrical energy dancing around her till she let go, eyes spinning and her mane frazzled as she fell backward on her back. Her right hind leg twitching. “What'cha know it works.” Gilda chuckled.

Gale was startled by it electrical sound and the discharge but stared with confusion, nothing happened to him when he pressed it so why did it do that to the rainbow mane pony?

“Yeah luckily me...” Rainbow Dash groaned rolling over and standing up on all four hooves shaking her head as Celestia, Pinkie Pie and a few others laughed at her own expense.

Gale took the hoof buzzer from Gilda and tried to activate it but nothing happened. He groaned in annoyance not seeing it work for him. “You seriously want to zap yourself?” Gilda asked staring down at the teenage griffon. “Your such a weird doofus of a griffon ya know that?”

Celestia blinking a few times at what was unfolding before her. “I do not know either to be upset at Gilda calling him a doofus or even trying to take that away from him. On top of that happy his interacting with others...” Celestia muttered to herself.

Rainbow Dash press her hoof against the hoof buzzer while Gale held it, nothing seem to happen. “Okay! Now it doesn't want to zap me. What up with this crazy thing?” Rainbow Dash took it from Gale with him grumbling as she took it.

“I'm only checking it out, I'll give it back.” Rainbow Dash said and pressed it again to get zapped. “What the heck!? Why now is it working!?” Rainbow Dash gave it back instantly to Gale to see it not working. “Does this make any sense!?”

Pinkie Pie giggled. “It sure doesn't but it fun to watch.” Many ponies was amused by how it all played out. “Why don't we move on to the party, there food!”

Gilda saw the vanilla lemon drops. “Hey Gale why not give one of those to your mum?”

Gale nods rushing over to the bowl, taking one he quickly go over to Celestia. “Thank you son.” Celestia took it with her magic and ate it.

Rainbow Dash cringed and closed her eyes waiting for Celestia to cry out but nothing happened. “Huh?” Rainbow Dash opened her eyes to witness Celestia calmly eating it. “What gives?”

“What gives what Dash?” Gilda said with a smirk.

“Erm... Nothing.” Rainbow Dash hesitatingly responded.

Gilda shrugged. “Whatever Dash.”

Celestia walked over to the bowl picking it up with her magic. Gale squawk by complaint to have one but she moved it closer to herself. “Sorry Gale but these are really good and I'm taking the whole lot for myself!” Gale pouted in reply getting a small laughter by many ponies.

Rainbow Dash glancing around, they was laughing but not at her prank, it completely failed as Celestia WAS enjoying them and not being burned by any of them. “How about some punch?” Rainbow Dash suggested hoping this prank will work.

Gale went over to it with Shining Armor. “Hey Shiny!”

“Twily!” They hugged. “It good to see you made it to a party for a change.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Since I got here I've been getting my head out of the books once in a while.”

Shining Armor put his hoof on her forehead. “You don't feel hot or look ill.”

Twilight pushed it away. “Haha very funny big brother.”

“Brother!?” Most of her friends echoed in surprise.

“I like you girls to meet Shining Armor my big brother and captain of the royal guard.” Twilight introduced him to her friends.

Gale at this time got bored listening to them talk to Shining Armor and step up to the punch bowl. He took a glass recalling what Gilda told him about the glasses maybe not what they seem to be, Gale curiously felt the glass surface with his talons examining it.

He felt something odd on the side of it, Gale wasn't sure what it was but he poured some of the punch into it and tilt the glass to see it come out of the side a little over his talon. Gale grinned as he knew what to do with it, raising the glass over his beak, opening it and tilting the glass.

Rainbow Dash witnessed what Gale did and so did other ponies. “Oh come on!”

“Something the matter Dash?” Gilda noticed her outburst glancing to Celestia with an wink getting one back from the Princess.

“Nope nothing at all!” Rainbow Dash quickly replied.

Gilda smirk grew to a smile seeing that the plan she and Celestia came up with was working, Rainbow Dash's pranks was backfiring on her.

Pinkie Pie laughed as she spoke. “Haha that not haha how a drizzle glass works haha!”

“I think it a creative way of working out a prank into an practical application. Don't you think Twily?” Shining Armor glance over to his sister.

Twilight laughed a little. “It is, I would of never thought of doing that.”

Rainbow Dash points to the presents. “G why not open up some presents?”

“Sure Dash, but why don't we let the cub open one first since he never been to a party before.” Gilda suggested.

Rainbow Dash glance over to Gale pointing to the glass to Celestia and to the bag. “I see Gale, you want to keep the drizzle glass?” He nods. “Okay I'll put in the bag for safety. I am sure they won't mind missing a glass.” Gale clapped his talons in glee.

“Right...” Rainbow Dash was getting suspicious. All the pranks failed because of Princess Celestia's adopted son. “Hey Gale, Gilda suggested you open the first present or would you like G to open one first?”

Gale came over with Celestia, he looked at the colourful wrapped boxes to tube shaped. “You untie the bows and open the lids. Inside is a surprise gift.” Celestia explained.

He nods and took a good look at each of them, the tube he took and shook it a few times. “Whoa don-” Rainbow Dash didn't get to finish when it popped open and spring snakes flew out at her, Rainbow Dash groaned as the prank was set off by the heavy handling of Gale.

All the ponies laughing and Applejack spoke. “Spitting snakes! Somepony pulled that on me last month!”

“I wonder who that was.” Gilda chuckled seeing how Gale was now taking one of the spring snakes off Rainbow Dash.

Gale playing around with it pushing it against one talon with the other and letting go to see it fly a few feet away from him. He quickly went to where it landed picking up and did it again laughing as he launched the snake again and again.

Rainbow Dash watched in an unimpressed manner as Gale played around with the spring loaded snake getting laughs from other ponies, the laughter yet again wasn't for the prank but for the silliness from the young griffon.

The last one ends up on top of Gilda's head. “Nice shot cub.” Gilda chuckled taking it off her head giving it back to him.

“Gilda!” He cheered and squawked happily and afterwards giving her a hug to Gilda's annoyance.

“Seriously Gale! No hugs! Get off me you dweeb!” Awwws came around from ponies making Gilda half growl seeing they finding this cute not awesome or funny but... cute!

Rainbow Dash on the other claw laughing at her demise.

Twilight on the other hoof was surprised. “Did he-”

“Yes he did Twilight, yes he did.” Celestia warmly smiled with her eyes watering, this was the first time she heard him speak and it felt momentous.

Celestia suddenly shows a sly smile nodding to Flash Sentry, he salutes raising the camera at Gilda and Gale.

Gilda noticed it. “Don't you d-”

SNAP!

Fluttershy moving her hoof hovering before the birds as they whistled their tunes, Gale sat watching intently and enjoying the musical whistling from them. Gale was curious if he could carry a whistling tune like these birds were, he did have a beak like them even he had teeth and they did not.

Gale thoughts wonder at that as ponies around chat among each other, Gilda drinking a bit of punch watched with Celestia. “It been a pleasant party so far.”

“Hehe, yeah it has. Part from when Gale latch hugged me again. Seriously what up with that?” Gilda said half happy and half annoyed.

Celestia drunk a bit of her punch. “Your the first griffon he met other then himself. Maybe he sees you as a big sister.”

Gilda spat out her punch. “You got to be joshing me!”

“It only a theory. Gilda, there is no reason to overreact.” Celestia drunk a bit more of her punch without a flinch or reaction to Gilda's outburst.

Gilda couldn't even get a read off the Princess, she was cool as ice. “R-right...” Gilda finial said looking back at Gale who continued to watch the singing birds. “This is the weirdest griffon by far! That saying a lot with that hyper friendly griffon Gabby!”

Pinkie Pie enters from the kitchen wheeling in a large three layer cake with candles lit on top of it. “Cake time everypony!”

Celestia leans in whispering to Gilda. “Here is Rainbow Dash's last prank the relighting candles.”

“Yep! I know exactly what to do!” Gilda whispered back pumping Celestia's hoof with her fist.

Rainbow Dash noticed their interaction frowning from the distance. “When did Gilda get so chummy with Princess Celestia?” She whispered and glanced over to the relighting candles.

“They know about all my pranks and working together turning my pranks back on me!” Rainbow Dash clicked. “If this prank goes awe, I will have to fall back on my back up plan.” She muttered to herself glancing over to the pony tail for Pin the tail on the Pony game.

Spike standing by Twilight looked up at the candles. “Hey can I blow out the candles?”

Twilight look down to Spike with a soft smile. “Why don't we let Gilda blow out the candles, she is the guest of honour after all.”

Gilda and Celestia glanced at each other as Gale caught attention of the large cake, his eyes widen at the size of it and tilted his head at the sight of the candles burning on top of it. “That kiddo are birthday cake candles, they lit up on top to be blown out.” Shining explained.

Gale rubbed the top of his feathered head still confused. “You know blow.” Shining blow some air at gale from his muzzle. Gale laughed feeling the ticklish feeling of the air blown over his head. “But you do that at the flames and they go out.”

Gale point to it and to himself. “Nah this is Gilda's honour, you can't have all the fun.” Shining Armor chuckled rubbing his feathered head.

Gilda walk up to the cake. “True. Let's give this one big puff and we can chow down on this awesome cake!”

“I couldn't agree with you more G!” Rainbow Dash stood by her. “Go on give them a blow!”

Gilda chuckled. “Sure thing Dash!” Gilda took a deep breath and blew hard to extinguish the flames. “There we go all-” The flames relit. “Huh?” Gilda blew at them again but they relit once more getting laughter from around her.

Spike laughed. “Relighting candles! I like that prank!”

“Hehe yeah, I wonder who did it?” Gilda looking around.

“Your not upset over some candles are ya G?” Rainbow Dash chuckled.

Gilda shrugged. “Not at all. But I doubt they be lit for any longer.”

“Huh? What do-” Rainbow Dash said Gale flying over the cake with a cup of water picking up one candle at a time and putting in the water with a sizzle. “Oh you got to be kidding me!”

“Well that one way of putting out relighting candles.” Rarity giggled. “I doubt any of us thought of that.”

“Not at all Rarity. I guess Gale didn't like them relighting like that and decided to put them out for good.” Twilight chuckled lightly.

Pinkie Pie had a slice of cake on a plate handing it to Spike. “Enjoy Spike! And one for you Galey!” Pinkie Pie raise a plate to him.

He gave her the glass filled with soggy candles exchange for the plate of cake, he ate a bit and dived right into the rest afterwards. “Breathe kiddo and look at the mess you made of yourself.” Shining Armor points to the beak.

Gale crossed eyed at the mess on his beak and licked it most of it getting a mix of laughter from all the ponies. “I am pleased to see Gale enjoying himself, his weary but a lot better among ponies.” Celestia said watching him sit down eating more of his slice of cake.

Celestia took her piece. “I know! It what I wanted! To turn frowns upside down!” Pinkie Pie replied. “We do have a really fun game for him to try after cake! Pin the tail on the Pony!”

“I am sure he'll like to give it a go. Just tell him what you going to do and Gale should be fine.” Celestia stated.

“Of course Princess!”

Rainbow Dash step back while no one was watching as they all happily ate their cake. “So his going first huh? Time to spring my final prank. This one sure to get everypony laughing.” Rainbow Dash turn to the tail with a mischievous smile on her muzzle.

Looking around to make sure no one looking over or see her in the corner of their eyes, Rainbow Dash quickly slipped away taking the tail with her.

Applejack spoke up. “Hey y'all! It's pin the tail on the pony! Let's play!” Gale looked at the tail before Applejack.

“Cub, you get a blindfold put over ya and you hold the pin side part of the tail and stick it on that poster there.” Gilda points to the poster, Gale looked over to it and back at the tail. “It might look simple but it not when you get spun around while blindfolded.”

“Oh my favourite game! Can I go first? Can I have the purple tail?” Rarity reach down to it.

Rainbow Dash spoke up. “Why not let Gale go first? I'm sure the kid up for another challenge.”

“Hmm... Of course darling.” Rarity turn to Gale. “Would you like to try?”

Gale looked at it thoughtfully tapping the end of his beak for a moment and followed that with a happy nod. “Kiddo this blindfold Spike will put on you and even it dark everyone still here okay?” Gale nods as Shining Armor. “Go ahead Spike.”

Spike walks up to Gale and put the blindfold on, the young griffon gulped and almost panicking as he turn the head from left to right. “Calm down son. We here, now Spike will give you the tail.”

Gale slows his breathing and nods as he used his ears to pin point where Celestia spoke from. “Here you Gale.” He placed it in Gale's talon.

Pinkie Pie came up to him. “I am going to spin you around and around. Once you've stopped just walk straight ahead and pin the tail on the pony okay?” Gale nods and he get spun around by Pinkie Pie.

“Go Gale you can do it!” Rainbow Dash shouted and look around “Come on ponies cheer for him!” They all started to cheer loudly for Gale and Rainbow Dash grin grew.

Spike look to his claws noticing some pink powder was on it. “Huh what this?” He rose his claw up to take a sniff of it. “Weird I-I-Achoo!” He sneezed with flames shorting out. “Achoo!”

Celestia noticed his sneezing. “Spike are you okay?”

“I-ACHOO! Th-ACHOO! Po-ACHOO!” Celestia noticed the pink powder on his claw.

“Is that sneezing pow-” Celestia froze in mid-sentence, she turn to the nearest to her son she knew of. “Gilda!” The griffon turn to her direction from all the cheering. “There sneezing powder on the tail! Get it away from Gale immediately!” Celestia had no idea what sneezing powder would do to Gale.

But Gilda did as her eyes shrunk in a instant upon hearing those words.

Gilda pushing the ponies out the way to get to Gale, he had pined the tail already and looking curiously at his talon after lifting the blindfold off his head. Leaning to it and see what he got on his talon. “Gale!” The ponies cheering the name too stomping their hooves. “Don't sniff it!”

He didn't hear her and already had.

Gale rose his head blinked a few times with confusion at what he just smelt but the effects was showing, the teenage griffon turn to Shining Armor and suddenly Shining Armor looked like a huge soft toy before him! Gale flew right at him and landed on his back and hugged him around the back of the neck to the front rubbing his head into the mane.

“Gale why are you hugging me so tightly and rubbing your head into me like that? Come on kiddo stop it.” Ponies was laughing at this scene. “Haha very funny Gale, now please can you get off me?” Gale had a very content smile with his eyes closed continue to rub his head against Shining's neck.

Gale seem completely oblivious to his request as if he was in a world of his own.

Shining Armor now in a position to try and figure out how to get a teenage griffon off his back.

Gilda growls loudly looking around till she locked eyes right on Rainbow Dash. With a mighty anger roar all the ponies stopped laughing turning to her directly. “RAINBOW DASH!” She flew right by the ponies with talons out reaching for the Pegasus.

Rainbow Dash quickly flew up dodging her. “Whoa! Wha-GAH!” Gilda suddenly lands and with a sharp turn followed by a thrust jump she grabs Rainbow Dash by both forelegs. She pulls Rainbow Dash down and smash into the table breaking all it legs.

The round table fell flat to the ground, all the ponies staring with shock at what just happened. Rainbow Dash struggling to break out of the iron grip that Gilda had her in, pinning the rainbow mane pony to the surface of the round table. “Gilda! Get o-” Twilight tries to say and help Rainbow Dash.

“SHUT UP PURPLE!” Twilight instantly recoil from the outburst.

“Please don't hurt her!” Twilight pleaded to the Gilda.

Shining Armor was going to react but what Gilda said next cause him to stop casting a spell to part Gilda from Rainbow Dash.

“I will not Purple. I am keeping her from running off to face what she did!” She growled.

“She did?” Twilight asked but still concerned for Rainbow's safety. Shining Armor's new concern now was on Celestia as he saw anger from the sun princess.

“Rainbow Dash put sneezing powder on that tail!”

Rainbow Dash stared up at her. “Is that all about? My prank? Aren't you overreacting G?”

Gilda turn looking down at the pinned pony under her talons and her strength. “Overreacting!? You got to be joshing me! How can you say that when you PROMISED to never use that powder on a griffon! After what Hoops and his friends did to me when we were young!”

“Promised? What the heck are you talking about!?”

Gilda roars once again, Gale the only one not filching or even noticing this as he continue to hug and rub his head into Shining's neck. Shining Armor spoke up. “Can somepony or anyone explain to us why Gale is acting as if I am a oversized plush toy!?”

Pinkie Pie came in with the sneezing powder pot. “It might be because the sneezing powder has a red writing warning on the back on it about not using it on felines and hybrid felines cause it could course random strange effects to them and their personalities.” She said without coming up for any breath of air.

Celestia had her eyes closed breathing in and out hard. “Keep calm Celestia... Don't lose your temper... Keep calm... Approach this calm and collected...” She whispered to herself feeling a anger building within towards Rainbow Dash's careless actions.

“What!? Ho-”

“Don't How me Dash! You idiotic lame pony!”

“Idiotic lame pony!? You knew about my pranks and been ruining all of them!”

“Of course for Gale! But you went one step too far!”

“I!? You didn't bother telling me! You just decided to do this for the sack of a griffon you just met!”

“This isn't about Gale anyone Dash! This is about your damn promise! That was personal to me! I was humiliated when those ponies did that to me back in flight camp! You promised to never to do it to me or any griffon like they did to me!”

Gilda closed her eyes and reopen the looking directly into Rainbow Dash's “You broke it and my trust...” Gilda let go of Rainbow Dash's forelegs.

Gilda sighed heavily. “That why I am ending our friendship Dash. How can I be friends with you after this stunt? You not even sorry...” Gilda turn to Spike. “Quill!”

Spike put his claw behind him and reviles a quill, he hands it to her. “A-are you going to be okay?”

“I will be...” Gilda step over Rainbow Dash opening her wing up to take the scroll out from under it, opening the scroll up she wrote on it her signature. “Princess I'm in.” She close the scroll up throwing it to Celestia.

Celestia caught it with her magic. “Very well Gilda.” Celestia showed a very static calm expression.

“I'll be outside waiting... I'm getting out of here before I regret doing something more than I done to Dash already...” Gilda went to the exit but stop turning to Rainbow Dash as she got up on her four hooves. “Dash if you even really are sorry for what you did today, come find me. If not don't bother.” Gilda leaves.

Celestia turn to Shining Armor. “Go outside with my son.”

“Gale pretty much stuck on me Princess...” Shining Armor responded.

Celestia nods and speak on. “Flash Sentry go with him. I'll be in a moment.” They salute and leave with Gale still nuzzling into Shining Armor's back of the neck.

“Princess I-”

Celestia rose a hoof instantly stopping Twilight from speaking. “Twilight actions today have been foolish and reckless, a friendship has been ended due to such action.” Celestia turn to Rainbow Dash.

“You will have to learn to not always think of yourself but think of others aswell. There must be a balance between them. You may have forgotten your promise with Gilda but she did not, this was a personal blow to her. Hopefully in time you will be willing to come to her and apologise for your actions taken today.”

“Than maybe... Just maybe you will be able to become friends once again.” Celestia took a deep breath. “For one I almost acted myself when I saw the effects that powder had on my son. Luckily it seem to only effect how he saw Captain Armor and heighten his senses of love for soft toys...”

“Since this also had effected Gilda in the past, this effect is temporary and not harmful to my Gale...”

“You are very lucky... So I say this once and once only Rainbow Dash...”

“You ever prank my son again... I will not be as lenient next time.” Celestia leans down to Rainbow Dash looking at her in the eyes. “That is not of a princess that tells you this but of a... Mother protecting her young one.”

Rainbow Dash gulped and a nod of the head without a word said as ponies stared in silence.

“Pinkie Pie.” Celestia rose her head up looking more cheerful to the pink pony.

“Yes princess?”

“I do hope you can throw a party for Gale in Canterlot some day, can I expect your services when I send the letter?”

“Of course Princess! I love to throw a party in Canterlot for Gale!” She saluted with a giggle.

“Thank you and be a good friend to Rainbow Dash as well. Okay?”

“Okie Dokie Loki!” Pinkie Pie nods.

Celestia smiled warmly. “Thank you.” She looked around the room.

“Come on Dash let's get you cheered up.” Pinkie Pie offer her hoof to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash takes it.

Pinkie Pie smiled. “Girls I need your help for this!” They all nod ready to help Rainbow Dash.

Celestia finally spoke. “Sorry for what transpired. I hope you all enjoy the remaining part of this party and bid you all a good day my little ponies.”

They bowed in reply.

Celestia turn to the remaining guard. “Blue Star if you could bring Gale's gifts?”

“Of course Princess!” He saluted collecting the gifts and bags before departing Sugarcube Corner.

“Princess can I and Spike talk to you outside?” Twilight requested

Celestia took a look to Twilight with a nod before leaving the party, Celestia only hope that Rainbow Dash learns from these mistakes she made.

Should Spike give back the heirloom gem to Gilda?

Results
Yes = 26
No = 3
Total votes = 29

Twilight and Spike stepped out of Sugarcube Corner to find Princess Celestia standing with one guard, no sign of her brother, Gilda, the other guards or Gale. Celestia gestured for them to join her as she walks away from Sugarcube Corner to the train station and they caught up with her.

“Princess... I am so sorry for what Rainbow Dash did!”

“It partly mine and Gilda's fault as well Twilight.” Celestia responded as Twilight walked alongside her with Spike on the other side.

Spike gave a frown. “Huh? Your fault? How?”

Celestia closed her eyes for a moment and open them taking a deep breath. “Private Flash Sentry I sent to Sugarcube Corner to see what exactly going on in there, he witnessed Rainbow Dash setting up the pranks and took photos of her doing it.”

Celestia using her magic made them appear and give the photos to Twilight, she took them with her magic to take a good look at each photo. “Princess Celestia does this mean you and Gilda not only knew about the pranks Rainbow Dash set up, but you two planned a way to counter them?”

“Indeed we did, part from the sneezing powder. That I believe Rainbow Dash planned while the party was happening. Flash Sentry watched from afar and told me moments ago about her disappearing with the tail for a moment.”

Twilight started to put the pieces together. “Rainbow Dash must of figured out that you and Gilda was pranking her back with her own pranks! So Rainbow went the extra mile to pull one prank you never saw coming.”

Celestia sighed. “Yes Twilight and one that Gilda took to heart that no pony was even aware... Well part from the very one that forgot. Rainbow Dash.”

“Yeah that was rough...” Spike spoke. “I hope Rainbow Dash does find it in her heart to apologise.”

“You me both Spike...” Twilight hoped.

Celestia agreed. “That is something I like to see myself but only time will tell.”

“But... Even with this rather strong end to the party for I, my guards and my son. The results have been overly positive though.” Celestia softly smiled.

Spike responds. “That Gilda agree to work for you to help Gale and she even got him to say her name!”

Celestia nods. “Correct and you can thank Cadance for that.”

“Cadance!? My foalsitter!?”

“Yes Twilight your former foalsitter.” Celestia laughed. “Cadance were in Cloudsdale overseeing preparations for the Young Fliers Contest. She went to some flight camps and found Gilda's and Rainbow Dash's files.”

Twilight lit up. “Their friendship!”

Celestia nods. “Yes but it former now...”

“Oh...” Twilight lowered her head. “Yeah that happened didn't it?” Celestia nods sadly as they closed in on the train station.

Flash Sentry saluted. “Princess Celestia, Captain Armor in Gale's cabin. It seem the effect of the sneezing powder made him sleepy.” He reported.

Celestia hummed. “You seem calm in reporting this.”

Flash turn to Gilda standing at the edge of the platform looking over at them before turning away heading up to the train door. “Gilda explained it to us before it happened.”

“Fair enough.” Celestia turn to Twilight and Spike. “This is where we part ways for now.”

Spike pull on Twilight's tail slightly. “Twilight the box!”

Twilight gasped. “I totally forgot! Princess can we see Gilda off?”

Celestia raise a eye brow. “You... May.” She watch both of them run up the platform to Gilda. “Hmm... What do you think they are up to Private?”

Flash shrugged. “Maybe giving her a parting gift?”

“Shall we see?”

“Your asking me Princess?”

“Yes.”

“Than I say yes we should.”

“Good choice Private.” Celestia smiled and they head up to the platform.

Gilda placed her talon on the door handle. “Not the way I thought I'd be getting out of this lame town...”

“I hope you can wait a few seconds more before leaving this lame town.” Gilda turn her head to see Twilight and Spike before her.

Gilda groans pressing her head against the door glass. “What do you want Purple? I seriously had enough of today and want to just get on this train to get out of this town...”

Twilight using her magic made the box appear floating it down to Spike to take by his claws. “It not what I want it what Spike wants.”

Gilda lifted her head letting go of the handle, she turn around looking down to the approaching dragon with the box rose up to her. “I like to give you this.”

Gilda took it with her talons staring at it. “What this about Spike?”

“Open it.”

She opens it. “Is this some sort of joke you dweeb?” Gilda took out a necklace with her gem attached to it in a golden metal rim.

Spike shook his head. “No it isn't, I am giving it back to you with some extra additions. Now you can wear it around your neck and wear it with pride!”

Gilda rose it up letting it to spin to the right and left. “You know I am not Gale, this doesn't mean I trust you or be buddies.”

“Of course but I thought I add something else you might not know.”

“Go on...” Gilda put it back in the box closing the lid.

Spike had a big smile as Twilight stood by him. “We went to the local gemmers and they did exactly to us as you told what happened to you!”

Gilda raise an eye brow. “O...Kay.”

Twilight spoke next. “So I pressed the question and we got a answer Gilda.”

“How about you spit it out already before I turn grey and die of boredom! Stop beating around the bush you dweebs!” Gilda growled flaring her wings out in frustration.

“Okay! Keep your beak on!” Spike said back crossing his arms. “It the legendary Sapphire Diamond!” Uncrossing his arms spreading them out shouting at her.

Gilda blinked a few times. “The wha-th-what?”

Twilight filled in the details. “Since there was Gemmers there been a legend past down from Gold Gem about a griffon held gem called the Sapphire Diamond. That heirloom of yours is the very thing they seek.”

“If that the case why tell me it totally worthless!? That doesn’t make sense!” Gilda threw her free talon up.

“That because they can't buy it from you! They go broke trying! They did what they could do to claim it for themselves! Ripping you off!” Spike explained.

Gilda look down at the box and back at them. “So there ponies that are as greedy as griffons can be huh? Well pull my tail and call me a pony.” Gilda chuckled.

“Greedy as griffons?” Twilight asked.

Gilda ignores the question. “Okay you two your alright in my books.”

“Does that mean-”

“No Purple, we not friends... Yet.” Twilight and Spike eyes lit up. “We will work on it, but for now you two earned my trust. You burn that I will burn you. Got it!”

“Got it!” They said together with smiles from their snouts.

Gilda shook her head. “Good dweebs! I am getting the heck out of here! See ya later!” She gave them a mock wave, opening the door and entering the train.

They waved back before leaving the platform with a high note talking to each other about how it went with Gilda in that short exchange.

Celestia and Flash watched this unfold. “That was somewhat unexpected...”

“After what happened, is this a high note princess?”

“I believe it is Private...” The train whistle blows. “We should board before the train leaves us behind.”

“Yes Princess.” He open the door for her.

They board the train and with doors closed the train pulls out for it overnight journey back to Canterlot.

Gilda glanced out the window at the back of the carriage with the heirloom clenched tightly in her right talon. “Someday Dash I might forgive you...”

Gilda had a tear roll down the side of her feathered face “Someday I hope...”

The sun setting as Gilda stared out the window of the calm and beautiful landscape, the colours of the sun's rays giving it an extra feel of special beauty. Gilda turn away from it walking down the corridor passing a guard, she glanced at him as she past without a look back.

Gilda stopped at a open down seeing it was a bedroom cabin, Shining Armor eased Gale down from his back onto the bed without the aid of his magic. The captain put the plush under Gale's foreleg and the teenager hugged it close to him mumbling slightly as he sleep.

“Thought he never let me go...” Shining Armor whispered rotating his foreleg joints and his neck slightly.

“He'll be back to normal by the time he wake up.” Gilda responded.

Shining finished by placing the bed sheets over him. “Sweet dreams kiddo.” He smiled softly and turn around to Gilda watching.

Without a bat of the eye lid to her standing by the door he spoke quietly. “Last time I did that was when my sister or even Spike had nightmares.” Shining Armor walked to the door making sure the lights were still on but dimmed and closed the door after exiting the cabin.

“Purple your sister huh?” Shining nods as he point a hoof away from the door, Gilda walked with him away from it feather down the train carriage.

Shining Armor glance to her. “And Spike is more or less our little brother.”

“That partly explains why he gave me my heirloom back, doesn't explain why he not a horder like a dragon is.” Gilda rubbed the underside of her beak. “Griffons back at home just as bad as dragons with hordes.”

Shining Armor gave her a puzzled look. “You don't seem to be one if you gave a heirloom to Spike to begin with.”

Gilda shrugged. “I am just trying to make enough bits to get out of town. I b-” Gilda paused. “Now looking at you and her I can see it. You are brother and sister, this the second time I babbled almost about my own life, what is it with you two?”

Shining shrugged. “I guess we got one of those faces that you can trust.”

“Or it just a family thing with you two and Spike.” Gilda chuckled. “You got a good family.”

“Are you being sentimental with me?” Shining Armor raise an eye brow.

Gilda stopped and stared at him. “You had to ruin it with a stupid pony feeling fouf fouf didn't ya?”

Shining Armor brow lowered as he tried to think of what she just said to him. “What? All I-”

“Yes I know what you said you dweeb.” Gilda put her talon on her forehead shaking it slightly. “Why you think I'm being sentimental is beyond me.” Gilda lowered her talon walking away.

Gilda waved her talon in the air not looking back. “Laters Blue Hooves.”

He watched her walk away. “Did I miss something?” No response from the guards part from a quick glance at each other. “Griffons are soooo confusing...” Shining Armor muttered to himself turning to head off to the officers quarters in the royal carriage.

Gilda walked a bit farther down stopping at a door open an jar, she took a peek to see it was Princess Celestia sitting at a desk with a quill in her magic writing away on a sheet of paper. “Yes Gilda?” Without looking up Celestia spoke out to the griffon peeking in.

Gilda moved her head back from the door surprised at first but with a roll of the eyes she put the talon in the crack of the door sliding it open. “Hey Princess what'cha up to?”

“The usual Princess stuff.” Celestia countered raising her head up to look at Gilda now. “Come in and close the door please. I been hoping you would come by.”

Gilda closed the door after entering. “That why you left it open by a crack didn't ya?”

Celestia smiled. “That is very much true.” She gestured to the cushion in front of the desk.

“What is it you want to speak to me about?” Gilda sat her flank down on the cushion with talons in front holding up her upper body.

Celestia put the quill down. “I was thinking about Gale, he has no knowledge of what it is to be a griffon part from the instincts he shown to have.”

Gilda brow hardened. “I agreed to teach him to speak and write, not teach him what it is to be a griffon. He can do that on his own.” Gilda strongly responded to the request.

“Why?”

“Because I don't want to!”

“That doesn't answer the question... So I ask again. Why?”

Gilda growls. “This is stupid! I am out of-” The horn glows from Celestia and the doors she noticed are sealed by a golden transparent glow. “What the idea!?”

Celestia sat calmly as Gilda now on her paws with talons on the door trying to open it. “Answer my question.”

“NO!”

“Answer the question Gilda.”

Gilda growls turning around to Celestia. “Fine! The griffons are self-centred greedy no good for nothing asses! Only a few didn't turn into those idiots that care nothing but their horde and stupid bits! I am not going to teach Gale about our kind so he could become like them! Now you know let me out!”

Gilda was right in Celestia face standing on the desk and all the papers scattered on the train floor, her beak only inches from the muzzle with fury in her eyes. “Not quite yet Gilda.”

Gilda clench a fist. “I will give you five seconds to open that damn door or I will punch you in the face! Princess or not!”

Celestia just kept her smile not phased by the threat, calling on Gilda's bluff. “Very brave but you won't.” Gilda growls and unclenched her fist. “Your really anger but you are more curious now on why I am keeping that door sealed and I got four words.”

“That is!?”

“The truth about Gale.” Celestia voice echoed and Gilda with a flap of her wings jump off the table landing on the cushions. “Ah you remembered our arrangement, it is what we spoke of did we not?”

Gilda dropped cross legged on the cushions with forelegs crossed keeping that anger annoyed look written on her face. “You dweeb! Start with that next time, instead of I need a favour crap!”

“Duly noted.” Gilda saw a sly smirk as Celestia spoke.

“Duly noted my ass, you did that on purpose!” Gilda Points at her.

Celestia collected all the papers with her magic placing them in neat piles in files behind her. “That is very true Gilda and now after having my fun...” Celestia gave her a serious look. “It time to talk about my son and reveal to you the whole truth.”

Gilda noticed the scroll she signed was on the table. “What this?”

“I am giving you the option to tear it up after I am done talking to you.” Celestia look down at the scroll on the table.

“That serious hmm?”

“Indeed... This will take hours to explain. I hope you do not mind some hot chocolate to drink and a roast potato with butter on it to eat while I talk.” Celestia using her magic offering the food and drink to Gilda.

Gilda took them with her talons. “Not at all.” She put the plate on her lap and taking the cuttery to start eating with the hot chocolate resting on a saucer to her side. “Well, get on with it. Enough stalling.”

Celestia nods and start to tell the events about how Gale came into her life in the last week, how he may have arrived during the strange blue magical aura event through out Canterlot City. Hours passes by as she continue to tell Gilda what happened through out the week that past to their arrival at Ponyville.

After everything was laid out to Gilda, she stood staring out the window at the moonlit landscape. Celestia haven't attempted to speak to her since telling her everything about Gale, the griffon been in that same spot for over half a hour.

Celestia got up from the table standing beside Gilda looking out at the night-time scenery, neither looked or said a word for a few more minutes till Gilda broke the ice. “Knowing what I know now... I wish I didn't.” Gilda said to Celestia without shifting her gaze.

“You asked remember.” Celestia responded.

Gilda closed her eyes taking a deep breath. “I know... Now I have to be more of a griffon than I am.” Gilda opened her eyes looking at the transparent reflection through the glass of herself.

“I don't care what he was before, it is what he is now. That dorky cub need a griffon to teach to be a griffon.” Gilda put her right talon against the cold glass window.

“So you got what you want you dweeby highness.” Gilda remove her talon from the window walking over to the door.

Celestia undid the spell on it looking through the transparent reflection at Gilda whom looked back. “Goodnight Gilda and thank you...”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Don't count your chickens before they hatch you dork... And goodnight.” Gilda open the sliding door and left Celestia alone in her cabin.

Celestia picked up the contract and put it under her wing for safety. “It seems she chosen.”

Celestia tidied up the plates, cups and her paper work before leaving the room, walking down the corridor of the train carriage she opened the door to look upon Gale sleeping in the large bed. “Sweet dreams my sweet little Gale and sister may you guide him to peaceful dreams.” Celestia whispered closing the door.

Celestia walked down to her own private cabin on the train upon entering it she closed the door behind to get as little sleep she can get before she has to raise the sun.

Gilda in the room next door hears the hum of the magic from Celestia as she settles down, the griffon lying on the bed with one talon behind the back of her head and the other up above holding the chain of the gem attached to.

“Got played by a Princess.” Gilda stared at the gem. “Who would of thought?”

Gilda's tail twitches and she hanged the gem up beside the bed, turning to her side. “I'll get her back for that trick she pulled.” Gilda grinned as her eyes close. “Celestia you won the battle... but.. I'll... Win the war.”

The griffon soon was fast asleep with a devilish smirk on her beak dreaming of how she out play the Princess of the Sun, Celestia.

Gilda flying over the city of Canterlot took a good look at the city from high above, she left the train soon as it arrived at the station to find a place to stay. One thing that she never thought about before hearing how Shining Armor look forward to getting home to see if Cadance has returned from her oversight trip to Cloudsdale.

This quick off the head plan quickly was falling apart as she descended to the city cobble stone streets, landing gracefully with a few short strong flaps, Flash Sentry lands just behind her with a clop of the metal golden shoes to the cobble stones. Gale lands on his paws but with a few miss-flaps he flew a few feet backwards landing on his back laughing.

“If seems Gale like to join you Gilda, as long as Flash Sentry goes with him I don't see any harm.”

“Do I get a say in this?”

“Well you did agree to teach him not only to write and speak but you agreed to show about being a griffon, so spending time with you I say yes.”

“Fine!”

“Gilda one-”

Gilda recalling the short chat at the station how she flew off before Celestia could finish whatever she was going to say. Gilda sighed walking over to Gale putting a talon out, the teenager took it with his and she pulled him up onto his paws and talons. “Your a crazy cub, y'know?” Gale squawked happily.

Gilda turn to Flash. “Since your from here, where exactly did we land?”

Flash Sentry took a good look around. “Just down this road to the left is the Canterlot Public Library, two buildings down from that is Agency that deals with available housing in the city.” Flash point a hoof to the general direction.

Gilda leap on her paws clapping her talons together rubbing them. “Perfect!”

Flash Sentry was about to say something to her but she quickly ran down the street with Gale in tow, shaking his head the guard gave chase. “This is going to be one of these days!”

Gilda raced by the library with two unicorn statues on either side of the steps up to it with a big large diamond patten glass dome on the top. Gale slide to a stop staring at the large building with the large stone carving with a book on top of four large pillars.

“Come on Gale! We come back to the daff library after we gone to the Housing Agency!” Gilda called out to Gale, he nods in agreement running to her. Flash Sentry right behind them, he noticed ponies watching them run by.

Flash Sentry slid to a stop as Gilda walk up the steps to the building with a house carving above the door. “Gale it be best for us to wait here.” He put a wing on Gale to stop him from joining Gilda.

Gale point to it and tilt his head. “Gilda gone inside to see if she can rent or buy a place here in Canterlot.”

Gale frowned and point to the castle in the distance. “Yes your mum does have a place in mind that is free, but Gilda left before she could tell her.” Gale eyes shift with a frown showing he was thinking about what Flash said.

A short time past with Gale with a claw out and a butterfly sitting on it with the wings steadily opening and closing. He stared at the beautiful colourful pattens on it. The door opens and Gilda steps out looking very dejected walking up to them. “Well that sucks...”

“How so?”

Gilda rubbed the feathers on her head. “No homes available till further notice...” Gilda turn to the building. “How do you run a place with no homes to sell?”

The butterfly flew away and Gale watched till it disappeared out of sight. “You do know they don't just sell homes, they rent out homes they own. So they are open for those said renties.” Flash Sentry blankly stated to Gilda.

“Fine... But doesn't help me out.” Gilda walked away from the building towards the Library with Gale walking beside her eagerly bouncing in each step towards it.

Gale quickly bounced by Gilda to twist around and point to the castle to a random building afterwards. “Okay... What are you trying to say Gale?” He hummed and point to Flash then to the same things again.

Flash stood beside Gilda. “Gale most likely trying to tell you that Princess Celestia got a place in mind for you to stay at while in Canterlot.”

Gilda grabbed Flash by the chest plate pressing her forehead against his. “You could of told me this sooner you dweeb!”

“I heard how you griffon types like to do things yourself and refuse any form of help.” Flash responded in a nervous tone.

Gilda let go and Flash step back straightening out his armour. “Your right we are.” Gilda sighed turning to Gale. “Don't be like that okay?” Gale nods not completely sure what she meant. “Good, now let's see this library shall we?” Gale nods again this time eagerly.

“Note to self. Don't judge Gilda off other griffons.” Flash muttered and followed them up the steps to the library main doors.

One of the two guards put a hoof out to them. “Sorry the library is closed today young prince. Come back tomorrow and it will be open.”

Gale wings went slack and sitting on his rump staring to the ground in sadness. “Why is it closed?” Flash inquired.

The second guard responded. “The librarians are at a book fair in Baltimare.”

Gilda walked away from the library. “Well that's that Gale, no library for ya.” Gale followed dragging his claws and paws down the steps still having his head lowered.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Sulking about it not gonna make it open cub. Not everything will work out for ya, getting your way with everything is one way that lead you to greed.”

The warning from Gilda to Gale made him raise his head up showing there was tears fresh. “Serious?” Flash was surprised as Gale were.

“Hello adult griffon here! I am serious!” Gilda stood on her paws pointing to herself with her talons. “I got to do something about this!” Gilda land back on all fours. “We finding ourselves some griffons that live and work here!”

Gale wiped the tears away and turn to Flash Sentry with surprise in his eyes. “There are griffons here in the city Gale.” Flash tap his hoof on the tip of his muzzle.

“One of them in fact runs his own restaurant outside Restaurant Row. Gustave le Grand if I recall, it a desert themed restaurant but has a top floor slash kitchen for those that eat fish like us Pegasi need every so often for our wings.” Flash Sentry explained to Gilda and Gale.

Gilda pinched the top of her beak rubbing it. “Gustave... That Prench griffon.” She sighed. “Better than randomly asking about other griffons here. Lead the way almighty guard.” Gilda mockingly bows with a wing out in front of her to Flash.

Flash just ignored her mocking and open his wings up. “Follow my lead you two.” Gale nods and Gilda just gave him a deadpan look saying 'go already!'

They take off and a short flight after land on the outskirts of Restaurant Row, before them was Gustave le Grand Icy Delights restaurant. The sign had the griffon's upper body half showing with wings out, wearing the chiefs hat and holding two different type of éclairs treats.

One key difference it was circular all the way around with windows, two levels with a double door entrance at one side. Coloured cyan with rest border lines and chequered flag patterns between the red borders of the between section of the lower and upper floor windows. This included a mid-section roof under the red border chequered patten that out stretched over creating a shelter.

Through the windows they could see the red chairs sat on by ponies laughing and talking to each other while very pop music being played from a colourful jukebox lit up with a vinyl moving around.

Gale stared at it and for some sudden reason coming to his mind he could see something called a 60's themed restaurant, blinking a few times to try and understand where this memory even came from. “This is seriously Gustave's restaurant? It's crazy!”

Flash chuckled. “It sure is! Ponies come here after eating the blandest lunch they had from Restaurant Row! They love the swing of this place!” He trot up to the glass doors putting a hoof to the metal border. “Also the doors open both ways, he pushes the doors with the music coming through more clearly.

Gilda flinched from the loud music coming from it. “How can any of you ponies hear yourself think with that racket!” She shouted.

Gale grabbed her talon with both of his pulling her to go in.”Okay okay! I get the message you want to go in!” Gilda freed her talon from his walking inside, the music was more bearable past the second door. “Okay... Why is it louder outside than inside?”

“It how he attracts many of his customers, bright colours, yummy treats and very upbeat music! Three things a pony loves!” Flash stated.

Gilda chuckled now. “Otherwise his cornered your head for the most bits he can get out of ya. This place is like a crazy magnet and because it only here in Canterlot you ponies come from far and wide to come here.”

To Flash this is one of his favourite places to go after work second to Donut Joes. “Do you think Donut Joe and Gustave has a business relationship?”

“Knowing that Prench feather brain from the last time I saw him with that crazy moustache. I say anything possible.” Gilda replied, Gale had wondered over to the jukebox listening to the music coming from it and watching the vinyl spin around. “Hey cub! Get your tail over here!” Gale quickly turn to Gilda going over to her and Flash.

They walked up to a Pegasus that had brood body, four legs with a short mane cut wearing a black suit and tie with a white shirt under the suit. He also wearing shades over his eyes looking very static, the two griffons and guard walked up to him.

The red pony seem to look over each of them before unhooking the red rope keeping the upstairs sealed from the general public letting them go up the spiralling staircase. “Welcome back Flash Sentry and welcome to Gustave le Grand Icy Delights young prince, enjoy your stay.”

He put a wing out to Gilda. “You try anything and we will toss you out before you can blink.” He whispered to Gilda. “Clear?”

“Seriously? That Prench idiot still have it out for me?” She whispered back.

“You are a paying customer and he does not turn down customers.” He lower the wing and speaks clearly. “Enjoy your first visit griffon and hope it a memorable one.”

Gilda gave a sly smirk. “Sure thing dork.” Gilda went up the spiral stairs joining Gale and Flash.

Flash curiously look back down at the pony as he re-hook the red rope. “What was that about?”

“Griffons don't get on well with other griffons, enough said.” Gilda walked by him taking a good look around, there was about four Pegasi and one griffon sitting at some of the tables. Many were empty. “Quiet hour?”

“It's close to lunch and Monday so... Yeah it will be.” Flash stated. “The main business is down below, this is for those that need something more than icy treats. But don't expect it to be cheap though.”

Gilda chuckled. “No surprise there.” She noticed the open display kitchen with the smell of fish being cooked for other customers by two unicorns. “No Gustave?”

“If that bouncer was anything, I say he most likely be up.” Flash answered.

Gale sniffing the air and licking his beak followed by pointing to the kitchen behind the drink stations. “Has Gale eaten any fish?” Gilda now asked another question on top of her first.

Flash shrugged. “That something you need to ask Princess Celestia.” Flash open his wing up pulling out a bag of bits. “But she does have us covered for the day.”

Gilda stared at the bag and back at him. “She needs to stop spoiling Gale.” Gilda seriously looked at him taking the bag from Flash Sentry. “I'm taking care of this, you watch the master at work!”

“Yes ma'am!” He saluted.

“You dork.” They chuckled afterwards.

“Sale! S'I so sald so see sou!” The only other griffon spoke up once he raised his head, Gilda got a good look at him. colbolt blue, white tail, end wing tips, under belly, head feathers with mix red, yellow and green tips. Black talons and bulky big beak.

Gale on the other hand was so engrossed watching the unicorns cooking to even realise he was spoken to by the unknown griffon.

Gilda instantly knew this kind of griffon. “Oh great it a Macaw Griffon...” Gilda muttered. “Bad enough having a cousin that whistles when they talk with everything starting with a... S...” Gilda slowed her words at the end realising what he just said.

“Did you say Gale?”

“No he said Sale.” Flash believe he corrected Gilda not aware of what she just muttered first.

But Gilda counter corrected. “You idiot that how Macaw Griffons speak. I have a cousin that one, she exactly like this and carry a mean whistling musical tone as well. Just make sure not to listen or you'd find yourself a few bits short without a care to giving it away.”

“Really?”

The Macaw Griffon hesitated in speaking up as Gilda spoke to the royal guard.

“Really you dweeb. They have a musical whistle that sort of magical, they create sub-sonic sound waves. Think of it as suggestive thinking on a very low level. Just that little push to what you might be thinking of doing that isn't anywhere effective in your day to day life, just one of those minor things.” Gilda gave the details to Flash.

The colbolt blue griffon stared in surprise as if he never knew this about his kind of griffon.

Gilda growled. “Now I sound like a dorky egghead!” Gilda turn to change the subject. “Okay you! How do you know Gale!?”

“Sow so sou snow Sale?” He asked back as if this griffon already knew Gale and he knew him.

Gale now turn his attention to the two griffons now standing a few feet from each other. “I asked the question first you dweeb!” She turn to Gale. “Do you know who this griffon is?” Gale shook his head in a instant. “He sure think he knows you.” She point to the colbolt blue griffon.

Gale tilt his head in confusion trying to place how this griffon knew him since this is the second only griffon he met not including the giant sign on top of the restaurant.

“S'I sot surprised sooking sike shis.” He rubbed the back of his neck with an talon.

This left them very confused by his statement.

“What are you blabbing on about you crazy griffon!?” Gilda was thinking after her question throwing this loony griffon down the stairs.

“s'I Soctor Srace.”

“Doctor Trace?” Gilda repeated the name unaware of the reaction to come from Flash Sentry and Gale.

There will be three paths that this point forward the story can turn to, read each short summary and pick one option. Read carefully and choose wisely.

Update: voting closed.

Option One: Trace tries to duplicate the magic in Gale resulting in turning into a griffon and unable to get back to his apartment for the reversal potion.

• Accidentally

Option Two: Trace discovers a way to track the magic to a ruined castle fort half buried in the mountain east side. He finds out more than he bargin for.

• Ancient Evil – (Big hint first chapter)

Option Three: Trace discovers while tracking the unique magic a sectary organization been attempting to take the magic for themselves.

• Secret Organization - (Idea comes from Black—Soul comment story)

Not to far from Canterlot General Hospital an large housing complex with apartments for doctors and nurses that work there but do not live in the city. Doctor Trace the colbolt unicorn currently lived in one of the larger apartments with an offsite lab for continues work on understanding Gale's magic.

Inside the offsite lab connected to his current home from home given by Celestia Trace worked through mixing different chemicals. Wearing a labcoat and a visor over his face the different chemicals mixed with precision alongside herbs in a bowl above a bunsen burner.

“Let's see... Zecora's letter said to mix these herbs and add a small amount of Poison Joke extract. Only a drop no more, no less... If you do, expect a result that no joke.” He said to himself with semi rhythm laughing afterwards.

“Zebras, fascinating unique race. I am glad that I am good friends with Zecora, she helped me with my reversal transfiguration mishaps in the past.” Trace mixes the final parts to the potion. “Now my failsafe potion is ready.” He pulled the bowl into six bottles putting them away safely.

Trace walked over to six containers with a black feather in each of them from Gale. “Now to see how my tests went...” Trace muttered. “Tracing spell partly failed, still taxing magic to detect that magic... Transfiguration spell failed... Tracking failed... Potion magical breakdown formula failed...” He brought up a clipboard looking at all the results showing nothing seem to work.

“Now down to the last test for the evening...” Trace stared at the feather. “Test six. I will be combining a low level casting of my tracing, tracking, transfiguration with direction magic contact as well using the magical breakdown potion.” Trace brought over a flask with the potion to the last container.

Trace looked at the feather now held in the tongs. “Like shapes, race course circuits the beginning and end are one the same. My attempts to use different forms of magical spells, direct magic and even potions all failed.”

“The feather in every way like Gale is too perfect. Transfiguration spell of a magnitude that I couldn't even begin to think of was used. My hopes in creating this low level link I can not only get a better image of what he may of looked like but also to track down the spell caster too.”

Trace looked past the test container at the pined up drawing of the bipedal life form from his scans. “I know Princess Celestia told me not to rush this or even try something stupid... But doing something stupid maybe the only way I will get answers. I own it to that young griffon to find the one that responsible for what they did to him.”

Trace place the feather in the liquid, casting all the spells one after the other, followed by telekinetic connecting and casting a scanning spell to the feather. “The feather isn't effected once again it s-” The feather starts to break down with a strange blue magical aura bleeding out into the potion.

“It working I can feel it! The link is completed! All I have to do now is focus on it and try to pin point the casting of that transfiguration spell by using my own to alter my own magic signature to closly match what I feeling.”

Trace casts the final spell his transfiguration “I never felt anything like this.” He slipped on a bit of potion on the floor, trying to catch his balance his hoof came into contact with one of the pedals of Poison Joke.

Trace stared at it as he still casting the test. “On pony feathers...” He could feel the test starting to go haywall, the magic and potion seem to start to build up in strength. “Something wong...” he grunts.

“Must stop the test at once!”

The unicorn try to disconnect his magic stop the spells but he can't. “I... Arg... Can't stop casting! Some-” He slips onto one foreleg knee struggling fight back. “Every attempt... Eve... The pain... Ah! It intense! I can't break the circuit! It beyond what I can even-AH!”

Trace suddenly found himself hooves off the ground with whitish blue magic swirling around him. “Transfiguration spell amplifying! The Poison Joke pedal I put my hoof AH ON must of tri AH! It AHHH!” He screams out in pain as the swirling clouds of magic got thicker.

Trace looking around his eyes darting left and right, the lab couldn't be seen any more. All he could see through the tears falling from his eyes as he continue to scream in unbelievable pain. The brightness of it was getting too intense too as he closed his eyes, the light was still felt and seen through the eyelids.

With one mighty hollow he suddenly snapped his eyes open with all the eminence pain suddenly gone. Sitting up gasping for air, quickly looking around he found no longer in his lab but on grass under a tree next to the stone hoof path to Canterlot.

Slowly looking to his left the entrance to the city was about a half a mile away at least, it was early morning too as the sun rose. “Sow sid-” He placed his ho- Trace felt digits four of them against his neck, the feeling also was off. It felt like feathers, short soft feathers in contact with scaly digits.

Trace gulped removing the digits and slowly bring it up into view he noticed not a muzzle that he always seen too but a looking over a curved black beak at a black talon attached to colbolt blue mix of short soft feathers and fur. Flexing the claws he watched and felt the movement of them. “Sot sgain... Shis ss sack shen S'I sas Srincess Selestia's student sgain...”

Trace felt the founds leave with a slight whistle to each word but each with a Sss sound to the beginning. “Sesting sesting sne swo shree.” He half growls feeling the rumble in his throat and the sound of it escaping his beak.

Trace slowly moved his head taking a good look over his body, a shredded labcoat hanging on thanks to his now impressive large blue wings with whitish silver tips to each. The tail was long with a whitish silver brush at the end. “Shat soison soke... S'I s Sdiot...”

The visor was shattered and unfit to wear, the muzzle to beak transfiguration most likely destroyed it. “St seen swhile since S'I sad shis sype sf siphap..”

Trace slowly pushed forwards pressing his talons on the grass pushing his hind quarters up feeling his three toed paws attached to his hindlegs against the grass too. “Strange seeling... Sest so set sack so sy sab snd severse shis sopefully...” He muttered slowly walking up to the hoof path.

“S'I should sf sistened so Secora sarning sn she sote snd sut she soison soke sedals sn s sar shen sot ssing st...” Trace lets out a mighty roar in frustration after speaking. He couldn't even understand what he was even saying, it felt like he was speaking incorrectly, wrong and annoying hearing so much whistling.

Trace walked into the city getting strange looks from many ponies as he continued his track home, one thing he realised they might been looking at was his ruined labcoat. He decided to remove it and fold it up, he carried it under one of the wings finding it surprisingly easy to hold it in place.

Upon arriving at the complex he took a good look up at his apartment to see nothing seem out of place. He came to the entrance to see the guards still doing their duty in keeping the complex safe and private for nurses, doctors and researchers. “Halt griffon, this is a private complex for out of city medical staff of Canterlot General only. What business do you have here?”

“S'I sere so so some.”

“Sere so so some? What?” The guard raised an eye. “What kind of griffon whistles and don't speak correctly.”

Trace sighed. “S'I sm. Sy same ss Srace S'I sm s soctor sor Santerlot Seneral! Soctor Srance. S-”

“Look griffon I have zero idea what your trying to say and we here to keep guard not listen to some crack up big beak griffon that can't even speak right.”

Trace growls slightly. “Shat ss sude snd snacceptable! Sou shouldn't speak so sthers sven shey sot sonies sike shat!” He raised his voice at the rude guard.

The guards instantly lower this spears down to him. “We will give you one warning griffon. You attempt to engage us and we will take you to the dungeons.”

Trace stepped back sighing heavily. “Sorry... S'I se soing...” He turns walking away from them. “Should sf saw shat soming... Shey sost sot sead she Sossier sn se.”

Walking into the Canterlot Gardens he stopped at the water fountain taking a good look at his reflection. The griffon looking back at him had mostly the same colour of mane and fur from silver white to the colbolt blue.

His eyes were the same colour but the black beak with the yellow on the lower part, the talons with the different shades of feather tips made it very difficult to see this was really him. Another factor he noticed no cutie mark either, Trace knew griffons can not earn them which should of not surprised him but it did as it felt like a part of him was gone in this form.

Trace put his ruined labcoat down in front of him sitting on the wall with talons press against the sides of his face the pony turned griffon started to whistle to himself. Closing his eyes with tears falling he didn't know what to do cause he knew that anyone wouldn't see him as Trace but a crazy griffon.

As the musical whistle continue he collected his thoughts of the last few hours been for him, how Gale may have felt. That when it hit him, he remembered the spell going haywall from the accidental touch to the eminence pain of the transfiguration.

Snapping his eyes open. “Shat st!” He spoke loudly jumping back on all fours on the peppel stone path. “S'I-” He took a good look around at all the ponies cheering now. “Shat soing sn?” He asked looking around in total confusion.

Fancy Pants stepped up to him. “I must say that was the best musical whistling I ever heard! How do you griffons so easily pull it off?”

Trace blinked a few times. “Sell... S'I sust sid st...”

“Hmm... Not quite sure what you said but to take a guess I say you said somewhere down the lines off...” He tap the blue hoof against his muzzle first before continuing to say. “Well, I just did it. Am I correct?”

Trace nods. “Well my boy, here a few bits for such a great performance and if your still in town come around my place just two blocks up to the castle and to the left three houses down.” Fancy Pants generally smiled. “I think I can get you into the musical business in Canterlot.”

Trace smiled. “Shank sou... Serm...”

“Ah yes! Name's Fancy Pants, pleasure to meet-” He gesture for Trace.

“Srace.”

“Grace? Well Grace, thank you for brightening not only my day but all the ponies here day. I bid you good day.” Fancy Pants put his hoof out to Trace and he place the talon over it shaking.

Trace watched the white pony with two tone blue mane and tail wearing a posh suit and monocle walk away, he soon found ponies congratulating him too and dropping bits off before leaving themselves.

“Shat sust sappened?” Trace now stared at the large pile of bits onto of his ruined labcoat. “S'I sonfused... So sonfused...”

First thing Trace did with the bits get a saddlebag to store them and the ruined labcoat, stepping out the shop he took a good look around as the day progressed. Through out it he did not much but ponder and think, he even attempted to write notes with the writing being very messy in the note book.

With years of experience being a doctor and once student to Celestia he used this to keep himself sane, think of every possible option to get the reversal potion from his apartment lab. Trace shifted his wings slightly lying on the cool grass looking out at the water flowing by to the waterfall not to far from him.

Trace stood up. “Slying, shat st!” He clicked the claws together.

Putting his saddlebag down standing in the open. “Skay S'I sot shis...” He leaned downwards with his forelegs looking up with wings opened up. With a big flap and push off he got about ten feet in the air from launch. “Ses! S'I... Shoa!” The wings flap out of sequence causing him to crash into the water with a mighty splash.

Surfacing and swimming over to the shore, he climbed out drenched from fur to feathers. “Samn st!” He shook his body getting rid of most of the water but the wings still felt heavy as he flapped them to shake off the water.

He tried again and ended in the water once more, swimming back he shook off the water again. Trace tried three more times and just luck had it he crashed into the water every single time.

“Shat slan ss sn she sooks...” Trace walked over to his saddlebag.

A giggle came from a young unicorn filly. “You okay mister?” He nods. “Okay!” She gallops away to her mother. “Mummy did you see that funny creature go splash?”

“Indeed, that a griffon and look like his not a very good flyer. Maybe his mum didn't teach him well.”

“Oh...”

“Come on sweet pea.” They leave.

Trace hummed. “Sum... Sf sourse! S'I sever slew. Sdiot!” He slapped his forehead. “Sest so sind s slace so stay sor she sight...”

Trace went to hotel to hotel finding no rooms available or it cost way more than he had on him. The colbolt griffon stepped out of the last hotel grumbling to himself as the sun starts to set. His stomach grumbled. “S'I seen saught sp sith shat S'I secame snd shat so so S'I sorgot sbout sating something.”

Trace took a good look around, that when he noticed Gustave le Grand's restaurant. “Suess S'I so shere.” He walked to it.

Going through the door to the next he walked inside seeing it was packed with ponies enjoying their treatful meals. “Griffon!” He turn to see a board looking Pegasus standing by a red rope in front of stairs. “First time in here?” Trace nods. “Come on through and up the stairs, this is for Pegasi and Griffons only.”

“Shanks...”

“No problem, just doing my job.” He remove the rope. “One thing griffon. No singing or musical whistling, specially your kind.”

“Shy?”

“Rules are rules, follow them and you won't get your flank kicked out.”

“Skay, S'I sake sure sot so.”

“That good to hear. Enjoy.”

Trace walked up to the stairs turning to him. “Sou snderstand se?”

The pony didn't look directly at him. “Yes, it part of the job to understand even the most whistling griffon.”

Trace nods walking up the stairs. “Saybe sfter sating something S'I sight set sis selp.” He whispered to himself.

Trace took a seat after buying himself a meal and coffee. The food he ordered being hayfries and fish fingers, he at using his talons, enjoying the meal the colbolt griffon look out to the castle in the distance left in deep thought.

Gustave le Grand in his office finished counting up the bits put them in the safe before closing the door, he looked around seeing that his staff cleaned up and had left. One pony was still there, the bouncer for the second floor. “Pound why are you ztill here? We zhut, go home.”

“Sorry boss, there a griffon upstairs still. The cooks said he asleep at the table upstairs. Wasn't sure what to do.”

Gustave rolled his eyes. “I'll zhow you what le boss will do.” He walked up the stairs. Soon he clap eyes on the musical snoring colbolt blue griffon. “Sacre bleu! Macaw griffon! Nope not getting any closure with that znoring. He can stay there.” Gustave quickly retreated.

“So boss?” Pound asked.

“Le boss will pay you double for tonight. Keep an eye on him. I'm going home.” With that Gustave left the restaurant locking up behind him.

Pound blinked a few times. “Paid... Double? I didn't even need to hustle... That is odd for the boss.” He look up the stairs. “Huh? Whom am I to complain?” He smiled taking a seat pulling out a book from under his wing.

“Pay's pay at the end of the day. My wife sure can understand why I am doing a double shift, specially with the extra bits coming in.”

Trace was left alone to happily sleep away till the next day when he would discover the most unlikely of griffons to show up...

Gale

Not to far from Canterlot General Hospital an large housing complex with apartments for doctors and nurses that work there but do not live in the city. Doctor Trace the colbolt unicorn currently lived in one of the larger apartments with an offsite lab for continues work on understanding Gale's magic.

Inside the offsite lab connected to his current home from home given by Celestia Trace worked through mixing different chemicals. Wearing a labcoat and a visor over his face the different chemicals mixed with precision alongside herbs in a bowl above a bunsen burner.

“Let's see... Zecora's letter said to mix these herbs and add a small amount of Poison Joke extract. Only a drop no more, no less... If you do, expect a result that no joke.” He said to himself with semi rhythm laughing afterwards.

“Zebras, fascinating unique race. I am glad that I am good friends with Zecora, she helped me with my reversal transfiguration mishaps in the past.” Trace mixes the final parts to the potion. “Now my failsafe potion is ready.” He pulled the bowl into six bottles putting them away safely.

Trace walked over to six containers with a black feather in each of them from Gale. “Now to see how my tests went...” Trace muttered. “Tracing spell partly failed, still taxing magic to detect that magic... Transfiguration spell failed... Tracking failed... Potion magical breakdown formula failed...” He brought up a clipboard looking at all the results showing nothing seem to work.

“Now down to the last test for the evening...” Trace stared at the feather. “Test six. I will be combining a low level casting of my tracing, tracking, transfiguration with direction magic contact as well using the magical breakdown potion.” Trace brought over a flask with the potion to the last container.

Trace looked at the feather now held in the tongs. “Like shapes, race course circuits the beginning and end are one the same. My attempts to use different forms of magical spells, direct magic and even potions all failed.”

“The feather in every way like Gale is too perfect. Transfiguration spell of a magnitude that I couldn't even begin to think of was used. My hopes in creating this low level link I can not only get a better image of what he may of looked like but also to track down the spell caster too.”

Trace looked past the test container at the pined up drawing of the bipedal life form from his scans. “I know Princess Celestia told me not to rush this or even try something stupid... But doing something stupid maybe the only way I will get answers. I own it to that young griffon to find the one that responsible for what they did to him.”

Trace place the feather in the liquid, casting all the spells one after the other, followed by telekinetic connecting and casting a scanning spell to the feather. “The feather isn't effected once again it s-” The feather starts to break down with a strange blue magical aura bleeding out into the potion.

“It working I can feel it! The link is completed! All I have to do now is focus on it and try to pin point the casting of that transfiguration spell by using my own to alter my own magic signature to closly match what I feeling.”

Trace casts the final spell his transfiguration “I never felt anything like this.” He slipped on a bit of potion on the floor, trying to catch his balance his hoof came into contact with one of the pedals of Poison Joke.

Trace stared at it as he still casting the test. “On pony feathers...” He could feel the test starting to go haywall, the magic and potion seem to start to build up in strength. “Something wong...” he grunts.

“Must stop the test at once!”

The unicorn try to disconnect his magic stop the spells but he can't. “I... Arg... Can't stop casting! Some-” He slips onto one foreleg knee struggling fight back. “Every attempt... Eve... The pain... Ah! It intense! I can't break the circuit! It beyond what I can even-AH!”

Trace suddenly found himself hooves off the ground with whitish blue magic swirling around him. “Transfiguration spell amplifying! The Poison Joke pedal I put my hoof AH ON must of tri AH! It AHHH!” He screams out in pain as the swirling clouds of magic got thicker.

Trace looking around his eyes darting left and right, the lab couldn't be seen any more. All he could see through the tears falling from his eyes as he continue to scream in unbelievable pain. The brightness of it was getting too intense too as he closed his eyes, the light was still felt and seen through the eyelids.

With one mighty hollow he suddenly snapped his eyes open with all the eminence pain suddenly gone. Sitting up gasping for air, quickly looking around he found no longer in his lab but on grass under a tree next to the stone hoof path to Canterlot.

Slowly looking to his left the entrance to the city was about a half a mile away at least, it was early morning too as the sun rose. {How did-} He placed his ho- Trace felt digits four of them against his neck, the feeling also was off. It felt like feathers, short soft feathers in contact with scaly digits.

Trace gulped removing the digits and slowly bring it up into view he noticed not a muzzle that he always seen too but a looking over a curved black beak at a black talon attached to colbolt blue mix of short soft feathers and fur. Flexing the claws he watched and felt the movement of them. {Not again... This is back when I was Princess Celestia's student again}

Trace felt the founds leave with a slight whistle to each word but each with a Sss sound to the beginning.{Testing testing one two three} He half growls feeling the rumble in his throat and the sound of it escaping his beak.

Trace slowly moved his head taking a good look over his body, a shredded labcoat hanging on thanks to his now impressive large blue wings with whitish silver tips to each. The tail was long with a whitish silver brush at the end. {That poison joke... I'm a idiot}

The visor was shattered and unfit to wear, the muzzle to beak transfiguration most likely destroyed it. { It been awhile since I had this type of mishap }

Trace slowly pushed forwards pressing his talons on the grass pushing his hind quarters up feeling his three toed paws attached to his hindlegs against the grass too. {Strange feeling... Best to get back to my lab and reverse this hopefully...} He muttered slowly walking up to the hoof path.

{I should of listened to Zerora warning on the note and put the poison joke pedals in a jar when not using it...} Trace lets out a mighty roar in frustration after speaking. He couldn't even understand what he was even saying, it felt like he was speaking incorrectly, wrong and annoying hearing so much whistling.

Trace walked into the city getting strange looks from many ponies as he continued his track home, one thing he realised they might been looking at was his ruined labcoat. He decided to remove it and fold it up, he carried it under one of the wings finding it surprisingly easy to hold it in place.

Upon arriving at the complex he took a good look up at his apartment to see nothing seem out of place. He came to the entrance to see the guards still doing their duty in keeping the complex safe and private for nurses, doctors and researchers. “Halt griffon, this is a private complex for out of city medical staff of Canterlot General only. What business do you have here?”

{ I here to go home }

“Sere so so some? What?” The guard raised an eye. “What kind of griffon whistles and don't speak correctly.”

Trace sighed. {I am. My name is Trace I am doctor for Canterlot General! Doctor Trance I-}

“Look griffon I have zero idea what your trying to say and we here to keep guard not listen to some crack up big beak griffon that can't even speak right.”

Trace growls slightly. {That is rude and unacceptable! You shouldn't speak to others even they not ponies like that!} He raised his voice at the rude guard.

The guards instantly lower this spears down to him. “We will give you one warning griffon. You attempt to engage us and we will take you to the dungeons.”

Trace stepped back sighing heavily. { Sorry... I'll be going} He turns walking away from them. { Should of saw that coming... They most not read the dossier on me }

Walking into the Canterlot Gardens he stopped at the water fountain taking a good look at his reflection. The griffon looking back at him had mostly the same colour of mane and fur from silver white to the colbolt blue.

His eyes were the same colour but the black beak with the yellow on the lower part, the talons with the different shades of feather tips made it very difficult to see this was really him. Another factor he noticed no cutie mark either, Trace knew griffons can not earn them which should of not surprised him but it did as it felt like a part of him was gone in this form.

Trace put his ruined labcoat down in front of him sitting on the wall with talons press against the sides of his face the pony turned griffon started to whistle to himself. Closing his eyes with tears falling he didn't know what to do cause he knew that anyone wouldn't see him as Trace but a crazy griffon.

As the musical whistle continue he collected his thoughts of the last few hours been for him, how Gale may have felt. That when it hit him, he remembered the spell going haywall from the accidental touch to the eminence pain of the transfiguration.

Snapping his eyes open. {That it!} He spoke loudly jumping back on all fours on the peppel stone path. “S'I-” He took a good look around at all the ponies cheering now. {What going on?} He asked looking around in total confusion.

Fancy Pants stepped up to him. “I must say that was the best musical whistling I ever heard! How do you griffons so easily pull it off?”

Trace blinked a few times. { Well... I just did it}

“Hmm... Not quite sure what you said but to take a guess I say you said somewhere down the lines off...” He tap the blue hoof against his muzzle first before continuing to say. “Well, I just did it. Am I correct?”

Trace nods. “Well my boy, here a few bits for such a great performance and if your still in town come around my place just two blocks up to the castle and to the left three houses down.” Fancy Pants generally smiled. “I think I can get you into the musical business in Canterlot.”

Trace smiled. {Thank you... Erm...}

“Ah yes! Name's Fancy Pants, pleasure to meet-” He gesture for Trace.

{Trace.}

“Grace? Well Grace, thank you for brightening not only my day but all the ponies here day. I bid you good day.” Fancy Pants put his hoof out to Trace and he place the talon over it shaking.

Trace watched the white pony with two tone blue mane and tail wearing a posh suit and monocle walk away, he soon found ponies congratulating him too and dropping bits off before leaving themselves.

{What just happened?} Trace now stared at the large pile of bits onto of his ruined labcoat. {I'm confused... So confused)

First thing Trace did with the bits get a saddlebag to store them and the ruined labcoat, stepping out the shop he took a good look around as the day progressed. Through out it he did not much but ponder and think, he even attempted to write notes with the writing being very messy in the note book.

With years of experience being a doctor and once student to Celestia he used this to keep himself sane, think of every possible option to get the reversal potion from his apartment lab. Trace shifted his wings slightly lying on the cool grass looking out at the water flowing by to the waterfall not to far from him.

Trace stood up. {Flying, that it!} He clicked the claws together.

Putting his saddlebag down standing in the open. { Okay I got this } He leaned downwards with his forelegs looking up with wings opened up. With a big flap and push off he got about ten feet in the air from launch. {Yes! I... Whoa!} The wings flap out of sequence causing him to crash into the water with a mighty splash.

Surfacing and swimming over to the shore, he climbed out drenched from fur to feathers. {Damn it!} He shook his body getting rid of most of the water but the wings still felt heavy as he flapped them to shake off the water.

He tried again and ended in the water once more, swimming back he shook off the water again. Trace tried three more times and just luck had it he crashed into the water every single time.

{That plan is on the books} Trace walked over to his saddlebag.

A giggle came from a young unicorn filly. “You okay mister?” He nods. “Okay!” She gallops away to her mother. “Mummy did you see that funny creature go splash?”

“Indeed, that a griffon and look like his not a very good flyer. Maybe his mum didn't teach him well.”

“Oh...”

“Come on sweet pea.” They leave.

Trace hummed. {Mum... Of course! I never flew. Idiot!} He slapped his forehead. { Best to find a place to stay for the night}

Trace went to hotel to hotel finding no rooms available or it cost way more than he had on him. The colbolt griffon stepped out of the last hotel grumbling to himself as the sun starts to set. His stomach grumbled. { I been caught up with what I became and what to do I forgot about eating something}

Trace took a good look around, that when he noticed Gustave le Grand's restaurant. { Guess I go here} He walked to it.

Going through the door to the next he walked inside seeing it was packed with ponies enjoying their treatful meals. “Griffon!” He turn to see a board looking Pegasus standing by a red rope in front of stairs. “First time in here?” Trace nods. “Come on through and up the stairs, this is for Pegasi and Griffons only.”

{Thanks...}

“No problem, just doing my job.” He remove the rope. “One thing griffon. No singing or musical whistling, specially your kind.”

{Why?}

“Rules are rules, follow them and you won't get your flank kicked out.”

{ Okay, I make sure not to}

“That good to hear. Enjoy.”

Trace walked up to the stairs turning to him. {You understand me?}

The pony didn't look directly at him. “Yes, it part of the job to understand even the most whistling griffon.”

Trace nods walking up the stairs.{ Maybe after eating something I might get his help} He whispered to himself.

Trace took a seat after buying himself a meal and coffee. The food he ordered being hayfries and fish fingers, he at using his talons, enjoying the meal the colbolt griffon look out to the castle in the distance left in deep thought.

Gustave le Grand in his office finished counting up the bits put them in the safe before closing the door, he looked around seeing that his staff cleaned up and had left. One pony was still there, the bouncer for the second floor. “Pound why are you ztill here? We zhut, go home.”

“Sorry boss, there a griffon upstairs still. The cooks said he asleep at the table upstairs. Wasn't sure what to do.”

Gustave rolled his eyes. “I'll zhow you what le boss will do.” He walked up the stairs. Soon he clap eyes on the musical snoring colbolt blue griffon. “Sacre bleu! Macaw griffon! Nope not getting any closure with that znoring. He can stay there.” Gustave quickly retreated.

“So boss?” Pound asked.

“Le boss will pay you double for tonight. Keep an eye on him. I'm going home.” With that Gustave left the restaurant locking up behind him.

Pound blinked a few times. “Paid... Double? I didn't even need to hustle... That is odd for the boss.” He look up the stairs. “Huh? Whom am I to complain?” He smiled taking a seat pulling out a book from under his wing.

“Pay's pay at the end of the day. My wife sure can understand why I am doing a double shift, specially with the extra bits coming in.”

Trace was left alone to happily sleep away till the next day when he would discover the most unlikely of griffons to show up...

Gale

As Flash stood with a slack open muzzle, Gale curiously walked around Trace with his eyes trailing up and down at the once unicorn. Gale was very puzzled by how a unicorn could be a griffon now, at first he couldn't see how this colbolt blue griffon was the doctor that treated him.

The eyes were the same gentle yet serious ones he came to remember, Gale knew from that moment those eyes couldn't change even the rest of Trace's body was now a griffon. Poking the side of the upper part of the hind leg with a claw Gale cooed in question about the missing cutie mark.

Trace shivered slightly from the touch followed by wings twitching. “Soooh strange seeling...” He glance around to Gale. “Siffons son't save sutie sarks.” Gale tilt his head trying to understand what exactly Trace said.

Gilda slap her forehead. “He said griffons dont have cutie marks!” Gilda translated. “And the featherbrain doctor is right, we not like ponies in that way of magic works.” Gilda now turn her attention to Trace. “That comes to you dweeb, how did this happen?” She stood on her paws with both talon hands out towards Trace's form.

Trace rubbed a claw against his feathered face. {Hehe... I was experimenting on the transfiguration element left on Gale's feathers I had. I discovered a way to reactive that magic to track it but...} He lowers his head and mutters out the last words. {I put my hoof on some Poison Joke...}

Gilda translated what he said and followed on with her own question. “What is this Poison Joke?”

Flash Sentry eyes narrowed as the pupils shift to the left and right thinking back that name till he recalled with a gasp. “I remember!

“Spit out already! Don't leave us in suspense you dweeb!”

“That the flower that plays particle magical jokes on those that touch it!”

“Sxactly!”

“How the heck did it turn you into a griffon specifically?”

“Yeah like Sentry said, spill!” Gilda crossed her forelegs still standing on her paws.

Gale tugged on her tail. “Don't pull my tail!” She growled at the teenager, he point to his open beak. “I know your hunger, we eat in a moment!”

Trace tap the end of his beak looking over to the kitchen. “Shy sot se sit sown snd S'I sxplain shy se sat.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Fiiine! But your paying you dork!”

“Shy?”

“Cause your annoying as heck! That why!” Gilda poke his beak. “Either that or you don't get our help turning you back to a unicorn!” Gilda got down on all fours walking by him flicking her tail into his face.

Trace rubbed his face watching her walk over to the table. “Someone sxplain sho she ss?”

Flash Sentry sighed. “Gale's teacher to speak and write.” He walked by to join Gilda.

“Serious?” Trace turn to Gale, he nods. “Skay...”

“Gilda!” He grinned and joined them leaving Trace staring wide eyed at the youngster.

Trace's blinks a few times with a dumbfounded expression. “Sow ss shat sossible!?”

“Sit down share your tale and I'll share mine you whistling featherbrain!” Gilda point to the seat empty next to Flash Sentry, Trace slowly nods sitting down at the table with them and a mare handing out menus to each of them.

The mare bows her head slightly. “I be your server today and hope you enjoy your time at the Gustave le Grand Icy Treats. Young prince and welcomed guests. I will be back to ask for your drinks in a moment.” The light blue unicorn wearing a red shirt, hat with yellow mane and tail said to them before leaving to tend to another table.

“Sou suckly shat S'I sot she sits.” Trace place his talon on the bag of bits.

“Like I said... Never a poor Macaw Griffon.” Gilda muttered and sat back crossing her forelegs. “Your first to tell what happened since I have to translate for you.”

“Shat seem sair.” He nods and agrees to speak first.

As they order drinks and their meals Trace explains what happened to him to the day he experienced before they ran into him at the restaurant. Gilda annoyed but translated word for word, Flash Sentry and Gale noticing her gritting her teeth at times holding back much of her anger towards Trace.

The waiter comes with their plates of food and put them down before each of them being battered cod with hay fries. “Four Monday Lunch Specials. Enjoy.” She warmly smiled and walked off with the empty tray.

Flash Sentry held a folk in one wing and a knife in the other, he about to cut and dig into his meal but how Gilda is acting bugged him. “Gilda why have you been so anger and almost shouting at Doctor Trace?”

Gilda chewing on some battered fish swallowed. “We griffons don't get along with each other and one thing that all griffons can agree on is own hate to Macaw Griffons.” Gilda turn to Trace. “When I look at you I see my annoying cousin and how I had to spend months each year with her family.”

“The Junior Speedsters Flight Camp correct?”

“Yeah...” Gilda stuck the folk into another piece holding it up before her eyes. “That why I can understand those annoying griffons.” Gilda ate the battered fish still annoyed.

Gale frowned.

“So... Griffons normally mean and anger to each other?” Flash asked.

Gilda looked over to him. “Pretty much 364 out of 365 days of the year.”

Trace haven't said a word stared with surprise by this information, he knew they could be greedy at times but didn't realise they were pretty much mean and anger with each other for most of the year.

Gale listened to this but seem to be staring off into space looking at the first piece of battered cod he cut up, now dripping with ketchup on a folk something about it felt familiar. “Even family?”

Gilda chuckled. “Specially family.”

Gale sighed and put the battered cod into his beak pulling the folk out to chew but soon as he did the world seem to just fade away. The young griffon found himself in a room with a small table, a box with moving pictures and sound to a pair of sofas. Looking around he noticed units and pictures were on or against the walls.

All of it looked fuzzy and cloudy nothing seem to be coherently clear, even the outside that look like a small garden with a long tree in the middle of it. Gale look down at his talons seeing he was holding a plate with a battered cod with chunky chips on it.

“Son sit down before you drop that will you?”

Gale rose his head to the sofa of something bipedal wearing clothing but very hard to make out and yet he just walked over on his paws only swishing his tail about a bit before placing the plate down on the low level table.

Sitting down on the ground cross legged he noticed a big black dog sitting there panting. “Leela leave him to eat, come over here.” The fuzzy black dog whimpers before doing as she is told.

Gale reached for the knife and folk cutting into the chip seeing it wasn't mixed with hay and potato just potato, than put the folk on the cod to cut a piece off as well. Dipping them in he put into his beak enjoying the taste of it.

In the corner of Gale's eye just unnoticeable was a blue glow forming into Princess Luna who looked around in surprise.

All the sudden on the wooden flooring the sounds of clicked and clacked, turning his head the fuzzy form shift to Celestia smiling warmly to him as he smiled back. “Tea with two sugars right?”

“Yes mum! That how I always have it for dinner!”

The world around seem to fold back into the restaurant at the table he was sitting at chewing on the same food before swallowing, he got a silent look from three set of eyes. Gale looked around unsure why they were staring.

“Did we just hear him say mum?” Flash asked making sure he wasn't hearing things.

Gilda nods with a open beak. “Sid sou seach sim snother sord?” Trace asked Gilda reaching over pushing her beak up with a talon.

Gilda growled at him for it. “Do that again I break your beak got it!” He nods with a raise of the talons in surrender.

“Did you teach him that word?” Flash asked.

Gilda rubbed the underside of her beak. “I was trying to get him to say that first before my name with a few others.” Gilda still surprised but unsure of herself.

Trace rubbed his talon under his own beak. “S'I shink-” Gilda put her talon over his beak shutting him up.

Gale mimicked her growl but quietly looking annoyed.

“How about we eat, go back to your place and turn you back! I am not going to continuously translate what your saying!” Gilda spoke with verminous anger to Trace. “Got it!” Trace nods with a hard swallow gulp from the fury of anger in the golden eyes.

“Good!” Gilda let's go of his beak picking up the knife and folk to eat her lunch.

Gale was puzzled by Gilda's anger to Trace but it was getting to him, but his thoughts turn to Celestia and smiled warmly. “Mum...” He said again with happiness, he dived into the meal feeling proud he said another word.

Trace eating in silence looked over at Gale. 'He had another one of his past memory experiences like last time, but it seem he had a more pleasant one.' Trace thought recalling what he saw when Gale stared off into space before squawking and saying that one new word.

'I hope...' Trace last thought was before he continue to eat.

Gale finished off his meal licking his beak sitting back sighing with happiness, the waiter came to collect the plates and glasses. “I gather the prince is happy with his meal and service today?”

Gilda chuckled seeing the content cub. “With a look like that I say yes.” Gilda glance over to the waiter. “How come I haven't see Gustave?”

The waiter glance over to Trace. “He accepts anyone that follow the restaurant rules and pay for their meals but...”

“Macaw Griffon thing is it?” Flash asked to get a nod from her. “Wow, how can almost every griffon have such a grudge against one kind of sub-race of griffon.”

Gale content smile faded and growled loudly look at the waiter crossing his forelegs. “It j-” Gilda glance over to Gale. “Well it seem gale don't mind Trace at all. Not that I care, I still don-” Gale points to Trace and now staring at Gilda.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that and pointing at him?” Gilda asked.

Flash gave it a thought. “He wants you to apologise to Trace. I think...” Gale nods and look to the waiter. “You want Gustave le Grand to come?” He nods again.

The waiter bows. “Okay I'll get my boss!” She quickly leaves.

Gilda growls. “I am not going to say the words! I am sorry!” Gale grinned and Gilda saw what he did. “I just did didn't I?” Gilda slowly staying at Trace who also smiled.

“Are you kidding me!? I wasn't b-gah! Damn it you cub! Even without a word you got me to say it unintentional!” Gale laughed and so did the others.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Well played cub!” Gilda put her talon out to him and he clapped it with his.

“Le Prince wish to zee-” He turn to Trace. “Can we do this not here...” Trace shook his head crossing his forelegs. “Prince Gale I have nothing against customers paying their bills and enjoying their meals. I will not though be near-” Gale growled slightly mimicking Gilda's growl once more.

Pegasi, many of them guards off duty or on lunch break now turn their attention to the scene before them. “Mac-” Gale had a more annoyed look showing clearly. “We gr-” Gale beak raises slowly eyes narrow showing bearing teeth as he growled a bit lower.

Gilda stared at this scene playing out before her. “Gustave. I hate to say this and have a serious dislike to you. But I advise treating the Macaw Griffon as a griffon...” She hints to the many eyes watching.

She plays it into Gale's talons.

Gustave took a glance around from his field of sight looking at Trace. “I am... I am sorry for brushing you and any Macaw Griffons off as if your a outcast and not even a griffon...”

“S'I sccept sour spology snd shank sou.” Trace put his talon out to Gustave.

He stared at it for a second and looking over to the less anger Gale than back to the talon out stretched. Gustave placed his onto Trace's and they shook a few times before letting go. Gale smile returned with a brighten look in his eyes chirping happily.

One of the ponies spoke to another. “Did you see that?”

“Yeah! If Gustave le Grand can do that! I am sure to recommend this place to my cousin for theses meals.” The other one said.

The waiter looked around. “Boss...”

Gilda crossed her forelegs with a sly smirk. “Well Gustave it seem your ratings just gone up a few marks for that apology an shake of the talons. Who would of thought?” She chuckled.

Gustave le Grand didn't respond.

Trace pulled out the bag of bits and pulled out their meals cost and a bit more. “Shank sou snd sood say so sou Sustave se Srand.” Trace smiled getting up from the table with the others following.

Flash turn to Gustave. “I'll pass the word of your good will Gustave to the fellow Pegasus guards.” Gustave didn't respond as they all now went down the stairs and left the restaurant.

Finally he blinked a few times looking to his talon. “One act over looking le Macaw Griffon and my costumers are overly happy?” Gustave le Grand turn to the waiter. “I'll be in my office... Le Gustave need time to process what happened...” He slowly walked away.

The waiter using her magic cleaned up the plates, cuttrey and cups, she also picking up the bits. “Well that did happen and I sure won't forget that.” She looked out the window watching the group head away from the restaurant.

“Who would of thought a young griffon could do so much without a word spoken?”

On the way to the housing complex Gale trailed behind the adults lost in deep thought over the strange sudden dream he had, it felt as if he been in that room and the strange fuzzy bipedal being turning into Celestia was his real mum.

Yet this wasn't his main focus it was the black dog with the dark brown fur around the muzzle, Gale was able to see this dog perfectly as well knew she was a dog. Suddenly pieces of memories appeared before him, each were as a younger griffon but standing on his paws as if he only walked on them and not on talons too.

“She amazing mum! Leela! That we name her please!”

“Sure son.”

The puppy version of the dog yelping and licking his face. “Stop that tickles! Haha!”

Next piece was older Gale throwing a hoop shape disc high with Leela chasing it and him laughing.

But the next shift showed sitting on the mountain top tears falling, Gale wearing clothes. That what wasn't his focus it was on a folded photo of the dog he staring down at it and tears landing on it. Gale refold it putting it into the brown vest on his plush.

Gale stopped in his tracks blinking a few times seeing that the adults were just ahead, he quickly pulling the plush out of his bag. Reaching to the vest he fiddled his claws between it and the plush to find the folded paper, pulling it out between two of the claws staring at it with widen eyes.

Slowly taking it with his other talon and opening it to see the tear marked photo of the black Alsatian Leela. He knew her type of dog in a sudden of staring at the picture, she staring right into his own eyes with her dark brown eyes and large long pink tongue hanging out of her muzzle.

Gale tried to even comprehend how the flash dreams he thought they were only was very much real, it is the only answer came to mind staring at the polaroid photo of Leela. He tried to say the name but squawked, he tried again and again and again.

He growled staring at the photo. “Cub! Gale what the heck are you doing in the middle of the street squawking like that!?” Gilda had came back realising he wasn't with them, she stood before him.

Gale turn the photo around showing it and pointing at it with his claw squawking angrily, Gilda took it from him staring at the photo of the dog. “Where the heck did you get this from?” Gale point to his plush vest. “It was tucked in there?” He nods still growling.

“Seriously why are you so anger?” He point to his beak. “Are you trying to say the name of this dog?” He nods with furious anger.

Gilda looked at it and back at Gale. “That means this dog is... Yours?” He squawks in response and with each one getting louder.

Gale suddenly starts slapping both sides of his face many times squawking each time, Gilda instantly reacted by grabbing him pulling the young griffon into a embrace. “Chill Gale! Seriously chill!”

The teenager thrusting about squawking over and over again with Gilda fighting to keep him held in her embrace, is talons dug in slightly into her chest feathers. She grunted in pain but held him firmly in her grasp.

“GALE!” He suddenly stopped as Gilda screamed at him. “Chill! You need to chill! Going berserk isn't going to solve anything!” Gale listen to her words as if they sliced through the rage he had, he slowly looking up. “Chill...”

Gale buried his head into her chest feathers. “Gilda...” He whispered with tears soaking into her feathers.

Gilda sighed heavily letting him sob into her. “I am not good with this stuff... So just cry into my feathers okay?” He sniffed and softly cooed. “Geez... Not even a day...” Gilda muttered with a slight smile glad that she broke him out of.

Flash Sentry flew over to them landing. “What happened?”

“The cub is furiously frustrated. He tries to say other words but they not coming out as he really wants. So he lost his temper finally and I managed to break him out of it.” Gilda explained to Flash Sentry. “One of them to do with this photo, it seems to be his pet before everything-”

Flash quickly spoke up. “Whatever it is please do not continue.”

“Why?” Gilda raised an eye.

“I am a private ranked guard Gilda. I do not have the rank or clearance to know this stuff. Unless directly told by Princess Celestia, Luna or Captain Shining Armor, I can not know anything you discovered.” Flash explained to Gilda.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “That a fat lot of help. What if something happened to me? How would I get the information to them?”

Flash thought about it. “You brought up a very valid point. I'll have to ask the captain about that.”

“Fine... Whatever... Still saying it again. Fat lot of help...” She push Gale off her chest slightly. “Better?” He nods sniffing slightly. “Good, now put this back in your plush vest.” Gale takes it from her and fold the photo up putting it back in the vest of the plush.

Flash stood waiting for Gale to put the plush back in his bag. “I can lead the way to the housing complex.”

Gilda hated to say it and felt vulnerable. “Please...”

Flash was about to say something but Gilda's instant glare made him gulp.

“Don't ruin it.” Gilda sneered.

Flash nods. “Got it. This way!” Flash walks and the two griffons follow.

“It must have been that memory thing Trace spoke about in the restaurant.” Gilda whispered to herself. “Wish he could tell me...” Gilda came up with a idea as her eyes lit up seeing a supply shop.

Gilda stops in her tracks quickly turn to Flash. “Hey Sentry give me that bag of bits!”

He came to a stop turning around. “What for?”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Just give me that damn bag!”

Gale tilt his head wondering what Gilda is up to. “Okay... Here you go.” Flash throws it to her giving Gilda the benefit of the doubt.

Gilda catches it. “I'll be a few minutes, keep a eye on the cub.” Gilda walks into the supply shop.

Flash turn to Gale. “So... You okay Gale?” Gale nods a little. “Gilda helped ya huh?” He nods.

“Fair enough.” Flash look to the shop. “Do you at least have any ideas what Gilda up to?” He shrugs. “Guess your confused as I am.”

Gilda came out with a few bags in one talon. “Here the rest of the bits.” She toss the bag of bits to Flash.

He caught it with a wing, than fold the bag between his body and wing. “Thanks, what did you get exactly?”

Gilda look to her bags. “Stuff to help Gale.” Gilda replied. “Sentry lead the way once more if you can.”

“I can.” Flash smirked and walks. “Follow me.” He waved a foreleg.

About ten minutes later they arrive at the complex entrance with Trace being there already and waiting for them to show up. “Shere sid sou sll so?”

Flash points to Gilda and Gale with a wing. “Something they cannot share with me.”

“Sot sharing sith se shen?” Gilda and Gale look to each other for a second.

Gilda answers. “Yep not sharing.” Gale squawks in agreement.

Trace looked carefully between the too of him. Interesting... She even got supplies. I gather she going to teach him to improve his writing skills. Which summarise Gale's memory experience in the restaurant Gilda knows more about it than letting on. Trace thought.

“Sair snough.” Trace let it drop for now.

They approach the guards, the left raise a hoof. “This is for hospital staff only, visitors are only permitted either by advance notice or by said hospital staff.”

Flash Sentry stepped up. “Private Flash Sentry escorting Doctor Trace with Prince Gale and recently hired tutor Gilda of Griffonstone.” He spoke firmly to the fellow guards.

They instantly stood to attention realising Gale was standing by Flash Sentry. “Wow... Seriously wow.” Gilda stared in disbelief how they reacted in Gale's presence. “Sentry his just a teenager, you seriously can't expect these hard headed guards to act like this?”

“You got a point, but since he is at all purpose the son of Princess Celestia the title prince comes with the package.” Flash explained. “So as guards this can easily reflect on us back to Princess Celestia.”

Gilda scratched the side of her neck with a claw. “Yeah but he has no idea of using that title you dweeb.” Gilda points out to him.

Flash and the two gaurds now looked at each other, they turn to Gilda. “You have a valid fair point. I'll address this with Princess Celestia or Princess Luna next possible chance. Thank you Gilda.”

Gilda shrugged. “Just using my head since your not.” Gilda smirked.

The guards seem offended by that comment but Flash raise a wing to them. “She might be harsh but it true.”

“Fine...” They said together with a sigh.

The second guard look towards the colbolt blue griffon. “That Doctor Trace? Seriously going to believe a crazy griffon?”

Gilda grins. “Unless you have somegriff like me that can understand him fully.”

“How?”

“Griffon enough said dweeb.” Gilda walks by them into the complex, they watch only as each of them pass.

Flash salutes. “Carry on.”

“Right...” The first replied with a salute watching them all go up to the stair well heading up to the higher level of the housing complex.

A sound of wheels hitting the cobble surface catches their attention to turn at it. “State-” The guards instantly freeze up seeing who it was that landed. “Princess Luna!” They saluted.

Luna stood before them with her bat pony guards unhooking themselves from the chariot now standing beside her. “Thou request information.”

“Of course Princess, what do you wish to know?”

“Did Doctor Trace with our nephew come through here some time ago?”

The two guards looked at each other for a quick second. “They just went through and up to Floor six apartment 609 your highness. It the home of Doctor Trace.”

“Good.”

“One question...”

“Yes?”

“Why does he look like a griffon?”

Luna rolled her eyes unamused. “Read the dossier guards-stallion. He once were our sister's student, Trace has advance magical knowledge in transfiguration.”

The cogs ticked in their heads and finally they realised. “Oh...”

“Is there something thy must know?”

“Nothing your highness, everything been sorted.”

“Good, come Night Howler and Lunar Light.” One male and one female bat ponies saluted, they followed Luna through the checkpoint.

The two guards sighed heavily. “I thought our tails were cooked...”

“You me both...” The other said. “Let's read on all the medical staff after our shifts finished.

“Agreed...” The first nods and they went back to standing guard.

Trace and the others arrived at his apartment door. “Some sweet some srom some.” He reached up to the side of the door to find the hidden key missing. “Shat seird, she sey should se sere.”

The door suddenly opens and all four eyes are met with another standing at the entrance, sapphire blue eyes off a ginger anthropomorphic cat with her arms crossed wearing a tank top and head band with diamonds on it. Silver white hair pushed back and tied into a hair-band at the end.

“Hello my sweet husband good to see you home and that a good new look you got there.”

She leans down to him and kiss the blue griffon on the forehead before walking inside. “Don't just stand there come on in.”

“Husband!?” Gilda and Flash said with surprise but Gale casually walked in not sure why they looked so surprised or even understand it, he was curious about the bipedal cat he just met.

Trace scratched the side of his neck with a claw. “Shat she ss, song story short S'I-”

“Trace honey come here.” He walked in with the others behind gulping slightly.

“Ses sy-” She stamps on his claw with her paw foot causing him to scream out in pain.

She instantly open up a vile and throws the liquid in his mouth, Gale jumped back in surprise, Flash stood ready for a fight and Gilda just rolled her eyes. Instead Trace glows brightly and in a burst of stardust light the griffon was replaced by the silver mane colbolt blue unicorn.

Gale blinked a few times trying to understand how he was now a unicorn, the teenager knew he is one but never seen the changes from pony to griffon. Seeing this was giving him confused thoughts at what just presented itself before him.

Trace sat on his hunches rubbing his right forehoof with the other. “What the blazes was that for!?”

The cat closed the door walking by the dumbfounded group sitting down on the sofa with one leg over the other. “Simple my sweet love, saving everyone from your screeching whistling.” She chuckled lightly.

“No offence to the griffons but you have no subtle control over that whistling of yours. I know Macaws that are far more easier to listen to.” The Abyssinian bluntly stated.

“Harsh but true... So true.” Trace only could say to what his wife just said.

Gilda dropped the act she was putting on with a big cheeky smirk of her own. “How you been you crazy Gingernut!”

“What has it been? A year and a half Kitty?” The cat counted causing Gilda's smirk dropped with a half growl of annoyance her nickname was reviled.

“Kitty?” Trace asked and got a threatening growl from Gilda. “Okay I won't ask that any further!” He step back a bit. “But how do you know Amber Flare?”

Gilda put her bags down. “Since the cat out of the bag might as well tell them.”

Amber turn to Trace. “Why don't you make some drinks Trace since you know my hobby job already.”

Trace nuzzled her. “Gladly Amber, it good to have my magic back!” He hummed lighting up his horn to show the magic flowing from it as he walked to the open plan kitchen.

Flash looked at her curiously. “Have I seen you somewhere before? Now to think of it you seem familiar some how.”

Amber reached to her leg strapped pouch, opening it to pull out a wallet. Opening it up to show her picture on it with a badge. “Sweet Celestia! Your a SCUAS!”

Gale tilt his head in confusion. “It stands for Special Crime Unit Against Scammers.” Gilda stated the full title.

“I use to be a griff that knew how to get information from other giffons for required bits with them keeping their big beaks shut. I worked with Amber till about a year and half ago and give the information the griffons told me to Amber to sort out those scammers.” Gilda explained.

Amber took a cup from Trace as he sat back down and everyone else did too, Gale gulped his drink down in no time at all. “It was only time and again thing but it worked. Till it came to the Flim Flam Brothers, some griffon sold out the name Kitty to them and they not only packed up shop but gave back all the bits they scammed from ponies.”

“Luckily by name only, none figured out it was me taking the bits and paying griffons for information for Amber.”

“That was all me on that part. I couldn't let Gilda get into that kind of trouble.” Amber responded.

Gilda huffed. “The brothers basically turn tail and ran off to another part of Equestria, they not been seen on the east coast. Right?”

“Indeed. Still... I wonder what those brothers are up to now.” Amber drunk her drink putting the cup down. “It seem our little business arrangement ended that day didn't it?”

“Well you the one that ended it for my own safety. I pretty much hate owning you for that.”

“And you still do.” Amber chuckled lightly.

“Tell me about it Gingernut.” Gilda said.

Trace tap the end of his muzzle glad to feel hoof to muzzle once again. “So you had an interesting business arrangement between you two.”

Amber rubbed her hand paw over his mane. “That right Trace.” He used his magic to zap her in response causing her to yelp.

“Ruffly my mane you get zapped.”

“Yep and glad to see you got your magic back sweet pea.” Amber laughed and Trace joined her.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Your staying here in Canterlot too? I gather.” She crossed her forelegs.

Amber put her arm around Trace. “Of course, I love my cobalt blue unicorn too much to not be apart.” She kissed him on the muzzle.

“Phtttp!” Gale blow a raspberry at them.

Amber let go of Trace jumping off the sofa landing in front of Gale kneeing down to him. “Don't like kissing do you?” Gale stuck out his tongue showing disgust to the kissing.

“It okay for your mum to kiss you?” He thought for a second but nods. “Kissing you on the forehead correct?” He nods again.

“Your such a critic.” She rubbed her hand paw over his feathered head getting a laugh from him as he pushed her hand paw away. “Oh your not getting away from me.” Amber laughed as he tried to run.

She scooped him up and putting her arm around his body, his forelegs over them struggling to get free as she rubbed her knuckle gentling against his feathered head.

Gale laughing as he continue to kick his hind legs and try to pull himself free without digging his claws into her furry arm. Flash took a photo of the scene before them. He, Trace and Gilda laughing too.

The door suddenly opens, the laughter comes to a dead stop all eyes on the door and Luna stood looking right at Amber with her horn glowing blue. Gale waving happily best he could at Luna unphased by the look Luna had, but not seen by Amber.

The Abyssinian only hope the Princess of the Night is in a talkative mood...

Coming off the tip of her tongue...

“Well... This is awkward...”

Luna narrowed her eyes walking in with the guards, Amber look to each of them. “Right plan B.” She put her hand paw into the leg strap pouch, pulling out her wallet to show her SCUAS badge and ID.

Night Howler and Lunar Light eyes fell upon it, they instantly stood attention with a hoof up in salute. “Ma'am!”

Luna looked to her right and left, the magic fades as confusion sets in. “What thy doing?”

Amber put down Gale and he ran up to Luna giving her a hug, she returns in hesitating slightly. “Princess, that Abyssinian is an SCUAS officer. She is one of twelve in whole of Equestria.”

“And that is?” Luna asked while she hugged her nephew.

Gilda answered. “Princess Luna that stands for; Special Crime Unit Against Scammers.”

“We do not follow...”

“Simple put it I have a rank that rivals captain of the guard, without being part of the royal guard.” Amber explained.

Luna blinked. “Is this true?”

“Yes princess.” The two guards said together.

Luna sighed. “Something our sister failed to mention.” Luna look down to Gale. “We gather thy happiness means all is well?” Gale nods happily and point to Gilda.

“Gilda!”

Luna stared for a second. “We heard thy spoke a word but hearing it is something that is delightful to hear.”

Amber crossed her arms. “I gather you are here mainly for Doctor Trace about Gale?”

“Yes we are and now looking at thou, we must say thy look-”

“Don't go there Princess. I knew of your past and you seem to figure out my past timeline. Leave it at that.” Amber gave Luna glare.

Luna glared back. “We only-”

“I know, you know. Leave it.” Amber warned.

Trace stepped up beside Amber. “My wife Amber I've told about you via letter Princess Luna. My guess you know something from your long time away about Amber. It be best to drop that matter at hoof unless you like to see what an really angered Abyssinian can do even to an Alicorn.”

Luna's horn lights up. “Threat us and we will act!”

“Not a threat a promise.” Amber flex one hand paw showing claws drawing out from them. “My past, your past. We both have pasts we do not want the other to have overshadow each other so... Leave it.”

Luna released her magic. “We see.” Luna move away from Gale. “Guards and Royal Specialist Abyssinian keep an eye on Gale.” Luna look to Gilda and Trace. “We, Gilda and Trace has something to speak of in private.”

“Huh? Just like that?” Amber retracted her claws.

“Just like that.” Luna said without another word to her.

“Go in the lab, it has an magical proofing system that can easily be adapted to shield out sound.” Amber point to the thick open door. “Just don't mess around with my husband's stuff in there unless you want a repeat of what he went through.”

Gale tilt his head. “Gilda?”

“It fine cub, I am sure Amber got something to keep you busy with while we chat.” Gale now turn to the two bat ponies curiously walking around them.

Night Howler slitted eyes followed Gale as he seem to look up and down at their bodies. “Your highness?” He said with some nervousness.

Luna, Trace and Gilda walk into the lab.

Amber hummed. “If I am to gather this is Gale's first time seeing a pair of Thestrals-” The door closes and casting the spell Luna cuts all audioable sounds from outside the lab she, Trace and Gilda stood in.

Gilda looked around. “Wow you are a total geek!”

Trace sat down. “This apartment is one of six in the complex that has a built in lab attached to it, Princess Celestia set me up with this so I could continue to work on ways to help Gale as well find those that did that horrendous transfiguration spell on him.”

Gilda stood by a free part of the wall, standing on her paws with forelegs crossed. “Good on you, cause if I find them first I will claw them to pieces.” She flexed her talons. “Princess Celestia told me everything about Gale...” She look down taking a deep breath.

“From the look you had I thought she has.” Trace replied. “But recent developments about a very powerful caster might not been the case in my early assessment.”

Luna raise an eye. “Please tell.”

Trace using his magic pulled out his lab coat from the bag placing it down on a empty part of the lab table. “This was torn to pieces through my transfiguration from pony to griffon, also the magic surge teleported me to the outskirts of the city.”

“Thy reactivated the spell!?”

Gilda glared over at Luna.

Trace explained about the spells and potion he used to link up them with the feather, the poison joke acting as the final push to trigger it. “-that is when I became a griffon through a quite memorable transfiguration in the most painful way possible.”

“One potion your back to normal, if it that simple why not give it to the cub?” Gilda asked.

Trace turn to her. “It not so simple my griffon friend.”

“Not your friend.” Gilda instantly responded.

Trace sighed. “Fine... Gilda. The potion is made out of a mixture of chemicals, herbs and a bit of Poison Joke. I won't go into the detail of all of it but safe to say it can cancel out any mishap spells or potions.”

Gilda stood on her paws leaning against the wall with her forelegs crossed, her tail twitching left and right. “Yet your little haywire spell reactivated that crazy spell that was cast on Gale with that Poison Joke stuff.”

Trace rubbed a hoof under his snout. “Hmm... Valid point Gilda. I will have to keep a eye on myself of the next week to see if there is any lingering side effects.”

Luna spoke up. “This is interesting and all but the findings thou found about the transfiguration spell.”

“That is true.” Trace using his magic to pick up a white board pen, he starts writing on the plain white board. “The magic increased in power because of a build up circuit.”

Gilda looked at the diagram. “If I am understanding that right, it endlessly loops till the spell is cast. That would mean a massive build up!”

Luna stared at it with her eyes following each one of the arrows. “Gilda is correct and also if thy replace them with artefacts specificity made for transfiguration spells, the spell would go well beyond our own level of magic.”

Gilda slowly turn her gaze to Luna. “That could be anyone with level of understanding of that kind of spell and artefacts. Your search for this creep just went up.”

“Indeed, this makes the challenge of finding this creep as thou call it far more trickier than one thought it would be.”

Trace adds a point to the theory. “Princess Luna this is one of the newest likely theories since it came with a particle accident on my part, yet the other still can stand ground.”

Gilda frowned at the two. “Two possible things about what happened to Gale, whoopy Doopy Do!” Gilda drop down on all fours. “If that all I'm out of here.” Gilda walk to the door.

Luna spoke out. “There is one more, it what Gale remembered.”

Gilda turn to Princess Luna. “A black dog right? I know about it, he got a picture of it inside the vest of that plush toy of his.”

“Photo?” Both of them looked very surprised.

“Yes photo! Gale got very upset not able to tell me it's name!” Turn around to them. “I had to calm him down as he got into a furious rage.”

Luna recalled the name in the memory flash back that played out as a dream. “We know of said name it's-” Gilda was upon her so quickly the motion caused many of the vials to rattle and papers to fly around landing all over the place.

Gilda had placed both talons over Luna's snout glaring into her own eyes only a few feet away. “I! DO! NOT! WANT! TO! KNOW!”

Luna used her magic to grab Gilda, pulling her talons free from the snout lifting the griffon trying to break free from the magical grasp. “Thy dare to assault us!?”

“Please! If I wanted to assault you I could of clawed your neck out right that moment!” Gilda countered. “I was shutting you up from telling me that dog's name!”

“Thy cou-”

“Speak normal for Grover's sack! I am not here to listen to some stage performance from a Princess!” Gilda interrupted Luna.

Luna sneered. “This is the royal we that spoken to the subjects!”

Gilda shouted back. “Oh in a million years ago! You fossil!”

“Fossil!? Thy-”

“SPEAK NORMAL!” Gilda roared causing Luna to flinch and let go of Gilda.

Trace saw how Gilda broke Luna's hold on her by roaring. “Interesting...” He whispered watching the exchange continue.

Gilda lands on her paws with talons out ready for a fight seeing that Luna now looked very ticked off. “You dare speak to me in such a manner!? I will show you the power from the Princess of the Night!”

Gilda gave a sly smirk lowing her forelegs seeing she got Luna to speak without the Royal We. “And there we go, that wasn't so hard was it? Dweeb.” Gilda land on her talons standing on fours now not even ready to defend herself.

Luna anger vanished as she stood straight with a confused look. “What?”

“Your speaking normal you dummy and plus... Your still recovering from your long vacation.” Gilda said with confidence. “Just like a cunning griffon that I am, I baited you in.”

Luna took time to process what Gilda just did, suddenly it clicked. “You played u-me... I never been played in such a way but other than my sister...” Luna stared at Gilda. “Cunning? Maybe. Stupid? Maybe also. Played me in speaking not with the royal we. Surprisingly caught me off guard. Well played.”

Gilda frowned at the words Luna spoke of about her. “Riiiggghht.... I'll try not to take that as a insult.”

“Take that as evening the score, you did grab my snout and shouted at me. So take my insults as you call it as pay back.”

“I guess that fair... I think...” Gilda scratched the side of her feathered neck rather confused.

Trace watched this from the side lines. “Impressive and impulsive. Got to say I never thought I see anything like this play out in my lab. But interesting to say the least.”

They both glared at him causing him to gulp. “M-m-mov-moving on!” Trace got his composer back.

Trace used his magic to pick up to empty cups filled them up with water from the sink and give them to Gilda and Luna. “Now with this spat between mares-”

“Mares?”

“Do you like me to call you a chi-”

“Nope!” Gilda shook her head. “Even that the current term, female or mare be better than that.” Gilda quickly said.

Trace cleared his throat. “As I was saying... The spat between mares is done, shall we move to the subject about how Gale had a photo of a dog on his plush all this time and how he knew it's name?” Luna and Gilda looked annoyed but let this one slide.

Luna thought about it. “She, the dog a she and I believe something might of happened to her. When sensing his feelings, he felt sad.”

Gilda agreed. “I saw the tear stain on the photo, it dried in but it there. He didn't show it exactly when I embraced him to calm him down from his anger outburst.”

“Furious anger and sadness over a loving pet...” Trace walked back and forwards, Gilda drunk her water and Luna did too as they watch him paste. “Gale aware of lose of a love one... The best way to move on from it is either keep his mind off it, help him to move on with this new sad memory he now has or get him a new dog that look very similar to the one he lost.”

Luna thought about Celestia's pet. “What about a phoenix?”

“Can you get a black phoenix?” Gilda raise an eye. “Also aren't we rushing this?”

“Possibly we are Gilda but also we are dealing with a very complex griffon that the mind is a mix of youth to teenager years.” Trace brought up the point about Gale. “Didn't it take you less than a day to learn two words?”

“Two words? I thought he only knew to speak of your name?” Luna questioned.

Gilda smiled. “He learned to say mum.”

Luna eyes widen mouth half open trying to ask. “Yep it towards Princess Celestia even he said it at me.” Luna recalled the fuzzy bipedal being shift into Celestia. “Now you got one up on your sister.”

“That I have, thank you Gilda you may go.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “About time!” Gilda walk to the door. “Make sure not to talk like an idiot too Princess.” Gilda opening it and left the lab closing the door behind.

Luna grumbled under her breath before turning her focus to Trace.

“Doctor Trace I couldn't let Gilda know what else I discovered.”

“Why not tell me when she was in the room?” He gave a questionable look.

“Because I need this to keep to few others as possibly can and you reactivating that spell means you are closer to finding where it came from than anyone else.” Luna said in a serious tone of voice.

Trace sighed. “Fine, but if this get way out of hoof I will report this to your sister, the accident I caused might not be so lucky on my part.”

“One thing for sure that Gilda brought up about the potion and the Poison Joke, it tend to bite you in the back side without you knowing about it.” Trace warned Luna. “It will take time to run tests on myself and track this magic.”

“Time isn't something we have Doctor Trace.”

Doctor Trace shook his head. “With this type of magic. I think time is something we have plenty of.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“It still faintly in the air all over the city and the mountain and I think... “ Doctor Trace shook his head.

“No I now know that this magic on the opposite side of the spectrum has always been around this mountain...”

Luna eyes widen. “That impossible! We would of knew there was another form of magic around the mountain!”

“I know Princess Luna... I can not explain how it all around us and not interfering with our magic like Gale, his accessories and the plush...” Trace rubbed the sides of his head.

“But right now I can feel it in the air, ever since I was turned into a griffon I been feeling it all around us.” Trace moved his front hooves around the room.

Luna looked to the door. “Can Gale?”

“I believe so...” Trace mouthed the words again and again.

“Doctor Trace?”

Two words escaped his snout.

“Oh buck...”

Gilda slept blissfully on the bed with one hind leg hanging out of the bed sheets to the side of the bed, her head resting sidewards on a pillow with her talons around another hugging it close to herself. The blissful sleep soon can to a end when the feeling of being watched came to her, groaning with one eye opening.

“Okay who's in the house and looking over me?” Gilda groggily spoke out with a big yawn sitting up with the sheets falling off her body, wings opening and closing as she flex the muscles slightly.

“Gilda!” Came the happily chippy sound of Gale.

Gilda turn to the end of the bed. “Gale wha-” She begins with a irritable voice but soon cut herself off by what she saw. He hovering at the end of the bed with a food tray.

On it was a streaming pile of pancakes with whip-cream on it with a cherry on top, beside it was two buttered toast and a hot cup of tea with a jug of milk, syrup and bowl of sugar. Including cuttery and a spoon. “Okay I must be dreaming...”

Gilda rubbed her eyes and open them again to see Gale still hover before her with a big warm smile still present. “You seriously came all the way to give me breakfast?”

“Indeed he did.” Sergeant Blue Star spoke walking into view. “I see you turned the bed around, Twilight Sparkle had it with her head closer to the windows.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “What Purple had in this place is not my concern, if this is going to be home from home than I will do whatever I like okay?”

He shrugged. “Doesn't bother me ma'am. Just saying how I remember seeing this place when coming here to bring her to Princess Celestia at times.”

Blue Star look up at the ceiling. “There a study desk upstairs for you to eat at.”

Gilda lifted her forelegs up stretching them. “Since you two did bring me breakfast I won't give you guys the kick for breaking in.”

Gale tilted his head and look to the entrance. “I do not know your aware, but you've kinda left the door wide open.” Blue Star stated.

Gilda groans. “Alright you win pony. Let's go upstairs and I'll chow down.” He salutes and wave Gale to follow.

Upstairs Gale sat by the massive hourglass reading a book he picked up about the Elements of Harmony and the Mare in the Moon, ever so often looking out the window to Canterlot Castle. Gilda sat at the study table cutting into the pancakes, she took a bite out of it and eating with amazing look on her face she swallowed.

A explosive of flavour she tasted from the pancakes. “Sweet Grover these are amazing!”

“Princess Celestia made them.” Blue Star informed Gilda.

“She did?” He nods. “Another surprise on the Celestia list.” Gilda look to the next piece and put it into her beak happily eating it.

“Mum!” Gale said happily.

Gilda looked over to him and her mind decided to replay the night before.

Gilda, Gale, Luna and Flash Sentry walk into the throne room, Celestia, Cadance and Shining Armor waiting for them at the bottom of the throne steps. “I gather things went while in the city?”

“Pretty much, got to have a good time surprisingly, met a cat that works for ya and married to a unicorn that turned himself in a griffon that we helped got him home and fixed up. So it pretty much fine.” Gilda shrugged without a care.

“Hello Gilda, I am Cadance it finally nice to meet you.” Cadance walked up to her.

Gilda gave her a raised eye. “So your the crazy Alicorn that got that file of cute little ol' me?”

“Indeed, I am happy that you are just as I thought be right for the job to help my cousin Gale out.”

“No biggy, Candy.” Gilda smirked. “Also got him to say another word now.”

“Candy? And you did?” Cadance seem confused by the nickname given by Gilda but questioned it and the second word.

Gilda turn to Gale. “Go to Sunshine Gale and surprise her.”

Celestia raise an eye as she watched Gale step up to her and look up. “Mum!” He squawked happily.

Celestia eyes widen with tears falling. “Y-Yo-”

“Mum!” He squawked out again with a big smile.

Shining Armor and Cadance stared in disbelief but Celestia grabbed Gale with her wings and wrap her forelegs around him nuzzling the teenager with tears falling still. “Oh my Gale! You called me mum! I am so happy!”

Gilda blinked a few times and shook her head before going back to eating her pancakes and drinking her tea. “Stupid brain making me see that sappy stuff again.” She muttered in her thoughts.

After finishing her meal Gilda walked over to the two bags pulling out a A4 size pad of lined paper with quills, pencils, rubbers and ink wells. Gale lower the book down he was reading and watched Gilda with an curious gaze at all the stuff she was pulling out.

Blue Star using his magic picked up the breakfast tray. “I'll take this to the maids. Private Cherry Delight is just outside. I be back shortly.” Blue Star walks off down the steps and out of the house.

Gilda rolled her eyes as she put the gear down on the study desk. “Ponies and their really weird cheesy names.”

Gale put the book down on the stand he found it walking over to the study desk. “Gilda?”

“Asking about what all this stuff for right?” Gale nods. “I'm going to teach you to write.”

Gale eyes showed a spark of delight. “Hehe thought that spark your attention. Now for today I am going to show you the lower case and cap letters, each one you will watch me write and you will repeat each of them keeping inside the lines.” Gilda open the note book up pointing to it with her talon.

“Got it?” He nods.

“Good.” Gilda open up a ink well dipping the quill tip in it. “See how I hold the quill?” He watched intently. “Now watch how I write with it.” He continues to obverse as Gilda writes down each letter in the alphabet. “A... B... C...”

Suddenly something clicked with Gale as Gilda continue to write each letter down in both cases, he KNEW these letters, the Ponies writing with a form of wavy lines that he even understood. Gale quickly reach into his side bag to pull out the plush and look at the tag.

But what he saw at the tag wasn't those letters he seen clearly before but now a strange set of symbols, somehow he knew exactly what those symbols said but he knew they won't like that before. Closing his eyes thinking hard he pictured the tag before seeing the symbols again, opening his eyes the young griffon was very confused.

“Hey!” He snapped out of it turning to Gilda. “How about you pay attention to the Griffish lettering!” Gale rubbed the back of his cooing in confusion. Gilda rolled her eyes. “You want me to write this gibberish on the page too?”

Gale tilt his head pointing to it and point away. “What exactly are you trying to tell me cub?”He groans, pointing to her and showed one finger afterwards. “Are you asking me about this tag I saw in Ponyville?”

He nods. “Gale it doesn't change into words you like it to become, it doesn't work like that.” Gilda explained and that summed up a surprise to Gale, the letters to her was always these symbols. “Here let me have your Plush and write the tag symbols down okay?”

Gale nods giving it to her, Gilda wrote it down between them lines. “This will be here on this page so you can look at it anytime you like and try to write this stuff okay?” He nods again. “Happy?” She finished and he happily nod even he was still confused how they wasn't the Griffish lettering.

“Now can we continue?” Gale got his plush back and he hummed happily with an third nod in a row. “Good now watch and you do afterwards with a pencil.”

Gale intently watched once more still in passive thought about how words both were understandable, right and wrong. The big confusing question was how can all three be correct?

Gilda put the quill down. “You watched how I held the quill and wrote it down between the lines?” Gale nods. “Go and pick up the pencil and show me, cub.”

Gale took hold the pencil holding it between two claws and the thumb pressing on it the other side. “That good now below my letters write exactly as I showed ya.”

Gale's talon shook as the tip of the pencil tip to the paper, feeling very anxious. Gilda saw this placing her own talon over his, he look to her's pressing gentle over his. “Don't need to freak out Gale, you won't get this right off the mark.” Gilda let go of his talon.

“Now give it a try.” Gale gulped in response to Gilda's words but taking a deep breath and blowing out he press the pencil tip down on the paper to attempt the letter A.

Gilda watched him attempt it. “Messy and shaky but a good first time.” As Gilda watched another thought of night before came to mind.

“Seriously Blue Hooves, if I at this moment not even bothered where I be staying at. I would just not even bother with this place.” Gilda looked back at the spiral staircase she and Shining Armor just tracked up.

Shining looked down the stairs himself holding up the key with his magic. “At least you can fly up and down them. I got to walk back down.”

“How many more flights of stairs we got to climb?”

“About another two full turns.”

Gilda growled. “Oh for pony feathers sack! We going by air!”

Shining Armor quickly turn in alarm. “No I-Ah!”

Gilda grabbed him by the waist locking her talons together with a few strong flaps Shining Armor was lifted up in the sky. After a few seconds of flight time Gilda place him down by the door, she proudly landing beside him. “Now we here.”

“Y-yes gah...” Shining Armor's white fur around his face showed a sickly tint of green as he put a hoof to his snout trying not to throw up.

Gilda quickly step to the side as he open the door with the key rushing inside for the toilet. “Captain of the guard and he can't handle a few seconds of flight? What a light weight...” Gilda shook her head walking inside to get a good look around.

“Geeky but a place a place to crash at, right Blue Hooves?”

Shining Armor step out of the door with the toilet flushing. “Urg... I really hate flying.” He whizzed.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say dweeb.” Gilda yawned. “So this Purple's home?”

“Yep it is.”

“I can really see how.” Gilda chuckled. “Well if you don't mind. I like to have a shower or even a bath than crash out.”

Shining Armor nods. “Fair enough, I'll leave the key here by the bed stand. Also leave the door open so the guard can drop off your stuff.”

Gilda waved dismissively. “Sure thing Blue Hooves and night.”

“Goodnight.” Shining saluted, he turn and leaves the house still feeling quizzy.

Gilda looked at the bed. “First thing I am going to do is move that bed around...”

A squawk snapped her out of her thoughts of last night. “Just zoned out, cub. Don't need to worry.” Gilda stated. “Now let see what you done.” Gilda looked at the attempts. “Keep it up Gale.”

Gale went back to attempting to write and keep between the lines like Gilda did, but it kept going over with it being very shaky and messy. For the next few hours that past Gale tried to match Gilda's writing but always coming up being a shaky large lettering mess.

Gale put the pencil down rubbing his eyes, followed up twisting the wrist around a few times flexing his right talon. “Gets to ya, doesn't it cub?” Gale look down at his right talon feeling the strain in the muscles under the scales.

“Let's take a break.” Gilda walked up to the large window looking out to the castle. “Quite the view Purple had here.”

Gale looked over to Gilda and the view, he hummed slightly. Gale thought back to the name of the dog and turning a page he wrote large, messy and shaky the name.

Gilda noticed Gale coming over with the note book., she took it from him. “Guess you really wanted me to know that dog's name didn't ya.” Gale nods.

“Lee-la... Leela... Is that what you wrote?” Gale squawks in reply with a big smile on his beak.

Gilda stared at the letters on the paper, they suddenly shimmered with a blue white light. “What the heck was that?” She rubbed her free talon over it feeling nothing out the norm. “Must of been the li-” Gilda rose her head.

She shrieked with eyes shirking to pinpricks quickly flapping her wings to push back till Gilda had her back to the glass, before her own eyes was the dog but transparent with a bluish white light around the edges and phasing through it.

Gilda shakily points at it. “Gale look to your right!” Gale turn to his right to see nothing, he look back at her with a confused tilt of his head. “You can't see that ghost dog!?”

Gale rubbed his head in confusion.

Gilda eyes still pinpricks with her feathered face paled in colour watched the black dog bark happily wagging her tail before getting up on all fours walking to the study table. She lean down sniffing under it before turning back to Gilda barking a few more times.

Gilda had hold of the book still and threw it at the ghost dog, it faded out of existence before the book hit where it was. Landing on the ground. Gale picked it up still unsure why Gilda was acting so strangely.

Gilda slid to sitting on her flank breathing heavily with a talon on her chest. “Wh-what the blazes was that!?”

Gale looking around the place very confused by Gilda's freak out. “You seriously didn't see your dog Leela as a ghost!?” He tilted his head unsure what this ghost was or the word. “You don't know what a ghost is do you?” Gale chipped with a scratch to the side of his face.

Gilda still very freaked out what she saw got up on all fours. “You saw nothing?” He nods. “I can't believe that I was the only one to see that!” Gilda raised her voice. “That thing was too real to be just my imagination!”

Blue Star walked up the stairs. “I'm back! How things?”

Gilda squawked in alarm, Blue Star raise an eye. “Oh hi Blue Star I just saw a ghost dog! Oh that would put me in a crazy slammer faster than I can say dweeb and dork twenty times!” Gilda's thoughts raced.

Gilda had to act fast to recover.

“Things good! Just dandy!” Gilda quickly said realising that speaking about what she only witnessed would make her look like a mad griffon. “I just erm...” Gilda looked around quickly.

Blue Star suspiciously looked at the half panicking griffon.

She recalled the dog looking under the study table. “I lost something under the desk that all!” Gilda went to the study table leaning down to look under it to find a book. “Oh you got to be bucking me...” Gilda hissed under her breath reaching out to it and grabbing the book.

Gale blinked a few times. “Gilda?” He whispered with a puzzled look.

Opening it she saw a library stamp card on the inside of the hard back copy of the book. “It look like Twilight Sparkle had borrowed this from the library.” Blue Star looked over Gilda's shoulder.

Blue Star decided to let drop what he saw, to him Gilda might be embarrassed to be seen teaching Gale to write in front of others.

Gale ears perked up at the sound of the library, he bouncing up and down before flying around close to the high ceiling. Gilda watched him flying around with excitement. “I'll deal with whatever that was later...” Gilda muttered.

“Ma'am you said something?” Blue Star turn his head from watching Gale to looking at Gilda.

Gilda closed the book up. “We going to the library.”

Gale squawked happily and dived down to give Gilda a hug showing his thanks.

Gilda look down growling at the teenager. “I... Don't... Do... Hugs!”

Gale looked up shaking his head and kept hugging her. “Urg... Your a pain you know that?” Gale nods letting go of Gilda hovering by her.

Gilda rolled her eyes placing the book in the empty bag followed by the pencils, quills, ink wells and the note book. Gilda paused for a second opening it to the messy written name, she closed it up and put it in the bag.

Blue Star walked down the stairs and Gale flew down them, Gilda took the key off the table placing it under her wing.

She stared at the spot last saw the transparent Leela. “Why did I see her and he didn't?” Gilda shivered. “I seriously need to talk to Princess Celestia about this...”

“Gilda?”

Gilda decided to deal with it later. “I'm coming you impatient dweeb!”

Princess Celestia standing on the balcony using her magic to lower the sun while her sister on another tower balcony used her magic to raise the moon. Celestia had just finished reading up on the report filed by Sergeant Blue Star about the days activity and progress of Gale with Gilda's teaching.

Celestia turn to exit the balcony when she suddenly had a feeling of something directly behind her. “Hello Gilda.” Celestia didn't turn staring into the reflection of the glass now seeing Gilda. “I heard you've done good with Gale today."

"Blue Star's report said that Gale had an great time in the library, reading comics and books, learning to write from you. I am happy with what I am seeing." Celestia said with a slight smile but it soon vanished. "She here for another reason than to hear my praise." Still not turning to face Gilda.

“Dweeb we need to talk!” Gilda lands on the balcony.

Celestia turn around. “Gilda is there something bothering you?”

Gilda growled lowly flaring her wings. “Yes very and we need a serious chat you dweeb!”

Celestia's horn glowed. “Very well, we shall take this somewhere private.”

The balcony vanished before Gilda's eyes to find herself in a large study with a set of cushions beside a fireplace, Celestia lit the fireplace with her magic lying down on one of the cushions. “Cozy...” Gilda muttered.

“Well this is my private study afterall and we far enough from Gale's room to not disturb him or for a young curious mind to listen in on our conversation.” Celestia said keeping so ever calm to Gilda.

Gilda walked up to her standing on top of the other cushion glaring at her. “Fine we alone and we can talk!”

“That is correct, now what got you very upset all the sudden?” Celestia's horn flashed for a second but Gilda too anger to even notice Celestia just cast a spell.

Gilda growled. “I've been keeping this pent up all day long! Every since that damn dog of Gale's appeared as a ghost before my damn eyes!” Gilda point to her eyes with her claws.

Celestia raise an eye. “Dog of Gale's? A ghost? I haven't heard or even read a report on any such thing.”

Gilda pulled her head back a little with surprise. “Seriously? Luna didn't tell ya?”

“No, she failed to mention this to me. This is the first I heard of this.” Celestia ruffled her wings a bit with her shell cracked as she stared in total confusion. “Please continue...”

Gilda rubbed her forehead. “Urg... This isn't exactly what I had in mind.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Tearing you a new one and screaming in your face how annoyed I am.”

“Hmm... I see. Very well scream away.” Celestia cast a silence spell through out her study. “Now no one can hear us.”

Gilda became very irritated. “ROAR!” She roared out.

“Gale wrote his first word and it was Leela!

“His dog from the past!”

“He has a photo in the vest of that plush of his!”

“And to top it all off when I held that book and looked at the writing it shimmered for a second!”

“Then wham that dog was there before me as a see through freaky thing!”

“She had this weird bluish white aura around her too!”

“She barked and showed me where that damn book was!”

“Tell me how that even possible!?”

“How the heck does a ghost of his dog appear out of no where like that!?”

“Then soon I threw the book at it poof it was gone! Not seen yet!”

Gilda breathing in and out after shouting at Celestia flaying her forelegs around, opening her talons pointing about and taking out the book showing the written poorly made words. Celestia listened to everything she had said letting her vent out and a few of the things stood out for the princess.

“Feeling better?” Celestia calmly asked.

“I little but a bit tired...” Gilda muttered.

Celestia's speaks about what Gilda just said. “The ghost dog appeared when Gale wrote her name in the book and you held it with a blue light on the paper?” Celestia took the book with her magic looking at the word an Gale's attempt at Griffish.

“Yes! That what I said you dweeb!”

“And vanished soon as you let go off the book?”

Gilda flapped her wings a few times screaming out at Celestia. “YES! THAT WHAT I SAID YOU STUPID PONY!”

Celestia now showed a sense of anger. “Stupid pony? Have you forgot what I did in Ponyville or the fact under contract you work for me.”

“No and I am not taking it back!” Gilda sat on her flank crossing the forelegs turning her head away looking out at the fireplace, the embers flickering.

“Very bold... Not many would directly talk to me like that, it been centuries since King Guto's time since I had anyone act on impulse. Interesting yet it could be a dangerous mix, something to keep a eye on.”

“But Gilda has brought up a very important matter that this can easily be overlooked.”

Celestia took a deep breath and breathed out slowly. “Gilda I also had a similar experience.”

Gilda's eyes shift to Celestia slowly turning her head to the princess. “What?”

“Gale drew me a drawing.” Celestia closed her eyes and the picture appeared before her. “This is the drawing.”

Gilda took it from the magic grasp. “He drew this?”

“Yes.”

“And you saw a ghost dog?”

Celestia shook her head. “No, the room vanished and I stood in a storm of bluish white aura, couldn't see what was beyond it. Soon as I let go of the drawing and since then nothing happens.”

Gilda ran her talon over the drawing. “I gather Gale didn't see anything?” Celestia shook her head. “Wow this talk really got weird all the sudden...” Gilda yawns slightly.

“Indeed.” Celestia turn to the flames. “He loves to draw...”

Gilda frowns feeling a bit sleepy. “I don't get it, how is a drawing that made you see weird bluish white aura cloud and a ghost dog connected?”

Celestia kept looking at the flames. “Four.”

“What?”

“Four things connect the drawing and writing together.” She put them side by side in front of Gilda.

“One; he drew and wrote this with intense feeling.”

“Two; they both shimmered with whitish blue aura.”

“Three; we both saw something very odd and disturbing.”

“And finally four; both the aura cloud and the ghost dog as you call it vanished from us throwing or dropping said items, Gale never saw any of it.”

Gilda took the drawing again holding it against the other page of the book as she looked at both of them. “Okay you've got a solid point on those connections...”Gilda looked over to Celestia still never letting her eyes shift from staring in the fireplace flames.

“How the heck is Gale doing this? I know the whole too perfect griffon thing but somehow using magic? That going one step too far.” Gilda yawned again with a free talon over her beak.

“Is it?” Celestia now made eye contact turning her head to Gilda. “You also know there a form of magic in him that interferes with my own and many others magic. Also all life has magic including you.”

Gilda had to think about what Celestia just said. “Okay I get that but how does that explain what we both saw?”

“It doesn't...” Celestia sighed. “One last thing I just thought of, he sees me as a mother and he sees you as... Well I am not sure, it not a friend that for sure, teacher... Maybe... Curious...” Celestia tapping her hoof on the muzzle in thought.

“What?”

“Sorry I have to think about this. But you look really tired”

“Huh? Yeah I do feel dog tied... This just been one heck of a stressful day...” Gilda yawned loudly with tears forming, she wiped the tears away.

Celestia gave her the book back. “Do you like me to teleport you back to your home?”

Gilda laid back on the cushion. “Sure... Whatever Celestia. I am just too tired to complain...”

“It looks it.”

Gilda yawned stretching her hind legs and wings. “Well night Princess pain in the flank Celestia.”

“Goodnight Gilda, this chat been eventful.”

“Yeah it sure has... But this isn't over...”

“I know. Let's talk in a more clear headed manner shall we?” Gilda nods silently and Celestia teleports her.

Gilda yawned loudly now standing before the large window looking out to Canterlot Castle.

“Ma'am is everything okay?” A guard walked up the steps hearing Gilda screaming out in a mighty roar, the words unable to make sense through the ringing through her ears.

Gilda turn around and roars at the guard. “Get out of my house and shut the door... I am too tired to deal with any more crap.”

“Y-yes ma'am!” The guard saluted and left the way she came closing the front door behind her.

Gilda groggy picked up the book from the floor walking to the study desk. “That princess is sooooo annoying...” .

“Yet... I can't pull myself away from this, even with all the crazy I been through in the last two days...”

Gilda stopped at the study desk putting her talon over the name. “Why? Why am I putting up with all this?”

No answer came and Gilda closed the book up putting it on the study desk to find a drawing of her, taking it Gilda knew Gale had drawn this and most likely left it here for her. “Why does he look up at me like that? What have I done to get that dorky dweeby griffon to look up at me?”

Gilda walked down the steps to the bed, putting the drawing down on the bed stand. “Am I seriously missing something here? All I did so far is starting to teach him to speak, write and...” Gilda yawned again putting her talon over her beak.

Opening and closing her beak lapping them. “Look out for him the cub...” Gilda's voice softened taking a deep breath.

“Did I just answer my own questions?” Gilda rubbed her feathered head yawning loudly. “I am too beat to think about this... Time...To...” Yawning again before collapsing on her bed sound asleep.

“The sleep spell should about knocked her out about now... Poor Gilda is highly stressed, a good night sleep should help that mood of hers.” Celestia put out the fire in the fireplace teleporting herself back into her room, removing her regal gear.

She placing the picture back in a frame right side of the window.

“Gilda is a trying individual that some of the time can be very tempered but it keep things interesting all the same.”

Celestia using her magic to rotate a painting to show a picture of Gale in the middle with string attached leading to other pictures and written notes. Celestia writes down the word Ghost Dog Leela on a card pinning it next to the bluish white aura clue.

“I do not believe that was a ghost, it seem more like a magical projection of some kind via the drawing and written word.” Celestia muttered. “The only clue was emotional moment... The first drawing for me was emotionally personally to him as a gift to his new mum; me.”

Celestia wrote on another card pinning it away. “Doctor Trace reawakening the spell via a combination of spells, potion and a chaotic plant that loves to play jokes is something I wasn't expecting.”

“Turning himself into a griffon and his wife Amber making him drink the reversal potion. I doubt it was that simple to change him back. So I will be watching this for sure.”

Celestia moved her eyes back to the photo of Gale. “I really want to find your parents..." Celestia put her hoof on it. “Yet part of me do not want to... I never felt this pull before.”

Celestia remove her hoof looking to the orange string to the big question mark of parents. “He remembered having a pet, a dog and I am happy that he has.” She put a card beside it pinning to the back of the portrait.

“Yet I am very conflicted... Gale sees me as his mother and I see him as my son I never had...” Celestia sighed heavily. “I will be that part as long as I can, have these moments that I never thought I would ever have”

“But when the time comes when we find his family. I will return Gale to them... Unless they are the ones behind this...” Celestia shook her head.

“No I will not go down that road, I am making enemies out of nothing to keep him. I can not and will not do that!” Celestia turn the portrait over.

Turning away Celestia took a deep breath and breathed it out with a hoof to her chest. “Do what best for Equestria and Gale, Celestia.” She walked by the table side to go to bed.

Celestia noticed the files on the table side. “Ah the files Shining Armor sent to me of the purposed guards for Gale.” Celestia lift them up opening each of them, skimming through each and till one stuck out to her.

“Now isn't this interesting.”

Luna walked through a beautiful green lush forest upon entering the dream of her nephew Gale, the clearing was even more stunning with crystal clear water pouring from a waterfall into a large lake, with green grass around it edges. What surprised Luna even more was the large blue mix of different crystals that reflected the sun light from small fissures in the ceiling creating a slight hue but amazing ecosystem.

Luna eyes drift left to right looking around at the large cavern that supported this green life, she never thought such a place would be possible and even surprised that Gale dreamt up such a place. “Nephew!” Luna called out as she walked by the shore of the lake.

Flying around the large crystals and coming to landing before her Gale had answered her call. “Hi aunty!” Gale happiness grew. “We dream sharing again! Aren't we?”

Luna nods with a smile of her own. “Indeed Gale we are. I've been working on a way to do so without direct connection but surprisingly it went well this time around.” Luna took a good look around. “This land is incredible.”

Gale flapping his wings flew over the water putting a claw through it as he flew over it. “Yeah it is! I thought harder and harder about what I saw on that flat box screen thing with the moving pictures and I saw this place!” He said with excitement.

“So I recalled what I been reading in the book mum made better from the super old one about the power of imagination in dreams!” Gale lands by Luna. “So I used that to create my own dream place! One when I sleep I can always go to and never randomly change!”

Luna was startled by what he said. “Celestia remade my book for you?”

“Yep!” Gale grinned. “I even now know what minutes, hours and time is! Mum taught me each breakfast we had together! It took all week but I got there!” He said with pride. “I even learned the word cool means doing something that amazing when saying something like erm...”

He tapped his beak a few times and clicked his claws. “Oh right, I remember!” Gale continue to speak with excitement. “Isn't that cool? This place is cool! I am cool aren't I?” He span around and puff out his chest with a cheeky smirk.

Luna laughed. “Indeed nephew you are!” She poke his chest causing him to breathe out. “I gather you created yourself a house in this place?”

Gale hovered clapping his talons together. “I sure have aunty Luna! It right over by the waterfall!” He grabbed her foreleg and flapping his wings to pull her.

She rolled her eyes and allow Gale to guide her to the waterfall, before Luna's eyes were a large tree and building around it was a cream colour house with crystals in front of the doors and the roof made of many red tiles. White frame windows with a beige colour wooden fence around what she believe to be the garden within it.

“A house built around a tree trunk?”

“Yeah! I remember the Ponyville Library was a tree so I thought why not have a house built around a tree! It made sense doesn't it?” Gale flew up to the house landing by the clouded glass windowed door.

Luna shook her head slightly. “This is a child's very active imagination at work here, what make sense to him doesn't to adults.” She whispered.

“In the sense of dreams it does, but in reality it may not since trees grew bigger as they get older.” Luna stated. “But that doesn't happen in dreams unless you want it to.”

Gale shook his head. “Nope I am good!”

Luna walked up to it and suddenly stopped having a sense of something else is watching them. “Gale I sense something is here with us in your dream.”

Gale gasped. “Oh I completely forgot!”

“Nephew this is serious there something here in your dream that isn't your dream!”

“I know! I made him today!”

Luna froze. “Made... Him?”

Gale nods. “Yeah it right here in the book.” The book appears in a poof of white smoke landing on his talons, opening it he point to the page with the drawing part of the wavy writing. “This says here that you can create things magical in dreams upon realising that the laws of magic work completely different in here! No need for horns, wards, artefacts!”

“I couldn't understand why I was sad and happy at the same time about Leela and I recalled that you can create things so I tried to recreate Leela.”

Luna quickly looking around. “Can I have a look at that book?”

Gale hands it over to her, Luna open it up looking through the pages. “It only a book that says you have power of your dreams and lucid dreaming is the key to it with a clear open mind.”

Luna flipping through the pages still glanced over at him for a second before she came to a page of interest. “Gale you seem to be pretty aware of the power of dreams.”

“I guess I am aunty Luna, is that okay?”

Luna turn the book around pointing to the page with her hoof. “When you said made him, did you create this him with that spell.”

Gale nods. “Yep that the one!” Gale took the book from her. “I was reading that part when I fell asleep, I really like reading this book!”

Luna took another look around. “With that spell I created the Tantabus a few weeks ago... Gale created something with that very spell, the question is what?”

The presence in the dream felt extremely close, she instantly looked up at the top of the waterfall.

Luna saw a blackish grey, blue and cream colour being with paws blackish grey into blue attached to a cream colour torso with a black band of fur turning into baggy furry blue legs to hind blackish grey legs and blue tail. This look close to a diamond dog with spikes on the tops of the hand paws and out the chest, the face was shaped like a jackal with blackish grey dreadlocks, two on either side with a blackish grey mask fur over the blue.

“Blue! Come on down! This is aunty Luna I told you about!” Gale waved him to come down.

The creature called Blue nods with a soft grunt jumping down from one ledge to another with ease till he landed on the ground. He drop to one knee with hand paw on the ground and head lowered. “Mistress Luna the guardian of dreams, welcome to Master Gale's dream.”

It speaks telepathically through the mind... Luna thought and got a quick glance from Blue as he opened a eye, that caught her by surprise. You heard my thoughts... No response as he closed his eye but she knew he heard her direct thoughts.

“Guardian of dreams?” Gale rubbed his head. “I don't recall saying anything like that.”

Blue open one eye looking over to Gale. “Master Gale you've spoken of the ability to enter other dreams to share. That makes her a guardian of dreams as I am Dream Defender of your dream.” Blue explained.

Gale thought about it tapping his beak. “He is correct about both, while he defend your dreams from any Dream Walkers that have similar abilities as my own. I help fend off nightmares or Dream Walkers that attempt to attack those in their dreams.”

“Why would these Dream Walkers do something like that?”

Blue stands up with arms crossed. “Life is a balance between those that do good and those that do bad including the grey.”

“Grey?”

“Nephew those that you can neither called good or bad.”

Gale recalled the comic he read in the library. “Like a anti-hero?”

“Correct Master Gale.”

Luna step up to Blue. “Now Blue, what are you?”

“I do not know, all I know that I am an fictional being from a moving pictures screen box created by a moment of drifting concentration from Master Gale.” What Blue said telepathically made sense to Luna, Gale is a griffon with his mentality drifting from child to teenager and it clearly showed.

The princess of the night blue eyes locked onto the red eyes of Blue. “You resemble a diamond dog hybrid of a jackal.”

“Jackal Diamond Dog... Hmm...” He tapping the foot paw with eyes closed thinking about the name of what he is. “I am unsure what this Diamond Dog is but it seem acceptable.”

“That is understandable, you are an creation of Gale's so your knowledge will be limited not by fault of you or my nephew. This is a grey area when it come to a creation of an Dream Defender.” Luna said walking to the lake shore looking down at the crystal clear water.

“It seems so.” Blue opened his eyes.

“Aunty?”

“Yes, Nephew?” She saw his reflection above her.

“Is that book yours?” That was the question she was waiting for.

Luna closed her eyes. “Yes...”

“How long ago did you make it?” Gale asked.

“Too long ago.” Luna opened her eyes.

Gale was about to ask about it but Blue put a paw on his back. “Sometimes pressing the same question in a different concept doesn't go well, best to leave it Master Gale.”

Gale turn to Blue. “Maybe ask when it right to ask?”

“Yes that would be best.” Blue turn to the house. “Why don't we leave Mistress Luna here and explore the forest?” Blue suggested.

Gale looked over to the forest. “You think we find something cool there?”

“Dreams have endlessly possible out comes Master Gale.”

Gale clapped his talons together and than grab Blue by the paw. “Come on let's go!” He pulls Blue with him.

Luna turn slightly to Blue, he nods silently before running at his own paste with Gale into the forest leaving her alone. “Thank you...” She whispered and open the book up.

“Long ago I created this book in hope to finding a student to learn the skill of Dream Walker, to pass on my knowledge...”

Luna looked up at the massive crystals. “This wasn't suppose to happen like this, Gale's mind is still healing and his attention span is easily shifting...”

“All I can do is teach him to maintain it within his own dream and not bleed into others.” Luna sighed heavily. “My duties just got more complicated...”

The crystal's light starts to dim as night starts to set with a orange yellow glow through the caverns. “This can't wait till my sister wakes... We need to have this talk now.”

Luna's horn glowed for a moment. “Luna what going on? I was eating cake and now I am in some wondrous place.” Luna turn to a confused solar princess walking towards her.

“Sister... We need to talk.” She toss the book to land by the front hooves of Celestia.

Celestia look down at the book and back to Luna. “Oh...” Celestia realised at the very moment where she was. “I... Well...”

Luna raise an eye.

Celestia tries to dodge. “He created this place because of the book? It amazing!”

“Sister...”

“Yes Lulu?” Celestia gulps now knowing she was on Luna's playing field.

“Here I am the big sister and you will listen to me. Tia, come inside.”

Luna walk to the house, Celestia noticed Gale in the distance playing with Blue. “Luna what type of creatur-”

“Celestia... Inside... NOW!”

Celestia walked through the open door to suddenly find herself in a stellar space on a marble flooring circle, she turn to find the door once walked through now gone and only she with Luna stood in the middle of stellar space.

“Where are we?” Celestia took a look around seeing a orb appear and soon there was so many around her moving in a circular motion, many more high and feather out till she lost complete count of them all. “Luna what are these orbs?”

Luna had her back to Celestia finally turning around. “Sister each and everyone of these orbs are every single living sentient being asleep in Equestria, dreaming of something right this moment.”

The marble platform of white and black squares started to lift. “These are all that have the potential of becoming Dream Walkers.” Many of the orbs Celestia watched vanished leaving close to a dozen of them all coming closer to see.

Celestia noticed each of them seem to be a young pony to a buffalo even including one with Gale and each reminded her the days as teacher to a very young Twilight Sparkle. “Gale and these youngsters each had the gift to be taught in what I do Celestia.”

“I don't see why you are upset Luna, if Gale is one of these potential Dream Walkers. Isn't it a good thing?” Celestia turn to Luna.

Luna groans. “Sister as you find your student I have to go through a process! Each of them could be what I am looking for but also they could not, the process takes time.” Luna walks around Celestia as each orb starts to fade away.

“One of those is to do with the mental welfare of the individuals, if you clearly recall over 1000 years ago I became deceitful, jealous and allow myself to be consumed by the darkness.” Luna continue to walk around her sister.

Luna looked up at the full moon shining brightly above them shifting with the unicorn appearing across the surface. “I knew deep inside what might happen to me, so I created the book to help you sister in finding somepony or being that could take over in my steed.”

Celestia stared at the moon as the Mare in the Moon vanished once more. “As I am recovering I have been watchful of them all, yet you didn't seem to think twice about Gale having a old book that was falling apart at the seems.”

Celestia turn to Luna now glaring at her. “You choose to just renew it and give the new copy of it to Gale!”

Luna walked towards her and Celestia backing up till she felt her rump hit the wall of moon light around their marble platform. “Didn't you stop to think about the state of the book and maybe take a look through it first before blinding doing that!?”

“I-”

“Tia I am not done!” Celestia had no where to go or do with her magic being next to useless in the realm of dreams. “Neidoras box has been opened sister, there is no way I can close this up!” Luna point a hoof to a window appearing to show a high up view of the cavern landscape.

Gale and Blue with their paws in bubbling warm water from a hot spring talking to each other followed by laughter. “He remembered everything in the book he read so far! This Jackal Diamond Dog, this fictional being! It a dream created entity, an living life force created by a spell via the power of imagination in a dream!”

“What you are seeing Celestia is a fundamental mistake on your part! I have to now put aside my plans to finding out of those that could be a Dream Walker and work on Gale!” Luna's horn flares with a beam of magic shooting up to the moon shattering it to pieces but the cracks spread through the stellar background.

Celestia quickly jumps back from one forming under her hoof backing up to Luna. “Gale's mind is still in the process of healing! He doesn't know that magic in the dream realm could have direct effects on the psyche of others!”

The whole place shatters around them. “I-I didn't know, Luna you got to believe me I have no idea this could happen!” Celestia looked around now in the black void for Luna.

“Luna! Where are you!?” Celestia afraid to move as she tried to see Luna.

Luna steps out of the blackness in front of Celestia without a word said.

Celestia put a hoof to her chest still trying to calm herself. “I get it Luna... My actions could have had serious consequences.”

Luna raise an eye. “Could have?” Luna point a hoof to a round window and Celestia peer through it to see Gale with Blue, they sitting down with their paws dipped in a hot spring in the cavern. “Gale created a sentient Dream Defender, that creature may look like a strange blue, cream and back Jackal Diamond Dog.”

“It a fictional character from the flat box with moving pictures became real because Gale was carelessly given access to a power magical book.” Luna staring through the glass.

Celestia put a hoof to it clear surface. “Gale looks so happy...”

Luna quickly glares at Celestia. “Did you even pay attention to anything!?”

“Yes... Luna I did.” Celestia slowly look to Luna. “I should of knew better when seeing that book so damaged and yet I didn't.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “I gather that you are wondering how you've managed to make this mistake.”

Celestia nods.

“It being a parent...” Luna flatly responded. “You are treading on egg shells with your hooves afraid of losing that happy bundle of joy you been seeing from Gale all this time.”

“Why haven't you stepped in? Your his aunt.”

Luna narrows her eyes on Celestia. “DO... NOT... MOVE... THE... BLAME... ON... ME!” Luna's now towering over Celestia.

The solar princess quickly shrinks and falls back on her rump looking up at the furious Luna. “I have been recovering to regain some of my magic for the last month! You told me to rest and made sure no one bothered me!”

Celestia nods rapidly knowing Luna was right, she had done that for Luna. “I will teach Gale to control his new found Dream Magic, you will make sure he doesn't get his talons on any other type of magic book that really old or advanced.”

“Got it!?”

Celestia slowly standing up still looking up at the mega sized Luna bearing down on her. “Y-Yes Lulu.”

“Good!” Luna returned to normal before Celestia. “Now sister I have one more thing for you.”

“T-that is?” Celestia gulped.

“Your punishment!” Luna grins evilly and Celestia's ears peer back as her pupils shrink to pin pricks, Luna approach with wisps of magic moved around her as she step closer to Celestia.

Celestia wakes up screaming out in horror with her Royal Canterlot Voice that it echoes through out the castle startling every single pony within it walls.

Luna stood at the balcony of her own room with a satisfied smile that Celestia learned her lesson.

Gale opened his eyes sitting up yawning unaware of Celestia's horrified scream thanks to Luna, he got out of bed humming to himself happily about the wonderful dream he had, the griffon went to the bathroom to have a morning shower.

Standing outside on the balcony Gale watched a set of twenty guards walking up to the castle through the main entrance into the castle grounds. They all were carrying supplies on their backs to two of them pulling a big wagon covered up, he glance back down at the drawing he was doing and continued to do so as they marched through.

A knock came from the door. “Gale, it me Cadance, can I come in?” Gale give a squawk and it opens. “Morning Gale!” Cadance walks in towards him.

“Today marks two weeks since Aunty Celestia found you. How do you feel?” Gale smiled and showed her the picture. “Is that for your mum?” He nods.

Cadance walked out to the balcony standing beside him looking out to the sun rise. “I guess you wanted to do something for her after what happened a few days ago huh?” Gale nods once again looking down at the drawing and then towards the rising sun squinting his eyes.

“I do not know what happened between Aunty Celestia and Luna, but I gather it to do with what you been reading.” Cadance glanced over to the book on his bed stand.

Gale took a piece of paper and wrote on it, still poorly written and large but a bit more readable. “The book of dream magic? Never heard of it.” Gale shrugs and point to both drawings. “You silly griffon.” Cadance ruffled his feathered head with a hoof getting him to push it away as she teased him.

“You have a good heart cousin.” He chirped happily in reply.

Gilda flew into view landing on the balcony. “Morning dweebs!”

Cadance sighed. “Do you ever use Gale's door?”

“In the morning? Nope, it the more direct way to meeting the cub.” Gilda chuckled. “Still can't believe I didn't hear the Princess scream out in horror two days ago.” Gilda walked inside.

Cadance was at Shining Armor's home at the time so neither her or Shining knew till they were told about it themselves. “We didn't either, still I gather Aunt Luna had her reasons.”

Gilda shuddered. “She keep away from my dreams I be fine.”

“Best to ask her then.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Fine whatever... Shall we head to the dining room? Breakfast awaits!” Gilda changes the subject.

Cadance rolled her eyes. “The profile makes her seem like a angel. How do you put up with her?” Gale tilt his head.

Gilda chuckled putting her talon on the door handle. “He knows how I act, the cub not stupid Candy.” She opens it and walk out the bedroom, the guards looked at Gilda walk out but after two days so far of this they gotten use to it.

“After breakfast, off to practice on your writing?” Gale nods putting on his bandanna, hind leg pads, picking up his bag with supplies and one plush with head sticking out the side of it. “Ready and eager?” Gale chirps happily and walk out with Cadance.

Things for Gale fell into a pattern for the last few days, breakfast, writing practice, lunch, learning a bit more about griffons, dinner and reading books in the castle library with noticeable restrictions in place from accessing certain books and spells.

The two days felt as if time just flew by without much of a thought to it, Gale read about if you get into a routine things seem to just whiz by without remember much of it. With how things felt for him it seem to be true, yet some how he could remember every little detail that caught his attention, so maybe it wasn't all true or it just made him that bit more special.

One thing that was different were each dream, he got to just play around with Blue and have fun for how ever length of time each dream adventure last. Gale estimated it felt minutes to hours at times, the dream time lengths were very random.

“Gale stop staring into space and move those legs!” Gilda yelled out, Gale blinked as he realised he'd been standing still staring off into space. “Dweeb sometimes your head really too far into the clouds!” Gale opened his wings and flew right past not only her but Cadance too racing down the hall.

Gilda grins. “Oh! You want a race huh? Your on!” Gilda took off after him.

Cadance watched the two griffons zoom off down the hallway. “Guess I made the right call on Gilda.” She happily walked on after them taking her time till she ran into Shining Armor looking a bit dazed. “Had a fly by action of the griffons Shiny?”

Shining Armor readjusting his helmet. “Yep I sure did.” He finally got the helmet on right. “I told them yesterday not to zoom around the halls like that...”

“Gilda has a rebellious nature and Gale is just being a cub wanting to have a bit of fun.” Cadance giggled. “I do believe you were the same with Twily when she was Aunt Celestia's student all those years ago.”

Shining Armor turn red slightly in the cheeks rubbing his right foreleg over his left. “Hehe... Okay your right...”

“I know I am and do not worry I'll talk to them about it.” Cadance walk on to the dining room for breakfast.

Shining Armor watched her leave and walk on towards the barracks. “Well best to see to the trainee recruits that returned from their two week hike from Manehatten to Canterlot.” Shining Armor trots off in the opposite direction.

Shining Armor approached the barrack quarters where the new recruits stayed before being shipped out to Manehatten for their march back to Canterlot, Blue Star stood by the door to their barracks saluted. “Captain!”

“At ease Sergeant Blue Star.” Blue Star eased up a bit. “Are all twenty of them inside starting to feel relaxed after a long march?”

Blue Star glanced over at the door. “Yep, been hearing them chat and glad it's over.” He chuckled lightly. “If we learn from anything by our own experience-”

“-It far from over.” Shining Armor finished and laughed with Blue Star. “I believe it time to drop the ball on them.”

Blue Star nods. “Have fun Captain.” He saluted again and open the door for Shining Armor.

The captain smirked walking inside seeing all the recruits either removing their armour, lying on their backs on the bunk bed or talking among each other. One of them noticed Shining Armor glancing over to the door. “Captain in barracks!” They all quickly moved to stand before their beds in attention.

Shining Armour slowly walks by each of them. “You all have done a great job through out all your training, each of you have shown that you have what it is to be a guard here in the castle and through out Equestria.”

Shining turns around and walking back past them again. “But this isn't over yet, you all have one final assignment.” They all slightly groan. “Yes I know you all are tired but this final task shows even after marching through the country you are able and ready.”

Shining Armor turn around standing back at the start looking at each of them. “You will be assigned to one of the senior guards in Canterlot and do a full shift with them.” Shining Armor looked to his left and right. “Before I assign you all, Recruit Sunbeam step forwards!”

A orange cream Pegasus mare with blonde mane and tail with a three sunbeams coming off a sun cutiemark step forwards with a hoof up in a salute. “Captain!”

Shining Aromr step to the side. “You are to go with Sergeant Blue Star to the Royal Private Dining room to get your assignment directly from Princess Celestia.”

Many of the other ponies mutter to each other.

“Sir?”

“Sunbeam did I stutter?”

“No, I-”

“Don't question and march recruit!”

Sunbeam salute once again. “Y-yes sir.” She quickly leaves with Shining Armor closing the door behind her.

Sergeant Blue Star point a hoof out to follow him. “Come with me.” She still in armour minus the helmet followed close behind him to the private dining room without a word between them.

They arrived at the private dining room with Blue Star saluting to the guards, they opened the doors to let Sunbeam in. “Good luck recruit!”

Sunbeam gulped a bit. “Th-thank you sir...” She walk by the guards into the room followed by the doors being shut behind her.

Sitting at the long table in the middle of the room she saw Princess Celestia enjoying her breakfast, but Luna and Cadance were both there with one griffon Sunbeam seem to recognise from Junior Speedsters but the other was a mystery, he look young happy, a bit of a messy eater that made her chuckle inside her mind at the state of his beak and feathered area around it.

Celestia put down her fork noticing Sunbeam. “Morning Recruit Sunbeam, please come sit down at the table and join us for some breakfast.”

Sunbeam look to the spare seat and back over to Celestia. “Erm... I was told you be giving my assignment personally Princess?”

“Indeed that is correct, I will be doing it while you sit down and eat with us.” Celestia gestured to the seat.

Sunbeam look to it again and back to Celestia. “Is this a t-”

“Oh shut up and sit down already you dweeb! It free food from the princess!” Gilda spoke up glaring at Sunbeam. “I will give you two choices, either sit down and eat the food Princess Celestia made or I will take it right now and chow down on it!”

Sunbeam's stomach growled slightly, she step forwards and took off her hoof shoes before sitting down at the table. Sunbeam with her wings took the knife and folk to each the pancakes. “These are really good princess!”

Celestia beamed with delight. “I do hope so, I made them myself!”

Luna yawned a bit. “Sister please get on with it, I've eaten and wish to get some sleep.” Luna grumbled.

Celestia half looked to Luna. “Fine..” Celestia turn to Sunbeam. “Your assignment will be the personal guard to my son.”

Sunbeam swallowed. “Son? I don't recall hearing anything about you being pregnant Princess Celestia.”

Gilda instantly throw two closed fist talons into the air. “YES SHE SAID IT! HA-WHA!” Gilda screamed out leaning back so much that she and the chair fell backwards.

Luna and Cadance burst out in laughter followed by Gilda afterwards lying on back on the ground, Celestia had a very static look upon her face that was unreadable, but inside she was very red. Gale just sat there chewing slowly with a confused glance at his aunt, cousin and teacher in fits of laughter.

Sunbeam blinked a few times. “I am lost...”

Celestia coughed slightly into her right hoof. “Private... The son in question is my adoptive son sitting just beside me.” She gestured with a wing to Gale.

The Pegasus quickly looked to Gale. “Adoptive? When did this happen?”

“While you began your march from Manehatten your home town to Canterlot.” Celestia said keeping a calm neutral look as the others still laugh. “Gale I like you to meet Sunbeam she be the guard keeping you safe during the day.”

Gale raise his talon waving to her with a happy squawk, Gilda slowly calmed down and stood up putting the chair back up on it legs. “Oh boy... That was awesome!”

“Care to share this with me?” Celestia asked.

Gilda chuckled. “Sure thing, it was a bet made by me and Candy. I told Luna about our little bet before you showed up.” Gilda explained. “Simply put it Blue hooves proposed to Candy and I get to say it cause I won the bet!”

“I watched Blue Hooves on his back knees with both front hooves out holding out the box looking like some pony praying.” Gilda grinned. “Candy said yes and span him around in the air, never saw a unicorn turn so green so quickly!”

Gilda shrugged after a short laugh. “It didn't seem to bother them, they happy hugged and kissed with all that mushy stuff.” Gale stuck out his tongue in response to the kissing. “Yeah I am with ya on that one Gale.”

Celestia warmly smiled. “Congratulations Cadance!”

“Thank you aunty! I wanted to tell you in a better way but a bet a bet. I lost it fair and square.” Cadance gave Gilda an amused look.

Celestia had to admit hearing it from the colourful names Gilda gives them was unique. “I have to say in all my years never heard quite the revile of a proposal in this manner.”

“Was that bet to do with me asking that question?” Sunbeam asked.

Gilda grinned. “Oh it was and you did us proud! Not only we got a awesome funny moment that will last forever, but I got to be the one that broke the news!”

Celestia shook her head slightly. “What am I going to do with you three?”

“What the matter? We bested you?” Gilda countered.

“Indeed you did, well played. I didn't see this coming at all.” Celestia accepted defeat to her sister, niece and Gilda.

Sunbeam slowly went on eating her pancakes bewildered by this causal interaction between princesses and Gilda no less. “I'll tell you all about how it went down with Shining later Aunty.” Cadance said.

“I be happy to hear about it.” Celestia now turn her attention to Sunbeam. “Now Private Sunbeam...

“Private?”

“Yes your no longer a recruit but now a fully fledge guard.”

Sunbeam salutes. “Thank you Princess I will do you proud!”

Celestia turn to Gale as she responds. “I know you will Private Sunbeam, I read up about you being in the same club as Gilda and that you understand Griffish. I thought it be good to have a guard that not only keep my son safe but also help Gilda out to better understand Griffish writing.”

Gilda sat back down at the table. “Sure I'm good with that, it be good to have a guard that doesn't get stiff neck and go into 'Yes Sir, Prince!' mode around Gale.”

Sunbeam looked a bit confused. “That standard for us guards, we serve the crown.”

“Yeah yeah I know.” Gilda gave a dismissive wave. “But as I said to Blue Hooves and Flash, his a cub.” Gilda stated.

“So... I don't take orders from him?” Sunbeam asked for conformation.

“No, you take orders from me, Luna or Cadance. Gilda is teaching Gale to write, speak and to be a Griffon to a certain degree.” Celestia still so ever calm explained to Sunbeam.

Sunbeam turn to Gale as he eats the last of his breakfast. “Princess I thank you for this great opportunity and this position! I will not fail you!” She said to Celestia with determination.

Celestia turn to Gale and Gilda. “Why don't you take Gale to start his lessons in writing and studying Griffish, I will tell Private Sunbeam everything need to to know to do her job as guard to him.”

Gilda drunk the last of her tea. “Sure whatever you say.” Gilda got off her chair. “Come on featherbrain, time to get those talons writing!”

Gale put all his plates and cups together in a neat pile, before he joined Gilda the teenager gave Sunbeam a quick hug. Gale soon followed Gilda out of the dining room. “As for I, I am getting some sleep.” Luna yawned. “Good night sister.”

“Sleep well Luna.” Luna leaves the dining room.

Cadance pour herself another cup of tea. “I'll stick around, I like to hear what my cousin been up too since I've been away.”

“Very well...” Celestia turn to Sunbeam. “Listen carefully cause I am only going to tell you this once Sunbeam.”

Sunbeam salutes. “Yes princess, ready when you are.”

On one of the roofs of the castle Gale sat with his forelegs crossed, he had a face of thunder as he looked out to the horizon at the mountain that continues to smoke from a full grown dragon slept within, not to far was Gilda lying down with a hind leg crossed over on the roof with talons behind her head chilling and Sunbeam standing beside her.

“How long do you think he will stay like that?” Sunbeam asked without taking her eyes off Gale.

Gilda turn her head slightly. “Who knows, Gale an teenager with a mind of a child, this is a temper tantrum.” Gilda now turn to Gale. “Celestia made her move to stop the cub from doing something stupid.”

Sunbeam didn't respond since she recalled what lead up to Gale turning into a very grumpy annoyed griffon.

After having some lunch Gale walking down the hallway to meet up with Gilda over heard a conversation between Celestia and Shining Armor, he curiously peered around the corner to see them talking.

“-Twilight and the others did help your sister princess, but this is a full grown dragon we talking about! One that can breathe fire enough to melt even gold.” Shining Armor with serious concern about the task Celestia had given to his sister and friends.

Celestia looked out the window at the smoke coming from the mountain. “It not a rampaging dragon Captain, I believe your sister and her friends can get him to move.”

“How do you know it a him?” Shining asked. “Also a sleeping dragon being rudely woken up might be a rampage cause.”

Celestia turn to him noticing Gale not so successfully hiding around the corner. “I understand your concerns but I believe they can do it, don't you think Twilight is a capable mare?”

Shining Armor rubbed the back of his neck. “Right Princess Celestia, I understand, but as a over protective brother I still don't like it.” Shining Armor looked out the window at the smoke. “Could I at least have guards on hoof encase it goes south?”

Gale looked in the direction Shining Armor looked at seeing the smoke, he got very curious about seeing a full grown dragon not paying much attention to how much danger one could be. His imagination could picture what a full grown dragon could be, he had to see it.

The young griffon turn around to find Celestia towering over him. “Mum!” He squawked in surprise.

Celestia raised her hoof. “Your bag.”

gale tensed up looking to his bag and back to her. “Mum?” He tilted his head.

“Bag now...” Gale gulped and slowly took it off, he placed it over her hoof. “I will give this back to you at supper time Gale.”

“Muuuum....” He whins.

Celestia kept it close to her, plush and all in the bag now held out of reach from Gale. “No mum me minster, I saw that look. You were about to try and sneak off to see the dragon for yourself, I might only been your mum for little more than two week but I can what you were up to.”

Gale lower his head and rose it to say. “M-”

“Not another word, go to Gilda for your griffon lessons.” She point her wing down the hallway.

Gale looked anger and annoyed at Celestia, he wasn't going to go anywhere far without his plush and his mum knew it. Sunbeam followed the teenager as he dragged his paws and talons on the carpet down the hallway.

“Why are you not teaching him anything about being a griffon?” Sunbeam asked.

Gilda chuckled. “I am, this lesson is; you can't get everything your way and just suck it up.” Gilda bouncing her hind leg, just chilling. “If Gale want to continue to sulk so be it, he'll learn one way or the other.”

Sunbeam didn't say another word, she left this in Gilda's talons.

Time ticked by and all the sudden Amber lands before them on the roof startling all of them. “What the name of Grover!?” Gilda quickly was on her talons and paws staring at her. “How did you get up here?”

Amber points behind herself with a thumb jab over the shoulder. “From the tower behind you silly.”

The two griffons and guard turn to the taller tower. “Okay, next question; why were you in that tower?”

“Watching six ponies climb the mountain to the dragon's cave.” Amber answered walking up to Gale kneeing down to him, he still trying to get over the shock of her sudden arrival.

Sunbeam still looking up at the tower noticing Cadance standing in view laughing behind a hoof. “What?” Gilda stared at Amber.

“Also Princess Cadance told me it be funny to see you all jump in fright.”

Gilda growls. “What?” She took a good look at the tower opening to see Cadance laughing at their expense. “Candy...”

Amber still kneeing before Gale shook her head a little. “Now what am I gonna do with you hmm?”

Gale grunts with a turn of the head. “Still sulking I see.” Gilda rolled her eyes. “Seriously cub...”

Amber reach under his wing with her hand paw using the fingers to tickle the feathers, Gale snorts and try his hardest to not to smile but exploding into laughter in seconds. “Now that what I want to see.” Amber move her paw hand away. “Now are you going to give another frowny face?”

Gale still smiling ruffling his wings shook his head. “Nicely done Amber.”

“Gilda you could of done it yourself.” Amber turn to her.

Gilda shrugged. “Not my thing and you handled it.”

Amber rolled her eyes. “You never change Gilda.” She take a few steps and pushing down on her legs to leap over to the tower landing at the open window, waving for them to follow she slips inside.

Gilda chuckled. “What a show off, so typical for Gingernut.” Gilda open her wings up taking off to the tower followed by Gale and Sunbeam.

Upon entering the tower through the window they found a upper level to the tower room with a rotatable platform and on it a telescope, it peering in the direction of a large circular window that went two thirds way around the tower wall part from small parts of pillar between it.

Gilda recalled not seeing a window from the outside like this. “What kind of trick is this? How can a wall on the outside be a window in the inside?” Gale curiously flew up to a pillars right side placing a talon out to touch glass.

Cadance standing by the telescope watched Gale flying to one part to another pressing his talons against the glass gentle. “Princess Celestia had this tower specially made for observing the lands facing away from the mountain, this telescope been magical enhanced to see to the horizon.”

“Are you telling me-” Gilda begins to say.

Gale turn around to it as Cadance walked around it. “I and Amber been observing Twilight and her friends climbing the mountain from this, yes we have.”

Gilda slap her talon over her forehead. “Seriously!? You had something like this here and Celestia didn't even think of saying anything about it!?” Gilda put her talons out to the telescope.

Amber crossed her arms. “It able to see anything that doesn't obstruct it view...”

“Ah I-” Gilda pauses and blinks. “Why the blazes are you sharing this with us now, you dweeb!”

“Because from what I know of, this tower been unponyed for a very long time, it was built way way long ago by Princess Celestia. How long? You have to ask her.” Amber answered.

Gilda groans shaking her head. “That not it at all!” Gilda standing on her paws flaring her wings out before Amber. “This thing is for your capitals defence, you pretty much told me your first look out is!”

“And?”

“Gingernut...”

Cadance speaks up. “I can see where your going on this Gilda and I thank you for your concern.” Cadance turn to the telescope. “The fact is as Amber points out, there been no pony posting here since I lived in the castle, I spend time here relaxing and looking out to the lands.”

“And Celestia?”

“Auntie Celestia knows what I did with the Observation Tower, yet again you didn't pay attention to what was being said.” Cadance said calmly to her. “Also I know Amber here from Manehatten, that being said... This place is my sanctuary.”

Gilda raise an eye brow. “So you basically turned this into your own sanctuary?” Gilda repeated about the place and not caring much about how Amber knew Cadance.

Gale was curious listening to them talk his prior sourness fading by a second.

“Pretty much.” Cadance hints to the book shelves, desk and candles. “I even cleaned up this place in my own time.”

Gilda rolled here eyes. “Fine whatever...” Gilda walked up to the telescope. “This thing pointing at the mountain?”

Amber placed her hand paw on the side of it. “Yep, just take a look Gilda.”

Gilda put her right eye to the eye piece taking hold of the knobs on the side of the eye piece to adjust it, to her surprise she saw Rainbow Dash and hers walking alongside the cliff edge of the mountain. “Wow that some range...” Gilda step to the side. “Take a look Gale.”

Gale flew over from the glass landing by her to take a look through the eye piece, quickly being startled he looked at the mountain without peering into the eye piece, he looked back into it again a few more times trying to understand how he saw so close with it.

“Now you can see what going on over at the mountain without being there, cool right?” Amber put her hand paws on her hips with a smirk.

Gale nods and continue to watch Twilight and the others, he noticed Rainbow Dash hit a bush flying by it causing leaves to fall, one land on Fluttershy and she screams out but Applejack put her hoof over her muzzle.

Gale gasped seeing that a rock-slide was in progress, he squawk in alarm raising his head from it pointing to the eye piece rapidly, Cadance quickly look into it. “Oh no Twilight! She and her friends are running from an avalanche rocks and loose dirt!”

Gilda pushes her out the way not caring about Cadance being a Princess. “Come on dweebs move your hooves!”

Amber helped Cadance up. “Are you okay Princess?”

“Yes I am.” She dusted herself off. “I just hope Twilight is...”

Gilda sighed in relief a moment later. “Geez... Talk about close, they all okay and climbing over the rock-slide to get to the cave.” Gilda spoke out raising her head. “What caused that in the first place?”

Gale thinking quickly and raise a talon as a idea come to mind, he put a wing over his face peering behind it slightly. “Shy?” Cadance guested and he nods in reply.

“You can't be serious, Fluttershy caused that?” Gale nods to Gilda. “Yeah right...” Gilda crossed her forelegs and seconds later a faint echo of Fluttershy's voice shouting out 'avalanche'. “No way...” Gilda whispered.

Sunbeam took a look into the eye piece. “Fluttershy got some lunges on her when she want to use it.” The calm words made them all stare at her as she rose her head looking around. “It true.”

Gale rubbed the back of his neck glancing to Gilda. “Don't look at me dweeb, we all heard her echo from all the way here.”

“That something I most likely think we never figure out.” Cadance took her turn to look into it. “Look like they arrived at the cave safely, wonder how they going to deal with the dragon.”

Gale point to it and Cadance step back to let him look into it, he watched as Twilight came up with a plan, unable to hear what she saying he could only guess. One thing that got him surprised was Fluttershy refusing to go into the cave, they all pushed in a chain to get her to move but she didn't budge a muscle.

Twilight goes in and comes out, next Rarity does and followed by a strange outfit by Pinkie Pie going into the cave. Gale curiously tilt his head looking very confused at what they exactly where doing inside the cave where the dragon slept in.

“Cub, care to share?” Gale turn and nod letting Gilda look into it.

Gilda watched Rainbow Dash speaking with her hooves moving around. “Not good, Dash is upset over something between her friends and just zoomed right into the cave with Purple shouting out something to her.”

“And?”

“And... Rainbow Dash just been blasted out of the cave knocking four of her friends ov...er...”Gilda gulped loudly. “Oh boy that is one big dragon...”

Gale gasps and push his head against Gilda's to share the eye piece as they both try to see what going on, Amber watched with Sunbeam and Cadance. “Who got a camera?”

Cadance raise one in her magical grasp. “I do.” She snaps a few photos of them getting a laugh from Amber.

Gale was seeing a super sized red dragon with gold chest plates and ear inner fins, both griffons watched as black smoke poured from his massive muzzle over five ponies slamming them into a rock face.

They watched intently as Fluttershy suddenly grew anger and flew up onto the top of the snout of the dragon glaring into his eyes that were bigger than a pony. Suddenly he lowers his head with a whimper, smiles started to form of their beaks as they try not to laugh with snorts coming from both griffons.

“They finding something amusing.” Amber raise an eye brow.

Fluttershy had her forelegs on her flanks with a dominating look upon the much bigger dragon, he suddenly bursts into tears.

That was it for the griffons they exploded into laughter falling over on their backs holding their guts. “Now I am curious what got you two laughing?”

They paused with Gilda raising a talon and open beak before exploding into fits of laughter again followed by Gale.

Amber and Cadance looked at each other with confusion as the two griffons continue to hallow with laughter followed by tears falling from their eyes.

“At least his not grumpy anymore.” Sunbeam commented.

From a balcony Celestia looked up hearing the laughter from the tallest tower, smiling the princess walked back inside to her room awaiting the report to come from Twilight Sparkle as the smoke was being cleared up by the weather teams.

“Now Gale get to see what going on in the world without sneaking out of Canterlot without anypony knowing.” Celestia look to his bag of drawing items to plush toy, by the open door Shining Armor stood.

Shining Armor stood to attention. “Did it work?”

“Yes; yes it did Captain Armor, thank you for suggesting this.”

“Thank you for taking my suggestion.”

Celestia nods. “You may go captain.” Shining Armor salutes and leaves closing the door behind him, Celestia turn to the open doors to the balcony. “So much more to learn about being a parent...” She whispered as a scroll appeared before her from Twilight Sparkle.

With a smile the princess open it to read the latest friendship report from her formal student on how they handled the dragon.

“Gale... Seriously you need to get off me or I am going to miss my train!” Gilda try pulling Gale off her, he refusing to let go from his iron talon grip locked around each other behind her neck.

“Son, Gilda be back by Monday morning.” Celestia tried to give him reinsurance.

Gilda saw him refusing to budge still, Celestia's horn lit up but the griffon shook her head. “I got this Princess.” Celestia cancels out the magic from her horn. “Gale let go and I will give you something that make sure I will return okay?”

Gale slowly let go and stepping back on his paws before dropping down on his talons. “Gilda?”

Gilda took off her pendent and presented it him. “This is my most prized procession, it a Diamond Sapphire.” Gale slowly took it and open it up to look at the gem. “Like you trust me with your plush I trust you with this.”

Gale smiled warmly and took her talon, she about to say something but he placed it on the talon closing it up with a warm happy nod. “It seem the bond of trust has came full circle, not only he trust you but you trust him.” Celestia smiled. “I doubt he will death grip you now.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Thanks Trollestia.” Gilda salutes and flies off before Celestia could even say a word.

Gale turn to his mum. “Mum... Tr-Tro-” Celestia eye twitches. “Trollestia?” He tilted his head and Celestia groans loudly slapping her hoof on the forehead.

“Great... New third word...” Celestia muttered opening her wing up pushing Gale to go back into the castle. “Come son. I have a few things to explain about that.” Gale nods as they walk back into the castle.

Gilda lands at the train station opening the door and entering the train carriage quickly as the whistle blew. “Talk about cutting it to the whistle...” Gilda look to the pendent still in her right talon. “Now I have no choice but to come back for sure...”

A guard on the train came up to Gilda. “Lady Gilda on behalf of Princess Celestia the royal carriage is open for you.”

Gilda looked over to him. “Lady... Gilda?” She repeated.

“Yes ma'am, your the personal tutor of Prince Gale are you not?”

“Yeah? What does that have to do with the title?” Gilda raise an eye.

The guard shrugged. “It just what Princesses Celestia and Luna informed the guard that stationed at the royal carriage to call you by.”

Gilda groans as she put the pendent back on. “When I thought I get one up on her she strikes again. That annoying dweeb...” Gilda muttered walking by him to the carriage. “Might as well take advantage of it.”

The guard watch her walk up to the door pushing it open and walk through the door entering the next carriage. “I don't understand...” He blinked a few times not talking to anyone but himself.

Gilda found a seat by the window in one of the cabins, sitting down at it she stared out the fast disappearing city in the distance. “That crazy cub is really growing me...” Gilda put a talon on the side of face resting the elbow on the side. “I stuck up for him when Dash did that joke... I seriously can't stop thinking about that day...”

Time past as she for the first time in a while left to really think on her own about the whole time Gilda not only spent with Gale, the job she got and Rainbow Dash. The image of Rainbow Dash getting knocked out of the cave by the big red dragon sent chills down her spine to her tail, even they are not friends she wouldn't want something like that to happen the the Pegasus that stood up for her.

“That dweeb got me acting all sappy...” Gilda turn to the bag she had toss to the side when walking into the cabin, opening it up she pulled out the photo with her and Gale fighting to look through the telescope. With a snort and small smile Gilda stared at the still image. “What we both witnessed and laughed about will never go away, this is one memory that dorky cub got me remembering for a long time to come.”

Gilda once again look out the window as the train slowed to a stop at Ponyville before making it track to Griffonstone. That is when she noticed Fluttershy and the shy pony also noticed her through the window, Gilda grinned and put her talons to her forehead with a mock salute to her.

Fluttershy looked confused as Spike came running up to her. “Oh you will get why I did that Shy.” Gilda chuckled sitting back on the seat with talons behind her head with the picture resting on her lap, relaxing and quite content Gilda was heading back home before the chaos of home can bring.

Fluttershy watched the train pull away very bewildered by Gilda being not only in it but saluting her? She was very puzzled by this action. “Fluttershy I got a letter sent from Princess Celestia for you.” Spike came up to her handing her the scroll.

“Oh? How do you know it for me?” Fluttershy asked and saw the symbol on the seal with a butterfly on it. “Oh, it got a butterfly on it like my cutie mark.”

“Yeah, Twilight was surprised but she got me to find you and delivery it personally.” Spike beamed with pride at his successful task at claw.

Fluttershy removed the seal and opened it up. “I better read it right away if it from the Princess.”

Spike nods. “Maybe it for what you did about that big red dragon!”

Fluttershy looked suddenly nervous. “I-I did what I had to for my friends.”

“Yeah I know, so what it say?” Spike was curious about the letter.

Fluttershy start to read it. “Hey Shy...” She begins and blinks. “I don't usuallywrite this kind of stuff but-”

“That doesn't sound like Princess Celestia... That sound like-”

“Gilda... It was written by Gilda...” Fluttershy showed him the writing. “See it all in Griffish.”

Spike looked at the lettering. “Your right! I studied this stuff with Twilight, I didn't expect her to write this to you.”

“I am surprised too...” Fluttershy looked around nervously. “Can we go back to my home please and read the rest there?”

“Sure!” Both Spike and Fluttershy went to her cottage.

Sitting down on the cough and sofa Fluttershy reopen the scroll, she reads it to Spike.

Hey Shy

I don't usually write this kind of stuff but after what me and Gale saw what you did to that big dragon I had to, what you did wasn't only amazing but I just couldn't stop laughing with Gale at how you put down that dragon!

When we first met and the way you acted I thought your just some pansy pony that scared of everything, but after what I saw you earned my respect for not only dealing with that brute but also saving your dweeby friends as well! After being a teacher in my own personal way to Gale I got to admit that the cub grew on me and made me think about how I might of poorly handled things with Dash.

Also keeping this between you and me, thanks for saving her and that comes from being a pal not a friend, still miffed at that dweeb for breaking that promise all those years back. Just not enough to have her get really badly hurt which you prevented.

Well enough of the sabby stuff, Candy took a photo of us laughing our heads off, so I left a copy of that photo from that telescope we saw you did that awesome thing to the brute. Still not sure what you did but it was still amazing either way!

Be cool you dweeb!

Your pal GildaI

Fluttershy looked to the photo attached to the scroll seeing they laughing. “Awww...”

Spike rubbed the back of his neck. “So... Between us only?”

Fluttershy raise her eyes from the scroll to Spike. “If you don't mind Spike, it seem she wanted to say this to me and me alone.”

Spike did a cross action across his chest. “You have my word Fluttershy, I won't say a word to anypony.”

“Thank you.” Fluttershy replied. “Would you like to stay for some tea since your around, if that okay with you?”

Spike thought about it and nods. “I would love to Fluttershy! Just make sure that crazy bunny Angel stays away from me okay?”

“I think I can do that.” Fluttershy agreed.

“So we going there Auntie?” Came Cadance's voice.

“Indeed, I think a good family get together is something we all need.” Gale's mum voice responded.

“I am sure he will enjoy it Princess Celestia.” Shining Armor's voice spoke up next.

“I do not know exactly what this-”

“SHHHH!” Came the others shhing at Luna.

“I was onl-”

“Sister, this is a surprise family outing, Gale has no idea where we going, please don't ruin it.”

Luna sighed. “Fine Celestia, I will keep quiet...”

Gale listened to them as he wasn't able to see with a blindfold over his eyes, unlike the game he played back at Pinkie Pie's party this time his eyes were covered for a surprise. He was curious what that surprise was as he continue to listen to the others talk and the movement of the coach they sat in.

Cadance speaks next. “Is Blueblood going to be there?”

“Yes Cadance, I asked for him to come by soon as I heard he returned from the his diplomatic meeting with the Mayor of Trottingham.” Celestia replied.

“Are you sure the prince be up to this? It isn't exactly the place I even seen him go to.”

“Captain, we never done something together as a family, I only met him a few times since my return but our dear nephew will join in this family activity.” Luna responded.

Gale turn his head towards Luna's voice tilting his head with ears twitching slightly. “Bloodblue is a prince and our nephew, that makes him your cousin like Cadance.” Celestia told him, he turned and smiled with a nod.

Gale was even more eager to go to wherever they were going to, he wondered what this Blueblood be like, would he be like Cadance? He was very curious reaching up to the blindfold to remove it but Cadance speaks up. “You really want to ruin your surprise Gale?” He hesitated to remove it. “Please wait cousin.”

Gale lower his talons placing them on the lap with a nod in reply to not remove the blindfold from over his eyes, he decided to drift to his imagination while the ride continue.

Gale opened his eyes to sitting by the river side in the carven looking out at the crystal blue lake towards to waterfall. “Master Gale, I sense your day dreaming?”

Gale turn to Blue. “Yeah, mum, auntie Luna, Cousin Cadance and Shining got a blindfold over my eyes blindfolding me. They taking me somewhere for a family outing, we meeting there too another cousin I didn't know about till now. He was at a place called Trottingham.”

“Trottingham, I recall you speaking to me about it being a mix of griffon and ponies on a island called Griffish Isles.” Blue step up beside Gale sitting down and dipping his paws into the crystal clear water kicking lightly through it. “I await your return to hear about Blueblood.”

Gale stared down at his paws in the water. “I will Blue.” He rose his head up looking over to the blue, cream and black jackal diamond dog. “It always fun to come here when I choose too.”

“That it may Master Gale, this reality is your own imagination as I am.” He placing the paw hand on Gale's shoulder. “Master Gale you arrived.”

Gale blinked through the bandanna. “Mum?”

“We here Gale, you can pull off the blindfold.” Celestia excitingly said.

Gale pull off the blindfold, his eyes adjust to the sun high above and as they refocus he saw that they all stood just outside a building with a big sign showing three pins being struck down by a black ball with fake explosion cut out behind them.

Something about the sign felt familiar, a sense he been in a place such as this before, he just couldn't place his talon on the tip of his beak on it. “Something the matter Gale?”

Gale shrugged to Shining's question.

“Don't know?” Gale nods to Shining Armor.

Celestia nod to the guards as they took position. “From my guess my little Gale having another sense of familiarity.” Celestia drape a wing over Gale. “Am I right son?”

Gale hummed a little and nods.

Flash Sentry lands before them with a salute. “Prince Blueblood just arrived at the station and on the way here, he be arriving in five minutes.”

“Thank you Private.” Cadance said and he took off into the sky again. “It seem we got time to step up the lane aunty.”

“Indeed we do, shall we go in?” Celestia lift her wing pointing it to the doors.

Luna stared. “Lane? Sister this bowling what is it purpose?”

“Oh you will see~” Celestia sang walking up to the doors opening them with her magic.

Luna walked quickly after her. “Sister explain!”

“Nope~”

Shining Armor rubbed his bear furry chest with his blue hoof. “I don't feel right without my armour Cadance, I know this is a outing but I am still captain and I should be prepared-”

“Shining~”

“Yes Cadance?”

Cadance smirked using her blue aura magic to zap him at the rump causing him to yelp bouncing towards to door. “Like to say something else about it Captain?”

“Nope I am good!” He rubbed his rump.

Gale tilt his head scratching the top of it with a talon trying to understand why his cousin just zapped Shining Armor with her magic, he just shrugged and followed them inside the building to find they approaching a desk, just beyond it was ponies sitting down at some seats while others was rolling big different colour balls down lanes into the pins.

The sound of rolling and pins getting hit echoed through out the building through the loud lively music that was playing around them. Gale walked up to the desk standing beside Celestia as she spoke to the desk receptionist. “May I have a lane for five ponies and a griffon please?”

The light blue unicorn stallion with green mane and tail wearing a red stripped shirt and red hat responds. “Of course princess, may I say this is a surprise to see all of you here at Canterlot Bowls.”

“It a family outing, thought we need some family get together including family to be.” She hints to Shining Armor.

“Very well, may I have your names for the lane.”

“Of course you may. Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Gale and Blueblood.” Celestia gives the names out to the stallion.

Using his magic write them down on a sheet of paper. “Is that one or two games?”

“One for now, if we wish for a second I will let you know.” Celestia calmly replied.

He nods. “Of course Princess.” He gives her the sheet. “Only lane we have is Lane five beside the Wonderbolts, enjoy your time here at Canterlot Bowls.” He bowed his head slightly.

Celestia bow her head too. “Thank you I am glad we all will.” Celestia turn around to the group. “It look like we not the only high profile here today.”

Gale heard Wonderbolts and peer past the desk to see them without their flight suits on at Lane Six seating area, they were wearing jackets with symbols on them. He quickly took off to Lane Six, Shining glanced at the others they nod and he rushed after the teenager, the manes followed at their own paste to Lane Five.

Gale flying over a bunch of ponies land on the slippery surface almost face planting but after a few skating movements with his talons and paws, the teenager had his beak tip only a few inches from Spitfire who had hold of a bowling ball ready to roll it. “Hello cub, good to see you again.” She said very calmly to him. “Do you mind stepping back so I can bowl?”

Gale nods and took a few steps back from her, Shining Armor slowed to a short trot. “That was too close...” He whispered to himself.

Spitfire rolled the ball down the lane hitting eight out of ten pins. “Right, while I wait for my ball to return, what do I own this unexpected surprise?”

“We on a family outing.” Shining stepped up beside the teenager. “Princess Celestia thought we should have one and so here we are.”

Spitfire raise a eye. “I don't recall you being part of the royal family.”

Cadance spoke up as the others arrived. “He proposed to me.”

“Ah! That explains it.” Spitfire chuckled. “Good for you Captain.” She playfully hit Shining's shoulder. “Princess.” She turn to salute with a wing across the forehead.

Princess Celestia waved her hoof dismissively. “At ease Spitfire, we all ponies at this moment, so just call me Celestia for now shall we?”

“Of course P-Celestia.” Spitfire almost slipped. “First time for the cub bowling?”

“I believe it is and isn't.” Spitfire gazed at Gale with confusion. “It a memory recovery thing, a sense of feeling as it were.”

Spitfire turn to the sound of the ball clicking against another. “Well I hope he and all of your do.” Spitfire walk away to get her ball.

Luna watched Spitfire pick it up with a hoof walk to the lane and with a thrust of the foreleg it rolls fast down it to strike the last two pins for a spare, she give a pump and the other five members of the team that joined her today cheered for their captain. “Interesting... So the point of this game is to roll said ball down the lane and strike out these pins?”

Celestia turn to her. “Pretty much Luna, but it not always that simple, you can get a split that ends up using a skill that professional bowlers use to knock what seem impossible to us novices.”

Gale walked up to their lane looking down it at the pins, he recalling that he'd play something like this but couldn't recall a memory of when or where it was. “Come on cousin, let get a ball each from the wrack so we can start playing.” Cadance spoke to Gale, he nods and follows her to the rack to take a look at he bowling balls.

Blueblood arrives at the lane finding his aunts talking to each other and Shining Armor as they put their bowling balls down into the slots ready to be used. “Aunty Celestia and Luna!”

“Ah Bloodblue good to see you made it.” Celestia turn around to greet him. “How was your diplomatic meeting with the mayor?”

“It went well as expected for a griffon of his stature aunty, in fact he arrived in Canterlot with me.” Blueblood turn to look behind towards a black griffon with yellow beak and talons with light grey feathers on his head and wings, blue eyes and wearing a red jacket with gold buttons on it with gold colour seems on the collar to the foreleg cuffs.

The griffon stood before her and bowed. “Princess.”

“Mayor Greystrom.” Celestia bow her head slightly in respect to him. “I do apologise if you are here for official reasons but as for this time I will not be doing any such thing till at least Monday.” Celestia apologised to the griffon.

Greystorm raise his head. “Not at all Princess, having a newly adopted son you must balance out work and live.”

Blueblood turn to Celestia. “I got wind of it from a few guards just before the papers relieved it to the public. I am surprised Aunty that you took in a griffon from the streets.”

Celestia's right eye twitched soon as he said that and Greystrom with his excellent vision spoke up quickly to save a blow out. “Prince Bloodblue I advise not speaking ill of Prince Gale.”

“It true is-”

“Your highness with all due respect look at your aunt.” Greystorm bluntly spoke.

Blueblood did and saw the twitching eye. “Aunty I-”

“Blueblood he is my son, I do not care what background he may or may not had, I took him in under my wing and will act in the best interest of Gale.” Celestia warily stated. “Greystorm, I warn you too, my son is not a typical griffon he has no care for wealth only happiness.”

Greystorm could see Gale lifting a yellow ball up to Cadance squawking happily to her and she ruffling his feathered head as he laughed she did too. “It is as I heard Princess, he is not tainted as many of us are and I hope he never is. I will retire to the castle and take in the sights of the city.”

Blueblood walked over to another rack to get a ball of his own knowing the details in the reason of being at the bowling alley thanks to the guards.

Celestia gave him a suspicious look as Greystorm leaves. “Something about Greystorm just don't seem to be right..." Celestia whispers to Luna.

"Nor did Blueblood, it seemed odd..." Luna whispered back.”

“In all my years of knowing the mayor what just happened has never happened. He impatient, rash and all on top of that think of his bits he can save but keeping the ponies and griffons happy enough to not have him removed from office.”

“Play to their wishes but saving enough to keep his pockets full?” Luna whispered back getting a nod from Celestia. “I can see why you are very suspicious as I am now of him, his words seem rehearsed for a play as were our nephew's.”

Celestia glanced over to Gale as Shining Armor had him and Cadance to inform of Blueblood's arrival. “With Greystorm in the castle this weekend, I fear for what he may try and attempt with my son...”

“As do I sister, but for now let's not worry about him and play this bowling shall we?”

“Of course Lulu.”

Gale come up to Celestia showing his ball to her. “Ah a ball for claws and paws, nice choice son.” Gale nods happily. “Go on Gale you go first and give it your best shot!”

“Mum!” He squawks happily and take it to their lane.

Standing up on his paws, placing the two finger and thumb claws into the holes he place the other talon under raising the ball to level with one eye before pulling back his right foreleg and letting the ball skim across the lane right for the pins to score a-

The ball rolled towards the pins as it seem to about to hit, but ends up shifting to the right as it rolled and ends up rolling into the gutter of the lane once again. Gale growls and squawks angularly as his second go failed to show a result on the score card as Cadance wrote down a zero on Gale's line.

Gale walked back to the seat jumping up on it crossing his forelegs grumbling under his breath. “Kiddo it a good try, you never played before.” Shining Armor pat him on the back slightly. “Look at Blueblood he only got three pins out of two turns.”

Gale turn and glared at him with a snappy squawk. “I have to agree with the griffon, your not helping us to make us feel better.” Blueblood also glared at Shining Armor.

“I have to agree with the both of them, bad choice of words.” Luna said walking by to take her turn. “I have only score four in my first turn and yet you do not speak of my poor play.”

Shining Armor looked around seeing they all gave him a disapproving look part from Cadance just smiling and a slight shake of her head. “Shiny, you do this on a weekly bases with your fellow guard, karma will bite you in the rump.”

Celestia watched but didn't say anything to add to it. “You do know the cub going to explode with he keeps guttering.” Spitfire stated as she watched the results from her teams on lane.

“I know Spitfire, not everything works out as you want it too.” Celestia watched Luna manage to score out of her two throws three more to her score sheet. “I am just hoping to have a nice day out and it seem to be going down hill...”

Spitfire chuckled. “You worry too much Celestia, nothing is perfect.”

Soarin spoke up. “Yeah, look at me, I am really bad at bowling but being with my team-mates is what matters, use that.”

Celestia turn to Soarin. “I will, thank you Soarin.”

“No problem Princess.” He gave a mock salute getting a laugh from Celestia.

Celestia walks up to them. “I believe we should stop thinking about who will win and what really matters.” They all turn to her. “Family, we all family or to be, let see that and enjoy our time.” Celestia pick up the bowl to take her turn. “So one wins and one loses, it doesn't matter at the end.” Celestia rolls it with her hoof.

The ball gutters. “What do you say to a gutter?”

“It can go to Tartarus.” Celestia turn to Shining Armor as she bluntly repiled.

Gale burst into laughter soon the others did too. “That we all haha can haha agree.” Luna said between fits of laughter.

Blueblood put a hoof to his chest as his laughter calms. “I agree, the gutter is our nemesis.”

“How about we all score at least one pin and aim to not get guttered?” Cadance suggested.

“Agreed!” They all replied with a squawk from Gale.

Celestia goes in for her second throw, as the game goes on with their turns Gale stares off into space drifting into his Dream Cavern.

“Ah Master Gale, I have been observing the game and set this up.” Blue showed the bowling lane with the pins at the end of it. “Unlike the real thing the pins reform after two throws, since reality has no limit in a dream.”

Gale step up to it. “I don't want to gutter...”

“I know, so after watching through the window on the tree to your left I believe this will help.” Blue gives Gale the ball. “Master Gale the bowl weighs what you felt, do you feel it slightly weighted on one side?”

Gale bouncing it up and down slightly on his talons. “Yeah I can. Why?”

“I believe they were made like that.” Blue walk to the window and tap the left side a few times with the image reversing in time to stop. “Now watch Spitfire.”

Gale recall seeing this in the corner of his eyes. “She rolls it with a twist, I saw 6 to spares with a strike from her.”

“Indeed and your catching onto the game fast.”

Gale stared at him.

“I remember seeing and hearing things... Some I don't understand but this I did, it very simple maths to keep score, spares put ten on top of the score you make on the next turn while strikes increase in score by a times factor of the pins you hit the next turn. You hit ten turns of strikes you can score the maximum score of 300.”

Blue listened to him to speak about it's scoring system. “Correct, now watch.” Blue took the ball from Gale and putting his paw digits into the hole the blue anthropomorphic dog aims.

He pulls back and thrust forwards rolling it down the lane towards the left, it sways into the right hitting the pins knocking down six of them. With a wave of the paw the pins reset and the ball appears back onto his paws. “Now you try.”

Gale nods taking it and does what Blue did and the ball almost goes into the gutter but it hits a single pin, blinking a few times he hit it. “I did it...”

“Yes you did and also this was happening in the Dream Cavern and while you awake.” Blue smirked.

Gale went to turn and face him to find not only out of his day dream but looking at Soarin who looked back at him with a smile. “Good going Princes Gale! You scored a pin, now score more!”

Gale blinking to try and process what just happened, did Blue just play him into this and that thought made him smile warmly. Blue helped him to get a score and Gale was going to get another pin or so in the next one taking the ball. “Congrats cousin! Now go for another!” Gale nods to Cadance and ready to take his second throw.

Blueblood watched this happen. “Impressive roll, curving it like that. I may have to attempt this myself.”

“It seem to work.” Luna rubbed her snout thoughtfully, she did notice dream magic flowing from Gale even the others did not, this was something Luna had to press on later. “Nephew Blueblood are you enjoying this or you bearing it?”

Blueblood stared. “Bearing it Aunt Luna, this is a commoners game...”

Luna smirked noticing a pair of ponies playing at another lane. “Are you certain of that?”

Blueblood snorted. “Yes I am certain.”

“You may want to look behind you, I do believe that is Lord Fancy Pants and his wife.” Celestia spoke noticing what Luna noticed.

Blueblood turn his head with his mouth hanging open as he stared at them playing. “B-b-”

“I believe you need to rephrase the commoners approach dear nephew.” Luna calmly said to Blueblood, he choose not to reply as he went to take his turn.

“Way ago Gale! You got five more!” Shining Armor bump his hoof against the closed talon, seeing a much happier griffon humming in reply.

Celestia noticed Luna when Gale got the pins knocked down. “Luna what is it?”

Luna didn't turn to her sister. “We will speak of it later sister, best not spoken of in public.”

“Very well.” Celestia turn her attention to Gale. “Son I am very impressed, how did you figure it out how to hit the pins?” Gale picked up his ball pointing to one side of it to the other. “One side different to the other?” Gale nods.

Cadance spoke up. “Aunty one side is weighted, each ball on the wrack differ in weight.” She using her magic to hold up to bowling balls with it before Celestia and Luna. “That is why most pros or regulars bring their own.”

Celestia took one with her magic. “I can see what you mean, this one look the same colour as others here but not within?”

“Correct Auntie.”

Gale nods in agreement. “It seem that what Gale was trying to say.” Luna stated.

“Indeed, shall we continue?” Celestia asked.

Gale squawked happily as they went back to playing the game, each of them taking turns and none guttering the ball after paying attention to the bowling balls they were using. Soon it came to the final turns of the five ponies and griffon,

Celestia step forward to take her final turn. “Come on Princess!” One pony cheered and many others cheering her on. “Go Princess, go!”

She took a good look around as ponies stopped their game to watch her final set of rolls of their game. “Thank you my little ponies.” Celestia rolls it down the lane knocking down seven pins with massive cheers.

Celestia took the ball as it return to strike for another two pins. “Awwwww...” Many wished for a spare but it didn't happen.

Luna stepped up to take her turn. “W-” Gale squawks and Luna sighs. “Yes Gale, I know you do not like the royal we but these are-” He squawks again crossing his forelegs getting a roll of her eyes and Celestia giggling. “Fine I'll skip the royal we!” Luna step up with ball held up by hoof.

“You can do it Luna!” Celestia cheered her sister on, many ponies seem to hesitant at first but start to cheer after Celestia spoke up. “Go Luna go!” The ponies chanted it to stomping their hooves.

Luna aimed and rolled the ball down striking all but one pin. “Gah! That was almost a strike! Curse you pin!” Luna glared at the remaining pin. “This next throw will see your end!” Luna got her ball back and rolled it as hard as she could smashing the pin to pieces.

“Whoa nice throw!” Spitfire called out.

“Yeah you smashed that pin to pieces! That some Earth Pony magic you got there!” Said a Earth Pony.

Luna smiled. “I scored a spare and-” Luna turn to see the ball floating in Celestia's magic. “Sister I done my two throws I do not get another.”

“That where your wrong Luna, last throw if you get a spare or strike you get a third throw.” Celestia place it on her hoof. “Go and score a strike.”

Luna nods. “I will sister.” Luna turn and rolls it fast, not to hard to smash the pins to pieces but enough to strike them all down with a massive clash of ball to pins. “YES! I SCORED A STRIKE!” Luna screamed out in joy with her Royal Canterlot Voice causing many to cover their ears.

Cadance step up to take her turn clapping hooves with Luna. “Great job Aunty!” The ponies recovered stomping their hooves in joy to the princess of the night. “Now let me show you how often I play this game with Shiny.” Cadance grinned.

They watched Cadance not only get one strike but three in a row with jaws hanging open at the display she pulled before them. “Won't you over doing it a bit Cady?”

She kissed Shining Armor on the side of the snout. “Not at all, now don't hold back Shiny.”

Shining Armor pick up his ball. “Oh I won't Cadance.” Shining Armor gets two strikes and nine pins down from all three throws.

Luna whispers to Celestia. “Those two been holding back through out the game...”

“I believe you are correct.” Celestia whispered back. “They do play this game far more than I do and you did score higher than me over all.”

Luna blinked. “I did?”

“Yes you did Luna, you've beaten your big sister.” Celestia smiled.

Luna raised an eye. “Where you holding back?”

“Not at all, last time I played was two years ago.” Celestia honestly replied.

Gale's time to shine as he step up to the lane with his bowling ball. “Nephew do your best!”

“Son as Luna said, do your best and score high!”

Gale nods turning to the lane looking right down it, he choose to just roll it as hard as he could and hope to hit as he closed his eyes letting go off it. The ball sped down the lane hitting the pins hard, still keeping his eyes closed there was dead silence in the room part from the background music, slowly opening them he saw no pins standing.

Gale eyes widen with a smile from his beak following till he started bouncing around on his paws only pumping his close fist talons in the air, flapping his wings with excitement crying out with joy. “Strike Mum! STRIKE MUM! STRIKE!” He span around on one paw.

Ponies whistling, stomping and cheering out to Gale. “Prince Gale! Prince Gale!” They chanted.

Celestia took the ball from the slot as it was returned. “Son that was amazing, now you got two more turns.” Celestia kissed him on the top of his head ruffling his feathers slightly. “Have fun, that what truly matters.”

Gale nods. “Mum!” The griffon took the ball quickly turn to the lane and does another hard roll hitting nine out of ten pins. Clicking his talons with a grunt as the last pin stayed up, on his final throw it went down scoring a spare. “Mum! Strike?”

“No spare.” Celestia giggled. “It a half strike and well done!” He nods happily and hugs her, she returns it with a foreleg and wing getting a collective of 'awwws' from the ponies.

Blueblood step forward. “Good luck nephew!” Celestia cheered on her nephew.

He smirked. “Auntie thank you and this one for the ponies of Canterlot!” He rolls it down the lane hitting seven pins leaving a split with one pin to the left and two on the right.

“Ooooo a spilt.” Shining Armor responds. “That going to be a tough one.”

Blueblood rolled the second ball hitting the two pins but clipping the other causing it to wobbly around, Gale open his wings and flapped them a little towards it, Spitfire noticed but no one else did as the pin falls. “Yes a spare!” Blueblood cheered.

Spitfire step up beside Gale as he closed his wings up. “You know that cheating.” She whispered to him.

Gale got spooked and half squawked in surprise turning to Spitfire tilting his head in confusion, Spitfire saw his expression as if he didn't know he did something wrong.

She put a hoof on his side. “Tomorrow I'll drop by and explain okay?” Gale hummed with a nod. “Cool and word of advise, not all griffons are like that griffon that teaching you.”

“Gilda?”

“Yes Gilda, just be careful around that black one okay?” Gale nods from Spitfire's warning. “Well our time is up, so be cool Gale.” She put her hoof up to him and he bump it with a fist.

Spitfire and her team leaves the bowling alley, Blueblood step away from the lane with cheers all around as he scored a final strike of seven pins. They parted ways back to their own lanes soon after as all six gathered at the seating area to get the results.

Cadance look to the tally of pins knocked down. “That was a fun game, don't you think?”

“I do Cadance. So what the score?” Shining asked.

She took a look at it. “Right... Ready to hear how well we all did?” They all nod.

Cadance starts to read out the results.

“I am in first place with a score of 119 points, Shining Armor at 93 points, Gale at 82, Luna at 78, Blueblood at 77 and Celestia at 75 points..”

Gale takes the paper to get a look at see it was true, his mum came dead last. “Mum?” He look up at her with surprise.

Celestia giggled. “Oh well, you can't win them all.” Celestia dismissed the score. “I had fun with my family, so that what mattered most.” Celestia looked around them. “How about Donut Joe's my treat for losing?”

Gale instantly nods rapidly in agreement. “I say dear Nephew Gale is in agreement.” Luna laughed.

Blueblood start to walk away. “I will not be attending, I am retiring back at the castle Aunty Celestia and Luna.”

“Very well Blueblood. I will see you at the castle.” Celestia nods and he return it before leaving them.

Shining Armor tap his snout. “I just remembered something...”

“What is it captain?” Luna asked.

“Didn't Gale's room use to be the room for the griffon mayor of Trottingham when he stays at the castle for a few-” Before he could finish Gale already zoomed right out of the bowling alley making a beeline for the castle.

“Why did Gale just rush off like that?” Cadance said with shock.

Celestia gasped. “His plush in the room! We going back to the castle!” Celestia quickly using her magic to teleport herself, Luna, Cadance and Shining Armor straight to the castle before anyone could say a word.

Sunbeam walked down the hallway of the Royal Suite floor doing her checks with salutes to guards, she made sure that no pony part from the maids were to enter through the doors to Gale's bedroom, doing a check she open it to look inside seeing the plush on the bed cushion and walked back outside closing the door behind.

“Private are all things good?” Sergeant Bluestar step up to Sunbeam as she closed the doors.

Sunbeam saluted to him. “All's well Sergeant.”

He salutes back. “Keep up the good-” The sound of the balcony window doors opening came from Gale's room. “Work?”

Sunbeam and Bluestar turn to the door. “Sir was that the balcony doors opening?”

“It was...” Bluestar walk up to the door and open it.

Sunbeam followed to find a blackish grey griffon in the bedroom by the bed holding the plush. “Guards!” She screamed out and in a instant two more guards came into the room and another two flew into the room from the balcony quickly aiming their spare tips at the griffon.

He look around seeing they are him surrounded. “Mayor Greystorm of Trottingham explain why you are in Prince Gale's bedroom!” Sergeant Bluestar demanded.

Greystorm turn to Bluestar. “Well... This is the very bedroom I use while on business with the Princess or Princesses now, Prince Blueblood did not tell me that my room is now occupied.”

Sunbeam step forwards. “Sir I advise you put the plush down and leave imminently.”

“You look new to the guard, pony. I think the prince can go sleep somewhere else while I am here, this is the only room I like in all the suites.” He said staring at her with a cold hush tone.

“Wh-”

Bluestar raise a hoof cutting her off and spoke for the guard. “I am sorry how you feel but this room is now till Princess Celestia says otherwise is Prince Gale's room, you will do as Private Sunbeam asked before you really get in hot water.”

Greystorm rolled his eyes. “I will speak to Prince Blueblood and this will happen and why should I be in hot water for holding a toy that look exactly like the young prince? It not hurting anyone.”

“Seriously Mayor Greystorm put the plush down be-” Gale zooms into the room from the open doors of the balcony hovering and looking around to he locked eyes on Greystorm who looked back at him. “Oh buck...” Bluestar whispered.

Gale instantly squawks loudly and charge right for Greystorm, he quickly flap his wings dodging the dive and landing before the doors still holding the plush. “What the heck!? What are you doing cub!?”

Gale landed on the bed and quickly turning to fly onto the ground before the guards, he glares at each of them, in reaction they backed away slightly so did Bluestar and Sunbeam. “Sir...”

“Don't, that look means 'stay out of this, I am dealing with it' glare, I seen this from Princess Celestia a few times in the many years I've been guard at the throne room.” Bluestar warned.

Gale got up on his paws with wings open both talons closed into a fist growling at Greystorm. “Cub your younger, smaller and inexperienced, you will not stand a chance.”

Gale stares at the plush and back at him. “PLUSH DROP!” He roared out two new words with rage.

“Fine here!” Greystorm throws it at Gale landing just behind him.

Gale slowly turn seeing it where it landed and turn back to him. “Sir his right talon...” Sunbeam hints to Gale.

Bluestar saw it too. “What in Celestia's name!? Is that magical aura forming around his talon!?”

Greystorm eyes trail to the closed talon seeing the bluish white magical aura, his eyes went back to Gale's, the cub with a burst of speed flew right at him with right foreleg pulled back. Greystorm could or should of moved out the way but every muscle of his body was frozen in a state of fear, he was in fear as Gale charged right at him.

Blueblood walked into the Royal Suite Hallway to be met with Celestia and the others teleporting before him. “Blueblood where Greystorm!?” She quickly asked him.

“I don't know, I just got back to the castle Aunty.” Blueblood answered.

Suddenly there is a loud boom followed by as they all turn to the direction a blackish grey griffon flying backwards from Gale's room, he crashed through the doors of the room opposite side landing on his back sliding to a stop with bluish white wisps of magic coming from Greystorm's chest fading away to leave a scorched fur and feathers.

Blueblood quickly came to his aid. “Greystorm!”

Greystorm slowly pushed himself up grunting in pain. “Blueblood... His pure...”

Blueblood using his magic to support Greystorm. “Pure?”

“Yes... Pure Griffon... He can... Use... Magic...” Greystorm staring back into Gale's room with a smile on his beak.

“What?” Blueblood turn to look directly into Gale's room.

Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Shining Armor peered into Gale's room seeing him sitting on his flank holding the plush tight to himself nuzzling it and protecting it. The guards left standing in shock at what they witnessed, the word of Greystorm and the guards reaction left many more new questions about the consequence of what just happened.

Gale was completely oblivious of his actions just caused, all he cared about the griffon wasn't going anywhere near his plush.

Gale sat on the edge of his bed holding the plush close to himself looking down at the floor sadly, Celestia stood before him looking quite upset towards her son's actions and the Sunbeam standing to the side with Bluestar. “Gale...”

Gale rose his head. “Mum?”

“I know your upset with Greystorm not only handling your plush and throwing it over you.” Celestia gave a light sigh. “Punching him for it was a unacceptable action.”

Gale lower his head sadly hugging the plush closer to his chest with tears falling.

Celestia stood her ground seeing him cry. “Luckily he not going to press any charges for your assault on him, so you are going to be grounded to your room for the rest of this evening through out the weekend.”

“Princess we should of stopped him...” Bluestar spoke up. “We are at much fault as he is.”

Celestia turn to Bluestar. “From what I heard you all seem to be frozen as if you became overwhelmingly fearful all the sudden, isn't that what you said?”

Bluestar nods. “Correct Princess and the shock of seeing magic coming from his talon wasn't something none of us was expecting.”

“Even so, Gale most-” The doors open and Celestia turns around. “I said not to be-”

Greystorm walk in with Doctor Trace giving chase. “Mayor get back into the guest room at once!”

The griffon bandaged around the chest flare wing out. “Not till I say what I have to say to Princess Celestia right now!”

“This can wait Greystorm, I will have words to speak to you after dealing with my son, actions I wouldn't have taken if you didn't act with just a careless way.” Celestia said firmly to the mayor of Trottingham.

Greystorm stood his ground as the guards moved in to take him back to the guest room. “Your son acted like it because he is a Pure Griffon Celestia!” The guards grabbing him to pull the griffon away. “I did it to see if it was true!”

Celestia rose a hoof and Gale raised his head hearing this from Greystorm. “Guards wait.” They eased and Greystorm broke free from them. “Your telling me that the way you acted with my son in this very room was to see my son is this 'Pure Griffon' by putting him through that!?” Celestia temper was showing as the voice raised close to the Royal Canterlot Voice.

“Yes.”

Celestia took a deep breath in and out. “Sunbeam, Bluestar make sure Gale get some dinner and keep him in his room, even this was all stirred by Greystorm.” Celestia eyes still locked on the black griffon.

They saluted. “Yes Princess.”

“Greystorm and Trace with me...” Celestia walk by them and said loudly. “NOW!”

Gale watch them leave quickly behind his mum, she was really anger. “Mum...”

“It's okay Prince Gale.” Sunbeam said to him. “Do you like some hayfires and breaded fish?” He nods silently.

Bluestar nods to her and she leaves. “I am curious about what Greystorm knows too Gale...” They looked at each other.

Celestia walk into the library, followed by Trace and Greystorm, she using her magic to close the doors. “Now Greystorm, with what limited patients I have with you, tell me about this 'Pure Griffon' that you spoke of.” Celestia irritatingly spoke to the griffon.

Greystorm took a seat at one of the study tables. “When you have a very unorthodox father like I have you tend to do things that not exactly griffon like.” He rose a talon twisting around visible expressing it as he spoke. “My mother walked out on us because of it and growing up by being dragged to one ruins to another was a norm for me.”

Celestia's irritation grew. “Get to the point...”

“I am Princess, my father showed me the stuff that griffons as a whole do not care about anymore, the live blood history of what we were once upon a time.” Greystorm putting a talon over his bandaged chest grunting slightly from the sting of the fresh burn still present under it. “One of these places were lost a year ago to two pony rivals fighting over a stupid trinket, not protecting the very real thing that was the treasure of the lost city, it history.”

Trace eyes shift in thought. “I do recall about a year ago of unusually high tides at Manehatten.” Trace tap the tip of his muzzle with a hoof. “Are you saying a whole city ruins on a island sunk below the waves last year?”

Greystorm look down. “Yes... I was there when it happened...” Greystorm raised his head looking over to Celestia. “It was the Lost City of Griferlatias, the capital of the oldest griffon kingdom that pre-dates Equestria by a few thousand years.”

“I did get reports of a island sinking by a navel vessel near by, yet that doesn't get to the point of Pure Greystorm.” Celestia confirmed she knew about the island. “What does a ancient city ruins have to do with my son?”

“The writings lost to the collapse and to the waves spoke of a griffon that could wield a strange form magic.” Greystorm cleared his throat and speaks.

“Through the burning embers of a dying sun as the Gates of Elysium closes.

The city bathed in the light of blue.

Came the pure of griffon kind bring fourth a magic that forged the Idol into gold from the dying sun.

Once were not a griffon now the beacon of Griferlatias, may good fortune come to us all.

Praise the lord and king of our beloved kingdom.

Hail Grifiax Boreas.

The Pure One”

Celestia listen to what was said and thoughtfully gave it, she took notice of a few key points from these Gates of Elysium to not a griffon. “How do you know about Gale not being a griffon before hoof?”

“I am curious about that too Princess, I never told any pony of my findings.” Trace stated.

Greystorm turn to him. “Your partly pure Doctor Trace.”

He instantly slamming both front hooves on the table before the griffon. “How do you know about that!?”

“Because I always been three steps ahead when it came to information dealing.” Greystorm replied calmly to the unicorn. “It one of the reasons Princess Celestia doesn't like dealing with meetings when I am involved.”

Celestia exhales. “You are a troubling mayor to deal with, always have ways of getting things you want as well getting a fair amount of bits to line your bags.” Celestia used her magic to not only pick Greystorm up but pin him to the hourglass. “Now Greystorm with what you have told us and know, you clearly have a insider in these walls and the hospital.”

Greystorm didn't fight, he just relaxed. “That is true I do, the power of information out ways the power of magic and bits, history is also a key factor.” Greystorm looked up at the stop of the hourglass. “Like the sands of time itself Princess Celestia, each grain has a story if you look closely enough.”

Celestia looked up as the sands continuously drip into the bottom at a endless loop and lower her eyes to stare into Greystorm's. “I am going to ask this very simple question, how you answer determines on what happen to you.

“Understood, ask.”

Celestia didn't like his calm response. “What are your intentions for my son?”

“With the pain I gained to the core of my being... Nothing. I have no intentions for your son, I have proven that he is the only other one to Grifiax Boreas to exist and at the cost of Prince Gale never trusting me ever.”

Celestia let him go with her magic letting him land on his paws still leaning on the hourglass. “How did you get all this information?”

Greystorm smirked. “I had a bug.”

“Very funny, how?” Trace still anger with Greystorm.

“I am being dead serious, it was a bug that helped me out, in fact she right behind you Princess Celestia.” Celestia quickly turn around to a stallion guard that had some how entered the library without her knowledge.

Celestia step back as the stallion grinned and burst into green magical flames, it died down to reveal a black bug pony with yellow solid eyes, fins, tails and insect wings. “Changeling...” Celestia whispered.

“Yes that is what I am.” She spoke calmly to Celestia.

“Princess what's a changeling?” Trace asked looking at the one before him.

Celestia turn to him. “Think of beings that naturally have magic that allow them to transfigure themselves into any form they choose to copy of anything to crafting their own forms of said race.” Celestia turn back to the changeling.

“Amazing...” Trace turn to the changeling amazed by what he just learned.

“You work for him? For love?” Celestia asked the changeling.

“Nah, I get enough of that from my husband, I do this to help him because I share in his desire to learn.” She smirked.

Celestia and Trace looking to Greystorm and the changeling. “Husband!?”

Greystorm walked up to the changeling turning around to face the two ponies. “Surprised how a griffon loves a love sucking bug?”

“Yes indeed.” Celestia curiously stated

“Love sucking bug?” Trace raise a eye.

Celestia glance to him. “I will explain later, the question is... What have you two discovered that we missed and why are you willing to tell us this?”

“I see you caught on.” Greystorm smiled.

The changeling right side of the muzzle raised with a wicked grin showing a single fang. “My lovely feathered husband may I revile the tablet from the lost city?”

Greystorm nods. “You may my love bug wife.”

Celestia cringed slightly and Trace curiously looked at the pair. “This was the last thing we managed to save before the city went under.” The changeling using her magic made it appear for them setting it down on the table. “Magical Pocket Dimension spells are so very useful.” She chuckled.

Celestia and Trace took a look at it. “This was the moment they worked with Ponies to defeat the greatest threat and created the beginning the three pony nations, the moment their kingdom fell to save the world from the father of all monsters, the moment Grifiax Boreas vanished, the moment griffons lost their pride and became consumed by greed and the dark age of griffons begun till King Grover.”

Celestia could easily see the creature without a bell that was being defeated by the griffons of Griferlatitas and the rebellion ponies,she muttered out a single name. “Grogar...”

Standing at the landing platform for sky chariots Celestia awaits for one to arrive from Ponyville carrying Spike, she had two things to deal with at this moment of time as the sun had rose to start the Sunday day, the chariot being pulled by two pegasi guards land on the platform.

Spike hopes out of it and give a wave to the guards. “Thank you guys! That was a really smooth ride!”

They nod and unhook themselves from it, they salute to Celestia and with a nod from her they left. “Hello Spike, thank you for coming at short notice.” Celestia walked up to Spike as he walked towards her.

He glance behind himself before replying. “No problem Princess, also good timing on your part.”

“Oh?” Celestia noticed the cloud build up in the direction of Ponyville. “Big storm tonight?” Celestia gestures for him to follow her into the castle.

Spike walks with Celestia off the platform into the castle hallways. “I heard they missed several raining days and making up for it with one big controlled storm.” Spike answered.

Celestia glanced upwards for a second and turn to give Spike her attention. “Gale been watching Ponyville from his balcony since this morning, I gather his curious about the build up of clouds over the town while there little to none here.”

“Never seen weather controlled by the Pegasi Weather Teams huh?”

Celestia thoughtfully nods. “I believe so, but that isn't why I asked you here this weekend Spike.”

Spike showed a sign of confusion. “You made it sound that I really need to come to Canterlot, what the matter?”

Celestia sighed slightly. “I had to ground my son this weekend to his room against my painful feelings of doing this said action.”

“Why?” Spike was surprised by hearing Celestia grounding her son. “What did he do?”

“He punched me out of his room into the guest room.” Spike instantly turn to be greeted by Greystorm. “Hello young dragon, I am Greystorm, Mayor of Trottingham.” He put his talon out to Spike.

Spike hesitatingly placed his claw against it and they shook. “What did you do to causing him to attack you?” Spike asked with a anger frown looking at the bandages across his chest.

Greystorm remove his talon placing it on the bandaged chest. “I provoked a teenager with a mind that can either sway from a five year old to a fifteen year old.” Greystorm turn to Celestia. “As I said you are being a bit hush, in fact if I didn't give you what I gave you last night I would most likely be in boiling water by now, even kicked out of being mayor to a city.”

Celestia glares at him. “I am still anger with you Greystorm, your actions were selfish in the desire for your own gains in the seeking of historic knowledge...”

Spike stared at them with a few blinks. “Erm... Did I miss something here?”

Celestia turn to Spike. “What I am going to tell you haven't gotten out, please reframe from telling Twilight this okay?”

“Erm... Sure?”

“Gale's actions to Greystorm was magical...”

Spike gasped quickly stepping back. “Wh-what-Ho-How!?”

Greystorm still having his talon on his chest. “I caused a large sum of rage to flare from within Prince Gale, I threw his plush over him on purpose after holding it without permission.”

Spike suddenly lost his shock and rolled his eyes. “Even Twilight knows not to press him like that, from what I heard about him, Gale's mind is like a shattered gem! There be pieces missing forever, his actions might be wrong but to him were just.” Spike crossed his arms.

Greystorm now rubbed the back of his head. “Okay you got me child, your wise beyond your years and got to say I am on the spot on this one.” Greystorm turn to Celestia. “I be with the others waiting for your arrival.” He bows to her and walks off.

Celestia snorts with a flare of magic from her horn. “Stupid feather brain selfish good for nothing bucking griffon...” Celestia muttered under her breath.

Spike did a double take. “Princess di-”

“I said nothing.” Stern words left her muzzle.

Spike gulped and said quickly. “Of course you said nothing Princess.”

“Good, come Spike.” Celestia walks on and Spike follows. “I know your into comics so I had some guards buy some random ones to be brought up to Gale's room, you will be given a small bed in the room to keep Gale company while I, Luna, Cadance Shining Armor, Doctor Trace and our guests deal with a very pressing issue at hoof.”

Spike twiddling his claws between each other. “So I was asked to come up here to look after Gale?”

“No... Spike, I need someone that is young that would be there to support him as a brother in an manner of speaking.” Celestia glance back at him as they walked up the stairs. “I thought about it and believed he has trust with you, that with him being grounded he need to learn some actions are not acceptable.”

Spike rubbed the to green fins on his head with a claw. “So... I am being a little big brother to Gale teaching of the differences between right and wrong?”

“Correct, unless you do not think your up for the task.”

Spike shook his head. “No I can do it Princess! Twilight and her family raised me, I been in trouble for many things in the past and know how it is to be grounded, during that time both Shining and Twilight were there for me to explain the wrongs and rights.”

Celestia smiled. “I am happy to hear that.” Celestia stopped at the top of the stairs with Spike beside her. “Now I have a urget meeting to attend to, Private Sunbeam is standing by his door, please show him what lessons you learned and be there for him like Twilight and her brother where, he doesn't need a buddy mum, he needs someone young and wise.” Celestia turn walking down the stairs.

Spike turn around watching her heading back down, with a salute he called out. “You can count on me Princess Celestia! I won't let you down!” Only answer he got from her was a slight turn and sincere smile as she continued her track down the stairs.

Spike turn around walking into the hallway of the Royal Suites. “Spike I presume?” Sunbeam standing at the door spoke out upon seeing him.

The young dragon walked up to her nervously twiddling his claws again. “Y-yeah I am, I am here to... Erm... We-well-”

“To help teach the young prince some morals of what a right action and what a wrong action while spending time with him till Monday morning correct?” He silently but nervously nod. “I wish you the best of luck sir, he been staring out the window to Ponyville since he had his breakfast.” She open the doors up letting Spike in.

Spike walks into the bedroom and soon as the doors closed he got to see what painted walls to ceiling. “Whoa, this is officially the most amazing bedroom ever!” He saw the bathroom attached to it. “Your own on suite bathroom too? Rarity would be definitely jealous of you having a room like this Gale, I'm sure am.”

Gale didn't even notice or even pay attention to what Spike said to even acknowledging his presence in the bedroom, the griffon hugging his plush tightly stared out to the build up of clouds over Ponyville transfixed on it rapidly creation before his eyes.

Spike noticed the three boxes stacked against the wall, walking over to them he moved them off each other to open the lids, he found so many comics in there that he never be able to buy this many. “Sweet Cele-” He instantly stopped and quickly corrected himself. “I never be able to this many comics!”

Gale glanced over for a second but snorted before looking back to the storm able to start.

Spike tapped this snout. “Erm... Hey Gale, heard you got into trouble... I want to say I know what it like.” Gale head rolled slightly showing without being seen a eye roll. “Gale you think you had it bad punching a griffon? How about biting Twilight on the foreleg for not getting more gems cause I wanted more than I was offered.”

Gale ears shift and twitch, he slowly got up on his three limbs holding the plush with the fourth, he tilted his head.

“Yeah I... growled and bit her, I got grounded to her room for the weekend.” He lowered his head with claws behind his back shifting the right claw tips of the foot in circles on the surface.

Gale frowned with a squawk.

“You acted on defending your plush and what you thought was right was wrong, right?” Gale put the plush down before Spike and sat down on his flank.

Gale hummed as Spike picked up the plushy and held it up looking into it static looking forward eyes. “Your plush is all you have from what life you had, but to others without knowing it they would see you a teenager throwing a patty spoiled fit because your a prince.”

As Spike's words sunk in and he thought about it how Spike presented it, with a gasp Gale stared at his own talons shaking his head rapidly with panic setting in, the strange aura was forming around his talons. Gale gasped looking at them and at Spike panicking even more, he wasn't sure what to do and how it was happening.

Spike quickly place the plushy down, he put both claws on Gale's talons, feeling the magical energy as it tickled his scales. “Gale calm down! Look at me in the eyes focus on me and take a deep breath!” The magic flares from his talons with Spike grunting slightly from a discomfort feeling forming.

Gale nods nervously and does as Spike said, slowly breathing in deeply and breathed out the aura started to fade from the talons, he repeats it over and over again till the magic fades completely. Gale was relieved that it faded away, the magical fused punch awoken something in him that he didn't completely understand and it felt very scary to Gale to process.

Spike sighed in relief. “Fthew!” He wiped the sweat off his forehead. “That was scary and awesome Gale! I never thought a griffon could do magic even the Princess said you did!” Gale nervously stared at his talons, one still held by Spike's claw. “Did you recall it from when you hit Mayor Greystorm?”

Gale nods.

“Hmmm...” He let go off the talon and tap his snout. “Try picturing it again.”

Gale did so and the whitish blue aura forms once more.

“Now focus on it going away.” Gale did so and the magical aura faded, blinking Gale repeated it over and over again seeing he could make it come and go until he started feeling a bit light headed and almost fall over with Spike grabbing the right foreleg, pulling the griffon up into a sitting position.

Gale rubbed his head feeling drained. “You were using up to much magic all at once doing it, Twilight said that unicorns that have no control over their magic could easily use it all up at once, that what I think you did with your magic.”

Gale stared down at his talons and back at Spike with a tilt of the head.

Outside the balcony a guard with yellow eyes took note of it, she smiled. “Just like the Gyrite glyphs showed, once a pure one felt the magic awaken they can gain access to it.” She whispered. “Best get to the meeting and tell my husband and the others.” She opened her wings and flew off.

“Best not to try anymore of that for today, you might make yourself sick.” Spike suggested and Gale nods in understanding the caution presented to him. “How about we read some comics?” He point over to the boxes. “I never had that when I was grounded.”

Gale look over to the boxes and back to Spike with curious caution.

“Your worried that it might be a test your mum put on you right?” Gale nods and Spike rubbed his underside of the snout. “How about I read it and you watch over my shoulder, that way your not exactly reading it with your own talons.” Spike grinned.

Gale raised his talon up flat to Spike, in turn Spike clapped his claw against it with a smile coming from the griffon liking Spike's idea.

Sunbeam peered through a small opening of the door. “They going to be hours in reading those comics, being grounded will fly by faster than Gale think it will, crafty move Princess Celestia.” She whispered closing the door up.

Spike lifted up one from the box reading it title. “The Misadventures of Pistol the Griffon, issue one...” He showed it to Gale. “I never seen a comic like this one before, want to check it out first?”

Gale picked up his plush walking up to a set of big cushions sitting down on one, he wave Spike to come over to sit on the other. “I take that as a yes.” Spike chuckled walking over to Gale and sitting down on the other one. “Alright, let see how this begins.” Spike opens it up.

Gale looking over the shoulder to read the comic with the young purple dragon.

The doors of the throne room opened to allow Princess Celestia in, by the steps up to the throne were Shining Armor, Greystorm, Princess Luna, Cadance, Doctor Trace and Princes Blueblood. She glad that all of them had gathered for this meeting about the findings about Pure Griffons and new evidence of the defeat of Grogar during the Pony Rebellion against the Father of Monsters.

“Thank you for everypony and grif for showing up at sudden and short notice.” Celestia looking at each of them and lit up her horn to cause the room, windows, doors, walls and ceiling to shimmer for a second.

Shining Armor took notice of the spell that Celestia just cast through out the throne room. “Illusion spell?”

Celestia use her magic to cause the floor to slide down and across to revile a stair case. “We taking this meeting to a more private settings, please follow.” Celestia walk down the stairs.

“I never knew this even exist...” Candance whispered to Shining Armor.

He stared at it. “Nor did I...”

“Best not to keep Princess Celestia waiting.” Greystorm walked down the steps after her, the rest nod and follow him down, the floor slid back into place behind them sealing up the stair case.

On either side of the stairs stood ponies in slots wearing black armour with crossbows attached to their sides, each were dark grey fur with silver white mane and tails, they all were unicorns. “Auntie the looks they giving is creepy...” Blueblood shivered.

Luna looked at each as they were following the group with their eyes. “Indeed dear nephew, these are unlike the Lunar or the Solar Guards.”

Shining Armor glance to his left and right about to say something but Greystorm spoke with excitement. “The Shadow Elite! I can't believe it! I get to see the most elite guard!”

“Shadow Elite? Shining, you know about these?”

Shining Armor glance to Cadance. “No I didn't they don't look like any ponies I ever seen...”

“I agree, they almost not pony, what exactly are they?” Trace curiously asked.

Greystorm turn to them to answer the very question. “They golems! They living magical shells!”

Shining Armor looking at each of the guards. “Are you telling me they are pony shaped magical clay creatures!?”

“Indeed, what Greystorm says is true, I created them to guard this room at all times, they would of attacked you if I wasn't here.” Celestia stated to the group.

Luna looked at these golems. “Sister...”

“On the verge of war with Griffina lead me to making them, the Shadow Elite Guard are my shall guards that only work in this part of the castle only, anywhere else they will turn to clay.” Celestia explained to Luna.

Celestia step up to the large metal doors using her magic to shift gems all over it into different positions. “Magical gem locking system!” Greystorm gave a surprise squawk. “I only see ruins of theses!”

Celestia smiled from that comment and unlocked the door to revile a large chamber with a huge table in the middle with a massive crystal hanging over it shimming light directly on it. Displayed on the table was a three dimensional map of Equestria and the neighbouring lands. “Welcome to the Equestrian War Room.”

“War room?” Luna repeated taking a good look around, she noticed dust and webs were almost everywhere, torches magically lit up on the walls around the room. Tables on a upper level with the walls stacked with shelves of files all the way around, stairs bending around to the right and left of the main entrance large mental doors. “How long has it been since anypony been in here?”

“Nearly 200...” She noticed hoof marks in the dusty stone floor. “...Years.” She took a good look around. “The guards never enter nor have the access to do so...”

Shining Armor noticed the hoof prints. “From the dust forming over those prints it seem somepony were here a week or so ago.”

“That would be me.” They all turn to a pegasi solar guard leaning against the wall with forelegs crossed. “Took me a day to figure out how to get in by bypassing the magic locked door and those sweet little clay ponies.”

Shining Armor stormed up to her. “Your in direct violation of the guard code!”

She chuckled. “That if I am one of your guards sweetie.” A green flame engulf her to die down and replaced by her true Changeling form causing him to jump back with horn glowing. “Cap, put your horn down, if I really wanted to be a threat I would of taken you and the rest of the guard down by now, your system is really sloppy.”

Shining was ready to blast her “What!? It top notch! I-”

“I been gathering information about Gale for my husband for the last two weeks including the first two weeks before that about the good old magical aurora event.” She counted Shining Armor.

He growls and Celestia steps in. “Octicovix please stop teasing the captain.” Shining Armor cancel out his spell turning to Celsetia.

She shrugged dropping down on all fours fluttering the insect wings. “Fine, whatever you say Princess.” Octicovix walk by Shining Armor stepping up beside Greystorm.

Shining Armor turn around. “Princess she not only pretend to be a guard but she-”

“I know Captain, we will work on solving this breech as soon as possible with her aid, for now we here for another reason.” Celestia walk up to the table using her magic to magic all the dust and webs vanish in a instant.

Shining Armor submits. "Fine Princess Celestia..."

The changeling shrugs. "Fine by me Princess, I be happy to help patch up your holes." Shining glares at her once more.

“Now please take a seat at the map everyone.” She gestured to the cushions she placed down around the large table.

They all took a cushion each sitting down on them. “Sister, Greystorm spoke of war, were Equestria on the verge of war with the griffons?”

“Indeed, King Guto was preparing forces to attack Equestria but the attack or the war never came.” Celestia replied. “So the war room after a year or so was sealed up and left.” She looked around at the shelves of files all around them.

“All those files was after action reports from each division to generals of the Royal Armed Forces of Equestria, which history sadly forgotten about after the disbanding of the forces since we had no need for such a thing anymore.”

Luna looked at the Equestrian map. “That is not why we here is it?”

“No.” Celestia's horn lights up and the crystal change the map to a massive image of a tablet. “This is why we are here, I used the crystal to see what I saw of the tablet that Greystorm and Octicovix presented to me last night.”

Blueblood noticed the symbols instantly. “This is Gyrite glyphs, ponies about just over 1000 years ago in the most southern parts of Equestria, the pyramids there used this very language themselves to tell their history but in a more colourful manner.” Blueblood informed them.

Greystorm confirms it. “I been there my self and the reason behind not much colour is age as well exposure to the elements.”

Luna looked at it with interest, something about the tablet even it is only a mental protected display of it from her sister. “Before the three pony tribes there was a dark force greater than Discord, Sombra and Nightmare Moon, this was when Griffons and Ponies worked together to take down Grogar.” Octicovix tells them what the Gyrite glyphs are saying.

Blueblood started at the tablet image. “Grogar? I never heard of anything by that name.”

“He been long forgotten by ponies, this is one of the rare pieces that still intact, it almost wasn't.” Greystorm turn to Blueblood. “The land the tablet came from is under the waves of the sea, sunk over a year ago with the rest of the ruins.”

“Those that come when the city finally sinks will bring fourth the tablet to the room of...” Luna suddenly speaks out and finishes it with shock showing. “War.”

Celestia and the others now drew their attention to Luna. “What did you just say Luna?”

Luna stared at the three dimensional table image. “The Gyrite glyphs have a secondary layer in it, those words I just spoken just to catch my attention.” Luna closed her eyes using her magic to fire a beam at the large crystal above.

“What are you doing!?” Celestia shouted.

“It was as if I was suppose to do it...” Luna replied.

“That doesn't make any sense Luna, what kind of reason is that?”

Cadance saw the image break up and pieces of it joined together. “Aunty!”

Celestia turn around to face Cadance but stop at the newly formed pieces. “How can a mental image from my own memory shift in such a fashion?”

Greystorm got off the cushion looking at the new reformed Gyrite glyphs. “It what it says you should be asking Princess...”

“What does it say?” Shining asked.

“Hello eight that sit around the table, please stand by...” Greystorm spoke out loud.

Octicovix yellow solid eyes stared at the new pieces that formed. “That can't be speaking to us could it?”

Blueblood shook his head. “It can't it just a piece of rock magical displayed by a massive artefact crystal th-”

Suddenly the crystal glows brightly and blasts right down at the table, they covered their eyes from the blindly light, as it dims what stood on top of the table in a transparent griffon shimmering in bluish white light, true colour hidden by the aura flowing off it.

The griffon wings flare open causing a burst of magical wind to blow through the chamber blowing out all the torches leaving only the crystal and the griffon glow to give off a eerie feeling.

“Hello wondrous eight searching the truth of the Pure, what is to be spoken has been spoken, it is time to listen and only listen.”

They all looked at each other and back at the male transparent griffon before them.

“I am Grifiax Boreas and this message was created for you to find.”

With a dramatic entrance the transparent bluish glowing griffon Grifiax Boreas moved his right talon across his chest to press it against the left side of it. “With little time I have left, this message be direct and straight to the point.”

Shining Armor whispers to himself. “This must be after the defeat of Grogar...”

Grifiax continue to speak. “Pure is what we call the magic within me or was, I used up so much of it that I burned out my own magic core to shatter the transfiguration circle that Grogar created, it was either that or allow him to not only transfigure the young soul into a griffon and steal the magic of the Pure.”

They listened to him with glance between each other and retaliation of the truth about Gale seeping in.

“Grogar's fortress was destroyed during our all out assault, his all or nothing spell interrupted by me with my pure magic through the very idols I made, all but one was destroyed, I haven't recovered since than and continue to find it hard to do anything as the days pass.”

He grunts in pain and continue to speak out. “No don't, I have to do this, it was foreseen at the moment I destroyed his spell.” Grifiax to all eight could see something was wrong with him but he pressed on. “I-I do not have much magic left, doing this has drained what little I had left.. ”

“Once a pony barely remember after what Grogar did to me to get to the young soul magic, I now a griffon proud of what my new life gave to this world from now to future... What happens to me after this, I do not know.”

Grifiax eyes somehow were locked right on Celestia's. “As I stand here looking into nothing, I feel that I am looking into the eyes of the sun itself, the beauty of that light is pure and become the guild to the young soul. His magic is not of this universe, it came as a result of those that are beyond saving, saved us as the Gates of Elysium opened and consumed their world and their sun...”

They all heard his words echo all staring at the griffon as he continue to hold his side showing more discomfort. “My idol forged by flames of dying sun, in a fact the Young Soul was once Bipedal with a soft statue. He needs your Guidances Eyes of Sun, His magic interferes with ours cause it because it came from the Mountain that Fell all those years ago.”

He started to fade from them as he almost fall over, they see a few griffons in robes quickly rush to Grifiax Boreas' helping him to stand. “Somehow the young soul is with you, how or why is not important, what is important is how you Eyes of the Sun guide him.”

“He came with the Mountain that Fell... I have a feeling what he became and I am to blame, acting on what Grogar aimed to create a new bell with transfiguration through my idol and it copies. I couldn't let him get that magic for himself so I used almost every inch of my magic to overload the spell...”

He sighed heavily.

“Grogar's fortress was destroyed in the results and only I was found in the rumble as his monsters fled, Griffons over the many seasons after are gone consumed with greed... My idol lost my magic all but spent, my future I do not know from this moment...”

He look to his left and right. “My sons... I am ready.” As he was being helped to walk away fading almost completely. “Gale... Yes... The name echoed through time... Eyes of the Sun will do what is right... Guide his magic and his life, be there as I wasn't for him...”

Turning one last time almost gone he turn his head over towards Celestia. “Do not use the reverse potion, it is... Fatal to the young soul... Gale... Be good to all of you and use what I gave... Farewell wondrous eight...”

The crystal glowed brightly with the map being restored before them displayed over the table. “Th-that not what I was expecting...” Greystorm staring up at the crystal.

“My son is from a whole different time...” Celestia whispered.

“How do we will process this?” Shining Armor asked aloud. “How do we even tell Gale this?”

Celestia gestured to sit. “That is what we going to talk about.” They all sat down and started to talk about how to present this to Gale or even they shouldn't.

Time past with every second turning to minutes, minutes turning to hours, it went around and around with no clear answer coming to mind till Celestia decided enough was enough to break the divide created by the meeting.

Celestia stood up. “This is getting us no where fast and I am his mother, so I deciding to tell him with or without agreement in here.”

“Aunty this is far too important, what we learned from a short message from that griffon from the past really effects out history was partly wrong.” Blueblood stated. “I know truth becomes legends and myths to stories told to the young but-”

“No...” Luna spoke out. “Gale, nephew... He needs to know.” Luna walked up to Celestia. “His a pure innocent soul, in time he will remember parts of his original life and will need guidance more then ever sister. Go to him”

Celestia turn to Luna hugging her. “Yes he does and I will be the one.” She release Luna from the hug turning to the changeling. “Octicovix since you can get in here without activating the Golems, you get them all out of here.”

Octicovix yellow solid eyes look into Celestia's seeing what she about to do. “Of course Princess, do what you need to do, I'll get every pony and my husband out safely, that I can promise you.”

Celestia smiled faintly. “Thank you.” With a flash of light she was gone before their eyes.

Blueblood look around. “Am I the only sane one here!? Gale is from not only another time but not even a griffon! He a-”

“A soul lost and far from anything normal.” Cadance finished. “Blueblood if you were in Gale's postion would you want to find out by sneaking around for the truth or being told directly?”

Blueblood eyes darted around. “I-I-I... I can't give you an answer...”

Greystorm put a wing over his back with a foreleg around the back of the neck. “Come on Blue let's go to a bar and drink this up, I sure need one.”

“For once I do not care if it common... Let's go Grey.”

Octicovix couldn't be seen with her eyes but she was rolling the pupils within. “Boys...”

“Boys indeed.” Luna commented. “Octicovix if you may?”

“Sure, come on.”

Trace didn't move. “Doctor Trace?” Luna noticed he had said nothing but stare up at the crystal. “Are you well?”

Doctor Trace slowly turn to Luna. “No... Because the magic in me it about... To...” Suddenly Doctor Trace was engulfed in bluish white light and dies down to show him as a griffon once more. “Surge...”

Greystorm stared. “Did he...”

Octicovix reponds. “Yes...”

“So our theory was true?”

“Yes...”

“Please tell me you got it on you...”

“Oh I do.” Octicovix grinned walking slowly towards the blue Macaw Griffon with a object appearing beside her, the magic concealing it. “Sorry but I can not stand whistling griffons, this is the best for all of us.”

Trace gulped stepping back as the changeling continue to causally walk towards him. “Aunty should we stop them?” Blueblood asked.

<Princess help!>

“No.” Luna flatly stated to Trace's horror, he squawking loudly in panic.

Shining Armor cringed from the squawking whistle. “I am in agreement.”

Blueblood heard a crack turning up to the large crystal. “So am I.”

Cadance agrees. “You have my vote.”

“Sorry but this is for the best of the most fragile.” Octicovix grins as she was only inches away from him.

All that Trace could say was. “Suck!”

Gale and Spike sat on the balcony reading comics with a pile of plates of snacks and empty cups building up in the corner, as the sun sets Gale watched the lightning flashes from the large storm not to far away between reading comics.

Gale picked up a chocolate chip cookie from the plate beside him biting into it as he read the page his on. “And again the day saved thanks to the Power Ponies!” Spike happily spoke out loudly holding up the comic above his head. “How yours?”

Gale put the last of the cookie in his beak chewing on it, he gives a happy thumbs up to Spike with a few soft squawks before he returned to reading his comic. The flashes of lightning caught his attention once again looking over to the storm, another flash but from behind caught his an Spike's attention.

They turn around to see Princess Celestia had teleported before them. “Hi Princess!” Spike waved. “How the meeting go?”

Celestia walked over to the balcony seeing the pile of plates and cups with stacks of comics. “It had a very strange twist of events we were not ready for.” Celestia said looking around. “It seems you two been stacking.”

“Yeah.” Spike laughed rubbing the back of his head. “I plan to pick up the plates and glasses after I've been through this comic here.” He showed it Celestia.

Gale squawks happily putting a closed talon to his chest. “Your going to help?” He nods. “That a good deed my little griffon.” Celestia warmly said to Gale before the smile fades. “But first I came to tell you my son... Gale... Something that I only discovered and may change how you see me as your mother...” She swallowed. “But you need to know.”

Gale tilted his head. “Mum?”

Spike put the comic down. “Do you like me to go?”

Celestia shook her head. “Please stay Spike.” She open her wing out to the bed. “Can you both please sit on the bed and I will revile what had been discovered.”

They looked at each other before putting down the comics and walking up to the bed climbing onto it, they sat down on it. “We ready whenever you are Princess Celestia.”

“I am not sure if I'll be.” Celestia whispered to herself, talking a calm deep breath she brought over a cushion with her magic sitting down on it. “This will be flat out the truth of our discovery to what I know about you Gale, no sugarcoating... Understood?”

Gale nods.

Celestia closed her eyes taking another deep breath feeling her heart start to race, opening the eyes the Alicorn starts to tell Spike and Gale everything she discovered. “A griffon called Grifiax Boreas left a message for me and seven others to receive, he is very much like you Gale.”

Gale picked up his plush holding it close listening to Celestia.

“You both had a transfiguration spell forcefully cast upon you both, he also had the ability to use magic like you can. His was a Pure Griffon like you...”

Celestia went on to tell them everything through out the night, not leaving out anything as she declared, only hope she had deep in her mind was...

Would Gale still love her as his mother or would he hate her?

The jackal diamond dog walking by the river side humming to himself with paw hands behind his head, eyes closed enjoying another day in Dream Cavern. The guardian's hind paw stepped into something wet and thick, opening his eyes and looking down he found his right paw was on a puddle of purple paint.

Blue step out of it, noticing a trail of more paint leading from the house to the cavern wall near the waterfall, alongside the puddles were three paw and talon tracks of paint. “Curious, these tracks look like Master Gale's, not only purple but green too...” He noticed the colour of each track was partly mixed with green paint.

Blue followed the tracks to almost laugh but quickly put both paw hands over his muzzle muffling his snorting laughs at the sight of Gale, the young griffon was covered with purple and green paint with a brush in the right talon painting away at a door. “And done~” He sung putting the brush down in the can stepping back to look at his master piece.

“Master Gale, sorry bu-hehe I hahaha... Your look very funny covered in paint...” He laughed between his words trying to hold back much of it he came.

Gale looked over himself. “I sure do.” Gale grinned. “I am just happy to finish off the door!”

“I see, but why did you put a painting of Spike on it with reverse colours around him?” Blue curiously asked walking up to it still smiling at the state of Gale was in.

Gale raised his talon up with it glowing. “I'll show ya!” He aim the talon at the door with it glowing for a second.

Blue cross his arms. “Master Gale, Mistress Luna clearly stated not to use dream magic.”

Gale turn to Blue. “I know...” He look back at the door. “But what mum told me I... I wanted to talk to him about it, since he was there with me and I didn't say anything at all afterwards...”

Blue uncrossed his arms. “She did say sleep on it too, which would valid this use of the dream magic.”

Gale smiled. “Yep that right! This door opens to Spike's dream directly! He can come here while asleep too now!” Gale walked up to the door putting his talon on the handle pulling it down. “At least it won't just be me and Aunt Luna now to hang out with you Blue.”

“I do not require hanging out Master Gale, I am your Dream Guardian after all.” Blue responded.

Gale pulled open the door calling out into it. “Spike! Come to my voice! It me Gale! We asleep and dreaming!”

Spike walked up to it wearing armour, holding a spear and very huge as well buff. “Gale? Why are you covered in paint and standing at a door way in the middle of a monsters nest?”

Gale staring at him with a open beak not sure what to say or process of the dream form of Spike, Blue step up looking up slightly at the buffed Dragon Knight. “Impressive, I gather your dreaming of saving someone you care about?”

Spike blushed putting the spear down into the ground rubbing the back of his head. “Hehe yeah I am...” He than look at Blue more closely walking through the door into the Dream Carven. “What kind of creature are you and where the heck am I?” He took a good look around the environment.

“I am a Jackal Diamond Dog a Dream Guardian created by Master Gale and your in the Dream Cavern where I live.” Blue closing the door turning to Gale. “Master Gale used dream magic to create this door to create a bridge from your dream to here, so you have now unlimited access to the Dream Cavern till said otherwise while dreaming.”

Gale flapping his wings level himself to eye level with Spike. “You look really strong, brave and full of honour the way you look Spike!”

Spike was more surprised by Gale. “Your speaking...” He points at Gale.

Gale did a few flips laughing before he spoke in reply to Spike's shock. “Of course Spike, this is all a dream!” He spins around with forelegs out. “Speaking is different here than there!”

Spike rubbed his chin. “You got a point Gale.” He glowed and turn back to his regular form. “Wow that was neat! I just wanted to look normal and it worked!” Spike did a spin on the spot. “But why are you covered in paint?”

Gale shrugs. “Why not?”

“Fair enough.” Spike walks to the waterfall to see the house not to far from it and noticed the large glowing crystal hanging from the ceiling of the cavern. “Impressive place Gale.”

“Thank you Spike!” Gale stepped up beside him. “It not the only reason I created the door and brought you here...” He sat down on his flank.

Spike sat down as well, Blue cross legging on the other side of Gale. “It about what Princess Celestia told us wasn't it?” Gale nods. “Guess you took what she said about sleeping on it seriously, huh?”

“I thought she really meant it.” Gale answered with a unsure tone of voice as he twiddled his talons against each other.

Spike put his claw hand on Gale's side. “I think she did and hinted it, why would Princess Celestia have me stay to hear what exactly you heard?”

“Another valid reasoning.” Blue concluded.

Gale took a look up at the large glowing crystal from the refracted light of the sun. “It is but doesn't make what I learned any easier...”

“It doesn't Master Gale, Mistress Celestia's approach was neither correct or wrong, it what you would call a grey area and it up to you how to perceive it.” Blue telegraphically responded in a calm collected manner.

Gale and Blue stared into each other eyes for a moment before the young griffon turn away looking down at his talons closing and opening them. “The memory that I know what it is now of that room... I felt sad in my confusion of seeing it and now I know why.” Tears rolled down his feathers around his beak to drip down on the ground.

Spike rubbing his back. “A griffon that wasn't a griffon used magic like I have to do a impossible choice, he defeated Grogar who was forcing the transfiguration spell on me, it what turned me into who I am now and why I find it so difficult to know things or even remember my past.”

“A magic spell surging, overloaded with more magic that should of went into it...” Blue closed his eyes sighing heavily. “That most likely what brought you, Master Gale through time and space. It bent the very fabric of reality.”

“Bending the fabric of reality?” Spike asked rubbing his head.

Gale raised his talon a scroll appeared, opening it up he lay it out flat in front of them. “This is point A and this is point B.” Gale point to each end of the laid out scroll, now he bends each point together. “Now A and B are so close that instead of taking the long way around you just cross over to B in a single step.”

Spike's slitted green eyes widen with shock. “The magic was so huge!” He raised both arms out. “That it created a doorway between our time and the past in a moment that brought you through as you turned into a griffon?”

Blue nods. “Exactly, Master Gale arrived from being transfigured to a extreme level that resulted in his body from every atom being broken apart and reassembled.”

Spike gasped with both claws over his snout. “If you ask me what time was a week ago I wouldn't even have a clue... I am remembering things that I didn't know and now know...” Gale sighed looking at the blank scroll pointing a claw tip to it and cutting into the paper as he moved the talon towards him. “Mum might not be my real mum but she the closest mum I got now and I am happy for it.”

Spike lower his claws. “I am glad you see that Gale, I thought you might have been so mad with her you didn't want anything to do with the Princess.”

Gale tilted his head turning to Spike. “Why would I be mad at mum? I just felt overwhelmed, not sure what to say to mum, sleeping on it and talking to you about it is helping.”

Spike rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay, guess I thought wrong.” Spike got up on his feet. “Still... Are you okay with the whole out of place time thing?”

Gale shook his head. “I'm not.” He got up on all fours. “But I can't do anything about it Spike, what done is done and the past that I just have to learn to accept, I have no idea what the future may bring but I know I got you as a awesome brother to help me!” Gale grabbed Spike hugging him.

Spike looked over to Blue hearing what Gale said to him. “Master Gale see you as such, it best to accept it Master Spike.”

“Just Spike, I just being as helpful as I can be.” He hugged back and Gale let go afterwards.

Blue got up on his hind paws. “Very well, Spike.”

“So... What do we do now?” Spike looked around.

Gale shrugged. “Relax in the hot spring? I enjoy sitting in it thinking about stuff.”

“You have a hot spring in this cavern?”

“Yeah, it my Dream Cavern afterall.” Gale flies up to the large crystal. “There a house by the waterfall, a forest and fields filled up with pretty flowers! Also I have a story cave I just created!”

Blue raise a eye. “A story cave?”

Gale flies over to the waterfall with a few claps of the talons together the waterfall parted to show a hallway with griffon statues holding electric powered lamps. “Okay that is awesome!”

“I know it is Spike, at the end of the hallway is the cave, it magical shows whatever story or how I perceive things like what mum said about whatever in the past.” Gale lands at the entrance pulling a leaver to have a bridge raise out of the water connecting to the embankment.

Blue rubbed his paw under his muzzle. “I am curious about this myself, Master Gale.”

“I knew you would be Blue! Come on!” He waved a talon for them to follow, both Spike and Blue walked across the bridge, following him into a cave lit up by a large pit fire in the middle.

Spike looked around. “All I see is rocks with our shadows reflecting on them fire the pit fire.”

Gale grinned. “That the awesome part! Look at the shadows!”

Spike did and the shadows of all three of them changed into a form of shadow play of a story playing out before them. “Okay, that is cool!”

“Curious... It seem that this shadow story shows a pony stealing what look like a bell from a goat.”

“Oh I heard about that story from Twilight!” Spike point to it. “That the story about Misty the Great managing to steal Grogar's bell that lead to the ponies able to rebel against him!”

Gale nods. “With what mum said it didn't exactly happen like that, I think that with the bell lost and losing most of his magic made him turn a pony into Grifiax Boreas.”

“Which lead to him creating the Idol from the dying sun embers and Grogar stealing the Idol to make copies of it.”

“That in turn allow him to amplify the transfiguration spell on Master Gale.”

Gale fly up to the wall putting a talon on it. “All out assault happened with ponies and griffons, Misty with Grifiax must of confronted him as the final stages of the spell started to happen.”

Spike watched as the bipedal shadow start to change into a griffon. “Using your plush to turn you into a life like teenage version of it, but to stop him from getting your magic to create a new bell Grifiax used almost all of his magic to overload it.”

“The spell not only broke you down and put you back into what you are now Master Gale, it also was powerful enough to destroy Grogar's fortress on the Mountain that Fell from the Sky to your arrival at Canterlot Gardens.”

Gale turn to Blue. “What happened to the mountain?”

Blue put his paw against the shadow of the mountain on the cave wall. “The city of Canterlot sits on the very same mountain, you were brought forwards in time not leaving the location, the fortress of Grogar was exactly where the garden is today.”

Gale gasped at this sudden news in a blink he sat up waking from his slumber and as the same time Spike did from his basket bed. “Whoa!” Spike quickly turn towards Gale's bed. “Gale did Blue-”

He nods with a surprised squawk as the painted walls and ceiling shift from night to morning sunrise.

“Holy glotamoly!”

The fresh semi-hot water rushing from the shower head through the fur and feathers of Gale felt very refreshing, Gale's thoughts about what Blue said made some sense to him but also another strange thought came to mind when he saw through his memories of what seem science fictions ignoring that completely.

Gale hummed to himself as he washed off the foam from the shower gel off his fur. “Thinking about the comics we read about time travel never in the same place?” Spike said loudly to Gale as he brushed his teeth.

Somehow Gale could understand him with a mouth full of toothpaste in Spike's mouth as he brushed away with his own toothbrush, Gale place a talon on the tile wall with head down and water washing over it. “Yes...” He replied.

“Got another word down did ya?”

“Yes.”

Spike wave his toothbrush left to right. “That good to know, surprised you let me brush my teeth while your having a shower though.” Spike went on brushing his teeth.

Gale didn't reply, he wasn't sure why Spike was surprised, they both never wear any form of clothing part from his bandanna and leg bands. “Plush...” He uttered the only word with hesitation.

Spike washed out his mouth spitting out the paste. “The plush was given to you by your real mum wasn't it?”

“Yes, plush...”

“It was also used by that Grogar to give you your griffon form just to get that magic in you...” Spike washed out the toothbrush and put it on the toothbrush holder. “Grfiax did what he had to do with no time to think, look at the heroes in comic books, some of their actions was reactive and had really crazy consequences that no one could see coming.”

Gale turn the taps shutting off the water. “Yes...”

Spike could hear the tone of voice showed Gale understood but didn't like it, the dragon picked up the talon and raised it up to the glass door steamed up by the hot water. The door opened slightly and Gale took it, with a soft squawk as a thank you Gale dried himself off.

Spike leaned against the wall with arms crossed by the door. “We share it with Princess Celestia anyway, learning that this very mountain maybe that very one that fell from the sky so long ago is crazy but maybe true.”

Gale finished drying himself off putting the towel on the wrack to dry off, he took the brush starting to brush out his fur back into shape. “Plush, Gilda?”

Spike closed his eyes. “Hmm... You got a point.” He opened them glancing over to Gale. “Gilda might flip on this and did you notice how quick your catching on?”

Gale nods. “Yes, yes...”

“Just over two weeks ago you were still acting on survival instincts, do you erm... Remember that?”

Gale eyes drift in thought. “Yes... Plush, mum... Drop...” Gale muttered out the little words he could say. Spike silently glance at him seeing that the answer from those random words spoke out more than just words, Gale remembered the pure instinctive drive, he remembered almost everything he saw, listen and did.

After Gale finished brushing himself, the griffon looked at the full body size mirror happy with the way he looked. “Gale... Not sure this relates but I was born of magic too.” Gale blinked with surprise. “Twilight hatched me when I was a egg through magic, without it who knows where I be right now, she a big sister to me and like Princess Celestia is a mother to you, she may not cast the magic that forever changed your life but she cares about you either way.”

Gale walk up to the door opening it. “Mum!?”

Spike noticed the surprise peeking around the open door to see Celestia putting down a few chairs around a horseshoe shaped table that now sat in the middle of Gale's room. “Princess? Wh-what going on?”

“Good morning young ones! I am just preparing the table quickly for everyp-” Celestia pauses. “Hmm... Everyone should be the correct term.” Celestia giggled. “They be here shortly and good morning again to you two, take your seats and the others be coming in any moment~” Celestia sung.

“I got pancakes to finish!” She clapped her front hooves together happily before teleporting away.

Gale blinked a few times and turn to Spike as the dragon did too. “Breakfast in your room? I didn't see that coming did you?” Gale shook his head. “Let's get the middle seats!” Spike rushed over to the table.

Gale flew over to his bed picking up the plush and quickly joined Spike at the table seeing that even glasses, plates and cuttery been set up, even three jugs between three seats at a table of water, apple juice and orange juice, even had pots of tea and coffee.

“How did Princess Celestia do all this while I was brushing my teeth and you having a shower?” Gale shrugs as he took a good look around. “One of those things we never figure out huh?” Spike chuckled and Gale laughed too.

Gale noticed the tea, Spike watched him take the sugar putting it in a tea cup, two spoons followed by milk and pouring of tea into it, Gale stirred the tea. Picking up the cup he sipped a bit with a happy sigh tasting the refreshing bliss of a good hot cup of tea.

The doors open with the guests walking in, Luna, Shining Armor, Cadance, Trace, Amber, Greystorm, Octicovix and Blueblood. “Morning nephew, I see you are enjoying your tea.” Gale nods happily but wearily look at Greystorm. “Mayor Greystorm I advise you sit at the furthest point on the table.”

Greystorm walk over to the end of the right side of the horseshoe shaped table. “With honour princess, it is my own actions that caused this lack of trust to me towards the young prince afterall.”

Gale couldn't help but put the cup down, getting off the seat and walking up to Octicovix, he keeping the plush close to him look at her with curiosity. “Hello young prince, I am Octicovix a changeling and wife to Greystorm.” She bow to him.

Gale suddenly had a flash image of a very smooth face and hair being sitting behind a desk, he looking over reports on a pad. “Odo?” Gale blurted out tilting his head.

“Odo? What or who a Odo?” Octicovix was very confused what came out of his beak.

Shining Armor gave it some thought. “Gale.” He turn to the captain. “Is this Odo a changeling?”

“Yes!” Gale said and raised his plush to Octicovix. “Plush!”

Octicovix slowly took it with her hoof. “Erm... Thanks?”

“Odo! Yes?” He getting excited.

“Honey, I think he wants to see you change.” Greystorm said as he took his seat.

Octicovix gave back the plush. “You want me to shapeshift?” He nods squawking with a sparkle in his eyes. “Okay! One change coming up!” She changed into a exact look alike to Gale.

Gale gasped with excitement, putting his plush down and point to his copies beak. “I think he wants you to speak.” Cadance giggled.

Octicovix smirked. “Hello Prince Gale, it a pleasure to meet you.” She bowed to him.

Gale seeing the words and his voice leave the beak made him so happy, he flew up and around a few times before doing a forward spin landing sqawking happily by giving his changeling look alike a big hug spinning her around.

Octicovix after being let go turn back to her true form. “Oh wow...” She burped. “Sorry, he overwhelmingly fed me with positive emotions, so much that it is as endless as your love is Princess Cadance.”

Cadance raise a eye. “Thanks... I think.”

Blueblood rubbed a hoof under his muzzle. “Gale seem to be very happy to meet you, do you know of a changeling called Odo?”

“No I do not, could it be one from that far back? Could our kind been around that long?” Octicovix asked.

“Who knows, what we know and what happened it all in the air of what we thought we knew.” Blueblood replied.

Celestia teleports in with enough plates stacked with pancakes for everyone in Gale's room. “Morning everyone! Take a seat and have some pancakes made by me truly! Enjoy!”

Luna raise a eye. “Celestia are you okay?”

“Of course Luna!” Celestia grinned.

Luna still stared at her. “Yes...” She wearily said sitting down at the table, she noticed the semi tired look. “Sister did-”

“I did and I am beaming with energy!” Celestia interrupted and giggled.

Luna whispers to herself. “Who are you fooling sister, you didn't sleep at all, I am the Princess of the Night and I am half awake.”

Amber sat down beside Spike, she looking down at him as he looked up at her. “Hello there little dragon, I'm Amber an-”

“Your a Abyssinian from the Kingdom of Abyssinia aren't you?” Spike blurted out.

“That I am and you are?”

“Oh!” He laughed nervously rubbing the back of his head. “I'm Spike, I live with Twilight at Ponyville, she like a sister to me.” He put his claw out to her paw hand.

Amber took it with a soft shake. “I live in Manehatten and married to Trace who is a griffon again.” She hints to the blue griffon sitting beside her silently. “You going to say something?”

Trace moved the collar slightly around his neck. “Hello Spike, it good to see you after all these years.”

Gale squawked in surprise hearing no whistling. “It impressive isn't it?” Octicovix giggled. “That gem has some Changeling Magic in it, while wearing it he speaks without whistling with a slurring S to each word spoken.”

Trace adjusting it again. “It is ma'am, the magical artefact came in handy but it just feels weird against my fur and feathers.”

Octicovix shrugs. “It a old Changeling Artefact, one of a few things I took with me before I left the hive.”

“Hive?”

“I'll tell you later.” Octicovix put her hoof out to him, he took it with the talon and they shook.

Amber shook her head. “Right, shall we di-” She saw Gale already eating his pancakes with glee. “Well it seems a certain teenager already beaten us to it.” She laughed.

Celestia sat down beside Gale. “You really like them?” He nods licking his beak. “Oh I am glad, you're not anger at me are you?” Gale shook his head turning to Spike for his help to answer.

Spike licked his snout off whip cream. “We talked last night while we slept, Gale not anger at you.”

“You talked while you slept?” Celestia curiously asked.

Luna sitting beside her glare at Gale. “Nephew I told you not to use your dream magic!”

Spike came to Gale's defence. “Princess Celestia said to sleep on it and Gale took it word for word.”

Luna groans. “Luna I did say it, I am at fault here as I did not take into account Gale would take what I said seriously.” Celestia defends Gale. “He is in enough trouble with punching Greystorm.”

Luna gives in. “Fine... We will talk about this later Sister.” Luna cut a chunk of pancakes and ate some.

Gale looked concerned. “It fine, my fault not yours.” She warmly smiled. “Go on eat up! Don't hold back on my account!” He nods and goes back into eating his pancakes, Celestia yawned slightly getting a roll of the eyes from Luna.

“He built a door to my own dream, I can go directly to the Dream Cavern when I am sleeping, how cool is that?” Spike told them with excitement. “I never dream shared, it was weird but cool.”

Greystorm looked over at Gale. “How exactly did a grfflite learn to use dream magic?”

Luna glares at Celestia, the sun princess laughed nervously. “Aunt Celestia gave him a renewed copy of Aunt Luna's Dream Magic book.” Cadance informed the mayor.

“Seriously?” Celestia nods chewing on her food not wanting to speak as her checks turn a shade of pink. “I am not sure to be anger or amazed, I know of this book because of Octicovix, but knowing Gale learned from is a surprise...”

Octicovix rubbed the under her muzzle. “Even I missed that one and I am good at gathering information.” She admitted.

“No one perfect my dear, we can be three steps ahead that we so far ahead some details is easily missed.” Greystorm said putting his talon on her hoof, both smiling at each other and about to kiss to get a cough from Celestia eyeing at Gale.

They saw he was curiously watching. “Add that as a miss too my feathered husband.”

“Indeed.” He picked up a cup of coffee drinking it.

Blueblood look down at his cup of tea. “How did I get myself into this mess?” He whispered.

Shining Armor chuckled. “Prince Blueblood that would be a chain of unforeseen events that none of us saw coming.” He raised his glass of apple juice. “To unforeseen events, we never would have this breakfast.”

Spike laughed. “I'll toast to that!” Spike raised his glass.

Gale did so with his cup of tea, everyone else did too.

“To this unforeseen breakfast!” Celestia spoke out.

“Unforeseen breakfast!” They cheered.

Celestia got a look from her sister knowing she was about to be grilled once again by the Lunar Princess.

Spike spoke up. “Oh we might of found out that Grogar's fortress was at the location of the Canterlot Gardens!”

Suddenly it was dead silent and all eyes were upon Gale and Spike.

Breakfast had past, the table removed with the cushions, Gale with Spike were back to sitting by the balcony doors reading comic books. Gale flipped through another page as he ate his lunch, Spike munching on some gems close by, the griffon was curious on how the purple dragon ate crystallised objects with ease.

Gale heard a chirp from the balcony, he saw a yellow bird on it looking back at him, he put the comic book down and raise a claw up to his surprise the bird flew over and land on it. “Wow that some friendly bird.” Spike said watching the bird chip and chirp happily.

Gale looked deeper into it eyes noticing a look that didn't fit a bird, Gale poked it gentle with his other claw, getting a giggle from it. “Odo?” He tilted his head.

Spike first surprised by the laugh and followed by shock. “Octicovix is that you?” The bird hopped around and bows with a wing across it chest followed by a raised head with a cheeky grin.

Octicovix flapping her wings fly over to Spike landing on his head looking down as he looked up. “Yep it me, I decided to pop over to see what you youngsters were up to.”

“Huh hmm...” Spike crossed his arms.

She rolled her eyes. “Seriously.” He didn't look convinced. “Okay!” She opened the wings up with a minor outburst. “My husband working with a group of ponies to start researching the garden to find any clue of that fortress.”

Spike picked her up off his head placing the changeling bird on the ground before him. “Why are you here then? Aren't you two a team?”

“Yes that is true.” She changed back to her true form. “Gale liked the fact I am a changeling, not many ponies know of my kind and being a creature that need to feed off love from another isn't applying.”

Gale tilted his head curiously. “Feeding off love, how does that work?” Spike asked with curiosity.

Octicovix rubbed one foreleg with the other. “Direct is using my magic to force it out of you when you are in love, the other is passive positive emotions like I am sensing from Gale that I absorb in the air with no notice of it.”

Spike felt a bit of a chill. “That kind of creepy, I can see why you hide in plain sight.”

Octicovix sighed. “Indeed, my husband gives me so much love and I always try to give it back, Greystorm just as much loves me has a love for the griffish history and so do I.” She giggled thinking about Greystorm. “He such a strong willed griffon.”

Octicovix wrapped her forelegs close to her chest shifting back and forwards, Gale looked at Spike for answers. “Why are you looking at me for answers!? I am just as young as you are!” Spike said quickly in defence giving Gale more confusion.

Octicovix coughed. “Sorry about that, so... What are you two up to today?”

Spike had his chance to change the subject. “We reading comics, I Power Ponies and Gale reading The Misadventures of Pistol the Griffon.”

“Pistol? What a strange name for a griffon.” Octicovix using her magic to pick up the comic books, finding issue one she flipped through the pages after a few seconds at looking at each. “Floating island full of wondrous technology, super smart griffons that love to tinker.” She look over to Gale. “They name their young off their own inventions, what a strange way of naming griffons.”

“Same with ponies seeing that almost all griffons have names starting with G.” Spike said picking up his comic book starting to read it again.

Octicovix giggled. “So true.” She went through another comic book. “Hmm...” She took a good look at Pistol in each comic. “Very smart and want to get away from making new type of weapons, a very open minded griffon that want to create things for the betterment of all griffons.” Gale nods.

Spike flip over a page of his comic book. “He also in it building something to help him live forever too.”

Octicovix looked through the third comic book. “Ascension machine?”

“A what?”

“It rumoured that if a pony does a really big great deed and proves themselves they ascend to become a Alicorn, I know Princess Cadance was once a Pegasus.” Octicovix explained to Spike and stated about Cadance. “That how she became the Princess of Love, Pistol seem to be making something along that in a artificial means.” She point a hoof to the comic page.

Spike lift his eyes up from the page he was reading to look at Octicovix. “That just science fiction isn't it?”

Octicovix tap the tip of her muzzle. “That is true young one.” She looked over at Gale. “How would you like to see Pistol life like?” Gale gasped with excitement of that idea. “I knew you like that idea.”

Spike watched as well, they saw Octicovix burst into green flash and emerging from it was a life size version of Pistol before their eyes, even the eye colour was spot on. With a grin from (his) beak Octicovix now shapeshifted (Pistol) flapping the wings doing a spin before landing on the hind paws.

“Okay that is cool!” Spike got up on his feet.

(He) flexed the forepaws. “Interesting, not only he doesn't have talons but the paws almost work the same way with the inner short toe acting like a thumb.” Octicovix noticed that was staring. “What?”

“Your voice changed too!” Spike stated. “I mean it sound awesome, but it seem so joist and semi high pitched including male like Pistol is.”

(Pistol) chuckled. “Oh of course Spike! I am just going by what I read and getting in character as it were.”

“Oh like a play!” Spike points at (him). “That so awesome!” Gale was gleefully flying around (Pistol) and even touching the feathers and fur to even more excitement from the teenager. “Guess Gale giving you a fifteen out of ten Pistol.” He chuckled.

“That is great to know! I am glad this shapeshifting came out so well, I never did a fictional character before.” (He) used the forepaws to move over parts of the body to the tail feeling the fur and feathers. “It takes a lot of energy you see to pull something like this off, but because of the massive positive energy coming out of Gale it gave me the boost I needed to pull it off!”

Spike laughed. “It explains why your so bouncy and hyper.”

“Oh it does, doesn't it?” (Pistol) flew after Gale, he in turn shifted to dodge (Pistol whom hit the wall and fell down on (his) back, eyes spinning. “Ooooo that a dozey... Hehehe...”

Gale lands beside (Him) with a talon out to help the changeling griffon up. “Odo?”

(Pistol) took the talon and pulled back up onto all fours. “I am okay, just a bit dazed. It will were off, so...” Gale gasped and pulled (him) over to the desk. “Whoa what the hurry Gale?” The teenager let go of (him) and open it to show the blue print papers.

“Aren't those the sketches you made on the island Flaputa?” Gale nods and Spike took a look at one himself but notice (Pistol) was staring off into space at the first one. “Erm... (Pistol)?”

No response.

“Octicovix you okay?” He waved the claw in front of (his) face getting no reply. “What up with Octicovix?”

Gale tapping the claw tips of each talon together nervously looking at Spike. “Blue flashes...” He spoke out.

Spike raise a eye. “Blue flashes? You mean this happened before?” Gale nods raising two claws. “Twice? So this is a third time and you do not know what causes it?”

Gale nods again. “Does it happen when you draw some stuff?”

Gale nods once more. “Maybe that magic in you enters some of those things you draw.” Spike suggested.

Suddenly (Pistol) blinked a few times and shook (his) head. “Whoa, that was something I wasn't expecting... What kind of magic was that?” (He) look over to Gale. “I saw you with this female bipedal being using cardboard boxes to make things, I never even thought about what you could create with some cardboard boxes, glue and paints.”

Gale tilt his head in confusion. “I don't think he remembers.” Spike stated.

(Pistol) grins. “Then my scaly friend, we need to change that at once! Ask the guard to get glue, art and craft paints and all the cardboard boxes they can get that isn't being used.”

Spike gave (him) a odd look. “What are you planning?”

“Oh you will see~” (Pistol) sang. “And we all will enjoy making it! That a promise!” (He) put a closed paw fist to (his) chest puffing it out with pride.

Spike turn to Gale. “Shall we go along with this?” Gale nods. “Alright.” Spike shrugs. “I'll go ask the guards.” Spike walk over to the doors.

Gale raised a eye glancing at (Pistol), first he found it cool but the way the changeling was acting felt so eerily as he would imagination Pistol be like. “Why are you looking at me like that?” (He) gave a confused question to the teen. “Am I too in character?” Gale nods. “Is that a good or bad thing because I never acted like a fictional character in a comic book before, it very new to me.”

Gale thought about it and gave a flat out talon waving it left and right.

“Your not sure if that good or bad?”

Gale nods.

“And you like seeing me as Pistol and acting like him but you feel that what you imagined is very close?”

Gale gave a shocked look with eyes shrinking.

“Hmm...” (He) tapped the beak a few times. “It strange for me too Gale, I just pictured it from reading and this was the result, if you like I can ch-”

Gale put a claw tip to (his) beak and shook his head, moving it away Gale walked over to the desk opening it up to pull out a camera waving it in front of (Pistol).

The finchling griffon grinned and notice Spike returning to them from the door. “Hey Spike, care to take a photo of us?”

“Sure and afterwards one of me and Gale?” Spike asked taking the camera from Gale.

“I believe that be okay.” (Pistol) replied, (he) put a foreleg around Gale and the teenager did the same both giving big teethy beak smiles with the other forelegs out.

Spike took the photo, he gives it to (Pistol) and a photo taken of both teens, Gale took the two polaroid photos shaking them waiting for the pictures to appear. “Sunbeam past the list I wrote to another guard, we should get the stuff soon.”

“That's great Spike!” (Pistol) said with delight. “While we wait I am going to read some more comics about Pistol, I saw a few things in there about him failing many times with new inventions.” (He) walked over to the pile of comic books sitting down on the flank picking up one to read through.

“Yet with all those failures he always kept a high cheerful spirit.” Spike chuckled. “Right Gale?” Gale nods showing the photos. “Oh wow they are awesome! Let's show them to (Pistol).” He again laughed and Gale did too before joining the pony size griffon.

Sunbeam walked into the room a while later with all the supplies they asked for with a group of other guards that helped, they started putting the flatten down cardboard boxes in a pile, paint cans in another, a few cans of glue and stationary gear. “That all the stuff on the list Spike.”

Spike took a good look at the gear as the other guards left. “That awesome Sunbeam, thanks a lot!”

She saluted. “No problem, just happy to help.” Sunbeam noticed the Finch Griffon. “Another griffon?”

“Oh (him)? That Greystorm's wife Octicovix that bug pony shapeshifter.” Spike explained.

Sunbeam stared for a moment. “Weird, I never saw her come up or got a report about her coming through the balcony.”

Spike chuckled. “That because she was a Finch bird.”

Sunbeam blinked before looking at him seriously. “Your saying her kind can shapeshift into small birds too!?”

Spike shrugs. “I guess so, since I saw it you know.”

She groans. “I am going to have to speak to the captain about this...” Sunbeam turn to leave the room. “Nothing strange going on is there?”

“Part from Octicovix being a fictional pony size griffon called Pistol from a comic book?” Sunbeam raise a eye. “Other than that no.” Sunbeam groans from what Spike said.

As Sunbeam leaves the room, she ends up muttering to herself to definitely have a word with Captain Shining Armor about the lack of security against shapeshifting ability beings.

“That was to be expected, taking into account that I did breach a number of protocols that in place, specially for a prince like yourself Gale. The fact Private Sunbeam spoke about bring this to the captain about the exact breaches that can happen show she is right to be your personal guard, Gale.”

Gale looking at the different colour paints they brought turn around to (Pistol) with a happy nod, he looking very excited at making the Flaputa cardboard model with both of them. “Look like Gale agreed with you Octicovix and I am sure Shining will take it into account for sure.”

(Pistol) clapped (his) forepaws together rubbing them against each other. “That is good to know, shall we begin making Flaputa?” They both nod. “Let's start making the base and work our way up, we will use strips of cardboard criss-cross them to create supports to hold up the main island we will make.” (Pistol) shows them some sketches (he) created.

Spike took the blue paper taking a good look at it. “Eight supports equally parted with four central ones around the base of the island underside, this would work.”

Gale nods in agreement picking up some of the cardboard boxes, picking out which ones would work for supports, the island underside base, the top side base to the buildings and trees.

“Look like Gale already sorting out which will work best, let's follow his lead shall we?” (Pistol) suggests giving Gale a helping paw and claw, letting the young griffon lead them on sorting the flatten cardboard boxes out.

Spike give a thumbs up. “Sure!”

Gale shows them which boxes will work best for each part of the island and they got to work, the start of creating Flaputa cardboard model between them.

Princess Celestia walking towards Gale's room carrying two trays of dinner for him and Spike, walking alongside her the blackish grey griffon Greystorm with a irritated look upon his face after spending wasted hours talking to the noble ponies, out of the twelve only two agreed to have a dig spot in the Canterlot Gardens.

“Two ponies only voted for out of all those good for nothing snubs! I thought the way I am was bad, but they took the page off the griffons and turned into a pony type of self centred good for nothing-”

Celestia raise her wing cutting him off by placing it over his beak. “I believe you make your point clear Greystorm, this is noble politics at it finest.” Celestia closed her wing up. “I had over 1000 years of dealing with them.”

Greystorm rolled his eyes. “More like they do not like the idea that griffish ruins point to the ruins being here in the city it self.”

Celestia looked out of a window they past to the city as they continue their walk to the Royal Suites. “Yes I believe you are correct, many ponies would believe that history as they know it to the facts we do know now.”

“History written by the winners or the superior race of the lands.” Greystorm said flatly to Celestia. “Before you try to counter that, just think what we discovered and how your history is currently forged.” Greystorm brought up a valid point to Celestia without looking at her as they walked.

The princess thought about what he just said and he was right, their legends about the three pony tribes before the Heart of Friendship brought them all together to form early Equestria, this new information showed the old griffon kingdom gave up everything to defeat Grogar. “You are correct Greystorm, what our history is and what is truly discovered now questions it.”

“I gather it will take time to sway a two thirds of the council to agree?”

“It will, how long would it take or how you get their vote will depend on your approach Greystorm, I am interested in finding out if under the gardens is the ruins of Grogar's fortress but it open to the public and funded by the Noble Council, I could go above their heads but they would-”

“See it as a abusing use of power?”

“Yes...”

“Yet you used the crown not only to adopt a young confused and scared teenage griffon, have Gilda teach him to write, speak and how to be a griffon and last but least display your power upon those that might be a threat to him.”

Celestia stopped in her tracks as Greystorm walked on, she stared at him as he walked. “Your right... I have, he a life not a ruins that maybe under a garden that I didn't have any say on. I gave them the power to do things without me always directing them, give them a choice to do the right thing.”

Greystorm turn his head round. “This is why I never play chess with you, your too good at this.” Greystorm face forwards walking up the stairs.

Celestia frowned. “And as you...” She muttered quickly catching up and walking alongside the griffon up the flight of stairs.

“Underestimating the facts Princess?”

“Not at all, it was you and your wife that uncovered where my son from afterall, I never would have been close.” Celestia smiled. “So don't sell yourself short, sometimes being older you easily miss things that the young see.”

They entered the hallways of the Royal Suites. “You have a valid point, yet you have a Pure Griffon that seemly brought us together to find it out.”

“Very true.” Celestia turn to Gale's door hearing laughter from not only Spike and Gale but a third voice. “Private Sunbeam who in side with my son and Spike?”

Sunbeam saluted first and responds with a report to the Princess. “Octicovix the changeling Princess, she currently in a form of a finch griffon that is a fictional character called Pistol, from a comic book series Prince Gale and Spike been reading since yesterday, they also creating something with cardboard boxes, paint, glue and other stationary gear.”

Celestia turn to Greystorm. “Are you curious at what they been up to?”

Greystorm rubbed a talon under his beak. “I am Princess.”

Celestia knock the door with her hoof. “Son, can we come in? I got you and Spike some dinner here.”

A happy squawk came from Gale and Spike calls out. “Sure come on in! Just don't mind the mess!”

Celestia open the doors walking in with Greystorm to find a rather big island base been made with it smelling of fresh paint, scattered around on top of sheets of paper were cardboard cut outs of trees, hill, buildings and upper levels of the island city of Flaputa.

In front of it were two avenge pony size griffons and a dragon covered in patches of paint themselves holding paint brushes. “Hello Grey, what do you think of the new look I can change into?” (Pistol) flare the wings and shows off the griffon pony. “Also fully grown!”

Greystorm chuckled. “You look cute and guessing from the voice a male?”

“Yep, I used the comics to create the pony, the roughly sounding voice by imagination and articulate the personality!” (He) said waving the paint brush around with a spin around showing off the form. “This kind of griffon is a Finch Griffon! Small but have a really creative and imagintive mind.” Tapping (his) head with the other forepaw.

Greystorm tap the tip of his beak. “Hmm... I recall a old book has something on Finch Griffons... Just can't quite remember it...”

“Might be your last very friction visit to Griffonstone Grey.”

The greyish black griffon shifted with a fluff of his wings. “Now I remember... Thanks Octicovix.”

(Pistol) press two fingers to the forehead and push away giving a salute. “No trouble at all.”

Celestia giggled. “It seem you are having a lot of fun being in that very chippy happy griffon form.”

“That I am Princess! Thank you for allowing me to spend time with these two wonderful youngster, they don't care what I am and love my shapeshifting abilities!”

“I am happy to hear that... Pistol.” She slyly smiled looking upon each of them. “Now I would suggest you all get washed up, yet you are not really a male even I easily forgot that looking at you at the moment, so I am going to cheat.” Placing the plates down Celestia used her magic on Spike and (Pistol) removing all the paint off them.

Gale looked over himself and glared at Celestia. “Your magic interferes, remember cub.” Greystorm states with a single claw up.

Gale crossed his forelegs still annoyed. “Hmm...” (Pistol) tap the end of the beak.

Celestia raise a hoof. “I do not know how Changeling magic will work on him, rather not test that out and see a random result.”

“It was just a thought.” (He) shrugs. “Sorry Gale, your mum has spoken.” Gale sighed and walk over to the bathroom to have a shower.

Celestia calls out. “Do not worry the food will not get cold, I'll make sure of it!” Gale give a thumbs up and close the door behind him. “He be gone for about ten minutes, now do you two like to tell me what this creative piece of work is?”

Spike smiled proudly. “Sure thing Princess! This is a floating island in the comic book series about Pistol, it called The Isle of Flaputa.”

“Flaputa?” Greystorm raise a eye. “Seriously?”

“Ponyville, Griffonstone, Manehatten, Yaki-” Greystorm put his talons over (Pistol)'s beak.

“Okay Octicovix I get the point...” Greystorm let go of the beak.

Celestia put her wing over (Pistol). “Please continue little griffon.”

(Pistol) looked up at her. “Thank you Princess.” (He) coughed into the paw and spoke. “Flaputa what we making is a big island and smaller ones floating high in the sky, it filled mostly of Finch Griffons that have a natural knack for inventing things and tinker, they pretty much had the power of imagination like no other.”

(Pistol) flew over to a pile of comics and picked issue one up. “This introduce Pistol and the griffons of Flaputa, it shows that even with his amazing mind, the poor griffon couldn't get any of his inventions right.” (He) gives the comic to Celestia.

She took it with her magic and flipped through the pages scanning through them. “I can see why Gale already taken a liking to this, I wouldn't be surprised if Twilight would like reading these.” Celestia sit takes a seat on a cushion. “Tell us about your day with Gale making this model.”

“Sure!” Spike grinned.

Gale came out of the bathroom feeling much better, he also brushed out his fur to not be puffy. “Had a nice shower son?” Gale nods to his mum. “That good, I was hearing how much of a enjoyable day you had making this model still in progress.” Celestia turn to the trays. “Now you and Spike can enjoy your meal.” She gives Gale his tray and remove the dome from it.

Gale looked at the food and took in the smell of it, licking his beak he look to the garlic bread, then to Octicovix still as Pistol. “Plush.” Gale pick up the plate of bread reaching out to (him).

(Pistol) took it. “This is your dinner, I can eas-” Gale squawked with a shake of the head. “Your not going to take no for a answer are you?” Gale nods. “Thank you...” (He) picked up one with the forepaw and took a pick out of it. “Hmm this is good.”

“Tsshey ssure are!” Spike said with a mouthful of bread before swallowing. “Here go Gale have one of mine.”

Gale took it and took a bite. “Hmmmm...”

Celestia had a warmth of happiness seeing that they all were enjoying her own cooking, it brought joy to her once more, showing her cooking was well loved. “I did most of it but I had some help from the staff that work in the kitchen.”

Greystorm walked up to the model to get a snarl from Gale, instantly stopping he looked over at Gale. “Trust to recover is going to take time...” He muttered stepping back seeing the easing from Gale. “Sometime in the future I will regain your trust cub, till that day just calmly show me instant of acting aggressively.”

Gale staring at him slowly tilted his head. “Gale, my husband does things that is very stupid for the right reasons, his gust moves faster than his brain or heart.” (Pistol) stated and continue to eat the bread enjoying the explosion of flavour including the love Celestia passively put into it.

“(His) right.” Spike agreed. “The way your acting to him could show to others something else to what you really are.”

Gale listen to each to each of them, going through what they said in memory the young griffon close his eyes and focus on the Dream Cavern. “Blue how do I deal with the distrust to him?”

“Master Gale...” Blue stood on a tree looking up at the large crystal. “Be wary but don't growl and act on wanting to fight him to defend every little thing you make, give him a sign of non-aggression that you do not wish for him to be near stuff you own or make.”

“Thank you Blue.”

“Happy to serve you Master Gale, see you soon.”

“Same!” Gale open his eyes turning to Greystorm. “Down plush...”

Greystorm slightly smiled. “Received and understood.”

Celestia nod to her son. “I am happy to see you choosing other than growling at Greystorm, down plush is a nice way to say do not go near your stuff.” Gale nod back to his mum with a smile too. “One step in the right direction at lease, one small step and-”

Gale instantly saw another image from the flat screen. “That one step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Seeing a grey grainy image of a bulky being stepping off a ladder onto a ground.

The flash ends and Gale blinked a few times trying to even understand what he just saw. “Gale are you okay?” Celestia asked with concern, Gale rubbed the back of his head with a confused expression. “You remembered something didn't you?” Gale nods.

“More of his past coming to light?” Greystorm asked.

“Indeed, in seem that somethings we say or do just seem to randomly trigger them to resurface.”

(Pistol) finished off the last garlic bread. “The memoires are most likely there but need a small chaotic push of randomness to connect those scrambled within his mind, it similar to those that invent stuff, it never starts with a 'oh I know what to do' moment but a chain of chaotic mistakes, it applies to the trains or the recent development of the computer.”

Suddenly Gale saw himself playing a game it words he spoke out. “Command and Conquer Red Alert...”

“What did you just say?” Celestia slowly turn to him.

“Command and Conquer Red Alert.” He repeated.

“Why would you-”

Spike speaks up. “It sound like a title to a game the way he saying it.”

“Really? A game th-” Gale squawks happily nodding to Spike. “It a game?” Another nod to Celestia. “Does this have to do with computer?” Gale nods seeing this memory clear in his mind for the moment. “How does a game work on a computer? It just massive towers that used for specific tasks.”

Greystorm rubbed the underside of his beak. “Could it be that during Grifiax's era they had computers that did more than what they do at the moment?”

Celestia stared at him blankly. “It could be a possibility. Look at the science fiction comics.” Spike put his plate down going over to the pile picking up one to show Pistol walking down the street with panels on the roof. “This they called solar panels, they took it sun light and heat turning into energy.”

(Pistol) even chipped in. “Spike is correct, what I read so far confirms it too, they had fishes that created electrical energy that helped power up massive cogs and machines too, they even created forms of weapons that would fire metal slugs faster than the very motion of sound travels! They even had a cable car that took you to mulptily levels of the city and in one instant a computer that was flatter than a table width being used by a Finch Griffon!”

Celestia's eyes darting left and right trying to even keep up with what they were saying, it was getting really messy for her, in all the years her ponies never even came close to stuff like this and in fictional comics it showed the Finch Griffons to be superior in technology.

Spike quickly shows another page. “Don't forget this one shows how the island can float in the sky! It has crystals that supposedly been forged by unicorns that enhanced with magic to create anti-gravity like the spell Twilight learned a few days ago!”

“A place both with magic and technology, no wonder this is a place of fiction it a land of wonders!” Greystorm said taking the comic to look at it himself. “I never consider that the griffons back before Grogar's defeat could have something like this, but if you give it enough time any evidence of it would just turn to dust cause it made of stuff we use today like plastic, paper, metal and such.”

(Pistol) was in glee with Greystorm over this. “That stuff would just become part of the soil! Lost throughout time and space! What if Grifiax Boreas knew this and did what he did to make sure that his message wasn't lost by time itself!”

Celestia got up turn to leave the bedroom. “Princess is something wrong?”

“No...” She didn't look over to Spike or any of them. “I... Need time to process this...”

“It all a theory Princess, it could mean anything.” Greystorm said.

“I understand but... I just need time.” Celestia glance over to Gale with a smile. “Goodnight Gale and I will get a pony to take the dirty trays away.” Gale nods silently getting feeling something really bothering Celestia he mum.

Sunbeam salutes as Celestia walks out. “Princess.”

“Sunbeam keep the doors open and keep a eye on them, I do not want a repeat of Mayor Greystorm's arrival.”

“Of course, good night princess.” Sunbeam accepted the order.

“Goodnight my little pony.” Celestia walk away into her room closing the door she slowly turn to the window seeing the moon shining through it.

For a countless set of hours Celestia stared out into the sky slowly taking in everything she heard them say, the fact she recalled something the griffons discovered almost 300 years ago frozen in time by ice, Celestia never discovered what they found even their close ties to Griffina back in the day before King Guto.

“The king before Guto... Graivers I believe commissioned unicorns to make gravity magic crystals... What if... That couldn't be could it? What did he discover in the ice deep in the northern frozen mountains of Griffina that sparked the beginning of secrecy from the griffons?”

Celestia turn away from the window removing her regal gear placing them on the table and hoofshoes on the ground.

“Guess even a princess that ruled for a thousand years on her own can mess up without even realising it.”

Past midnight throughout the city of Canterlot, the only sound mainly is the wind blowing through the streets, street lights shimmer with the full moon high above giving light to a calm quiet night, Greystorm and Octicovix walking down a street together carrying a bag each across their sides.

Greystorm eyes shifting left to the right as they walked across the cobble stone road, his talon tips and hooves from Octicovix echoed through the street. “Octicovix you sure they have them?”

Octicovix glance to her husband. “I am not completely sure Grey, he is a wary pony within the capital of the Equestria.” They stopped at a cross road of the street. “He will be with those hench ponies of his, I'll be watching and waiting.” Octicovix kiss him on the cheek before shifting into a black raven and fly up onto the roof.

“Thank you Octicovix.” He adjusted his blazer looking down to Octicovix saddle bags. “Best get a move on.” He picked up her bags placing them on his back.

Greystorm turn to his right walking down the street passing a few guards till he came to the dark dull path between the buildings, he walked down the back path till the griffon stood under a light high above swaying slightly from the wind. “Ah Mayor Greystorm I see you arrived exactly on time as we agreed.”

A dirty brown Earth Pony with black and grey mane and tail wearing a cream vest, red and white polkadot scarf with a cutie mark of a gold skull on it step into the light. Either side and behind him were three other stallions one grey with ginger mane, the other with a Stetson and red scarf, the final one light grey wearing sunglasses with a black and purple collar, both stallions with black manes and tails.

“Doctor Caballeron, I see your with the usually crowd of ponies.” Greystorm eyed each of them with caution. “You have the two golden discs?”

Caballeron rubbed the back of his neck. “Erm... No...”

Greystorm flare his wings. “Care to explain why we having this meeting then?” He showed the predator side of the griffon, eyes narrowed talon claws marking the cobble stones.

Instantly the Earth Pony stood on his hind legs waving the front ones quickly. “Please! Let me explain Mayor Greystorm, I have a perfectly good reason!” Rash and fast his words blurted out.

The griffon eased his stance as the other ponies quickly retreat a few steps from their boss as the predator now circled his prey. “Then speak Caballeron.”

Caballeron turning around to follow the griffons movement around him. “We found where it is but we couldn't get near it, for two whole days we waited, these pony and griffon guards in this strange looking armour never slept, never rested. They kept the whole creator and the ruins well guarded.”

Greystorm stopped circling Caballeron with a thoughtful look as his eyes drift away. “Golems?”

“Golems? What is this Golems you speak of?”

“I recently discovered there is guards that never need to sleep, eat or drink. They are magically created guards by Princess Celestia herself, they are not really alive.” Greystorm explained. “Griffon Golems is a new one on me.”

Caballeron rubbed the underside of his snout. “How can I complete my contract with you if they do not leave their post?”

“That is a interesting question Doctor.” Greystorm glanced up. “Octicovix.”

The raven flies in and lands on top of his head. “Hello Caballeron.” She said calmly to him with her yellow solid eyes glowing and piecing into the very soul of the Earth Pony.

He shuddered as the piecing looking continued to stare directly at him. “H-Hello...” He step back a little.

Octicovix flare her wings a bit before shifting back into a resting position. “Now the ruins you did examine directed you to this creator correct?”

“Yes, the griffish ruins did.” He answered. “We did have to pretend to try and take artefacts to redirect Daring Do, she some how caught wind of our plans to explore the ruins.”

Octicovix narrow her eyes. “You or her didn't trash them did you?”

“N-no... I made sure to make it look like she would win, so the damage was almost not noticeable as agreed upon.”

“He good.” Octicovix look down at Greystorm.

Greystorm rubbed the underside of his beak. “As it is Octicovix, it doesn't solve the problem that this unnamed creator and ruins is heavily guarded by Golems that are both pony and griffon.”

She crossed her wings tapping the talon on his head. “True Grey, it strange to even know it took weeks of exploring many ruins to even find it.” She look over to Caballeron. “How many did it take?”

The pony rubbed the underside of his snout looking up at the swaying light. “About seven ruins.” He looked back at them. “Each ruin had a small amount of detail that put together adds up to the location of the creator.”

“It just like you said Mr Mayor!” The ginger mane pony spoke up. “The real treasure was the ruins themselves and their tales!”

“That it is.” Greystorm smirked. “Now do you have any photos of these clues?”

The doctor smirked back. “Of course I do.”

“Good here is your payment on exploring the ruins.” Greystorm pull out two bags of Bits throwing them over to Caballeron.

Catching them he and his henchponies looked through them seeing it was all there. “Now Doctor Caballeron part of our terms and the contract agreed upon, we will pay the rest once we all found the discs that reside within the unnamed ruins.”

“Oh of course, I always fulfil my part of the contract.”

“And you have so far.” Greystorm said calmly to him. “Meet us in the train to Trottingham tomorrow morning, we will talk over how to gain entrance to the ruins and the creator.”

Doctor Caballeron smiled. “We will be there.”

“Octicovix give them the tickets please.”

The raven wings glow and the tickets appear before the four ponies. “They will allow you all access to the Private Carriage of the train, do not be late.”

“We won't, I bid you all a good night.” Caballeron pick up the bags of bits, with his henchponies all disappeared into the darkness of the night leaving a envelope on the ground for Greystorm to take.

Greystorm walk over to it, picking it up he opened the envelope to pull out many photos of each ruins to a map circling the eastern side of the Macintosh Mountains range. “It interesting that seven ruins that are only connected by these markings on the walls, they have nothing in common with each other are kingdoms that rose and fell at different points in history.” Octicovix stated looking at each of them from on top of Greystorm's head.

He put them back away. “I am curious about that myself, we will figure out why part of the mountain range seem to be hiding a creator and ruins from the rest of the world.” Greystorm turn walking back onto the streets heading back to the castle. “You going to stay up there?” He looked up at the raven.

Octicovix showed a smirk on the beak. “Yep.” Greystorm shook his head laughing softly followed by squawks of laughter from his wife. “We do have a lot of work to do Grey.”

“That we do Octicovix and what secrets these golden discs hold.” Greystorm turn his head towards the full moon. “With everything that unfolded this weekend has truly gave me a goal for my fellow griffons.”

“Keep that up and every single being will see you as a big ol' softy.” She giggled.

Greystorm chuckled back. “Well maybe that what they need to see.” With a few flaps of his wings the griffon took off back to the castle causing the raven to fall off, she flaps to regain control.

Octicovix hovering just where he took off blinked a few times. “You can't be serious! Greystorm! You need to keep your image up at Trottingham! Damn it Grey answer me! Don't ignore me!” She flew after him.

Steam pours out from the sides of the stream train soon after it came to a stop at Canterlot Station, ponies and some griffons step out from the carriages while others including a purple dragon walk onto the train in turn.

Gilda step off the train from her journey, her eyes locked upon the castle in the distance. “GILDA!” Gale's happily screaming squawk came from her left.

“Here we go...” Gilda braced herself and right on cue she got a tackle hug from the teenage griffon. “Hey cub, guess you missed me?” She look down as he looked up, Gilda chuckled rubbing his feathered head. “How about letting go?”

Gale release his hug flying back a few feet landing on the platform, Sunbeam step up beside him. “Good morning Gilda, hope your trip from Griffonstone was a pleasant one.”

“Can't complain.” Gilda shrugged. “I do how ever want to know how you knew I was going to arrive from that train.” She hints to the departing train. “You dweebs spying on me?”

Sunbeam shook her head. “Not at all, just dumb luck. Prince Gale were seeing Spike off back to Ponyville, he just boarded that very train you got off.”

Gilda starts to walk and they follow her off the platform heading up the cobble stone path to the castle. “The purple dragon was over this weekend?”

“Indeed.”

“What else did I miss?” Gilda asked.

Sunbeam looking around to keep Gale safe responses. “That is for Princess Celestia to tell you Gilda.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Of course she want to tell me herself, that dweeb better not leave anything out.”

“I believe you are getting the full transparency.”

“Good.” Gilda saw the nervousness from Gale. “From that look cub, you did something this weekend didn't ya?” Gale nods silently shifting his gaze away, she hummed to herself wondering what it could be. “Guess I'll find out when we get to the castle.” Gilda open her wing taking off to the castle.

Gale realises she not going to waste time walking and takes off after her into the sky, Sunbeam flies after them. “Wonder how she react to the Prince punching Mayor Greystorm?” She whispered to herself.

They entered the castle heading right for the throne room, as they came up to the doors the guards at them look to each other first before putting their spears across. “Sorry Prince Gale, Princess Celestia is in a meeting with Chancellor Neighsay.” They put their spears back up in position.

“Isn't that the head of the EEA?”

Gilda raise a brow looking at Sunbeam. “What the heck is this EEA?”

“Equestria Education Association.” Sunbeam answered. “I wonder if it something to do with what Princess Celestia and the others discovered over the weekend.”

Gilda turn to the doors. “That what Princess Celestia want to fill me in with?”

“That is what I believe, I do not have all the details myself.” Sunbeam reply to Gilda.

The left guard responses. "Princess Celestia and the Chancellor been talking to each for the last hour or so."

In turn the right says. "It been somewhat heated."

“Best for us to-” Sunbeam doesn't get to finish what she saying when the doors open up.

Coming out of the throne room a whitish grey unicorn with blackish grey groomed mane and tail wearing a purple coat with a gold trimming around the neck, also the stallion had a red ribbon with a gold seal attached to it.

Chancellor Neighsay stopped turning his gaze upon the two griffons, his turquoise eyes moving from one to the other steadily. “So your the young griffon that Princess Celestia took in.” His gaze fell upon Gale only. “I do not see why she took you in, but it not my position to question why she did.”

Gale tilt his head blinking a few times.

Neighsay turn to Gilda. “Hmm... I do not like the fact a griffon with no history teaching any young without EEA approval, unfortunately since this is a private one on one teaching contract signed by you and the Princess, the EEA has no reason to stop you since all your progress that been reviled as been nothing put positive.”

Gilda snorts. “Whatever dweeb, I will do what I agreed on to the best of my ability, the cub needs a griffon more than a pony teaching him.”

“Indeed the signs that been shown do present that to be true, I will be returning every week to check on the progress since new evidence of history has presented it self in a way the EEA can not ignore it.” Neighsay said coldly to Gilda. “Do not make us regret granting you temporary teacher status for one on one lessons to Prince Gale.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Dweeb, I do not know anything about your EEA and rather do not care, Gale doing just fine without you sticking your stupid muzzle in it.”

He growls slightly. “I am the head of the EEA I can-”

“What revoke the status because I wouldn't grovel to you?” Gilda countered glaring at him.

He glared right back. “We be keeping a eye on you.” Neighsay turn around walking away down the hall.

Gilda huffed. “What a stuck up dweeb.”

Celestia's laughter caught their attention, all of them turning to the threshold to the throne room. “I am glad that you stuck up for yourself, it good to know I did pick right with you Gilda.”

“Of course you did Princess, no one else did what I did.” She puffed her chest up with pride.

“Indeed and sound like you are proud, not greedy, distrustful and mean.” Celestia turn walking back to her throne.

Gilda followed with Gale and Sunbeam. “You can blame Gale for that one.”

Celestia sat down on the throne chair. “Why blame him for giving you something back?”

“Whatever dweeb.” Gilda rolled her eyes. “Just get to the point of telling me what happened this weekend and I can get to work with teaching Gale already.”

“Straight to the point.” Celestia nod to the guards and the close the doors up. “Very well, let's begin with bowling...”

Gale sat at a desk in the Canterlot Castle Library repeat writing what Gilda wrote, trying to get it as close to between the lines like hers. Gilda stood by the window looking out at it with forelegs crossed, everything that happened that weekend was giving the griffon a mix of conflicting feelings over the discovery about Gale.

Gilda open her beak to say something but she couldn't think of what to words to even speak out, closing the beak up her eyes slowly turn to Gale as he worked on his writing to continue improving it. “Gilda...” She glanced over to Sunbeam. “When I took the assignment of being Prince Gale's guard I never expected it to be-”

“Dweeb...” Gilda interrupts the guard. “I do not know what to think about what I learned but one thing that stayed the same, Gale still a cub, maybe not one before but he is now and forever.” Gilda turn to Gale as he continue to do his work she gave him to do with a tongue hanging out of the side the beak. “I am going to do what I agreed to, what about you?”

Sunbeam also looked over at him. “Your right, Princess Celestia specially assigned me this.”

Gilda look back out the window. “We just mixed up in things that too crazy to be believed by any other creature out there, you tell them this and they just think your some loony.” Gilda chuckled lightly with a slight shake of the head. “Just another day on the crazy train.” She pat the guard on the back before walking over to Gale. “Thanks for snapping me out of it dweeb.”

“Your welcomed...” Sunbeam frowned slightly sounding a bit unsure.

Gilda step up to the desk by the large hour glass. “How is it going Gale?”

Gale shows Gilda. “Gilda... G-g-...”

“Good?” He nods, she takes a look at the progress he made. “Your getting better cub, still work needed to be down but if your wrist start hurting just stop and take a break.” Gilda give it back to him. “How does it feel knowing... Erm... Your here because of another griffon?”

Gale shrugs and goes back to working his writing.

Gilda rubbed the back of her neck. “Cub...”

Gale look at his talon and back at Gilda, it glows and he put his talon over her's.

Suddenly the library vanishes and she finds herself in a forest within a cavern. “Where in Grover's name am I!?”

“Your in the Dream Cavern, I didn't know it would work but it did!” Gale said as he lands before her. “Hi Gilda!”

Gilda blinked a few times. “Am I asleep?”

“Erm... Kind of, it more like day dreaming, we awake but dreaming.” Gale explained. “I am sharing my day dreaming hyper active imagination with you!”

Gilda stared at him. “Dweeb... Knowing you can do magic and you using it is two different things, this is really freaky...”

Gale lower his gaze. “Sorry Gilda, I can end it now if you like me too...” He shifted the talon around the dirt.

Gilda groans. “Cub, we talking and I guess that acceptable for now.” Gilda took a look around. “So tell me why you did this and show me around.”

“Sure!” Gale raise his head with a smile on his beak. “Come on.” He waved her to follow, Gilda did. “I wanted to answer your question Gilda... I know what I was told but I know it can't change what is now, all I can do is move forwards and try to remember my past.”

Gilda looked around seeing the large crystal that gave light to the crystal blue waterfall to lake flowing river, he happily show her around for a few minutes heading through a thick part of the forest. “This is some dream place you got Gale.”

“Master Gale does have a hyper active imagination.” Blue jump down from a tree branch standing before them.

“What in the heck are you?”

“Dream guardian, my name is Blue. I am a jackal diamond dog hybrid a fictional creature from Master Gale imagination Mistress Gilda.” Blue explained telepathically to Gilda putting his paw hand out to her.

Gilda look at the paw and place her talon on it with a shake. “Blue right?” He nods. “So... You know what Gale knows?”

“Correct Mistress Gilda, I can tell you that he want to remember his past for to not forget the past and not have it control the life he has now.” Blue informed her. “Sadly this only brief but has to come to a end, any longer it will have dire effects on Master Gale, he still has to control the amount of magic he uses without bring harm to himself.”

Gilda gave him a look. “Alright..” Gilda turn to Gale. “Get us out of here Cub, if what your guardian freaky jackal says is true, no way your going to crash out because of this.” Gilda hints to everything around her.

Gale nods. “Okay, see you tonight Blue?”

“As always, I will be at the hot springs.” Blue turn and jumps into the trees and out of sight.

Gilda chuckled. “Got to admit, that one awesome creature you imaginatively made.”

“Thank you Gilda and can you help me to talk more outside the dream?” Gale was happy to hear what Gilda said and asked her.

“Sure thing cub, now get us out of here already!” Gale nods.

In a blink of a eye Gilda found herself back looking at Gale in the Library. “That was some neat trick Gale.”

Gale grinned.

“What trick?” Sunbeam asked. “All I saw was him touch you for a second with his talon glowing and that was it.”

Gilda turn to her. “Wait you saying it just happened? But we were there for minutes at least!” Gilda point over to Gale.

“I came over cause of the magic Prince Gale were using.” She turn to Gale. “Princess Celestia did tell you not to use that magic, not after what happened to Mayor Greystorm.” Gale laughed nervously.

Gilda chuckled. “That the best part I will not forget.” As the subject moves away from the dream to what Gale did to Greystorm, Gale was happy for the subject change but not so happy about it having to be him hitting Greystorm.

Sunbeam stared at Gilda. “He punched the mayor of Trottingham.”

Gilda shrugged. “Don't care, that feather brain always got something up his feathers, don't like him at all and something tells me every time I see him to just not trust him one second. Last time I saw that dweeb he fined me for my Griffon Scones, so Gale punching him across from room to another is the best news I'll take.”

Gale was puzzled and look at Sunbeam. “I can not answer that for you Prince Gale.” Sunbeam choice to return to her post not wanting to press on the topic seeing how Gale looked at her and Gilda.

Gilda point to the book. “Get back to writing Gale, after lunch we get some speaking and flying time in before you get back to practice your writing.”

Gale nods and go back to the writing.

Gilda watched him for a few moments before turning to walk back to the window and gaze back out to the outside. “Remember the past, don't let it control you and move on to the future...” Gilda whispered. “That one heck of a saying...” Gilda looked at the particle reflection of Sunbeam.

“When the time is right, I think me and Dash be friends again.”

Gilda glanced over to Gale.

“Thanks for sharing that dream cub.” She whispers. “Your kind heart is a real pain in the flank.” She chuckled softly as Gale continue to work on his writing.

For Gilda she was back from boring old Griffonstone to interesting Canterlot on the Crazy Train, life had gave Gilda a really interesting twist.

Celestia with Doctor Trace once more a pony walked down the path of the Canterlot Gardens past the many pony statues towards the hedge maze, sun shining with a clear sky and the birds chirping away. Ponies minding the flower gardens, Manehatten school ponies with their teacher visiting the gardens taking notes about each statue on their school trip.

“The results from the potion I created that suppose to remove the transfiguration didn't exactly work as it suppose to.” Trace said to Celestia as they walk by the school ponies, they all gasping and pointing hooves at Celestia seeing her in real life.

Celestia turn to them using her magic to unleash a burst of colourful explosions, the fillies and colts cheer in delight, she winks and turn to Trace. “Your potion failed?”

“Not exactly, it never was tested on magic like the type a pure griffon has, the end result was chaotic because of the very magic we recently learned of Princess, no way to know this would be the very result I am in.” Trace calmly explained to Celestia.

They turn at the statue of Victory continue their stroll. “You seem rather calm over this Doctor Trace.” Celestia raise a eye brow with suspension.

Trace turn his eyes to her. “That is because I have a amazing wife, Amber helped me while I was having a episode of complete freakout over this.” He looked ahead. “By the beginning of the weekend if we are right, I be back to a griffon wearing that blasted collar again, so I am not looking forward to it.” Trace grew slightly annoyed.

“Couldn't the herbal bath help?”

“No, that is far beyond that, unless we figure out how pure griffon magic differ to magic of any kind it be fruitless.” Doctor Trace chuckled slightly afterwards. “Chaos to order and order to chaos, I sure fit into that good old saying don't I Princess?”

Celestia look directly ahead seeing a certain statue come into view, timing of such words seem to be just perfect for the very saying. “Indeed Doctor Trace, it will be something you will have to balance in your life now till we find a way to truly fix it.”

Trace nods. “I completely agree princess.” He notices Gale. “It seem we not the only ones taking advantage of the beautiful weather.”

Celestia now notices her son sitting against the pedestal of Discord's statue with one hind leg over the other, Gale reading a book with Gilda sitting on a bench looking through Gale's text book. “Gale?”

The griffon looked up giving a happy smile and wave to Celestia. “Mum!”

Gilda put Gale's text book down. “Hey dweebs!”

Celestia smiled slightly and nod to Gale. “Hello son.” She turn to Gilda next. “Enjoying the weather?”

Gilda shrugged. “Can't complain, it sunny, warm and peaceful.” Gilda chuckled. “Before you ask why we here Princess, Gale found a book on a race called the draconequs and I happen to recall there one here called Discord, so I brought him here to see it.”

“I gather that book is about them?” Trace point to the book Gale is reading.

“Yeah it is.” Gilda answered. “He like to read, it gives me time to look over his griffish and point out how to improve it.” Gilda sighed rubbing her head. “If Dash heard me now I be such a lame dork and a egghead.”

Celestia gave a small smile at that response. “You still care about how Rainbow Dash see you? Even after it been a few weeks since your friendship ended?”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “I have image to keep dweeb.” Gilda took off into the sky. “I am the coolest griffon of all time and don't forget it!” She does a few spins and flips in the sky followed by crossing her forelegs.

“Indeed you are and it seem the fillies as well the colts agree on it.” Celestia look over to her right seeing them cheer.

Gilda bows. “Your all awesome.” She smirked. “Want to see more tricks?” They cheer even more. “Alright time to show you my stuff!”

As Gilda shows off to the young ponies Celestia walk up to Discord's statue looking up at it. “Even after a thousand years, I still wonder why you found it fun to cause so many ponies such pain and misery.”

Trace frowned upon hearing Celestia speak to the statue. “Princess, why are you speaking to the statue as if it is a living thing?”

Gale raise his head looking directly up at them and the statue curiously listening. “It a stone prison of Discord the draconequs, self proclaimed god of chaos and disharmony.”

“You turned a draconequs into stone?”

“Indeed Doctor Trace, me and my sister did when we wielded the Elements of Harmony over a thousand years ago, Discord been imprisoned within since.” Celestia turn to Trace. “It was the last result in defeating him.”

Trace turn to face the statue once more. “Chaos... He has magic based on chaos?”

Celestia turn to the statue too. “Yes, he could just snap a paw or talon and in a flash magically do something that would seem impossible.”

Gale put the book down opening his wings up, he flapped them a few times to get eye level with Discord's statue. “As creating something?”

“Correct.”

Suddenly as Celestia said it Gale recall seeing a hand raised and clicking, with a flash a band of musicians appear playing something up beat on the box. The being that did it was celebrating with his powers being restored, Gale blinked a few times as the new memory ends, Gale look to his talon and the statue.

Celestia speaks up. “Do not even think about it young griff!” Gale flinches, he slowly turn around looking down at Celestia, she giving him a stern hard look. “You suddenly remembered something and you were about to do something with that magic of yours, won't you?” Gale laughed nervousily rubbing the back of his head.

Trace chuckled. “Not so subtle youngster, you just got your talon caught in the cookie jar.” Gale turns around descending to them. “I am curious at what you were thinking of Gale.”

Gale hummed and with a glow from his talon touch Trace, suddenly the doctor was looking at the Dream Cavern staring at Blue who stared back at him. “Master Gale, please stop using your Day Dream Connection spell...”

Suddenly Trace was back staring at Gale blinking a few times. “Day Dream Connection spell?”

Celestia glance at Trace and back to Gale. “Doctor Trace what just happened?”

“I was in some forest in a cavern, before me were this strange blue, black and cream odd looking diamond dog with spikes on it chest and forepaws, he had these really sharp looking red eyes.” Trace told Celestia.

“You were unconsciously shifted to the Dream Cavern and who you saw is most likely his Dream Guardian Blue the Jackal Diamond Dog.” Celestia explained to Trace and narrowed her gaze on Gale. “Gale you are not to use this Day Dream Connection spell on Discord's statue, do I make myself clear?” Gale nods. “Good, now pick up your books and pack them, I do not want you near this statue.”

Gale lower his head. “Yes... Mum...” He picked up the book walking over to the bench to get his text book and other gear.

Gilda comes back and lands before them. “Those ponies sure loved the show I put on for them!” She chuckled and saw Gale looking sad. “What just happened?”

“My son was about to use a spell that he seemly created on the statue, I put a stop to it.” Celestia told Gilda.

Gilda shifted her gaze in thought. “That day dream magic thing that allow you to connect to his Dream Cavern, right?”

“Correct.”

“Okay, next question, what wrong with him using it on a dumb statue?”

“Because it a stone prison that held Discord for a thousand years”

Gilda quickly turn to the statue. “That thing is a living draconequs trapped in stone!?” Gilda squawked with surprise.

Celestia sighed heavily. “Come back to the castle and I will tell you all over some lunch, it will be about Discord and how the Elements of Harmony turned him into stone.” Celestia turn walking back to the castle.

Gale quickly followed her, Gilda turn to Trace. “Is this going to be the norm around here?”

“The fact I shift between griffon and pony? For me yes.” Trace walk on to the castle.

“I thought you cured yourself!” Gilda called out walking after him.

Sunbeam following behind them. “The pure magic preventing the potion from working the way it suppose to.”

Gilda look over her side. “That griffon magic really does a number on your pony magic doesn't it?”

“It does, how or why? I haven't got a clue.”

“That because griffon magic awesome!” Gilda said proudly. “And the cub got the stuff.”

Sunbeam glance back at the statue. “Discord imprisoned in stone... Do you think Gale's magic might disturb it?”

“Don't jinx it you dweeb!”

“Bu-”

Gilda groans. “Shut up pony and let's just get back to the castle already, knowing that statue a living thing is creepy as heck.” Gilda walks away from the statue.

“Yes... Ma'am...” Sunbeam nods and mutters turning around to follow Gilda back to the castle.

A single feather of Gale's land on the cloven hoof of the statue...

Time to Vote and choose which path you choose by Monday 9am GMT 8th of June. How will Gale's feather effect Discord's statue? That be your choice in this 300 thumb up milestore!

What will be the result of Gale's feather have on Discord's statue?

1. Nothing happens
2. Gale get's a surprise ghostly visit from Discord
3. Gale get a visit from Discord in Dream Cavern
4. Discord is freed

Update: Votes are closed and the link removed - Chapter 38.5 is the resulting winner.

Suddenly and without warning Discord found that he could move freely once more, in a instant he twists the long body around stretch his arms and crack the bones in his back down to the tail. The red iris of the yellow eyes adjusting to the brightness of the light, he rubbed the beard with the paw a few times humming to himself.

“Now I am free it time to cause some untimely chaos!” Discord chuckled raising his paw up with a snap of the finger and thumb together nothing happened. “Huh?” He snapped again and again. “What gives!? I am not that rusty!” He growled snapping again. “Oh come on! I want to cause chaos for pett sack!”

Discord suddenly noticed he wasn't in the gardens of Canterlot anymore, he was in a forest with a cave ceiling above lined with crystals all forming into a massive one hanging just ahead over a large body of crystal blue water. “This isn't Canterlot, where the heck am I?”

“Your Discord.” A young voice said behind the lord of chaos.

With a fanged grin Discord turn around. “Oh I am! Behold my chaos!” He snapped his finger and thumb, yet again nothing.

Discord grumbles and his eyes met Gale's who stood before him tilting his head. “I thought you could do things like Q can.”

“What do you think I am trying to do!? Play snap the musical tune!” Discord yelled at Gale trying to use his chaotic magic with zero effect.

Gale raise a eye. “Mum said you used it to cause misery to ponies for the fun of it.”

“Causing chaos to the ponies is a good laugh!” Discord said proudly.

“But it not for them if it make them sad, Q kinda learned that when his powers were striped from him.” Gale said.

Discord snorted. “Well I am not him and I do what I want.” He stuck out his tongue at Gale arms crossed turning away.

“Not here you can't! This is my Dream Cavern, I made this place with my imagination!” Gale flew up to his eye level glaring at him.

Discord turn quickly. “Did you just say Dream Cavern, as this is a dream?”

Gale shouts out a mighty “Yes!” Discord suddenly felt the world just stopped.

He realised why his chaos magic wasn't working, a suddenly a growl comes from above bring more bad news to the draconequs , Discord look up at the tree branch to have his red eyes meet Blue's red eyes. “You try anything to Master Gale or the Dream Cavern, you have me to deal with.”

All Discord could do is slump forwards grumbling out two words.

“Oh Poop...”

Blue lands on the ground on his paw feet moving into a stance ready for action against Discord, Gale put a talon on his shoulder and this eased the jackal diamond dog, he glance to the teenage griffon. “Master Gale?”

“Discord can't use his magic, you can you see why?.” Gale asked Blue.

The jackal diamond dog had a very puzzled expression, Discord even was confused by the very request. “Master Gale, I can but why?”

“What are you up to?”

“A random act of kindness, I know what mum told me about what you did but here you are without your chaos, I am curious about it.” Gale said hovering before Discord. “I don't care why your mean to others before, it what you do when your freed that matters.”

Discord rolled his eyes. “Fine do whatever you like, it get my magic back I am happy to assist.” He turn to Blue raising his arms up. “Do whatever you need to do Lucario.”

Blue raise a eye. “My name is Blue not Lucario.”

“I am talking about w-” Discord groans in annoyance getting a deep glare from Blue with a snarl. “Fine... Blue do it already!”

“Master?” Blue questioned to be sure this is the action he is to take.

Gale nod to Blue. “Go ahead Blue.”

Blue closing his eyes with the four dreads raising up, they vibrating. “I can not sense any form of magical aura around Discord, only his life force on a subconscious state form.” Blue open his eyes and the dreads lowered.

Gale tap the end of his beak. “You were sealed as a statue by the elements, maybe they stopped your chaos magic from coming through.” Gale hummed. “Or maybe it could be the dream realm has different rules like Aunty Luna told me.”

Discord snorts crossing his arms. “Doesn't help me, I am stuck here without my magic!”

“Your a statue, does that mean you been awake as one all that time?” Gale asked.

“None of your business child.” Discord walks away.

Blue turn to follow the draconequs, he steps on a feather under his right paw foot, bending down and picking it up. “Hmm... It seem I might have found the cause.”

“My feather? What does a feather have to do with Discord being here?”

“The random chaotic act of a loss feather falling from your wing onto a certain statue may resulted with pure magic allowing the seal to slightly weaken, which allow Discord to be subconsciously here in the Dream Cavern.” Blue held up the feather explaining to Gale.

Gale took it from him. “Hmm... That is a random chance.” Gale turn towards Discord who now stood at the shore looking out at the waterfall. “Do you think mum be mad that he asleep and here in Dream Cavern?”

Blue lean against the tree trunk with his arms crossed keeping a eye on the draconequs. “I do not know Master Gale, your mother is Princess Celestia after all and her past maybe a long time ago with Discord, but her mind maybe still troubled by his chaotic nature.”

“But that not his fault, there is always chaos and order, you can't have one without the other, sometimes one can go crazier than the other but it just part of world.” Gale said to Blue. “Imagination is the very thing of it too, dreams, ideas and random thoughts are better much it too, it how I created this place and you with dream magic.” Gale points out to Blue.

The jackal diamond dog took that into thought as he shift his eyes upon Gale. “Mistress Celestia is the order and Discord is the chaos, ponies been happy with the order she given them, Master Gale. She may never fully believe any good come from him.” Blue eyes shift back to Discord.

Gale rubbed the back of his neck. “I don't know Blue, it was over 1000 years ago, maybe just maybe we can change that.” Gale walk towards Discord.

“It is what you wish Master Gale, I will go with whatever you suggest, I only can relay my views on the subject.” Blue replied watching Gale get closer to Discord.

“Child, this is boring, no chance to cause chaos. I do not want your kindness.”

Gale stood to the right of him. “Well you either got being here in this boring place free to move around or go back as a statue with the same sights of the gardens.” Gale said. “My feather if it is gave you some freedom, even it a dream, would you rather give that up?” Gale turn walking to his house by the waterfall.

Discord turn his head watching Gale walk away. “Is he a child?”

“That is true but there are signs of being mature, only moments at random times.” Blue responded. “But Master Gale is correct you have only two choices, take your time to pick, Master Gale isn't one for rushing.” Blue said from the tree he still leant against.

Discord raise his talon and paw up to his field of vision. “One talon I go back to being motionless statue staring at the same space for hundreds of years, on the other paw I get to sleep, dream and move around in some randomly created landscape by a form of imagination that a form of chaos...” Discord rubbed them together with a sly smile.

“Very difficult isn't it?” Blue teased.

Discord smile dropped as he turn around to Blue glaring at the jackal diamond dog. “You really know how to kill the mood.”

“Only you can kill that Discord, I only guard the Dream Cavern.” Blue push off the trunk jumping up onto a branch before bouncing off onto another disappearing from view.

Discord looked up at the large crystal reflecting the sun through out the cavern as well the warmth of it. “Very creative.” Discord taking a good look around. “I have nothing on that griffon Gale, Celly really kept me in the dark this time.” He walked towards the house. “Time to twist and play the little guy.” Discord chuckled lightly.

“Care to repeat that?”

The draconequs quickly looking around seeing no sign of Blue, he felt a chill run through his body. “Sneaky...”

“Did you forget...”

“Guardian of Dream Cavern blah blah blah.” Discord rolled his eyes turning around on the spot to try at least see where Blue was. “Your very chaotic you know that?”

“Order and chaos are one side of the scales, each need the other, I simply used it to my advantage.”

Discord chuckled. “I like you, Gale made you well.”

“Praising me to drop my guard, not going to happen Discord, I be watching so don't try anything funny.”

Discord muttered under his breath. “Crafty mutt...”

Gale open the door. “Made your choice?”

“Not yet, I just arrived afterall.” Discord decided to play nice with Gale.

“True, maybe if you behave here I can show ya my Imaginative Randomizer Gate tonight.” Gale smiled.

“Imaginative Randomizer Gate?”

“I have a hyper imagination and when I sleep I come here, so to have dreams like others I created something to give me random dreams with the dream magic, Aunty Luna helped me to make it.” Gale closed the door. “I thought maybe just wondering around here would make it too boring for you.”

Discord stared. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing, well time to get up! A new day awaits! More writing, speech and other lessons!” Gale saluted and vanished before Discord's eyes.

The draconequs looked around. “That a neat trick.”

“No trick, just Master Gale waking up.” Discord turn around to see Blue stood before him. “Come I will show you were you be sleeping.” Blue waved a paw for him to follow.

“I am already asleep Mutt.”

“That is true but since your body encased in stone, your subconscious be active all the time here by my best guess, you will need to rest the mind, as do I.” Blue turn and walks away from the house, Discord follows.

“How does that even work!? I'm dreaming!”

“Elementary Discord, the dream realm has it own form of chaos, it doesn't need to be explained on how it works, it just does.” Blue glance over his right at Discord trailing behind. “Your a being of chaos are you not? This should be a norm for you.”

Discord snorted with a small laugh. “As I said once before I say again, you crafty mutt.” He glance back to the waterfall, without a word Discord decided to play the game and wait for the time that a tiny crack to grow and when that does he will escape to cause chaos once more.

For now he will buy his time.

Celestia sitting at the table ate her breakfast, things pretty much been a routine for the last three days, breakfast with her son and Gilda, sometimes Luna joined, worked with meetings to openings and public appearances, dinner followed by family time with Gale, each breakfast he had a different book.

Gale still haven't told his mum or aunty Luna in the last three days about Discord's dream self on lived in Dream Cavern, the teen's thoughts drift away onto the book he read, it was about the Grand Galloping Gala's history and how it's yearly event two weeks before the first days of autumn came.

Munching on some pancakes Gale turn the page, he took a look at the details to the drawing of ponies lining up to be greeted by Princess Celestia. Curiously Gale thought about the days, weeks and months, it only recently he finally got a head over understanding it, calculating it in his head the Gala was only about a month away give it take a day or so.

Celestia look over to Gale seeing the cover title. “Reading about the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Yes mum.” Gale responds with a simple response continuing to read the book and eat his breakfast.

Celestia hummed with a thoughtful look about a idea that came to mind. “Gale, did you know that when we first met it was sort of about the Gala.”

Gale lower the book slightly raising his head chowing on his pancakes with his attention on Celestia. “Mum, how?”

“I got a letter from Twilight while you was sleeping behind those waste bins.” Celestia made a pair of tickets appear floating them over to Gale. “I didn't send enough to Twilight, all her friends wanted to go so I sent more to her and that startled you.”

Gale eyes shift to the left as he thought back to that very moment, he recalled waking up with fear and gasped looked back at Celestia. “Remembered! Mum!”

Celestia laughed. “It seem you did, not my finest moment of meeting you for the first time, at the moment you were almost all by pure instincts, memories very raw and fresh.” Gale recalling those raw first few weeks, shivering slightly on how he acted. “Think of it this way, because of the Gala tickets you became my son and I became your mother.”

Gale put the book down and the folk, he reached to the tickets picking them up, curiously looking at the golden reflection of himself between the lines of the printed written text. “G-G-G...” He tried to say it groaning as the words wouldn't leave his beak.

“It okay son, you are getting there day by day, think of it this way, by the time the Gala comes up you be able to talk well enough to talk to others.” Gale frowned with confusion, getting a giggle from Celestia. “Oh Gale, they yours.” Gale pupils shrunk with a surprised squawk. “Oh and the other you can pick who ever to go with you.”

Gale looked down at them and back at Celestia a few times. “Mum! Why?”

“Because I think it be a good reason for my son to go to the very thing that made up family.” Celestia warmly said to Gale. “Also no returns, they yours, so weather you want to go or not it up to you.”

Gale was about to get up and fly over to Celestia to give her a big happy hug but the doors slammed open in the usually fashion of Gilda walking in. “Morning dweebs!”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “That is three times this week Gilda, do you really need to really throw open the doors in that manner?”

Gilda shrugged. “Unless I am not allowed to.”

“Well if it a thing than I know your here.” Celestia responded. “Still, just be a bit more careful, any harder I fear those doors will come right off those hinges.”

Gilda looked back as the guards close the doors. “Fine I will do it a bit less htmp okay?”

“I believe that a acceptable compromise.” Celestia said using her magic to bring over Gilda's stack of pancakes and cup of tea. “Today I will be on my way to Ponyville for a formal visit, Twilight most likely got the whole town preparing for my arrival.” Celestia giggled.

Gilda chuckled taking her seat. “Your such a troll Princess, that one of the things I like about you, you really know how to tease them.” Gilda picked up the folk pointing it a few times in Celestia's direction before stabbing it into the pancakes, with the knife in the other talon cutting a piece off.

“Oh I do not even know what you mean Gilda.”

“Sure whatever you say Princess.” Gilda chuckled.

Gale look to the ticket and over to Gilda, he knew who exactly to give the spare ticket too, so he waited till they were done with breakfast to give it to Gilda. “I gather your plans are as usual?” Celestia spoke as she raise the cup of tea to her muzzle.

Gilda shook her head. “Not exactly, morning yes but afternoon no, learned that some hot shot Pegasus called Spit whatever is coming by to give Gale some flying pointers.” Gilda raise her tea up to the beak drinking a little of it.

“Ah yes, I do recall something about that, Captain Spitfire of the Wondrbolts took time out of her own time to come by this afternoon.” Celestia confirmed Spitfire was coming to Canterlot to give some flying lessons to Gale.

Gilda stared. “Captain of the Wonderbolts, the very team wearing blue and yellow flight suits?”

“Yes.”

“Well, what did Gale do to impress her?”

Celestia drunk a bit of her tea putting the cup down. “It a interesting story, eat and I will tell you.”

Ponies picking up plates, cups and cuttery, cleaning up the tables. “Ha, I wonder how Dash would react to that, I know she a big fan of those show ponies.”

“Well in two weeks time the Young Flyers Competition in Cloudsdale is happening and Rainbow Dash is one of those competing.” Celestia said.

Gilda tapping her right talon claws against the table top. “Let me guess, first place winners get to hang out with the show ponies?”

“Correct.”

“Urg... Let me guess Gale going?”

“Yes.”

Gilda got a pleading look from Gale, she raise her right talon over to her face pulling it down. “Cub cute face does not work.”

Gale than pouts.

“That doesn't work either.”

Gale grumbles crossing his forelegs now annoyed.

“Gale your not going to win.” Gilda rolled her eyes.

Celestia speaks up. “He want to go and giving you that ticket shows that Gale rather have you be the one looking after him, you are the first griffon he met.”

Gilda slowly look back at Gale seeing he sat there nature. “Your not going to stop pleading till I say yes, aren't you?” Gale nods and she groans. “Fiiiinne you win, I was wrong... I'll go to the lame YFC...”

“Hmm... Interesting way to put it, but thank you.” Celestia wink to Gale who cheered in delight flying around the room, he comes in and give Gilda a big hug.

Gilda rolls her eyes. “Your welcomed cub, now get off before I change my mind!”

Gale quickly let go, he wave the ticket to her. “Gilda!”

Gilda took the ticket from his talon. “What is this ticket for?”

“Read it.” Celestia incised

“One admission to the Grand Galloping Gala, VIP access...” Gilda raise a eye. “That sounds very lame and boring.”

“Oh you do not know how true it is.” Celestia admitted with a giggle.

Gilda quickly glanced at her. “Why in the name of Grover would you give that to Gale to give to me!?”

Celestia slyly smiled turning her gaze away. “Oh that was his choice not mine, just hoped he would.”

Gilda grinned with a snap of the claws. “Oh I see your game, you want me and Gale to spice things up don't you? Throw a bit of chaos in the mix?”

Gale looked surprised by what Gilda said, he thought his mum was of order. “Don't you look surprised son.” Celestia put a wing around him pulling the teen close. “I wanted to give you them for the reasons I spoke to you before hoof, but since you gave your spare to Gilda and hoped you did I think you two together can make things a little bit more lively.”

Gale thought about it, he recalled order need chaos and chaos need order, so maybe she needed to add a bit of chaos to keep order. He nods to Celestia in somewhat understanding what she said, he was curious if Twilight and her friends be there too, would Spike? “Spike?”

“Oh he going.”

“YAY!” Gale broke from the wing hug dancing around happily to hear that Spike going.

Gilda slowly frowned at the ticket. “Is it filled with rich stuck up snoobs? Also overly dressed suits and dresses?”

“Yes and yes.”

“Why did I get myself caught up in these things!?” Gilda groans throwing her forelegs up in the air. “You cub!” She points at him. “What the heck you do to get me into this stuff!?”

Gale shrugs.

“Maybe you feel like a sister to him.” Celestia got up and Gilda stares off into space. “I got things to prepare for my visit in a few hours to Ponyville, enjoy your day my little griffons.” Celestia vanishes before Gilda could snap out of her trace.

Gale waved his talon in front of Gilda's face, Sunbeam walked up to them. “Princess Celestia sure like to drop those bombshells don't she?” Gale nods as he snap his claws in front of Gilda.

Gilda blinked a few times and shook her head. “I really hate when she put me in that spot.” Gilda grumbled.

Sunbeam smiled. “You do make it easy for her to do it.”

“I don't, you dweeb!”

“You know if your going to the Gala you will need something fancy like a d-”

Gilda grabbed her muzzle shutting her up and pulling her close to Gilda's face. “Get this dweeb, I will go but not in a dress, you think I will wear one of those sappy things you got nothing coming!” She let go of the muzzle.

Sunbeam rubbed it. “Geez... It just a dress, no reason not to be-”

“I do not do girly stuff, you can go stuff it dweeb!” Gilda turn to Gale. “Let's get your lessons going before we cross that line I throw this pony into the fountain.”

“You wouldn't would you? I am Prince Gale's guard.” Sunbeam gulped a little seeing the fiery fury in Gilda's gaze now dawned over her. “You would...” She backed up a bit. “Okay shutting up and not bring it up.”

“Good.” Gilda snorts. “Now...” She put the ticket under her wing for safety. “Get your book and bag Gale, let's get your lessons going before Spits come.”

“Okay, Gilda.” He pick up his book, bag and ticket, Gale follows Gilda, Sunbeam close behind.

Celestia peer through a crack of the door with two guards by her. “If I try that she most likely do it to me.” Celestia smiled slightly.

“We would end up throwing her in the dungeon for such actions.” Blue Star stated.

Celestia glance over to him. “No, because I would be to blame to pushing it that far, such action would be over zealous, also Gale wouldn't like his hororay sister being put in such a place for something so minor.”

“Princess...”

“Leave it be.” Celestia warned him.

Blue Star sighed. “I will Princess.”

Celestia glance over to him. “You like to bring up a question or two about Gilda? It seem you have some to give.”

“I do Princess...” He look to the open crack of the door. “Do you really believe she like a sister to Gale? You seen the way she acts?” Blue Star raised the questions.

Celestia closed the door. “Blue Star, Gilda has a soft side, she just doesn't show it often, she not a girly type and it most likely a either a griffon side or she just a tom grif version of a tom pony.”

Blue Star rubbed the side of his helmet. “I think I can see where your coming with this Princess.”

“Good, no need to ask about it any more.” Celestia got a nod from Blue Star..

A guard comes up to them. “Princess just got word from Fillydelphia, there seem to be a infestation pandemic.”

“It seems my visit to Ponyville will be put on hold, we will stop by quickly to let Twilight know.” The guard nods and leaves to inform the Pegasi Guard that be pulling her chariot. “Blue Star, inform Captain Armor that Princess Cadance be over seeing things in Canterlot till my return, also for my sister Luna to tuck in Gale if I do not get home in time.”

Blue Star salutes. “Yes princess.”

“Now to deal with this infestation...” Celestia walks off with the guard in tow, Blue walks off the other way to the captain's office, than to Luna's bedroom to relay the message from Celestia.

Private Sunbeam lead the two griffons to the outskirts of Canterlot City towards a large arena, it from what Gale read up about the arena was used for rodeo events mainly, ponies from all over once a year gathered to compete against other ponies that were the best of the best, Gale wondered why his lessons with Spitfire was being held at such a place.

Gilda noticed three ponies wearing blue shirts with matching colour hats moving clouds around. “They are the crew that work for the Wonderbolts, you usually see them around at the Wonderbolt Academy.” Sunbeam told them as they neared the arena.

“That a lot of work just for giving Gale some pointers in flying.” Gilda was weary and suspicious of the activity.

Gale was in the middle getting the note book out from his bag when Spitfire comes down from a cloud above landing before them, dust with dirt burst out from the impact causing them to cough and wave their wings to fan it away from them.

“Good to see you are early, gives us more time to get those lessons in.” Spitfire turn to Gilda. “Gilda is it?” Spitfire dust off some of the dust and dirt from her flight suit pulling the goggles up.

“Yeah and your the showpony captain?” Gilda snaked.

“That I am.” Spitfire smirks accepting the come back.

Gilda didn't have anything to fire back. “Your okay for a pony dweeb.” Gilda smirked back.

Spitfire chuckled. “Goes double to you for a griffon.” She turn to Gale. “As for why this is all set up the way it is.” She move her hoof around showing the set up. “One dealing with the flying low to a dusty or sandy ground and two your mum warned to either have safety points set up or no lessons.”

“I doubt you would of done this without it anyway.” Gilda replies.

Spitfire nods. “Your right I wouldn't.” Spitfire now turn to Sunbeam. “I've got it from here soldier.”

Sunbeam shook her head. “I'll be staying, I am his personal guard so you have to deal with me being around.”

“Fair enough.” Spitfire wave them to follow. “Before we start the lessons I got masks and goggles to give out, also some things to say about what exactly happening, never a good idea going blind from flight lessons such as these.”

Gilda fluffed her wings. “I've had to fly through some dusty places myself, they not something to laugh about.”

Spitfire quickly glanced over to Gilda. “Indeed, since Gale here is unofficially a prince at the moment, soon as it official he may end up when his older going to places full of sand and dust.”

Gale tilted his head. “Prince Gale, usually when a pony or in your case a griffon that isn't born into it, they have a coronation or a official function that crowns you that title.” Gale tried to understand what Sunbeam meant, to his mind she calling him prince as in title already, so was he a prince or not a prince?

Spitfire turn around to Sunbeam. “Your confusing the cub, private.” Spitfire now turn to the confused teenage. “Sorry for not being clearer on what I was saying, Princess Celestia has to do this event that will have those that live in Equestria come and see you get crowned as prince, you are called by the title of Prince because you been officially adopted by Princess Celestia as her son.”

“In other words your prince by adoption by your mum but not on a official scale, so you can't do all the boring stuff Princess Celestia does at these meetings and stuff.” Gilda bluntly said to Gale. “Basically till they put that thing on your head you are as normal as we are, part from having a guard that protects you from the worst of the worst.” Gilda hints to Sunbeam.

Gale just blinked a few times. “Prince, not prince... Weird...”

Gilda chuckled. “Yep it is.” Gilda walk up to Spitfire. “Lessons?”

“Sure, this way.” Spitfire walk over to a big white board with red, blue and green board markers on the bottom of the board. “I be showing you some basic steps before we get flying, sit down anywhere and listen.”

“Sure whatever.” Gilda sat down. “Just d-”

Spitfire blows a whistle loudly. “I said listen! Doesn't mean you can speak!”

Gale rubbing the insides of his ears as they rang slightly. “You do that again pony and I put that up your plot!” Gilda growled.

Spitfire blow it again. “Quiet!”

Gilda got up lowering her front with talons digging into the dirt. “Now I am going to-” Gale quickly grabbed her foreleg with both talons, she turn her head with him shaking it. “Sh-” He squawks shaking his head again. “FINE! But if she does it one more time I will do it!” Gilda quickly glares at Spitfire. “Lose the whistle Spits!”

Gale turn to Spitfire with a pleading look. “This-” Gale shook his head. “Okay... Losing the whistle.” Spitfire took it off her neck and threw it to one of the pegasi in uniform. “Keep a eye on my whistle.”

“Aye ma'am.” He salutes putting it around his neck for safety.

Spitfire turn her attention back to them. “Now recruits it time to listen to what I got to say and see what I show you in this white board.” She tap it with her wing, taking the red board marker with one wing taking the lid off with the other.

Sunbeam lean over to Gale. “Nicely handled sir.” She whispered, Gale nods with a smile.

Spitfire starts to draw the details down as she speaks. “First when we do our first lap the dust from the arena will be kicked up by us flying low, the second time around we be flying into it with visibility dropping by as much as 30 to 40 percent, third lap is when the challenge comes in, the clouds be moved in the way, not only you need to use the right speed but able to turn at a moments notice.” Spitfire displayed it on the board as lines and stick ponies.

Gale listen and watched intently. “I heard from mail ponies going to Southern Equestria that they have to deal with shifting sands, always have to fly low before of Rocs in the area.” Sunbeam recalled.

“Correct Private, those beast of a birds are nothing to laugh at, they are not only massive but fast too, perfect way to escape them is through the dust and sand you kick up with your wings.” Spitfire confirmed. “It one of the basic training programs for the Pegasi guard here in Canterlot.”

Gale turn to Sunbeam with wonder. “Yes I went through it, not pleasant.”

Spitfire walk over to a case, she opened it up to reveal a pair of griffon beak shape masks and two sets of goggles. “These I had specially made for you two.” Spitfire toss a set at Gilda.

She caught the mask and goggles, looking at both. “I am not doing this!”

“Why not? You been in this kind of stuff like both of us have been, it only fair you get dirty too.” Spitfire said flatly to Gilda as she give Gale his set. “Or you rather not get your pretty feathers and feline coat messy?”

Gilda glares at her. “Oh you are asking for it! No dweeb calls me chicken!” She put the mask on and goggles. “Let me show how a pro handle this!”

Spitfire whispers to Gale. “Watch and learn as Gilda flies.” She speaks up afterwards. “Do as many laps as you can, let see how long you can go before you crash.”

Gilda walk over to the arena. “I'll show you how many I can do show pony!”

“Then show us.” Spitfire nod to the ponies as they put their masks and goggles on too, they getting ready to move the clouds into position. “Ready!” Gilda open her wings up. “Set!” She shift the front of her body downwards digging the talons into the loose dirt. “Go!” Gilda with a burst of speed kick up dirt and dust, she flies around the first lap.

Gale watched as Gilda enter the dust, he could just see her as the dust thickens with the second passing, the pegasi push the clouds into the dust cloud as the third lap begins. “I say six laps.” Sunbeam said.

Spitfire watching as Gilda appear and disappear in the bigger thicker cloud of orange brown dust. “I say the next one, you Prince Gale?” Gale showed all eight of his claws. “Eight huh?” She turn and watch with them as more clouds pushed into it creating a more difficulty course by each lap. “Well that got me beat.”

Each lap they could see was becoming near impossible till they lost count and Gilda burst through it landing before them, she shook off a fair amount of dust from the fur and wings, pulling the goggles up and mask down. “Eight and a half laps dweebs! Now what you think?”

Gale trying not to laugh seeing only her eyes and around the beak area was dust free, it gave her a funny appearance for the teenager. “Nicely down, good to see a griffon know how to fly threw a thick wall of dust and dirt.” Spitfire pats her on the back with a hoof knocking dust off.

Gilda didn't mind the pat. “What can I say? I'm awesome dweebs!” Gilda said with pride.

“That you are, now get under that cloud over there and my team get you all cleaned up.” Spitfire point a wing over to the two pegasi on top a set of dark clouds, Gilda take off the goggles and mask tossing them to the side as she walk to the clouds. “Now Gale before you dive in, how about taking off your bandanna and the leg bands first.”

Gale nods removing them and putting into his back, he put the bag to the side. The pegasi flew around the dust cloud pulling it in, the dust cloud turn into a ball of dust and with a push it falls apart back on the ground, two more using brushes brushed it out to the ground was flat again.

Spitfire saw the way Gale just stared at the way the dust in the air was dealt with, she chuckled picking up a mask for herself, Spitfire put it on. “It flyer magic, don't question it cub.”

“It a skill you learn as you train in the guard or in elite flyer groups like the Wonderbolts, they even able to create black clouds with lightning trails.” Sunbeam explained. “Wonderbolts learn a trick with their magic to pull that stunt off, it a neat harmless trick”

Gale put the goggles on and the mask, he listened to them and now ready to go. “I'll be by your side cub, don't do anything to crazy, keep it slow enough to kick up the dust, do not go all crazy even with the safety team around things can easily go wrong.” Spitfire gave him a dead serious look through the goggles.

Gale nods, Spitfire takes off and he follows, Gilda watch as they start to fly around with dust and dirt slowly being kicked up by their wing flaps with increasing speed. “She going to be surprised by how fast the cub learns.”

Sunbeam glanced at Gilda to see she was puffy, trying not to laugh at the sight of Gilda. “That lo-”

“Speak or laugh how I look right now, you do not want to know what I'll do.” Gilda growled.

“Noted...” Sunbeam turn back to watching Gale with Spitfire flying through thicker clouds of dust with clouds being pushed into it, he dodging them and avoiding cashing into the ground or the clouds.

Spitfire glance back quickly. “Gale, follow me best you can, I am going to speed up.” Gale nods quickly as Spitfire started to speed up, he follows her movements as the thickness of the dust cloud increased, soon he couldn't see where she went through the thick pockets he flew through.

The dust brushing against his fur and feathers was getting to him too, it felt like tiny pins hitting him, he lost focus for a moment to squawk in alarm as he slam right into a cloud, with a bounce off it he land on the ground in the middle of the dust cloud shaking off the impact.

Gale took off seeing Spitfire, she was waiting for him. “Don't worry about messing up, it all about learning, now it going to get crazy and your senses will be blinded.” Gale gave a nod understanding her.

Spitfire flies and Gale followed, he almost impacted another cloud as Spitfire increased her speed, for unknown amount of time that past he kept trying to keep up with her, many times crashing into the clouds.

Gale land on the ground after losing her in the whirling dust, on the ground he took a look around for her.

As he tried to get his bearings Spitfire lands to the left of him. “Now here the next lesson, what do you while stuck in a dust storm? It miles high and across, when you entered you knew where you were going, but now after crashing the direction you were going are not so clear.” Spitfire gives him a scenario to play out.

Gale looking around not able to make which direction was which. “Confused...”

“Yep it is.” Spitfire put a wing over his back. “To get out of this mess all you need to do is find Gilda outside it, that will point you the way home, most but not all have a good sense of direction, either way let see how good yours are.” Spitfire moved her wing off him and flew out of view through the dust.

Gale closed his eyes with his ears twitching, moving his head ever so slightly as the wind picks up a little, caused by the Wonderbolt team as they gust it up a bit from the outside by Spitfire's instructions. “Focus... Not... Confused... Focus...” Gale mutters to himself through the mask.

WHOOOSH!

Gale opened his eyes after a few seconds past to see he stood before two ponies and a griffon covered heavily in dust, slowly he looked around noticing the whole rodeo arena was too, trees near by orange brown particles on their branches to leaves.

He had zero idea what just happened, what caused it, was it him and if so how did he do that?

The arena stands, uniformed Wonderbolt officers, whiteboard, walls all covered by a blast wave pattern of orange brown dust. “What just happened?” Spitfire blinked.

“I think Gale had a pure magic surge...” Sunbeam also blinked.

“A teen at his age having a surge?”

“Well he a teen in body but in mind, not so much...”

Spitfire rolled her eyes. “Could of let me in on that little detail about this pure magic thing.”

Sunbeam slowly looked over to Spitfire. “I didn't think this could happen.”

Gilda chuckled. “Pretty epic if you ask me.”

“We not!” They said in union.

Gilda noticed Luna on approach. “Like to play that, well time to play my talon.” Gilda whispered to herself with another small laugh, getting odd looks from the two Pegasus ponies.

Princess Luna soon lands with two of her personal bat pony guards, looking around at the dust covered landscape. “What in the name of all creation happened here?”

Gilda pat both Spitfire and Sunbeam on their backs. “Good luck explaining this one girls, I am going to take a shower and taking Gale with me.” Gilda flies up and waves Gale to follow, he took the hint and quickly took off after her.

“Did she...” Sunbeam begins

“Yes...” Spitfire muttered a finish to her question before she could finish it.

Luna seeing her nephew and Gilda had flew the coop, she nod to one of her guards to follow and they did, left behind two ponies in position to explain. “Well? Any of you two like to start?”

“-magic surge and whoom! You created chaos by blowing away all that dust! Haha! I am not even that and you are causing delightful chaos!” Discord laughed kicking his hoof and claw feet in the air as he laid on his back holding the slender area of his gut, tears falling from his eyes.

Inside a dome like room through the waterfall they came from was symbols all over the insides, all lead to a large swirling whitish blue mass of cloud, aura, ripples of lightning dancing in a counter clockwise motion. Gale fitting up wires to a console with processing chips that look very sci-fi, he rolled his eyes trying to ignore Discord boosting about what he did by pure accident to his own account.

“Oh don't give me that eye roll! Gilda bailed you out, she saved you from Luna's wrath and you know it!” Discord chuckled lightly as he got up on top his claw and hoof feet dusting himself off. “Any hoo, what exactly does this place have to do with random dream adventures you spoke of?” He looked around the inner dome room. “Don't get me wrong this spells total chaos, it just chaos I am not familiar with.”

Gale slip the last isoliner chip into the slot, he closed up the console panel picking up the bag putting it on over his head, through one arm and wing resting on his side. “It called imaginative chaos, well... I call it that.” Gale wave his talon around in a circle motion. “This place I created is completely randomlize a dream, to well allow me have random dreams like any other can, some reason I can't so I have to make it myself with dream magic.” Gale explained.

Discord look down at the console. “That look like something from that universe a few thousand doors down, how ever you knew exactly what it look like?”

Gale shrugs. “I don't know, just remember pieces and some of it stronger than others, I just used it to be what I want it to do and that to activate the rift above us on this very circle platform to blast down on us and-”

Discord put a paw finger on his beak. “Shhush I get it, it do magic dream random stuff, don't need to go all techbalby on me.” Discord moved his paw finger away. “Let me guess it safe adventures too?”

Gale look to the touch display console and back to Discord. “Yep it sure does! That what the isoliner chips are for!” He pridefully responded. “Come on Discord let's give it a test run!” He get on the platform with the talons out over the touch panel.

Discord shrugs. “When in Rome.” Discord stood on it.

Blue stood by the entrance into the dome room leaning on the wall. “I'll be waiting here for your return Master Gale.”

“Too scared mutt?”

“I simply can not leave the Dream Cavern, doing so will be against what I am created for, I am server of my master, even with a will of my own I do not desire more than I have, I am happy and content. No amount of annoyance from you will change that.” Blue calmly replied.

Discord growled as Blue got under his fur, scales and skin. “Activate the randomiser... Please!”

Gale didn't seem to completely understand the small battle of words between Discord and Blue, he shrugs and press on different keys on the console, random symbols light up all over the dome inner wall, each has a line of blue light moving to the swirling light, they meet and the swirling mass starts to rapidly spin.

Discord looked up and Gale waved to Blue. “See you soon Blue!”

“Indeed, have fun.” Blue saluted.

The swirling mass rapidly sped up and blast right down over them, bathing both in a torrent of blue white energy.

As the light around them fades Gale find that they stood on a rocky path against a mountain side, he looked up seeing trees scattered on the outcrops, walking to the edge he peered down to see mist covering the ground far below. “That is a view!” Gale looked ahead seeing the many mountain ranges as far the eye could see.

“I have to say it is impressive.” Discord stood beside Gale, he glance down. “What with the strange get up and why are you standing on your paws only?”

Gale looked over himself, he was standing on his hind legs without any difficult, it felt nature, Gale saw he was wearing a light green long sleeve shirt with a brown belt tied up around it, he was also wearing light brown trousers with brown sandals on his paws. “Wow this is a cool get up! It feels so comfortable to the fur and feathers!” Gale walked around doing a few twirls. “Discord you wearing one too!”

Discord looked over himself seeing he was wearing a white shirt with a black belt holding it to his slender body, wearing blackish grey trousers wearing one shoe over the dragon food, Discord reach up to his head pulling off a brown cone hat. “Hmm... This reminds me of eastern lands.” Discord put it back on his head.

Gale saw a small village just down the path by the cliff side. “Discord let's check the village out!” He points to it. “Does other lands wear different outfits?”

“Of course.” Discord snap his talon, a portal appears showing the village just a short walk away. “At least my magic works.” Discord grinned.

Gale step through it, he look to the side of it up the mountain seeing the portal. “We in a random dream environment, so maybe you can use it but at a limited amount.”

Discord step through and snap his lion paw making it close. “You really know how to dull my joy...” He gave a deadpan look at Gale.

Gale shrugs. “I said maybe, but you can put my theory to the test.” Gale walked down the path to the village hearing music being played.

Discord followed close behind. “I'll be restrictive, who knows what this random dream will throw at us.” Discord put his talon and paw behind the back of his slander neck.

They got closer and soon the music became louder, being played by a few anthropomorphic pigs, rabbits and geese, they were playing instruments that Gale thought look like guitars but look oddly shaped, bells being hit too. “Those animals look odd Discord.”

“Standing on two, using their wings, hooves and paws as hands... I say it delightfully chaotic.” Discord chuckled.

They walked by some of the buildings, big wooden pillars with stone bases, slate roofs, some with stone walls, a rabbit wearing glasses and grey shirt and shorts holding the odd looking guitar pull on a few strings catching their attention. “Hello travellers, welcome to our village, Artisan Village, where we make all sorts of musically instruments for the town at the Valley of Peace and other parts of China.”

Discord rubbed the beard with his talon. “Hmm... China... China China... Where have I heard of that before...”

“It familiar to me but I am not sure why Discord.” Gale replied and turn to the rabbit. “Mr Rabbit what is that you are playing?”

The rabbit look to it and back at Gale. “It a guitar.”

“Ooo... Can I hear you play it again please?”

“Since you asked so nicely, young one.” He ting a few strips. “I'll gladly play a tone for you and your friend.”

Gale sat down cross legged eager to listen as the rabbit start to play the guitar, Discord took a look around. “Bunny, what do you see when looking at us?” Discord turn to the musician bunny.

“Two strangers that are passing by.”

“What am I?” Discord asked.

“A tall skinny goat that really need to eat something, your young friend a feline I never seen before.” He replied. “What do you think I should see?”

Discord raise a eye brow sitting down beside Gale. “What you suppose to see, play your music.” He waved the paw.

The bunny nods and start to play. “Discord, I see you as you, do you see me as me?” Gale whispered to him.

Discord whispers back. “I do, question is why he see us as something else?”

“Random dream, chaotically allow us to fit in whatever your little head wanted to create.” Discord chuckled. “Rather have some action though.”

Gale's ear twitch, he slowly look up into the cloud to the mountain opposite to the village. “Discord I can hear something.”

“The music from the bunny.” Discord rolled his eyes.

Gale got up walking towards the edge looking up still. “No I hear something up there.” Gale points up.

Discord snap his paw making a binoculars appear. “It most likely nothing.” Discord look through it to see gorillas and wolves. “Oh poop...”

A spear with rope of it lands before them digging into the ground, Gale squawks in alarm. “Discord what going on!?”

Discord step back. “Trouble, big trouble.” Discord turn to one of the bunnies. “Sound the alarm! We under attack!”

“Can't you snap your paw?” Gale asked.

“That be too easy, we in a dream so we must play part of it.” Discord runs and Gale follows getting to cover with many others as the first wolves land.

Gale watched more spears land all over the place with more wolves land. “Get all the metal you can find!” The one eye wolf shouts out order to the others.

“Metal? Why do they want to steal metal?”

“Not sure...” Discord replied as they watched the wolves gather the metal all around.

One came up to them. “Show me what in the bag!” He demanded pointing to Gale's bag.

Gale put both talons over it pressing it against his chest. “It mine! Your not having it!”

“Give me it you brat!” He grabs it.

Discord put his talon on the wolf arm. “Wrong move.” He said darkly raising his lion paw up and snap it.

The alpha look around. “That's everything, let's get out of-” Suddenly one of the wolves running on all fours came to him wearing a dress. “Why are you wearing that stupid thing!?”

“Th-the goat did it!” He shakily points, Discord walk into view from the building with Gale beside him. “The cub got something metal in the bag.”

“You will suffer for what you did to one of my pack.” He got ready to fight when a-

“Wooooohoooo!” They all turn to the mountain seeing six figures racing down it, they leap off towards the village.

They all land with the panda facing the other way in a battle stance, he quickly turn around. “A panda!? Impossible!”

Gale looked up to Discord. “Create a portal, they can't get the sphere.” He pleads to Discord.

“We in a dream, nothing can hurt us.”

Gale looked around as the six creatures fight the wolves. “That is true but the sphere is the only way to end it and send us back!” Gale stated.

Discord stared down at him. “You created a sphere that ends the dream?”

“Yep.”

“If it get damaged-”

“Oh nothing can damage it, it got a 195 combinations on it.” Gale said taking it out of his bag.

“Why did you create a sphere to end the dream!?” Discord shouted at Gale.

Gale shrugged. “Thought it a was a cool idea.” A wolf flies past them landing face first into a bong, it rings out from the impact.

Discord rubbed his forehead. “You know what.. Forget it.” Discord groans. “One portal coming up!” He snaps the paw but nothing happens. “Oh come on!” He snap again. “No dice, we going to have to get out of here the old fashion way.”

Gale nods. “Alright Di-” He saw the wolf in the dress charge right for Discord. “Watch out!”

Discord turn to get a kick in the body sending him flying into the wall, he slid down from it rubbing his head. “You are going to pay for this goat!”

“Grandma, you can't hurt me.” Discord got up dusting himself off. “Go on hit me.”

The wolf snarls. “As you wish!” He pushes Discord.

Discord doubled over. “Ooo that hurt...” Discord slowly raise his head. “That... hurt...”

The wolf grab him by the neck. “It sure did.” He kicks Discord sending him flying again.

Discord rolled around on the ground groaning in pain. “Gale get that thing working! I can get hurt!”

Gale nods and as he was about to start, a wolf paw placed on the sphere. “I'll be taking that.” The alpha takes it.

Gale snarls. “That mine you big meanie!” He grab the sphere and get shook around by the wolf.

“Leave that cub alone wolf!” The tiger kicks him, the alpha goes flying but still holding the sphere.

Gale went for the wolf. “Give me back my puzzle sphere!”

The tiger put her paw out stopping Gale. “Cub, I'll do what I can to get it back for you, do not try something stupid.”

Gale push her paw away. “I am getting it back!” He flared open his wings taking off to the sky.

She looked up seeing now the griffon. “Po! That cub, his not a cub!”

“Whoa no way! He some sort of cat-bird hybrid! How wicked is that Tigress!?”

“Not the time Po! He want that puzzle sphere the wolf has! We can't let either of them have it!”

Discord got up. “Gale get the sphere back, I'll keep the kitten busy.”

Tigress turn around to Discord. “Not a chance go-” Her eyes look up and down. “What kind of freak are you!?”

“Discord, lord of chaos and disharmony.” Discord raise his paw up snapping it, a blinding flash he held a laser pen. “And follow the red dot little kitten.”

Tigress stared at him. “Follow the red dot?” She noticed it on the ground. “What are you trying to do?”

Discord stared. “You suppose to be chasing it, your a cat!”

“Oh the reflective light dot? I got over it.” She said flatly to Discord.

Discord threw the laser pen behind himself exploding on impact. “Well, time for plan B!” She got ready for whatever he was going to pull next. “Look Po behind you!”

She quickly look and saw nothing, looking back Discord was gone. “Damn it!”

Gale flew right for the wolf, he quickly jump out of the way, the griffon turn around aiming for the wolf to only have the sphere kicked out of his paw by Po the Panda, followed up by a kick down knocking the wolf into the ground hard, Po lands on the roof looking up at Gale. “How are you half cat and bird!?”

“I am a griffon and I don't care how exciting you are! Get out of my way I want my puzzle sphere back!” Gale tried to fly for it to get blocked by Po with a paw hand out.

“Sorry griffon, no dice!”

Gale growls. “I don't have time for this!” Gale spins around rapidly creating a whirling column of air.

Po blinded from it for a second, when he got his senses back the wolves were on a retreat. “Crane!”

“I'm on it!” He flew up cutting the rope to the net filled with metal and one pig, Po jumps off the cliff after it with four of the five helping to pull him back up with the metal.

The village residence gather cheering for Po and the five. “Look what we got here.” Po picked up the sphere.

“That the gold sphere those creatures were after.” Tigress said looking at it for herself.

The wolf gets up, Po turn around. “I got this.” Suddenly he freezes seeing the symbol on the armour.

“Po!” Tigress rush to his aid.

After getting hit, Po drop the gold metal sphere, the wolf stop it rolling to the cliff edge with his paw foot, reaching down the wolf take the sphere, he gets on the bag net of metal as it pulled away from the ledge. “See you tubby!”

Gale came out of the clouds zooming right for the wolf. “Give me that sphere back!”

He rose the hammer. “Oh I got something to give to you freak!”

Discord watched from his hiding spot through the binoculars. “This isn't how a dream should work, what did the cub do?” Discord whispered to himself noticing Crane looking directly at him. “I'll be back for you Gale.” Crane flew right at him, not much left in his magic reserves Discord had only one option in mind, with a snap of the lion paw he vanishes in a flash of light.

Crane stops in mid flight very startled at what just happened. “H-he gone!” Crane heard a loud anger squawk, turning around to see Gale charging into the cloud right for the wolf holding to the net full of metal objects.

Gale right talon glows with whitish blue light, before he could punch the wolf, the mallet hits him square in the chest, with a painful sharp squawk Gale sent flying backwards. “Score two for the wolf! Hahaha!” The alpha disappeared into the cloud

The blow left Gale shocked and out of control, he spiralling towards the village, the ground rapidly coming towards him...

In a flash Discord appears on a rocky ledge collapsing instantly on his knees with talon and paws on the ground in front, he breathed in and out trying to catch his breath, the teleporting escape had drained his chaos magic to the point of exhaustion.

Slowly getting up his eyes met a scene of floating buildings, rocky islands and trees with background endlessly glowing with a golden light. “Did I make the wrong teleport turn at the path back there?”

Discord picked up a stone and let's go, it floats away from him. “Reminds me of home, just brighter.” Discord rubbed his beard with the talon. “Not going to help me though, my magic is spent...” He crossed the arms with a frown.

“How curious.” Discord heard a voice directly behind him, he turn to see nothing there, he looked to his left to the right. “I had a feeling someone was coming to the Spirit Realm unexpectedly, welcome.” Discord slowly looked up to have his eyes meet the eyes of a old tortoise floating above him holding a gold staff with ying yang on it, the old tortoise had a long golden cape too.

Discord eyes shift away from the tortoise taking in the sights of the realm once more. “Spirit Realm hmm?”

“Indeed, I am Oogway and you are?”

“Discord, lord of chaos.” He snap his lion paw getting only a small spark but no display of his power. “I really hate not having my chaos!” Discord crossed his arms giving a very grumpy look with a “Humpth!” He snorted.

Oogway chuckled lightly. “I can see that, come with me and we will talk.”

Discord rolled his red pupils around. “Stupid random teleportation...” He grumbled.

“Random, not random, you were meant to come here.”

“Please! I didn't aim to come here! If anything I just wanted to get some distance from that beak brain.” Discord replied.

Oogway just kept his smile poking Discord with one of his claw fingers. “Maybe you believe that, maybe you do not, who is to know, but what is now? We are talking Discord, come with me.”

Discord sighs. “Fine!” He flies after Oogway. “Not that I can do anything else in this stupid place!”

“You have travelled with one other from beyond the realms, dreaming but physically here, it a interesting experience is it not?”

Discord blinked. “Ho-”

“How do I know?” Oogway interrupted Discord. “I saw it, our world, the living realm, the spirit realm all part of a child's memories and now playing out part of events?” Discord jaw just dropped as Oogway laughs. “What is, what isn't? What dream, what isn't a dream? It all the same thing is it not?”

Discord put his jaw back in place. “You are chaotically confusing! I can't even understand it!”

Oogway land on a boat, Discord lands on it too, with a push with the staff it sails across the void past upside down buildings. “I know, isn't it frustrating?”

“Yes!” Discord growled. “It doesn't help that Gale put our way to end the dream in a stupid puzzle sphere!”

Oogway turn around sitting down. “Interesting mind he has, one that scrambled but not so scrambled at the same time? It all part of the adventure.” He picked up a flower giving it to Discord. “You may never be his friend but a uncle... Yes I can see that.”

“Uncle? Please! I am no uncle!”

“Not yet.” Oogway laughed.

Discord rolled his eyes again. “You got a point to this part from being a annoying old fart!” Discord waved the flower around held in his talon.

Oogway tap Discord on the end of the muzzle with his staff. “I do and we both know your older than I, in fact I am a spring tortoise to you.”

“Get to the point!” Discord narrow his eyes.

“Very well, you have a choice to make at this very moment, one that affect the child.” Oogway stands up moving his staff around with symbols forming. “What is, what to be, what will happen when you are freed has been set in stone, you know it deep inside, you can not avoid it, but what if you can?”

Discord anger fades with confusion appearing. “You got my interest...”

Oogray push both claw hands out to Discord, a wave of warmth washed over him. “This will aid you in leaving the Spirit Realm, but here is the real kicker Discord.” He wave the staff around showing to images. “Two paths lay out in front of you, one you can return and free yourself with the energy I just gave you or...”

He turn to the other. “You can go to the mountain above the Jade Palace and be there for Gale when he awakes, show that chaos doesn't need to shown as truly evil to those that believe you are.” Oogway faced Discord once again. “I given you a interesting choice have I not?”

Discord looked at the two images. “Your a dream, that impossible!”

“What impossible, what is possible? It all the same thing.” Oogway calmly said to him not phased by the action he just preformed.

Discord raise his talon and paw up looking at each of them. “One I can return and cause untold chaos right now, throw them in a spin... But It could mean I speed up events...” Discord raise his eyes to Oogway. “Yet Gale got hurt trying to get the sphere, what if he can never wake up?”

“Perhaps that what might happen, I can not say.”

Discord groans. “I made my choice!”

“Wait!”

“What is it!?”

“Give this to my friend Shifu.”

“And who is that?”

“You will know him when you see him.” Oogway gave the scroll to Discord.

“Fine! Whatever! I am out of here!” With his talon raised up, a snap the lord of chaos was gone.

Oogway looked over his shoulder. “As I thought he would, we may never get to talk again Discord, maybe we will. Who knows.” He sat down closing his eyes taking a deep slow breath. “Good luck in your journey.”

Discord appears on top of the mountain over looking the Jade Palace, first thing he sees is Gale unconscious being carried from the palace by Crane with Tigress beside him, Po and the others talking to Master Shifu with the other kung fu fighters Mantis, Viper and Monkey. “How can I let that stupid tortoise get to me!?”

He rose up the sealed scroll. “He wasn't kidding about knowing him when you see him.” Discord looking to the sleeping quarters for the students of the Jade Palace kung fu fighters, on the snow covered ground by his cloven hoof was the flower Oogway gave him.

“Well played Tortoise.” Discord chuckled picking it up with his paw.

Gale let out a loud gasp instantly his eyes snap open and sits up with a cloth falling off his forehead onto the top of his beak in his field of vision, Gale pull the cloth off his beak to see a grey screened wall held by thin wooden reddish brown stacks, he taking a few quick breathes with the heart racing, last moment recalled was falling after getting hit hard in the chest by the wolves mallet.

Gale look down quickly to see he had bandages around his midsection to upper chest, touching it with his talon he flinched slightly from the bruising, he was confused by the feeling, this was suppose to be a dream adventure, this line of confused feelings and questions was push to the side of a sound to his left, slowly turning his eyes with his head to see Tigress and Crane standing before him with a bowl of water on the ground between them.

Crane speaks up with wings waving out in front with one talon up, balancing on the other. “Don't freak out and think we going to do something to you, we brought you back to the Jade Palace and tended to your wounds, if we are bad why would we do these things?”

Gale eyes shift to the left to the right, lost in thought over the words Tigress place her paw hand on Crane's right wing shoulder. “Quick thinking Crane, this will help get answers to our questions a lot easier.”

“He just a child, we can't push too hard Tigress, we need to be gentle.”

“Agreed.” Tigress calmly replied turning her attention to Gale. “Child, I wish to clarify that you call your kind griffons correct?”

Gale turn his attention to Tigress. “Y-yes...”

Crane noticed the teeth in his beak. “Teeth in beak? Am I seeing things?”

“No your not Crane, it most likely to do with the half cat, bird heritage.” Tigress statically responded.

Crane rubbed the wing under his beak. “Can't argue with that, but still weird to see.” Crane flinch seeing Gale staring. “No offence kid.”

Gale tilt his head. “Why do you not have forelegs and just wings?” Gale open his wings up and close them against his sides.

Crane looked at his wings and back to Gale. “This is normal for a crane and my name is Crane too and thi-” Gale burst into laughter but cover his beak trying to stiffly it. “What so funny?”

“Your name is Crane and you are a crane!” Gale burst into laughter before grunting in pain stopping him from continue to laugh.

Tigress almost laughed but quickly kept a straight face. “Now I come to think of it, Monkey and the others have names based on our races.”

“Your name is Tigress ho-” Crane saw it. “Ooooooh... Wow our parents really won't creative with our names were they?”

“No they were not.” Tigress coughed into her paw. “We getting off topic here, we need answers on why we never heard of a griffon till the attack on the village and what that freak of nature was with you.”

Gale crossed his forelegs. “You going to speak about Discord like that I won't answer anything!” He turn his head with a snort.

“Discord? That fr-” Gale instantly glares and turn away again. “Fine... Your strange looking friend, what is he?”

Gale ignores her.

“Why-”

Crane instantly turn around blocking Tigress. “Let me handle it.”

“Fine!” She crossed her arms turning around facing the screen doors.

Crane sighs and remove his hat placing it down beside him, he lower his head down to Gale. “Discord, could you tell me what kind of animal he is? I did save you from falling and saw that strange bluish white energy coming off your talon.”

Gale look to his right talon clenching it and opening it a few times. “Discord is a draconequs, he made up of ten different animal parts, pony, lion, griffon, goat, reptile, dragon-”

“Did you just say dragon?” Tigress turn her head interrupting Gale.

Gale didn't answer.

“If this get you talking...” She rubs her forehead and sighs. “I am sorry for calling Discord a freak of nature...” Tigress apologised, Crane's beak dropped staring at him.

Gale saw the shock look. “Why does he look scared?”

“Scared!? I am shocked!” He recoiled. “I mean erm... Well...”

Tigress rolled her eyes stepping by him to knee down to Gale. “He just surprised to see that I apologised to you.”

“Oh.”

Crane laughed nervously putting his hat back on. “Well... How about we... Erm... Ger back to Discord with the dragon part?”

“Just some parts of him.”

“And the puffing?”

“Oh that his chaos magic, he teleported somewhere, hope he okay.” Gale eyes drifted away looking concerned for Discord.

Tigress pull Crane away. “We need to talk for a second.” She closed the door screens.

Gale rubbed his midsection. “Okay...” Gale look to the screen wall, getting up he press the talon on it, the claws digged into it. “It almost like paper...” He look to the ink well and brush. “Oooo idea!”

“That would explain the weird outfit that wolf was wearing.” Crane whispered to Tigress.

She nods with her arms crossed. “My thoughts exactly.” She glance over to Crane's dorm. “The griffon cub was very open with us, why?”

Crane shrugs. “Maybe because you apologised and we tended to his wounds?”

“Could be...” She got a strange look from Crane. “What?”

“Sorry, thought you was going to say something about me not telling the others this.” Crane gave a cheeky smile.

Tigress put her paw hands on her sides. “Because Crane I don't need to.”

“Of-” Crane came up with a idea. “What if we get him something to eat? He might be more willing to talk to us.”

“Not everyone like Po Crane, you-”

Gale speaks up. “My stomach making gruggling sounds and I do feel a bit sick to it, can I have something to eat?”

Tigress quickly turn to the door. “Did you just only pay attention to what Crane said about having something to eat?”

“Yep, that when my stomach gruggling and I responded!”

“Anything else?”

“Anything else what?” Gale said from the other side. “Oh I found some paints and a brush in here!”

Crane gasped. “What!?” He quickly open to door to find Gale had painted on the right screen wall of Dream Cavern, Crane first wanted to have a go at Gale but seeing the black lined drawing melted it away. “That is really impressive Griffon-”

“Gale, you like it?” Gale still holding the brush just away from his art work.

Crane walked back in looking at it with more detail. “Like it? It amazing! How did you do it so fast?”

“Fast? I just did it.” Gale wasn't sure of what Crane was saying about the speed he did it at.

Tigress eyes showed surprise, her mouth slightly open. “Let's not focus on how quickly he did it, but on what is this place, I never seen anything like it.”

Gale put the brush down. “This is Dream Cavern! It where I came from to come on a adventure to this land! I and Discord came from here, my Dream Guardian, Blue guards the place.” Gale point to Blue. “That him, he a jackal diamond dog.”

“Jackal... Diamond... Dog...” Tigress slowly said looking closely at it.

Gale nods. “Yep!”

Tigress moved away from it. “Why did you show us where you came from?”

“Why not?”

“You were attacked by the wolves and got hit by one for stealing that puzzle sphere of yours.” Tigress turn to him

Gale pick up a piece of paper giving it to Crane. “That what it look like, it has 195 combinations to unlock it, the sphere is how we get back home to Dream Cavern, we only came to have a dream adventure!”

Crane look at the drawing and so did Tigress. “You were only here to have a adventure in a new land?” They didn't take notice on the word 'dream' part.

“Yep!”

“Why did you two look like a lion cub and a long underweight goat?” Tigress asked.

Gale shrugged. “Not sure, guess the sphere crated a field of magic that made us fit in without anyone noticing how different we are, I just made it before we came here, so... I have no idea what else it could do other than getting us home.” Gale theorise and not completely sure if it had other functions on it.

“We need to inform Master Shifu about this.” Tigress said with concern.

“What about eating something?”

Tigress turn to Gale. “It can wait, this is fair too important.”

“I told you stuff!” Gale growls. “Even did a drawing of my puzzle sphere and where we need to get back to!”

“I am really grateful for that.”

“You helped me, I helped you and I am a hunger cub! It only fair I have something to eat now, isn't it?” Gale crossed his forelegs giving them a sticky look, his tail whipping around behind him showing the annoyance he had.

Crane raised his wing. “We can stop by the kitchen on the way Tigress.”

Tigress rolled her eyes taking the drawing from Crane and rolling it up. “Fine, we get you something to eat and than we go to Master Shifu, okay?”

“Thank you!” Gale hugged her tightly.

Tigress tried to get him off her with no joy. “Crane, a little help!”

“I think you got this.” He turn to walk away to only get a hug too, he squawked in surprise.

Tigress chuckled dusting herself off. “Look like you asked for it Crane, come on let's take him to the kitchen, the sooner the better.” She quickly pick up Gale's top and bag walking down the corridor between the dorms.

“O-kay...” He waddled after her with Gale not letting go.

“Your feathers so soft and fluffy, like my pillow back at home.”

“Gale, can you let go?”

“I'm bruised and this helping ease the pain.” He purred.

Crane sighed. “Alright you can keep hugging me, only till we get to the kitchen okay? And not too tight.”

“Deal!”

“Played by a cub.” Tigress chuckled.

“Not a word to the others!” Crane glared.

“Double to you about my apology.”

“Deal.”

“Deal.”

Shifu in the Jade Palace library looked through scroll after scroll, Monkey, Viper and Mantis helping him to search on anything about griffons. “Nothing... I found nothing about griffons...” Shifu groans. “Any luck?”

“No...” Monkey popped his head out from a pile of scrolls.

Po peered inside “Master Shifu, got anything on that awesome griffon?”

“No Po I haven't, in fact there nothing in here about the griffon.” Shifu picked up the staff. “It only two possibilities, one they well hidden or some how a bird and cat got together and had a strange hybrid child which is the griffon.”

Discord peering inside look at the sealed scroll Oogway gave him. “Hmm...” Discord using his tail to toss it over to one of the higher level piles.

Mantis at the same time hit the shelf, he pulling out a scroll. “That second one sound odd, weird and strange, two different species getting together?”

Shifu turn to Mantis. “It is possible Mantis, just rare, not sure about any relationship having a child that half of each.”

Viper slither over to them. “Master, I think the first is more plausible.”

Shifu rubbed one of his long moustache. “I have to agree.”

Po tried to move through the sea of scrolls but lose his balance to hit the shelf, sealed scrolls hit his head one at a time. “Ow ow ow ow!” Rubbing his head another come down and land right into his other paw. “Master Shifu, this one has Oogway's seal on it!”

Shifu quickly takes it from Po and looked at the sealed scroll. “I never seen this before, I been in here many times...”

“Maybe it was way high up and just out of view?” Po suggested with a shrug.

Shifu looked right up at the shelf. “It seem so.” He pulled the seal off and open the scroll up.

Po and the other gathered. “What does it say?”

“Give me a second.” Shifu raise his paw hand up to Po. “It definitely in his hand writing.” Shifu stands to read it out loud to them.

“For many years I have some of the most curious visions, many I couldn't quite understand as they are were not so clear that I decided to just pass them on as just a curious sense of imagination, one however caught my attention of two creatures that I have never seen through the many years I lived.

One of two halves, feline and avian with a heart so pure yet so confused to the life he has, the name griffon come to mind, not sure what it is or why it came to me. The other is of chaos, slight of hand and tricky, made of many races that shouldn't even be possible yet he is, these unusually duo will come at a time of dire trouble that will fall upon China.”

Po point to the drawing Oogway did. “Look it the griffon and that odd creature.”

“I can see Po...” Shifu rolled his eyes. “Let see...”

“After my time has past my old friend their adventure will share the same path as the Dragon Warrior's...”

“Ooooo he saw the future!” Po clapping his paw hands. “I didn't know Oogway could do that!”

“Nor did I...” Shifu stared in shock. “The puzzle can not be open by the one that dorn this symbol.”

Po stared at it, he spaced out and shook his head a moment afterwards. “That the same on on the armour of the wolf pack leader had!”

“What?” Shifu turn to Po. “Your sure?”

“Yeah! I saw it and saw something that I suddenly remembered from a long time ago and wham I got hit by the wolf.” Po explained. “Wow why did I just explain that?”

Shifu turn to the scroll. “Because Oogway said you would, he even says that a great threat is about to come in 5... 4...” Shifu raised his head and quickly turn to the door. “Prepare yourself!” They all stood ready for a fight.

A knock at the door. “Knock?” Monkey turn to Shifu.

“Who is it?” Shifu called out.

“I have a important message for you Master Shifu!” Came the reply. “Can I come in?”

Shifu shifted his stance. “Come in.” The others relax seeing a goose come in with a scroll. “Thank you.” He took it from the goose, he nod and leaves.

Discord leaning against the scroll shelf watching them with amusement, seeing they haven't noticed him standing in plain sight just to the right of them, also the fact he just placed the scroll in the room, Oogway must of knew he would and that annoyed him slightly.

“That really chilling how Master Oogway did that, Master Shifu.” Mantis shivered

“Indeed Mantis...” He shivered slightly. “Let's focus on what this threat is.” He open it up to have a read. “Oogway wasn't kidding... This is a threat...”

“What did it say?” Viper asked.

“First we find Crane and Tigress, than I will explain.”

“Yes Master Shifu.” They bowed to him.

Discord whistled catching their attention all turning to him. “Hello Shifu, Oogway say's hi.” He grinned.

“Trickster, you think I believe you?” Shifu stood ready to fight.

Discord rolled his eyes. “Big old tortoise, get under your skin when he talk with possible, impossible, what the differences stuff? Oh and he gave me this stupid flower from the Spirit Realm.” Discord toss the flower over to Shifu. “If that not proof enough, then your dumber than you look.”

“You do not speak to Master Shifu like that freak!” Monkey stood ready to fight.

Shifu caught the flower and gave a good look at it. “Stand down, he telling the truth.”

“What!?” They stared at him stunned.

“You heard me, stand down.” They did so.

“Just like that huh?” Discord raise a eye brow.

Shifu put the flower stem through his belt. “Just like that.”

Discord mutters. “Stupid dream logic.”

Shifu gave him a curious look. “Did you say something?”

“I said I take the dumber part back.” Discord lied as he push off the shelf walking over to them. “Now take me to Gale or I will show you what the lord of chaos can do when he annoyed.” Discord raise his lion paw up pressing finger and thumb together.

“No need to threaten us, the griffon you called Gale is being taken care of by Tigress and Crane, come.” Shifu turn walking away with support from the staff, Discord lower his paw.

Discord snorts. “Your just as bad as Oogway.”

“Good.” Shifu continue to walk away.

Po walking around Discord. “Wow you are made up of so many different animal parts!”

“And your a fat panda, Po Po.” He poke the belly getting it to ripple. “Also my name is Discord Lord of Chaos.” He walk off out the room.

“Cool! Discord sound so chaotic!” Po said with excitement seeing that Shifu showed that he wasn't a threat to the Jade Palace in very simple calm unemotional words. “Was you about to snap your fingers and do something chaotic? What can you do? Does create this? Turn others into other things?” Po followed bombarding Discord with questions.

Discord groans. “If I wasn't limited with what magic I had left I would have zip his mouth right up.” Discord muttered under his breath.

Mantis turn to Viper. “Why did Shifu let him go like that?”

“I don't know, but we better follow.” Viper replied, they all followed.

Monkey said as he closed the doors. “He give me the creeps.”

Shifu leads, Po, Monkey, Mantis, Viper and Discord towards the dorms from the Jade Palace, as they approach the sleeping areas of the dorm the sound of a young voice talking followed by Crane could be heard from the kitchen, Shifu ears twitching from their voices to the voice of Tigress and that confirmed that they all were in there.

The group approached the kitchen, hissing and the sound of the store fire burning, Po's noise twitching as he sniffed the air. “Hmm... Something really smells yummy and I never smelt anything like it before.”

Shifu sniffed the air too. “It is a curious aroma, I gather the griffon behind this.”

Discord claps his talon and paw. “Congratulations you figured out what was going on in all our minds, you are very smart and wise.” Discord sarcastically said.

“Your sarcasm is not welcomed, Discord.”

“Whatever you say red panda.” Discord shot back.

Po blinked as his brain seem to shift a few gears. “What?”

“Didn't you know, his kind is called the red panda, they not related to bears as you are, but his kind is part of the Ailuridae species family tree though.” Discord hummed the small details out walking to the kitchen.

Po point to Shifu but the master speaks. “Yes what he said is very much true and leave it at that, we got more pressing matters Po.”

“Bu-”

“We will talk about it later, you have my word, now drop it.”

“Cool!” Po went to hug him to hug air, Shifu standing a few feet away with a sly smirk.

Discord chuckled. “Chaotically impressive.”

Shifu glared at him. “You caused it.”

“Yep I did and loved every moment of it.” Discord ruffled the fur on Shifu head walking by them.

Viper and Monkey was uneased by the action, Shifu raise a paw hand. “He trying to push you to do something, do not give him a excuse to use his chaotic powers.”

Discord gave a fake pout. “Your no fun.”

“Yes I can see how very disappointed you are...” Shifu didn't fall for Discord's act.

Po had went ahead peering into the kitchen. “Guys come here, you got to see this.” He whispered and waved them to come over.

They all quickly and quietly went over to the door looking through it on either side, Monkey hanging from above, what they saw was Tigress at the stow flipping a few pans of pancakes, Crane mixing a mix ready to go into the pan next, sitting on the table holding another bowl was Gale mixing something creamy.

Shifu wave them to stay hidden. “Let me handle this.” They nod including Discord.

“That it, those first pancakes just need a moment more and they be ready, just in time too cause my whipcream is ready!” He grab the cone shaped paper pouring the creamy mix into it. “You going to love this, mum showed me how to do this.”

“It was either I or Crane to cook these, your too young to handle something that could burn you.” Tigress calmly said.

Crane put the bowl down by the stow. “The ingredients used to make the mix was interesting though, I never thought of putting any of this stuff together to create something that look and smell amazing, you really rivalling Po on your skills of the kitchen.”

Gale tied up the top of the paper to seal the cream inside. “I just followed what mum showed me a few times during breakfast.”

Tigress glance over to him quickly as she about down with cooking the pancakes. “Why are you here without her than?”

“Oh that easy, I am with Uncle Discord.” Gale stated.

Discord grumbles under his breath. “Blast you Oogway...”

“The freakish creature, your uncle?” Tigress gave him a questionable glance.

“Honorary uncle.” Gale clarified.

“Hmm, that does seem to make sense.” Shifu spoke up.

“Indeed it-” Crane turn his head. “Master Shi-” He about to bowl but Gale squawked instantly pointing to the spoon in his talon. “Oh thanks!” He quickly put it back in the bowl and bowed.

Tigress looked over. “I would Master Shifu but I rather not burn these.”

“It fine Tigress.” He slowly walked in. “Never seen you cook something like this Tigress, but I heard why you are and very wise.”

“Thank you.” She bow her head slightly and pull the pans away from the fire, with a toss she place the pans down and take the plate, the two pancakes land one after the other perfectly on it.

Gale pieced the the end of the paper sealed bag pouring the whipcream over the top of the pancakes while Tigress held it in front of him. “You want to try them first?” Gale offered putting the paper bag to the side.

Shifu take a seat at the table. “Why not.” Tigress put the plate down and step back.

Gale pulled own from his bag a knife and folk wrapped up in a napkin. “Here.” He jump down and walk over to Shifu giving them to the kung fu master.

He unwrapped it seeing the two silver wears. “You were carrying these?”

“Yeah, I saw those stick things and can't really use them, glad I brought them along with me.” Gale said showing he had many more. “I have enough for everyone!”

“There nine including Master Shifu's.” Tigress stated.

Gale look to the door. “Oh that because there five others at the door over there.”

Tigress look to the door. “Po...”

He step out into view with the others and Discord. “Wow how did you do that?”

Gale grinned. “I saw all of you peering around the corner.”

“Impressive griffon, these pancakes with this cream is really nothing I ever had before, how did you do it?”

Gale took the paper bag looking at the content inside. “We got enough mix for everyone and should be enough whipcream too.”

“Your avoiding the question.”

Gale nods. “Yep I am and like everyone to try them!” Gale turn to Crane and Tigress. “Can you help me?” They look over to Shifu, he nods knowing the youngster not going to answer his question.

“We on it.” Crane smiled.

Tigress nods. “We are.”

“Ooooo can I-” Shifu slap Po's paw away. “Ow...”

“Do not be rude Panda, you will get yours.” Shifu continue to eat getting a group of laughter from the others.

Short time later everyone sitting around or at the table eating their fill of pancakes, Po sat back rubbing his stomach. “That was something, I never had pancakes with that whipcream ever!”

“I don't think any of us have.” Tigress calmly wiped away the cream from her muzzle with the napkin.

Gale picking up each plate stacking them by four and carrying them over to the bowl of water to be washed, Mantis quickly doing that. “You really don't need to help kid.”

“Mum said to me once that when you are in someone elses home, you maybe the guest but be respectable of their home.” Gale said helping to wash them.

“Wise indeed.” Shifu said to Gale. “Now that we all have eaten... I got some bad news to give, action will be needed from the Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five...”

As he tells them of what happened at Gongmen City Gale seem to know exactly what was going to be said, he continue to clean up, time to seem to fly by, because next thing he knew a paw was on his shoulder and the cleaning was all done. “Cub, your coming with us to Gongmen City, your puzzle is most likely there too.”

Gale saw in the water Oogway looking back at him, he stared with shock at what he was seeing, the old tortoise spoke. “You and you alone can hear and see me right now, call this a cosmic call if it were, you are young and full of purity, go and help them with Discord, your own actions may change one act that will have a profound impact. Good luck.” He fades away.

“Cub, are you okay?”

Gale turn to Tigress. “I am, but why are we going? We don't know this kung fu stuff you do.”

“Something feels inside.” She put her hand on her own chest. “That you and the freak need to go, also Master Oogway said so in a scroll to Master Shifu, even he not with us, he got a way with wisdom that no one dispute.”

Gale glanced to the water. “Big old tortoise with wise old soft eyes, big soft smile that make you feel welcomed?”

“Yes, how-”

“I saw him the water.” Gale put his shirt on and took his bag walking out the kitchen.

Tigress stared at the door. “What in the water? That isn't possible...” Tigress looked at the water

“Tigress we moving out!” Po called from outside.

Tigress look back at the water one more time seeing nothing, she splashing it with a paw and leaves, just as the ripples clear Oogway smiled softly. “Maybe the one act over countless others will change things to come, all we can do is wait and see.” The ripples wash away the image as Shifu walk in.

“Strange... I am sure I've just heard Oogway...” Shifu shook his head. “That panda just getting to me... Best to go back up to the lake and meditate...” He muttered walking back out.

At the dead of night a boat drift down the river towards Gongmen City pushed by the gentle wind via the sail, Discord stood on the roof of the boat with his arms crossed looking out to the river, above him Gale slept on top of the beam against the sail support mast, with a hind leg hanging from the city arms crossed breathing softly in and out.

Discord heard a gasp from below, coming out pushing the sheet up Po came out on deck grumbling to himself, he turn and hits the mast causing it to shudder slightly, Discord quickly look up seeing Gale shift slightly with the tail now drop over waving around. “Inner-Ghm-” Discord watched Po try to do something as water drips on his head.

After a few more attempts Po's cheeks puff up and just as he was to scream out Discord snap his paw causing a muzzle to appear over Po's snout, he instantly crossed eye looking at the muzzle, pulling it off Po held it up staring at it. “Panda you disturb Gale, I will do more than put that muzzle on you.” Discord quietly warned.

Po look up on the roof at Discord, he hints above at the top of the mast on the sail beam. “Oh... Sorry.” Po sheepishly smiled. “All I am doing is erm... Training.”

“Do it somewhere else and not the mast you idiot.” Discord snorts.

“Idiot I-”

“Po.” Po and Discord turn, the lord of chaos blinked a few times to see Tigress standing right beside him. “I have to agree.” She leap off doing a few spins landing behind Po at the front of the boat. “I'm ready.”

“Okay, so serious.”

Discord watched as Po punch her open palm, he felt the shockwave impact seeing Po screech in pain holding his hand paw with the other on his knees. “I think I rather have the m-” Discord coughs showing the muzzle in his talon, the red eyes in the yellows glowing slightly. “Erm... Tigress Paw is good...”

“I do Apologise, I use to punch the iron wood trees by the palace, now I feel nothing.” Tigress look down at the paw as she spoke rubbing the other over it.

“That severely cool.”

Discord look to the muzzle at them. “Yeah... No.” He toss it overboard, he walk over to the other side of the boat looking out to the rippling water from the wake of the boat. “Two days of almost non-stop travelling to Gongmen City, I don't even remember much part from the panda making a ass of himself.” Discord chuckled lightly. “Concept of dreams have areas of travel just fly by or compress it.” Discord whispered to himself.

He heard Tigress and Po talking soon movement of others waking up. “Discord are you okay?” Gale lands on his paws just behind Discord.

Discord didn't look at Gale. “Did any of them wake you?”

“No, didn't even notice I fell asleep, just closed my eyes and open them again to see the sun raising with a big city being lit up in the distance.” Gale replied.

Discord spun around seeing it just in front of the sun as it slowly rose. “Well that was sudden.” Discord look down to Gale. “It seem we have arrived.”

Gale turn walking up to the edge of the roof looking at the city. “The sun rise is beautiful...”

“-We here, Gongmen City.” Tigress said looking out to the city in the distance with the others.

Mantis jump up on Gale's head. “Tigress what do we do to keep these two out of any fighting? They don't know kung fu.”

“True...” Tigress said..

Gale looked up at the clouds. “Oooo I know!”

Mantis notice the wings flare open. “Wait I'm still on your hhheeeeeadddd!” With a burst of speed he takes off zooming high up into the sky causing the boat to rock back and forwards.

Po held onto the mast till it stabilized. “Whoa! That was insanely cool!”

“He sure could move.” Crane said narrowing his eyes watching Gale fly up to the clouds, what he saw next was Gale gathering up the clouds with his talons, the beak drop with shock.

Viper slithered over to Crane. “What is it?”

“You need to see for yourself, he coming back down!” Crane said pointing his wing.

They all watched Gale come down holding onto a big puffy cloud, he sat on it cross legged before them. “Will this do for cover for me and Discord?”

Discord joined him. “Comfy cloud, nicely done Gale.”

Tigress mouth hung open her eyes not once blinking as she stared at the cloud, Po walked up to it and put his hand paw through it. “How are you two sitting on clouds!?”

“All griffons can and Discord is part griffon so he can too.” Gale said to Po. “It normal.”

“That not normal...” Tigress finally said putting her hand paw through it too. “My hand pass through it, how is it solid for you?”

Gale shrugged. “It just is.”

Crane try to put a talon on it to pass through too. “That something no one expect to see coming Tigress, a lone cloud floating directly over to the palace, it a perfect hiding place.”

“Fine... We go with that, I don't understand how it possible but I am just going with it.” Tigress rubbed her fingers over the bridge of the muzzle.

Po punch the air. “Sweet! Let's destroy that weapon, stop Shen and get Gale's puzzle sphere back!”

“Yeah!” They cheered part from Tigress with her arms crossed with a slight nod.

Discord blinked. “Wow that didn't take much to convince them.” He whispered to Gale.

“Dream adventure.” Gale whispered back.

Discord chuckled. “That it is, no matter what happened so far, it been one heck of a adventure has it not?” Gale nods as the boat nears the city, Mantis push some of the head feathers apart jumping off Gale.

Mantis recalled about Dream Cavern spoken of and shrugged the dream adventure comment as a pun rejoining his team.

(Linebreak)

From high above the city the cloud drifts above Po and the Furious Five, Gale and Discord watched as they in a Chinese dragon costume attack wolves. “Discord does that look like the costume is-”

“Yes and never speak of it again.” Discord quickly responded. “Now the question you should ask where did they go?”

Gale quickly looked back down to see the wolves had stabbed the dragon costume, under it was barrels and creates. “They-how-what!?” Gale looked around rapidly trying to find them through the streets below.

Discord also trying to spot them. “That a very neat trick, I wonder where they've gone to.” Discord look over to the tower in the distance. “The palace... Gale I suggest we go to the palace.”

Gale still couldn't find Po or the others. “That is where they needed to go to stop that Shen guy right?”

“That is what we were told to go to and being a villain it something they most likely at.” Discord snap his talon making the binoculars reappear, he look through them seeing Shen. “Eye spy with my red eyes, I see a peacock named Shen.” Discord give it to Gale

Gale looked through it. “How can you see something that far? The tower look so tiny!” Discord rolled his eyes taking them and turning it around. “Oh, thank you Discord.” Gale said looking through it to see Shen at the open door. “That white feathers, those robes, you never think he a bad guy from all the way out here.”

“Not all is plain as black and white, there is grey Gale.”

Gale lower the binoculars. “How do we know to join Po and the others at the palace?” Gale slow the cloud down with a few short flaps holding onto the cloud. “I can see so many wolves on the wall of the palace.” Gale point over the edge of the cloud below.

Discord peer over. “That a lot of wolves.”

“How can they take on all those wolves?”

“Not sure... My magic is limited and-” He and Gale turn their heads to a sound of chaos, they watched Po with the Furious Five give chase after the one eye wolf. “What you know, they are causing delightful chaos.”

They watched as the wolf on a cart being pulled by an antelope with Po wheeling his own one after them, the antelope does a sharp left turn and Po over shots it, Viper helps him to get back on track gaining on the wolf.

The wolf throws the driver towards Po, he dodge the antelope riding up the wall and landing, the wolf try throwing other stuff in the way to stop Po from gaining on him. The Furious Five moves in around Po saving all in the way of Po, he continue to give chase.

“Why did the wolf throw those little bunnies at Po!?” Gale squawked with shock.

Discord eyes pulse. “That a step too far.” He rose the talon up to snap it but Crane comes in saving all the bunnies. “Hmm, maybe they don't need my magic, I didn't expect him to save them all like that.”

Gale points. “Discord Po and the wolf are fighting in the cart!”

They watched as the wolf first got hit by signs to the reverse with Po getting hit by them, they head under a arch bouncing down the stairs, Po put his fist out and the wolf keep getting hit by him from each bounce. “Good to see the panda being creative.”

The cart go up a ramp and the two fly off it holding each other, Gale and Discord look up as they fly over them, the wolf one eye stares at them with shock with Po waving to them before the sail past and down to the gate entrance of the palace. “Discord did that just happen?”

“It did and wouldn't believe it if I was told.” Discord and Gale watch the wolf hit the ground creating a creator with Po on top, he step off and fall backwards into the arms of Tigress talking to the wolf.

Afterwards a large army of wolves surround them, Po get hit in the gut and then they all surrender, but that when the wolf look directly up at the cloud pointing right at it. “Wolves aim your arrows at the cloud! The freak and the birdcat is up there on it!”

They mutter at each other. “They can stand on clouds! Don't question how just do as I told!” They all turn and aim their bows at the cloud. “Surrender!”

Gale turn to Discord. “We might be able to escape but they won't.” Discord said to Gale.

“Also this is like in the comic book with the Pony Ponies, they surrender and boom! They move in on the boss because they are waaaay too confident!” Gale quickly responded moving around the cloud.

Discord shrugs. “Who am I to disagree with a child mind logic to do with comics?”

“Okay.” Gale nod stepping up to the edge of the clouds with his talons up. “We surrender and coming down!” Gale drop off the cloud opening his wings up gliding down, Discord followed, both landing by Po and the Furious Five.

“Good, now cuff them all!” The gorillas put cuffs on each of them as ordered.

The wolf Gale dubbed as Alpha put his paw hand up stopping at Gale. “You child, what was that bluish white glow that came from your talon, I felt that even I stopped you from hitting me with it.”

Gale look to his right talon. “Oh my pure magic?” He raised it for the glow to appear and burst outwards with a pulse of energy spreading out, the wolves instantly step back a few steps and it fades, Gale fall to one knee with the talon on the ground.

“What was that?” Tigress stared in shock. “I even felt that, it felt so-”

“Pure...” Po whispered. “Gale are you okay?”

Gale slowly got up straggling a bit. “I-I'm just tired... Can't control it...”

Alpha grabbed by the shirt lifting him up to eye level. “Your really something kid, that pure magic really gave me chills, luckily for us your still new to it from the look of it and we have nothing to worry about it.” Alpha put him down. “Don't worry about cuffs on this one, he no threat.”

Gale turn to Discord as his talon and paw were covered up. “They smart but not completely.” Discord whispered to Gale as Po is dragged forward and they start walking up to the palace tower.

“How? You can't snap.” Gale whispered back, Discord wave his tail around and Gale noticed the end shift around slightly. “Ooooh.” Discord winks with a chuckle getting pushed by the wolf.

“Okay I'm moving.”

Po almost fall to find the ground carved up and ahead was a hammer stuck into the ground with Alpha tapping the pole laughing. Gale gulped at the sight recalling the words Shifu said even he wasn't exactly paying attention. “Is that where Master Rhino-”

“Yes.” Discord said as they walked by it. “Yes it is... That what happens when rhino meets cannon ball... Not all dreams and comics have good guys survive...”

“That dark...”

“That motivation to beat the bad guy.”

They look to Po and the Furious Five, they looked very serious at their commitment to bring down Lord Shen. “What part do we play?” Gale asked Discord.

“That I do not know and you know what?”

“What?”

Discord look at the entrance of the tower as the doors start to open. “It scares me...”

Lord Shen moves towards the wall slowly stepping sidewards before twisting his bladed spear around and launching it outwards into thin air. “Greeting Panda, last we meet...” He shift from the battle stance to a natural one. “No no no no no...”

He toss the spear up, does a splits on the ground rolling to the right doing a spin on one talon in a circle before catching the spear with his winged hand, he followed by pressing the blade tip on the ground and flipping over it landing on his talons followed by trashing the spear through the air.

“We meet at last.” He grins. “Yes, that's it.” He turns and speaks out. “Greetings panda, we meet at la-gah.” Shen freaks out slightly as the spear tip stop inches from the goat Soothsayer.

“Your afraid for a reason.” Soothsayer said calmly to him.

Shen lower the spear. “I am not afraid., his coming to me in chains, anyone should be afraid is-”

“You.” Soothsayer calmly finished. “Yet...” She walk outside looking down, Shen curiously and with caution follow her seeing what she looked at. “Those two are a new factor in events to come.”

Shen pull out from his robe sleeve the golden orb. “The child's puzzle sphere, the bird-cat with the blue white glowing fist Alpha spoke of.” Shen turn to Soothsayer. “What do you see in his future?”

Soothsayer walked inside to a bowl putting pieces of cloth and leaves into it. “Place the sphere on top.” Shen does so. “Now let's see what we get.” She throw the blue crystals over it, a burst of bluish white smoke raised up. “Curious, I see a tree with endless divides, his path is unclear because we nothing but a... Dream.”

“We nothing but a dream? What does that even mean you old goat!” Shen point his spear at her.

“He sees us as a dream, the path laid before him has too many routes to even conclude, his past how ever is one of pain, one that no child should see.”

“Go on.”

Soothsayer wave her hoofed hands around as the tree shifts into a open gate over a massive landscape. “A gate opened and a storm wiped out everything in it path, till the moment a single act on the land closed the gate and brought the child through with a mountain that fell.”

“Gate? Storm? Closed and mountain that fell?”

“It as it shows, the seed that allow the child to live has been growing, the tree of Elysium as it grows creates many paths he can travel and as a tree he could jump from branch from branch, pure to a fault there could be wrong or right.”

Shen noticed it shift. “What going on now?”

Soothsayer took a good look moving her hoof hands around once again. “The other is of chaos that is grey as it can get, neither good or bad just there for chaos, his path is set as yours.”

“Oh?”

“Freed from stone but by power of six elements of loyalty, generosity, laughter, kindness, honesty and magic will fall upon him once more, as the path is set in stone as yours is, yet a new factor now in play could change that very moment at the last moment.” Soothsayer showed the statue and spinning ying-yang symbol cracks, soon a glow come from them and shatter to show a griffon with talons in the air with wings out.

Shen stared at it as the cloud fades. “What are you saying?”

Soothsayer pick up the undamaged puzzle sphere looking at it many rings and circles on it. “If you stay your course you will be still defeated by a warrior of black and white, but-” She raise one hoof finger up. “There a chance your fate that sealed may shift by a very small factor because of the child.”

Shen took the puzzle sphere from her putting it back in his robe. “Please! I heard enough of this absurd rubbish.”

Soothsayer sighs turning away as he walk up to the cannon to wait for their arrival from below. “I knew he wouldn't listen, yet I had to try and sway him... Maybe the child of the Tree of Elysium can get through to him while I can not.” She glance to the stairs.

“Only one can hope to reshape the stone path that lay ahead...”

Shen and Soothsayer listen to loud heavy steps got louder from the stairs, the peacock leans in close to the cannon awaiting to see the so called panda that supposedly defeat him, what they got arriving first was Gale running up into view and turning around punching the air in celebration of being first.

“Yay I got up first!”

“What?” Shen eyes shift around looking to the Soothsayer who just laughed softly.

Gale turn around seeing Shen. “You must be that Shen guy that did bad things, hi!” He waved at the peacock.

Shen slowly waved back. “Yes... Hi...”

Soothsayer laughed again. “He knows what you done yet he so cheerful, how would you ever think of harming something so pure?” She turn to Shen.

“Your making this hard on me.”

“Am I?”

“Yes...”

“Good.” She calmly turn to face the stairs as Po came into view being carried by a gorilla.

Po is thrown over the gorilla head on to his back. “Thanks for carrying me...” Po whizzed. “Those last few flights got to me...” Tigress help him up into a sitting position as Shen and Soothsayer move a little closer, they stare as Po spoke on. “I threw up a little bit on the third floor, somebody might need to clean that up.”

Tigress get annoyed with Alpha poking her with the spear and kick it out of his paw hands. “Yeah you might want to it rather disgusting.” Discord shuddered at recalling that sight. “I am going to have nightmares of that for weeks...”

“Greetings panda we meet at-”

“Hey, how you doing?” Po responds to Shen interrupting him.

Shen shift his eyes slightly and quietly reply. “Hey...”

Soothsayer walk up to him and poke him in the gut with the stick. “You grown up bigger than I thought.” She hook the stick on the cage pulling him down to her.

“Hey what you doing? Stop poking around...” Po said as she examine him.

She pull own his jaw looking inside. “Strong and healthy.”

“I do not know who you are, but please stand aside sir.”

Gale tilt his head. “Sir?”

Discord lower his head and press his paw with talon over his face pulling downwards groaning. “Idiot...”

Viper corrects Po with a whisper. “That's a lady.”

Po quickly turn to Soothsayer. “Oh sorry, the beard threw me off-”

Gale spoke up. “Goats of both female and male have beards.” Shen start to get irritated, but Soothsayer rubs her bread smiling and listening to Gale. “It even found on some forms of lizards too, they have this crest under their chins and they called the bearded-”

“Enough of this nonsense!” Shen yelled out at them and calms down a little. “Bring the prisons to me.”

Po and the others move towards Shen. “Sorry ma'am, get ready guys, keep your eyes peeled for the-” He turn and see the model. “Weapon!”

Po runs for it to only slide to a surprised stop as Gale was there holding it now in his talons looking over it. “A model of the weapon, I like these, the weapon your after Po is just to my left.” Gale point a thumb back.

Po look over to the direction of it as the others stared at the size of it too. “Oooo...” Po stood before it.

He get push down on his knees, the others brought up before Shen and the weapon on their knees too part from Gale standing to the side holding the model still. “Hahahaha, you actually believe this the warrior that destined to defeat me?”

Soothsayer walk up beside Gale. “I do not, I know he is.” She calmly reply with a smile. “Also what of the child?”

Alpha quickly speaks. “He not a threat Lord Shen, the energy in him he can't control.”

Shen chuckled. “Hold him than.” Alpha step up placing both paws on Gale's arms restraining him. “Now where were I? Oh yes.” Shen step down towards Po. “Oh look at him, a life time to plot his revenge and comes to me on his knees.”

Gale turn to Soothsayer. “How can he have plot revenge for years when the only reason we here is my puzzle sphere and the death of Master Rhino as well the metal stuff being stolen?”

“Is that so?” Gale nods. “So... If Shen didn't take Master Rhino's life or even took over the city the panda wouldn't even been here?” Gale nod again. “So it is as I saw, Shen's actions are causing this to happen as I foreseen...”

Alpha whispers to them. “Your saying that Lord Shen's actions will lead to his downfall as foretold by you 30 years ago?”

“Correct and it seem the panda not even aware of it.” Soothsayer looked up at Alpha. “Interesting development isn't it?” Alpha only could nod.

Shen notice their quiet chat. “Care to share on what you three are talking about?” All their heads turn to their direction.

Soothsayer step up to him. “He doesn't know what you did 30 years ago Shen, your actions are the reason he is here now, but you will atone for what you done though.”

Shen chuckled. “What so funny?” Po asked with a confused look on his face.

“You don't know anything, you clearly do not know.”

Po raise his head slightly with annoyance “Okay! Enough of this riddles, will you guys spill the beans?” Po looking to Soothsayer and back to Shen. “First the weapon tiny and surprise it big, than that lady over here think a guy and yet-Whoa!” Shen pull out a feather shape blade pointing it very close to Po.

“The only reason your still alive, cause I find your stupidly mildly amusing.” Shen stared at Po as he spoke.

Po stared back. “Thank you, I find your evilness extremely annoying.”

“Who do you thi-” Shen noticed the feather blade he did held missing, looking around he saw Gale had it in his talons looking over it. “How did you take it without me noticing?”

Gale didn't pay attention. “Feather engraved, silver not steel and sharp at the tip and edges, how do you hold it with your wing feathers like that?” Gale turn to Shen.

Shen was taken back by this. “I erm... I just can, now give it back you-” Soothsayer, Alpha and a few others gave him a look. “Erm... Strange bird-cat give me my blade back, please?”

“I'm a griffon and here you go.” He gave it back.

“What are you doing!?” Tigress said with shock.

Discord groans. “He evil and you gave him back his blade...”

Gale look over to Shen. “He asked nicely and it was his to begin with, why would I keep something that not mine?”

Shen chuckled putting it back in his sleeve. “The griffon is pure to fault, even Soothsayer saw that coming, didn't you?”

“Yes I did, he may show you a bit of light.”

“Not really, take aim.” He steps back and out of the way of the cannon, Alpha moved to it and aim it down at them with the gorillas opening the blinds behind them.

Gale eyes dart left and right at the cannon and them as Alpha ready to light the fuse. “Fi-”

“No!” Gale stood directly in front of them with forelegs out with wings open wide. “It would kill them! That is wrong!”

“Oh course it is griffon! Get out of the way or I will have you shot too.”

Gale stood firm recalling what Shining Armor cast a few times. “No and I will make sure you can't!” He talons glow and a bluish white shield form around them.

Shen stared at the shield that appeared. “What the blazes is that!?”

“Good question...” Tigress whispered looking around. “Discord what did Gale just do?”

“He created a shield... Not knowing how much magic he pouring into it, I can't tell it will hold a cannon shot at this range.” Discord whispered back.

Shen pull out his blade and hit it to only get it thrown out of his wing, it lands by Alpha piecing the wood. “That some trick you pulled griffon.” He rubbed his wing. “Fire now!”

Alpha look to the fuse and the stick that lit. “Lord Shen...”

“I said fire!”

Alpha look to it and back to Gale, the teen noticed Mantis on the cannon who nods to him, Gale winks to Alpha and the shield collapses. “Yes Lord Shen...” He lights it as Gale land on one knee breathing a bit to catch his breath.

The cannon doesn't fire. “Well, light the thing!”

“I-I did.” Alpha tries again but it goes out, again and again looking at the lit stick trying to figure it out seeing Gale trying not to laugh, he glance his only eye to see Mantis. “I see, you have my thanks.” He whispers to the little bug.

He reach up to light it again to get it knocked out of his paw and held by Mantis crying out. “Fear the bug!”

Shen quickly stare at him and back to the cage to see it was a toy model of Mantis inside it, Po laughs. “Haha!” Viper unlocks the lock cuffs from Tigress and she frees the others in a shift kick and punch at each of them.

They stood together ready for action. “Get the weapon!” They kick all the guards out the way. “Tigress!” Po said and she jump down him to the weapon, Po goes after Shen as he try to flee, the cannon flips with the end of the barrel facing downwards, Mantis leap up above and kick it down through the floor all the way to the ground level.

As Po lands on the stunned looking Shen, the cannon hits the ground level smashing to pieces, the sphere falls out of his robe and Gale fly over grabbing it. “Discord I got the sphere!”

“Good now get us home!”

“Okay!” Gale start shifting the rings and circle parts around quickly, unlocking each sequence as Po freezes at the sight of the tail feather markings recalling past events.

Tigress turn around to see him staring at Shen. “Yo-you were there...”

Shen smiled evilly. “Yes... Yes I was.” He quickly turns and runs grabbing Gale, the teenager caught by surprise as he dragged with Shen out the window, Shen open his tail feathers up and using them as a glider towards the large building a fair bit away.

Discord grabbed Po picking him up. “You let them get away and capture Gale you idiot!”

“At least we destroyed the weapon.” Monkey stated, Discord drop Po.

“Are you all a bunch of idiots!? If he has that here you think he wouldn't have more by now!?” Discord shouted at all of them, they standing at the balcony turn to him and back at the building afar.

Shen lands and the wolves grab Gale, taking the sphere off him and holding him to the wall. “Fire!”

Gale stared at the palace with shock. “No! You can't!”

“I have and watch.” Shen didn't look at him as the cannons fire at the palace.

Mantis speaks as they all stare at the cannonballs coming in. “No, he got way more.” Discord slap his paw over his face, stepping up behind them raising the paw up.

Discord snap his paw as they about to hit all turning into flowers covering everyone. “Whoa what happened to the sparking balls?” Po push the flowers off himself.

“Chaos magic, the next rounds won't be so lucky, best for us to go.” Discord turn around walking back inside.

“But what of Gale?”

“We have to come up with a plan, if you don't notice another wave is coming.”

“Than do more of that chaos magic!”

Discord turn to him. “I can't! I use any more and there be no more for me to use period! He got more cannonballs than I have with chaos magic! So stop your yapping and let's get-” The next volley hits.

Gale watched as cannonball after cannonball hits causing the tower to collapse with archers firing fire arrows to keep them trapped, he suddenly saw them appear on the lower level to start climbing up the side of the falling tower. “Where are they going!?” Shen said with shock.

Gale saw Discord being carried by Tigress over her shoulder unconscious as they race to the top of the tower, they leap off it onto a house roof and slide over to another before disappearing from view, they escaped. “Yes!” Gale cheered.

“You idiots!” Shen hits the gorilla in the face before racing down the stairs. “Call in the wolves, all of them! I want them ready to move, the year of the peacock begins now!” He smiled.

Gale held by Alpha spoke up. “Isn't it mid way in the year?” He look up at Alpha. “I think you were going to say something like that right?”

“Right...” Alpha rubbed the back of his head before a blade was raised by Shen. “This is the beginning of the year of the peacock... Happy new year sir.”

Shen leans in. “Tell the wolves to get the cannons loaded on the ships, now...” Alpha eye shift a bit. “NOW! NOW NOW!” Alpha quickly let go of Gale rushing up the ladder. “As for you...” Shen gaze fell upon Gale. “You sparked my interest...”

Gale gave a nervous laugh shirking back upon the dark gaze that settled upon him by Shen.

Soothsayer walk up the steps with the gorilla guard behind her, as they arrived on the platform Shen's spear slide to a stop just in front of them, Soothsayer and the gorilla stared at it before looking up to see Shen holding one wing with the other glaring at Alpha, he stood with mallet in hand in front of Gale.

“How dare you strike me! I am your lord, your master!” Shen spoke in a threatening tone with tail feathers flared up and wide.

Alpha stood in his defence stance ready for Shen to attack. “I strike you Lord Shen because you were about to harm a child! Yes he has unknowing and scary powers within, but it doesn't mean you can use that staff to torture him!”

Shen brings out three blades from his right wing, Gale shifts himself back against the wall. “He has abilities that I want! He going to give me them one way or the other!”

“Stop acting like a fool Shen, not only you destroyed your ancestor home, you wish to bring harm to force a child that do not know how to control the magic within him let alone explain how.” Soothsayer put her stick on his wing being it down.

Shen turn to the gorilla he toss the staff over, taking it he heated up the tip of the blade, Alpha growls with a arm out to Gale taking a more aggressive stance. “A trivial sacrifice, when whole of china is my award.” He poke the map causing it to burn, he place the staff down with wings spread out.

Soothsayer speaks walking up a little behind him. “Will you be satisfied with the subjugation of the whole world finally make you feel better?” She looked at him angrily. “Will harming a young child to the point of killing him weather or not you get his pure magic?”

Shen causally walk by her. “It a start, I will convert the basement into a dungeon too.”

Alpha's eye widen as he heard those words, he lower the mallet a little, Gale staring with fear by his right leg holding up to the armour side. “I won't let that happen.”

“Won't?” Shen turn to Alpha. “Didn't you and I with a pack of wolves took care of those pandas 30 years ago?”

Alpha lower his head slightly his eye shifting away. “Yes and I can't change what I did back than but I can change what I do now.” He rose his head reading to fight.

“The cup you choose has no bottom, it is time to stop this madness.” She walked him to his left.

Shen smirked glancing at her for a second. “Why on earth would I do that?”

“So your parents can rest in peace.”

Shen grew anger. “My parents hated me.”

Gale listened to them. “What he said isn't true... I found out how they past away, Soothsayer going to tell him.” Alpha whispered to Gale, he nod in reply to listen.

“You don't understand.” He speaks quickly in pain. “They rubbed me and I... I will make it right.”

Soothsayer showed sadness. “They loved you so much that sending you away killed them...”

Shen coldly turn to her. “The dead excised in the past, I must tend to the future.” He looked directly at the gorilla. “Let the Soothsayer free, the griffon stays.”

Gale looked at his talon and the mallet, a idea came to mind and he place the talon on the mallet itself. “Wh-” Alpha look down to see the talon glow with the bluish white energy moving over it. “What did you do?”

“Use it, we escape...”

Alpha made his mind up at that very moment, he could of used this energy on the Panda and his friends for Shen but Gale gave this to him in good faith, Alpha raised it up. “As you wish Lord Griffon.”

“Wh-” Shen turn to Alpha to see the bluish white glowing mallet end with electrical energy coming off it. “What did he do to your weapon!?”

Soothsayer calmly moved beside Gale. “As I saw.” She whispered rubbing her beard.

Alpha grinned. “Let's see shall we?” He smash it down right in front of Shen and the gorilla, a massive explosion of energy erupts from the impact.

Shen get blown away with his tail feathers and wings spread out to slow himself down, sliding to a stop on the wooden walkway on the other side of the building, metal claws on the talons digging deep, the gorilla wasn't so lucky he smashed through the wooden wall sailing across crashing through a roof of a building.

Shen looked back at the direction of the platform he was on to see no sign of Alpha, Gale or Soothsayer. “Where did they go!?” He looked rapidly. “You four find them now!” The stunned wolves snapped out of their shock and quickly rushed out.

Shen looked at his wing arms seeing the electrical energy dancing off it, he felt a bit paralysed from the impact. “What incredible power that griffon has, he transferred his magic into that mallet, I must have it...”

The wolves quickly jumping on roof top to roof top, one of them found the remains of the mallet being the stick, he shows it to them and they followed the trail to the harbour area, landing on the stone path ground they looked around for Alpha and the others.

A lone antelope driver stood by his cart fixing it. “You!”

He turn jumping back at the sight of them. “P-please don't harm me or damage my cart!”

“We won't if you tell us where they went!”

He quickly point in a direction. “A wolf, sheep and strange bird-cat ran that way!”

They nod and rush off disappearing into the streets, on a boat tethered to the pier Gale pulled the tarp back. “Th-thank you...”

“I would of shopped in that wolf over there but I couldn't do it to you or Soothsayer...” He step up to Gale, Alpha just looked away. “I am not sure why you gave me this silver bar though.” He pulled it out of his pocket.

Gale laughed. “You rip it off and eat the chocolate inside silly.”

“Rip it off?” He did so to see the brown item within, taking a sniff of it he chewed a little of it. “Wow this is really something! This chocolate is really tasty!”

“It is but don't eat too much or you might get sick.” Gale smiled.

“Oh I'll take my time! Take care!” He put it away in the pocket, grabbing hold of the handles of the cart he ran off.

Soothsayer point to the rope. “Remove the rope Alpha, we have a village to return too.”

“Village? Why can't we go find Discord and the others?” Gale hooped back on the boat.

Soothsayer put her hoof hand on his shoulder. “This is the path we need to take, trust me.”

Gale nods. “Okay.” He turn to Alpha. “Can you please do it and take us to the village?”

Alpha walked by them removing the rope and putting it into the boat. “Very well Lord Griffon, I do not look forward to this...”

“Why?”

“Because it where it all began with Shen...”

“Can you tell me?” Gale asked.

Alpha open the sails up and took hold of the rudder. “Very well Lord Griffon, it will not be pleasant...”

Gale smiled sitting down before him. “It Gale, Griffon is what I am.”

“Lord Gale.” He bow his head slightly. “What happened all those years ago started when Shen discovered other means of use with the fireworks his parents created...”

Soothsayer walked inside peering through the cloth she smiled.

“The stone path has crumbled and a new one is forged, destiny has been changed...”

Discord eyes snap open, he sits up quickly looking around to have Crane put his wing over his shoulder. “Your safe.” Discord looked at him noticing the injured other wing, the vision clear up a bit to see he was in some sort of jail, in one of the cells were a Ox and a crocodile staring back at him.

Discord push the uninjured wing off his shoulder, standing up he noticed Tigress kneeing to Po. “The idiot panda hiding something about Shen, it the second time he froze with that symbol.” Discord bluntly said to the other members of the Furious Five.

“What does a symbol have to do with him freezing up?” Monkey asked looking up at Discord.

“Deep scared memories is most likely the answer to that.” Discord answered. “But you have to let him reveal it though when his ready, he most likely will comprise the rescue of Gale.”

They watch as Tigress tells Po to stay and the masters will keep out of danger. “You took a blow from those weapons and yet you seem fine, how is that?” Viper asked slithering around his body.

Discord watching her movements around his body. “Chaos, nothing more, nothing less.”

“Wow, you either a good liar or you really are telling the truth.” Mantis said.

“Oh course.” Discord turn walking up the steps. “Tell me when the panda and tiger done with their little dance so we can get right to the point of saving Gale.”

“Your worried.” Crane said looking up the steps.

Discord glance back at him. “No beak brain, I am terrified, if Shen get Gale to some how share his magic with him, kiss everything goodbye.”

They all looked at each other as Discord went to the door standing by it peering out to the street through a tiny opening. “Tigress No!” He quickly turn the sound of Viper's voice to see Tigress was hugging Po, Crane beak drop open.

“Well, now that a nice bit of chaos.” Discord raise his talon with energy coming off it slightly. “That just what I needed.” Discord chuckled.

Tigress walked towards Discord passing the others. “Maybe you can't watch me by killed?” Crane said nervously.

“Stop being a wimp.” She coldly responded.

Discord heard a few thuds from outside, quickly looking into the street he saw four wolves. “If what that antelope said is true, they must of come this way.” One said as they walked towards the door.

“We'll ask the Ox and Croc if they seen them.” Another said.

Discord quickly moved away from the door. “We got to hide now, wolves incoming.”

Tigress and the others stopped. “We just knock them out.”

“No you will not, they here to talk to those in that cell, I rather find out what they are going to ask rather you knock their brains out.” Discord walked up to her towering over Tigress. “And I will use all of the chaos I have left to make sure of it, so make your choice, either hide or I force it upon us all.” He raised the paw.

“Make your choice.”

Tigress sighs. “Fine, we go with hide.” She turn to Po. “I got a idea how to hide Po.” She look over to Master Ox, who saw that look from her.

The doors open fully moments later, the four wolves walked down the steps to the circle central part of the jail, they head right for the masters. “You Ox.”

“Yes?” He calmly said making eye contact to the wolf.

The others looking around keeping their guard up, even one looking around at the ceiling. “We were directed in this direction, there a rouge wolf, goat and griffon fled from Lord Shen, have you seen them?”

“I know of the Soothsayer if you speaking of her, but haven't seen her since Master Rhino was killed by your weapon.” He said with bitterness in his voice. “Not sure what a griffon is though.”

“It a bird-lion hybrid, a child.”

Ox blinked. “Closest thing to a hybrid I saw was some weird mixed up creature made up of at least ten races by my count.”

The wolves were on their guard more than ever now. “That freak was here?”

“Was? Yes, now no.” He answered.

The wolves relaxed a little. “I don't think they seen them.”

First wolf sighed. “We have to keep moving, if we don't find them Lord Shen make sure we won't see the next day.” He turn to leave. “Come we better get a move on.”

“Yes sir!” They said together quickly leaving the jail with the first wolf closing the door to the street behind them.

Coming out of the other cells and out of hiding the Furious Five emerged, Discord step out from behind a pillar, Po emerged from behind Master Ox. “It look like a rescue mission no longer required.” Crane said.

Tigress nod. “Indeed, we can move on with taking out the weapon factory, making sure none of those weapons get out of Goneman City.”

Discord closed his eyes focusing and his eyes snapped open. “I know where Gale is, thanks to Oogway and keeping a bit of that energy I can teleport myself directly to him.”

“Take Po with you.” Tigress said to him.

“Not happening.” Both Po and Discord said together.

“I am not taking no as a answer, your doing it Discord.”

Discord pokes her in the chest. “I have enough to teleport directly there for myself, if I take something like him.” Discord point to Po. “Who know what his weight would do to throw my magic off!”

“Hey!”

“It not a insult it a matter of fax!”Discord snapped back at Po. “Do you know how chaos magic work?” He turn back to Tigress. “Are you now a expert in it now?”

Tigress grows and didn't answer. “How about one of us that light or small go with Discord see if Gale okay and come back?” Crane suggested.

Discord look directly at him. “Skinny tall legs, big wings, long neck and beak, feather weight...” Discord walked around him giving a good look, Crane nervously follow his movements, the others had a feeling what was about to happen. “Yes you can come with me.” Discord put his griffon arm around him.

Crane eyes widen. “No I didn't mean m-” With a snap of the lion paw both of them were gone.

“Wow, they just gone!” Monkey waving his hand over the spot they stood.

Tigress cross her arms. “What do we do now Tigress?” Viper asked

“We wait...”

(Line break)

Gale using charcoal on a piece of paper, drawing on it close to the lit flame dancing around before him, Alpha leaning on a beam support watching over him with his eye, Po laid on a make shift bed while Soothsayer was preparing the medication for Po when he wakes.

“You are tense Alpha.” Soothsayer calmly said with her back to him.

Alpha turn his eye to her direct. “Can you blame me for not?”

Soothsayer holding the bowl filled with the medication. “No I can not, yet you stepping back here wasn't something I saw, not till recently.”

Alpha turn back to the wasted village. “I can agree with you on that, I did what I done because of Lord Gale...”

Gale looked up. “I didn't do anything special, I was just being me... Well the me I am now and not what I can't remember... I think...” Gale went back to drawing. “It confusing...”

“Just don't let what you were before become what you are now.”

“Huh?” Gale paused in his drawing now looking to Soothsayer. “What do you mean by that?”

“Do you want to return to who you once were?” She asked putting a hoof hand under his beak lifting his head slightly.

Gale gave a thoughtful look, taking a moment to answer. “I would like to know my past, but also it is the past and the amount of time that past I can never reclaim, just remember...”

Soothsayer smiled removing her hoof head. “Indeed, four thousand of them is too vast of time that past is it not?”

Gale beak drops open staring at her, Alpha glance back with confusion. “You lost me goat.”

“H-”

“How?” Gale nods. “Soothsayer not just my name is what I can do, plus your mind remember.” She tap the top of his head.

Gale realised what she meant. “Oooo...” Gale went back to drawing.

“Are you two going to fill me in?” Alpha looking between the two of them, he heard slight movement Po's direction, Soothsayer raise her hoof hand to her muzzle, giving him the signal to do nothing.

Po reopen his eyes to turn his head and be face to face with Soothsayer getting a shock as he quickly sit up to cringe in pain, laying back down slightly rubbing the side of his head while Soothsayer held out the bowl of medicine for Po to take.

One look at it and her he spoke. “Yeah... Like you can make me drink th-ahhh.” With a poke of a needle on his forehead, Po open his mouth up, eyes inverted cross eyed and she toss the liquid into his mouth, pulling the pin out of his forehead Po closed his mouth whooshing it around his mouth before swallowing.

He groans in disgust at the taste of it as Soothsayer walk back to the fire sitting down in front of it. “If I wanted you dead, I would of left you in that river.”

“Why save me?” He pull out a needle from the side of his head.

“So you can fulfil your destiny.”

Po continue to pull the needles out. “What are you talking about?” He looks around. “Were am I?” He saw a ruined village. “What is this place?”

She looked over at him with sadness, Gale and Alpha not moving listened and watched. “I'm surprised you remember so little Po...” She look back to fire. “You were so little when it happened.” Soothsayer glance to Alpha, he shifted uneasily from the look.

Po started to hear screaming in his head and breathes heavily before pulling the tear shape bottle off his head, falling forwards on his hand paws and knees crawling outside. “Prehaps you do remember.”

“Now what? It just a stupid nightmare.”

Alpha finally spoke. “It was no nightmare panda... I was here... I helped Shen do all this...” Alpha push off the pillar looking around sadly, Po looked at him with confusion and anger seeing who it was. “In all my years I never thought I would step back here let alone strike at Shen...”

Po looked at the water, he started to remember his past recalling the moments before Shen and the wolves attacked, he step down the steps and Gale got up walking up beside Alpha as Soothsayer spoke. “This was a thriving village, young Shen was in line to rule Goneman City, but he wanted more...”

Soothsayer roll the pot around in a circle motion. “I foretold that one would stand in his way, a panda...” She glance over to him and ahead staring off into space. “I never would have foretold what came next...” She roll out a stick from the pot into the fire.

Po instantly recalls the attack of Shen squawking out with spear pointing out, wolves attacking, Shen turns seeing the child Po. “Get them all!” The two wolves charge right at him bouncing towards young Po.

His father runs in front and hit the two wolves with a mallet of his own knocking the wolves back as well taking one of their eyes out. “Take our son and run away, go!” His father put a paw hand out to his wife as she pick up young Po running away, he drop the plush panda on the ground bouncing to the burning out to be buried.

Po walk up to the very ruined house pushing some wood away to show the plush panda picking it up, Alpha place his paw over the closed eye, the eye Po's father took out. Po had a flash of his mouth putting him down and turning away, holding his head breathing heavily. “Stop fighting, let it flow...”

Alpha slowly look to Soothsayer. “Soothsayer...” She nods to him.

Alpha walk towards Po as he put the plush down, Gale felt the hoof hand on his shoulder. “Watch...” He nods.

Po look up at the rain than to Alpha, the wolf look back to the panda, no words said between them but a clarity of understanding suddenly flowed through both of them, compelled Alpha follows Po's movement shifting right paw foot back moving the right hand paw past their own faces with eyes closed.

The left hand paw over across with both apart from each other holding nothing but air they shift to the left with both paw hands moving in sync, lifting their right paw hands up a droplet rolls down the palm fingers to the palms of their paw hands.

Po start to remember the final moments of his mother carrying in as a child, Alpha recalling the moment he ran with Shen after them. They shift around in motion moving the droplet to the other paw hand twisting them around, from one arm to the other.

Gale watched with surprise as the droplet seem to just roll around with the strange motion of movement coming from Alpha and Po.

Po open his eyes for a moment recalling his very last moments with his mother as she saves his life by hiding him in the box of radishes, she run up the mound and wave the wolves with Shen to follow as she flees.

Their final act letting the droplet roll of the paw hand onto a plant leaf.

Po breathing heavily, Alpha fallen backwards on his rump breathing also heavily tears falling from his only eye. “Nothing I do can be foregiven... I am sorry for what I did that day and how much more blinded I am really are...”

Gale walk up to him putting his talon hand on his shoulder. “Alpha your not blind cause you protected me.”

Alpha turn to Gale. “I did, didn't I?” Gale nods with a smile. “How can you even smile at me when I did all this bad stuff?”

“Because you have a heart silly.” Gale pat his chest were the heart is a few times.

Po closed his eyes with sadness turning it away. “Your story may have not a happy beginning, but that doesn't make you who you are, it is the rest of your story who you choose to be.”

Po start recalling all his time with his dad to becoming the dragon warrior, making friends with Master Shifu, the furious five and defeating those that would bring harm to the Valley of Peace. “So... Who are you panada?”

Po gets up. “I am Po and I am going to need a hat...”

In a blinding flash from the climenting words from Po appeared Discord and Crane.

“Eeeee...” Crane looked around getting the glare of the flash out of his sights, first thing he saw standing before him was- “Po how did you get here and why are you all bandaged up like that?”

The reaction Crane got wasn't something he or some of them was expecting, with a exciting gasp and pointing Po speaks. “I get what you meant Crane! When you returned to the prison coming to the village!”

Crane bend his neck backwards slight with a raised confused eye and expression. “You were at the prison just a second ago...”

Po pull out a piece of paper from his pants opening it up showing Crane the drawing. “You gave me this and told me to open it next time we met!”

Gale looked at his drawing and at the one Po held, it had three finger claws marked in charcoal like the one with the drawing he held having the same marks. “You realised haven't you Gale?” Soothsayer takes it from his talons, Gale nods silently. “Let me handle it.” Gale nod again.

Soothsayer walk up to Crane. “I didn't give you anything Po, not that picture!”

“Not yet.” Soothsayer speaks and he turn to her gasping with a jump back as she was right next to him. “This.” She show the drawing and folds it up. “Is the one and the same that Po has, when you return you will give him this.”

She place it in Crane's wing. “I don't understand...”

Discord rolled his eyes about to say something but Soothsayer hit him in the leg with her stick causing Discord to yelp in pain. “Not your time to speak Lord of Chaos, be patient.” Discord humpths with arms crossed.

Alpha took the picture from Po seeing it slightly water damaged. “That means your from the past events that came... I heard tales of this but didn't know it was true...”

“With chaos anything is possible.” Soothsayer calmly said turning to Crane. “When you return, for us it the past but for you in the present, this moment is the future yet to come.”

Crane groans. “This is giving me a headache...”

“It mostly does, when Discord returns you Crane, do not speak of seeing Po, tell him to show you when you meet again, which be this very moment, if you do not who knows what could happen.” Soothsayer smiled warmly. “Even you know now Po doesn't listen to Tigress to stay, you have to let it happen.”

Crane look over to Po. “You didn't stay in the prison? But how can that happen already yet it haven't?”

Po shrugs. “I don't know, but it awesome! So you know that what happens to me and what most likely happened to you guys I be there to get you out of it.” Po smiled warmly giving Crane a hug. “See you soon Crane.”

Crane looked around. “Sure... But where am I exactly?”

“That we can not share, just say we in a abandon village.” Soothsayer said to Crane. “Just say these exact words... Gale is okay with the Soothsayer and the rouge wolf in some abandon village, I am not sure where it is but Soothsayer told me to give this to you Po, also to show me it when we meet again. In that exact quote.” Soothsayer said to him.

“Bu-” Discord snap his lion paw and Crane vanishes.

Po look at the spot Crane once stood at. “How do we know it worked?”

“Because we are still here and exactly how it happened before, now and future.” Soothsayer said turning to Discord looking to his head. “I believe Po need a hat.”

Discord look up and back down to the Soothsayer. “Get your own!”

“It is yours that he need.” She calmly said back, they look into each other eyes staring for a few moments before Discord gives in.

With a groan Discord took off the hat. “Fine... Here Po, you wanted a hat have mine.” He toss it over to Po.

Po caught it putting it on his head. “Alright! Now it on!”

Alpha eye shift left and right. “You do what you need to do Panda, Lord of Chaos you help him, Gale I am going to need your help with something.”

“Who are you to-”

Soothsayer speaks over Discord. “Talk to me like that? That one that knows Shen's plan, go and help Po, Alpha and Gale will do what they need to do.”

Alpha give to picture back to Po. “See you at the city Panda, make sure to save your friends and stop those boats from getting into the harbour.”

“You got it Alpha.” He closed his fist out to Alpha, he bumps it with his own fist.

Gale turn to Discord. “Guess we going our own ways again.”

Discord shrugs. “It all part of the plot of a dream adventure, nothing goes as one thinks it might do, unless they they complete control of said dream.” Discord poke Gale on the end of his beak with a smirk.

“See you soon I guess and Discord.”

“Yes Gale?”

“Be careful okay?”

“You too...” Discord muttered, he watched Gale and Alpha leave.

Soothsayer stood by him. “Dream adventures are a interesting twist of chaos is it not?”

“Yes it-” He turn to Soothsayer seeing that look. “You know?”

“From the beginning.” She walk over to the fire leaving Discord having his jaw drop.

Po slap Discord on the back. “Ready to say Tigress and the others?” Discord put his jaw back in place.

“Sure, whatever you say...” Discord raise his paw. “Time for the final chapter to turn.” With a snap of the paw they vanish.

Soothsayer put the fire out. “Now let's see if Shen's fate can be changed... Yet I feel it most likely not going to happen... Oh Shen...” She sighs walking away from the fire towards Goneman City.

Alpha and Gale having re-enter the city arrive at the ruins of the palace, standing before the large stone mallet they stared at it, a eerie feel came in the air where this was the last moments of Master Rhino, Alpha turn and knelt down to Gale gazing into eyes with his only eye.

Silently looking at each other they soon heard the sound of howls, turning to that very direction they could see the large mast with the sail of the peacock on it. Shen was making his move as dawn started to come, the time for action was now and Alpha was going to need Gale's help to help Po.

Alpha place his paw on Gale's shoulder. “Use your gift Lord Gale and let's end this nightmare before Shen can unleash it.”

Gale turn to Alpha and back to the sails, he finally turn to the stone mallet of Master Rhino.

Discord leaning against a wall of a building standing on a lower roof watch the boats destroy the bridges to make way, Alpha and Gale land on the roof seeing that the ships were already on the move towards the harbour. “Discord where is Po?” Gale asked looking around for the panda.

“Oh he just ahead of the ships over at that roof top.” Discord nod his head in the direction, they saw him standing there with Discord's cone hat on. “Oh keep theses on.” He pull out three sets of head phones. “Trust me you will need them.”

Gale took one, Alpha did too. “What exactly are this thing?” Alpha studied it placing the stone mallet down with a thud breaking a few tiles causing them to crash down on the street blow.

Gale put his on over the ears. “You put them on like this, they either have sound play through them or block sound.”

Alpha raise a eye brow. “Why would I want to block out sound?”

Discord put his on. “Oh believe me you will see soon enough.” Alpha put his on and just in time.

Po stood firm and speaks out, soon as he did the voice boomed out through out Goneman City causing everyone to cover their ears. “SHEN!”

Alpha heard it through the head piece but just enough not to be deafening as it is to everyone else. “What did you do!?” Alpha turn to Discord who was in fits of laughter.

“Hahaha I hahaha modified my hat to amplify his voice hahahaha!” Discord holding his tube body around the gut area continuing to laugh.

Gale snorted in amusement too seeing how Shen reacted on the main ship at the back of the fleet, Alpha smirked seeing the pain Po was causing him and the other wolves. “Lord of Chaos, I can see why you have that title.” He chuckled lightly resting his arm against the pole of the stone mallet.

“A PANDA STANDS BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR DESTINY!”

“WILL YOU STOP TALKING YOUR GOING TO MAKE US ALL DEAF!” Shen shouted at the top of his lungs back at Po but doesn't reach the panda.

He keep shouting out that the words couldn't be quiet heard as everyone cringe in pain.

“DISC Of destruction.” Po pull back and throws it, the hat sails past the chain right for Shen,

Shen sees it coming at the last second, not able to react it suddenly explodes into confetti and streamers all over Shen with glitter. Po cover his mouth trying not to laugh at what happened to Shen, he squawks angrily seeing others around him trying not to laugh at him too. “That does it! Take aim!”

Po see the cannons raise up to him. “Uh oh...”

“Ready... Aim...” Po leap off the roof bouncing off a few others causing them to try and re aim.

Discord turn to Alpha. “I had my fun, your turn wolf boy.” Discord pat him on the back.

Alpha lift the stone mallet up. “This won't explode like that last one will it?”

Gale shook his head. “No I don't think it should, but I can't promise it won't...”

“It good enough for me Lord Gale.” He jump over to the next roof to the next as Po leap on the boat and jump onto the next causing the two cannons to now turn on each other on the front boats.

Lighting the fuse on one boat the other wolves by Po cry out. “Don't shoot, don't shoot!” Over and over again with some leaping into the water.

“Friendly fire! Don't shoot!” The wolf on Shen's ship cry out, they put out the fuse in time.

Shen point to Po. “Attack!” The wolves on the other ships and from behind start to attack him all at once.

Alpha lands right next to Po hitting a few of them away with the stone mallet. “Whoa how are you holding that thing up!? That must weigh a lot!”

“Oh it does.” Alpha blocks a blade from hitting Po and hit the wolf away catching the blade tossing it to Po. “Gale's gift made it light for me.” He smirked.

Po grabbed the blade. “Ooo that is so neat!” Po roll over some of the wolves. “Catch of Freedom!” Po toss the blade to his friends before getting jumped all over by the pack.

“Monkey!” Tigress spoke, he grab with his tail and spin around breaking the chains freeing all of them.

They land around Po using their kicks, tail whip, punches and wing attacks to knock all the wolves away part from Alpha, Crane quickly stop Tigress from hitting Alpha. “His the rouge wolf at the village Tigress.”

“Fine...” Tigress move into a battle stance. “Impressive dragon warrior, what the plan?”

“Step one save the Furious Five...”

“What the next plan?”

Alpha speaks up for Po. “Stop Shen before his ships reach the harbour.”

Po nods. “Just like Alpha said!” They start pushing through with kung fu, kicking, punching, dodging and knocking through the wolves raising from one boat to the other.

Ox comes in from behind knocking away more wolves, Po turn around gasping with surprise. “Master Ox!” Croc burst out of the water spilt kicking two wolves before landing with a splits. “And Croc!”

“Vengeance is served.” Master Croc said as the fight behind Po continue.

“What are y-”

Ox hints behind them. “Your friend there is very persuasive.” Po look over to see many wolves getting knocked around to see Shifu jump up hitting a few of them in the air before tossing the stick down in front and landing on it.

“Master Shifu!”

Gale watching the action from the roof near the harbour bridge. “Oh wow they really showing them!” Discord snap his talon as one wolf came at him turning the wolf into a puppy, the pup look over at himself and runs away.

“They are, it seem the red panda gave them something to do.”

Gale flew up over the bridge looking down as they knock one boat up to pin itself on the arch, the others pulled together by Po and Crane doing his wing burst wind attack. The results causes those boats to block the way through, the wolves quickly rush up to only get all the kung fu fighters emerging and knocking all the wolves back racing to Shen in a stars of light.

“Why aren't we firing!?” Shen cries out in panic.

“They taking our of gunners sir!”

“Fire! Fire the damn thing!”

“But sir we will kill our own!”

“I said fire at them! FIRE FIRE!”

The wolf turn to him and toss the stick down. “No I won't! Now I know why Alpha tu-” He didn't get to finish when Shen threw three blades at him killing the wolf.

Alpha saw this, a chill ran through his body that moment he knew that would have been him, he turn to Gale just above the arch and back to Shen. “He going to fire...” Shen leap up onto the cannon causing it to lower right at Po and the other kung fu fighters, Alpha knew the fire power alone wouldn't be enough but all those ships buckled and broken did, this could easily chain react.

“Discord, Gale in the line of fire!” Alpha shouted out to the Lord of Chaos.

Discord look down at Alpha pointing to the stone arch, he was in turmoil. “Ah poop! I can't believe I am going to do this!” Discord flew right over to Gale twisting his body around Gale shielding him just as the cannon fires, it causes a massive chain of explosions with a powerful concussive force sending them flying into the harbour waters.

Gale dazed from the sudden events slowly regain his senses feeling the cool water washing around him, he found himself on a blank of wood from a ship remains. Discord lying out cold on another near by him, Alpha surfaced swimming over to both of them. “When did he fire on his army like that?” Gale asked rubbing the side of his head.

Alpha turn to the ships entering the harbour lining up. “Because he only cares for a bottomless pit of power... He need to be stopped...” Alpha push Gale and Discord away swimming towards a much larger piece where the stone mallet laid on top of.

Gale reach out to Alpha. “Don't go!” Alpha didn't reply but smile to Gale as he continue to swim.

Discord groans slowly raising his head. “Wh-what did I miss?”

“Alpha and Po are heading right to that massive pieces of ship remains! They be big open targets Discord!” Gale tried to flap his wings finding the water on them made hard for him to do so.

Discord put his paw on Gale's foreleg. “I got a feeling they are going to be fine.”

“B-”

“Trust the Lord of Chaos, I can sense it.” Gale look to Discord and back to them as they stood up, Gale slowly nod but feeling uneasy doing nothing but watch.

Both Po and Alpha stood closing their eyes, Shen laughed lightly. “As you wish, let's finish this.” All the cannons lined up for the shot at Po and Alpha, the others watched unable to act. Po shift his right foot back moving his arms slightly in rhythm, Shifu saw it with widen eyes as he knew what Po was doing.

Alpha kick up the stone mallet holding it with one hand paw moving in the same motion as Po a few seconds later. “Oooo my chaos senses are tingling!” Discord shivered with excitement.

Po put his hand paws apart from each other opening his eyes, Shen smiling calls out the attack order. “Fire!” The cannonball race across in a sparkling light of red right at Po.

Po closed his eyes sensing the ball coming as a droplet. “Inner peace...” He thought, opening his eyes shifting the hand paw forwards, to everyone surprise he not only caught it but toss it to his left into the water, Shen and Shifu stared in surprise as it splashed down.

Alpha one eye open smirked till Po showed he had his paw hand on fire running around, staring at the panda shaking it about. “Hot hot hot hot.” He shoving his paw hand in his own mouth putting out the flame.

Shen looked at him angrily. “Again!”

Alpha this time caught the cannonball with his mallet twisting around and it widely flies up, both Po and Alpha looked around for where it hit to hear the splash behind them near one of the boats, the wolves step back nervously seeing how close it was from hitting their ship.

Po punch the air with both fists. “Yeah!” Another comes in and he dodges it as Alpha did a flip over one too.

“Kill them!” Shen growled in anger. “Somebody kill them!”

Gale blinked a few times as his mind couldn't even process what was happening before his own eyes as both of them was returning the cannonballs back at the fleet. “H-how is that possible!?”

“Dreams are chaotic so the rules of it doesn't apply, it is your dream adventure afterall, I am only here as a guest.” Discord chuckled as Po flip around two cannonballs to catch one, he spins around a few times throwing it back to hit a ship causing it front to explode and sink it.

Shen watched in disbelief as his fleet was being destroyed by a wolf that turned on him and a panda. “What!? NO!” Tigress grinned seeing at Po and Alpha were winning, Po point to one of his eyes and point to Shen with a sly smirk shifting into position as Alpha did too. “Keep firing! Keep firing!” Gorilla look at him and back to the fuse to light it, the nearby wolf ship fires too.

Alpha catch the wolf ship one sending him back behind Po, as this happens Po catches the one fired from Shen's ship, claws digging into the metal before he start to be lifted in the air coming down to spin around from the force of the cannonball, Alpha spinning around behind him like a spin top.

Shen sees the black and white symbol with the light behind, the very thing Soothsayer showed would happen and that moment was his defeat, wide eyed Shen knew what was about to come as Po spins around a few times speaking out. “Scodoosh!” The ball flies.

“For peace!” Alpha let his fly right behind Po's returning cannonball, they right next each other flying right for Shen's ship.

Shen braced himself as the two cannonballs hit the cannon direct causing a massive explosion that engulfed the ship, Shen regains his senses lying on the deck coughing as he sits up to look up at the remains of the cannon held in place by rope, it wrecked beyond repair. Looking around he saw his whole fleet was in ruins, all destroyed. “Ho-how did-how did you do it?”

Po stood with Alpha before Shen, Alpha saw the puzzle sphere picking it up off the deck, Po was about to speak when Gale lands in front of them closing his wings up. “Shen...”

“Going to gloat are you?”

Gale shook his head. “No...” He looked around. “This is what Soothsayer said would happen if you continued down this bottomless pit of craving power, you had so much and lost it all for more and more... Don't you see that there is only two paths left for you now?”

Shen twist around about to draw his blade but saw a spark of light from Gale's eyes. “So this is the moment she spoke of... The path changed so slightly...”

“You done so many bad things because of the darkness that grew in you, there a chance that you could find that light Shen...”

Discord appears behind them, Po and Alpha turn to him, he didn't say a word just looking at Shen. “I see...”

Alpha sighed seeing the blades appearing from the sleeve. “Lord Gale, you said you piece let's go... Leave this for Po to deal with.” Gale sighed without a word turning around walking up to Alpha raising his talon out to him, he took it with the paw hand. “Discord take us to the pier...”

Discord looked down at them and over at Shen. “There is no black and white, only grey.” He said and with a snap of the lion paw they vanished leaving only Po with Shen.

“Now what will you do Shen?”

Shen looked around breathing in and out steadily drawing four more blades tossing one that land in front of Po. “I took everything away from you and yet you found peace... I first do not know how but now I do... Take the blade, give it to the griffon and tell him...”

“Thank you for trying to reach into my darken heart, the spark of light is faint but it can't change what I am or who I am...”

Po picked up realising what Shen was about to do. “Sh-”

“Go panda, get out of here now!” He toss the blades in six directions cutting the rope by a single thread each, the sudden cut cause the cannon remains to shift downwards slightly.

Po nods. “For what it worth, you changed your fate...” Po turn and runs.

Shen put his wing arms into the sleeves as each rope snaps and the cannon remains start to fall. “So this is what it feels to be at peace at one self?” He closed his eyes as he let the hands of destiny take the cause he choose.

Po leaps off the ship just as the cannon hits the deck with a chain of explosions set him flying into the water, the others watch hoping he is alright to get their answer when he surface. The residents of the city cheer in delight as Tigress put her paw hand out, he takes it and helped out of the water.

“That was pretty hard core.” She smiled and he gave her a hug causing Tigress to freeze up, Crane beak drops and the others stare in shock, Po realises and let go of Tigress. Monkey quickly jump hug him as so does the others.

Shifu step up to him. “It seems you have found inner peace and at such a young age.”

Gale, Discord and Alpha watch from afar and the fireworks go off. “Well that was anticlimactic... How did you sway Shen like that?” Discord asked as they watched the fireworks.

Gale sitting on the wall holding the puzzle sphere watching the colourful blasts. “I just spoke to him, but I was hoping he would take the other option.”

Alpha leaning on the wall glaze at the mallet beside him for a second before looking back at the ying-yang firework blast appear. “Sometimes destiny can not be changed no matter how hard you try to change it Lord Gale.”

“I changed yours.” Gale turn to Alpha. “Didn't I?”

“Yes you did and I am glad you did.” Alpha nod.

Soothsayer step up to them. “I am glad I caught you before you've left.” They turn to her. “Alpha your story continues because of Gale, I believe you should go with him.”

“What?”

“I believe you should go with Gale back to Dream Cavern, unless you want to spend the rest of your days in jail here in Goneman City.” Soothsayer stated.

Gale blinked. “Why? He helped save Goneman City?”

Soothsayer tap Alpha's black nose causing him to lick it. “Because he did a lot of bad things for the last 30 years, also one secert he holds can not be told to the panda, not yet anyway.”

Discord raise a eye. “And that be?”

Alpha put his paw hand over the closed eye. “I speared his father.”

Discord raised eye turn to startled look. “Well I wasn't expecting that...”

Soothsayer look over to her right. “Gale go before Po and the others come, I will explain to them.”

Gale jump off the wall. “Alpha will you come with us?”

Alpha look to the Soothsayer and back to Gale. “She helped change my destiny, I own her that much and I am loyal to you Lord Gale.” He knelt down to Gale with his head down. “I will go with you, sir.”

“Can you tell the others we see them again some day?”

“I will.” Soothsayer step back as Gale turn the rings around to the circle discs, the puzzle sphere at 195 makes a unlock sound, in a burst of bluish white cloud with lightning surrounding them they were gone as soon as it disburst before her eyes.

Po appeared up the steps gasping for air. “Soothsayer I... I hoping you seen Gale.”

“I did but you just missed him, they gone back home.” Soothsayer turn to Po. “Hold on to that and give it to him whenever he returns.” She hints to the feather blade held in his right hand paw.

“Aw come on!” Po groans.

In the Dream Randomiser Chamber Blue leaning against the wall still noticed the bluish white blast of energy come down. “Their adventure already over? It only been 30 minutes...” Blue push off the wall walking to the platform to see Gale, Discord and- “Master Gale who is that?”

Gale step off the platform. “This is Alpha, his a wolf from the dream adventure we had! It was a fun four days!”

“Did you say four days?”

“Yep!” Gale drop down on all fours shaking himself a bit. “Alpha I like you to meet Blue, is a jackal diamond dog and the guardian of Dream Cavern.”

Alpha step off the platform with his eye looking around before settling on Blue. “Your a strange looking dog.”

“As you are.” Blue respondd.

“Can you show him around?” Gale pull a chip out of the console placing it in a metal case. “And put this in the memory storage so we can go back to that dream adventure at another time?”

Blue took the case from him. “As you wish Master Gale, hope you enjoy your day.”

Gale nods. “I will! I got to tell mum all about this awesome dream adventure! Bye!” With that Gale vanish in a burst of particles before them.

Alpha finally realized something. “He was naked...You all are... He was standing on all fours...”

“Indeed, there is a fair few things to explain since Master Gale woken up.” Blue put the metal case into a slot on the wall.

Discord yawned walking by them. “For me I am getting some zzzzs, this dream form of myself need it rest, stone or not I need it.” Discord walk off down the corridor.

“Why are you all naked and I don't see any-”

Blue cuts him off. “Don't think hard on it and accept magic as the answer to your question, it much simpler.” Blue waves him to follow. “Come Alpha.”

Alpha follows him down the corridor. “Maybe Soothsayer was wrong, I should of died by the wing of Shen...”

“There must have been a reason for you to come, Gale wouldn't let a creation of his imagination from a dream adventure come back otherwise.” Blue calmly replied.

“Sound like your talking in my head...”

“In a way I am and...” They step out through the waterfall entrance. “Welcome to Dream Cavern your new home.”

Alpha jaw drops at the beauty of the cavern that he was in, the crystal lighting to the forest, fields, flowers, rivers and the few buildings that are in his view alone. “Okay...I take all that back and I'll accept magic as the answer to it all..”

Blue smirked slightly. “And the reason is?”

“I found paradise...”

Balcony window doors open with Gale standing outside watching the sun rise, in the distance he noticed Ponyville was under heavy construction, he looked up to the tower and flew up to it, walking inside to use the telescope to see it up close, when Gale did he was surprised by the amount of damage homes.

Gale turn it down to the tower house Gilda staying at to see her coming out of the door, she flying towards the castle. “Gilda, wake?” He whispered to himself moving away from the telescope, Gale jump onto the window ledge looking down to see Gilda had entered the castle.

Gale flew back down to his room's balcony, landing on it he closed the window doors walk to the bed getting his plush, he walk up to the bedroom doors opening them to have the two guards salute to him in response. “Morning Prince Gale, going to the dining room for breakfast?”

“Yes, please.” Gale nods, the guard turn heading down the stairs with the teen following as the other guard close the doors.

They arrive at the doors, the unicorn guard lets him in to be met with Sunbeam. “Morning Prince Gale, Gilda is in the kitchen at the moment making breakfast.”

Gale walk inside, the doors close. “Gilda is... Erm... Breakfast?” Gale tilt his head with curiousity.

“I am curious at what she cooking up too, why not take a seat and have some tea.” Sunbeam put her hoof out to the table, Cadance already sitting down at it. “Princess Cadance arrived a short time before you did.”

Gale nods walking up to the table putting his plush down on it. “M-mo-mor... Hi Cady.”

Cadance using her magic to pour in the hot tea, milk and sugar into the cup mixing it. “Morning Gale and a good attempt, you are picking up on words fast, keep it up cousin.”

Gale sat down. “Okay!” Gale took the cup blowing at it a few times before taking a sip of it. “Erm... say... sleep...”

“You want to tell me about your dream?” Cadance clarified.

“Yes!” Gale responds happily.

Cadance using her magic to bring over a few sheets of paper and quill to him. “While we wait for breakfast show or write it down for me.” Gale nods a few times rapidly with excitement taking the quill and sheets of paper from her magic, she felt the disconnect instantly he took them. “So that how Aunty Celestia feels when Gale touch her magic with his talons...” She whispers as Gale started to scribble on the paper.

Each page Gale complete he gave back to Cadance, she read to look at doodles drawings of his dream adventure with Discord which surprised her seeing the chaotic being in this dream, the other thing caught her attention was the characters in the dream adventure, they were anthropomorphic animals of all sizes to birds and insects.

“This is incredible, I never had such a vivid dream like this, the characters feel as if they are very much real as we are to this very villain called Shen, must say for a peacock that look so beautiful could be so evil... Guess you can't judge one by just looks alone hmm?”

“Yes... He... Mean things...”

Cadance noticed one of them showing Discord quickly covering Gale to shield him from a massive chain of explosions from three step by step scenes. “Discord protected you after Alpha told him to act quickly?” Gale nods.

“Discord?” They turn to see Luna walk into the room. “What is this of Discord?”

Cadance showed the pages to Luna. “Gale had a dream adventure with Discord in this world of Kung Fu, during the climax of the dream it seem Gale was in danger and Discord acted with word from this wolf called Alpha to protect Gale, which he did.”

Luna look through the pages quickly. “I had a feeling Gale would have a dream of Discord.” Luna look over to Gale. “What you created of Discord is nothing but false, he never would do such a thing as this.”

Gale blinked. “Q sleep, he.... Cavern.”

Luna stared. “Q? Cavern?” Then it hit her. “I... See...” Luna gave the papers back to Gale. “That would make a good story to share with your mum when she comes home later on today.” Gale squawks happily taking them and hug her.

Luna returned it. “Breakfast is served you dweebs!” They all turn around to the kitchen door into the dining room, Gilda had kick the door open with her hind paw walking in on her paws holding a wide tray full of scones on it. “Better be in the mood for Griffon Scones cause that all you getting from me this breakfast!” She placed it down on the table causing the long table to vibrate.

“You cooked?” Luna raise a eye brow.

Gilda growls slightly. “Yes I did! Got a problem with a griffon cooking this lame breakfast!?”

“Not at all.” Luna said calmly back to her. “I am just surprised to see that you've made breakfast.”

Gilda took a few placing on a plate as ponies walk in with butter on plates placing them down at their seats before leaving. “Celestia's damn small print in the contract is the main reason, she trolled me! Me! That crafty pony, she good reeeaaal good and it awesome to see a pony like her to do it even I am annoyed.” She spoke with annoyance towards amusement smile.

“Indeed...” Luna took a few herself taking a sniff of one. “These smell good.”

“Yum!” Gale already had took one and put the whole thing in his beak munching happily on it.

Gilda bit into her own and gave a wide eye surprise. “Wow those cooks wasn't joshing me! Baking powder really did these wonders!” Gilda happily munched on her own.

Cadance cut one open to spread some butter in it. “You never used baking powder before?”

“Nope.” Gilda said with a partly mouth full of scone.

Cadance took a bite out of hers. “Hmm, these are the best scones I ever had, I take my crown off to you Gilda, these are really something, you might even rival Aunty Celestia's pancakes.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Whatever Cady, I am just doing this WHEN Princess Celestia isn't around when I am, all in the contract I signed.” Gilda replied.

Luna ate her third. “You sound very prideful.”

“You bet I am!” Gilda puffed her chest. “I bet... I... Am...” She slowly said the words looking over to Gale as he continue to eat the scones with joy, his wings fluffing out slightly showing that very joy. “That cub... ” She muttered under her breath, Gale glance at her. “Big sister...” She grumbled feeling that connection was growing every moment they spent together.

That chain of thought broke when the doors open with a guard stepping in. “Rarity Belle of Ponyville have arrived.” He step to the side and Rarity walks into the dining room.

“Morning Princesses, Prince, Gilda.” She bow her head slightly. “I've arrived as requested by Princess Celestia yesterday for making outfits for the Grand Galloping Gala for Gilda and Gale.”

They all looked at each other with scones in their mouths, they ll swallowed at the same time and Luna waved her a wing for Rarity to come up to the table. “This is the first I've heard of this Miss Belle, Celestia could of sent a message to us-me last night...”

“Trollestia.” Gilda coughed into her talon.

Luna glared at Gilda and Cadance giggled. “What was that darling?” Rarity didn't quite hear what Gilda said but the reaction from the princesses got her curious.

“Celestia kept everyone in the dark, not cool at all.” Gilda said with a blow up at her head feathers, Rarity raise a eye brow slightly knowing Gilda just internally avoid repeating what she just said.

“Indeed...” Luna still giving Gilda a narrow gaze. “I would be interested in what you create for Gale and Gilda but I have to get some much needed sleep.”

“After checking in at the Dream Cavern...”

Luna picked up a few more scones drinking her tea, putting the cup down. “Thank you for breakfast Gilda, I bid you all a good day.” Luna yawns and leaves the dining room.

Rarity watch Luna leave. “Princess Luna looks different to when I first saw her...”

Cadance clarified the reason. “As her magic returns so does Aunt Luna's true self before she became Nightmare Moon from what Aunt Celestia told me.”

“Rare, eat?” Gale present a plate of scones to Rarity.

Rarity looked upon them. “I believe I could have something to eat before we get started.” She using her magic to take a scone and eat it. “My word these are amazing.”

Gilda ate another without a word with the other talon pressing against the side of her face not impressed they were enjoying her scones. “Gilda made them.” Cadance looked over at the unimpressed griffon. “I believe she doesn't like high positive praises.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “I don't mind them, just don't get why all of you freaking out over scones I made, they never sell well in Griffonstone.” She sounded a bit out of place talking about it.

Cadance turn to Gilda. “You did say you never made them with baking powder before, maybe that the reason.” Cadance responded.

Gilda's eyes shift slightly as she push off the talon against her face with a realisation. “Yes...” Gilda thought of how a way to prove it wasn't the baking powder why her scones didn't sell well in Griffonstone. “Okay Cady if my scones sell well back home this weekend you name your poison.”

“Making a bet with me?” Cadance slyly smirked.

“Yes!” Gilda got up from her seat walking over to Cadance with her talon closed up.

Cadance tap her hoof against the closed fist. “If you win you also get to name your poison.” Cadance finished drinking her tea. “I got some daily court sessions to attend for Aunt Celestia today, I enjoy seeing what you create for Gale and Gilda.”

Rarity bow her head. “Of course Princess.” Cadance gets up and leaves the dining room.

Sunbeam walked up to them with a salute. “I just got word that you have permission to use the Canterlot Castle Suitor Suite ma'am, it will have everything you will need in there.” Sunbeam present the scroll to Rarity. “I can show you all the way once you've finished breakfast.”

A door opens into the suite, Sunbeam walk in with Rarity, Gale and Gilda, the room had mannequins of ponies, zebras, minotaurs and griffons to Gale's and Gilda's surprise to see this, the room was large and round with a main circle stage in the middle with a sewing machine by a wall with rolls of fabrics, needles, pins and other accessories.

Rarity quickly moving around taking a look at each area. “I couldn't possibly work in here! This is for the royal suitors! It got everything I need and more but-” She gasped. “Is that a walk in store room!?”

Sunbeam whistled. “I heard of this place from the captain but never seen it, got to say it impressive.” She took a good look around, looking out of a window she could see the gardens in the distance. “Nice view too.” Sunbeam turn to Rarity. “Princess Celestia left this for me to open on your arrival, she stated that you have full complete access to the suite and work to your heart's content to make their suits for the gala.”

“Suits?” Rarity peer out from the store room. “I believe a suit for Gale but Gilda I think I got a d-”

Gilda instantly spoke up growling slightly. “You try to make or put me in a dress and that thing is torn to pieces!”

Rarity instantly put her front hooves up in defence. “Okay darling no dress, you just had to say not snap.”

Gilda groans rubbing her forehead with the claws. “Look dweeb I just hate those things, I am not the girly type, I might look like it with my feather markings around my eyes but that just natural not some girly rubbish over my face, it all natural awesomeness!”

“And quite so.” Rarity smiled using her magic to put on a pair of red coloured frame glasses. “Now shall we get to work? I am soooo inspired!”

Gale shrugs as Gilda glance at him. “Sure knock yourself out.” Gilda replied.

Gale's ears perked and twisted as heard music started to play as Rarity started to take measurements from both of them, writing it down on a pad to drawing sketches. “Music?” Gale tilted his head.“Music no see.” Gale's head turning to left and right trying to figure out where the music was coming from.

Gilda slap her forehead. “We in for a magical spontaneous song...”

Gale looking around as Rarity starts to sing as she started work on white fabric.

Thread by thread, stitching it together[/i
Gilda's suit, cutting out the pattern snip by snip
Making sure the fabric folds nicely
It's the perfect colour and so hip
Always gotta keep in mind my pacing
Making sure the clothes' correctly facing
I'm stitching Gilda's suit

Gale watched as Rarity sung and making the shirt and suit till everything seem to spin, he squawked in alarm holding onto a roll of fabric and Rarity taking it off him with her magic, Gilda just staring at the scene happening before them.

Yard by yard, fussing on the details
Jewel neckline, don't you know a stitch in times saves nine?
Make him perfect to inspire
Even though he doesn't know formal attire
Gotta mind those intimate details.
Even though he's more curious of the world
It's Gale's new suit

Rarity takes another and another of the rolls, she put together the suit and shirt adding a bandanna to the griffon mannequin, she walk forwards with the plain ones moving around her as she continue to sing, they start dancing around her spinning as they circled, Gale was getting overwhelmed and confused by everything that was happening so suddenly.

Dressmaking's easy, for Gale something black
Gilda something breezy
Blend colour and form.
(She turn to Gale) Do you think it looks cheesy?
Gale give a short squawk and shrugs with confusion mounting by the second as she drew out some more detailed designs and asked the question as a sung.

Something brash, perhaps quite fetching
Hook and eye, couldn't you just simply die?
Making sure it fits forelock and crest
Don't forget some magic in the suit
Even though I rides high on the flank
Gilda won't look like a tank
I'm stitching Gilda's suit

Gilda watched Rarity put together a blue feathered band on the mannequin griffon head as the suit had two tail ends resting over the flank of it, she wasn't sure how exactly to think, feel or say what Rarity sung.

Piece by piece, snip by snip
Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip
Thread by thread, primed and pressed
Yard by yard, never stressed
And that's the art of the suits!

Rarity finished making them, ironed them out with a iron and spin around on her hind legs looking up with forelegs aim upwards with scissors, threads, rolls, tape-measure, needles, glue, pins and mannequins spinning around her from the use of the magic.

The music ends and they are put back in place, Gale was scanning the room looking inside draws to unrolling some fabric trying to pin point the music as it fades away, Gilda's right eye twitching as Rarity land back down on her front hooves. “You ponies and your random magical spontaneous songs...”

Rarity took off her glasses. “Do you not like the suits?”

“Your asking that after your little sing song?” Gilda growled. “Look at Gale!” She point over to the teenager looking around behind a mirror now. “He never seen or heard of Equestria's crazy magical randomness singing, heck I still can't get my head around it too!”

“It just part of the magic darling.” Rarity said calmly to Gilda, the adult griffon just slap her forehead shaking the head side to side with a groan. “Prince Gale please come here, I like you to try your new suit on.” Rarity came up with a idea to distract him away from what just happened with the song.

Gale peered over one of the mannequins. “Music?”

“No music darling.” Gale rubbed his head in confusion. “This is your suit.” Gale curiosity about the new outfit now caught his attention drawing him away from his search for the hidden music.

Gale jumped over the mannequin and walked up to the suit, he looked at it curiously, placing the plush down on the table he somehow knew how to put on the shirt and suit on even it took some creative effort to get the wings through the wing holes, putting the bandanna on he took a look at himself in the mirror.

“Awesome! Yay!” He liked how he look with it on. “Gilda! Awesome?”

Gilda nods. “Yes you are and got to admit this doesn't look half bad on me too.” Gilda had put hers on. “Not sure with the blue band on my head though, I think we can skip that.” She took it off throwing it onto the table side. “Other than that, it look formal and roomy at the same time, not bad at all.”

“I am glad you two like them.” Rarity said with giddiness.

Gale's attention turned from what he was wearing to pin pointing the music he remembered being played, seeing pins and string he came up with a idea. “Music... Find...” He took them. “Use to find.”

Gilda noticed that look. “Rares...”

“Oooo I got so many ideas how to make mine and my friends dresses for the gala!”

“Rares.” Gilda said slightly louder as she watch Gale start to pin string to walls and to the floor near Rarity.

Rarity still didn't notice. “When my shop is repaired I can get started right away on designing mine! Ooooo the ideas!” She said with glee.

“RARITY!” Gilda screamed out.

“What is it dar-” Rarity turn to Gilda. “-ling...” She saw Gale looking hunger for answers. “Oh my this isn't going to end well...”

Gilda narrow gaze fell upon Rarity. “You and you ponies magical spontaneous singing...” Rarity laughs nervously as Gale continue to pin string all over the place...

Sometime later Cadance came up to the door, Sunbeam smiling and saluted. “What made you so happy Sunbeam?”

“You have to see for yourself Princess, I couldn't stop it and well... Let say Gale experienced his first musical magical song.” Sunbeam giggled.

Cadance raise a eye and open the door to be greeted by a mass of string webbed around, tangled in it in the air before her eyes were Gilda and Rarity. “Oh my...” She saw Gale flying around looking and thinking hard trying to solve the location of the music came from.

“Please help us Princess!” Rarity plended.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “I am soooo glad Griffonstone banned this type of singing...” She hung upside down with forelegs crossed.

Cadance raise her head looking up to Gale coming up with a quick idea that would work since it did with Twilight when she got into this kind of state. “Cousin, how about you come with me for some ice cream and I explain?”

Gale look down over to the door. “Yes? Find?”

“Indeed, come on let's get some ice cream and I will explain how our magical musical singing works.” Cadance repeated calmly to Gale.

“Yay!” Gale flew down to her picking up his plush from the table side.

Cadance turn to Sunbeam. “Help them down please and do not worry about Gale, he be with me all the time.” Sunbeam nods and they leave.

Rarity blinked a few times. “Is that all we had to do to stop this madness!?”

“Yeah it sucks... Dweeb... Suck it up and be glad he showing off your design to Canterlot, I am sure some snobby pony will notice...” Gilda rolled her eyes.

“Really!?”

“Yes... Rares... Really...”

“Maybe this madness isn't so bad...”

“Yay...” Gilda gave a sarcastic reply. “Just next time avoid singing in front of Gale! Please of all love of Grover never sing again in front of him!”

Rarity nods. “Duly noted...”

Sunbeam walk inside almost laughing. “Now, how do I get you two out of this mess?”

Note: How do you readers think Cadance be able to explain this one to Gale?

Interested to hear your views and ideas!

Walking away from the castle gates down the streets to the Canterlot Parks, Gale adjusted the plush in his bag as he walked with Cadance, he noticed the guards walking in distance to many standing guard keeping a watchful eye of the surrounding area, Gale noticed the cart with the ponish words 'Ice Cream' on it with a picture of one.

“Th-th-tha... It?”

Cadance hummed. “Indeed that is it Gale.” Gale ran ahead of her to it as the young fillies and colts finished being served, their parents paid and they walked away.

The orange unicorn with dark orange mane and tail wearing a white hat with matching apron, his light blue eyes fell upon Gale as he came to a stop before him looking very excited. “Well well well isn't this a surprise, the young prince stand eager to have a ice cream?”

“Yes.” Gale turn to Cadance as she approach. “Cady!”

Cadance giggled. “Yes I know we getting some ice cream.” She turn her attention to the unicorn. “Sir I would like a ice cream each for myself and Gale please, which flavours do you have today?”

The orange unicorn using his magic bring up the black board. “I have these flavours today Princess Cadance.”

Cadance put her wing behind Gale's back. “Have a look Gale and pick which flavour you would like.”

Gale step up towards it placing the claw under his beak with the index over the side of it, with a thoughtful look he read in his mind all the flavours vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry, banana, mint and he stopped at one of the lines. He remove his talon from the beak poking the line with his claw. “Lemon Ice!”

“That says lemon flavour ice cream n-”

“Lemon Ice! Lemon Ice!” He poke it over and over again.

Cadance shook her head. “Cubs be cubs, can I have the 'Lemon Ice' Please?”

The unicorn raise a questionable look but Cadance gave him the hint to go with it with a saddle nod. “One Lemon erm... Ice coming right up.” He brought up the cone and scoop, he put two scoops of yellow colour ice cream on it and Gale takes it out of his magic grasp.

Cadance give him the two bits for it, she saw how thrilled Gale looked as he studies it at first, he was hesitating to try it. “Go on it going to melt all over your talon.”

Gale stuck his tongue out and licked it, he gasped with joy wings flapping a few times as he took off the ground squawking happily as he gave it a more joyful lick followed by a soft gleeful squawk, he lands on his paws and free talon continue to lick it with joy as memories of having it in the past at a pier sticking out of a beach side theme park was in view behind him.

The memory he recalled suddenly was important to him but the ice cream of joy had was also. “Lemon Ice! Yay! Yummy!”

“I was going to pull that...” The unicorn was surprised by the reaction.

“Why?” Cadance curiously asked.

The unicorn cleaning the scoop with a cloth. “I never sold any of that flavour in the last month since I thought about creating it, no point keeping something that doesn't sell.” He turn to Gale. “But the prince, seeing that joy is the reason I do this.” He gave a warm smile. “So I will keep selling it.”

Cadance look to the board. “I'll have one too.” He nods and make one for her, she give him the bits for the ice cream, Cadance gave a lick and surprised at the taste. “Wow, no wonder he likes this, it really good, tangy, tasty and got a sweet kick to it.”

He bows to them. “I am pleased to see you two love my lemon fl-”

“Lemon Ice!” Gale instantly bloated out.

“I believe it shall be called from this day fourth as Lemon Ice.” Cadance giggled.

The ice cream pony rubbed out the word and replaced it with the new one. “Shall it will, enjoy your day.” He bow again and they leave walking to the park. “Lemon Ice... Lemon Ice... Lemon Ice... Wow so simple and roll off the tongue, why didn't I think of that?” He got a tug from a filly. “Yes little one?”

“Can I try this lemon ice pretty please?” She asked.

He smiled. “Sure little filly, that be two bits please.”

Gale walked into the park jumping up on the bench sitting on it with his back resting against it with his hind legs out in front, wings pressed and tail swishing around behind the gap, Cadance sat down beside him with hind legs tuck under her with forelegs over the edge as she held her ice cream with the magic. “Ready to learn about how the magic of spontaneous singing happen with music?”

Gale licking his ice cream nods as he curiously watch some of the five to seven year old fillies and colts playing a game of kicking the ball to each other, others playing on swings to a roundabout or even a tire swing. “Music... Learn, how?”

Cadance lick some of her ice cream. “Yes.”

“Okay!” Gale eager to listen on how music happens when the spontaneous singing happens.

Cadance thought for a moment about the string Gale had pinned around the room. “There been many questions and many theories through out history on the subject, one good example to this magical music effect seem to surround the one that starts singing as you showed in the Suitor Suite...” She paused. “Why did Aunt Celestia name that room Suitor Suite and not Tailor Suite?”

Gale raise a eye in mid pause licking the ice cream.

“Sorry getting off topic.” She giggled. “Your string showed a good example of that theory of thermometric magical energy that in the air all around us in Equestria and beyond it borders.” Cadance using her magic to form aura magical pockets around them reshaping by her command. “This also could have effect on others around to get into song and even know what to say without even knowing the words that just randomly created, did you feel that pull when Rarity was singing?”

Gale shift his eyes upwards thinking about it and recall that moment she sung a question directly to him, he did feel a compulsion to respond and did. “Yes... Rares... Question sung me...”

“That would be the effect of the song coming over you to be part of it, even for a second or two.” Cadance said. “It also conveniently used for that reason in plays and movies, if you go to a musical the whole play is nothing but song even there is ponies playing the music on purpose.”

Gale listened intently.

“Other than that the magical energy created by the song about to happy cause the music to magically play out of thin air, even some cases ponies with instruments get involved too, also dancing in beat to it too before going to their own business once more as if never interfered with the day to day life.”

Gale tilt his head. “Ponies love music, dance and song?”

“For the most part yes and we all can carry a tune when it happens, other than outside it... Not so much, also if I recall those that can't speak well seem to magically just can when they break into song.” She rubbed a hoof under her muzzle. “That something no pony ever figured out but just became part of life when it happen.”

Gale look to the ice cream, around the park and back to Cadance. “Plot story?”

“Indeed musicals does that, it sort of help ponies do things that they are creating to do it with pure inspiring effect of their talents too, festivals tend to do it too, I recall it happening during a Summer Sun Celebration a few years back, they sang and danced as I watched it happen, they loved every moment of it.” Cadance replied and Gale thought back to the pleasant memories of the pier with his eyes closed, he could recall the music playing from the load speakers on the pier.

Gale's eyes snap open, he could hear the music from his memories all around him getting louder, a sudden strange feeling was coming over him, in panic he looked around quickly trying to figure out how to stop it from happening, he didn't want to just burst into singing, Gale recalling of his mum's words about his magic and not to use it without learning to control it first.

The drip of a cold yellowish creamy liquid on his talon drew Gale's attention to the Lemon Ice, he remembered what happened if someone eats ice cream too fast, this was the only action Gale could think of, without a second thought the beak went down over a chuck of the ice cream and with a hard swallow the sharp pain came to the side of his head.

Squawking in pain holding the side of his head with the free talon eyes shrunk to pin picks he was suffering from a very sharp brain freeze, the result he hoped for did come as the music fades and the strange feeling in him also sharply withdrew. “Gale why did you just eat a chuck of that ice cream?”

Gale turn to Cadance with terry eyes. “Magic... Music... Singing... Stop...”

“You did it to stop yourself from going into spontaneous singing?” Cadance was startled. “Why?”

“Mum... no want... misuse magic...” Gale was rubbing his head trying to get rid of the headache he caused himself.

Trace back as a pony suddenly spoke up as he and Amber the anthropomorphic cat came up to them holding their own ice creams, one in magic the other in paw hand. “A rash but understandable move when your mother said that, I did explain to her Gale would take it at face value and seriously.”

“So it true that Gale does take things at face value?” Cadance point to Gale with her wing. “What wrong with him going into song though?”

“Princess Cadance think about his pure magic, who knows what kind of effect a magical musical from him could have on any of us.” Amber said turning to Trace. “Do you thing sweat pea.”

Cadance thought about it and saw what Amber meant. “You have a valid point...”

Trace nods with his glowing horn tap Gale's head, the pain suddenly faded. “Pain... Not so much...” Gale felt better.

Cadance took into account the pure magic that was still in Trace and how he switch between pony and griffon. “Your magic works on Gale now doesn't it?”

“Indeed, your duties make it quick for you to forget doesn't it Princess?” Trace lick part of his ice cream, Cadance face hoof remembering that Trace's unusual situation allowed him to use magic on Gale now.

“I am also the prince's GP, so I am able to use healing magic on the youngster outside of the hospital.” Trace now turn his attention back to Gale. “Your action was sharp and sudden, I know you were scared of your magic's effect on us all through song, it will happen again and you won't have a ice cream to stop yourself.”

Gale gulped nervously at the idea he couldn't stop it. “Do not worry about that cub, now tell me how come your wearing such a smart suit?” Amber asked looking up and down at the teen.

Before the young griffon could say anything a new voice speaks up. “That is the most spectator suit I have ever seen! Even on a griffon no less it look superb!” They all turn to source of the voice being a grey earth pony with a paper fan cuite mark, wearing purple shades with a white and grey swirly mane and tail.

He also had a vest collar on with a red scarf cloth between it in the front, hoof cuffs on the forelegs just above each hoof, Cadance knew how he was instantly. “Hoity Toity how is your day?”

“Dull and boring till I saw this young prince wearing such a fine superb suit! I had to come right over and ask who made this delightful suit.” He examining the suit taking a good look at it up close.

Gale turn to Cadance with confusion. “This is Hoity Toity, he one of the top fashion designers here in Canterlot, the suit Rarity made you caught his attention and all he will do is examine it with absolute care.”

“Okay...” Gale just went back to licking his ice cream just letting this weird pony look over at his suit.

Hoity Toity step back a few steps. “Rarity hmm? I heard of her, she has a boutique in Ponyville correct?”

Amber answers. “That what I know of, she been interested in making me a dress, never done one on a cat like me before.” She chuckled. “I still got to respond, why not when you go there give me a hollow and we head there together hon? Amber the name and Trace here is my husband.”

He lower the shades slight looking at the orange anthropomorphic cat. “Hmm... A interesting challenge, if she make suits like this I beg to wonder how her dresses will come out, you have a deal ma'am.” Hoity Toity turn to see Fancy Pants waving his hoof. “I have to go, my friend is waiting I do not want to keep him waiting, ta ta for now.” Hoity Toity leaves.

“That just happened.” Amber chuckled.

“Indeed...” Trace responded glancing to the crystal on a strap on the foreleg. “Tomorrow I be back as a griffon.”

Gale tilt his head. “Pony? Griffon? Pony? You no get confused?”

“Oh I do Prince Gale, it my fault as I said before.” He look to the crystal on the foreleg. “Well we got things to do, glad we were around to help and to get that interesting exchange, don't be a stranger okay Prince Gale?” Gale nod waving his free talon.

Amber knelt down. “Don't worry about singing, sooner or later it will happen, when it does make sure it a cheery and beautiful song okay?”

“Okay, Ambey!”

“Take care Gale.” She rubbed the free paw hand over his feathered head getting a laugh from Gale and the Abyssinian leaves with Trace.

Cadance giggled. “That was eventful, just don't do that again okay?”

Gale nods. “Brain freeze hurt... No do again...”

“A good idea Gale, just don't go to extremes to stop the magic in you, it could be more harmful in that way than good, one way or the other we will help you to get that under control, that I promise.” Cadance warmly said to Gale.

“Okay Cady!”

Cadance gave Gale a curious look as he lick the ice cream just enjoying the weather and wanting to just chill out, he felt that magical moment she was certain of. “I wonder what kind of song he was going to sing? Maybe he will later on, I would love to be there when it happens.” Cadance whispered to herself and lick her Lemon Ice.

As they enjoyed their ice creams not to far the orange unicorn now farcically selling lemon flavoured ice creams.

A door on the cavern wall inside the forest of the Dream Cavern opens, Luna step through it using her magic to close it behind her and took in the beauty of the cavern every time she has been in it, she closed her eyes using the magic to discover there was now three forms in the cavern, two being dream magic based but the third was no doubt to her own thoughts were Discord.

Luna noticed it was semi dark in the cavern which meant it was simulating night time at the moment. “That must be Discord.” Her turquoise eyes shift around to pin point the three forms, Luna sensed they were all in one area of the cavern.

As Luna walk towards it down the forest path she were unaware of a pair of red eyes above her watching carefully, Blue knelt down on the branch with his right paw hand resting on the branch in front of the feet paws, the four locks on his head vibrating using the power in him to fake his energy at his and the others homes.

Luna walking by the lake up to the river saw the crystal on the ceiling shimmering in a night colour light of the moon. “Impressive, a night and day cycle.” Blue hoping from tree branch to branch following her in silence.

Luna found a what seem to be a natural formation slope leading up to a cliff side, walking up to it she saw a large open cave tunnel and within it was a set of smaller entrances, Luna looked up seeing smaller crystals lit up. “Hmm...” She saw that each entrance lead up smooth carved out stair wells leading to a wooden door on each.

Blue watched her stop at one seeing it twist around with the door after the twisted stair well hanging upside down with a warped colour scheme door, Luna walked up the stairs finding that gravity twisted with the steps till Luna was upside down at the door. “This must be Discord's...” She used her magic to pull the handle down and open it.

When it opened she only saw a stony cave wall behind it. “What kind of-” Next thing she saw was a dazzling of stars and the scenery shifted to a large open area, Luna was standing on some sort of circle white platform. “-Tricky?” She looked around.

Luna slowly and carefully walked towards the edge of the circle platform, she could see other platforms with equally sized plates directly above the platforms beaming with light with a glowing ring around the edges, when Luna reach the edge she bumped into a invisible wall that became viable from the impact for a few seconds.

Luna shook her head from the impact, she place the hoof on the shield that lit up again. “This is one of the Dream Walker magical defences against other Dream Walkers... fake signatures, doors leading to displacements in cells trapped till other Dream Walker returns or Dream Guardian...” Luna said to herself out loud realising that she just fell for the very defences she'd created in her spell book.

“Indeed Mistress Luna, this is your very own magical defences that Master Gale put into effect.” Blue came into view from a dark part of the cavern, he calmly walking up to the shield, placing his hand paw on it the shield disappears. “I have been following you since your arrival in Dream Cavern, Discord's door works but only for me, Master Gale and Discord, for others this is the result.”

Luna step off the platform and the shield went back up. “I promise you Blue, I only came to talk to him, ask why he aided my nephew during their adventure.”

Blue wave Luna to follow, she walk up to his right and walk away from the cells. “From what I gathered from Master Gale's point of view, Discord seem conflicted.” Blue states as they walk down the narrowing path past the stair wells to the doors. “Yet he still can be aggravating at times, but I am to him as well.”

They step back out into the view of Dream Cavern. “How have you managed to aggravate the Lord of Chaos?”

“I simply agreed with him and respond with truths, his attempts had been less than successful.” Blue turn to Luna. “If you wish to speak to Discord still, he at Master Gale's house at the waterfall with Alpha, they are awaiting my return to continue our game of cards called Poker.”

Luna try to get a read off his red eyes, lack of body or facial movement. “Your playing defensive tactic as a Dream Guardian does, Discord most likely asleep in his room and the door to the place is inaccessible to me.”

One of Blue's eye lids lower slight while the other raised. “Mistress?”

“I will come back when my nephew sleeps, it be the best time to do so without another mishap to the defence wards that are in place.” Luna fires a beam causing a door to appear and open. “I am impressed that my nephew was able to set these defences to protect the realm, you are a well created Dream Guardian Blue.”

“That is true but I am being serious, you can join us Mistress Luna.”

Luna smiled. “No thank you, Blue. I will heard back to my own realm and get my much needed rest for tonight's duties, when Discord awake inform him I will coming by to talk, only talk.”

Blue stared without a motion of his body. “I will pass the message Mistress Luna, have a pleasant rest and please do not drop by unannounced again or I will personally have to act.”

“That you already did.” Luna walked through the door, it closed behind her and vanished.

Blue looked at the empty space. “That was rather confusing, short and confusing...” He leaped off the cliff side bouncing onto a branch to another, he lands before Gale's house around the large tree by the waterfall, he walk up to it putting the paw hand on the handle to open it.

Walking inside Blue look to his reflection of the full size mirror by the entrance, the right bent ear gave him a few seconds of wonder about how Gale gave him it when he was created. “No Luna?” Discord spoke up from the round table with Alpha to the right of him sitting there holding a glass mug of apple juice half empty.

Licking his chops Alpha chuckled. “I believe you own me five of those green chips Discord.”

Discord rolled his miss shaped eyes. “Yeah yeah you win one eye.” He place the green ones on Alpha's pile. “Now Mutt how about we get back to our game?”

Blue walked up and took a seat. “I told her the truth and she just didn't believe me.”

Discord gave him the deck. “Her loss, we could have had a nice chit chat while playing a game of poker with some dreamed up apple juice with these pawn cocktail crisps! Got to say Gale got some imagination for this stuff!” Discord put a few crisps into his mouth and chewed on them.

Alpha drunk a bit more of his drink. “I am getting the hang of this poker, even my whole life just a figment I do not care, Lord Gale gave me paradise!” He hiccuped slightly. “Hehe...”

Blue shuffled the cards dealing them out to each of them and himself. “I believe you are drunk Alpha, how exactly are you drunk from apple juice?”

Alpha chuckled again looking at this cup. “I think I am and who knows... Still sharp enough to play.”

Blue picked up a cup of water placing it on Alpha's side of the table. “Drink that and eat some of the pawn cocktail, it will ease your hangover in the morning.”

“Will do boss.” Alpha chuckled once more. “Now let's play!”

Discord picked up his cards. “I raise ten.” They toss their chips on the first chip placed.

Blue looked at his cards. “I will match and raise 20...” Blue turn to Discord. “Mistress Luna will be returning, there is a chance she will bring Mistress Celestia too.”

“I know and I am looking forward to it, now let's worry about that later and play shall we?”

Alpha throw down a few chips onto the pile. “I am *hic* with Dissy! I raise you two 50!”

“Dissy!?”

Blue smirked. “Well Dissy? Your going to call his bet?”

Discord groans and the two canines clap hand paws. “Why am I surrounded by smart mouthed mutts and put up with it?”

“Because we are imaginary friends.” Alpha laughed.

“And your having a good time.” Blue also laughed, Blue kept his guard up even he wasn't showing it, two days since Discord been in Dream Cavern and Alpha arriving just a short time ago, he was going to do what a Dream Guardian like himself do best.

Blue knew Alpha wasn't thinking clearly and using what said to add on the fun part was what he needed to keep the Lord of Chaos out of trouble till Master Gale goes to sleep, the return of Mistress Luna and possibly Mistress Celestia will be something that all eventuality outcomes were possible.

“Indeed you two are and yes I am.” Discord raise his glass up and they did too clanging them together, Discord drunk a little and throw the chips down. “Now I call.”

Celestia pasting back and forwards in front of the door leading into Dream Cavern, Luna watched her elder sister in the stellar realm of doors to creatures dreams in Equestria, since Celestia found out from Gale in his rough writing and drawings about the dream adventure with the REAL DEAL Discord, she been going over so many thoughts in her mind about the fact his dream form is in her son's dream realm Dream Cavern.

“Celestia I do not like the fact this is happening but it is, this time we are all on a equal playing field and Gale your son is the one with the power.”

Celestia stop pasting and turn around to Luna. “It's unnerving that he's been there for three nights now and has been on an adventure with Gale. Discord's act of protection, even if it was called out to him by Alpha, has stopped me from acting in an unrational manner.” Celestia turn around to the door. “Why haven't we gone in yet?”

“Because you are going to act in a unrational manner, even you said you won't.” Luna replied.

Celestia sighs. “Luna...”

“Don't Luna me Sister, your the reason for this mess in the first place.” Luna sharply said back to Celestia glaring at the older sister.

“What!?” Celestia turn around. “How can you say this is my fault!?”

Luna rolled her eyes. “One word... BOOK!”

Celestia's ears peel back and her gaze shifted away from Luna's eyes. “Oh... Yes... One act that caused a domino effect...”

“I do not know what domino means or what it is, but the act that caused this very moment to happen is to do with the book falling into the talons of my nephew, he created countermeasures against invading Dream Walkers, I fell for them and got myself captured till Blue freed me.” Luna explained her mishap.

“You got trapped by spells you made?” Celestia blinked.

Luna sighed. “Yes, I am or were the only Dream Walker, you caused that to change Sister.”

“And Discord by a random moment of one loose feather now residing in Dream Cavern on a subconscious level...” Celestia sat down on her rump seeing she caused the chain of events by one act. “Is there a chance that Discord could get him to use that magic?”

“No.”

“Just no?”

"Yes Celestia, no.”

“How can you be calm about it? You know what Discord can do, we both do!”

Luna gazed at the door. “Gale seem to be aware of the type of tricky one of chaos would use without their powers.” Luna told Celestia. “He calls Discord by the name of 'Q', which mean there must be a being from the past or fictional that has similar abilities, attitude and method of twisting words.”

Celestia slowly look to the door. “Fictional... Just like Blue was a fictional being from the tiny movie theatre box.”

“Movie theatre?”

“It a place that doesn't have ponies acting but did act on pre-recorded reels with image and sound, it been around for about twenty or so years now.” Celestia explained to Luna. “The one you spoke of from Gale's memories is just a tiny version of that.”

Luna walk up to the door. “I am curious about them, maybe one day I will get to see one of these movies.” She using her magic to grip the handle. “Ready?”

Celestia stood up taking a few deep breaths. “As ready I can be Luna...”

Luna opens the door and they walk through into Dream Cavern to be met instantly by Alpha the anthropomorphic wolf, his one reddish brown eye shifting slightly to Luna and to Celestia while holding a rather large stone mallet, he was wearing greyish black armour with one shoulder pad with spikes on it and rope around his waist and one arm, the other pad had a griffon symbol on it.

“Lady Celestia and Luna, welcome to Dream Cavern, I will be your escort to the Dream Randomiser Chamber, Lord Gale is current there working on some of the strange machines, he wishes to show you two something about his adventure to the lands I come from.” Alpha bow his head slightly with his free hand paw as a closed fist press against his chest.

“I gather Discord is with my son?” Celestia sounded tease as she asked the wolf.

The head rose his one eye locked on Celestia's own. “Yes, Lead Guardian Blue is keeping his eyes on the Lord of Chaos, even he showed honour I am aware of his tricky nature.” Alpha turn starting to walk down the forest path. “Follow.”

Celestia and Luna follows Alpha down the forest path. “Interesting wolf.” Luna whispered to Celestia.

“Indeed, still concerning that Discord currently with my son...” Celestia whispered back.

Luna felt uneasy about Discord too. “I agree but we are here as guests, even we have a serious distrust and wearness to Discord, it best try not to let our encounter with Discord get heated, Discord from what I am aware of from my senses, he is without chaos magic as you are with limited magic.”

Celestia tried using her magic to only get her levitation spell to work. “While you have yours in a limited form in the Dream Cavern, I and Discord have none of our main magic?”

“Correct, still you have your wits and he has his, so even he teases us, we need to keep calm and keep positive for Nephew Gale's sake.”

Celestia nods. “For Gale I will try my hardest, Luna.”

Alpha mutters under his breath. “I like this paradise, but this magical nakedness is still unsettling... Males is one thing but females...” He shivered slightly rolling his shoulders with the shudder.

“Something wrong Alpha?” Celestia asked.

“Wh-what? No nothing wrong your nakedne-highness! Yes Highness!”

Celestia raise a eye. “Am I missing something here?”

“NO! Just follow!” He quickly responded.

Celestia whispers to Luna. “Was he speaking of our lack of clothing compared to him?”

“I am uncertain sister...” Luna also confused as Alpha's face fur turn a shade of red and lower his head grumbling a few words placing his free paw hand over his face as they left the forest, the two princesses with Alpha taking the lead head down the path to Gale's home, next to it the waterfall had been open up with a bridge leading from the shore line into a tunnel behind the falls.

They walked down the dirt path past the house to the stone bridge, they crossed it to enter the tunnel to the chamber and a set of golden yellow eyes watch from a pulled back curtains from Gale's house.

The princesses stopped in their tracks when they saw Discord, he was standing at the end of it next to a large closed metal door holding something in his lion paw while picking out the content with the griffon talon and throwing the content into his mouth munching on them.

Blue stood half way down the corridor leaning on the wall with his eyes closed, without opening them he responded to their presence. “Hello Mistresses Celestia and Luna, Master Gale currently working on something really important, please be patient and wait.” Blue open his eyes turning his head slightly to them.

“Hello Discord...” Celestia kept a static look as she spoke to Discord.

“Nice to see you too Celestia, up for a rematch of pin the tail on the pony before I was rudely turned into stone?” Discord slyly said looking over at her with a grin. “Or some snacks? You can taste the rainbows!” He raise the red packet in view shaking it with a rattling sound from within.

Luna rolled her eyes. “I see you haven't changed at all Discord.”

Discord shook the packet. “Oh you thought I was talking about the Elements turning me to stone? Nope I am talking about these.”

“Last time you were eating snacks and spitting them all over us.” Luna said coldly to him. “I recalled that before we used the Elements of Harmony on you.”

“That was my personal snacks, this is Gale's.” Discord responded. “You really going to upset your nephew thinking I am playing those same old tricks right now?” He than shows the piece of paper and pony tail pin by his cloven hoof. “See I even got the game right here, I asked Gale and he delivered.”

Celestia narrowed her gaze. “You used Gale to-”

Blue speaks up on their minds. “Enough!” They all turn their attention to Blue. “Discord told Master Gale what he did to you Mistress Celestia, he recalled Skittles had the saying 'Taste the Rainbow' a form of shelled chewy candy that was a mix of colours and flavours, it he recalled was one of his favourites.” Blue said picking up the bag by his leg opening it up to pull out a pair of packets throwing them over to Celestia and Luna.

“Also Pin the Tail on the Pony is the first game he played at the party for Mistress Gilda, the very one with the sneezing powder was placed on the tail, not something you can forget.” Blue now faced Discord looking to the paper and the pin tail. “Master Gale does not want any conflict between any of you.” Blue now turn to Celestia and Luna. “If you got nothing good to say to each other, say NOTHING at all. Understood?”

“Understood...” Celestia nods.

“Very well...” Luna also agreed.

Discord chuckled. “See I didn't use Gale for anything, in fact how about I get your brains ticking.” Discord turn around to them looking past Blue who stood between them. “I had a chance to escape my stony prison or be there for Gale when he woke from injuries he got from the beginning of our dream adventure, Oogway played my heart strings well and I choose your son rather escape.”

“Right... As if we believe you.” Luna glared at him.

Celestia raise her hoof. “Discord you are not going to fool me, you have caused so much pain over 1000 years ago, I see your time in stone hasn't changed anything.”

“Still as a stone, I am just subconsciously free here and I am not getting that taken away from me.” Discord glared at them.

“Your still evil...” Celestia and Luna said together staring down at Discord.

“Did any of you even listen to my warning stop-” Blue suddenly turn to the metal door. “Master Gale finished...”

Discord glance over to the door as it made a rumble sound and start to lower into the ground. “Oh Celestia, Luna how wrong you both are, the fact I am still in Dream Cavern at my third day should make you wonder why.” Discord turn around walking into the chamber followed by Blue, Alpha, Celestia and Luna.

Gale stood before them in front of a console. “Hi mum, aunty Luna! Welcome to the Dream Randomiser Chamber! It is offline at the moment till I finish the modifications to the system, our first test run kinda had a few issues that lead to the dream adventure being a real problem at points, we were put into almost real danger.” Gale overly explained and continue to speak.

He walk twist around with forelegs out wide. “The symbols are fed at random through into the console and the rift sends us on our way to a random dream adventure, the first was the Kung Fu Adventure and recently made some changes that allow us to watch the adventure from either point of view that go.” Gale turn to the console pressing his talons on it touch screen buttons.

Celestia couldn't process how well spoken he was and lost when he explained about the chamber, she and the others watch as twelve panels on the wall in front shift inwards to the point they could twist around to show the backs and push back in to create a massive wide black screen. “Gale your speaking so well and I don't even understand what your talking about...”

Gale turn to his mum. “We are asleep, so speaking is like breathing here, it is just something that can be done.” Gale turn back to the console. “Blue can you get the case please.”

“Yes Master Gale.” Blue walk over to a wall pressing on it to slide open, he pull out the case and bring it over to Gale.

Luna stood by Celestia. “We need to stay natural sister.”

Celestia nods. “For my son I will try.”

Discord became nervous. “You said any point of view? Like mine?”

“Yep!” Gale took the case from Blue. “I never knew what happened when we were apart, so it be cool to see wouldn't it?”

“Yes... Cool...”

Luna raise a eye. “You look nervous Discord, what is it that you do not want us to see?”

Discord quickly look to Luna and away. “Nothing, nothing to be seen...”

“Right...” Luna wasn't convinced.

Celestia step up to Gale's left side. “Is this what you were working on a moment ago?”

“Yeah, I thought playback systems to rewatch our own adventures.” Gale said. “I wanted to see what happened with Discord.”

Celestia turn to Discord. “I am curious myself.” She turn to the screen. “Please show us Gale.”

Gale turn around to Discord before he did it. “You are okay with this?”

Discord shrugs. “Not that I have a choice.”

“I am asking.” Gale said. “I won't do it if you say no.”

“Gale what-”

“Mum, he saved my life in it, he didn't have to but he did.” Gale interrupted Celestia. “Don't you think it fair?”

Celestia nods turning to Luna “Follow my lead...” Celestia winks.

Luna wink back. “Will do Celestia.”

“Yes your right.” Celestia using her magic to take some of the skittles from Discord's bag and eating it. “It really tasty.”

Discord look down at the bag and back to Celestia. “Did you just-”

“You asked me if I like some and I accept to have some.” She said to Discord

Luna took a few from the bag too and ate them. “They are good.”

“They acting too nice all the sudden...” Discord whispered to himself knewing they were up to something. “What are you two up to?”

“We taking that step to move on from our past, what of you Discord?” Celestia asked, they decided to play nice with Discord for Gale and hopefully play him into showing something about his part of the dream adventure.

Gale squawked happily with a few rapid claps seeing his mum and aunt were trying.

Alpha leans toward Blue whispering to him. “Something off, this type of shift I seen through out the many years being with and working for Shen, he saw us as family but the power grab made him turn on us and use us as his tools.”

Blue focused his telepathic words directly to Alpha. “I can see it too, their aura shifted slightly in tone, they better mean it or this could do damage to the relationship between son, aunt and mother.”

“A reverse in history instead of the parents being disappointed it be the child... I hope it doesn't repeat...” Alpha grumbled.

Blue raise a eye turning his eyes slightly to Alpha. “I recall it, that was when you truly turned on Shen to defend Master Gale and called him Lord.” Alpha nod slightly. “If they are being dishonest and it is true I will have to inform Master Gale of this...”

“Than I hope it isn't...” Alpha humpthed clenching tight the mallet pole.

Discord muttered under his breath. “Celestia played me, that crafty Alicorn...” Discord looked around seeing all eyes were on him, he hung his head down with a sigh. “Fine show my meet up with Oogway in the Spirit Realm, that as far I am going with this.” Discord grab a clawful of skittles throwing them into his mouth eating them with a grumpy look on his face.

“Are you sure, you loo-”

“Before I change my mind, yes just do it already.”

“Okay Discord.” Gale turn back to the console pressing his talons on it to show Discord's meeting with Oogway in the Spirit Realm, the screen lights up. “Ooooo look at the place it got floating rocks and a big old tortoise floating with a big long cape?” Gale tilt his head.

Discord grumbles. “That Oogway...”

Gale press on the touch display pausing the playback after Discord appeared over the Jade Palace, the exchange between Discord and Oogway left a few surprises as well more questions to be asked, Celestia and Luna showed interest in what Discord had meant about being freed from stone was too soon.

“Wow you really gave up being freed from stone for me, you were concerned that the dream adventure I couldn't wake up if you left me to be freed.” Gale turn around to Discord with happiness in his voice and face. “You showed that chaos isn't evil, it like you said to Shen, about it not being black or white it about being grey!”

Discord gave a smug pose. “That two things I did good.”

Luna gave him a narrow eyed look stepping up to the lord of chaos. “That maybe true but what you said to Oogway is what got me interested.”

“I have to agree with Luna, I quote; One I can return and cause untold chaos right now, throw them in a spin... But it could mean I speed up events...” Celestia stood by Luna. “What exactly did you mean by that?”

Discord rolled his eyes in a dismissive manner twisting his talon around. “Put it together Celestia, Luna.” Discord poke Celestia's muzzle. “Gale's feather landing on my petrified form allowing my subconsciousness to exist here, you do the maths.”

Luna glares. “Your not fooling anypony Discord, when your free you will cause chaos and disharmony once more.”

Discord crossed his arms. “So what if I might do that when I am freed, there a chance I won't! I am the lord of chaos for a reason!”

Gale step back a few steps seeing they all arguing with each other to the point most of the words became jumbled. “Gilda you were right, it happening just as you predicted.” Gale whispers.

“Yeah I am seeing and hearing it from this end too, they acting like foals.” Gilda's responded, her voice only heard by Gale. “They all are concerned for your well being, using this to their advantage too and won't let the other get the upper claw, talon, hoof or whatever over the other, it just like a family of griffons do... Just like my family did when I was young.”

Gale heard a what Gilda said. “Your parents?”

“Yeah... I'll tell ya someday cub, just not now okay?”

Gale nods slightly. “Okay Gilda...” He looked at each of them still arguing. “So we go with Plan G-Team?”

“Yep, I be right there, get the ball rolling cub!”

“Got it.” Gale replied.

Blue curious listen to Gale, he didn't see anyone with him, the jackal diamond dog closed his eyes with the dreadlocks raised up vibrating, they drop back down with his eyes snap open. “Master Gale how-”

Gale put his talon his Blue's arm. “It was all part of the plan, let us handle this okay?” Blue wondered what the plan was but he knew that his master must have a reason not sharing this with him.

“I trust your judgement Master Gale.” Blue bow his head slightly.

Gale walked up to the adults still arguing with each other, he stood up on the his paws, place two claws from both talons into the corners of the beak, he let out a high pitch whistle getting them to stop cringing in reaction from it, their attention now drawn on the teenager, Blue and Alpha cover their ears. “Stop this pointless arguing, it getting you all no where.”

Celestia speaks trying to shift it to Discord. “Son, this is just like Discord to drive us into this, he using a nice guy act on you.”

Before Discord could answer Gale sighs heavily. “His and your stories matched.” Gale rubbed his forehead slightly before he asks a question towards Celestia. “Mum is this time the first time you, aunty Luna and Discord had a equal footing, none of you had all powerful magic to wield to resolve the matter or had those in the line of trouble to be defended?”

Celestia slowly took in everything Gale just said to her and the others, Blue and Alpha watched from by the entrance to the chamber as the griffon statue electrical lights turn off darkening the corridor. “Yes... It is...”

“So this is the first time any of you had a real talk? Even we are all asleep.” Gale asked the next question.

Luna eyes shift around rubbing one foreleg over the other. “Yes...”

Gale walked around them. “How does that make you all feel about trying to use words, motive of past actions and have me in the middle of all this playing defence for me?” Gale using what Gilda explained to him to use.

Discord eyes dart around. “Well that a tough one... Best answer I can say is...” Discord eyes settle on Gale as he shrugs. “Conflicted?”

Gale stopped walking around turning to face them once more. “Do any of you even remember what you were just shouting at each other about? Honestly?”

Celestia thought about it for a second. “I got nothing...”

“Same here sister, I wasn't sure what I was saying to Discord.” Luna also failed to remember.

Discord rubbed the back of his neck. “Wow... I am impressed, you really got us all cub.”

Gale shook his head. “Not just me.” Gale sit down, move his talons over the ears, he pulls off them griffon ears shaped headphones with matching feather colour headband and mini-microphone attached. “I had help from my big sister.”

Gale turn to the corridor and all of them did too, the griffon statues lights turn on to revile Gilda wearing a black headset on her head with a mini-microphone attached to it. “Hey you idiotic dorks, got your old flanks handed to you by a cub?”

“Old?” Celestia and Luna said together insulted by a single word, Blue and Alpha couldn't help but snicker at their response.

Gilda rolled her eyes as she took the headset off her head tossing them over to Blue, he caught them. “Oh save me from the shocked insulted look, you three dweebs put the oldest griffon or pony to shame.” She turn to Discord. “Even you Freaky.”

Discord raised a eye. “Freaky?”

“Yeah dweeb, your a mismatch of body parts, so if you don't like what I called you, tough!” Gilda stopped walking and stood beside Gale with a wing over his back, Discord didn't say anything as he crossed his arms but gave a slight smirk showing some like to Gilda's personality. “The way you all been acting just been very lame, specially in front of Gale trying to act on his best interest.”

Gilda golden yellow eyes moved from one to the other. “Gale had help with what he told you but all it was a push for him, you Freaky.” She now locked her eyes on Discord. “I saw the drawings and writing about the adventure you two been on, you spent four days when only moments past by here right?”

Discord frown slightly. “Yes that true, where are you going on with this?”

“Oh you will see dweeb.” Gilda remove her wing from Gale walking up and around Discord. “Through out that time didn't you show that even with chaos magic you used it for a good reason for the most part?”

Discord thought about it. “In a way yes I did.”

“You teleported right to him soon you knew he escaped from Shen, even taking that bird called Crane along with you to prove that Gale was safe to the others.”

“Yes...”

Gilda flap her wings to fly eye level with Discord crossing her forelegs tapping a claw against the other leg cross under the talon. “I quote from your own mouth from Gale's memories of it; There is no black and white, only grey' to Shen that peacock.”

Gale thought about his encounter with Shen while captured and went to the console going through the adventure to find what he was looking for. “I see where your going with this, your not going to gu-”

Alpha lower his head slightly his eye shifting away. “Yes and I can't change what I did back than but I can change what I do now.” He rose his head reading to fight.

“The cup you choose has no bottom, it is time to stop this madness.” She walked to his left from behind.

Shen smirked glancing at her for a second. “Why on earth would I do that?”

“So your parents can rest in peace.”

Alpha leans over to Blue. “That is strange for me to see myself do what I done already on that screen thing...”

“It is... Not something anyone would expect to see...” Blue responded

As it plays on behind Gale turn around to Discord, all eyes fixed on the screen than to Gale as he spoke over the sound. “Discord when you were defeated by mum and aunty Luna, did you choose that cup with no bottom?”

Discord tried to avoid making eye contact with Gale but his endless stare got to the Lord of Chaos. “Urg... Fine! I did! But now...” Discord rubbed the back of his neck. “I do not know anymore...” Discord turn his gaze away. “After what happened during those four days and being here... I am so chaotically conflicted and that no pun... I'm really am...”

Gilda still hovering with her forelegs crossed spoke up. “Sound like being all evil isn't what it crack up to be does it? And you know what?”

“What Gilda?” Celestia asked.

“It just like my parents, ponies, griffons and any creature for their hunt for all the wealth in the world, nothing enough for them, they need to get more, think of how many of them go for the bottomless cup?” Gilda said with annoyance. “I been getting Bits, more than I even had and I felt I needed it to do so much more in life and now I got so much, it feels empty, my fulfilment comes from teaching Gale, being there for you cub.” She look to Gale.

She drop down on all fours walking up to him and gave him a hug giving Gale a surprise squawk getting a hug from her.

“My scones I cooked when you liked them, when you all liked them filled me with pride, it lame for me to say but thanks you dweebs.” She move her beak close to Gale's right ear and whispers the last part. “Little brother don't stop being you, also that between us.”

“Okay...” He whispers back.

She let go from the hug turning around to Discord. “So Lord of Chaos, let me lay it out for you... What would you pick? Stay here till your freed or if you could get your freedom early would you by grey and not black or white?”

Discord stared at her. “Your dead serious...”

“Oh I am you lame dork, now what would you pick?”

Discord whispers something to Luna and she whispers back to him with surprise, they all wonder what just was said. “Okay... First I got to say is well played G-Team, you got me good and them, I got to admit I didn't see this coming from a mile away and it a good form of chaos, well played.” Discord bow to the two griffons.

Celestia gave a cautionary look at Gilda. “Usually I would say your out of line but... This is a unique situation and we are asleep and in Gale's Dream Cavern, so we on equal settings at the moment, we been called out and I have to say it surprised me.” Celestia said lower her head to Gale. “I am glad that you and Gilda called us out on it, sometimes adults and even a mother need to be called out by the young, thank you son.”

Gale gave her a hug. “Your welcomed mum.” He turn to Discord twiddling his paw fingers and claws of the talon together. “Discord?”

Gilda smirked. “It look like Freaky made his mind up, but what about you Celestia, Luna? Would you give him his freedom if he choose it?”

Luna and Celestia look to each other, they nod. “It is interesting that a griffon would ask a question such as this, yet the views have been presented, what seen and heard has gave me wonder on Discord's new actions.” Luna said looking over at Discord.

“I have to agree with Luna, we were blinded by our own fears and Gale seen past that, you shown that you care Discord, even I am uneasy by the fact he called you honorary uncle.” Celestia adds.

“So I have to accept what we've seen and to honour whatever your choice is.” Luna replied.

“You have my word too” Celestia agreed

“Really?” Discord stared at them. “No joke?”

Both sisters glance at each other before answering together. “No Joke.”

Gilda shrugged. “They sound legit.”

Discord was surprised. “What the catch?”

“Only if you choose to cause harm and go back down that path 1000 years ago, we will act.” Celestia warned.

Discord turn to face Celestia and Luna rubbing his goatee. “That seem fair.”

Gale step up to Gilda talking quietly to her. “Gilda is that what erm... coming up a co-com-com...”

“Compromising agreement?” Gale nod to Gilda as she respond finishing his sentence. “Yeah it kinda is, sounds like they have came up with a middle ground for real.” She shook her head slightly. “About time that these dweebs found it.” Gilda gave a smug smile.

Gale smiled. “I am glad they did, our G-Team plan worked didn't it?”

“Yep.” Gilda raise a closed up fist talon to Gale, he did the same and they bumped.

Discord gave a serious look upon all in the chamber. “I have finally made my mind up and my choice is-”

Time to vote and you have till Sunday 9am GMT to vote for the 51.5 chapter! There is three answers to the question: What will Discord Choose?

Edit: Voting is closed

“-Wake-up.”

Discord's answer rang out and it took a few seconds for many of them to realise what that option intale, Gale quickly flew up to Discord stopping only inches from beak to muzzle. “Discord that wasn't one of the options! That would mean you-”

Discord put a lion paw digit on the tip of Gale's beak. “There always a option three, you gave me two very good choices that would give me freedom one way or the other.” Discord smiled. “Why would I go back to my stony self in the gardens?” Discord move his paw away and walk away slight closing his eyes with a shrug.

“I have to confess that I am very confused by your choice Discord...” Celestia step forwards. “It doesn't make sense at all...”

Discord turn around opening his eyes smuggly looking at her directly. “Make sense? What fun is there of making sense Celestia?”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Your so lame, I have no idea what going on in that idiotic head of yours but I rather not know.” Gilda turn walking towards the tunnel. “I am waking up from this.” Gilda burst to stardust as she wakes up.

Discord chuckled. “I definitely like your choice of teacher for Gale, Celly.”

Gale still hovered at the same spot watching Discord with confusion. “I don-I-why?”

“Gale sometimes there is no answer to that why, this is one of them and I am the lord of chaos, being set free here or back in the real world is cheating, one thing I learned from you and our adventure...”

Gale gulped a little. “Wh-what is that?” He came a big closer to Discord.

The draconequus gave him a hug bending his neck down to Gale. “How one can change with a small spark of light, thank you honorary nephew.” Gale's eyes went wide looking up at Discord with surprise.” See you soon, that a promise.” With a snap of the lion paw he burst to stardust waking up.

Gale left hovering next to the spot Discord stood staring up blinking a few times, slowly he drops down on all fours walking up to the console pulling out the chip putting it in the metal case closing the lid. “Son...” Celestia whispers watching him press a few more keys on the console causing the screens to pull in flip around and return to the stone wall symbols.

Gale took the case placing it in the vault, closing the stone wall up covering the case, placing the talon on the stone slowly turning to Luna and Celestia. “I'm going to Discord's statue...” He vanish in the stardust.

“His confused by this action, Master Gale needs you two, go to him.”

Luna sighs. “Yes your right Blue, it is best we go too...” Luna close her eyes and disappear too.

Celestia turn to Blue and Alpha. “Take care of him while he sleeps for the next few days, he will need you two more than ever as well.” Blue nods in reply and Celestia close her eyes vanishing too.

As the stardust fades Alpha turn to Blue. “A spark of light...”

“Sometimes all it takes is a spark, still I am at a lose for why Discord choose this option three, it left Master Gale unable to understand this action, even I can not figure this out.” Blue turn walking out of the chamber.

Alpha lick his muzzle a bit. “Maybe we shouldn't try to understand it...” Alpha followed Blue out of the chamber.

Soon as Celestia and Luna woke up they both flew out of their balcony window doors heading right for Discord's statue, they land in the Canterlot Gardens as the last few moments of night continued with dawn coming up, before them sitting on the path staring at the statue were both Gilda and Gale.

Shining Armor stood not too far from them, Celestia and Luna lands just behind him. “Good morning captain, how is my son and Gilda?”

“Morning Princess Celestia.” Shining Armor turn around to Celestia and Luna with a salute. “Morning Princess Luna.” She in acknowledgement and he lower the hoof to the ground. “They just been sitting there for about a hour, Gilda told me basically to 'buzz off' and leave them be, I did my rounds and just came through to find them both haven't moved at all.” The captain reported.

Celestia bow her head slightly. “Thank you Captain Armor, you may continue your rounds, we can handle it from here.”

Shining saluted. “Very well Princess, I was just concerned at both of them being up so early.”

“I really appreciate the concern you brought up Captain, I know exactly why they are up, it the same reason me and my sister are here too.” Celestia partly explained, Shining Armor didn't press any questions and made his way out of the gardens, he knew this was a personal family matter from his own experiences.

As the princesses approach the two griffons Celestia had to ask Luna. “Luna how did they wake up a hour before us?”

Luna didn't turn to Celestia as they continue to walk. “Events within a dream happen at different rates of time, that include waking up seconds or minutes apart, sometimes even they woke up before you in the realm like the Dream Cavern they could end up waking up after you here.” Luna explained best she could to Celestia. “That is the best I can explain it sister, the laws of sleeping and waking our rather confusing even for those that can visit dreams like myself.”

“Thank you for trying to anyway Luna, it is confusing but it sort of answers my question too.” Celestia was glad that Luna attempted to explain it and got somewhat of a confusing understanding of the process.

Luna smiled slightly. “You are welcomed sister.”

Their hoof steps were noticed by both griffons they turn their heads slightly to catch sight of the princesses in the corner of their eyes. “About time you showed up dweebs.”

“Good morning to you too.” Celestia replied stopping by Gale and sitting down with a wing over him.

“Same to you.” Gilda said back.

Celestia look down to Gale “Morning Son...”

Gale slowly look up. “Morning... Mum...” Gale lower his eyes back to the statue, Celestia noticed a feather held to the ground by one of his talons. “Confused... Sitting... Hour confused...”

Luna sat by Gilda. “Conflicted Gilda?”

“You could say that...” Gilda said taking her eyes off them and back onto the statue. “We just been sitting here going in circles about what to do, at the end we agreed to do nothing.”

“Is that so?” Luna asked.

Gale nods a little. “Yes... Nothing do... but confused...”

Celestia tried to think of a way to explain why Discord did it but nothing came to mind, she had no idea what to say about his actions. “I am too Gale...”

“Why Q do?”

“I do not know and I think we never know, unless you want to go against his choice and use your feather to bring him back to the Dream Cavern.” Celestia said to the young griffon. “There isn't a real answer that can be given here...”

Gale lift his talon holding the feather up to his eyes. “Maybe Q say w-erm... w-wh-w-”

“When he is finally free?” Gale nods slightly. “Maybe he will, maybe he won't, that is something you need to expect from him.” Celestia spoke softly to Gale.

Gilda sighed. “Nothing straight forward with Freaky is it?”

“No.” Luna said flatly. “This isn't a typical move by Discord, one I never expected.”

“So... when do you think he'll be free?” Gilda asked and Gale was curious too.

Celestia hummed slightly thinking about it rubbing a hoof under her snout. “With us no longer connected to the Elements of Harmony and my son's feather weakening the spell from them, I say sometime after winter he might be freed at the latest. “

Gilda raise a eye now getting up and turning to face Celestia. “You seem pretty sure of it.”

“I am, the spell already failing, it only a matter of time and a year at most is I expect it to finally fail, when it does I won't have Twilight and her friends come to get the elements to seal him back in stone.” Celestia got up on all fours. “What I experienced at Dream Cavern has gave me hope for Discord, one I never would of thought possible.”

“As strange as it sound, I am in agreement with you sister, I will give him a chance.” Luna got up too. “It time to lower the moon.”

Celestia nods. “And to raise the sun.”

Gilda look to her left and to the right. “Wait you two really going to raise the sun and lower the moon right now!?”

“Yes.” They said together with their horns glowing.

Before Gilda and Gale they watch the moon lower from the sky and the sun rose on either side of Discord's statue from their point of view, the new morning light basking the land for a new day. “Okay that was pretty sweet to see!" Gilda now turn around to face both of them. "You two dweebs know how to impress and scare the heck out of me, nice going and see you lot at breakfast.” Gilda flapping her wings to take off into the sky. “See you there cub!”

Gale nods and look back to the feather he felt a gust of wind blow through, he let go of the feather accepting that Discord will be back soon and watch it get taken away by the wind high into the sky. “See at breakfast mum!” Gale took off after Gilda.

"What does Gale mean by that? Aren't I the one to cook?" Celsetia asked Luna.

Luna avoid the question and point a hoof to the feather as it fade from view. “Sister should-”

“No.”

“Celestia I do not think that wise.”

“I know, but none of us can grab it without it effecting our magic, we just have to let it go, even for the good or the bad sister, I think somehow this might be a good thing.” Celestia open her wings and took off back to the castle. "Since you avoided my question I am going to find out for myself!"

Luna slowly turn to the statue of Discord. “A good thing? Maybe... I think Celestia in for a surprise.” She walk up to the statue putting her hoof at the pedestal. “When you wake up and freed Discord I only hope the chance I give you isn't wasted, till we meet again Lord of Chaos.” Luna remove the hoof from it and took off to the castle.

Gale sat in his room painting the cut out pieces to place on the large model floating island, with Gilda gone home, Luna asleep, Shining Armor doing his duty as captain of the guard and his mum Celestia with Cadance working as princesses of the land, Sunbeam or the other guard didn't even count since their job is to do with protecting the castle, the citizens of the city and the royal family, this left Gale with no one to interact with.

Gale finished painting to model fountain placing it down on the table to dry out, he pick up a card box model of a cable car and string, he flies above the island model using his talons to tie them in at the island ground level to the near top of the city with the cable car resting through the string in mid air.

Flying back a bit he nod in approval that it was in the right place, he flew around picking up already dried out pieces, looking over to the noticeboard stand, he took a good look at where to place them, one by one they were placed. “Good good!” He lands on all fours with a glee seeing that the hard work was paying off piece by piece.

Gale went over to the comic books of Pistol's Misadventures, jumping onto the beanbag cushion he took one getting comfortable on it shifting around on it, he open up the comic to read and look at the pictures, after about a few hours past a knock of the door came and his ears twitched to that direction of the doors. “Yes?” He called out to the door.

A guard open the door. “Doctor Trace is here for your check up Prince Gale, shall I let him in?” Gale nods, the guard step back and the blue macaw griffon wearing a doctor's coat fit for a griffon carrying a doctor's bag with one talon walking on the other three limbs entered.

“Hello Prince Gale, how have you been?” Trace asked, Gale wonder for a second to recall the Changeling crystal that Trace wears when he a griffon.

Gale responded with a groan with a fake yawn.

Trace smirked placing down the bag opening it up as Gale put the comic down and came over. “I am going to say your bored, am I close?” Gale nods sitting down before him. “From today every other Friday I be doing a general check up on you and your mother requested it.” Gale tilt his head a little.

“Check... Erm... Normal?”

“Yes, pretty much the case and all I'll be doing is... Checking your wings, talons, paws, beak, ears, temperature, magic and heart rate, which is basic stuff for a griffon part from the magic, that usually a unicorn thing but since you have magic it part of your case.” As Doctor Trace said that he set out on the table a stethoscope, touch, plastic flat stick, chart with quill and ink well, tape measure, thermometer and a few disposable gloves.

Gale wasn't exactly sure what all these stuff going to be used for this check up, but he trusts Doctor Trace. “Okay, do stuff check.”

Doctor Trace put the gloves on standing on his paws only, he walked on them using his wings as counter balance with his tail as the blue griffon gentle grab Gale's wing. “Now open up your left wing.” Gale did so and Trace pulled it out fully, he rubbed the gloved talons over the main limb to the wings checking the feathers. “I see you been preening, Gilda taught you?”

“Yes.” Gale nods. “She say normal.”

“Indeed specially for those that have feathered wings like you, me and the Pegasi.” Trace confirmed. “They very strong and healthy too.” He take the tape measurer pulling it across the top of Gale's wing taking account the wingspan. “Good wingspan Gale.” He let go of the wing. “You can close your wing back up and open your right one.” Gale did so.

Doctor Trace repeats the same test on the right wing. “You can close the other wing up I am done with checking your wings.” Gale close it up resting against his side. “Now...” He walk over in front of Gale taking the stick in one talon and the touch in the other. “Now say ahhh.”

“Ahhhh.” Gale open his beak up.

Trace put the plastic stick on the tongue pushing it down and shining the touch inside taking a look around the beak, from gum to teeth, part of the throat to the inner part of the beak. “Strong healthy beak you got there.” He remove the stick.

Gale close and open his beak a few times shifting the muscles around lapping his tongue. “Strange... Weird...”

“It is but you did a good job cub.” Trace moved next to the ears, grabbing one of them he shine the light down the inner parts. “Your really are in tip top shape, best I seen for a griffon.” He checks the other ear before he turn the touch off putting it down. “Now for the talons, please raise your left first and once I am down follow with the right okay?”

Gale nods lifting up his left talon up to Trace as he step up around in front of Gale once more.

Trace remove the gloves and put them in a plastic bag, he put on another pair and feel the talon from the palm to the claws up to the tips, Gale shift slightly feeling it was a bit ticklish to the touch from the gloves. “Strong, firm and sharp, next.” Gale raise his right and same result from the touching. “Reaction normal, that good.” He let go.

Gale rubbed his talons against each other feeling not the same reaction to touch from Trace.

“Now for your paws, you going to need to lay down, this may cause you to react either uncomfortable, laugh, nothing happen or you flinch and snort with laughter.” Gale nervously shift with a shake of his head. “Prince Gale I have to do this, your claws and pads are another major part of a griffon, when you land on a tree branch you feel stable right?” Gale nods slightly. “That because of your claws both on talons and paws.”

Trace shows shifting his right hind leg in view, Gale watch the claws come out between the toe tip and back into the fur. “Ooooh.” Gale slap his forehead feeling silly that he forgot that his paws had retractable claws.

Trace chuckled. “We all forget the simplest of things cub.” Gale laughed too.

Gale lay down on his side slightly with both paws to the right, Trace grab one and Gale tries not to laugh but fails, as he does and try to kick away, Trace wrestled with the strong kicks managing to hold the hind leg in place to press on the pad causing the claws to come out, after checking he let go with the claws retracting.

The teen stop laughing and shaking his hind legs a bit to get the strange ticklish feeling away from the pads, he sat back up wiping away some tears with a smile breathing heavily a bit, it felt weird from the touch and laughable all in one.

“Nice reflex, reaction as expected with the sensitivity to paw pads from touch and claws look good, the pads also good and healthy.” Trace writes down the results on the clipboard chart, he pick up the thermometer. “Now I am going to put this partly in your beak, don't clench your teeth okay?”

Gale nods and Trace put it in.

Trace put on the stethoscope, placing the tips into his ears. “Now I am going to put this round part on your chest, this will let me hear your heart beat and while we wait for temperature to stablize on the read out, breathe normally okay?”

“Okay.”

Trace place the round part on his chest hearing the steady heart beats coming from within Gale. “Nice strong heart beat.” He remove the stethoscope from his ears placing it down, taking the thermometer to see what it says. “39.9 C, that a nice temperature for a griffon, the avenge is about 39.5c to 41.5c, you are as from all tests so far perfect in every way as I ran tests on you when we first met.” Trace checked the results he wrote down.

Gale sat up. “Good?”

“It is good youngster, now for the last test on your magic.” Trace pull the gloves off putting them in the bag. “Now I want you to hold this clear crystal and let your magic flow around it okay?” Trace pulled out a case and open it to show a clear crystal in it, he give it to Gale.

Gale close his talon around it and focus the magic to burst around it.

Trace tap a claw a few times. “Stop.” Gale did so and gave it to Trace, the blue griffon took a good look at it. “Hmm... Impressive, you see it turn white with these bluish white wavy lines in it?” Gale took a good look seeing the pattern. “The reason the crystal turn white with these bluish white lines means your magic is around for a unicorn level is high, it most likely to do with what happened with the whole thing in the past.”

Gale rubbed one foreleg with the other talon feeling a bit uncomfortable about that moment, he only knew about it because he was told, the memories were still very scrambled. “Magic... try force out me...”

Trace sighed. “Yes... Grogar tried and failed thanks to Grifiax Boreas.” Trace put the crystal back into the case closing it. “I believe that everything, I got other rounds to make back at the hospital, it a good thing everypony use to my form switching now.” He chuckled lightly packing away the stuff.

“Same... Next week?” Gale tilt his head.

Trace pick up the bag walking towards the doors. “No it be about every two weeks Prince Gale, so not next Friday but the following one.” Gale nods in understandment watching the blue griffon head to the door, open it and exit out of Gale's bedroom with the door closing behind.

Gale walk up to his bed jumping onto it, he pick up the plush leaning backwards to lay down holding out his plush above in front of the ceiling view. “Hello Gale plush, it been five weeks coming six hasn't it?” Gale spoke in thought to his plush, making it do a nod motion.

“Thinking back to the first two weeks, it seem that it all happened in a day, not much to remember part from fear, caution, eat, sleep, protect you at all costs and erm... Business stuff.” Gale turn his head slightly looking over at the window next to his bed stand. “Mum teleporting those tickets triggered something in my mind, I suddenly could think, feel and remember.”

Gale roll to his side placing the plush on the bed holding it with his right talon making it do a nod and cover it face with the talon.

The teen laughed a little. “Yeah I was so scared of magic when I didn't know what it was, I was terrified of mum and Captain Shiny, all I thought of escape and did that through the whole in the roof, I reacted with running around the castle scared out of my mind.”

The plush he moved the talon over in a embarrassing stance.

“Hey it not my fault I didn't know anything!” Gale turn on his back pushing up to sit up and held up the plush up. “Also that when I had a real memory from my past, how mum told me that it was Grogar, something dark and evil that wanted the pure magic that part of me.” Gale put one talon on his chest, he put the plush talon over it.

Gale smiled at his plush. “I know Plush Gale, we travelled through time because Griffax Boreas was a test subject to Grogar with my magic, learning from that he figured out how to use a transfiguration spell... The very one that ripped me apart to take every inch of magic from me.” Gale jump off the bed pushing open the window, standing on his paws with one talon on the window seal holding the plush with the other talon looking out to the land.

“If it wasn't for Griffax surging the artefacts to a explosive end to Grogar's reign I wouldn't even be alive or maybe alive in a different way, I am a pure griffon now and that can't restore me to whom I once were, I might not be the me I was once but I am the me that is now.” Gale turn to his plush resting it on the window side rubbing his talon over the plushy feathers.

Gale pick his plush up from it pushing off to flap his wings hovering around the island model. “I can bearly recall that I was once something that didn't have wings or even magic, how could I be with magic on the mountain that fell from the sky? What happened to cause me to be there? How a mountain fell from a sky? They are many questions I might get answers for in time.”

Gale raise the plush up holding it again with both talons out in front. “When Greystorm came...”Gale made the plush lower to giver the eyes a sort of eye look up glare. “Yeah I don't like him much either but we need to try to forgive him slowly, being anger consume you and look what it did to Shen even in a dream adventure, his own greed and anger consumed him... Do you want me to be like that?”

Gale place his talon on the chest making the plush shake it head.

“My thoughts exactly, I will learn to control this magic that Greystorm awoke in me, I won't let it control me.” Gale open the free talon out in front letting a magical form appear over it, closing the talon up it fades. “Without control I could harm others, you don't want that Plush Gale, right?” Gale made it nod in agreement to what Gale thought to himself.

Gale land on the bed sitting cross leg putting the plush between his hindlegs looking down at it. “You, my bandanna with the leg bands and that photo you hold is the last true remains of my past, we will figure this out together with mum and my family.” Gale lean down taking the picture out looking at the dog on it. “Together.” He fold it back up putting it back in the vest of the plush.

The teenager reach over to the bed stand pulling the draw open and taking out a book, on the cover it had in griffish 'Gale's Memories Scrapbook'. Gale place the plush beside him putting the book down on his lap, opening it up he looked at the photos inside. “Oh oh this one was taken when I gave Gilda a big hug, she like a sister to me, she maybe a bit grouchy on the outside but inside Gilda has good heart, really good heart.” Gale move his talon over it looking over to the plush beside him.

Gale hummed thinking about Gilda. “Gilda from a city called Griffonstone, she go home there every weekend and recently helped me out to show a light within Discord, also telling mum, aunty Luna an Discord out too, maybe her meany side just a act to be tough? Do you think?” Gale made the plush raise the forelegs up in a motion of 'I do not know' expression.

Gale decided to move on to the next photo coming up to the anthropomorphic cat.

“That one is Amber, she Doctor Trace's wife a erm... A-abyssinia I think they are called, some sort of big cat that stand on hind paws and their forepaws are like my talons, yet they don't walk on-” He laughed. “You want to know about Amber right Plush Gale?” He made it nod. “Okay! She really know her words and how to use it to work on her favour, also work for mum as an anti-scammer officer and Gilda even worked with her!”

Gale rubbed the underside of his beak. “Oh.” He move the talon away poking the next photo. “That the changeling Octicovix, she appearing as Pistol the fictional character in my favourite comics that mum got me.” Gale smiled warmly at the sight of the photo of her with him and Spike. “That was last weekend, Spike came over and we started working on the island of Flaputa, Spike is a dragon maybe older or young than me... Not sure on that one.”

Gale stared at the photo and looked over to the island model. “Either way he stayed and slept over here, that his bed over there!” Gale point over to the basket bed. “Some reason Spike like to sleep in a basket bed, if it like that I can't complain, just wonder why he like that over a bed.” Gale rubbed his feathered head. “He like a big little brother to me though.”

Gale flip over the next page seeing Cadance and Shining Armor photos. “Plush Gale, they took me to the library here at home the castle, the books I read there I learned so much and also they the reason I got my name, I picked it but without them I guess mum could of picked it.” He look down at the plush. “What do you think mum would of called me?” No response. “Hehe yeah, I get it.”

The photo he look at next was of Blue Star. “That Blue Star, one of the first guards I saw, that one there is Flash Sentry, they both did something amazing too! Blue Star took my ripped clothing and turn them into these awesome bandanna and leg bands!” Gale pull on the bandanna slightly and raise his hind leg showing off the leg band to the plush. “Flash Sentry before Sunbeam came was my first guard, he kept with me and kept a eye out for me, I wonder what he and Blue Star are up to at the mo.” Gale tap the tip of his beak thinking about the two guards.

Gale turn the page over looking at Trace both pony and griffon. “Hehe, that Doctor Trace, he always been looking out for my health, he was just here checking me over, Trace got into a mishap with the transfiguration spell he discovered that Grogar used on me, it now turn him from pony to griffon and back again, something about the pure magic part of him now mixing around with his own magic.” Gale scratched the side of his face slightly.

Gale turn to the photo of Luna. “Aunty Luna I got to know with a dream link, since than I wanted to know more about dream abilities, mum gave me a renewed book from Aunty Luna, I learned so much from that book and how my imagination powers the magic of Dream Walking...” Gale crossed his forelegs humming with a thoughtful looking.

“It isn't pure magic, does that mean I got two forms of magic and why Aunty Luna look like she drop the moon on mum after discovering that I could do what she could do?” Gale closed his eyes thinking deeply. “Aunty Luna taught me how to not misuse it and that when I come of age I get to go to others dreams and help them, she did say I could go with her after my birthday to see how she works in others dreams.”

Gale turn to the calender. “I wonder when my birthday is? Is it soon or has it past?” He gave the plush a confused shrug motion. “Yeah I am confused too, oh well one step at a time right?” He made it nod. “Cool we in a agreement.” Gale laughed a little.

The latest photo made him pause, it was the one he took of Discord's statue. “Di-Discord... I am wary of him at first from the past he admitted, mum and Aunty Luna said about too.” Gale ran his talon over the photo gentle. “Than we had that four day dream adventure in Kung Fu Adventure, gained a new protector for Dream Cavern Alpha, he and Blue get along pretty well and Discord I think was too, but when he was given the option he choose to return to stone, why? I keep asking myself... Why?” Gale sighed closing the book up putting it on top of the stand.

“I guess I find out someday cause mum say he be free in the year, that why I keep this scrapbook, to keep those memories going.” A sudden thought came to mind. “Oh I never got a photo of the griffon that owns the café, the upstairs part for Griffons and Peagsi to eat at! That really have amazing battered fish, maybe when we go there again, I can get a photo of him and the café for my memories scrapbook!” Gale clapped his talons together liking that idea he thought of.

Gale put the plush back down between his hind legs making it do a nod in agreement to that idea.

Gale pat the plushy on the head a few times. “Thanks for listening to me Plush Gale.”

A knock came from the door, Gale turn to it. “Yes?”

The door open and Celestia step in as the doors open. “Son, like to go out for some dinner? I fancy some fish today.” Gale's eyes lit up knowing what she was hinting at.

“Yes!” He jump off the bed closing the window locking it up and flying over to her, he lands, picking up his bag and holding up the plush. “Plush me and me ready!” Gale excited to go and made sure with a pat of the bag to have his camera ready.

Celestia giggled. “It sure looks like.” She put her wing over him turning around.

Gale look down to his plush. “Let's fill more of the Memories Scrapbook shall we?” He made it nod.

“Shall we?” Gale nods to Celestia and they leave for dinner.

Gustave Le Grand exit the train from Las Pegasus as night slowly fell upon the City of Canterlot, his recently raise in sales allowed him to go ahead in planning to expand the business and one location key to the Prench Griffon's expansion plans, he walked off the platform carrying the important cargo of documents in his saddle bags making his way back to the restaurant.

The familiar sound of music blaring came, the neon lit sign with the strips of lights along the rim of the roof and down the walls, one thing that caught him by surprise was two queues of ponies, a few griffons, cows and minotaurs all waiting to go in to the Icy Delights ground floor, griffons and pegasi waiting to go in on the Fliers Delight first floor. “Sacre bleu! I've never zee it this busy part from opening day!”

He quickly found royal guards standing at the entrance with his employee Pound. “Pound why are le royal guards helping you deal with this crowd, why are you not at le first floor ztairs?”

Pound let customers out and let in a group into the ground floor area. “Captain Shining Armor is at the stairs boss, Princess Celestia with her son is sitting at a table at Fliers Delight floor.” Pound responded to Gustave speaking very close to him.

Gustave took a moment to take in what he just heard. “Le Princess is here with her son the griffon cub!?” Pound nods and let out a bunch of pegasi, he let in the next group for the first floor. “Sacre bleu...” He muttered under his breath. “Keep up the good work, Le Gustave going in.” He raise a claw up and walk right in.

The guard watch him go in. “Is your boss that dramatic all the time?”

“Pretty much.” He gave a shrug.

Gustave Le Grand saw how busy it was soon he past through the two set of doors, all the seats from the bar table to every table was filled with creatures having a great time chatting, enjoying desserts and music blaring away and his whole staff on the ground level really busy.

He walked through into his office placing the bags down and quickly made his way up the staff stairs to the first floor, upon arriving he peered through the window to see Princess Celestia and Gale, they were sitting at the very table Gale sat at before. “Le co-ruler of Equestria zitting at one le Gustave's table...”

The griffon quickly look at his reflection adjusting his talons through the moustache, taking out from under his wing the chief hat popping it out placing it on his head. “Here le Gustave go...” With a deep breath the owner push the door open walking in to a fully seated first floor.

As he walk up to the table he could see Celestia was writing on a piece of paper with a quill and talking to Gale. “-forward to trying out the meals here son, I seen your take aways that Gilda had ordered to the palace in the trash cans.”

“Hmm mmm, yummy mum!” Gale pick up his glass of strawberry milkshake putting the strew end in his beak drinking the thick shake through it.

Celestia brought up her tea drinking a little of it. “I'll soon find out when our meals arrive.” She put the cup down going back to writing on the paper. “I just hope my sudden unannounced arrival doesn't effect the business, this was a on the fly idea after all.”

“Mum worry no need, happy be here!” Gale said happily. “Family thingy!”

“Family outing Gale.” Celestia giggled. “And yes I can see that.” Gale look out the window slurping his shake. “Unannounced trips like this be rare...” She sighed a little.

Gustave step up. “Le Gustave can help with that Princess.”

Celestia turn to him. “Ah hello Gustave le Grand, I've heard you were out of town.”

“Indeed, le Grand were at Las Pegasus working on getting a expansion of le business else where.” He replied. “As zaid before you are welcomed to come to this restaurant at any day Princess, le doors are always opened to you.”

Princess bow her head slightly. “That is good to know and my son be happy to hear that, I will make sure next time to have a aide to come by and arrange a trip for next time.”

He bows back slightly. “It was a zurprise Princess to zee you here of all restaurants, not that le Gustave is zaying anything, it just a honour to have you here to enjoy the meals and desserts we have to offer.”

“Thank you.” Celestia smiled, Gustave step back and turn around walking off to the kitchen. “Don't start overracting and treat me as one of your customers Gustave! We are on a mother and son outing for dinner afterall!” She called out to him.

“Understood.” He called back.

Gale rolled his eyes. “Yes I know Gale, he most likely will start to panic, just hope he don't go OTT.” Gale tilt his head. “Over the top.”

“Oh!”

“It something I heard from a few ponies and had to ask myself a few months ago, so your just in my place this time around.” She giggled and Gale laughed. “Now about next week, I wrote up this rough timetable for what happening for you.”

Celestia push it over to him with her magic, he took the paper taking a good look at it, Monday to Wednesday morning it was speech and writing lessons from Gilda as always, Monday and Wednesday afternoon also were those times too, Tuesday afternoon was flying lessons with Spitfire, Thursday have was filled with touring Cloudsdale in the morning and in the afternoon watching the Young Fliers Contest.

Before, between and after each were the breakfast, lunch and dinner, Gale could see there was time allotted for him to have free time as he liked having that free time with his big sister Gilda. “Clo-clo...” He tried to say the word.

“Cloudsdale, it the home of most pegasi, it a moving city in the sky that makes most of Equestria's weather, the weather factory you will get to see in action.” Celestia corrected the word for Gale and explained to him a little about the cloud city. “You have read about the weather and how it works right?”

Gale nods. “Yes mum.”

Celestia rolled her eyes playfully. “You know about Cloudsdale weather factory didn't you?” Gale trying not to smile while shrugging. “Your a terrible at pretending not to son.”

Gale gave the smile. “Hmm mmm, no lie like, stomach twist.” He rubbed his stomach area with the talon.

Before Celestia could say something about it the waiter came over placing two plates down, a tray also put down with bottles of ketchup and BBQ sauces, salt and pepper shakers on it with napkins. “Two battered fish and fried chips, hope you enjoy your meals Princess and Prince.” The mare bow and take the serving tray with her.

Gale pick up the salt shaking it over the chips and battered fish followed by dumping a splodge of ketchup on the side, he take the knife and folk cutting into part of the fish followed by a few chips, dipping them in the ketchup and putting it in his beak happily chewing away.

Celestia using her magic does the same and take her bite. “Hmm...” She swallows. “It been a while since I had some cooked fish.” Gale tilt his head in confusion recalling that Pegasi since Alicorns are partly are they need fish protein on their diet unlike other ponies, they had a close cousin relationship to the griffons because of the fish protein diet. “I usually take protein tablets at home son.”

Gale nods in understanding to what she said. “Happy eating?”

“It is and I am enjoying it.” She ruffled his feathered head with a wing, getting him to laugh. “Now let's eat before it get cold shall we?”

“Yes mum!” Gale agreed and they went back to eating their meals.

Gustave with the kitchen staff watched for a few short moments sighing in relief that the royal family were enjoying their meal, the talking and laughter in between made them see a side they never saw before from their co-ruler Princess Celestia, a side of a happy mother with her son.

Gustave clap his talons together. “Alright ztaff that enough gotting, we got plenty more mouths to feed, it going to be a very busy night.”

“Yes boss.” Some said and others nod going back to their stations.

“Keep up the good work.” He went to the fryer placing cut up and washed potatoes into the basket placing them into hot boiling cooking oil. “A very very busy night...” He whispered.

The last of the customers left the restaurant, Pound closing and locking the doors, the rest of the staff busy cleaning up the dining area and kitchen on the ground level, Gustave filtering the from the vats to remove the pieces of food that got stuck at the bottom in the upstairs kitchen, closing the bucket up and removing the heat residence rubber gloves to suddenly hear laughter, peering over the counter to see Celestia, Gale and Shining Armor at the table still.

Gustave got up walking out of the kitchen to see they were the only remaining customers in the store. “Gale that isn't how you play chess you cheeky cub!” Shining chuckled, Gustave walked up to the table seeing a chess board was set up with Gale moving a piece in the incorrect place. “Now your doing it on purpose.”

Celestia giggled. “Indeed he is.” Gale gets a hoof pushing around on the seat and Celestia using her wing to tickle his right paw, Gale burst into a fit of laughter kicking around trying to stop his mum but failing due to her being stronger overall. “Now you going to play right or do I need to tickle you some more?” She grinned.

Gale breathing in and out holding his chest slowly sat back up tucking his hindlegs under him to keep her wings away from his paw pads. “Okay mum.” Gale gave a cheeky grin.

Celestia put the pieces back in place. “Ready to try for real?” He nods. “You-”

Gustave speaks up. “Zorry to interrupt Princess Celestia but le restaurant is closed, le ztaff and le Gustave can not leave till it all cleaned up.” Gustave le Grand bow his head slightly removing his hat showing respect as well requesting for her to leave.

Princess Celestia bow her head slightly back to him. “It alright Gustave, we were unaware about the time that past by.”

“Oh, time fly fun?”

“Indeed son, indeed.” Celestia hugs Gale with a wing for a second before letting go. “Shining Armor can you take Gale to the toilets before we go?”

Shining saluted. “Of course, come Gale.”

“Okay!” Gale hooped off the seat following Shining Armor to the public toilets.

Celestia using her magic to pick up the board and pieces, they vanish in a flash of magic. “I really like to thank you Gustsave for this lovely evening, we really had a good night out.” Celestia got up from her seat using her magic to clean the surface of the table up for him.

Gustave whistled seeing how she removed any kind of mess left on the table surface to get cleaned up by a magical aura. “Impressive Princess.”

“It the least I can do for delaying you and your staff.” Celestia said to Gustave as she pick up Gale's bag with his plush in it with a foreleg, hooking it under her wing as she closed it against the bag. “This will be one of those moments my son will keep in his memories both in heart and in his book.”

Gustave le Grand hummed. “Le Gustave le Grand is happy to zee my customers are happy, le recent events that unfolded really has helped the business to expand in ways le Gustave never thought possible.” He place a talon on the chest with eyes closed before opening them again. “Prince Gale is and will always be our honorary guest to Le Gustave le Grand Icy Delights!” He raise a talon up pointing a claw up towards the ceiling showing gusto as he speaks with praise in his voice.

Celestia turn to see Gale coming out of the toilets with Shining Armor in tow. “I believe Gale be happy to hear that Gustave, also I believe before we go Gale would like to ask you something first.” Celestia about to give the bag to him. “You did wash your talons young cub didn't you?”

Gale rolled his eyes. “Yes... Mum...” Gale took the bag from her.

Shining Armor chuckled. “I know how you feel kiddo, I been there many times before with my mum.”

Gale pulled out the camera from the bag, he point to it, to himself and Gustave. “You wish for a photo of us?” He nods.”Le Gustave le Grand accepts!” He open the wings up with a puff of the chest.

Gale gave Shining Armor the camera, once he let go of it from resting on Shining's hoof the stallion used his magic to pick it up looking through the eye piece aiming the camera in their direction. “Princess I think you should be in it too.”

“Do you want me in it too son?” Gale nods, Celestia walk up behind them kneeing down on all four knees. “Is this good?” Celestia asked the captain, Shining nods. “Also take three, one for Gale, for me and for Gustave.” Gustave quickly turn his head to her. “I believe Gale would like you to have a memory of this too.”

Gale happily nod. “Magnifique...” He whispers and turn around to face the camera.

Captain Armor took a good look through the lens. “Prefect princess, now smile.” They smiled and he took the photo, three of them as requested, each polariod photo sliding out the front, Shining gives one to Gustave as it slowly appears on the polariod.

Gale took the camera and the remaining photos, giving one to Celestia before placing the other in the bag, Gale then aim the camera at Shining. “Look like you've getting another photo taken captain.”

“Fair enough.” He removed the helmet putting it under his foreleg standing to attention in front of Gale.

Gale laughed. “Funny! Like!” He took the photo. “Yay!” He took a few more shots of the dining area before putting it and the photos away. “Ready!”

Celestia ruffled his feathered head with her wing. “That we are, when we get home your going to have a bath than bed young cub.”

“Muuum!”

“You don't want to go to bed all sweaty and smelly do you?” Gale sniff his feathers and scrunch up his beak rapidly shaking his head. “Good.” She giggled and turn to Gustave. “I bid you and your staff a good night and thank you for the lovely meal as well the enjoyable night.” Celestia with Gale and Shining Armor walk down the stairs, Pound surprised to see they were still in store quickly unlock the doors to let them out, bidding them a good night too before they set off back to the castle in the distance.

Pound relock the doors turning around to see Gustave walking down the steps semi staring at the photo as it fully develops. “Boss, I had no idea they were st-”

Gustave speaks over him. “It fine, le Gustave zays this been a grand night, best we ever have.” Gustave reach the end of the steps. “You all will be getting a pay raise after the next pay, keep up the good work.” He walks to the office past the staff looking surprised by what he said.

Pound kept his static look. “Raise?” He raised a eye brow, glancing through the darken shades to the entrance. “That cub is something...” He whispered and turn to the still shocked staff. “Stop gotting and get back to cleaning up team, you two go up stairs and finish up what the boss haven't done.”

“Right away Pound!” The mare said and she with the stallion work colleague went up stairs to the kitchen of Fliers Delight, the other ponies went back to work with their cleaning.

Gustave enter his office flopping into his seat pulling the chief hat off tossing it onto the desk, he look at the photo again. “Dream of expansion is coming true and it because of one action the cub got me to act one... Magnifique prince Gale... Magnifique...” Gustave take a pin and pins the photo up on the notice board next to the newspaper clipping of a week ago, when he hosted the first Macaw Griffon party and it made news in a small column of the Canterlot Daily.

Things was looking up for the Prench Griffon and his growing business.

(Linebreak)

Chapter 53.5: Let Those Scones Sell – The day is Saturday at Griffonstone and Gilda trying to sell those Griffon Scones with no success on Friday afternoon.

1. Gabby
2. Gallus
3. Gabby and Gallus

Update: Voting is closed.

Leaning against the wall of a very dilapidated building that seen better days was a light blue griffon with cream under neck to body, dark wings and tail tip with yellow feather tips calmly chowed down on a Griffon Scone, the blissful flavours danced around his taste-buds and this only lasted to the moment a landing thud came to his right.

Opening his eye lids, turning the blue eyes towards the sound was a dark grey wings and tail to grey body, light grey and white on the neck up to the face with tied up feathers behind her head as well a cheery look while carrying a bag full of letters stepped up to him. “Morning Gallus! Enjoying Gilda's scones I see! Aren't they the BEST!” Her own light blue eyes lit with joy.

He blow the feathers that drooped down in his field of vision slightly. “Yes... Best, now get lost Gabby!” Gallus like every griffon in Griffonstone does not want to be involved with the hyper happy griffon Gabby.

Gabby didn't. “I just had something AWESOME happen! Like to know what it is? Do ya!?”

“If I say yes, will you bug somegriffonelse?” Gallus gave a narrow annoyed glare at Gabby.

Gabby took that and agreed. “Sure!” She nods. “I got this letter from a Pegasus in armour! He came all the way from a place called Canterlot to have me! ME! To deliever this letter right away to Gilda!” Gabby showed the letter pointing to the seal over the back of the envelope. “See it even got one of those REALLY important seals on it!”

Gallus rolled his eyes in an unimpressed manner. “Woopy Doo, Gilda get a letter from a important puny pony.” Gallus did airquotes with his talons. “Now your done, buzz off!”

Gabby sighs putting the letter away and start to walk away when she noticed a used banana peel attached to the corner of the box. “Wait a second.” She pulls it off the box holding it up. “You got these from the trash, didn't you?”

“So what I did?” Gallus shrugs. “It good food, not letting it go to waste.”

Gabby turn to see Gilda's scone cart with fresh scones on it, she toss the banana peel in the trash can. “I don't get it, why would she throw them away or not able to sell any? They been the best scones she ever made, it doesn't make sense...” Gabby sat down trying to figure it out as Gilda fails to sell any to a griffon.

Gallus chuckled. “Maybe because somegriff that first bought them said they taste like rotten apples?”

The way Gallus said it got her to stare at him. “You said that didn't you?”

“What if I did? Not that you can prove it, so leave me to eat and get l-ACK!” Suddenly Gallus was lifted up by the sheer might of Gabby and had locked him in a tight grip hug, he couldn't move his forelegs, talons unable to reach her or her forelegs, he kicking the hindlegs uselessly with tail flailing around. “Let me go you crazy griffon!”

“Not to you admit to Gilda that you lied to her! You said you LIKED them! You lied to her when you bought one with a few bits! That wrong and I won't stop hugging you till you yield and apologise!” Gabby said in a stern serious voice.

Gallus struggling to break free looking around rapidly for any griffon around. “Stop hugging me! All the griffs will get the wrong impression seeing you doing this to me!”

“Let them! It be your own fault for lying to my cousin! I don't care she mean to me, she family and family is family!” Gabby refused to budge.

The young teen's heart racing a mile a minute as he started to panic, the results of his claustrophobia and the embarrassing scene he is in was causing him to start breathing heavily with sweat running down his feathered face. “Fine! You win! I yield! I yield! I'll tell her the truth that I lied!”

“Do you promise?”

“Yes I promise I swear! I will tell the truth!”

Gabby let's go and Gallus fly a bit back from her holding a talon over his chest catching his breath. “Now that wasn't so hard was it?” Gabby grins waving him to follow as she takes off to the scone cart.

Gallus finally caught his breath. “For a adult that small she really strong and scary when she has to be, that dumb hyper griffon really freaks me out.” Gallus flew after her knowing he wouldn't escape Gabby's wrath if he tries to flee.

They land at the scone cart to find it unoccupied.

Gallus looked around. “Oh well she not here, I'll come back la-” Gallus turn to fly off to only get a scare as Gilda lands right in front of him. “Ah! Gi-Gilda, hehe... Hi?” He nerviously step back as she step forwards, he noticed something around her next part from the locket. “I-is that a cam-”

“Camera? Sure is dweeb.” Gilda grins and pulling out from under her wing a developed photo showing Gabby hugging Gallus. “Got to say that a rather cute photo.”

Gallus gulped. “You-how-” Suddenly it clicked turning to Gabby showing a massive grin on her beak showing her teeth with full happiness. “Y-you knew Gilda knew!?”

“Yep! I told her last night what I saw, so she told me to play along and boom!”

“But-yo-I-”

Gilda chuckled. “I think we broke him.” Gilda give the photo to Gabby. “Nice job cous, even you are a very annoying one Gabrielle.”

Gabby giggled. “I know RIGHT!” Gilda flinched. “Hehe sorry! I got carried away!” She held up the photo. “That a keeper!” She put the photo away in the bag. “Don't worry Gallus the photo just going to sit on the wall with the rest of my photos I keep at home! No giff will see it other than me of course!” She said with excitement.

Gallus rubbed the back of his next confused by what was going on, everything happened so fast that he was very lost. “Riiigght...” He slowly turn to Gilda. “Sorry for lying, how can I make it up so I don't get a death hug from that crazy griffon?” He points to Gabby.

Gilda push a tray of cooked scones into his talons, one for Gabby too. “You two going to take these around, get the griffons to try them out for free as tasters, than if they like they tell them to come here for a opening sale of five scones for the price of eight bits instead of two bits a scone, saving them two bits for five instead of paying ten, got it?”

Gallus blinked. “That it?”

“That it you dweeb, I don't care you dumbster dive through everygriff trash can, I don't like being lied too cub.” Gilda turn to put on baking gloves on taking a tray of scones to put in the oven.

Gallus blinked. “What the catch?”

Gilda groans. “There is NO catch you idiot!” She turn to Gabby. “Fine if you want a stupid catch, here a catch you feather brain! If you don't do this I get Gabby to share the photo with EVERY Griffon in Griffonstone!”

Gabby was about to say something but Gilda hints to her to shut up and she did. “Okay that good enough for me!” Gallus quickly darts off.

“Gilda I wouldn't do that!” Gabby finally was able to say something.

Gilda sighs. “Sometimes you have to be mean to be kind, trust me I had experience recently with that.” Gilda turn away.

Gabby gasped. “Oh I almost forgot, a armoured pony drop by after the daily mail arrived from the usual train, it for you!” Gabby give Gilda the letter and flies off with the tray of scones.

Gilda look at the letter resting on her baker gloved covered talons. “Why would Celestia get one of her guards to deliver this to me?” Gilda muttered taking off the gloves and breaking the seal to see inside, she pulls out a set of photos.

Each photo was of the night out with son and mother at Gustave's restaurant, she flip through each photo seeing how happy Gale was till she stop dead in her tracks seeing one being of her first encounter with Gale, the very death hug Gale gave to her. “Wow you really know how to hit the heart strings Celestia...” Gilda muttered pulling out a letter, as she did a piece of paper fell to the ground getting blown away by the wind and reading the letter.

Dear Gilda

Sealed within the envelope are a few photos of last night and a few with you and Gale, I am really happy that he sees you as a big sister even though you are really rough around the edges, even keeping your image up you know how to be kind and gentle with my son.

You have done a lot in the last few weeks that really showed you are the best choice for being Gale's teacher, see you on Monday and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

From your friend, ruler of Equestria and trollestia

Princess Celestia

Gilda snorted slightly with a burst of laughter seeing that last part. “Geez you really are a troll.” She smiled putting the letter and photos back inside putting it on the under shelf of the cart for safety.

Suddenly a group of griffons came over. “Hey I tried one of those scones that those annoying griffons told you made, I want to see for my self and give me one right now.”

“Two bits and you get one.” Gilda growled.

“Here!” He shoves the two bits in her talon and Gilda gave the scone, he ate it and the eyes lit up. “Okay you won me over, give me five for eight bits!” He presented the bits, she took them and gave the bag of scones to him, the griffon quickly leaves.

Soon more griffons came hearing about the scones from others that bought the scones, she soon was selling them as fast they were being made, Gilda even got help from Gabby, what surprised her that Gallus now was giving them out taking the bits and adding them to the chest without trying to steal any.

The day went on and on till it came to a end as the sun started to set behind the large dead tree filled with griffon homes on the branches, the old castle in ruins, Gilda with the help from Gabby packed everything up. “So we good?” Gallus finally spoke up.

Gilda chuckled. “We good cub and here your cut.” She toss a bag of bits to him.

He caught it and look down at it with surprise seeing the gold coins. “Wh-what?”

“10 percent of today's sale Dumpster Diver.” She toss one to Gabby. “Gabrielle your cut too.”

Gabby held it looking down and back to Gilda. “GILDA THANK YO-!” She was stopped with a talon up from Gilda.

“No hugs, I get enough of that from that crazy cub back in Canterlot.” Gilda said with a annoyed warning voice.

Gabby nods. “Okay that fa-” She blinked. “Crazy cub in Canterlot? Is that where you been over the weekday?” She clicked to the armoured pony and the letter. “Oooooo the prince! Your that teac-”

Gilda stuffed a scone in Gabby's mouth causing her to start chewing on it. “I should of knew you know about him while the rest of the city is far behind on that news.”

Gallus raise a eye. “Prince? Am I missing something here?”

Gilda turn to him. “Cub, I will lay it out plain and simple to you, the ruler of Equestria has adopted a griffon around the same age as you, the only difference he had no memories, no way to speak and limited skills, I was the one that got him to say his first word and in agreement I signed up to be his teacher in writing and speaking.” She could see Gallus and what he might be thinking of. “Call me a egghead and you will see how far you can fly when I kick you right up the rump.” Gilda growled.

Gallus knew not to cross her now and he did get a bag of bits for the trouble. “Yeah... No, I am good.” He blew up the feathers on his head. “We cool, see ya!” Gallus did a mock salute taking off to the sky to the dilapidated building before anything worse to come out of it.

Gabby reach out. “Wa-” Gilda took her foreleg and shook her head. “But Gilda...” Gilda let's go of the foreleg.

“Cous, I know, but it up to him, D-Gallus.” She corrected herself. “He has to come around at his own time, even I am acting like a total dork at times now, this is Griffonstone and things don't work like Equestria works, Grandpa Gruff also his guardian and you know what Griffon laws are.”

Gabby sighs. “Yeah I know...” She turn to Gilda. “Guess I was lucky to have you as a cousin, hmm?”

“Of course you did dork, I will do some research on the side to see if there any loop hole to get around Grandpa Gruff, just give me time okay? Egghead stuff isn't my thing.” Gabby nods with a smile forming as her more brighter personality surfaces once again. “Keep your head high and no matter how many times the griffons slam their doors in your face, don't stop being you.” Gilda grab the bar lifting it up to pull the scone cart away. “Nights, Gabrielle.”

Gabby waved to Gilda. “Goodnight Gilda!” She turn to fly off back to her own home. “Oooo maybe I can go to Canterlot too and see him for my self!” Gabby's attention turn to meeting Gale. “I do have a letter I think that need to be delivered to Gustave le Grand from his aunt!” She clapped at the idea with excitement. “Tomorrow! I'll go tomorrow! Special Sunday delivery!” Gabby speeds off.

Gilda pulling the cart watch the hyper young adult fly home. “Not so subtle cous, I knew soon as she clued in fully that would be her next move, now it my turn to troll you Celestia, with a hyper friendly kind.” She chuckled lightly. “Gale you better be prepared, Gabrielle is on her way.”

Gallus lands in the dilapidated building pushing a wood board back, walking in he closed it back up, using a match to light up a candle, the inside the one room intacted, the rest was destroyed by roof or wall collapse, the room was a small room with a makeshift bed, crate by it with a small chest on top of it, the walls and windows in the room with planks over them where there was openings to the outside.

Gallus open the chest up tossing the bag of bits inside, it land by a strew filled sowed up plush that look like him and a card with 'Happy Birthday son' on it. He stares at it for a second and close up the chest with a sigh. “Whelp Gallus, another day and another night.” He flop onto the bed of strew covered by a tore sheet, resting his talons behind his head looking up at the only intact window, at the stars.

Something caught his attention, it was a piece of paper caught in the slight opening of the window, he got up and flew up to it, pulling the paper out and opening it out of curiosity. Gallus found it was a drawing of Gilda, a griffon he never seen before and four ponies, three look like they were royalty and the other wearing armour, the three had wing and horns, while the armoured one had a horn.

Gallus flap his wings slowly as he lands on back on the bed, closing them up he stared at the drawing. “That must be the griffon prince...” He poke the paper at Gale, a bluish white shimmer caught his attention as he poked it.

Gallus gasped suddenly finding himself standing in a foot of water, lifting and dropping his talons feeling the cool water push away and against them including his paws, he saw how crystal clear it was and the bluish white glow that lit up the water. The eyes lift from the water to find that Gallus was a rather large cavern where the water was a underground lake, in the middle of it that had his blue eyes lock on.

“That some weird glowing tree...” He whispered staring at the massive bluish white robes of light flowing through the trunk up to the branches to end at each leaf on it.

Gallus suddenly felt and saw a bluish white similar glowing talon touch his back from the corner of his eyes. “Interesting...” The calm soft female voice spoke giving Gallus a chill down his spin. “All possibilities of time, I never once saw this, you the young that yet to be the bearer, Gallus of Griffonstone should of never been here.”

Gallus was frozen in place as he felt the large talon move slightly on his back near his wing joints. “Wh-who are you and what is this place? What are you going to do to me?”

“Who I am is not yet to be known, this place is not yet to be known or should have, what I am going to do? Take a feather and give you a feather in exchange, study and learn of the unknown event that just happened.”

“What? Your not making any-sense, you know exactly who I am! How!?” Gallus growing frustrated.

“Our encounter maybe short but it been interesting.” She said softly grabbing his wing opening it gentle. “We may meet again, till and if we do, good bye Gallus bearer to come and of Griffonstone.” Gallus felt a strange sensation go through his wing right through his whole body.

Gallus quickly turn around. “Bea-” Suddenly he was staring at the wall of the dilapidated building he lived in. “I must be going crazy!” He open his wings up to see a faint glow, suddenly turning to see one of his primary flight feathers was now shimmering in a bluish white glow.

“A feather for a feather...” Gallus mutters staring at the glowing single feather grabbing his wing with the talon feeling the feather. “I am now a freak, just great, I wish that stupid feather look like my own!” The feather suddenly changed matching his own. “Wait what!?” He feels it again and the strange feeling was still there.

The rush of confusion to understand what happened and what going on got to him, he wobbles and faints landing on his side passing out, the candle flickers and goes out with the faint smell of burned smoky wick filling the air as Gallus now most likely will not be waking up till morning, the drawing missing from his talon.

That drawing was now held by the bluish white semi glowing talon with the dark blue feather resting on the side of the paper, before her the huge glowing tree in the middle of the underground lake new branches started to grow with new leaves emerging from them.

In the Royal Dining room Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Gale and Blueblood sat at the table having a mid-morning breakfast, Gale enjoying his pancakes with a messy covered whipcream beak, Celestia reading through some reports and forms that Blueblood returned with she had to sign, as she did Celestia ate pancakes and drank some tea, Cadance talking to Luna about ideas of her wedding to come in the beginning of summer with Shining Armor.

The plan of the day for them was to have a some what simple quiet day till that plan was already about to be uprooted. “It seems your trip to Manehatten been quite the successful one Blueblood, these deals will not only help the companies there but the ponies that work at these places.” Celestia look through the pages.

“It took some convincing but I must say that I even outdid myself on this one aunty.” Blueblood said with pride putting a hoof to his chest.

Celestia using a quill she made to appear from her magical pocket dimension to sign the paper. “Safe to say that all of this can be approved, it will be a benefit for all beings in Equestria.” Blueblood smugly accepted the praise from Celestia for his hard work.

A knock came from the west hallway doors. “Come in.” Luna called out.

The doors open for a guard to walk in and salute. “Princess and princes, I do apologise for disturbing your breakfast but a griffon at the gates calming to be Griffoness Gilda cousin.”

Cadance sighed. “Again...” She got from her chain. “I will go Aunty.”

Celestia raise a hoof. “Wait, usually a guard from the gates don't come up, they are dealt with by Captain Armor and reported after the fact.”

“Indeed...” Blueblood said dryly getting a agreed nod from Luna.

Celestia raise a hoof to the guard. “Lieutenant please continue.”

He lower the hoof standing to attention as he spoke. “The griffon whispered a word to me that would confirm her to be the cousin of the Griffoness.”

“And that word is?”

“Erm... Princess should I tell you in erm... private?” He started to get a bit nervious.

Celestia shook her head. “I am sure it be fine, please tell me.”

The guard coughed into his gold hoofshoe first and responses. “This is a exact quote from the griffon... 'Gilda gave me this to open when I got to Canterlot from my delivery of the letter to Gustave and to say this to one of you quietly to pass on to her, Trollestia.' End quote...”

Celestia kept a very natural calm look but deep down she was cursing a mile a second upon hearing that, Luna burst into laughter falling backwards off her chair rolling around, Blueblood stared in shock, Cadance giggling under her hooves and Gale pointing to Celestia. “Mum, Gilda say, remember Gilda say!”

“Thank you...” Celestia nod to the guard. “You may go, but please do not repeat what you were told to anyone else if you may?”

The guard sweating crazily shakingly salutes. “Y-yes princess... N-no-not a word.” He quickly using the magic to open the doors and leave in the best orderly manner he could muster.

Luna still on the ground holding her gut with the forelegs trying to catch her breath. “Are you quite done sister?” Celestia raise a eye.

“Ooo yes... Hehe... The best breakfast ever has been doubled!” She raise a hoof up before finally getting back up on all fours using the magic to pick up her chair. “You really know how to pick them don't you sister?”

Celestia showed a slight smile. “Indeed I do Luna, I am going to greet this cousin of Gilda's she must be trusting to give such a word to pass on.” With that Celestia was gone in a flash.

Gale tilt his head. “Mum, anger?”

“No cousin, embarrassed maybe, a bit pride wounded but that about it.” Cadance said to Gale.

Blueblood look over each of them. “It seem I am out of the loop on this, care to explain 'that' word and why a griffon allowed to call aunty Celestia such things?”

Luna smirked. “The things that I and my sister got up to back in the day would bring nightmares to you Blueblood.”

Blueblood didn't like the sound of it. “I believe I do not wish to know aunt Luna, I have some... Paper work to complete, good-day.” He got up from the table and left the room.

Gale turn to Luna with curiosity. “Before Nightmare thingy?”

“Before Nightmare thingy.” Luna calmly replied. “I'll get around to telling you someday about it, that a promise nephew.” Gale squawks happily and go back to eating. “For now it a bit sensitive...” She whispered to herself going back to eating while they await for Celestia's return.

Celestia appears not to far from the gates, taking the short walk to them the sound of hoof steps came from behind, turning her head to see Shining Armor trotting up to her. “Captain.”

“Princess, you do not need to worry I'll deal with this seventh griffon this weekend...” Shining stated as he continue to march over to the gate.

Celestia open a wing across blocking him. “I believe this one is different.”

Shining looked up at her. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Gilda's little word about me was received.” Celestia said closing her wing up. “Come but keep quiet.” Shining nods and follow her to the gate.

They started to hear a overly bouncy happy female voice speaking towards most likely a guard. “-here these would work perfectly for your wedding anniversary!”

The guard voice came afterwards with surprise. “Th-These are-”

“Yep that are! Funny story about them! I helped the owner of the theatre after doing some mail runs and he was sooooo greatful for my help he gave me them.” The cheery voice souls a little. “But I am not into the whole musical play things and wasn't sure what to do with them.” Her voice suddenly turned back to high forms of happiness. “Now I know what to do with them and give them to you!”

“I-I don't know how to thank you thank... We love musicals and always wanted to go there...” The guard sounds very happy as Celestia reach the gates to see the mix tone grey griffon, she looked very pleased with the way the guard reacted, he giving her a hug and she returning it.

Celestia kept just out of sight from them with Shining Armor listening in.

Gabby giggled. “I am just happy that your happy! Now all I got to do is wait for Princess Celestia to turn up or that guard to return.”

“What did you say to him by the way?” The guard put the two tickets away.

“Oh Gilda wrote it here.” She pulled out the letter from the bag pointing to the part with the other talon while hovering on the spot flapping her wings. “It something Gilda calls her when-”

Celestia makes her move to come to the gate, Shining Armor quickly moving up to her side as they walk through to greet the young adult griffon. “Hello young griffon, I gather you are the cousin of Gilda?” Celestia spoke looking down upon the grey griffon.

The griffon looked up. “Your Princess Celestia! I saw only pictures and statues of you! WOW your really tall as others said you are!” She giggled slapping the side of her head in a mockey way. “Silly me! I am Gabrielle but I like being called Gabby, yet Gilda always call me by my name.” She put her talon out. “It a pleasure to meet you!”

Celestia warmly smiled placing her hoof upon the talon and shook a few times. “It a pleasure to meet you Gabby.”

Shining Armor step forwards as Celestia move her hoof away. “I do lik-”

Gabby grabbed his hoof as he raised it towards her with both talons shaking it. “WOW! Your Captain Blue Hooves! The one that getting married to Princess Candy! Congratulates!” Gabby interrupted him with overwhelming excitement.

She let go the hoof but it kept shaking till Shining put it down on the ground. “Okay I am convinced...”

“Convinced?” Gabby tilt her head. “Oooooh!” She clocked on what he was saying. “Gilda wrote what you look like right here, pony in armour without hoofshoes that have blue colour hooves, also getting married cause Gilda saw you pro-”

Shining Armor put a hoof on her beak. “Yes that is correct, you don't need to go into any more detail okay?” She nods and he remove the hoof from her beak. “My name is actually Shining Armor and I proposed to Cadance.”

Gabby giggled. “Gilda and her nicknames, she like you if you gave you one!” Gabby happily said to Shining holding up the paper. “Gilda wrote on the envelope telling me not to open it till I did my delivery to Gustave le Grand, a letter from his aunty in Griffonstone, she got word on how his restaurant doing amazingly well!”

Celestia hint to the letter. “May I?”

“Here you go!” Gabby let Celestia take the letter.

Celestia took a good look at it. “It definitely Gilda's talon writing and she summarised the last few weeks on here too, quite the short talon she got working here.” Celestia gave the letter back. “I wouldn't be surprised that Gilda kept back more about her past and family.”

Gabby nods. “She not exactly the one for speaking about that kinda stuff.” Gabby fold the letter up putting it back in her bag picking up the box off the ground. “I usually don't do deliveries on a Sunday but I wanted to really meet Gale so I had the letter and just thought what the heck and come!” She said rapidly and in one breath.

Shining Armor raise a eye. “Fair enough... But you or he never met yet, why would you be driven to meet him?”

“That easy silly! The letter said that Gale see Gilda as his big sister! She the first REAL griffon he met and WOW talk about how effecting her to even call him her little brother!” Gabby explained dancing on the spot with rapidly tip tapping of talons and paws on the spot. “I am sooo excitement to meet a new cousin cause he and Gi-”

Shining used his magic to close her beak again. “I get it and understand, I have to say your one of the most hyper friendist griffons I ever met.” He remove the magic from her beak. “Please try and rein in some of that excitement, you might scare him.”

Celestia hummed slightly thinking about that, she could see that playing out. “I have to agree with the captain.”

Gabby salutes. “Got it!” She grinned. “Sooooo... Can I meet him?”

Celestia nods opening her wing to let Gabby through, Gabby squealed in delight flying past the gate while holding the box under one foreleg. “Quite the griffon don't you say Captain?”

“Quite the griffon indeed, I bet you twenty bits she haven't planned anything up to meeting him.” Shining Armor said without looking at Celestia walking into the castle.

Celestia gave a smile. “I will accept your bet Captain.” She glanced over to the guard. “Have fun at your first anniversary marriage Sargent Shieldwing.” Celestia follows Shining Armor, the guard looked stunned without a word said, Celestia somehow knew and he wouldn't be able to figure out how.

Gabby standing inside the entrance of the castle looking around. “Oh wow look at this place! It so huge! I bet I would easily get lost in this place!”

“I believe you would.” Celestia said from behind her. “Come with us.” Celestia walk by Gabby with Shining Armor.

“Okay!” Gabby happily followed them up a flight of stairs.

Shining Armor glance to Gabby as they walked. “What do you know of the kiddo?”

Gabby walking on three of her four legs while holding the got with the fourth looked up thinking about the letter. “Some of it was confusing, I read it a few times to be sure but I still confused.”

Celestia watch the guard salute as they pass each that on portal or stand at their stations. “About my son on how things are not as they seem?”

“Yep!”

“I advise not speaking of it here, what wrote on that letter isn't widely known.” Gabby took Celestia's word with the heed of warning. “I am curious about how you are different to the others.”

Gabby shrugged. “I never liked being mean and greedy, I like to help and doing deliveries is one way of doing so, even if the griffons at Griffonstone don't show it and slam doors in my face.” Gabby recalling how rude every griffon is. “But once a year on the Blue Moon Festival they not so mean, I get to spend time with Gilda enjoying the only day she would call me Gabby.”

“I recalled Gilda mentioning that.” Shining Armor recalled what Gilda had said before. “Never knew the name, but now I do.”

They turn heading towards a set of two large doors. “I do have a question for you Gabby.”

“Shoot!”

As Celestia nod to the guards and they open the doors to the dining room Celestia asks the question. “In your excitement of coming to Canterlot to meet my son Gale, did you think of what you would do after meeting him? What kind of activities you might do with Gale?”

Gale peer over his chair with a mouth full of pancakes chewing on it with his eyes set upon Gabby's, he getting to see another griffon that suppose to be Gilda's cousin, her blue eyes looking back upon his own golden brown, he swallowed and waved a talon. “Hi!” He squawked happily.

“Hi!” Gabby waved back happily and now stared into space as if all her boundless of endless energy just stopped upon realising the one thing she didn't think about. “No...”

Celestia summoned a bag of bits giving it to Shining Armor. “You win this round captain, now how about we suggest some ideas shall we?”

Shining took the bag of bits. “I believe we can brain storm a few.”

Celestia put a wing over Gabby. “We all living beings Gabby, we all sometimes rush head on into things that once we reach the go... The goal is different to what we thought it be.” Celestia move her wing and walk inside. “Come and join us.”

Gabby took in what Celestia said and realised being face to face with the young prince...

The goal was different...

A wave of nervousness has washed over her...

Gabby walks inside the dining room as Celestia and Shining Armor walk up to the table, the guards using their magic to close the doors up, Gabby noticed Luna and Cadance. “I like to present to you all Gilda's cousin Gabrielle, we got enough proof to confirm it from a letter Gilda gave to her.” Celestia announced Gabby to the her sister and niece.

“Hi! I like being called Gabby though and it nice to meet you two! Princess Candy and Lunspearan!”

Celestia instantly snorted upon hearing that word, Luna raise a eye in a unamused look, Cadance covering her muzzle trying not to laugh, Gale tilt his head. “Lunspearan?”

“Yeah! Gilda wrote in the letter that you are into the whole Griffspearan thing! Where the WE and THOU stuff they perform at theatres! I been a few to those and the way they word things is funny.” She giggled after a rapid reply to Luna.

Luna grumbles a little. “Curse that griffon...” She get a set of laughter from others, Gale suddenly caught on and joyed in. “Haha very funny.” Luna deadpanned. “My name is Luna, that little name is Gilda's doing...”

Gabby giggled walking up to the table. “Yeah that about right and your Cadance right?” Cadance nods. “I got told by erm... Shining Armor your real name, just thought I say what Gilda suggested, she said it get a good response from it and it look like it did!”

Luna turn to Celestia. “That it did, only fair in games of trolling don't we think Celestia?”

Celestia coughed into her foreleg. “Yes Luna, I agree, what comes around go around.” Celestia using her magic to pull a chair out for Gabby. “Come sit with us and have some breakfast, I gather your flight here was long and speedy?”

Gabby walk up to the table putting the box down on it and sitting on the seat. “It sure was, I got to see a lot of cool views on the way!” Gabby replied and turn to Gale looking at her curiously.

Gale got up from his seat walking up to her holding his plush. “Mail griffon?” Gale then flap his wings taking off and fly around the table doing a lap to land in front of Gabby with his plushy out to her.

Gabby giggled taking the plushy with her talons as Celestia watched and place pancakes with a cup of apple juice in front of the grey griffon. “Yep that I am and fly all over to deliver mail from letters to boxes, depending on the size of course.” Gabby noticed the label symbols. “Huh? Symbols for the letter...” She whispered and repeated it over. “Oh I forgot!” She gave back the plushy to Gale ruffling her talon through the bag.

Gale holding his plush tilt his head in confusion. “G-G...You okay?”

Gabby continue shuffling her talon through the page. “Come on where is it?” She pulls it out. “Found it!” Gabby presents it to Gale. “This is for you, the letter was left at Gustave le Grand's restaurant yesterday by a pony size griffon with forepaws instead of talons.”

“That sound like a griffon we know of.” Luna said looking at the letter as it was given to Gale by Gabby. “Did Gustave leave a description of this griffon having a energetic personality?” Gabby had cut up the pancakes and took a bite out of.

Gale shifting the envelope around trying to figure out how to get the letter inside.

Gabby nods as she was chewing on the pancakes, enjoying the delightful bite. “That does sound like a little friend.” Shining Armor confirmed what Luna was aiming for with her question and the answer Gabby gave. “Greystorm's wife must of saw you at Griffonstone and had found out you be coming here this morning.”

“These pancakes are amazing!” Gabby said with glee.

Celestia nods with approval. “I made them myself.”

Gabby tap her tip of the beak now thinking about what Shining said. “You said wife, erm... He not a she...”

“Have you heard of a race called Changelings?” Celestia asked.

Gabby rubbed the underside of her beak drinking a bit of the apple juice. “Nope, never, I know of griffons, ponies, cows, minotaurs, donkeys... But never heard of a changeling, what can they do?”

Cadance spoke up. “They are bug like ponies and have the magic to shift their forms and consume love as a energy source, the one that with Greystorm is his wife and she shares love which is surprising but true as well absorb it, she most likely the griffon that gave the letter.”

“Ooo I wouldn't mind meeting her, she sounds AWESOME in changing appearances like that!”

Shining Armor chuckled. “We found another that like the magic of transfiguration.”

Luna was lost in thought about why Gabby delivered it and not he in pony. “I am curious about one thing, why leave the letter for Gabby to deliver it from Gustave le Grand's restaurant?”

“That is a curious question indeed...” Celestia responded

“I open it!” Gale cheer in delight showing he managed to finally open the envelope up. “Found paper!” He pull it out.

“That you did.” Celestia giggled. “It your letter go ahead a read it.”

Gale nods and his eyes scan the paper.

Hey Gale

Under the table nearest to you hopefully stuck on the underside is a box, in it is something really special and remember listening in on a discussion between towards you and your once pet Leela. Becareful freeing it from the harden green goo, the item inside will revile what I meant, take good care of it okay?

I made sure this letter get into the talons of Gilda's cousin Gabrielle, she is the right messenger to bring this to you, also for your little hang out go to the Canterlot Arcades since I believe she didn't think that far ahead, they are a hyper of a fun day place to go to and before you know it time already flown by.

We going to be out of town from Trottingham for a week or so due to some findings we discovered within the place we discovered.

Take care of yourself cub, see you soon and keep your studies up!

From Octicovix

Gale shown a deepen frown reading over the beginning part again, he put the letter down on the floor leaving it by his plush as he crawls under the table to find this box encased in goo. “Gale what are you doing under there?” Celestia called out to him. “Come on out from under there please!”

Gale didn't listen and looked around to see that box held on the underside of the table. “Box found!” He grabbed it and as he pulled it free the goo cracked to pieces, he crawled out from under the table raising his prize up in the air getting up on his paws. “Octicovix box me!”

Gabby gave a really confused look at the box in Gale's talons, she quickly got the letter and read through it. “I am soooo confused! The letter was given to Gustave to give to me to give it to Gale, but the letter hints to a box under the table? Why didn't she just have it with the letter at Gustave's place?” She scratching her feathered head.

Gale sat down at his seat feeling a strange warmth coming from the box edges against his talons, opening the lid he found a blackish grey egg between glowing warm crystals. “Egg?”

“Did you say egg?” Celestia asked and Gale nods tilting it slightly to show her. “T-that a black phoenix egg...” Celestia stared with surprise.

“Black phoenix egg? I never seen a phoenix before! Is that what one look like as a egg?” Gabby curiously asked.

Luna got up walking around to Gale to get a good look in the book. “It is definitely a phoenix egg, I can see why Octicovix had it placed here and left just the letter at the restaurant.”

Gale tilt his head looking up at Luna as she towered over his seat looking down at him and the content in the box. “Aunty Luna, why?”

“There are unsavoury characters that would do very bad things to get a hold of a egg like this...” Luna stares at the egg. “How did Octicovix find this?”

“A question we will have to ask when she returns.” Celestia said picking up the letter with her magic. “Octicovix gave the egg to Gale, question is why?” She questioned and reads the letter.

Luna ruffled her wings nervously. “I believe that might have been mine and Gilda's own doing... We were talking about a pet for Gale after learning about the dog Leela...” Luna turn to Celestia. “Octicovix most likely was there as a guard.”

Gabby looking left and right. “I am very confused...”

Gale gentle move his talon over the egg feeling it surface. “What do?”

Shining Armor speaks up. “We make sure to keep it warm, wait till it hatches or when Octicovix returns we figure out if we can get this egg back to it nest.”

“Either way this is a young innocences that need protection.” Cadance got up from her seat.

Celestia raise a hoof. “Son may I take the box?” Gale nods putting it on the table. “I will take this to my own pet phoenix Philomena, she will the best option keeping the egg safe.” Gale stared with surprise, Celestia smiled. “Come on Gale let's go see Philomena.”

“Mum, yes!” He got up and quickly left with Celestia through a set of doors.

Gabby looked around the room. “Wow that happened!”

“It sure did.” Shining replied. “Well we just have to wait till they get back, no point letting good food go to waste, right?”

“I am going to turn i-” Luna's stomach growls slightly. “Traitor!” The others laugh.

Cadance took the letter as they all sat back down and ate the pancakes on the plates, she noticed the part about the arcades. “Hmm... Gabby?”

“Yeesh?” Gabby said with a beak full of pancakes, she swallowed laughing with a rub the back of the head. “Sorry!”

“It fine, no harm done.” Cadance replied and press the question. “How are you at video games?”

Gabby tap the tip of her beak. “Fairly good, play them when I've done delivering mail to Las Pegasus, why?”

Celestia opened a set of doors to outside the castle secure from the public, walking outside of the castle with Gale just behind her carrying the box with both talons flapping his wings, he noticed she was leading him to a large glass circular building with a glass dome on top, he noticed within it was plants and trees he haven't seen around the city or Ponyville.

“This part of the castle grounds is the private gardens, they only opened during the Grand Galloping Gala and other official events, where we are going is to the greenhouse, it is where Philomena stays at her own choosing.” Celestia explained to Gale as he noticed a few ponies working on trimming plants, planting flowers, watering some and a few guards doing their rounds.

Gale noticed a few animals watching with caution, specially at him. “Animals?” He asked about the many different animals.

“Ah yes, they are from different parts of the world, they are very timid to those th-” Celestia turn around to continue speaking to Gale to pause seeing they all gathered around him curiously looking and sniffing at him. A few bird land on his head chirping and looking down at him.

Gale looked to his mum with pleading gaze. “M-mum...”

Celestia turn around. “Well this is something, they never gathered around any pony, griffon or any creature before, not this quickly, it seem they like you.”

“Muuuum...” Gale whines.

Celestia laughed and gestures to them. “Give my son some room please your making him nervous.”

They did as she asked giving Gale space, he hovering on the spot look around at them including the birds hovering away from him. “Nice animals?” He asked looking around they nodding to him with surprise they responded. “Erm... hi!” He smiled. “Wave would but holding egg, sorry.” They nod again and go off their own ways back into the depth of the gardens. “Why animals erm... That?”

“They like you, most they just keep hiding from or running away, they usually very skittish among new faces.” Celestia stated. “Come on Gale let's go meet the young lady Philomena.” Gale nods and follow her once again. “Now, she close to about 100 years old, got a bit of a mischievous streak going at the moment, Philomena can understand exactly what we say.” Celestia glance over her shoulder to the slowly flying teen.

Gale nods. “Okay mum.”

Celestia let Gale know about the race of Phoenixes. “Being a phoenix she go through a phase where all her feathers fall out and burst to flames, from the ashes she springs up like a daisy, it a life circle of an phoenix that have them very long lived, you will never see a old phoenix.”

“Why?”

Celestia using her magic opens the glass doors that lead to another set in front of them. “It something they do, a bit over dramatic if you ask me.” Gale walk through with Celestia, she close the doors behind them and open the second lot.

Gale got a rush of warm air right in his face. “Cool...” Gale was amazed by the warmth he felt as they walked in. “Wow wow wow!” Gale saw the different plants closer than before, he could also see large colourful flowers he never seen before.

“Indeed wow.” Celestia smiled walking down the stone path. “Come Gale, let's find Philomena shall we?”

Gale nods and follows, as they walk he saw the makeshift waterfall and wooden bridge over it, he wondered who it had a strange nice warmth about the place, they turn around a rock formation heading to a gazebo that had six red orange flame pillars with the same colour theme on the roof.

Celestia hummed looking at it. “I do wonder if I might be spoiling her a little, that gazebo colour scheme was her idea afterall.” Celestia walk up to the nest at the middle of it, she couldn't see the phoenix. “Now I wonder where the young lady is.”

Gale put the box down by the nest looking around at the torches that were lit with the large nest of golden shaped sticks weaved in and out, Gale rubbed a talon over it. “Gold?”

“Indeed, it a special type that doesn't melt to intense heat and comfortable to sleep on too for Philomena.” Celestia said walking out to take a look around for her. “She quite a clash of colours to the green, she surprisingly good at hiding.” Celestia calls out. “Philomena! Come on out! I like you to finally meet my son Gale!”

No sight or response from the phoenix as Celestia looked around for any sight of her, Gale saw a feather in the nest, climbing into it he picked up the feather with his talon. “Pretty...” He wave it around, Gale suddenly felt something landed on his back and slowly turn his head to have his golden brown eyes meeting solid yellow eyes staring back, the tall imposing slider phoenix had perched herself on his back. “Pretty.” He looked up and down at the red, orange and yellow colours of the phoenix. “Mum, found!”

Celestia turn and walk up to the nest seeing where Philomena was. “You cheeky young lady.” Philomena squawks happily flapping her wings lifting off from Gale and landing by him. “Quite the sight isn't she?”

Gale wave his talon through the flicking flamelites from the wings as the phoenix flap them a little. “Warm, ticklish.” He said with a big smile. “You pretty!” She squawks with approval at that statement.

“We wish we were here on a little friendly visit Philomena but Gale got something that need your help.” Celestia stated, the phoenix turn to Celestia squawking and waving her wings a bit. “Gale show her please.”

Gale hop out of the nest and pick up the box opening it to show her. “Egg.” Philomena took a good look at it and the heat crystals around it, she looked very surprised.

Celestia saw the shock from the phoenix. “It a black phoenix egg isn't it?” Philomena nods to confirm it. “You and I know how rare and delicate they are, a changeling wife to Mayor Greystorm the griffon of Trottingham somehow came across it and thought it be best in Gale's care.” Celestia explained to her pet.

Philomena wave her wing for Gale to bring the box into the nest, he did so and she point to the part of it to place the egg down in, Gale put the box down and carefully lift the egg out placing it down between the golden sticks, she walk over and put a talon in the box lifting the heat crystals, placing each one down around the egg.

Gale watched as she wave a wing over the crystals and they glowed with new warmth. “Oooo...” Gale felt the warmth through his talon as he held it close to it. “Ouch!” Gale turn to see Philomena pluck a feather from his wing, one of the loose ones and put it down by the egg. “Why my feather?”

“If I recall the egg reacts to a phoenix fire and a unique form of magic, one that isn't from Equestria.” Celestia said and Philomena wave her wing with flames coming off it landing on the feather to catch it alight.

As it burns the flame suddenly turns bluish white, the heat burst made Gale jump back flapping his wings as he took the air with shock from the heat he felt, Philomena nods in approval as the flames die down, the crystals now glowing a bluish colour. “Pretty...”

“Octicovix should be back here at weeks end, she might know where the nest and it parents are, if it start to hatch before hoof, please find me and Gale immediately Philomena.” The phoenix gave a wing salute in understanding the princess's request.

Gale noticed something was missing. “Plush!” He quickly flies off, the phoenix coos sadly but Gale returns to hug her. “Pretty bird! Happy! See next time!” He flies off again.

She chirps happily with a few flap of her wings. “I did want to surprise him with you Friday, but I guess some plans just don't work how we planned them, right Philomena?” The phoenix laughed in response. “Oh you!” Celestia laughed too. “Thank you for taking care of the egg at such short notice.” Philomena turn to the egg and back to Celestia with a glimmer of shine from her solid yellow eyes.

“I will make sure to get you a really nice treat later on, promise.” Philomena wave her wings pushing Celestia. “Okay I am going young lady!” The princess teleports to catch up with Gale knowing where he be going.

The red, orange and yellow phoenix turn to the egg staring deeply at it with a soft coo before settling down in the nest next to it, she nuzzling the crystals to keep the egg warm, it wouldn't be the first phoenix egg she took care of and her thoughts go towards the young griffon.

Celestia did right by raising him, even it meant the phoenix saw a little less of her adopted mother, but she knew that Gale would be coming by to see her and the egg, that filled her with happiness getting a young renewed soul to interact with her.

Philomena squawked happily at that thought.

Shining Armor, Cadance, Gabby and Gale with a small group of guards in the distance walk by streets full of restaurants to a large building, just like Gustave's restaurant this one really stuck out with a cartoonish explosion over the entrance, two triangle looking ships with wings shooting towards it with two streaks behind it.

Gale noticed it was lacking windows on the sides but only the front from what he could tell, ponies from young to teenage with adult ponies walking inside, the building was a dark shade of blue with the explosion and triangle ships brighter colours really standing out with the large letters in griffish for effect.

'CANTERLOT ARCADES'

Something about the building sign gave him a sense of familiarity, Gale as they got closer could hear the sound of chatter mixed with music and noises of all different kinds, his ears flicker to each sound and upon stepping inside the size of the place showed itself, there was a mix of interaction games to game machines and vs table games.

Gale knew one of them in a instant upon seeing it, somehow the table with the two ponies playing he knew the name of it... “Air hockey?” Gale blurted out.

Shining Armor and Cadance looked at each other with surprise while Gabby grab Gale's talon with her's. “Let's go play it! There a table free right over there!”

“Yay!” Gale nods, he gave Shining Armor his plush and rush off with Gabby to play it.

Shining Armor holding it with his foreleg staring. “Please tell me I wasn't hearing things just now...”

“No I heard it too, that is the name of the game and also if he knew of it that would mean...” Cadance slowly pauses but sees a flyer land on the ground, she pick it up reading the first thing she saw. “Air Hockey, new to Canterlot Arcades, play with a friend.” Cadance laughed a little. “Wow I feel silly, I thought it was something from his past 4000 years ago.”

“Yeah it easy to over-react to that.” He looked around. “Best not to speak about it here, who knows what unsavoury ears could be listening, specially the reporters.” Shining Armor advised Cadance to drop the subject at the moment.

Cadance looking around as they walked in. “Your right Shiny.” She watching them playing with talons on the paddles hitting the disc shape puck back and forwards trying to score through the slots just under them at the end of each side. “I am glad I gave the bag of bits to Gabby ahead of arriving.” Cadance watched them play. “Look like they gotten right into it already.”

Shining Armor look to the upper level café that over looked the arcade floor. “Let's go up there, we can keep a eye on them up there.” The guards had too their stations in areas of the arcade floor out the way but in sight of each other, those in view of Gale and Cadance.

“Good idea love.” She walk up to the stairs heading up with Shining following.

They found a table and took a seat to be greeted by a pony. “Welcome to the Explosive Café, I am Dicey Shine and be your server, here are your menus and I will be back in a moment to take your orders for drinks.” The light blue unicorn with pink wild and wavy mane and tail wearing a dark blue top with the arcade logo on the centre neck piece.

“Thank you.” Shining Armor went to use his magic to take them but his horn flickered.

Cadance giggled and took them herself, the unicorn leaves. “Shiny you are holding Gale's plush still.”

Shining Armor glance down and groans. “Curse that plush and it interfering effect on magic.” Shining put the plush down next to him, he attempt to use the magic again and it works, he look over the balcony they sat on to see Gale and Gabby still at it. “I would have been surprised that Gilda had a cousin like this but I fall into that cartography with Twilight.”

“She failed to tell her friends in Ponyville?” Cadance asked the question she already knew the answer of.

“Yep.” They laughed.

Gale and Gabby were tied at four each, the disc sliding across back and forwards, the griffon instincts were benefiting both of them to the point most of the time it just luck or a slight miss of the paddle hitting the disc to cause it to deflect into their own goals.

Gabby hits it right down the middle and Gale hit back bouncing on the right to the left, she react to knock it against the sides back and forwards till Gale got a good hit on it sliding fast, Gabby knock it with her paddle to bounce behind it, reacting to try and stop it the disc is knocked in.

The score change with the numbers flashing showing the game was over. “Wow that AWESOME! Nice shot Gale! You beat me good!” She giggled. “I never had this MUCH fun in a long time! What else shall we go and play next?” Gabby looking around, Gale point to her and wave his talon around the arcade. “Oooo you want me to pick?” He nods. “Okay! Let's see...” She rubbed the talon under her beak thinking about what to pick next to play.

Gabby saw a few ponies playing on four different colourful drums matching the matching circles raising up. “Oooo I know! We play them!” Gabby grab his foreleg pulling the teenager over it as they ponies took the tickets from the machines and walk off. “We drum matching the colours that on the screens here and the better the score the more tickets we win for prizes over there!” Gabby point to the kiosk that had a sets of glass cases filled with different items, behind it and the pony at the prize kiosk were more costly ones.

Gale took a seat putting in a few bits into the slot, Gabby does the same. “Fun time?”

“Fun time! Let's drum away!”

Da-bam-bam-bah-da, Da-bam-bam-bah-da

Bah-bah-da, bah-bah-da

Da-bam-bam-bah-da, Da-bam-bam-bah-da

Gale and Gabby drumming away at the red, blue, green and yellow drums following the colour circles that move down the display on the white screens, hitting them at the black line they cross.

Gale tapping his right paw to the beats of each drum soon through the arcade sounds and different forms of music, a musical beat to each of the drum banging and paw tapping bled through.

Gale starts to sing to the beats

“Talons fall upon the drums
The drums booming away
Tapping that paw upon beat
Singing to the beat of fun!”

Pony sitting at a Space Invaders game shooting in rhythm to the beat of the music and drums.

“Pew pew goes the defenders
Taking out those invaders
Scoring that highest score
In the Canterlot Arcades”

As the colours at hit by Gale and Gabby's talons he sing out each one joined by Gabby both smiling as they glance at each other as they bang away.

"Red blue blue yellow
green yellow yellow blue
Red red Green Blue
Blue red yellow green”

A mare and stallion sings out next while through basketballs up into the hoop.

“The balls with a dunk
Chinching goes the goal
Out come the tickets
Win for those prizes”

Gale and Gabby continue to drumming with tickets coming out singing again with ponies cheering for them.

“Talons fall upon the drums
The drums booming away
Tapping that paw upon beat
Singing to the beat of fun!

Banging the drums with talons
The tickets pour upon the ground
The prizes to win upon these tickets
The gift to gift to family”

Ponies join in with a few flashing cards up into the air to each one that is sung out.

“Green blue red yellow
Red red green yellow
Yellow yellow blue green
Green yellow blue blue”

Shining Armor and Cadance take notice from the balcony watching as magical muscial plays out, she nod to Shining to go down, he walk down the steps to the drumming game machines.

Gale and Gabby sing alone again moving their top parts of the bodies to the left and right each each beat happily singing away, lights flickering around.

“Talons fall upon the drums
The drums booming away
Tapping that paw upon beat
Singing to the beat of fun!”

Four ponies, two on each machine dance steps sing away dancing to each arrow going up.

“Fun fall upon the arcade
Dance to that step display to you
Stomp those hooves away
Fun at the Canterlot Arcades!

Left right down down right
right left up down left
down up left left up
up down up right down!”

All the ponies around Gale and Gabby as they drum away join in with them.

“Talons fall upon the drums
The drums booming away
Tapping that paw upon beat
Fun at the Canterlot Arcades!”

The final climax of the song arrives.

“Fun... At... The... Canterlot... Arcades!”

They raise their hooves up with a mighty cheer as the jackpot alarms go off at the end of the song.

Gale and Gabby grab each other cheering as they get covered in tickets from their machines, ponies stomping and cheering too, they burst out of the pile of the tickets looking at each other before bursting into laughter with the ponies around.

As Shining Armor arrives the ponies already parted and gone back to playing their games, it was as if the magical musical number never really effected whatever they were doing. “That was one heck of a performance kiddo, you really got amazing singing voice.”

Gale blinked. “Sin-” He paused. “Magic music!?” He fell backwards into the pile of tickets fighting through it, he popped his head out of the tickets. “C-tal-agh!” He threw the forelegs up in frustration with tickets flying up and landing on his head grumbling under his breath.

Gabby giggled pulling herself free from her pile. “Maybe magic just gave you what you look forward to having! That moment after Gilda teaches you to speak just like everyone of us! That would be a AWESOME moment wouldn't it?” Gabby put her talon out to him.

Gale nods. “Yes!” He take it and she pull him out of the pile of tickets. “No magic music anymore please?”

“Gotcha kiddo, no more magic music.” Shining chuckled using his magic to stack the ticket pile up neatly. “Luckily for you I got a sister that like things to be in order, so I picked up on a few things off her.” He hummed looking at the stack. “You two really got the haul, three hours at the drumming and you got all this? Impressive.”

Gale puff his chest with pride and Gabby giggled. “That we did, it was AWESOME fun! So much time flew by!”

Suddenly it clicked. “Wh-what!?” Gale squawked with shock. “Bu-but magic music h-ho-confused! Confused! So Confused!” Gale tried to wrap his head around it.

“Yeah...” Shining Armor rubbed the back of his head. “Maybe the Cadance failed to mention that sometimes magic singing moments might cause time to blur by for those that singing it, including those involved.”

Gale sat on his flank with his beak hanging open with shock and confusion. “Understand magic music, must know!” Shining Armor knew this sudden look from what he was told by Cadance.

Gabby giggled rubbing his back. “Gale didn't we sing about getting gifts of family at one point?”

Gale gasped. “Yes gifts!” Gale instantly got up on all fours. “Gifts!” He point to the kiosk.

Shining Armor using his magic to pick up the stack. “Sure kiddo, let's cash in the tickets and claim your gifts.”

“Yay!” He flew over to it to start looking for gifts.

Shining lean over to Gabby as he walk over to it with her. “Nice save.”

Gabby salutes. “No problem Captain Armor!” He chuckled in response.

The pony at the kiosk whistled at the number of tickets Shining was holding in his magic, the red unicorn stallion wearing the blue uniform. “You two griffons really scored a lot of tickets.” He used his magic to take them from Shining's magic placing them in a large container on a large scales, the needle went up past the 9,000 mark close to the max mark of 10,000. “9,200 tickets, that a good haul, so what do you wish to use them on?”

“Muuuum! Can I have some bits! I only need another 150 tickets to get the Joyboy!” A colt complained.

The mare speaks up. “No Button, that enough bits, use what you've won to pick something or anything to use them up.”

“Muuum! I don't want anything else but the Joyboy!”

Gale hummed and tap Gabby on the side. “What is it Gale?” He point to the brown colt with the propeller hat and to the tickets. “Ooooo I get it!” He nods. “Hey mister unicorn, can you give 200 of our tickets to that colt and his mum please?”

The unicorn stared. “Erm... What?”

“They like to give up 200 of their tickets to the colt, is that okay?” Shining now asked.

He looked very confused. “Yes... Sure...” The confused unicorn remove 200 tickets and gave them to Button. “Here the two griffons over there want you to have these...”

“REALLY!?” Button turn to them.

“Yep!” Gale squawked happily.

Gabby smiled. “Happiness is the best reward!”

“WOW thank you!” He ran up to them giving both a hug and rush back to his mum. “Mum mum look! We got enough!”

“It sure looks like it.” She nod to the unicorn to use them and exchange gave a box with a hoof held console in it. “Thank you Prince Gale and young griffon, you really made my son's day.” She turn watching Button prance off shouting out over and over again 'I got a joyboy!'. “Well we better be off, it a school day for him tomorrow.” She trots off after her son.

Shining Armor chuckled. “You two made a real good impression and made that young colt very happy.” Gale and Gabby clapped talons. “Now for the rest of your tickets, there anything here you can get.”

Gabby saw a plush that she knew that make Gale's day. “Mister unicorn I take that one.”

The unicorn remove ticket amount and gave the plush over. “There you go, one Princess Celestia plush.”

Gabby turn to Gale. “Here is your gift from me to you!” She giggled presenting it to Gale.

Gale took it. “Mum plush!” He hugs Gabby and she return it. “Gift Gabby!” He look around and point to the Spitfire plush. “That!”

“Okay one Spitfire plush.” He smiled giving it to Gale, in turn Gale gave it to Gabby.

Gabby hugs him back. “Thank you Gale, this will be perfect on my shelve at home!”

The unicorn turn to Shining Armor. “I never seen griffons like this... They are... Odd.”

“Not odd, just unique.” Shining smiled. “Now you two, use up the rest of those ticket so we get sit down and eat.”

Gale nods. “Gifts for all family!”

“Gifts for family.” Gabby giggled, Shining Armor watched as they went on a spending spree with the tickets.

Short time later Cadance saw Gale and Gabby happily walk up the stairs over to the table, behind bags of prizes from the ticket exchange being floated up the stairs by Shining Armor. “Wow you two really been busy.”

They sat down and Shining Armor put the bags down by the wall. “They sure have and none of them part from the Princess Celestia and Spitfire plush is theirs.”

“What?”

“They shared the tickets between each other to get gifts for those they know.” Shining Armor said and shows what Gale got him. “I am sure Spike told him about this.” It was a first edition issue one comic of his favourite comic book series.

Cadance looked at it. “Well you are quite the comic book nerd when it comes to that series.” She giggled.

Gale presents her gift. “Gift cousin Cady!”

Cadance took the bag with a wing and put it down in front of her to open it. “Wow that is a very pretty picture frame.” It was a love heart shaped blue and pink picture frame. “Thank you cousin Gale.” She hugged him and he hugged her back. “Now who hunger?”

“Magic music time skip thing hunger!” Gale said.

“Had one of those singing experiences huh?” Gale nods. “Well than, let's see what you want and we eat.” Gale gave another nod to Cadance.

They given menus. “This been the most FUN I had in ages! I never would of thought time really flies when you having fun!” Gabby excitingly said to them. “We got to play so many more games after eating!”

“And you will.” Shining chuckled.

After a little time of looking over the menus they ordered their meals from Dicey Shine with four strawberry shakes, the meals all being carrot dogs with hay fries. “I hope you all enjoy your meals and enjoying your time here at the arcades.”

“We are Dicey Shine, thank you.” She bow and walks off taking the serving tray with her.

Gale put ketchup on the plate side and on the carrot dog, he pick up the bun and took a crunching bite out of it. “Enjoying it?” Cadance asked seeing the ketchup all over his beak, he licked most of it off before nodding and eating some sauce dipped hayfries.

“WOW these carrot dogs are soooo tasty! I never had anything like these!” Gabby took a big bite out of the carrot dog. “And these shakes too!” She happily drunk some of the shake through the strew.

Shining Armor chuckled. “Definitively not a dull day.”

“Not at all.” Cadance warmly replied as they continue to happily have their meals.

As the last moments of light from the sun disappear below the horizon laughter came from within Donut Joe's, at a table within it Gale, Gabby, Cadance and Shining Armor laughing as they have a wind down from the enjoyable day at the Canter Arcades, other ponies in the donut shop glance and whisper to each other with some photos taken of the royal group.

“Vroom and pew pew!” Gabby pretending to have a talon over a control stick pressing the other talon in thin air the buttons. “Space invaders go boom! Than I go boom when one hit my triangle! How can a triangle that fires dots defend against weird squidey that poops!?”

Shining Armor spayed out of his mouth the hot chocolate all over Cadance's face and she exploded into more laughter, Gale also laughing. “Hahaha oh hahaha that hahaha oh hahaha I hahaha can't breathe!” She had tears falling as the laughter continued.

Gale had his face and beak buried into his foreleg with the other talon closed into a fist punching the table top, he crying in laughter through a muffled sound against the fur and feathers on his foreleg.

Donut Joe watched cleaning a mug with his magic, he smiled seeing they all laughing. “It seems my son and the others had a good day.” Celestia's voice came from the counter, he turn to see her standing there.

“Princess Celestia, good to see ya!” He chuckled. “Being sneaky once again?”

“Indeed.” Celestia responded.

Donut Joe look over to the table once again. “They were at the Canterlot Arcades all day and from the haul over there and the laughter, they had a good day.” He presents to Celestia a cup of hot chocolate with a marshmallow on top with whipcream and a plate of donuts. “On the house to my most loyal customer!” He chuckled.

Celestia took them with her magic. “Oh hush you.” She leans in slightly whispering to him. “Send the usual on Wednesday Donut Joe.” He nods with a sly smirk before going back to cleaning and Celestia walk up to her son's table.

Gabby was the first to see Celestia waving at her. “Hi Princess!”

Gale raise his head wiping his eyes and face from tears still got a happy smile on his beak. “Mum! Hi!”

“Hello Son, everyone.” Celestia greets them with a smile/ “May I sit with you?” Celestia requested.

Shining Armor nods as Cadance cleans her face up. “By all means Princess.” He put a hoof out to a cushion for her to sit on.

Celestia sits down on it placing the plate down taking a sip of the hot chocolate before placing it down as well on the table. “From all the laughter I was hearing outside and just now, I gather you all had a good day at the Canterlot Arcades?”

“We sure HAVE! It was so awesome with all those machines, games, music and all that fun stuff to do! I never got to be with another griffon having fun!” Gabby said with over-abundance of joy in her voice and expression.

Gale responds with the talons showing what he tried to say. “Fun arcades, Gabby me magic music drumming!”

Celestia listen to them. “Yeah! He and I did the pony magic singing that I heard about! I never experienced it EVER or thought about it! After we won so many tickets and had lunch we all got down on the arcade floors playing all sort of games! Shining Armor is so AMAZING at Space Invaders! We all tried to beat his high score but no luck on any of us.” Gabby adds.

“Oooo Prizes forgot prizes! Gifts family!” Gale was about to go to the pile of prizes he won with the tickets but to get a hoof from Cadance. “Cady?”

“There time for that Gale, eat your donuts and drink your hot chocolate first.” Cadance hints to them. “Or do you want to drink cold chocolate instead?”

Gale stuck his tongue out. “No no no, cold bad, hot good!” Gale went to grab a donut dipping it in and taking a bite out of.

Cadance giggled. “As you see aunty, it been one crazy yet a very good day out.”

Celestia drunk a bit of her hot chocolate. “Indeed I can see that, did he really have a magical singing moment?”

“He did and Gabby saved the day from him turning the arcade into another spider web of string.” Shining Armor chuckled and took a bite out of the donut.

Cadance burst into laughter thinking back to it and Celestia laughed too, Gale had a bit of a embarrassed laugh rubbing the back of his neck recalling what he did to Rarity and Gilda. “Web of string?” Gabby asked and grabbed a donut putting the whole thing in her beak chewing on it.

“Oh indeed, it took me taking him out for ice cream to stop.” Cadance giggled and Gale's black feathers under his eyes changing colour to a soft shade of pink as he put the wings over his head, this got another set of laughter and a rub of the back by Gabby.

Gabby whispers to him. “We all have embarrassing moments that we all done, also how is it if you want to find magic music?”

Gale close his wings back up against his sides. “Magic music appears.”

“That why it magic music.” Celestia giggled. “It just happens, it doesn't make sense or you can pinpoint where it is, if you can that mean you found the sweet spot, not many can say they done that.” Celestia said with a proud voice. “You got really good sense of hearing.” She rubbed his feathered head with her hoof. “So don't be embarrassed, somethings you can do that we can't while we can do things that you can't, it all part of learning in life, sometimes the cup will never be full, even now I am well over 1000 years old I still learn new wondrous things and those new things came when I took you under my wing as your mother.”

Gale nods. “Understand, path taken cup never full! Old lady goat say that about bad power hunger villains like Shen, is learning same?”

“Not at all, it different, learning is part of life, a wondrous experience to know new things that we never knew, think about all the magic that Starswirl discovered and created, he never stopped till the moment he vanished and one of those that he never completed a spell, someday somepony special could do the unthinkable, completing and creating a new spell.”

“Cool!”

“Indeed cool Gale.” Celestia warmly responded. “Now let's finish our snacks so you can give me your gift son.”

Gale nods happily going into eating his donuts fast as he could. “Kiddo breathe!” Shining Armor shook his head. “He reminds me how I acted as I was eager to do things when I wanted to do something and couldn't.”

“We all seem older when looking at the young that reflect on us in someway or the other Shining Armor, it just life.” Celestia said to him.

“True so true.” Shining Armor took his mug of hot chocolate. “To life.” He drunk a bit.

“To life.” They all said and went to eating their snacks and drinking their hot chocolates.

A short time after they all step out of the shop walking through the park, Shining and Cadance carrying the bags of prized gifts for Gale, they stopped near the fountain. “Mum gift!” He point to one of them Shining was holding up with his magic.

“Here you go kiddo.” Shining Armor lowers it down to him, when Gale takes it the magic aura around the object is cancelled out causing the captain of the guard to shiver from the effect. “Urg! Can't ever get use to that feeling of my magic getting cut off like that.” He saw Gale looked down with the other talon scratching at the stone under it. “Kiddo do not dare blame yourself for something that part of you, it just something that will take time for me to get use to.”

Gale raise his head. “Sorry...”

Shining Armor raise his hoof to Celestia, she nods letting him handle it. “Gale this been part of you far beyond I was even around, you been through more than anyone should do, your still catching up with what Grogar did and even I can not get use to the strange feeling of my magic getting cut off.” He hint Cadance to take the bags from his magic, she does and he walk up to him giving the young griffon a hug. “I won't stop caring about your safety and be there for you as a cousin to be.”

Gale slightly smiled. “Yeah like that, thank you.” He look to what he was holding. “Wish hug but holding gift.”

“Of course.” Shining let go stepping back. “Go ahead and give your gift to your mum.”

Gale nods turning to Celestia, Cadance leans over to Shining as he takes the other items back. “Nice job Shiny, you really handled that well, I am proud of you.” She kissed him on the side of the snout, Shining Armor feeling proud himself.

Celestia also showed her approval on how he handled it as Gale presents the gift. “Mum gift!” Gale placed it on her hoof stepping back a little.

Using her magic Celestia open the bag up to pull out a Celestia look alike fake trophy with the words under it 'World's Celestial Mum', Celestia instantly put a hoof to her muzzle with tears welling up. “Oh Gale i-it beautiful!” She gave it to Gabby to hold giving Gale a hug with one foreleg rubbing her head against his. “Oh my son, thank you...”

“Mum happy! Gift good!” He returned the hug and nuzzled her side of the head too.

“Ahhhh that so cute! I never knew parents could be like that! I really wish my mum and dad were like that.” Gabby finding it adorable and saying it quietly to Shining Armor and Cadance.

Shining raise a eye. “Really?”

“Hmm mmm, but I'll write about it or tell you when we not in front of Gale, don't want to drag our parenting problems with a cub around.” Gabby whispered to them and speaks up afterwards. “Sorry to cut in on this moment but I got to go, really got to go.” She flapping her wings a few times. “I got a long flight back home and got to get back to get some zzzs before work tomorrow.”

Celestia and Gale let go of their hug, the cub gives Gabby a hug. “Come back?”

“Yeah I will.” She hugs back. “But it might take time to arrange something, so here is my address to write to me.” Gabby release from her hug and pulls out of her bag a piece of paper giving it to Celestia.

“I am sure Gale would like to write to his griffon cousin.” Celestia smiled. “Here is our address, write down Gale's name and the letters will be sent to his room.” Celestia summoned a piece of paper with a quill writing on it, she give it to Gale. “Don't be a stranger okay?”

Gabby salutes. “You got it Princess! See ya!” She flies up and takes off at high speeds.

“Bye bye Gabby!” Gale waves, the others wave too as she give them a quick wave back before disappearing from sight. “She good cousin!”

“That she is.” Cadance agreed. “Come on Gale let's get back to the castle so you can give your gifts to Blueblood and Aunty Luna.”

“Yay!” Gale runs to the castle direction turning around to them. “Come come!”

Celestia laughed. “We coming Gale, we coming.” They followed Gale back to the castle.

Sometime later in the night in Griffonstone Gallus gives a few pans to a griffon, the griffon gives a few gold bits to Gallus and slam the door shut in his face. “Yeah your welcomed... Stupid idiot...” He muttered walking away from the door, flapping his wings to fly back to his home.

“Today just been completely lame, all I got for my trouble is ten lousy bits.” He rattled the bag of bits, he reached the building landing at the entrance walking inside. “Home sweet h-What is this!?” Gallus first releaved to just go to bed to find his bed was covered with a new bed sheet, Wonderbolts bedding and new pillow plus wonderbolt pillow case.

Gallus walk up to the bedding and grab it with a talon to see a piece of paper on top of it, he let go of the sheet to take the letter. “Hey Gallus, got you this AWESOME Wonderbolt bedset! Also I left a surprise on each of them! Have a nice comfortable night! Your Favourite friendly griffon!” Gallus rolled his eyes. “Gabby I should of knew it was her, that griffon drives all griffons nuts...” He threw the paper to the ground.

Gallus grabbed the sheet again with the talon. “Well at least I got something to s-” He felt something engraved on it, Gallus look down to see golden thread sawed into it saying his name, quickly looking at the pillow case, the pillow inside and the under sheet to find all had it. “You crafty griffon.” Gallus stared at his name saw in.

“I give you that one Gabby.” He yawned throwing his bag to the side with the coin bag, he decided to just give in and settle down getting under the wonderbolt bed sheet. “Hmmm... Okay I definitely giving you this one crazy... This is sooo comfortable” Gallus lay his head down with talons behind his bed staring through the roof window at the stars and moon.

Gabby peering through the roof window with a big grin. “Oh yeah!” She whispered with a pump fist in the air and takes off heading back to her own home. “No returns on gifts.” She giggled.

Gallus rolled his eyes. “She never gives up....”

Gale in the shower letting the water flow over his head down the back of the neck over the wings towards his hind legs, rubbing his talons over the furry feathered body with white soapy bubbles foaming before the wave of water washed it away from the shower.

As the water wash over the thoughts drift to the moment he gave Blueblood his gift.

“Gift cousin!” Gale gives Blueblood the paper bag.

Blueblood look at it and back to Gale. “Wh-what?”

“He giving you something, have a look what it is.” Celestia smiled.

Blueblood did and using his magic pulls out a sealed Power Pony figure Zap, quickly hiding it back in the bag looking around to see if any guards saw. “H-how did-” Blueblood whispers to Gale with shock.

“Happy?”

“Very... But how did you know?” Blueblood asked.

Gale shrugs. “Just saw, thought you have.” Gale beamed.

Blueblood chuckled. “Well you made my evening quite the best way to finish it, see you in the morning...” Blueblood walks away and turn quickly. “Cousin.” He walks on.

“Yay!” Gale looked around. “Aunt Luna find!” He flies off.

Celestia laughed. “And his off again!” She chase after Gale.

Gale hummed as he now sat on the bathtub side on top of a towel brushing his fur with the brush. “Happy cousin Blueblood, happy he happy.” Gale continue to brush away.

Luna held her gift looking at the cap and hat. “My stars, this Starswirl repica even has the correct bells!” Luna continue to examine it. “How is this even for my size!?” She put it on and now giddy with excitement as her wings open and close finding it even had wing holes in it.

“Yay!” Gale clapped seeing his liked it.

“You made my evening so joyest!” She gives Gale a hug. “Oh thank you dear nephew! I will wear it all night!”

Celestia blinked. “All Night? Sister your-”

“Celestia the evening is my duty I shall wear this in honour of Nephew Gale, if those do not like it I do not care, now off to bed sister and you Nephew Gale, wish you two happy dreams.” She release the hug.

Gale watched Luna prance off humming happily to herself. “Aunt Luna happy! I happy!”

“Indeed... One night I will never forget.” Celestia responded.

Gale finished brushing his teeth and took a good look at them in his beak to make sure they are clean, happy with it he washed the tooth brush clean and put it in the toothbrush wrack. “Bedtime.” Gale yawned, walking up to the exit of the bathroom he flip the switch turning off the light.

With a few short flaps he flies over to the bed, landing on it with a few bounces. “Give gifts some tomorrow, others when can.” He said to himself looking at the remaining pile of gifts by the window door, those gifts were for Flash Sentry, Sunbeam, Gilda, Trace, Amber, Octicovix and Spike.

Gale noticed his memories scarp book on the table side with a note sticking out the side of it, he curiously open the book up to find photos after photos from the arcade to Donut Joe's, he looked at each of them over and over again trying to figure out how till he saw the letter, picking it up he read it in his mind.

“Hey Galey!

I hope you like all the photos that were taken! Princess Celestia dropped in to get Twilight's letter from Spike and I thought to myself, this needs a Pinkie Keen moment! So I did this for you Galey! You had a lot of fun today! Haha! Well don't forget when you know your birthday is you can let me know so I can throw you the best party ever!

Oh and that griffon! I really like her and I found a gift for you from her in the dining room, so I dropped it off in your room!

Look under your bed!

Best Party Pony Ever Pinkie Pie!”

Gale tilt his head, he remembered what she look like and very sure he never saw her at all, yet all these photos showed otherwise, he scratched his feathered head in confusion, Gale yawned loudly putting the letter back in the crease of the pages closing the scrap book up, he was too tired to even try and understand how she did it but happy she did, he had more memories to keep in the scrap book of his.

He put the book down on the table side and yawned, he rolled over to his front pulling himself over the bed edge to look upside down under his bed, right where the letter said at the box. Gale reached out to it and grab the box, he pulls himself back up onto his bed. “Gabby gift morning.”

Gale saw the tag on it, he took it off and read it in his mind. “Pistol surprise – Gabby.” Gale tilt his head and yawning once more he open the box to see inside it a Pistol the griffon plush. “Pistol!” Gale squawked happily picking it up knocking the box off the bed onto the floor, he sort it out in the morning.

The teenage hugged it tightly with happiness, now he had three plushes, lying down pulling the bed sheets up over him, he roll over his right side wrapping his forelegs around the Gale, Pistol and Celestia plush. “Pinky confusing, but happy... Got happy memory photos... Got awesome plushes... Happy Gabby... Fun day remember forever... ” Gale closed his eyes falling asleep with a smile across his beak.

The door opened a little with the opening of light cast over Gale, Celestia saw that he was out like a light and most likely won't be awake till the morning. “Burned himself right out with all the excitement he had, Gale my son sleep well.” She closes the door.

Sitting on a branch covered in thick leaves the grey black griffon Greystorm looking through binoculars at the remains of multiple buildings, the massive creator and several smaller ones all guarded by a mix of pegasi to griffon magical golems, in that mass of clay walking golems was a bird flying around which was his wife Octicovix.

“Also two days since she went in, the golems haven't reacted to any birds...” He said out loud lower the binoculars looking down to Dr Caballeron on the ground.

The doctor peering through the bushes. “Interesting that a changeling wouldn't attract attention to the golems yet ponies and griffons does, how come?”

Greystorm jump off the branch with a few short flaps to land by him. “That Dr Caballeron is something I do not understand my self, there are many questions when it comes to the unknown about magical clay golems.”

The pony rubbed the underside of his snout. “So we wait for your wife to return, yes?”

“Yes.” Greystorm put the binoculars away. “One of the other myterious that got my tail in a twist is the forests near the craters , they not on any maps either yet the big question is...” He hints to Caballeron to respond.

The pony did. “Where are the golems in said forests.”

Greystorm snapped his talons. “Exactly Doctor, you and your team came here last time for days watching them only meters away.” Greystorm turn to the view of the creator. “We are even un-”

“Boss I found something...” The grey earth pony with black mane and tail, sunglasses on with a black and purple collar came to a sliding stop before them breathing in and out.

“Out with it already! Withers!” Caballeron demanded.

Withers finally caught his breath. “It better to show you boss.” He turn running back into the forest.

Greystorm shrugs and runs after him, Caballeron groans for a second before he also gives chase, by the time he arrives at the scene Rouge and Biff were already there looking at the same thing, he saw Greystorm hovering in front of a Griffon Golem back press against the tree, a right foreleg missing and a big half way in hole in the chest.

“Is that a griffon golem?”

Greystorm expecting the half way in hole with his talon, seeing it was something big that smashed into the chest of the magical clay dead golem. “It was a golem, it nothing but rock and clay now, completely harmless.” Greystorm responded. “Good find Withers, this golem is missing it gem core.”

“What a gem core?” Withers asked.

“It the heart and power of a golem, each of them have it.” Greystorm explains as he studies the golem as well the tree. “From the damage to the bark on this massive tree the golem itself was thrust into it by something really strong and big.” Greystorm points his claw at the tree bark buckling effect. “Then as it seem to struggle from where it was pinned something smashed right into the golem chest and ripped out the core, rendering the golem inactive and left to harden into stone.”

Caballeron slowly looked around. “That would explain the said lack of golems here in the forest, could there be a creature here that feeds on these core gems?”

Rouge gulps. “Wh-what if it mistaken us for these golems?”

“Please...” Caballeron rolls his eyes. “We were here for three days straight the last time, nothing happened than and nothing will happen now, so stop your whining Rouge.”

Greystorm flies back a bit taking a good look. “I can see how we can easily miss seeing these in the forest, the way they look while not powered up can easily look part of the environment.” Greystorm take a good look around to see a toppled tree, flying up to it and examining the part that caused the trunk to break to the point of collapse. “See here Dr Caballeron.” The ponies gather to see what he was showing them.

Biff walking around the trunk remains. “How did we not see any of this the last time we were here?”

“We were aiming for the prize, getting into the ruins.” Rouge suggested looking over his right side towards the craters .

Caballeron hummed as he took a closer look at the trunk. “Maybe...” He noticed the semi fresh parts of it. “I think this tree was smashed down about a week or so ago.”

Greystorm took notice and quickly had a look himself seeing that the tree leaves on the end of the tree was slowly drying out. “Your right, look at the leaves, they just started to wilt.”

“Bo-boss I think we should go.” Biff gulped.

“We not going anywhere you idiot! We got a job to do or we not going to get paid! Also we been here for two days and nothing happened!” Caballeron snapped at his henceponies. “Now henchponies back to camp, we turning in for the night and we examining this golem and the tree tomorrow, got it!?”

“Yes boss.” They responded and head back to camp.

Greystorm land on the leafy dirt ground. “I advise caution, your team has reasons to being afraid, this is area of the world not like the jungles you been in.”

Caballeron snorted. “As you wish, this is your exhibition afterall, no?” He walks off without Greystorm answering.

The greyish black griffon turn to the Griffon Golem once again staring at the state of it. “The creator, ruins, the golems and the seven ruins, what is the connection here? What am I missing?” He turn walking back to camp to hear a crack of a twig, turning quickly to the sound. “Hmm...” Using his griffish eye sight to peer into the darkness of the forest, nothing could be seen. “Caution for sure.” He whispered turning and heading back to camp.

He easily found it following the light of the camp fire, the ponies gathered around it cooking a big pot of soup over the fire. “I suggest tomorrow we examine that golem.” Caballeron said as he stir the soup with a wooden spoon.

A bird lands before them instantly changing into the yellow eyed changeling causing them to yell in fear. “Wow, you all really freak out when you know I can shapeshift?”

“Landing and shifting forms before us so suddenly is a reason to freak out!” Caballeron shouted at her with fury. “You don't just DROP in and do that in a forest like this!”

Octicovix whites in the solid yellow eyes rolled around. “Whatever you say Cabby.”

“That's D-” She hisses at him. “Erm... Cabby fine by me!” He quickly retreats going back to cooking the soup, the henchponies shivering in fear.

Greystorm walk up to her giving the changeling a hug. “Octicovix play nice.”

She just gave a fanged sly smile. “This is me playing nice with them.” Octicovix gave him a nuzzle against his beak before breaking out of the hug and stepping back. “I got some interesting findings through out those craters and the ruins.”

“What did you find my love?”

“I found that the craters are not exactly craters , not impact or explosive wise.” Her horn lights up creating a overlay map above before him, the henchponies gather to look. “Cabby you can see from there and cook, rather not have burned soup.”

He grumbles a bit before answering. “Fine...”

The display she shows with her magic was of one massive creator and four smaller ones with a set of ruined buildings all around them but not to close to the creator edges. “The craters I found are to have remains of what seem to be 30 hooves in length pillars in the thousands.” The changeling zooms the display in to show the creator floor. “As you can see they seem to have dug out the land under what use to be land at each of the craters .”

“Landmass sitting on stilts? Why?” Wither asked.

Greystorm tap the tip of his beak. “I recall finding evidence that 300 years ago the kingdom of Griffina when ruled by King Graivers.” Greystorm took a good look at the pillars in the yellowish aura display. “The king commissioned unicorns to make a large quantity of gravity spell infused crystals from Equestria, the reason behind it was never discovered.”

Caballeron responds. “You are suggesting that the crystals were used to lift the land off the ground, no?” He tastes the soup. “Soup done.” He grab the pot by the handle with his mouth pulling it off the fire on to a tripod.

“That exactly what I am suggesting.” Greystorm responded.

Octicovix move the display location to a mountain ridge not to far from the biggest ruins. “I did find something really interesting though, right here in the forest edge, away from the buildings and close to the mountain ridge is a buried tunnel.” She point a hoof to it. “As you can see this is where I think all that dirt went too.”

Greystorm move his talon around it. “You can make out the artificial made tunnel right here, it seem to be made to last...” He turn to Octicovix. “Buried a tunnel with dug out soil and rock from under five landmasses, pillars showing signs of being ripped apart and possibly the land that once was where these craters are most likely floating around above us?”

“More pieces to a growing puzzle about this place...” She muttered.

Rouge sat down with his bowl of soup dipping bread into it. “If that the case, why keep this place well hidden and heavily guarded from almost everyone?” He took a bite out of the bread.

Greystorm took his bowl and plate from Caballeron sitting down against a log. “It does raise more questions and increase the reason to solve this.”

“Don't forget about the golem we found with it magic gem core ripped out of it chest.” Biff stated and eats some of his soup.

Octicovix using her magic to change the display to show golems she found. “Did the hole look like these?”

“Yep they did!” Wither replied. “I think we should go, if there something out here hunting golems, I don't want to be next on the chopping block.” He drunk a bit of water from a canteen.

Octicovix nods in agreement. “I think we should leave, take what we gain and come back with more resources, feather brain of a husband you have to agree with that logic and the fact you are the mayor of a town.”

Greystorm holding the spoon close to his beak glance at her. “I have to agree with that, these ruins been here for a long time, it not going to harm them not being here for a week or so.” He sips the soup from the spoon.

“That sound like a plan.” Caberallon agreed. “Tomorrow after examining the golem we leave, no?”

“Agreed.” They all accepted that plan.

Suddenly Greystorm's ear twitch from a slowly placed paw, talon or hoof on the forest floor just to his left. “We not alone.” He whispers to Octicovix.

“Of course not, there most l-” A multiple bursts of ball lightning comes out of the dark hitting every single creature within a few short seconds.

Greystorm rolls around feeling the burst of electrical energy dancing around his body, the others fell to the ground all knocked unconscious by the same blast with their bowls falling to the ground, the bread rolling across the ground, Greystorm place his talon over the vest part of his chest feeling a magical pulse pass through his body and pulling it back a bit to see the bluish white glow.

“The scorch mark from Prince Gale's punch, it must of left some magic residing through my body and protected me from that blast of magic on us... His raged fuelled punch was a surge of uncontrollable magic...” Greystorm thought to himself as he pushed up onto all fours looking around for the attacker, he saw Octicovix near the camp fire and he quickly pulled her away from it and put his wing over her and the other over Caberallon with his hench ponies. “Who are you and why did you attack us!?” He called out into the forest, trying to focus on into the night and find the attacker.

No word came no sound, he knew there was something there. “If you are doing this as defending the forest than I will take my wife and the ponies with my tail tuck between my legs.” He spoke out once again into the forest.

“Wife? The strange bug pony is your wife? How can a griffon love something like that? Unless her shapeshifting magic is why you have her as-”

“Are you trying to temp me into a rage response?” He was anger and responded by interrupting her but didn't bait into her as he believed she was attempting.

“Seriously dude?”

“Yes...” He still trying to locate the voice, it seem this female being was moving around swiftly around the camp site, making it difficult to discover where she was exactly.

“Well the next thing I ask, depends on the answer you give.”

“Ask away...” He wearily moving around on the spot.

“Are you here to claim the discs and what is your plan for them?”

Greystorm was surprised at first but than it hit him. “I want to know what on them, I want to know what was the cause of the raise and fall of each and every kingdom, empire and country of each griffon civilsation that once upon a time had them, the last time they were seen back during the fourteenth king of Griffina when he discovered them in a ruined remains in the frozen mountains.” Greystorm tells the hidden female attacker.

“The only way you knew that if you followed the stories of each ruins had to share, your wealth is the knowledge of the past.”

“Caberallon most likely would like to sell the discs but he wont, he getting paid too much from me as it is.” Greystorm said looking around still. “I do recall hearing that with the discs came something made of metal, something about a voyage...” This seem to catch the females attention.

“Would you risk them for such a thing?”

Greystorm answers. “If the safety of every one here is at risk for my thirst of histrionic knowledge, I will not allow that thirst to put their lives in harms way, I rather gather them and take our leave.”

“You are an interesting griffon dude, I can't say what would happen if I try to stun you again.”

Greystorm eased a bit. “Okay... What happens now?”

“I'll knock you out and take you all to my Nanner Maple to deal with this dude.”

“You just said-” He heard movement and realised what she was about to do, quickly turning around to the sound. “Your not going to kno-knock... Oh sweet Grover...” His head rose up to meet the eyes of the being to have the next thing happen before going black, a butt end of a object smashing into his head.

Gilda entered the greenhouse after her recap talk with Celestia after returning to Canterlot. “Feels like a jungle in here.” Her golden yellow eyes glancing around as she walked down the stone path, her thoughts drew towards Cadance in the throne room. “Candy beats me fair and square but why has my terms of defeat have to be THAT of all things!?” Gilda growls under her breath cursing for making that bet.

Gilda sighs rubbing a talon over the feathers on her head. “What done is done, no need to be a complete dweeb over it.” Gilda continue her track to finally find Gale sitting just on the outside of a golden gazebo, before him posing was the red and orange phoenix. “That must be Celestia's pet phoenix Philomena, she got good taste in pets.” Gilda chuckled lightly.

She stood just behind Gale watching over his shoulder seeing the drawing of Philomena come to life, the phoenix noticed her but didn't move to ruin the pose Gale was happily drawing away. “Done pretty bird!” He turn it around to show it to her, the phoenix squawks happily. “Yay!”

“Not bad at all cub.”

Gale drop the sketch book and pencil on the ground as he leaps with a turn around to face her. “GILDA!” He rocketed into her giving a happy hello hug to her. “Happy you here!”

Gilda chuckled rubbing his feathered head with her free talon. “Happy to see you too Gale, can I have my other foreleg back?”

Gale release his hug gabbing her talon with both of his pulling Gilda to the golden nest. “See egg!”

Gilda pulled over to the nest, Philomena flew up and land by the next in the nest. “That really a black phoenix egg?” Both Gale and Philomena nod in response, she lean over putting a talon over it. “That some egg...”

Philomena squawks placing a feather under the talon against the egg. “Okay, whatever.” Gilda shook her head holding up the feather. “I just going to roll with it.” She turn to the waterfall in view. “Hmm... How do you feel about having your morning lessons here?”

“Yes please!” Gale liked that idea.

Gilda turn to Philomena. “That cool with ya?” She nods. “Thanks Feathers.” Gilda walk out of the gazebo. “Come on Gale.” She walk to the waterfall, Gale following.

After a few minutes had past Philomena checked on the egg making sure it keep warm, she using her fire over the egg with a flap of the wings, afterwards with a short flap out of the nest she notice Gale left his art book, pencil and bag behind, with a shake of her head the phoenix using her talons to pick up the stuff putting them into the bag, picking up the bag to fly it over to Gale at the waterfall.

Gale arrived at the waterfall putting a talon out to the water splashing against it, the cool spray of water from the impact against his feathered face and beak. “Got to admit, this place pretty sweet even it feels a bit stuffy.” Gilda said putting her bag down taking a good look around from where they were, she noticed a few ponies tending to some of the flowers. “Cub get your book out so we begin.”

Gale reach for his bag to find it missing. “Ba-Squawk!” Gale instantly squawks in shock as the bag lands before his talons causing him to fly back into the waterfall falling into the pool of water, Gale surfaces wiping the water from his eyes to see Philomena covering her face with a wing as Gilda explodes into laughter.

“Hahaha, sorry hahaa that just hahaha just awesome.” Gilda laughing still came up to Gale putting her talon out to him. “Here let m-ack!” Gale grabs and pulls with both paws pressing on the pool rocky side, causing her to flip over into the water, she surfaces shaking her head seeing Gale laughing back at her. “I sooo should of saw that coming.” She chuckled swimming over to the edge climbing out this time Gale taking her talon to climb out himself. “Nice one cub.”

They fist bump each other and shake the water out of the feathers and fur, Philomena squawks as the water slash over her, she looked a bit unimpressed till using her heat to vaporise the water off the feathers with a slam smirk. “Cool!”

“That is a very neat trick Feathers.” Gilda chuckled lightly. “Alright now we had our little fun, ready?”

“Yes!” Gale went over to his bag pulling out the book with a ink well and the phoenix feather. “Thanks pretty bird for bag!” Philomena squawk with a smile on her beak and flies off back to the nest.

Gilda take out of stuff. “Right Gale, we continue to improve your writing and your speech, but I do have some books from Griffonstone for you to read too, a way to compare our history what of it to Equestria's own.” Gilda pull out the books. “They not well kept so don't worry if they are torn here and there.” Gilda look at them in her talons. “I am sooo coming a lame egghead here...” She turn to Gale. “Your fault.”

Gale shrugs. “Not forcing.”

“Nah your not, I just got a soft spot for you dweeb.” Gilda put the books down walking up to him taking the quill from him. “Now watch and repeat as usually okay?”

“Okay!”

Time goes by as Gale works on his writing repeating what Gilda wrote under each of her lines, she going through his homework she gave him to do with practicing his writing during the weekend. “Not bad at all.” She flip through the pages. “At the rate he is going I wouldn't be surprised he get the claw writing down to my level.” Gilda said glancing over her shoulder to see the phoenix was back looking over it at the writing. “What do you think you dorking phoenix?”

She frowns and squawks a few times. “Don't like the way I speak to you? Tough luck.” Gilda said to the phoenix to get a few flaps of the wings and a set of different tone squawks. “Your really one weird bird.” The phoenix bows and squawks showing a smirk before flying up a branch sitting on it. “Did you ju-” Gilda rubs her talon at the bridge her her beak. “You just trolled me didn't ya?”

The phoenix bows again with a wing across her chest, Philomena laughing afterwards. “She like mum!”

“Yeah the dweeb is.” Gilda chuckled. “Gale.” He stop writing in the book looking over to Gilda. “Philomena, Phi-lo-me-na.” She says the name normally than slowly afterwards, she repeats again to him.

Gale mouths it as first and attempts it. “Ph-Ph...”

“Watch the beak and slowly follow each word I say okay?” He nods. “Phi...”

“Ph-Ph-Phi...”

“Lo...”

“Lo...

“Me...”

“Me...”

“Na...”

“Na...” Gale repeats Gilda's words and slowly take a deep breath in. “Phi... lo... me... na... Philo-Philome...na... Philomena... Philomena! Yay! Philomena! Said it said it!” He happily punch the air. “You Philomena!”

She squawks happily in response.

“Yay! Gilda happy!”

“Yep good job cub.” She gives a thumbs up to him. “You really catching on quickly Gale, not only a month ago you was mute as anything, just squawks, coos and such like Feathers here.” She hints to Philomena.

The phoenix squawks angrily at her.

Gilda just rolled her eyes at the response from Philomena. “We all got beaks you dweeb.” She afterwards squawks at Philomena with a few tweets followed by it. “Going to be continue being anger with me?” She crossed her forelegs with her own narrowed equally annoyed look upon the phoenix.

“We half bird, we with beak!” Gale tap his beak with a talon, doing some squawks. “We roar too!” He roars followed by laughter. “We funny! We roar squawk!” He continued to laugh.

Gilda had a curve in her beak showing as she tried to not laugh but fails as she laughs. “Haha good haha one haha Cub hahah!” Philomena squawks in laughter too, after a moment past Gilda pat Gale on the back. “Your a good griffon Gale, way better then me by a mile.”

Gale smiled. “Happy you happy!”

“Hehe yep happy.” She ruffled his feathered head. “Another hour of praticing your writing we work on your speaking a bit more, cool?”

“Cool!” Gale gave her a hug and goes back to his writing.

Gilda sits down against a tree opening Gale's homework book up. “That cub...”

“Indeed Prince Gale is such a unique griffon.” A majestic female voice rings out in Gilda's mind, Gilda quickly look around and looked eyes on the slightly glowing yellow eyes of Philomena, she grinning and hinting to Gilda's talon.

The griffon look down at the feather held in her talon glowing slightly. “Your so like Celestia, you troll.” The feather stop glowing and the phoenix squawks with laughter before flying off back to her nest at the gazebo. “Bucking phoenix... Your awesome and got me good, I'll get you back.” Gilda whispered under her breath.

Gale continue to copy the writing under each line on the book completely unaware what just happened.

Rainbow Dash doing her last rounds knocking out clouds out of the sky as the sun almost set, she finishing off her duties with the weather of the day. “That should do it, now to go back and practice for the Young Flyers Contest.” Rainbow Dash speeds off over Ponyville to the lake just outside of town.

While zooming over she noticed something in the corner of her right eye, instantly coming to a stop Rainbow Dash saw a sky chariot land near the spare, sitting on it was a pink pony princess she haven't seen before. “Why would a princess travel all the way from Canterlot to a dumb Spa? I bet Twilight would know who she is!”

Rainbow Dash decided to fly to the Golden Oak Library to ask Twilight, as she flew away Gilda lands next to the chariot with Gale and Sunbeam. “This is gonna be sooooo lame... I do not do girly stuff!”

“Well we made a deal and this is my terms.” Cadance smugly responded. “Also Gale tagged along with Aunties blessing.”

“Of course he would come, he doesn't know how lame Spas like this is!” Gilda said raising both talons at the Spa building. “Can we just go in, get this over with please! Sooner this is done and the sooner we can get the heck out of Ponyville! I rather not have Dash see me go in a place like this!”

Gale tilt his head. “Spas fun?”

Cadance smiled. “Oh they are.”

“No they not, you will see what I mean.” Gilda instantly responded walking to the door pushing it open and walked inside.

Sunbeam stood by the door to the Ponyville Spa. “I bet at the end of it Gilda will like it.”

Cadance shook her head. “Not taking that bet on Private Sunbeam, I know she will like it.” Cadance walks inside.

Gale walk up to the door. “Spas?” He turn his head to Sunbeam wondering if she be joining them at the Spa.

“No Prince Gale, I have to stay here, have fun.” Sunbeam salutes to him.

“Okay!” Gale nods understanding she was on duty and walk inside closing the door behind him.

Sunbeam and the fellow guard are a few seconds later blinded by a sudden flash from a teleportation spell, soon as they could see again, standing before them Twilight stood with Spike holding onto her back with a dazed look. “Is Cadance really inside!?”

“Yes Princess Cadance is in there and I can not allow you inside, this is a private spa session.” Sunbeam put a hoof up to Twilight.

“I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's former student and Cadance was my foalsitter back in Canterlot when I was younger, can I with Spike go in and see her?”

Sunbeam glance to the other guards they nodding. “Very well you two may go inside.”

“Thank you!” She hugged Sunbeam and rushes inside.

Spike fell on the ground. “Ouch...” He rubbed his base of the tail. “Wait for me Twilight!” He runs inside and Sunbeam closes the door.

Sunbeam stood attention to see Rainbow Dash come flying towards them at incredible speeds to come to a dead stop hovering before her. “Did Twilight come this way?”

“Yes and no you can not go in.” Sunbeam stood firm with a wing out inside of the door.

Rainbow Dash nods her head. “That good enough for me, no way I am going in that lame place! This awesome pony got some training to do!” Rainbow Dash zooms off into the sky.

Sunbeam closed her wing up blinking a few times. “Ooookay...”

Gilda, Cadance walked in followed by Gale closing the door behind him, they stood inside a circular room with a booth window divide, a door covered by curtains and three couches alongside potted plants either side of each of them, Gilda took a good look around at the colour scheme of the room including the large mat in the middle of the room.

“What is up with all this different shades of pink? It as if you dweebs are screaming to say spas are just for the girlish types.” Gilda spoke her mind of disgust to the waiting slash appointment room. “Urg... Can we get this-ark!” She got knocked off her paws and talons by Twilight ploughing into her, she end up lying on her back with hind legs in the air and lion tail bent down with the brush part over her beak.

Gilda blows her tail out of the line of sight to see upside down Spike closing the door behind him, in front of her was a dazed purple unicorn. “Urg... What did I hit?” Twilight rubbed her head with a hoof.

Gilda rolled over getting up on all fours. “Me, Purple!”

Twilight got up gasping in surprise. “Gilda!? I thought Cadance was only here, I had-” Gilda put her talon against the muzzle.

“Purple you just cleared Candy.”