A Clone Gargoyle's Equestrian Tale

Map Lessons: The Lost Treasure Of Griffinstone

S5 E8 everypony! The 100 episode Slice Of Life is up next!

......

Malibu one bright sunny morning in Sweet Apple Acres was bucking trees with Applejack, getting ready for cider season.

Suddenly though, Applejack spotted a strange glowing on his flank. "Hey, Sugarcube, somethin's up with your cutie mark." She called, pointing with her hoof.

The teal alicorn blinked in surprise, glancing back at himself, and to his shock; his cross cutie mark was glowing. He knew it could only mean one thing. "AJ, I think... the map is calling me." He said in excitement, eyes bright.

Applejack grinned. "Then you should see what the map wants for ya." She declared. "Big Mac can help with the rest of the apple bucking, don't worry." She said with a wink. Malibu nodded, rushing to his room to first feed his bat Shadow then pack a bag in case the mission took him out of Ponyville altogether, wondering what the map wanted from him, taking off to the castle.

....

Once Malibu soon arrived at Twilight's new castle, he burst into the throne room, spotting Twilight herself along with Pinkie and Rainbow Dash, both their cutie marks also glowing. His joined them, hovering above the map, which was...

"Oh, this is so exciting you three! The map is summoning you to Griffinstone, the very heart of the griffin kingdom! I don't know if either of you read 'Bygone Griffins of Greatness', but griffons were known to be—."

Malibu's face fell when recalling one certain griffon in particular, Rainbow Dash near him with her Daring Do book huffing "Rude insensitive bullies?". Twilight blinked. "You mean Gilda?"

Dash nodded, her eyes narrowed in anger. "Yeah, I mean Gilda! When she came to Ponyville, she was a total jerk to all my friends! Especially to them!" She snapped, pointing to Pinkie and Malibu.

It had Malibu nod. "I still remember when she kept Rainbow from wanting to spend any time with me." He muttered, swishing his tail, not wanting to go on this mission now, Pinkie also agreeing. "She was a bit of a party pooper."

Twilight simply shrugged, much to Malibu's surprise. "So, maybe Gilda was a little rude. You still get to go to Griffinstone, and according to this book, it has a rich fascinating history." She flipped it open, Malibu peeking in out of his own curiosity, seeing a drawing of griffins in it. "In ancient times, griffons were known to be as greedy as dragons, always hoarding their bits and other treasures. But all that changed when King Grover found the mysterious golden Idol of Boreas. Legends say the Idol of Boreas filled the griffins' hearts with pride. It's said that one great treasure is responsible for turning Griffinstone into the most majestic kingdom of all the land."

Rainbow Dash huffed, shutting the book with her hoof. "And why do you care so much about griffins, anyway?"

The mulberry alicorn's smile grew. "It was actually Gilda's visit that made me curious. So I picked up Bygone Griffins of Greatness, and I've been hooked ever since!" She let out a small somewhat jealous sigh. "And now... you three get to see Griffinstone with your very own eyes."

Pinkie blinked, gazing at the map. "Huh? Just me, Rainbow Dash and Malibu?"

Rainbow though was indifferent. "Hey, you can totally take my place if you want, Twilight." She yawned and stretched on her throne seat. "I still have half a nap to finish." 

Twilight shook her head, sitting down in her seat, staring at the location where the Cutie Map summoned the three. "No, no. If the map wanted me to go to the coolest kingdom in all of Equestria and tour the palace and see the actual idol that unites an entire species, which would have been super amazing, I'm sure it would've said so. You three can handle whatever the issue is just fine. I"ll stay here and do important Princessy things... I guess..." Her ears lowered, slumping onto the table top. Malibu walked over, patting her back trying to comfort her.